I am sorry for posting this one, as the contents of this video are extremely disturbing ... PLEASE DON'T WATCH WITH CHILDRENS ...
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Killing them (Women) not so softly ... ?
The recent flogging of women in swat is indeed condemnable; a blatant violation of human rights indeed, gender rights to be very specific. The news with a 2 min video clip showing the barbaric act is available on almost every news website . The whole world is condemning however the the accused justifies the act as follows:
"She came out of her house with another guy who was not her husband, so we must punish her. There are boundaries you cannot cross," he said. He defended the Taliban's right to thrash women shoppers who were inappropriately dressed, saying it was permitted under Islamic law. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/02/taliban-pakistan-justice-women-flogging
The so called talibans of tribal areas have seemingly committed an act which is being declared as an exuberant violation of human (female) rights. Despite its intensity I would say that this crime seems to be of a lesser magnitude as compare to those horrendous acts of indiscrimination and violence against females being conducted all over the globe, that include rape, objectification and not to forget the horrors of so called profession of prostitution.
I don't intend to undermine the intensity of this incident, though ironic it may seems, our focus only goes to issues which are most obvious; presented and interpreted for us for our consideration. However, if we pay some heed and attention to social ills which are causing human rights violation of far greater magnitude, we would notice that many such elements prevails within our society, and also among the most developed nations.
There are social elements objectifing women folk to a level of degradaton unthinkable by a civilized men (if there any left), they are treated as products, disposable ones, to be precise, while they are raped, sold in sex markets and forced to live as sex slaves; animals enjoy better rights instead.
Human nature, it is, which acclimatize our senses, neutralizes our responses to the problems which seems to prevail, right in our backyard, though becomes out of sight, thus out of mind, despite how horrendous they may seems, we become and remain oblivious, only because the masses has chosed to remain silent; silence is yet another form of acceptance indeed.
To break the silence, we would like to present some challenging questions to our readers, complied in a report format by Farhan Noor, Editor Critic Magazine. These questions will not only make you think, but will also enlighten you about the hidden side of western agendas (UN - CEDAW) designed in the name of liberation of women or protection of their modern rights, which are indeed facilitating some gruesome crimes against the women folk.
Please visit the following link for view report
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Idiot's guide to change Pakistan for better
Change starts from within, let us be very clear on this, we as individuals cannot replace the head of the state or end institutional corruption; as mere individuals we shouldn't look at the very macro, we must look at things within our reach, or outside our comfort zone, but reachable with a extra stretch. Thinking globally / at macro level, for an individual, can only cause frustration. Lets think local, lets realize that any global macro change is a result of smaller changes, changes at individual levels, changes that individuals bring around themselves, within their families, neighborhood, communities and so on. Lets focus on ourselves, first and see if we have all the traits we wish every other person must have, can we be role models of people around us? consider the following, and please let me know how much we realize the following to be true, the list is not exhaustive, please add to it:
- Money can't buy happiness, so as all other things which money can buy. The quality of relationship with people you may know or you may not know determines how happy you are. And most importantly Quality of your relationship with your Creator.
- Honesty has always been the best policy though only for those who know how to identify the cheaters. Be Honest, to yourself and others, but keep your eyes open.
- There is no other way to foster trust other than keeping promises, no matter how small they may seem. Trustworthiness is an another facet, so keep it as well, it could be a little secret, some money, or a huge property which has been given to you for protection
- Biting backs can only make the biter arrogant, at least, and lose all the trust of the bitten, while facing accountability in Akhirah.
- Forgiveness only helps the forgiver, its sets him free.
- The instinct of following the crowd is not so human, watch National Geographic, human tends to do otherwise only if using their brains. Think before following the crowed, they might be heading toward a ditch...
- Miracle surrounds us only if we can see. Thank Allah before asking anything from Him
- Miracle surrounds us only if we can see. Thank Allah before asking anything from Him
- Don't break the red light, its a violation of basic rights. start your journey a little early. And before slowing down or parking your car, please remember that you are not the only person on the road...
- Respect is a need, its a psychological air needed to breath socially. You need it so as others, i.e. elders, youngsters, and all others
- We are not mortals, every living being has a fate. Keep remembering your death, it could be very near !
- Economic disparity increases crime rate thus makes you more insecure, thus pay alms to the poor, irrespective u are not dead sure the poor guy is deserving or not as its impossible to be dead sure, listen to your intuition rather, you may also own things that you might also not deserve !, helping people raising to their feet is better than mere giving them money.
- Respect is a need, its a psychological air needed to breath socially. You need it so as others, i.e. elders, youngsters, and all others
- We are not mortals, every living being has a fate. Keep remembering your death, it could be very near !
- Economic disparity increases crime rate thus makes you more insecure, thus pay alms to the poor, irrespective u are not dead sure the poor guy is deserving or not as its impossible to be dead sure, listen to your intuition rather, you may also own things that you might also not deserve !, helping people raising to their feet is better than mere giving them money.
- Feeling lonely, Care for your neighbors, even at your workplace.
- Most wastages are irrecoverable. We could be many fold wealthier, economically and spiritually if we would have been saving since the very beginning. Don't waste, but save or properly utilize, time, money, energy, water, human resource, any thing.
- Healing process can speed up through paying visits and showing care to those suffering from any illness, if we all do, we can save on the medical bills, thus adding to the saving of the entire nation. Its a sunnah as well!
- Learning keeps you alive, mentally. Learn and teach good things to others, even seek knowledge from children.
- Be Patience and proactive, think before you act, and act before its too late.
- Social actions are contagious, they spread like virus if they can only inspire the people around you, so don't be shy when you think its time to break the norm and do whats right. Like hitting breaks at the read light, or giving space to an ambulance
I can right a few more, but i am sure that others can add much value to it then I can, so I am leaving it here. In the end Mother Teresa deserves a mention:
- Most wastages are irrecoverable. We could be many fold wealthier, economically and spiritually if we would have been saving since the very beginning. Don't waste, but save or properly utilize, time, money, energy, water, human resource, any thing.
- Healing process can speed up through paying visits and showing care to those suffering from any illness, if we all do, we can save on the medical bills, thus adding to the saving of the entire nation. Its a sunnah as well!
- Learning keeps you alive, mentally. Learn and teach good things to others, even seek knowledge from children.
- Be Patience and proactive, think before you act, and act before its too late.
- Social actions are contagious, they spread like virus if they can only inspire the people around you, so don't be shy when you think its time to break the norm and do whats right. Like hitting breaks at the read light, or giving space to an ambulance
I can right a few more, but i am sure that others can add much value to it then I can, so I am leaving it here. In the end Mother Teresa deserves a mention:
“People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway.”
Monday, March 30, 2009
23rd March Parade, went Missing, so what !
The Parade on 23rd march was cancelled by the prime minister out of austerity. The cancellation was announced a couple of week back. Then 23rd march came and went without the grand event which was considered the hallmark of this day. It was astonishing to see the legacy getting broken and the reason that was cited, but most startling was the inaction, it didn't bothered anybody, never sparked any uproar, never ignited any heated debate, there wasn't any criticism, it almost went unnoticed.
The parade of 23rd march use to be morale booster, a blatant exhibit of Pakistan’s military strength, cultural diversity, and national integrity; for the masses it was an annual dose of self esteem and a sense of identity. This dose went missing this time, and didn’t bother anybody. It is unlikely that masses are stuffed or overdosed with self respect, confidence and esteem, rather the contrary seems more true, they are starved, their energies evaporated by continuous bombardment of negativity (there is hardly a good news in media), they are exhausted, disappointed, frustrated, contempt on present state of affair, politics, judiciary (though just been revitalized ... ?), role of military in northern areas, extremism, and most importantly the threat of unemployment for employed, torture of unemployment for unemployed, and all of this multiplied by crippling inflation.
From another perspective the earth shattering long march for the restoration of judiciary, seem to contradict my views expressed above. I think otherwise. This long march was probably the last outburst of the residue of energy. So narrow in focus, so fantasized with the slogans of justice, so desperate in approach, so much like the last outcry of a man before drowning. And so much in contradiction to the perception of the common man who has been bitten viciously by the corruption of judiciary in Pakistan. In a survey of 4000 respondents conducted in 2006 by www.trasparency.org judiciary was ranked 3rd most corrupt institution, more than 70% declared judiciary as corrupt. According to some senior judges, the number of pending cases are more than 1.5 million, according to others it could be double.
What a treat would it be for the vultures eyeing on the natural resources of Pakistan, The nuclear assets, the gold and copper mines, the oil and gas fields, the coal reserves, the diamonds underneath, various other minerals and finally to my horror, the starving women willing to sell their bodies to keep themselves and their children alive ... (checkout how Thailand's prostitution industry developed). But vultures approaches when they are sure the prey is dead! Not when there is still a spark of life remaining. The vultures are flying over, waiting, hence a spark of life (hope) remains.
Human civilization die off only when wrath of the Creator is unleashed after their condition become hopeless; if bestowed with mercy by the Creator, they bounce back. Looking at the present state, it seems like we are standing at crossroads, the grand finale is nearing, either we are at the verge of bouncing back, or at the threshold of a major catastrophe.
The silence over 23rd missing hallmark is deafening, but I hope I am wrong on my hopelessness. The man might be drowning, but there could still be some breaths left, there could be a way out, judicial reform might not bring justice to a common man still (for example), if so there could be another uproar or standing against the judiciary (or any other excruciating issue), if so then the propensity of bouncing back will increase, if not, vultures will close on and do what they do best
by Omar Javaid
Sr. Editor, Critic Magazine
Friday, March 27, 2009
KILLING THEM (WOMEN) SOFTLY
ABOUT THE FILM
Source: http://www.newsreel.org/nav/title.asp?tc=cn0051
Killing Us Softly III offers a new generation of students and ordinary television viewers a chance to share Jean Kilbourne?s uniquely empowering critique of advertising?s image of women. One of America?s most persuasive media critics, her previous best-selling videos Killing Us Softly (1979) and Still Killing Us Softly (1987) have changed the lives of millions of women by helping them recognize the devastating impact of advertising on their self-image. Now, at the start of a new millennium, Killing Us Softly III summarizes twenty years of research and lecturing to alert women and men to the insidious new techniques advertisers use to get us, quite literally, to buy into gender stereotypes.
Not surprisingly, Jean Kilbourne finds in ad after ad that the basic message hasn?t changed: the most important thing for any woman is her appearance. Advertisers still relentlessly intimidate, shame, and even flatter women into spending billions of dollars trying to change the way they look. One difference is they now set the standard of beauty so high that today?s woman must aim to be nothing short of perfect, ?flawless?. She is likely only to see models with a body type only 5% of women share, who have often been reshaped by death-defying diets and plastic surgery, to say nothing of computer enhancement and even biomorphing.
Killing Us Softly III also shows how much advertising for women has become blatantly sexualized, simultaneous magnifying and trivializing the role of sex in women?s lives. The message of the ?sexual revolution?, Kilbourne ironically observes, seems to have been that women have the right to be sex objects. Kilbourne believes that ?advertisers are the real pornographers of our time.? Deliberately shocking ads reveal disturbing trends including the portrayal of children in sexually suggestive situations, the equation of sexuality with violence, and even the suggestions that women secretly want to be battered. Kilbourne acknowledges that men now are also routinely treated as sex objects in advertising but notes that men are unlikely to be judged professionally by their appearance, let alone harassed and beaten.
Frequently humorous, never sanctimonious, Killing Us Softly III will convince anyone that the portrayal of gender in the media is serious business. As Jean Kilbourne says: ?Ads keep us trapped in rigid roles and crippling definitions?. We must change not just ads but the attitudes in our culture, which underlie them. What?s at stake is our ability to have authentic, freely chosen lives.?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Some Interesting Facts on Pakistan Judicial System
"According to a 2002 survey, 96 percent of respondents who had contact with the lower courts had encountered corrupt practices, mainly by court officials.
In Punjab, more than 770,000 civil and criminal cases are pending (2007).
English is the official language of the justice system even though 98 percent of the population do not understand it. The poor in villages turn instead to the local panchayat, an informal system of dispute resolution.
English is the official language of the justice system even though 98 percent of the population do not understand it. The poor in villages turn instead to the local panchayat, an informal system of dispute resolution.
While the Supreme Judicial Council, the judiciary’s highest disciplinary body, is willing to accept ‘information’ about the corruption of judges from the police and media, it reserves the right to take ‘direct action’ against the originator of any complaint that it finds ‘false, frivolous, concocted or untrue’. This paves the way for corrupt judges to escape scrutiny and disciplinary action.
The judicial reform programme fails to address the opaque appointment and promotion system for judges. The government’s unwillingness to provide increased resources to improve salaries and infrastructure also reduces the impact of reforms. " www.transparency.org
"Ratio of cases pending in NWFP courts since November 3, 2007 has doubled due to the lawyers’ movement for restoration of the pre-November 3 judiciary.The total number of cases pending at the Supreme Court Peshawar and Federal Shariat Court Peshawar benches, Peshawar High Court (PHC), and subordinate courts has risen to 42,667 since November 3, 2007." www.dailytimes.com.pk (Friday, March 28, 2008)
"The fate of over 66,000 criminal cases pending in different courts across the province [sindh]" Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, Supreme Court of Pakistan (retired) & Professor Akmal Wasim, Hamdard University, Pakistan
"The Court exercises original jurisdiction in the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and appellate jurisdiction in judgments/orders of the subordinate courts in civil and criminal matters. A large number of cases are pending in various High Courts. In the Lahore High Court, a total of 75,195 cases, in the High Court of Sindh, 27,291 cases, in Peshawar High Court, 13,610 cases and in the High Court of Balochistan, 2445 cases were pending on 1st January 2007.
There is a backlog of civil and criminal cases at the level of subordinate judiciary in all provinces. On 1st January 2007, in the Province of the Punjab, the number of cases pending was 110,546. In the Province of Sindh, the number of pending cases was 123,663, in NWFP, the figure was 37,000 whereas in Balochistan, it was 8377. The Province of Sindh perhaps presents the worst scenario, but the other provinces particularly Punjab and NWFP also have huge arrears." Dr Faqir Hussain, Registrar, Supreme Court of Pakistan
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
THE 59th CANDLE ON PAKISTAN’S BIRTHDAY CAKE
(This editorial for the first issues of critic magazine is as valid as today ... )
By Farhan Noor, Editor, Critic Magazine
I am not an intellectual; this is a product of common sense, not intuition, not pessimism—nay, in fact, a judgment grounded on facts, empirically verifiable, and contextualized, however demoralizing and frightening, or insensitive. No—I will not sweeten the bitter Truth or self-delude lest I send the very thoughts into captivity and deprive this paper the words, however unspeakable, a chance to embody. It feels like writing an obituary. If words could weep, it would, but this is the Truth—
—perhaps I am being dramatic, or sensational, or a tinge prejudiced, or maybe controversial, for each has its own charm, but what I see, as a Muslim, as a Pakistani, and as a student, is not promising. Socially, we have become a nation: unfit, culturally adulterated, economically poor, ecologically polluted, politically unstable, and spiritually hypocritical; the latter shrouding the former. Individually speaking, as human beings, we are a disgraced lot, labeled, laughed at, and ridiculed, all around the world, even in the Heavens.
Who are we? What is ours? Politically: we are run by Uncle Sam, socio-culturally: by Hindi Entertainment, and economically: by Jewish Banks—all tagged ‘Made in
Either this is a comedy of errors or a tragedy of terror—I cannot yet fully say for I am not yet fully qualified. Remember I am just a student. My knowledge is limited. I believe in what I am told. I do as what they say. And they are telling me right now to shut up. If words could indeed weep, it would, but this is the Truth—
What has become of us? We adulterate essence and nomenclature of all Truth with Falsehood and all Virtue with Vice; blasphemy is euphemized into freedom of speech, nudity into freedom of expression, adultery into freedom to love, and abortion into freedom of choice. We indoctrinate young defenseless minds and institutionalize corruption through feudalistic politics, capitalistic economics, and materialistic culture. Under the umbrella of Islam we have done what no pagan could ever do—believe in God and worship ourselves!
If
I, as a Muslim, as a Pakistani, and as a student, in all these twenty-three years of my life, has come to discover this: these self-proclaimed flag-bearers of Islam and those highly-educated ism-loving fanatics have caused the most mischief; the former through ignorance and the latter through knowledge. This tussle between Mullah-style Islam and the Liberal-kind establishment is squeezing the life out of
This is where the Mullahs have miserably failed and only the intellectuals can truly succeed—to justify the Book of Islam! Whereas other Books demand faith, Quran facilitates; it proves not asserts; and challenges not shy away. Allah says in 4:82 “Will they not ponder on the Quran?” —ponder upon what? No, not really on raising the pillars (already raised) but in establishing the roof—the roof of socio-cultural, political, and economic systems of Islam under which Justice then can truly be served. This Quran and your cerebral prowess is the solution to the problems of mankind and the only cure for
Brother, if words could only weep, it would, but I swear I tell you the truth—
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Divine Secrets of Organizational Success
By Omar Javaid, Sr. Editor, Critic Magazine
Study of history of thriving civilizations, cultures or social movements lead us to some exciting conclusions about their secrets of prosperity. These secrets when exposed, adds to our astonishment and delight as they are common among history of various civilizations and to some extent we are already aware of them but probably in a different context. Whether we compare civilizations or organizations existing parallel in time or at different eras in history, the same commonality seems to prevail. Let it be Roman Empire, or Islamic civilization thriving for hundreds of years or let it be some modern business organizations such as Semco SA or Toyota etc.
In this article we will focus on these underlying factors, how they have been followed by different social civilizations and various organizations (i.e. a social system which also operates on similar patterns as that of social civilizations). We will see the significance of these principles in the light of modern day social and business philosophers, and how the most authentic Divine Scripture describes them and in what context.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Zakat: A Strategic tool for Economic Deterance
We are living in a world controlled by an economic system that is anything but Islamic. It’s based on Interest / debt based banking systems designed to enslave and dominate the masses and countries so that their natural capacities and wealth can be exploited for the benefit of the few on the top . Being a Muslim it’s our ultimate responsibility to launch a response that can transform this system toward the Islamic Ideals.
The most pivotal building block and strongest tool of exploitation of the interest / debt based economic system is paper currency backed by nothing. Paper currency (and now digital) is the center of gravity of the prevailing economic system and Alhamdolillah, SubhanAllah Islam has provided us a very strong weapon called Zakat that we can use to hit its lifeline if we use it properly i.e. “Pay Zakat in Gold”.
To understand this we have to get hold of the economics of paper currency first. Paper currency is not backed by Gold or silver these days. Its value is determined through floating exchange rates resulting in deadly repercussions in following ways: Click Below
The Trust Bubble … Explodes …
By Omar Javaid, Sr. Editor, Critic MAGAZINE
Trust is the name of the game, mistrust is the code followed. Today digital currency is the fuel of financial system, and it extracts value from the paper currency (backed by nothing) in circulation. But on the contrary it deems to have the power to purchase anything based on its value derived from the trust in the economy of the nation it belongs to (demand of currency in international market: more economic strength, more demand, and more value). The Economic Strength of the nation? Is only a matter of perception, as proved many time in the history. In present times the economic strength stands over a bubble of debt in the economy. The bubble expands with the ever growing debt, with a fraction of real wealth to back. The ultimate result.... the Bubbles are there to burst, leading to benefit of the few, and disaster for millions. Case in point: sub-prime mortgage crises in America.
Since the time Lehman brothers declared bankruptcy, a plethora of articles with analysis of the entire fiasco, its causes and impacts has been published but probably none (at least I cannot find one) has really disclosed or talked about the real root cause of the entire disaster. When I look at the entire scene, the question that pops in my mind is how a debt of $11 trillion in 'mortgages', alone, is loaned out when there is only $1.3 Trillion of printed notes available? In addition to this Credit card debts, other types of public and private loans mounting to a total of around $50 Trillion, only in American economy? (Total U.S. mortgage debt outstanding was $10.7 trillion at the end of the third quarter 2006. Source: http://www.freeratesearch.com/en/newsroom/mortgage_statistics/)
Out of Thin Air:
A common man, uninformed of this jugglery, would eventually ask that how on earth can this ever be possible. The answer is simple but seems like a joke, a nasty one indeed. The Banks creates money out of thin air when they have to loan out to someone? Magic? No! The process they use is called fractional reserve banking and the effect is called Money Multiplier in economics.
"The study of money, above all other fields in economics, is one in which complexity is used to disguise truth or to evade truth, not to reveal it (p15). The process by which banks create money is so simple that the mind is repelled."
John Kenneth Galbraith, Money: Whence it came, where it went - 1975, p29.
This is the most core of the banking business and all the central bank policies are directly or indirectly related with it. Paper Currency is printed in the quantity, desired by Central Bank, is multiplied as it passes through Fractional Reserve Systems of Conventional banks. The CB imposes a Cash Reserve Requirement i.e. CRR is 7 ~ 10% on commercial banks (even Islamic banks) which determines the amount to be loaned out. A CRR of 20% means that a bank can lend 80 rupees if it has a deposit of Rs. 100. The bank in fact transfer this amount to the borrowers bank account, i.e. the same bank (or any other bank) receives it, again make it a part of the deposits (of the banking system) ready to be loaned again. The cycle continues and the money printed or minted by central bank is multiplied many times in the form of loans and the commercial bank expects it back with interest.
No surprise the amount of debt (increasing every year) is more or less the same as the amount of time and demand deposit (demand deposits are saving and current accounts, and time deposits are long term deposits which are not withdrawn at least for one year) during the same period. Thus money is created continuously as debt in the economy. Today in US economy, only 3% is real money and the remaining is just ... Numbers!!! Same is the case with UK. In Pakistan the cash in circulation is Rs. 982 Billion, which is around 21% of the total Money supply (Rs. 4,672 Billion) and 21.6% of total domestic credit (Rs. 4,531 Billion). These statistics has been taken from http://www.sbp.org.pk/reports/stat_reviews/Bulletin/2008/Sep_08/Money_and_Credit.pdf.
Murray N. Rothbard states in his article “The Case for a 100 Percent Gold Dollar” (http://mises.org/story/1829#_ftn19)
In my view, issuing promises to pay on demand in excess of the amount of goods on hand is simply fraud, and should be so considered by the legal system. For this means that a bank issues “fake” warehouse receipts—warehouse receipts, for example, for ounces of gold that do not actually exist in the vaults. This is legalized counterfeiting; this is the creation of money without the necessity for production, to compete for resources against those who have produced. In short, I believe that fractional-reserve banking is disastrous both for the morality and for the fundamental bases and institutions of the market economy.
To read more, please click below ...
Process Oriented Approach: A Competitive Advantage in the light of Quranic Philosophy
By Omar Javaid, Sr. Editor, Critic Magazine
Study of Quran clearly indicates that Islam demands us to act, perform and do our best. Results are from Allah SWT, the emphasis is on our actions, this fact becomes very much evident when we see Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) being informed multiple times in The Holy Quran that his duty is to warn and inform the people only: Say: "Obey Allah, and obey the messenger”, but if ye turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and ye for that placed on you. If ye obey him, ye shall be on right guidance. The messenger's duty is only to preach the clear (Message) (Surah Al-Nour, verse 54). Furthermore it’s also evident that our actions will decide our eternal fate: “… in his favour shall be whatever good he does, and against him whatever evil he does …” Surah Al baqarah, verse 286.
These verses (and many others) lay down ample emphasis on Muslims to keep their focus on their actions, paradoxically guarantying success; and describing inaction to be the determinant of failure, worldly and eternal: “By (the Token of) Time (through the ages). Verily Man is in loss. Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy” (Surah Al Asa). Such a stress on action eventually develops a mindset which perceives results or success as natural outcome of actions i.e. you reap what you sow, actions bring results and right actions bring right results. It would be safe to assume that such a mindset ultimately cultivates qualities like persistence, determination, proactive attitude, thirst to improve, doing what’s right, i.e. shifting our orientation toward process or the work content.
In business context, process oriented approach is paradoxical as it delivers results without allowing the individual to worry about them. The goal remains their but only to show the direction, only to judge that the path being followed is correct. The culture developed around such a concept is secure, people are candid, happy, and they get the job done on time and the exhibits other good things. The reason being, people here have no fear of any loss, what so ever, as their gains cannot be stolen, or lost, or depreciates with time. In fact their most valued achievable (knowledge, creativity, satisfaction to conscience) grows further when shared with others. People in process oriented culture remain at peace and tranquility, and on the path of continuous growth. The results keeps on flowing in, always reinforcing the fabric of the culture. Goal achievement and growth is always a natural outcome of a process oriented culture.
Please note that the fundamental root cause of all inefficiencies, wastages, procrastinations, organizational resistance to change, politics, etc is Fear! This is an inherent part of goal oriented approach. Lack of knowledge, skill, and experience also cause mistakes but it’s only once. If mistakes are repeated then its fear, that is blocking the learning process. Fear of not reaching sales targets, fear of facing an embarrassing situation, fear of not reaching any personal goals (monetary or egoistic) etc. As natural instinct fear boost ego defensiveness, Fear creates a tunnel vision, it blocks thinking, it reduces empathy, it reduces synergy, and it increases selfishness. Fear can be a motivator, when the task involves only a single individual, but that’s seldom in an organization. Interaction and team work is the name of the game, and fear alone makes it difficult or even impossible for the team to get synergize.
Realistically organizations are a blend of people who are ‘goal oriented’ and those who are ‘process oriented’. Those organizations cultures where people are inclined more towards Goal Oriented approach has a propensity to die off in a shorter period of time as they are developed around tangible concepts like profit, brand image, market share, performance in stock market etc. since tangibles has perishable nature thus the organizations build around the same, behave like the same as well. Dramatically it can be said “since the ‘ends sought’ are perishable in nature, thus these ends itself takes the organization toward its ‘end’ ”.
On the contrary those organizations which inclined more towards process oriented approach has a history of lasting multiple generations, for the simple reason they don’t run after these tangibles rather treat them as a natural outcome of their actions, they in fact strive for things which are eternal in nature, thus bringing similar qualities within their culture as well. People comes, people go, the process oriented organizations remains intact for generation as shown by Jim Collins in his books ‘Good to Great’ and ‘Built to Last’.
In such companies, the culture is not developed around the personality of the entrepreneur (for his pocket or profit) rather upon certain ideals, and universally accepted principles and a vision greater than the organization itself. This happens when it’s about achieving something more important than the survival of the organization itself. Generically speaking the constituents of this vision should be the benefit and contribution to the humanity, the nation, or the community, the profit is indeed a byproduct and only treated as a need for survival, a means to achieve the vision.
Such visions are global; they cannot be achieved in totality, though paradoxically inspiring unbeatable and untiring action. They provide direction for the processes and an everlasting inspiration and energy for execution. The motivating energy felt by the individuals is the feature of their work, their activities (as Jim Collins proclaims in his book “Good to Great”), tasks or standard operating procedures designed around the organizational vision, naturally shifting their inclination toward process end of the spectrum.
Bringing oneself toward process orientation is more a matter of choice. Our inclinations are not hardwired rather they are a product of our choices based on our perception of externalities i.e. events which have been delightful, unusual or even painful in nature. The greatest misconception or misperception most people have that their fate is predetermined, i.e. they cannot choose to be in any different state of existence. If that would have been the case then why Allah SWT would have held us accountable for our actions? The concept of accountability in the hereafter is the greatest proof that our actions are our choice. And the result follows; right choice of action delivers favorable and flourishing results and wrong choice of actions: vice versa. That’s the law of nature as designed by the Great Architect of the universe. The results are always promised as proclaimed many times in the Holy Quran.
“Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) Hath Allah promised good: But those who strive and fight Hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward,” (Surah Nisa, verse 95)
In order to be process oriented we have to get our focus on the real satisfying and motivating factors which are learning, creativity and satisfaction of our conscience. In other words we must be very clear about the factual equation of causality between persistence and success. Furthermore we have to understand what is meant by success? Is it more wealth, more respect, a high profile job, sky rocketing standard of living? And if this is what we called success then would we be able really persist in our work if we focus on money and the so called respect and esteem or status attached to it?
The so called famous quote ‘money can’t buy happiness’ (Washington Post, Monday, July 3, 2006; Page A02; Science Confirms: You Really Can't Buy Happiness) disagree just this. And it’s obvious, and widely accepted concept, but seldom practically applied. Furthermore being a Muslim it’s also imperative for us to understand the true source of satisfaction i.e. mentioned in The Holy Quran in Surah Ra’d verse 28 and 29: "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. For without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction. For those who believe and work righteousness, is (every) blessedness, and a beautiful place of (final) return." And when we do, the following eventually implies as well: “And whoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him.” (Surah At-Talaq: verse 3), “And whoever fears Allah, for him Allah brings forth a way out, and gives him provision (rizq) from where he does not even imagine…” (Surah At-Talaq: verse 2~3).
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” - Calvin Coolidge
If that’s how our believes are aligned, then it’s obvious to conclude in the context of the discussion that the focus should eventually be diverted away from the tangible goals and toward the process, actions, deeds, tasks, efforts, struggle, performance and persistence of course when inspired with the ultimate Vision of life; as that’s where true happiness and satisfaction resides. And when we don’t persists, disaster strikes, as warned in Surah Al Asar: By (the Token of) Time (through the ages). Verily Man is in loss. Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. Further to keep us on track, we have been foretold that our acts, deeds, behavior, conduct and struggle will be questioned in the final examination, not the so called ingredient of success such as wealth, respect and esteem.
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Man's feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection before he replies to 5 questions, he will be asked about his life, how did he consume it, his knowledge, what did he do with it, his wealth, how did he earn it and how did he spend or dispose it , and about his body, how did he wear it out.' (At- Tirmidhi)
The choice is ultimately ours …
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