Miracle on 35th Street

Great article ! Please write more !

Zia Ahmed I admire your candidness. As a social observer, I find it amazing that all segments of our society hold an unfaltering conviction in these pseudo holy men. From prime ministers to common beggars on the street, every one believes that his Pir is the true saint. This is one matter where all, poor or rich stand united. What a pity!

I once had the cheek to rip apart a taveez in front of the filthy, long haired, unwashed in other words holy looking babai ji, only to find a few doodles scribbled on a crumpled piece of paper. Since then, any misfortune that has befallen upon me, apparently is the wrath of that disgruntled geezer.

The question which pops up in my mind after reading your article is, do we really need a medium to communicate with Allah. There are two distinct schools of thought. One articulates that a common man needs guidance and direction in matters of faith and spiritualism. His finite vision limits him, thus spurring him to search for a medium to develop his bond with the Almighty. On the contrary the other school of thought preaches that man and God are one, so no channel of communication is required. If you believe in the latter like me, then you are denying the importance of Sufis and Saints. Where do you draw the line? Where does the spiritualism end and the façade begins? Not easy questions to answer. And you are likely to trample on many peoples sensibilities if you air your opinion. I usually keep my mouth shut in such debates.

Why isn`t this article getting the response it deserves? This is
very good. A great time is to be had by those who actually
take out the time to read it.

Now that was an enjoyable read! Love your style, Zia. The last sentence was a killer, as subtlety goes.

Nicely written.

Whether it is illiteracy or ignorance or just the efforts of a hopeless man, trying to find a solution desperately to his/her problems, the business of these malang baba`s, saeeinss etc. sure does boom.