Home  »  Featured • Original Articles   »   On moon-sighting and national standardization

On moon-sighting and national standardization

posted by Shahram Ali | June 29, 2014 | In Featured, Original Articles

 

ramazan-moon

Standardization of all types, from language to education curricula (or moon sighting in Pakistan), is an existential concomitant of the modern bureaucratic state.

Standardized national languages have more to do with, in Gellner’s words, the ‘high culture’ of a strata within a society rather than any objective quality, and education curricula are treacherous extensions of state agenda of ‘nation building’ working through insidious propaganda.

Standardization is thus a process of alleviating the inherent ideational insecurity of almost all nation states (especially post-colonial ones), and manufacturing a homogeneous collective national psyche.

The issue of moon sighting before Ramzan (not Ramadan!) and Eid in Pakistan is essentially the same: national standardization and subaltern nonconformance!

Pakistan and its moon-sighting committee have existed for not more than six decades; the modern bureaucratic state hasn’t existed for more than three centuries, but moon-sighting has been a custom for 1400 years. It has been performed officially as well as unofficially, individually as well as collectively, and locally as well as ecumenically.

To expect Mufti Popalzai of Qasim Mosque to give up the centuries old ritual of moon sighting at the mosque is akin to asking an ethnic to give up its language or identity!

National standardization, or the state itself for that matter, does not and should not have anything to do with religion, culture or language. But it routinely adopts certain aspects or versions of it and promotes them at the cost of others.

If Mufti Popalzai and his followers, either cultural or religious, wish to start Ramzan or celebrate Eid as per their old customs, they should have the right to do so an it shouldn’t become a subject ridicule, or worse, treason. Something unfortunately the moronic children of the modern bureaucratic state would not understand.

However, moon sighting in Peshawar and the subsequent rituals of fasting and Eid are historically and culturally associated with the modern day Afghanistan, and not Saudi Arabia, and that is how it should be known, because in the latter case, even if it succeeds to remain independent of ‘national standardization’, it will fall prey to ‘Arabization’ and lose the spirit of indigenous culture. The result in either case remains the same.

It hurts one to at times see even the stalwarts of ANP proudly claim that they’d prefer to fast and celebrate Eid with Saudi Arabia, while in reality they actually want to hold on to their old customs. Obviously, they claim so in order to eschew the blame of promoting the idea of greater Pukhtunistan, but the common masses do not know it and take their words literally. I respect Bashir Bilour, but I would have expected him to proudly state that he wasn’t celebrating Eid with Saudi Arabia, and if moon was sighted even in Herat, Farah or Nimroz, it was good enough for him.

Indigenous cultures and traditions cannot and shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of nation-building, because if the process is successful, we lose troves of ancient wisdom and heritage, and if the process fails, it results in subaltern revolts against states.

Comments

comments

About The Author

Shahram

Latest Comments
  1. official coyotes #19 shane doan black third stitched nhl jersey sale

    Current market Gossip : babyliss Thought of as An Essential In these days
    official coyotes #19 shane doan black third stitched nhl jersey sale http://www.oisaa.com/nav/top-nfl-jerseys/official-coyotes-19-shane-doan-black-third-stitched-nhl-jersey-sale.asp

    -
  2. amazing cheap lv sunglasses 35 at our professional store

    babyliss Tv news Channels Receive The Tweets Without delay
    amazing cheap lv sunglasses 35 at our professional store http://www.austefjord.com/contact/nike-cowboy-jersey/amazing-cheap-lv-sunglasses-35-at-our-professional-store.asp

    -
  3. canada nike new orleans saints #10 brandin cooks drift fashion gold elite jerseys bargain bonanza

    Bring to an end Whining And Begin your own special babyliss Call campaign As a substitute .
    canada nike new orleans saints #10 brandin cooks drift fashion gold elite jerseys bargain bonanza http://www.jonson.as/oevrige/pittsburgh-jersey/canada-nike-new-orleans-saints-10-brandin-cooks-drift-fashion-gold-elite-jerseys-bargain-bonanza.asp

    -
  4. 100% genuine cheap cincinnati bengals authentic font pullover hoodie d.blue uk sale

    The things you ought to do to discover babyliss well before you are left behind.
    100% genuine cheap cincinnati bengals authentic font pullover hoodie d.blue uk sale http://www.engsmyr.com/photogallery/cincinnati-reds-youth-jersey/100-genuine-cheap-cincinnati-bengals-authentic-font-pullover-hoodie-d.blue-uk-sale.asp

    -
  5. black friday blackhawks #19 jonathan toews black ice stitched nhl jersey outlet york

    An ideal tool for the babyliss you may read about immediately.
    black friday blackhawks #19 jonathan toews black ice stitched nhl jersey outlet york http://www.tmg.nu/kontakt_files/teamwork-clutch-full-button-baseball-jerseys/black-friday-blackhawks-19-jonathan-toews-black-ice-stitched-nhl-jersey-outlet-york.asp

    -
  6. shop discount 2013 mlb all star american league cleveland indians 63 justin masterson blue mlb jerseys for sale

    The ultimate solution for the babyliss that you’ll explore right away.
    shop discount 2013 mlb all star american league cleveland indians 63 justin masterson blue mlb jerseys for sale http://www.bilbaoria2000.org/inc/colorado-hockey-jerseys/shop-discount-2013-mlb-all-star-american-league-cleveland-indians-63-justin-masterson-blue-mlb-jerseys-for-sale.html

    -
  7. best cheap nhl pittsburgh penguins big & tall logo pullover hoodie black super sale

    Impartial write-up provides 5 completely new stuff about babyliss that no-one is speaking about.
    best cheap nhl pittsburgh penguins big & tall logo pullover hoodie black super sale http://www.lofotgalleriet.com/bulls-authentic-jersey/best-cheap-nhl-pittsburgh-penguins-big–tall-logo-pullover-hoodie-black-super-sale.asp

    -
  8. buy designer nike giants #90 jason pierre paul red alternate mens stitched nfl elite jersey outlet

    Bring to an end Protesting and complaining , Start Off your personal babyliss Campaign Preferably
    buy designer nike giants #90 jason pierre paul red alternate mens stitched nfl elite jersey outlet http://www.trubadoors.com/lyd/philadelphia-eagles-jersey-youth/buy-designer-nike-giants-90-jason-pierre-paul-red-alternate-mens-stitched-nfl-elite-jersey-outlet.asp

    -
  9. cheap new style womens nike cleveland browns critical victory nfl t shirt dark green online shop

    babyliss Announcement Channels Get Those Updates Immediately
    cheap new style womens nike cleveland browns critical victory nfl t shirt dark green online shop http://www.audiomic.es/includes/buy-cheap-nfl-jerseys-wholesale/cheap-new-style-womens-nike-cleveland-browns-critical-victory-nfl-t-shirt-dark-green-online-shop.html

    -
  10. limited stocks at limited time air jordan 13 retro (2005) white neutral grey bargain blitz

    babyliss Counterfeits : A Superb babyliss hack Which in turn Fools 91% of the buyers
    limited stocks at limited time air jordan 13 retro (2005) white neutral grey bargain blitz http://www.hjell.net/assets/jordan-5-retro-black-grapes/limited-stocks-at-limited-time-air-jordan-13-retro-2005-white-neutral-grey-bargain-blitz.html

    -
  11. cheap new style air jordan 13 glow in the dark white black red 2014 sale outlet

    The Brand new babyliss campaign Works While You Take a nap! !
    cheap new style air jordan 13 glow in the dark white black red 2014 sale outlet http://www.delirious.org/house/where-can-i-buy-jordan-retro-13/cheap-new-style-air-jordan-13-glow-in-the-dark-white-black-red-2014-sale-outlet.html

    -
  12. amazing cheap air jordan play in these 2 black white cool grey cheap sale

    babyliss was a bit too simple before, however right now it’s pretty much impossible
    amazing cheap air jordan play in these 2 black white cool grey cheap sale http://www.hearingjourney.com/backup/jordan-retro-11-snake/amazing-cheap-air-jordan-play-in-these-2-black-white-cool-grey-cheap-sale.html

    -
  13. wtxgxhoe

    On moon-sighting and national standardization
    wtxgxhoe http://www.g27e8l1u7uc159h3k8cwp1oow0qc3665s.org/
    [url=http://www.g27e8l1u7uc159h3k8cwp1oow0qc3665s.org/]uwtxgxhoe[/url]
    awtxgxhoe

    -
  17. best buy nike seahawks #96 cortez kennedy steel blue team color mens stitched nfl elite jersey under discount

    This Amazing babyliss campaign Works Even When You Go to bed! !

    -
  18. just reduced adidas chelsea fc soccer shorts black for sale

    babyliss Counterfeits — A Perfect babyliss cheat That Fools 99% of the end-users
    just reduced adidas chelsea fc soccer shorts black for sale

    -
  19. cheap price san diego padres #31 dave winfield white 1984 turn back the clock stitched baseball jersey outlet online sale

    My Amazing babyliss software Performs While You Fall asleep! !

    -
  21. full size polo ralph lauren patriotic big pony hoodie men up to 50% off

    babyliss was simply too simple previously, however now it is close to impossible
    full size polo ralph lauren patriotic big pony hoodie men up to 50% off

    -
  22. classic christian louboutin josefa 120 platform sandals gold pink save 65%

    Current market Announcement : babyliss Thought of as A Necessity On the market now
    classic christian louboutin josefa 120 platform sandals gold pink save 65%

    -
  23. cheap price air jordan 6 high heels multicolor outlet store

    babyliss was a bit too easy in the past, however right now it is virtually impossible
    cheap price air jordan 6 high heels multicolor outlet store

    -
  25. shopping barcelona soccer track jackets blue outlet online shop

    Impartial summary displays Six fresh stuff surrounding babyliss that absolutely no one is speaking of.
    shopping barcelona soccer track jackets blue outlet online shop

    -
  32. shop cheap air jordan 13 retro women black pink 1 no taxes

    Their babyliss Market Call – Consumers who likes next to nothing benefits??
    shop cheap air jordan 13 retro women black pink 1 no taxes

    -
  33. guarantee quality heat #40 udonis haslem black stitched nba jersey outlet store

    Some of the babyliss Business organisation Meaning : Consequently, who cares about zero revenues?!

    -
  34. australia new york jets logo pullover hoodie d.blue factory price

    Finest fix for the babyliss that you may find out about immediately.
    australia new york jets logo pullover hoodie d.blue factory price

    -
  35. dividend days flyers #28 claude giroux black stitched nhl jersey factory price

    The total formula for the babyliss that one could discover right now.

    -
  36. wholesale authentic jimmy choo atom satin peep toe shoes ivory outlet online shop

    How the babyliss Commerce Meet – Which means that, who cares for pretty much nothing gains all revs?!
    wholesale authentic jimmy choo atom satin peep toe shoes ivory outlet online shop

    -
  40. 天竺Tシャツ

    Renegade Who’s Terrified Of men.

    -
  43. carpinteyrozhy

    锘縪ut clothes in the garbage

    When you’re packing clothing for a trip and you don’t want it to wrinkle, nothing beats using a garment bag. Before you buy, ask: Do I want a garment bag with wheels? And how long o [url=http://www.hifuprostata.com/]Dr Dre On Ear Headphones Outlet[/url] ught it be to accommodate my clothing? Keep in mind that smaller garme [url=http://www.inbiscoindia.com/]michael kors bracelets on sale[/url] nt bags without wheels are much cheaper than sturdy wheeled models. Also, they’re more likely to qualify as carry on luggage, while large ones may not.

    Get creative with color. If you’ve observed carefully, you’ll see that colors pop out during rain, so use them to your advantage! Also keep in mind that black white photos can look fabulous under these conditions. Pay attention to different surfaces.

    I do give out goody bag [url=http://sakshampharmaceuticals.com/]Hermes Kelly 25[/url] s, but I always skip the candy and instead visit the dollar store and include things like coloring books, crayons, stickers, bubbles, play doh, etc I try to at least think of things that I would be happy about if my daughter took them home in her goody bag. I hate the cheap candy and plastic junk toys that we have so often received at other parties. I will do away with goody bags at some point, I am sure.

    [url=http://sakshampharmaceuticals.com/]http://sakshampharmaceuticals.com/[/url]
    [url=http://nureller.com.tr/]http://nureller.com.tr/[/url]
    [url=http://lashandco.ca/]http://lashandco.ca/[/url]

    -
  44. ロレックスコピー時計

    ロレックス デイトナ偽物時計：http://www.canot-kayak.qc.ca/rolexwatch.html
    フランクミュラー偽物時計：http://www.iconsinmed.org/cir/franckmullerwatch.html
    オメガコピー時計：http://oiltechinvest.com/omegawatch.html

    -
  47. yvomveaaqiy

    djDBW3 omhcddrjhmjl, [url=http://kknuoyclgjqr.com/]kknuoyclgjqr[/url], [link=http://hczcubzvufwc.com/]hczcubzvufwc[/link], http://mkiryqawheje.com/

    -
  48. カットビスチェ

    The basic principles of watch for you to take full advantage of starting up today.

    -
  52. buy quality christian louboutin high boots on clearance

    My New-found babyliss application Will Work While You Take a nap!
    buy quality christian louboutin high boots on clearance

    -
  53. Fake Ray Ban Nerd Glasses

    There is noticeably a good deal to know about this. I believe you produced some nice points in features also.
    Fake Ray Ban Nerd Glasses

    -
  54. Rudy

    I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here
    regularly. I am relatively certain I will be told many new
    stuff proper here! Good luck for the next!

    Stop by my weblog: garcinia cambogia free trial uk (Rudy)

    -
  55. article source

    It provides valuable reviews in reference to removal of these at times irritating
    flaps of skin.

    my web page … article source

    -
  56. lunar calendar sleep

    All-natural treatments as well as cures can easily supply the very best approaches on Ways
    to Come to lunar calendar sleep.

    -
  57. please click the next webpage

    Gawkrodger DJ, Ormerod ADVERT, Shaw L et al.
    Tip due to please click the next webpage
    prognosis and also management of vitiligo.” Br J Dermatol 2008; 159: 1051-76.

    -
  58. safest wow gold

    I purchased the actual black colored in addition to browning sizes 6 however i normally create a real proportions Seven. I chose to accompany the recommendation regarding a single measurements small compared to my true sizing, Giant Misstep! the dimensions Seven used to be a strong in good shape, my sizeable foot decided to go lessen from the rigidity. We used the individuals an entire morning thinking that on many occasions they’d burglary but additionally you should not. I had bought not one but two previous frames involving safest wow gold, all the silver precious metal option, that we purchased in my true over all size we like it but additionally are already maxed plus i thought i would restore these with the actual Bomber fastest wow gold. The size 8s really are tightly held, unnice, and so i need to have your spouse’s aid on hauling all of them out of we never had this trouble wiht my favorite specifications 9’s. I suggest you buy your valid volume as well as order a smaller capacity. Regretably i believe, they need soldout epidermis lengths and widths. They are really beautiful, that i repent never choosing a proportions In search of once they possessed these handy.

    -
  59. Ray Bans Sunglasses Discount

    hopefully this comment doesnt appear multiple times (it appears to freeze once i try to post my comment.. not certain if its really posting), but all I really wanted to say was great post and thanks for sharing.
    Ray Bans Sunglasses Discount

    -