Swine Flu

You could not have failed to noticed the swine flu storm over the last week or so. Some have argued that this is much ado about nothing; others have spoken in millinarian terms of a world on the brink. A lot of my fellow Muslims proclaim glibly but erroneously that they need not fear anything as they do not eat pork.

It is right that any new variant of flu should be treated seriously. The possibilities for mutation are endless - the way to remain on top is to prepare for every eventuality. Flu in general affects millions and spreads easily. Hence this accounts for some of the alarm.

On the other hand, the use of apocalyptic language by scientists and medics is inappropriate. When social scientists say such things, their words can be safely ignored. It is worrying when scientists use such language.

In a related point, many of us have been surprised to learn that pigs are reared in Egypt. I wonder if something similar happens anywhere in Pakistan?

A touch uncomfortable

The sun is out and the streets of Birmingham are buzzing again with shoppers from all over the UK. This year I have noticed two things that make me uncomfortable; they are not new but just a little more accentuated this year.

Walk down, for example Stratford Road or Alum Rock Road, and note how purely religious hyms, verses and poetry are being blasted from cd players. Now in a multicultural and mutli-religious society this makes me uncomfortable, the idea of imposing your religion in this vociferous manner. By its very nature, religion is exclusive.

A word also about fund raisers. Those who give up their weekends to raise funds for the less fortunate of the world are admirable. What makes me uncomfortable is reference to the religion of those whose suffering is the subject of the fund raising. What difference should it make if the suffering are Muslim, Christian, etc. The purpose is to relieve suffering. Period.