The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
-I am a male of 40 and some odd years, a Muslim Canadian-for 27 years; born and raised in Iraq. Married and have one girl and an eight months old grandson. I am a businessman; with a scientific background of physics. I am a student of Islam, in the fields of philosophy, Sufism, Quranic studies and history; writer and speaker. I have a particular interest in the field of Sufism and Metaphysics, Muslim and non Muslim.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?

-I believe writing is a great tool which enables us to form a sculpture of our own thoughts and it enables us to express our joy, love, hate, anger, memorable moments, all of which really sums up all of the dimensions of a human being. So writing could represent our journey in life and a true mirror through which we are able to see our inner individuality and thoughts.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?

-Nothing in particular.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?

-Those who desire to establish a communication I do my best to honour such desire, as for those who leave comments on my blog I often reply back, to each one of them, as my way of appreciation. Sometimes I get an angry comment due to the nature of my controversial topics then I truly make an effort to reply back to reasonable comments with a positive and friendly reply. It is important to respect and to carefully address any concerns, in such comments, for it is the fruit of the purpose of blogging.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?

- I think it is any interactive tool of the internet; such as blogging in all of its facets.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?

-Absolutely, it not only makes people more responsive but also it makes them redefine their limited inherited cultural vision towards life and their fellow man.

What do you think sets your site apart from others?
- I believe every site is unique in its own way and has the potential to contribute to world knowledge positively or negatively. Having said this from my limited knowledge of what is out there, on the internet, my overall objectives of my site is be critical of our Muslim teachings for a bigger purpose that is to bring out, from the midst of such negative teachings, the beautiful universal message of Islam. If this approach makes my site different then I am honoured.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?

-It may be perseverance, honesty and Allah knows best.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

-The happiest moment was when I was granted a baby girl. I can say that the gloomiest moment, or moments, is when I hear an innocent life is taken in the name of Islam.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

-Iran, Pakistan, India.

What is your favorite book and why?

- The holy Quran because it allows me to understand the true purpose of life. We often get caught up by the harsh realities of life and the various enticements of this world and those challenges and issues of life may attempt to converge on ourselves and as a result we may be profoundly shaken, or we become too complacent. So pondering on the verses of the holy Quran, for me, puts everything into perspective. It exposes the fake facade of this limited world and consequently it offers a realistic outlook on life and how to deal with the world.

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?

-The way they conduct themselves and their level of humility leaves a long lasting impression on me.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?

-No.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

-Advertisements, and I am not very aware of such details. I do not have this option.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?

-Not necessarily. I would like to point out here that success of blogger should not be measured by the amount of traffic or by the number of hits or the income it generate rather it should be based on its positive universal message which touches the heart of every one regardless of their race or denominations.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?

- To play as true ambassador of the people and culture he belongs to and to truly establish a healthy bridge of communication based on respect and understanding of other cultures and teachings.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

-No list in mind; every blog is unique in its own way and it benefits me in one way or another.

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?

-Yes.  It was titled “Do not blame the west, blame yourselves” at http://katib.wordpress.com/2007/02/27/45/ And the reason for this I believe is because it reflected a honest opinion, rendered by someone who is born and raised among Muslims and living in the west as myself, regarding the negative aspects of the Muslim political unrest and the long suffering of our people in the Muslim world; those opinions which was offered in this post were shared by many sincere people who may not be willing to openly discuss such issues for some social considerations or religious retribution.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

- My perception of the Pakistani people is very respectful and I find them very intelligent and hard working. They sincerely love Islam but unfortunately many have been victimised by the negative aspects of our Muslim teachings. And I hope that the spirit of the honourable Allama Muhammad I’qbal will prevail in enabling the wonderful Pakstani people in comprehending the true teachings of Prophet Muhammad and to expose and neutralize those Muslim extremists from brain washing our young Pakistani people to commit murder in the name of Islam.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?

No.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?

-From a conventional stand point, the measuring stick is technology and the size of economy. But in the true sense the measuring stick should be based on how a country embraces the values of humanity and the integrity and well being of its people.

What is the future of blogging?

- I believe that the future of blogging is very bright. It will only contribute to narrowing the cultural and religious differences among people. And it will enhance people’s vision towards life and their fellow man. Keeping in mind, as a fact of life, there will always be some negative elements among bloggers who would advocate hate and violence but I believe the positive voices of good bloggers are more powerful than that because the human spirit is one in essence; and people often response to the true calls of tolerance and goodness.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?

-It has improved my outlook on life and strengthened my relationship to my fellow man of different race and color, consequently those positive outcomes has improved my professional life.

What are your future plans?

- Continue my blog to fulfil my objectives which are laid out within and Allah knows best.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?

- My message to the readers of your news site is that your site is worthy of support because I find it very versatile in content and it has a universal vision in reaching out to all kinds of people who are connected by one colorless race and that is the human race. And it gives us an opportunity to learn about the various important affaires of the Pakistani people in a fair and reasonably unbiased app

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