Saima Sher Fazal

The unconventional conventionality: In a desperate effort to break with tradition and herald a new beginning, the Muslim skeptic’s enthusiasm has indeed eluded his intellect. He conveniently forgets that to usher in modernity, a mere denial of the conventional is never enough. It requires a far more consistent and rationale pursuit of that which is elusive. There is no denying that without wholeheartedly embracing concepts of modernity there can be no progress. That is precisely why it is vital to revisit our understanding of modernism in a Muslim society and all that it entails. “.. being modern is more than what it is not. Recognizing and dealing head on with the problems of the day while striving for a better future is modern. Self-expression in many ways and in many platforms is as modern as rejecting the over exposure of the self. Accepting others’ experiences and making room for them in the human tapestry is modern. Being technologically savvy doesn’t necessitate modernit

THE COAL MINE OR THE STAR STUDDED SKY:                                                                                                                        Every deen has an innate character. The character of islam is modesty.” Al Muwatta 47.9 The mania of emancipating the Pakistan woman from the “alleged restraints “of religion and custom seems to increase with every passing day. The solution it seems, for our liberalists is quite easy. Complete denial of everything the least bit religious, be it the most logical and correct mode of behavior but since that is what religion demands, it has to be done away with! Everything which was good and simple is now orthodox and impractical. Modesty is no more considered a virtue with most of the Pakistani gentility. Modest men and women are becoming an endangered species. This fashionable disease of abhorring all that is good, simple and virtuous is spreading at such an alarming rate that even the middle and lower classes are catching i