MODERN means of communication like WhatsApp are a godsent. However, the use of social media to disseminate Ayat-i-Kareema needs serious thought.

One receives a message saying someone has started a chain of Ayat-i-Kareema and to forward this to a certain number people on your contact list. In my opinion this trends needs to be discouraged Ayat-i- Kareema are not supposed to be read and spread on smart phones which also contain many other worldly distractions. Everyone is on multiple WhatsApp groups, and thus has all sorts of videos and images being received and downloaded concurrently.

Our elders have always recited Ayat-i-Kareema with full concentration, preferably sitting on prayer rugs, setting aside all worldly worries. As such Ayat-i-Kareema are sacred verses asking for supplications from the Almighty. Their sanctity must be observed at all costs,

The same should also apply to the quoting Ahadees and they should not be transmitted without proper reference.

Syed Nehal Alvi

Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2017