Ishani's Pen

Victor Hugo had said, “The supreme happiness of life consists in the conviction that one is loved!” His words are very true– as human beings, all we yearn for is love – from childhood, through adulthood, to old age, our hearts always seek the love of another fellow being. And how beautiful is the feeling of being loved – in the tender arms of mother to the soft kiss of a lover – everything just revolves around the expression of loving one another. As children, loving parents, relatives and siblings come naturally but as we grow up, we become more practical, independent and rational – we develop difference of opinions with our near ones and probably the only true love that remains is with our parents and later, partners/spouses/soulmates. But how does the heart decide whom to love and choose as a partner for a lifetime?             With the growing modernization, changing laws and mindsets, as well as societal acceptance, ...

For many of us the word “halaal” would only refer to the specific way or method of slaughtering sacrificial animals or animals/fowls for meat that is generally followed by the Muslims. However, the actual terminology “halaal” means “allowed” and is the opposite of “haraam” or “forbidden.” Though often referred to the way of meat slaughtering (even by Muslims themselves), the concept of ‘halaal’ goes far beyond – it actually refers to a way of leading one’s life in a proper and ethical manner. Even in the Jewish culture, there is existence of a concept similar to ‘halaal’and is called ‘Kosher’. The setting of ‘halaal’ is also very important in earning one’s livelihood; it just requires answering some simple questions to oneself - is the money earned by me today ethical? Have I duped or defrauded or hurt anyone while earning this money? Is this money earned by using measures like usury, gambling, theft or any such crimes? If one doesn’t have to lie to oneself while answer...