Benazir Bhutto Assassination – Addressing the Root Causes
If you are watching and reading the news these days, you are probably overloaded with speculation about who killed Benazir Bhutto.
Some are suspecting cover-up at high levels of the government; some are blaming the extremists, while others are blaming rogue agencies within the government.
Discussion of these conspiracy theories will continue indefinitely until a miracle unfolds that shows the real killers.
The killings, riots, looting and the continued unrest that has ensued seems also very rampant in certain Muslim countries and are only symptoms of a bigger problem.
That problem is what resulted in the killing of Benazir and the many before her who were not as popular…
Today, the common man complains about the lack of basic necessities of life, not being able to get things done unless you know someone higher up, corruption in organizations and government departments, high rate of inflation, and the list goes on. This culture of political instability that thrives upon “knowing someone” to get basic things done ultimately feeds into the cycle of lawlessness and instability, thus empowering more people to take law in their own hands.
And that’s where trouble starts…
Once the cycle of corruption kicks in, it feeds onto itself and at times it appears that an organization or country can never get out of it, unless something radical happens that can then cause dramatic shifts in the political, economic and social structures of a country or an organization.
Either governments are thrown out, or governments take charge.
But until then, what should the common man do?
| It is obviously natural for the common man to blame the government – to blame the “system” and the leaders. After all, the governments and leaders are supposed to take care of the masses. |
But this is where the common man can do something different. They can contribute to a societal change. They can use whatever resources are available to them to bring about a positive change…
We can start by bringing the change within and within our circles to bring about a bigger societal change.
Societies change for the better when people’s minds and attitudes start to get tuned to voices of reason more than their unbridled emotions. Societies change when masses at lower levels shun ignorance and embrace knowledge. And they change when the reformers outweigh the chronic complainers that live within its fabric.
So, why can’t literates do something to help curb illiteracy? Why cant complainers stop complaining and think of taking baby steps towards some reforms at local levels? Why can’t the educated class rise above mediocrity in the field of education? Why can’t complainers of lawlessness stop participating in lawless situations such as giving and taking bribes, using influences and so on?
Ok…we all know that’s easier said than done. But, we all get the point. The point is about shifting attitudes and finding ways – at grassroots levels – to bring about a positive change. Each and every one of us needs to use all available resources to do whatever they can.
Because you actually can make a difference!
The other option is to be a spectator and see the ship burn and go down.
What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
— IqraSense.com Blogger
December 30th, 2007 at 7:44 am
It’s like the people in the upper deck of a ship enjoying themselves and obstructing those from the lower deck passing through to collect water. Without a choice and with no knowledge of the consequence those in the lower deck start making a hole to get water.
If the affluent do not consider the needy the result will be a sinking ship.
Each one should act for their own sake. God does not change a situation untill those who are affected try to do something by themselves.
December 30th, 2007 at 8:46 am
The very first attempt at our Quaid’s life when Pakistan has not yet been made was by an ignorant Mullah who said that you talk of women’s liberation and equality to man. Those ignorant people who grow a beard and talk fervently try to pose they are people of religion while they are not. They have done nothing to this date except tampering with the image of a religious person. They might believe in Islamism but they act like they believe in fanaticism. It sure was not a political assassination for there is Nawaz Sharif, an equally threatening rival to Government and like him Benazir could have been denied the right to run through Elections 2008 as she did not had lesser cases to her name. So it is the duty of our Muslim Scholars to forget whatever worldly prizes this world might have for them in store and try to literate people justly with the true sense of Islam – telling the right things. Their knowledge is Allah’s obligation to them for them who don’t know right from wrong and while they keep telling shaded truths, God help them on the Day of Judgement.
December 30th, 2007 at 10:46 am
The hadith of the ship with two copartments rightly fits this article, if the ones in the lower compartment are tired of going up to fetch water and decided to make a hole at the bottom; and the ones at the top said its non of their business, it will be theirs when the ship finally sinks!
And I absolutely agree with the fact that we have to change our inner selves before Allaah will then bring an ultimate change in our societies; may Allaah give the ability to change ourselves, ameen!
December 30th, 2007 at 10:48 am
Like individuals, nations also pay their debt. Individuals repay their debts in this world also and the hereafter. The nations repay their debts in this world. The individuals who constitute the nation will also face their destinity. Good deeds bring prosperity, peace, longevity and bad deeds brings destruction and end. Can you find the nation of Mongols lead by Chengez and Halaku or for that matter regimes lead by people like Pol Pot and of his likes. They are no more. In all these, where do we stand as individuals and as nation. As individuals, we are scared and uncertain about our future. As a nation, we are low. Very low. We cannot protect our common male or females or children. If you want to commit a crime, kill some one, snatch some one’s car or money or mobile phone you can do it. Go to any major city of Pakistan and commit the crime. You will go scot free. If you want to snatch the purse or handbag of a lady on the street, you can do it. No one will stop you. The uniformed people in our country have nothing to do with common people. If they belong to our great army with fame of surrendering, then you have a purpose in life. Amass plots and money. If you belong to a rank say higher than a Major, then you can amass wealth overseas also. You just have to be in touch with some embassies and they will sponser you for everything overseas. I am sure many souls are taking full advantage of that and there is no one who is tracking them. Every one is sharing the loot. Our political parties are a bunch of opportunists. Most of they had their time also. What did they do than? Looted and plundered the nation. We are totally bankrupt, morally, emotioinally, religiouisly and economically. Any one can buy us. Any one can pay us some money and ask us to sell our religion, our believes, our nation and our mothers. In these circumstances what do you expect to happen. Benazair faced what she did to others. Just read the recent history of what happened in Karachi and sindh how 15,000 people were assasinated and under whose orders. Musharraf is no different. He is also playing his games. He wants to continue more without interruption and this is the reasult of that.
December 30th, 2007 at 11:06 am
The problem everywhere but mostly in muslim countries, or countries where majority are moslems, is poverty. Poverty in ecnomic life as well as poverty in the heart. If fellow moslems carry out what is required of them (zakat) at least economic poverty can be alleviated. However leaders who profess to be moslems do not even practice their religion, and I do not mean the rituals but the real teachings of the Qur’an. It seems that to emulate the great prophet Muhammad saw is far from their minds.
May Allah SWT shower HIS blessings, peace and mercy on the downtrodden and give hidayah to the leaders.
December 30th, 2007 at 11:06 am
Everyone is the best judge. Just recall the performance of this lady once she was prime minister of Pakistan twice. Don’t forget Mr. 10%. Should I remind the 1.5 US$ billion misappropriations also. What else this nation wants to know and what proof is required to get rid of these so called corrupt leaders. They deserve it and they had it and rest of them will have it.
December 30th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
AOA .. its really sad that bay Nazeer Bhutto died .. guys .. think she has 2 daughters and a son they must be really sad .. all the Pakistan is sad .. even me although i dont even know her .. Allah uske aglee manzilay asaan karay ….AMEEN
December 30th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
It is sad when any leader is assasinated. Just like JKF and all the others who were trying to make a change.
It only exentuates the problems that existed and were trying to be fixed before the murder.
The killers only succeed in making an example and a legend out of the victim despite their arrogant idea that they are doing the “right thing”.
May Allah swt bless her and reward her in paradise. Ameen.
December 30th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
In regards to taking small steps to induce change, as Muslims we first need to have unity in thinking in terms of what type of change are we seeking and by what means. From Pakistan’s inception, we have seen political failure with one regime not doing any better than the previous regime. We have seen socialism, nationalism and secularism as well as a mish-mash of all other isms. Therefore, i would like to state that for Pakistan to progress economically, socially and politically, it needs to discard the system that currently plagues the land. This system of feudalism allows rich political elites to govern the other classes with oppressive and bullying tactics. We have witnessed this during the rulings of both Bhutto and Sharif. As the saying goes – Pakistan ka mathlab kiya? Laa illah ha illal laa! I couldn’t agree more.
December 30th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I think that anytime any person is murdered, whether for political or other reasons, it is against Allah’s (swt) will for us. The prophet Muhammad(pbuh) was one of the most peaceful and trustworthy person in history. The fact that a Muslim woman, living in a Muslim country, is killed by other Muslims – this is insanity.
Apart from this tragedy, Islam has suffered enough what with being blamed for terrorist remarks and violent situations. I believe very strongly that until we Muslims unite and show the rest of the world what our faith is REALLY about, Islam will continue to be labeled a religion of terror. I know that it is my responsibility as a Muslim to represent my religion as one of peace – it makes me sick to think that the sentence suicide bombers most often scream just before they blow themselves and others to pieces is “Allahu akbar”. Is this what we are all about? I think not.
Remember, especially if you are living in US or Europe, that you may well be the only Muslim person a society gets to know. Please, represent our religion as it was meant to be – one of peace.
December 30th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Benazir Bhutto died for democracy so the democratic process should continue.
Voilence in politics to be strictly condemned.
What the president can do best now for the Country is to bring top down democracy i.e ithere is a distorted the evolution of democracy in Pakistan due to constant Army interference. The political system was never estalished. The best in politics have not come up as in UK or USA or even India. Army should never come in power again. Lets start the political process for all times to come.
December 30th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
The assasination of Benazir Bhutto has nothing to do with Islam. It is just a fallout of powerstruggle among the military,radical islamist and the feudal establishment in Pakistan.It is high time all muslims everywhere in the world concentrate on modern education and isolate the semi-educated clergy who breeds the likes of the mujaheedins and the primitive talibans.
December 30th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
It is the worst the fanatics could do.
They are still living in the world where Razia Sultan was not accepted because she was a Muslima. They forget Huzoor (s) loved his daughter Khatoone Jannat Hazrat Saiyada Fatima razeeallahu t’ala anha.
May God bless them to come to their senses.
‘Whenever it is said to them, ‘Spread not disorder on the earth’ their reply is, ‘We seek to put things aright’. Beware! They do spread disorder, but they realize it not’.: Qur’an Majeed: 2 Al Baqarah: 11-12.
December 30th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
It is sad to see violence in Muslim nations every where in the world. But why is so mostly in Muslim countries? .. It is very clear that Quran is the main source of social science that has been sent down in this world to be read and act accordingly. Non-Muslims are not expected to do so but the believers who know not about it – I assume rarely people even read it and forget about acting accordingly.
I think this is the main reason why Muslim nations are punished in variety of ways.
My recommendation for Muslims irrespective of being politician or non-politician is to be true Muslim individually and act according to Quran and Hadith in every aspects of life to ultimately form a true Muslim society. a Muslim society means self disciplinary society that each and every individual understands her/his duty and act responsibly just like a responsible and devoted police.
One can imagine a society with each individual being a police for controlling self and also advising others around her/him.
Unless Muslims read and act according to Allah’s command we are suppose to suffer such pain and failure again and again.
December 31st, 2007 at 1:42 am
The problem is corruption. Trapped in this overture are we. The heart is not set to do right. Concessions upon concessions. What is left is no longer right.
No loyalty. No etaat. Except for nafs and syaitaan. Dunya has clouded our senses. The eyes have become blinded.
Age old wisdom to age old problems. yet, advices are plastered to the walls, and not rivetted to the heart.
We pay lip service to them, but they are rarely translated into action.
Not trying to oversimplify the momentous, or to obfuscate the obvious, but 50 years ago, none of us were here.
50 years from now, where will we be? Yet, Pakistan will stay.
What legacy shall we leave our children? Only rivers of blood and dry tears.
We have no shame. None before God. None before human kind.
The kuffars laughed at us. And we continue to reap the hatred that has been sown.
Benazir has gone to Allah. She has been killed by a person who fears death not, but yet fears to go on living.
Why is that?
May Allah accept Benazir and care for her. May Allah have mercy on her soul. May Allah grant us with
leaders who emulate Umar Abdel Aziz. May Allah forgive us all. Our a’maal has has only invited the curse of Allah.
December 31st, 2007 at 3:24 am
The assasination of Benazir Buttho has to be condemned. Condolences to her family and allies. Condolences to the family of many others who died in the political struggle of Pakistan. Allah promised a reward to every soul accordingly. Her death however should not deter well-meaning Pakistanis at home or abroad from seeking better polical system in the country. This applies to all developing countries. You do not have to be physically present in Pakistan to contribute directly and indirectly to the much needed change. Well-informed Pakistanis at home and those living abroad can keep sensitising and educating the uninformed family members at home and abroad about realities of situation in order to create the mindset that can bring about the positive change in the long run. Knowledge removes ignorance. Knowledge of needed attitudinal change for individuals, knowledge of facts not fallacy or hearsay or hatred. If on the other hand you do not have knowledge of how political system is being run or have no clue about what is needed and how to create the mindset in others, I advise that you dont poison others minds. Until the majority of the downtrodded are empowered with reasoning (what is right and what is wrong, what is their rights and how they can go about asking for their rights). When people gain reasoning power, they will begin to understand their duty towards fellow citizen and then towards the state. And they will know how to reject or choose leaders or create a state that will perform its duty toward the citizenry. If such a state is irresponsible, enlightened citizens in the majority or their representative can take a stand without resulting to war. This is a proven way to reaching a mature political system or state. No doubt developing countries still have a long way to go. But we can get there by first removing ignorance in who we know or relate with. Again the informed Pakistanis has a duty to keep sensitising and educating each other. That is the beginning of the solution in developing countries generally.
December 31st, 2007 at 4:45 am
At the outset I condenm in all terms the assassination of mrs.Benazir Bhutto. I also regret the unislamic brutal way of political gains.
I feel all these happenings are due to the illiteracy prevailing in these countries.As an educationist in india my observation and experience in educating orphans both boys and girls is that by educating them, not only they come up economically, their etiquette and involvement in fundamentalism has vanished.
World’s islamic population should find out the root causes like these and root out them. This requires combined effort and sacrifice by individuals.
December 31st, 2007 at 10:32 am
When I see Benazir as a mother, then I grieve for her children who have lost her. However, when she was in power in Pakistan, she raped the country. The irony of her ‘food, clothing and homes’ slogan was that in fact she and her husband filled their own coffers with the very same. Although she did not deserve to die in such a violent way, indeed she will be judged by Allah. I have read in many places that the punishments and rewards for leaders are magnified because they have immense responsibilitites and power on earth. The politics in Pakistan, I fear, will never change – perhaps its a case of picking the best of the worst for the next leader??? It is a tragedy that a muslim country is so corrupt and indeed, it is as the Quran states in many places – ‘that seals will be placed on their hearts’.
December 31st, 2007 at 4:14 pm
I condemn in all terms the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
I am also sad that it has become common now days to just blow people in the name of ideologies and fools are those people who blows themselves considering themselves as martyrs.
I feel sad because a religion like Islam which brought social changes since those times is now looked down by people as a religion spread with terror.
The only choice is empowerment through knowledge from the grass root level where one is able to understand the real message of Islam so that gullible people doesn’t fall prey to perverted ideologies of extremist mullas.
Recently I visited a famous Arabic college in Bangalore,India and I felt that i was traveling back in times as the atmosphere there was totally introvert as they have shut themselves from the present.
No body understood a word in English as if they have vowed not to learn the language other than Arabic and Urdu and were least bothered about the happenings outside.
On inquiry i found out that majority of the students are from poor family who cannot afford quality education and hence joined the study course there.
Imagine if those students were empowered with traditional religious knowledge and the knowledge that could have helped them to seek their livelihood in this modern world how wonderful it could have been.!
Politicians are good at politics and they miserably fail at solving the problem of the people and now in Pakistan we can see how a sympathy wave can help the PPP party back in to power to unseat the present dictator who is making hay when the sun shine fooling the Americans and the extremist mullas.
Let good sense prevail…..
Mohamed Rafi
rafipv@gmail.com
December 31st, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Benazir was the great leader but remember that she had been exiled in past. Why?
December 31st, 2007 at 6:03 pm
It is indeed a tragedy as far as one talk about the death of MRS BENAZIR BHUTTO . But I am looking for only one reply where is THE democracy within these champions of the democracy parties. They run their party as a monarchy and want to come and stay in the country only when they are in power , otherwise they will prefer the self exile and will keep enjoying the loot abroad only waiting for other election as the most of the nation is ill educated and will forget ALL very fast. Hence we should pray to ALLAH for the literacy of the nation first as this is THE only solution and reminded in our religeon also to take education and spread education…………………………
January 1st, 2008 at 3:31 am
The west likes to cast negative aspersions on Islam, without realising it so did the muslims. To me a murder is a murder whether its Benazir or JFK. People kill for many reasons. Can we assume that since it happens in a muslim country, the names of the victims and the murderer is a muslim name, that any of them actually are true muslims? If they are not then please don’t drag the true muslims into it, being made to defend our religion all the time is tiring. The west does not need to convert to islam, they will never accept it anyway, why should we made islam ‘liberal’ so that they can ‘accept’ it? The true muslims wants to practice the religion without harassment. True muslims are not hard-up for the wealth and power and definitely will not kill for it.
I asked myself – how come the leaders of muslim countries do not attend solat jamaah at the mosque 5 times a day? If only the post of leader has no perks, the leader is god-fearing, then there will not be a clamour for it. The paradox is that the people who are not in politics may be the best candidate for the leadership. Democracy itself breeds corruption because popularity can be ‘bought’ with money, call it what you may -campaigns, appearances or favours.
January 1st, 2008 at 7:17 pm
First of all, Allah warns the Muslims not to judge by other than what He has revealed lest some fitna befalls them. Now, we have here ‘Muslims’ promoting Democracy, while leaving the Deen by the way side except for when it’s convenient. These issues that we see are the fruit of their labor. No, I am not saying that it’s justified what happpened to this Sister or anyone else who is was and/or will be a victim of this fruit. But I am saying that when someone continues to do the same thing while expecting different results it’s called insane. Return to Allah and His Messenger and stop the madness.
January 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
Assalammu’alaikum ww. Brothers and sisters in Islam we grieve together for the lost of lives. I have read some of your comments and agree to all. I maybe wrong but I believe that the main reason for all that has happened is that we have not been depending on Allah for our needs. We have been seeking help from other than Allah. If only we could restore our faith in Allah than we would not have to depend on people. Let Allah be our guide. Know for a fact that nothing happens without Allah’s will. Always believe in the good of everyone. Cast away your doubts because you can never read into anyone’s heart. (Read surah An Nas). Value life as our prophet has taught us. You cannot achieve matyrdom by committing suicide. Suicide is for cowards who has lost faith in Allah and His will. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah. Wassalamu’alikum ww.
January 2nd, 2008 at 1:08 am
How to fix what is broken is not in the sights of any of us. Let me share a story with you. A true story. I know because it is my story. My husband and I experience life from different perspectives. As do we all at times. When I see a disconnect between us, I instinctly engage my intellect and try to figure it out..how do I fix it? WRONG! This behavior NEVER bares fruit..Instead what I have trained myself to do is go to God with the problem and tell God to Help bring peace between us. I might be descript or not depending on the problem. Then I renew my faith in God’s WISDOM and LET GO. I stop my brain from trying to figure it out and move forward. It works. Experience is my witness. So if I take this to a more global platform and look at a nation’s problem/s I think it is best to collectively go to God and hand the nation’s state of affairs over to God and renew our faith in God’s WISDOM and LET GO. Adversity can not survive if people are united. And even if one disagrees with one another, if people unite and ASK GOD FOR THE HIM TO WORK IT OUT– the wheels will start turning and things will fall into place. Live our daily lives without worrying about what and how our neighbor is living life, but instead clean up the behavior in our own home.
January 2nd, 2008 at 2:32 am
I agree with what Mr. Wan Muhd. Yusoff said and to quote”TRUE MUSLIMS are NOT hard-up for the wealth and power and definietely will not kill for it” and “People who are not in politics maybe the best candidate for the leadership”. especially those people who never abandon SALAH for whatever reason maybe because they are those who truly fear ALLAH and the day of judgement.
Death comes anytime, anyday, anywhere. All of us will experience death and Benazir Bhutto is not an exception. Her faith was already written before she was born, that she will die in that manner. Her choice of getting out of the car was her own choice because Allah gives us free will to choose between good and bad, right and wrong. Had she choose not get out of the car, she might have been alive. But her choice was already known to Allah coz Allah is All-Knowing. We should always remember that as muslims, we are responsible for whatever actions we choose to do. And we have to pay for that actions in the hereafter.
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I do regret the loss of the late Benizer Bhutto former prime Minister of Pakistan.
I do find it worrying when I hear someone professes to be a muslim and at the sametime publicly or secretly desires to promote an ism contrary to the shariah. It is like me saying I am a capitalist and then at the sametime I say Socialism is the best revenge.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Benazir Bhutto was a seasoned, mature and well groomed leader of the Muslim world. One may differ with her politics but no one can differ with her sincerity with Pakistan. Leaders take decades to become mature enough to lead their nations. Unfortunately, we the Pakistanis as a nation are still not mature enough to assess our leaders and differ with them in a mature manner. The other problem which is being faced by us as a nation is that each one of us claims to be the only patriot and thinks that rest of the 149999999 Pakistanis are traitors and deserve nothing but execution. The third main problem with us is that we discuss, judge, and decide on religious matters without having gone through the basic Islamic literature. In this process, our main source of knowledge is the half cooked, frustrated and myopic Mullahs. I am not talking about well groomed, seasoned and well learned Islamic scholars. The greatest challenge of the time we are facing is the religious intolerance. We claim to be the followers of ”Nabi-e-Rehmat”, whereas we react according to the UnIslamic forces.
Let us say some thing about the brutal murder of Benazir Bhutto. Conspiracy theories are the product of ante Pakistan forces. These are just rumors unless proven otherwise. In this connection let us refer to Quran. It says,” When ever some mischief monger brings a news to you, first verify it lest you may harm some one not deserving”. Unfortunately our own institutions could not gain our confidence in the past. We have called in the foreign investigators. In this regard, we must keep one thing in mind that besides their all sincerity to their profession, they are ever sincere to their national interest. We should also keep in mind that what their national interest will guide them in this regard. Will their national interest coincide with ours? Let us hope that we will not once again be harmed by our fake well wishers. With best wishes. Moaj
January 7th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
The muslim world should put more resources in education,both science and humanity,a good understanding of the holy Quaran and teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad(AS).In all field of human knowledge the muslims should excel,since we have the advantage of having the holy Quaran that include all knowledge.This knowledge should be used to advance the coarse of humanity in general.
January 7th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
asalam aleykum, benazzir bhutto death was not justified but then if only the muslim leaders used the Qur’an as their guide then maybe life would be different in most muslim countries. Where are we heading? I live in a christian state and i always thought muslim states were more comforatble but with what i see on news channels daily has made me wonder and thank God for being in my current country. Let all the Muslims put Allah first in whatever they do and Insha’Allah all is going to be well. For bennazir “ina lillahi waina ileyhi rajiuun.”
January 10th, 2008 at 12:07 am
I’m taken aback by some assertions in the article ‘ Jesus and Muhammed, religions, similarities and differences’. I consider some comments about Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) as blasphemy. I believe the piece could not have been written by a muslim who practises his religion well. Lot of quranic verses were quoted out of content to justify their assertions. Ma salam.
January 10th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Assalam alaekun to all. I will just like to remind everyone that Allah is the Best Judge.None can judge except Him. However, we have been given the Criterion (AL-QURAN) with which to live as Muslims with ourselves and with even those who are non-muslims.This definitely ensures a balanced and just co-existence if adequately followed. So as Muslims we should always remember that we have a duty to each and everyone around us,irrespective of what level or standard of living we have. Remember,no good deed(with good intention) is lost or neglected in the sight of Allah.
In essence,if evil is happening round us,we have to reject it,either with our hand, tongue,or heart. I implore everyone to do a good to a Muslim or non-Muslim today and see the effect and how far it goes.IS THERE ANY REWARD FOR GOOD OTHER THAN GOOD?!and REJECT EVIL WITH GOOD!
N.B. MAKE A RESOLUTION LIKE: “FOR EVERY EVIL I DO OR HEAR ABOUT I WILL DO A GOOD DEED”