The Pakistani Spectator

The author of Islamics blog is a Muslim woman, a freelance activist and an author. She graduated in aeronautical engineering from University of Loughborough in 2005. She briefly worked for an international IT company as systems analyst managing and working with their aerospace clients. Dissatisfied with the corporate environment, work and obsession with University life, she went on to pursue Masters in Political Philosophy at university of London, followed by another Masters in Arabic and Sciences of Quran at an institute in Arabia. She currently works in the UK financial sector as an advisor on Muslim related products.

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?

I am a Muslim woman born and raised in the UK. Both my parents are converts to Islam so I have been fortunate enough to be brought up in an Islamic British environment with Islam being part of my earliest education. Recently, I have had opportunity to study Islam, its applicability and relevance to the modern world. For that reason, I began blogging to engage with other bloggers and masses in translating my thoughts and those of others.

The object behind every blog is the attainment of a state of being. Do you agree with this statement?

It may not be the object behind every blog, but for me to some extent it does as I long to find answers which would help me attain state of being.

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

I think memorable moments are those when you meet and hear comments from people whom you would probably never come across in life. It’s refreshing to hear their views and being able to learn their perspectives.

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

I think electronic media, blogs, even networking sites are all playing a crucial role in disseminating information, debates, discussions, points of views without any fear of censorship.

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

They have been effective. They have given voice to those who may not find or be given opportunity in print media or other media. Also, the use of shorthand has opened up the doors to even those who may not have the necessary skills of expression or the ability to articulate themselves.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?

I think there may be other sites very similar to mine, however one unique feature of my blog is that I attempt to evaluate events, incidents from not only my own point of view but also to give it a flavour of Islam and use it to show universality of Islam.

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

Big Mouth.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

I think the happiest day of my life was probably the day I got married.

Do you think [the use of Twitter and other social networking tools by politicians] is bandwagon jumping or what?

It certainly is bandwagon jumping, but the politicians need to show they are amongst the people and they can do that effortlessly on the social network sites. If I was a politician I would make sure I have representation there.

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?

Chechnya, I have heard lots about some of the very mystical and enchanted places there. Malaysia, which is so far away but i would love to spend time there. And last but not least China.

What is your favorite book and why?

!984 by George Orwell. It has a very powerful political message which is somewhat proving to be very relevant or significant to us now. I first read the book a few years ago and since then have read it several times. I think there are some thought provoking political messages which can be interpreted in different ways to understand current political realities surrounding us.

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

This may sound strange, but the first thing I notice about people is how clean their teeth are.

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

Apart from myself, no one else.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?

I really have no idea, but there is the google AdSense but I am not too sure how it works. I would suggest to the bloggers who have a very high viewing and high quality posts they could add a paid subscription. however, I am all for maximum exposure of ideas so it wouldn’t appeal to me at all.

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

There are two types of blogs/bloggers, quality and quantity, if you are a good writer and you are known in the sphere, people will naturally turn to you even if updates are every few days. On the other hand, there are bloggers who are making new entries several times a day so people are checking their blogs to see whats new.

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

Ideas are the most powerful tool which human beings possess. One thing which is already occurring in the blogsphere is the battle of ideas, and somewhere down the line people begin to understand sensitivities and become friendlier in disagreements. I have also noticed that bloggers are very open minded people, if they are not, they wont survive.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?

Shahrzad

Dr Marranci

Organic Muslimah

Inner reflections transcribed

http://bouncingbubbles.wordpress.com/Bubbles

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

There have been many. One particular, which was also the first blog I came cross received over 300 replies to an entry about troubling hadith.

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?

From all the Muslim countries, for some reason I feel closer to Pakistan. Perhaps it has much to do with the fact that many of my friends in the UK are of Pakistani origin. I feel they are very cultured people who hold their culture and traditions very close to them, they are proud, and patriotic people and not to mention they love their politics.

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

Not yet.

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

The striking difference is in their personality. With technological and material advancement the required balance is disturbed and people end up becoming more and more materialistic and away from their humanly attributes.

What is the future of blogging?

I can see as our world becomes advance, so does consumerism and individualism. People will spend more and more time ranting away on the Internet and discussing/debating whatever issue is bugging them and feel good about being heard.

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

I have only been blogging for last few months and it hasn’t taken a serious turning yet. Though, I would say I am spending more and than usual time on blogging during work and even until late hours of the night. I would also say that it has brought lots of goodness, in terms of information that is available and the discussions which take place can prove very productive in developing thoughts and ideas about important matters.

What are your future plans?

My future plans are to work harder and concentrate on my forthcoming book titled, ‘Kings and Concubines’ which from this moment requires lots of hard work and input. Apart from that, I want to study, study and study.

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

My message is, guys keep up the hard work. And not just that, remember how great and useful blogging can be for individuals so please try to visit as many blogs as you can. It is important to take part in discussions, leave comments and re-address issues. Pakistan as a country needs people like you to create massive awareness about its people, culture, and what it stands for and blogging about it would be a good start to engage members of international community. Good Luck.

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