Mailbox

Photo Courtesy: CZM

The Permanent Revolution
The Quranic word 'zakat' not only has the meaning of charity, alms, official tax and voluntary contribution; it also has a strong spiritual motive. The way the Holy Quran induces the well-off to give zakat is courteous yet firm. If they give the poor their due, Allah will pay back them many times over with blessings in this world and the next (57:11, and 73:23). That is why, alms giving is often represented in the Holy Quran as a transaction between man, who is temporary, and Allah, who is Permanent, the Generous—Who has created everything. The Holy Quran says, "Who is it that will lend Allah a goodly loan so he multiplies it to him manifold? And Allah withholds and extends and to Him you shall return." Following the Quranic instruction, we should take care to give from the best we have. Instead of giving zakat to hundreds of people, as prescribed by the well-written cover story, we should give it to a few persons in the form of capital goods, taxi or rickshaw etc or help them develop skills.  It is like teaching them how to catch fish permanently instead of giving them fish once.
Syed Naqvi
Dubai, UAE, On Email
***
The programmes launched by the Centre for Zakat Management is a shining example of how zakat, if properly given, can alleviate poverty and achieve social development goals. It is a timely story and we thank the Star for publishing such an inspiring story in the holy month of Ramadan.
Shafirqur Mahmood Russell
Lalmatia, Dhaka

The Month of Purification
The month of Ramadan has commenced with its beauty. The Muslim ummah will fast for one month for getting benediction of Allah. It is a month of purification of our mind and soul. By fasting we come to know the pain of starved people or destitute people. The main aim of this month is to have 'takwa'." Fasting is only for Allah and Allah will give its best rewards" preaches the holy Quran. This month is also significant as Holy Quran descended in this month upon our prophet Muhammad (Pbuh). The month of Ramadan has got plentiful borkat and Allah will multiply sawab if anybody does good work in this month. So during Ramadan we can donate more to destitute people, donate blood to the ailing patients and donate "Zakat". Furthermore, it is also good to offer iftar to fasting people. May Allah give us strength to fast and have takwa. May Allah give us the abilities to pray more and be pious. May almighty Allah accept our fasting and prayers.
Md Zonaed Emran
Treasury Department
Janata Bank Ltd

A Moroccan Wedding
I had a Moroccan friend named Khalid while in college in the UK. He always told me that Moroccan weddings are grand, lavish and eclectic. After reading this article, I know what Khalid meant. However, I am starting to wonder if Bangladeshi weddings are the most mundane and boring. There is very little dancing and singing that take place in our weddings except the occasional Hindi film songs or disco music from the 80's. Can't we dance and sing and express ourselves on one of the happiest and most important days of our lives?
Sabrina Ahmed
Dhanmondi, Dhaka

A Punishable Hobby
I felt pure rage when I read about Mr Shakil's harassment at the hands of customs officials every time he receives a package containing rare matchboxes. We know that this is a lawless country and most government employees are corrupt. But fining someone for keeping a harmless hobby? That's just too much. I hope the corrupt officials will come to their senses and stop imposing fines on him. In fact they should start helping him anyway they can. Here is a man who has a collection of matchboxes that would make many phillumensists in the world envious.
Akhlakur Rahman
Arambagh, Dhaka

Virtual Addictions
Researchers are still not unanimous in reaching a verdict on the merits and demerits of playing video games. Sociologists and psychologists of our country should conduct research on this issue. Some studies show strong correlations between gaming and psychological issues like increased aggression in males, and increased depression in females and a feeling of isolation in both. Other studies show that gaming have some benefits as well. Video games can improve decision making speed. People who played action-based video and computer games made decisions 25 percent faster than others without sacrificing accuracy, according to a study from the University of Rochester.
Minhaz Noor
Baridhara, Dhaka

The Iron Lady
I have gone through the interview of the iron lady Ms Yasmeen Ghafoor, an Additional DIG of Bangladesh Police Service, who can be termed as a shining example of women's empowerment. Younger women have a lot to learn from her sense of duty and patriotism. The writer has done a good job by interviewing this brave and hardworking policewoman.   I think there should be more interviews of successful civil servants in a regular manner so that we come to know the secrets of their successes and be encouraged by them.
Md Shoukat Ali
Mohakhali, Dhaka

Love of Argentina
I am an Argentinean who had the opportunity to live in Dhaka during the 2006 World Cup.  I was fascinated by so many Argentinean flags on the rooftops and streets all over Bangladesh.  I am grateful for the friendship and kindness I received while in your country. On behalf of the people of Argentina, I thank everyone in Bangladesh for their generous and genuine support of our national football team.
Patricia
On Email