Letters: September 4, 2010

 Strong women

It does not matter if women there [Afghanistan] still live under the face veil ("Impressions of Afghanistan", Gulf News, August 27). What is more important is having strong women amongst them, which has a great influence on the young girls' ideas of where they want to stand in the future. It allows them to make changes in a place where there is no internet, television or satellite dishes to observe the world's lifestyle. Maybe Iran is not at all as traditional as Afghanistan, but in some ways I observed this process of change and transition from tradition to modernism in many families in rural areas. Even being there is an effort for a better life.

From Ms Rama H. Olya  Tehran, Iran

Pilgrims and phones

I am 12-year-old and I think it is thoughtless and disrespectful of pilgrims to use mobile phones inside the Grand Mosque in Makkah and other holy places in Madinah (“Mobile use in Saudi mosques a new phenomenon”, Gulf News, August 30). We hold great respect for these special places. Pilgrims go for Umrah so that they may get closer to Allah and reduce the use of worldly things as much as possible. I agree that people are worried about the families they have left behind, especially those who are experiencing the Umrah for the first time. But we must leave our worries behind and place our trust in Allah. Even if we really want to talk to our family we must do so after we exit the Grand Mosque. If possible, we could reduce the volume of the ring tone so that it does not distract other people. I hope pilgrims understand the reasons for Umrah and reduce the use of mobile phones.

From Ms Ayesha Farhan, Sharjah

Justice served

I hear demand from some corners for banning Pakistan from international cricket, due to the recent match fixing controversy (“Cricket plunged into crisis after match-fixing arrest”, Gulf News, August 30). One should not go overboard in responding to an emotional issue. Objectivity and logical reasoning should never be compromised in the process of dispensing justice. Punish the individual, not the nation, for the crime committed in the individual capacity — after the due procedure of dispensing justice has been followed and the accused has been given the opportunity to defend himself and proven guilty beyond doubt.

From Mr Arish Ehsan, Dubai

Strict punishment

Match fixing is nothing new. When the government of Pakistan will provide extraordinary coverage to one game then [such] things will happen. We give more coverage to cricket than any other game. More perks are given to cricket players when compared to those of other games. The young generation wastes a lot of time watching this game and the players are portrayed as heroes in the media. It would be better [if] this game [was] banned in Pakistan for a while. Millions of rupees are given to cricketers in the form of awards. Strict punishment should be given to those involved in match fixing.

From Mr Rehmat Ali, Dubai

Honest statement

Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir is a bright young cricketer, and a role model for many. He could have a long career ahead of him. The recent controversy is really sad. Maybe he made a mistake under bad guidance from the senior players without realising the consequences. But, he can change the situation. I suggest that he comes out with the truth and present the facts with full honesty. Perhaps he should make the declaration through a lawyer. He should not worry about the other players and what they will say as long as he is honest. Think about all the fans and the game of cricket and do what is right for the future of the team. I am sure that if he makes this honest statement of facts, his fans and the International Cricket Council (ICC) will forgive him because he is still young. The fans of cricket will appreciate his honesty and he could restart his career on the right track.

From Mr Faiz Ali Khwaja, UAE

An opportunity

If the Pakistan team is involved in match fixing, then I would suggest dismissing all the current players and giving an opportunity to youngsters. This is really unfair.The cricket board should never give them an opportunity to come back to the team. I think Shahid Afridi should remain the captain.

From Mr Saif Allah, Dubai

Presence of mind

The recent incident [of an imam locking the doors of a mosque] is indeed a big shame for the Muslim community (“Disgruntled imam locks mosque doors in Saudi Arabia”, Gulf News, August 30). Spirituality lies on one side, but financial requirements lie with practicality on the other side. The imam must have some family and financial requirements, which must be duly met by the benefactor on time. What I infer from many such incidents involving imams in different countries is that all the religious affairs must be brought under a single umbrella, within the limits of a jury of religious clerics. Imams must be given education and knowledge not only in Quranic scriptures and Islamic subjects, but must be made proficient in a wide range of scientific texts and researches. They must be ultimately chosen depending on their knowledge, experience and presence of mind. Then only a better judgment might be possible from within the community itself. Additionally, they should be paid well and given all their benefits depending on their ranks.

From Ms Agniyah Shaikh, Sharjah