IN the Daily Telegraph, London, of Feb 9 there was a news item about a true 'namazi' (worshipper). He is a Muslim bus driver who stopped his bus in the traffic and started his prayer in the aisle.

The bus was full of passengers. The doors were locked by the driver, so nobody could leave or enter the bus. He did not make any announcement or offered any explanation.

In the UK, the authorities have provided prayer rooms at hospitals, airports, hotels and educational institutions, etc, where facilities for 'wuzoo' (abulation ) and prayer mats facing the 'Qibla' are provided.

One would expect 'namazis' to be pious persons who would be considerate to others. Not so, here!

They would ignore all rules and continue to pray in corridors, dining halls and stair halls, blocking pedestrian traffic and disrupting official activities.

They would often leave bathrooms messy and dirty. People have been seen praying in the aisle in a flying aeroplane. In general, there is an air of arrogance around such people as if they are superior to all others. Where is the humility that should be the hallmark of a true worshiper?

Some time back I was listening to a radio talk show. A Muslim caller was on line. He was demanding that Muslim workers should be given breaks five times a day for prayers, during office hours.

I was driving, so I could not join the discussion. I would have liked to ask whether he wanted breaks for Fajr, Maghrib and Isha prayers that are generally outside the office hours. Why could he not offer Zuhr prayers during lunch break and a short Asr prayer during an afternoon coffee break? Why do we have to make everything difficult for everyone?

A few years ago, I bought a prayer mat in Pakistan. There was a label attached to it, saying, Naqqallon se hoshiar rahein meaning, beware of imitations.

One has to reflect whether we should beware of imitated prayer mat or more importantly be wary of imitated 'namaz'. And once the 'namaz' is finished, how do we tackle all other imitations in our daily life?

Allama Iqbal says Tera dil toa hai sanam aashna, tujhey kya miley ga namaz mein?

There have been cases in Pakistani hospitals where patient care is neglected because the doctor has gone for prayers. I personally know a case where, during the month of Ramazan, a heart attack patient was asked to come next day.

The poor man died during the night. When the staff at the cardiology centre was quizzed, they admitted, off the record, that no senior doctor reports for duty after Friday prayers, during the month of Ramazan. The holy month is for more 'ibadat'. Is patient care not a true 'ibadat'?

KHALID A
London UK