Use Filter for Cartoons too

Before you proceed, I believe every language has it's beauty. This article isn't against any culture or language, it's strictly about education of Muslim kids. 

It was another cheerful Iftar party and everyone was dressed nicely. I was surrounded by excited kids as usual. Seeking a way out when my 7 year old cousin pulls me down and asks, “Aapa me sundar lag rahi hon?” A loud and clear THUNDERSTORM fell on my ears along with it. I repeat to hear the correction “SUNDAR?” but instead of translating she just nods. I was so furious that I could hit her with that Pakora in my hand.

Holding tight on her tiny shoulders, as if I’m trying to bring her back to her URDU senses. My next question was obviously to find the source and she goes giggling, “BARBIE CARTOON”.  Or precisely she meant HINDI translated Barbie cartoons!

In case you think I’m being too melodramatic, it does not stop there. Cartoons they watch are translated in Hindi. Additionally they are watching cartoons tailor-made of Non-Muslims kids. Like who is this “Chota Peem? Meam? Neam?” or whatever the name is. And why the heck parents are buying kids the “Chota Leem” chips in Pakistan!

This Hindi-fever penetration in Pakistan has become unavoidable.  However it’s profusely convenient to blame the parents alone. Blaming mothers in particular for everything wrong with the kids. Parents have to run the house too; they can’t be around kids all the time. Neither do they have any control over what kids learn from their friends at school. Well there is no "mea culpa!" in such horrendous predicament.

On the other end, why don’t the authorities take some actions against it? I mean there was uproar for those “Never-ending-Saas-Baho-serials”. They were despised, avoided, later blocked and banned entirely. In turn Pakistani Urdu soaps were encouraged and cherished. What about cartoons which hold such vital audience? Not just ban this “chinoti, pooch, sundar” but encourage something better.

We desperately need tailor-made cartoons for Muslim kids. There is colossal talent in Pakistan Ma Sha Allah, we just need to appreciate it more. Till then please watch what you expose your kids to, even if it’s just a Chips pack.

What Kids know about Ramadan?

I asked two kids of different age groups to share their views about this month. And I was amazed by what they wrote. Enjoy refreshing perspectives of kids about Ramadan:

Age: 12

Class: 6

What do you like about Ramadan?

The thing about Ramadan I like is that in this month we all human beings stay close to each other. We avoid fights and abusive language to make our Allah happy. We fast also to make our God happy. When children fast first time in their life their parents do Roza Kushai they give them gifts to make them happy. Their parents are also happy that their son or daughter fast first time. We pray to Allah and say sorry to him for our bad deeds we did in our whole life. I like Ramadan because at this time we all are close to our Allah and we pray to Him in every namaz.

We all wake up at the time of Sehri, and then we eat food. After that our fast starts and our fast finishes at the time of Maghrib and our Iftari starts. Till the end of Ramadan we all do Sehri , Iftari and fast. In Ramadan we also give Iftari to poor people and we also invite our relatives to Iftar. At the end when the month of Ramadan is finished we all get a gift from Allah and that gift is Eid-ul-Fihter. On Eid we can eat everything we like. Everyone meet each other and this month comes again and again that’s why we should always say thanks to Allah that He gave us Eid.

Age: 8

Class: 2

What do you like about Ramadan?

I like Ramadan because the people do good work. People do not fight in Ramadan. We all pray to Allah. Men go to Mosque and pray Taraweeh and women pray in home. My mother cooks in Ramadan and I help my mother. We pray to Allah and sorry for our bad things we did. We all wake up at the time of sehri. Allah gives us gift of Eid because we fast for Him to make Him happy. 

Put that Phone Down!

Finally hit bed with a constant pain in my shins, worn out to the breaking point. The burned chocolate cake on my right still somehow serves as immense condolence. You know life has changed when this friend you grew up with leaves you hanging on a stranger’s call. She was invited to share old good times. Yes it was hurtful for I had seen her after a very, very, VERY long time. Only to find I was not worth hanging up that endless 2 hours long phone call. I don’t hate the person who invented the mobile phones but I do hate the people who are obsessed with them. Nowadays guests visit each other only to talk to whoever is absent.

They say People don’t change. Their personalities only become more obvious with time. Either they get tired of the mask or we start to see clearer.  Honestly both ways we are the ones to be blamed. Our problem is we always expect the same warmth and love from them under all circumstances. We complain a lot about others behaviors. Never understanding what might have led them to it. Even if it’s none of our fault we don’t have a reason to whine about. We know we love them with or without the masks.

Best thing one can do in dilemma like these is: Keep it sweet and simple. Express what behavior you didn't like and why. Be precise and clear. On the other hand try not to be an addition in their stress. It took me a long week to find a way out of this dubious mess. 
I was a little hesitant at first out of her uncertain reaction. Then again holding grudges was never our thing. They are extremely dangerous and destructive to any good old relation. So I told her abruptly that her cellphone is not allowed at my place. At first she laughed and argued about how barbaric it is, and who does that? I laughed along but I knew she’d listen out of love and respect. And she did. 

This is how it goes; life is dynamic and so is everyone connected to it. Take is easy and say what you need to say. Sometimes your loved ones literally wait on it.

Ramadan & June

Ramadan the beautiful month we all look forward to each year. It’s the month with substantial spiritual, religious and cultural significance. However the cruel harsh weather killed most of our excitement on day one. According to the news, Karachi broke its ten years old records of extremely hot temperature. In just one day 106 people died of heat and now the collective number has reached to almost 500!

Fire spitting sun doesn't seem to care much about our fasts. As it releases all its anger mercilessly on us, in turn people are mad at each other until IFTAR time. IFTAR is only time when are charged back with excitement to celebrate again. 
Heat or no heat Ramadan is an eminent blessing for all. I mean are we not loudly indulged in discussions about HOW NOT TO GAIN WEIGHT THIS RAMADAN? Or low fat healthy diet plans? Just finding a delicious way to avoid PAKORAY but end up eating them anyway?

Not just the food but also the same tradition lame jokes of the year. Growing up proved it just won’t go away so I learned to live with it. The joke, “Aren't you supposed to be chained away this month?” Pokerface

Well one should rejoice all colors of life but sadly we become blind to the real purpose of this important month. It’s not about the jokes or the diet or the IFTAR PARTIES. This month is designed as the best training session for humans. Train you to gain control and be your own fiercely compelling managers. It lets you know how appetite is slave to you and not the other way around. To make us see how our spiritual self can dominate our body. It’s a beautiful test each day with an intoxicating sense of freedom.  

Remember the ONE who created you knows how long it would take a human to get rid of a bad habit. And time we need to adopt a good habit. Let’s promise ourselves to leave one bad habit and adopt just one good habit this Ramadan. No matter how small it maybe, like avoiding such bad jokes.

This time we take this training program seriously. And at the end of the month, may we walk out as a better person. Ameen

Oh, How We Forget!

Note: Article sent by Anonymous volunteer.

I wish I was a bit taller, Ughhh I hate my hair. I wish I had straight hair!!! If only my nose was a bit smaller?? How busy we are pointing out imperfections in others and ourselves. Let alone being grateful at times we don’t even acknowledge the thousands of blessings bestowed upon us.

Accompanying someone to the local hospital for a checkup we made our way in the sea of people moving around in a haphazard manner. Most of them lost in the maze of corridors unable to even read the sign boards. We finally made out way to the orthopedic ward and waited for our turn.

Sitting on the bench looking around at people, I saw sights which were playing in my head for the whole night. Amputated limbs, rods sticking out legs and arms, the mere sight of it sent shivers down my spine. Sitting there I felt lucky and terrified at the same time. Terrified of how fragile the human life is, how one wrong move, being at the wrong place at the wrong time can turn your life completely upside down.

When all is well in our lives we stop appreciating the things we already have. Health and loved are one the most prized possession a person can own. Sadly in the hurricane of our petty concerns we forget to appreciate what truly matters instead we focus on what we don’t have. I am not saying not to strive to achieve what you desire, but don’t let it consume you. For possession of material riches without inner peace, is like dying of thirst while bathing in a lake.

 As the Chinese proverb says “I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw man who had no feet”. Always remember what we have can be taken away from us in an instant. We realize how priceless it was when we don’t have it anymore.

So appreciate the small pleasures of life, a smile on the face of a loved one, a cup of tea, a delicious meal, a beautiful sight, health. Smile more, laugh harder, love with more intensity, hug tighter, and hold a little longer. Hold the moment live it, enjoy it, cherish it for change is guaranteed and nothing lasts forever.

Hanging out with Family...

It was the first break through of cool winds in the blistering heat of June. All of my cousins decided to hangout. We reached the mall and younger ones left for the game-zone. I might be too old for the games but my bestie and kids only need me there to win stuff. And I did win stuff. BOOYA! Cheering and going nuts. Few minutes later we left the kids with the couples and left for shopping. The weather was awesome and being with loved ones felt great.

After all that girly-freaking out on all of the stuff we liked and bought. My bestie and I went to watch the crazy winds. That’s when all of a sudden her SELFIE-BEAST gets unleashed. So we started from the place we were standing to each and every corner of the mall! The tables, the shops, the gaming-zone, the crazy cartoon at the gaming-zone entrance! Snapshot by the decor of the mall, the coffee stall, the brand promotions. With everything that came in the way while all of us walk towards the elevator. Until her older brother reaches to stop us, for obliviously we started to get all of the stares. So we quickly took a disturbed SELFIE while listening to his order and followed him.

Now while all of us were waiting for the elevator. We started again with Selfies at another lift’s door. ‘Cause the doors had beautiful stickers on them. The lights were so bright that we took five selfies there. Still at the door yelling at her for more selfies when I heard a guy say, “Excuse me!”

 I look back and see a bunch of angry people staring right at me from inside of the elevator. It took me a few seconds to figure I was blocking their way. Extremely-awkward-moments are mandatory for me even when it’s someone else’s idea! 

Then I slowly walk forward faking confidence looking at my family. While my brother looks at me moving his head from left to right in slow-motion. Sheepishly reached my bestie and we laughed under our breaths. Final selfies were inside the elevator like spies. We saved the rest of the craziness for the restaurant.  

Love: We Break It Down For You

Note: Thanks to Mr. Walnut for participating.

Q 1. How do you define love in one word?

Girl: I define love as "RESPECT". It’s easy to say you respect someone but hard to keep your word. Respect enough to listen and to be with them when they freak out. Respect, to never lie, never sneak out on them. Any break-outs from this respect bubble are only a game losers like to play.

Guy: In simple terms “NO SCREWING AROUND”! To elaborate I define Love as to be committed 100 percent to the person under all circumstances. And yes respect is the core ingredient. Any deviation cannot be justified the simple fact is we guys are full of crap.

Q 2. Do you think of “LOVE” as an overrated delusion?

Girl: I don’t think so. Yes, it can become a delusion if you get obsessed with it by watching too many Rom-Coms. Like a guy falling in love for the 12th time… is an idiot or a player. Not a real thing.

Guy: That is a matter of reference for me; a parent’s love for a child is not over-rated. If we put a lens to love between couples then I’d say yes it is an over-rated delusion in comparison to the true definition of love.

Q3. Why do you think Love fails?

Girl: I believe love never fails. What fails is our fantasy for it. Wondering why didn’t it turn out to be like in the movies? We are brainwashed blind people seeking love in all the wrong places and ways. Perception is hard to change when you keep missing out on the real picture.

Guy: I believe it fails for a number of reasons and to varying degrees to lay out one. The excitement and romance of the unknown is dead. The problem being not much left to the imagination. Why does one ponder over past flings the simple reason because they never happened it’s what keeps them exciting? But yes I firmly believe that even if love has faded you still care for that person with the same intensity forever. Secondly maybe he/she is not the one; I believe friendship and brutal honesty in a relation as right behind respect.

Q4. If love is different from the cliché, how would you know it is love?

Girl: For us women, God made it pretty simple. Any fool can make you cry but different is the guy whose presence makes your eyes dampen out of happiness. It will be rare and larger than life.

Guy: You will know its love when hard times are upon you and you can only think of that one person. The person you will stand with, and stand for against the world. One who is a part of your day from dusk till dawn. The problem is we confuse infatuation with love far too often.

Q5. What about falling for a person you've never met or the long distance relationship?

Girl: Well I believe we fall for the personality and not solely the outer look. Good looks are only a bonus. What we humans really crave is someone who understands us and except us just the way we are. I’d say yes.

Guy: No I don’t think so; the true test of love begins after you have lived with a person for a considerable amount of time and been together through rough patches.

Q6. Do you think of LOVE as a curse or a blessing?

Girl: Ah…Well it depends on how it goes. Even when they fall back for you it’s not all a cheesecake. So yeah it’s a beautiful blend of all colors of life at the same time.

Guy: I think love is the most beautiful feeling in the world, to me one cannot define love in a few simple terms, and it’s a mix of biology and our perception of love.