A Little Research Goes A Long Way.

A few weeks back I got one of those forwarded smses doing the rounds these days. You know, the one that goes because of Denmark's actions against Islam boycott Nestle, etc. The second I read it my blood began to boil, not because I'm against the boycotting of danish products in response to their disrespect towards Islam, but because of the absolute stupidity of that message! NESTLE ISN'T DANISH! I mean, honestly, how hard is it grasping that simple little fact? Why is it so hard to actually read the milkpak carton to confirm what country the company belongs too before stradling your white horse and riding out to rescue Islam? It is exactly this sort of superiority complex that has brought muslim countries and muslims in general to the precipice of an economic, intellectual, pollitical and moral dungheap! The idea that just because we're muslims, we're somehow absolutely perfect, that we require no improvement and we just know everything. Moreover the idea that just because we're muslims we're automatically forgiven for all our sins, I don't know about other muslim countries, but atleast in Pakistan this theory is all too common. That nomatter how many times we lie, cheat, steal or refuse to pay taxes, all is forgiven simply because we pray five times a day and beg God for forgiveness. Maybe it's just me, but I thought that to really be granted forgiveness we have to promise not to repeat our sins and then actually NOT REPEAT them. I know it's not my place to judge, but really sometimes it's all a little too much! And as for boycotting Nestle, it's one of the very few companies that manufacture their products in Pakistan. It sets up factories and hires our own people, by boycotting such companies all we're really doing it causing factories to shut down, leading to increased unemployment, increased frustration, desperation, and God forbid suicide bombers. So please just research your messages and emails before passing them along so as to prevent confusion, and please always always think about the cosequences of your actions and try for a little empathy.