THIS is apropos of Dr Mahnaz Fatima's article, 'No room for fanaticism' (Sept 11). My interpretation of the situation in Pakistan and indeed in the Muslim world is that there is a great disconnect between Muslims' beliefs and practice.

During my recent visit to Pakistan I noticed that more people were going to mosques or saying prayers at home than I had witnessed in my earlier visits.

I also noted a clear increase in the number of persons growing beards. Each public or private office and business had several bearded persons. During Ramazan, compliance with the fasting decorum seems to be quite complete.

On the other side, or the darker side, I also noticed a spiraling crime wave in the country, a big portion of that wave was street violence. People dressed as policemen, in suits, and even wearing neckties, robbing people inside homes and highways.

People carrying guns like they were toys and no one cared. I did not find (with a few exceptions) people who did what they said they would or even promised that they would. I also found the same people fasting or running to the mosque to say prayers. I felt there was a clear dichotomy between people's religious belief and their practices.

It seems, over the years, Pakistani Muslims have evolved their own religious philosophy. They see no wrong or violation of Islamic code of conduct or Shariah laws, when they accept bribes, calling it 'ooper ki amdani', usurp property, kill women in the name of honour, steal, rob or murder innocent people.

Bad treatment meted to children, girls and women is not seen as a violation of Shariah or teachings of the Prophet. When they put in sifarish for people they don't even know, or use shoddy materials in building projects although they charge for the best; when they do not go to work on time and leave work without accomplishing much, they do not see they are doing anything wrong, because everybody else is doing it. With their non-halal income, they may go for Umra or Haj, give charity and feed their families. Practically everyone who builds a house tries to grab as much land as he can, even if it does not belong to him.

If nothing else they make car ramps which not only extend far on public roads, they also become a hindrance for traffic in narrow streets. They see nothing wrong in this practice.

Many of the same people are true believers of Islam. It is the wonderful world of Muslims and their understanding of the faith in Pakistan.

Why is it so? Probably because a majority of Muslims were never taught to read Quran with its meaning and understanding, and the little they picked up in Juma's sermon was mostly history and advice on religious duties, not on how Muslims should conduct themselves in daily worldly life.

Our madressahs still follow the same practice. This probably also explains fanatism that Dr Fatima is talking about.

JAVED S. AHMED

Via email