“Observing MAD following of Western Occasions, our Cultural revival seems to be a Dream…
Let’s try to accomplish this revival and not go to grave carrying this
dream”
Celebrating
Valentine’s Day has been a notorious topic in Pakistan society and carries huge opposition from many segments. Every year, we see insightful debates going
on this topic as whether to celebrate 14th Feb as Valentine’s day or not? Yet we fail to see any agreement
of society on this topic, government who is busy in Jamhooriyat and Aamriyat
also has no time to declare any verdict. And I am talking about a society which
consists of over 95% of Muslims…
While
this blog is written in light of my overall experience of 14th
February as a Pakistani, talking about this year; I observed atmosphere (in Pakistan) via social media and TV Channels. This year, so many people seem to so be busy
doing something to celebrate this important/holy day. Special broadcasts were aired
by the TV channels receiving loads of messages in which people expressed love
for their loved ones.
We saw
many companies trying to attract huge customers through attractive Valentine Day packages
specially gift packages including souvenirs, flowers and chocolates. We saw special
deals from courier companies, we saw attractive dressing of book shops and
shopping malls; all flooded in the RED
color. Be it TV channels or various super stores, everybody was interested just
in selling their ‘Manjan’ and make most profit out of this wonderful opportunity...But
excuse me,
did anybody for a second thought of relevancy of Valentine’s day with Pakistani
Culture/traditions, moral values and aftermaths for today’s generation??? I
would regard this as unfaithful as a seller who raises his prices in Ramadan and
is only interested in making money without caring for moral values and his
religious/social obligations…
Many
people say we are only remembering our parents, spouses and other relatives/friends
on 14th February, however this remains a fact that it mainly
represents the romantic feelings amongst the
couples be it unmarried/Na-Mehram
lovers OR husband wife. All
Muslims would agree (whether they do this or not) to the fact that open/free
mixing up of Na-Mehram men and women should be avoided in light of Islamic
guidelines. Let’s consider one example for married couples from Quran Majeed:
Allah says: “It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with
your wives on the night of the fasts. They are clothing for you and you are
clothing for them…” [Sûrah al-Baqarah:
187]
The word Clothing is a very
important here if somebody wants to understand. Husband wife personal
relationships must be kept secret from others. Clothes keep a “Parda” between
you and society and are a mark of Sharm-O-Haya. Word Clothing depicts the fact
that Husband and Wife should be Guardian of each other and all ways. Contrary
to this, on 14th February we saw needless expression of love over the TV
channels where Husband and Wives were openly expressing their feelings. Does
this benefit us in any way?
Then we
saw a clash event happened in Peshawar University. One group was celebrating ‘Haya Day’ and other was
busy in Valentine’s Day. Both clashed and few students got serious
injuries. In absence of any direction/guidance; openly letting young generation
do whatever they want will keep such events going on forever…
Some people say that there is no
point opposing these western trends in Pakistan
society and we should be enlightened enough to accept what has already been
practiced by many. Agreed! all this is a ground reality but if majority is
doing it; that does not means its right...We must raise our voices within our
capacities to save our culture...I m not talking in the air...’Kalma
Tayyab’ written on the face of parliament house and Objectives
resolution in our constitution, all these are not a joke; its a reality, better
to realize sooner rather than later...Celebrating a day
which has nothing to do with our society or culture...nobody to blame for, all
involved are responsible in eroding our beautiful culture and traditions!
Maintaining our genuine things be
it our Languages, Dresses or celebrating festivals should be our major aim in
way of developing Pakistan. Because this path will never mortify us in front of
anyone least it would provide us moments of pride every now and then. As Iqbal rightly said:
“Apni
Millat pe Qayaas Aqwaam-e-Mughrib sey na ker
Khaas
hei Tarkeeb mein Qaum-e-RASOOL-E-HASHMI(S.A.W)”
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