Genesis of poverty -DAWN Magazine; April 28, 2002

April 28, 2002

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Genesis of poverty THIS refers to Dr Nasir’s article Genesis of poverty which appeared on April 14, 2002. Many intellectuals have presented the philosophy of poverty. Karl Marx is the most important figure in history who expressed his philosophy of poverty. He stressed that a few persons live in great wealth, while most workers live in comparative poverty. The way to rectify this injustice is to set up a socialist system; that is, a system where the means of production are owned by the government rather than by private individuals. All philosophers, including Marx, tried sincerely to bring revolution in the world of economy. But it has been pointed out the Marxist theory of economics was practically in error. Doubtless, the monopoly of capitalistic and feudalistic sectors have been destructive and a big reason of an increase in misery and deprivation, which have brought man into a very critical condition. The investing of money or being a landowner is not wrong in its nature but insane and foolish people who are totally devoid of humanity, who did it for their ruthless monopolies, have misused both. So many children died (or one should say “murdered”) due to hunger in last century due to international capitalistic practices. The world is revolutionized technologically. But the nature of cruelty and the nature of monopoly are not changed. Man is still in search of human values and peace. We need to change our economic policies. Obviously, IMF, WB, and all other international financial institutions are a danger to the poor world. It is a fact that they are nothing more than a cobweb that has trapped the whole of poor world. Our policy makers and we, as a nation, are not going about in the right way to alleviate poverty, misery and other hideous burdens. The Zakat system and its distribution should be properly maintained as it is an effective way of alleviation of poverty. There is a need to create an environment which enables a poor person to get his basic rights himself, and which enables an investor or landowner to get a sense of equality, and which enables a ruler to make a system of justice. NASIR FAROOQ Karachi To wear or not to wear THIS is with reference to the article To wear or not to wear by Shazman Sharif, which appeared on April 21, 2002. I was disappointed to find that this article portrayed a completely distorted image of hijab and purdah as compared to what Islam teaches. The views and comments stated were of those who are doing hijab for the wrong reasons, although only a small number of women who come under this category. Hasn’t the writer met anyone who does hijab for the right reasons and who could give her some correct information? If she did, she should have stated their comments in her article as well. Most of the girls referred to in the article seem to wear a scarf for their personal comfort and who do not have any knowledge about the actual significance of the hijab. They wear it when it suites them and when they want to be dressed up, as in formal occasions, they don’t wear it.s This is pure hypocrisy! Are we to play games with what our religion demands and put on a hijab and take it off at our will? Almighty Allah has clearly told us in the Holy Quran about the men in front of whom we need not perform purdha. Other than that, whether we are on the road or in formal gatherings, we need to cover ourselves properly. If the writer is trying to decide whether to begin hijab or not, she should not consult such girls who don’t even know why they themselves are covering their head. She should seek the answer through the right method — looking up what the Holy Quran and Hadith tell us in this regard. For the details and answers to questions, she should have a discussion with a religiously educated person. Then, I can assure, her confusion will subside. HIRA ISLAM Karachi Dung cakes THIS is with reference to the article Dung cakes by Mansoor Akbar Kundi appeared on April 14, 2002. It is sad that many people in our society are living under poor sanitary conditions. It is a common site to see small children sitting near garbage bins and eating pieces of bread and rotten fruits which they have taken from the same pile. In addition to this, they pick the ‘worthy items’ from the rubbish heaps to sell off earn their living. It is really very disgusting to mention that many people do not have sufficient food for a single meal. The sight of their crying and hungry kids urges them to do such odd jobs and even beg. As it is one of the fundamental principles of a welfare state to meet the needs of its people, so it is obligatory on our government to do the same. HERA ZIA Karachi

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