❖ Social Contradictions and Hypocrisy
We are currently engulfed in a collective shock so complex that analyzing it seems almost impossible. These social contradictions and our own hypocrisy are leaving us in a state of moral and cultural limbo.
❖ The Issue of Co-Education
Mention co-education, and some will promptly defend placing women at reception desks. Discuss the ills of media, and modernists will raise their voices. Critique parental negligence, and others will cry over unemployment. Mention estrangement from Islam, and anti-religious voices will grow hostile. Talk about the cultural invasion through Indian movies and dramas, and the advocates of “Aman ki Asha” will take offense.
❖ Silence Seems Wiser
In such an environment, remaining silent seems the wisest course. Let the gender equality enthusiasts rejoice, the modernity lovers bask in their glow, and the lamenters of worldly trials continue their complaints. Let the candlelit activists enjoy their gatherings, and peace advocates be greeted with peace.
❖ The Burden of Responsibility
Viewing all this, I hold myself accountable. As the father of a 14-year-old, I am part of this society’s double standards. I accept co-education, yet cannot tolerate its consequences. I have given my children access to TV, cable, and internet, but expect them to learn nothing from it.
❖ Our Double Life
We claim to be advancing, yet invoke Islam hypocritically. We’ve adopted Western lifestyles, where saying “thank you” to a wife for her time and gifting at a daughter’s wedding are norms. We oppose honor killings, but accept suicides in the name of love as natural.
❖ A Chain of Hypocrisy
Our hypocrisy is consuming our children. We defend placing girls at public counters but maintain strict gender segregation at home. We organize seminars against child marriage, yet consider teenage love natural.
❖ Conclusion: Acknowledge Our Reality
We have entangled our lives in contradictions. One foot in religion, one finger on Bollywood. Instead of restraining our children, we must eliminate our contradictions. Our greatest flaw is hypocrisy, and it is destroying our future generations.
📚 Written Reflection by Ikram Azam
