August 2003 Aruna.. it was a joy to read your article. A less talented writer could have turned this piece into a hoj-poj of unrelated thoughts and experiences. But you managed to keep things flowing very nicely.

As for those who think you are confused.. I would rather be continually exposed to new people and ideas that challenge me.. confuse me.. until I sort out through things myself. Rather than never leaving my cocoon.. which is what happens to many people who spend their entire lives in one place.

As for myself, I was born in Libya.. then moved to India, Pakistan, and finally to Canada.

Gimme Eat?? You are not over-reacting. The behaviour you have described is shocking and despicable.

I am not very religious but I love the concept of fasting. Of all the Ibadaa, I find it to be the most rewarding.

On one hand it reminds us that we humans are still very much animals. Despite our status, our resumes, and our egos, a few hours of hunger can make us weak and takes all the life out of us.

On the other hand it reminds us how strong our will-power and self-control can be. Despite being extremely hungry if we want to, we can resist the most delicious and inviting goodies.

Nicely written!

Why Not Adopt A well-written article on a great topic. I would love to hear the experiences of adoptive parents. When is a good time to tell the child? Do they ever feel that they don`t treat all the children equally? What are the issues related to adopting children of different ages? How do your own young ones feel once they find out about the adoption?

Best wishes for your efforts and we hope to hear from you after you have your adopted baby.

Talking to Sabiha Sumar about Khamosh Pani The movie was absolutely beautiful. With such strong characters, such sensitivity, such good acting.

Its rather sad that a Romanian friend was the first to tell me about it. Most of my Desi friends were talking about Veer Zara. Kudos to Sabahi for breaking all the barriers.

Also, even though I am Urdu speaking, I loved the Punjabi dialogue. I don`t think Urdu would have worked that well for the movie.

Daughtering I loved your style. The story grasped me right away. I don`t think I have ever before read a story with desi characters and mother, daughter conflict. I was not expecting that ending, but when it happened.. it felt right.

I even liked the title. In my opinion, it was really well done. Hope to see more of you.

If you could tell me, who are your favourite writers? If I like your style, I`ll probably like them as well.

Twilight of a Passionate Love Affair Being a Pakistani-Canadian I loved your article. I liked your relaxed, easy-going style and also I completely understood the differences you were talking about between Canada and America. What makes Canada so great is its media. And its openess and humility.

Keep writing,
Sadaf

Azra I think you have touched a very important issue and you have also focused on many subtle aspects of the issue of ``herd-mentality``. I writting needs a little more polishing but it is still a good effort.

Growing up we moved around a lot.. also having a shy personality I was always the out-sider. But the advantage of this was that after a while when I got used to it, I became very comfortable with being a little different from everyone else. Being different from the crowd allows you to be sure of yourself and know what is important to you.

Also, my parents always encouraged us to not follow what was ``in``. They were not religious, and they could afford getting us new things as the trends changed. But to them, it was a matter of teaching us the lesson that what is inside is what matters. Also, it is important to be sensitive to the people who for can`t afford to be in this ``race`` and to not make them feel left out.

Youth Without Borders A wonderfully written article. We have so much to learn from each other, so much wealth to share, so many common problems to overcome. You might never see your friends again but always remember your experience.. how these people from the ``other side`` touched you. Always remember that everyone, whether Pakistani or Indian, Shia or Sunni, Punjabi or Muhajir.. is above all a human. Look for the humanity in people and you will find good friends everywhere. Keep up the good work. Peace.

Islam in Crisis (part 1) Thank you for a superb article Mr. Talib. Those of us who call ourselves Muslims have a duty to not only defend Islam against Western mis-conceptions, but foremost we must ourselves examine what is it that allows our religion to be high-jacked by the likes of OBL. Islam is in crises. I am looking-forward to Part2 of your thesis to see what solutions you propose .

Alif Bay Jeem Dal All of my answers are the same as PaagalInsaan. Except for the last one.
10. My guess would be 1.5 Million.

Can`t wait for the answers.

Little Big Men I whole heartedly agree with your opinions. And I also enjoyed your style of writting very much. It was a real pleasure to read this article. Thank you,
Sadaf

The Gray Cotton Shawl I am in Canada right now, it is a cloudy, snowy day, but your story transported me back to Karachi. And I cared about the charachters. The ending somehow felt incomplete though. I hope you explain your choice of names though.

Top Ten South Asian Pieces of Music The write up is so cute.. I agree with most of your choice, except that my list would *have * to include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. What are your thoughts on him?

White Charade “Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?” (55:77)

How ironic.

White Charade Fa-Bay-Ayee ala-e-rub-e-kuma tukazzeban

Could anyone translate that? Or even give me the verse number. Urstly mentioned that it is in Al Rahman.

The Cling Effect An excellent article. You took age old questions and looked at them from very different perspectives. And finally, thanks for writting a cohisive article, logical arguments, and references!

The only question that comes to my mind is: How do you explain the scientific renaissance of the early Muslims?