Madiha Masood
Bio
Dealing with a profound burden and enduring agony in search of solace, I made the choice to document my experiences and paint the world with my vibrant thoughts, hoping to receive recognition and understanding for my efforts.
Stories (42/0)
Muslim Pronouns
The term "pronoun" (they/them) has become normalized over the past decade, often used to refer to individuals who identify as non-binary or genderqueer. This concept, commonly referred to as third gender, has been a topic of much discussion. I've often wondered about its origins and why some people reject the traditional binary understanding of gender as male and female. While I can't speak for Western and European beliefs, it is universally known that humanity began with the creation of the first man and woman, and traditionally, there are only two genders as created by God. Each is destined to play their specific roles.However, the notion of a third gender is seen by some as a human-made concept with hidden agendas that have impacted our generation negatively. In Western cultures, there might not be as clear a moral objection to this as there is in Islamic teachings. As Muslims, we are taught from birth about the sinfulness of adultery and the severe punishments that come with it, as clearly outlined in the Quran, particularly in the story of the people of Lut.Despite these teachings, a significant number of individuals in the Muslim community identify with the LGBTQ+ spectrum. This raises the question: why have some Muslims embraced this when our faith provides clear guidance against it? Many interpret religious texts to suit their personal beliefs and circumstances, simplifying what is forbidden in Islam.This article will explore whether such actions are considered a forgivable sin in Islam or if they warrant severe punishment, shedding light on the implications for Muslims who grapple with these issues.
By Madiha Masood2 months ago in Confessions
A Gold Digger
The term "gold digger," ruthlessly used and cringingly associated with women in this century, has now turned its attention toward a new narrative. Luckily, this new term has shown a mirror to many who consider women as mere financial assets. Now, the spotlight is on men as the real gold diggers in current trends. This piece will highlight some facts that paint men as more of gold diggers than women. If women are considered greedy creatures, men exhibit this trait in an even more pronounced way. But before we delve into details, let's define what exactly the term "gold digger" means—a person who forms a relationship with someone only to extract benefits or money, not out of love. Essentially, it sounds like an agenda to gain material goods. However, it's a gender-neutral behavior; both men and women can be gold diggers. Yet, why do we always associate this term with women? In my view, men have been labeled as gold diggers for centuries because they, too, choose their partners with certain considerations in mind. Let's explore these details further.
By Madiha Masood6 months ago in Critique
Afghan Refugees
The uptick in Afghan refugees is not new; it has happened in the past as well. The Pakistani government has called for all undocumented migrants to leave the country by November 1, or they will face deportation. This decision will significantly impact the 1.7 million Afghan refugees who live in the country without documentation. However, the question that looms is why Pakistan is sending Afghans back to their home. Is Pakistan as cruel as other countries that have expelled undocumented migrants, or is there another reason compelling Pakistan to take these necessary steps?
By Madiha Masood8 months ago in Critique
HAMAS: Gaza's voice
The land, once known as the Qila of three world religions, has turned into a battleground that has been burning for over a century. It was held by the powerful Muslim empire, the Ottomans, but was brutally taken by foreign forces in the aftermath of World War I. In collusion with the victorious Allied forces of World War, a brutal state was established within Palestine, under the label of Zionist, which resulted in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. This displacement gave rise to defense movements, such as the PLO, a party that raises its voice for the people of Palestine, who were expelled from their own homeland. Even though these Palestinians didn't need to be kicked out and could coexist, as all three religions lived in Jerusalem, what we've witnessed is that brutality begets more brutality. The Holocaust led to the creation of the most brutal movements, including Islamic ones like Hamas and Fatah, further intensifying destruction on both ends. This piece will highlight the creation of these groups, which are called terrorists by many nations. If Hamas is considered a terrorist group, then so is the Zionist movement.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Critique
Gen Z: The Digital Age
Once, the electrify of your brain and opening the window to the other world are losing its grip, as our youth have become more time-dependent on social media, especially visuals, to the extent that they've lost the blessing of imagination. Reading novels and articles was a mere habit for the previous generation, but this generation has lost touch with it. They don't even bother to read captions if they're longer than two sentences. As for reading a book, it's completely out of the question, perhaps considered a waste of time. In this piece, we will discuss what they are giving up on due to this mindless social media scrolling.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Critique
The Male-Female Dynamic
In a world where TV shows often portray the normalcy of boys and girls forming deep friendships, questions arise about the true nature of these relationships. Some view them skeptically, fearing they may evolve into something more than just friendship, perhaps akin to 'friends with benefits.' Throughout our lives, we've been taught that men and women have distinct responsibilities and roles, an idea deeply ingrained in society. However, this perspective becomes confining when men insist that a girl can be their best friend and that this friendship can be as pure as that between two female friends. In my piece, I aim to explore the nuanced dynamics between men and women, a topic I will delve into in detail. Recently, I've come across evidence that sheds light on how destructive such male-female friendships can be. I know someone who had to bear the consequences of considering a man his best friend, only to discover that the man viewed her as a romantic interest while pretending to be just a friend. This experience has led me to question whether true platonic friendship is achievable between the sexes.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in Critique
Pink Eye Virus
As Pink eye virus cases surge in many cities of Pakistan, the government announced a day off in schools as 85 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours in Lahore. Health advisory warnings urge people to exercise extreme caution, as it spreads as easily as COVID-19. This surge in eye infection cases has raised concerns once again over the health system of the country, leading to many questions about what the pink eye virus is, how it started, and how harmful it could be.
By Madiha Masood9 months ago in FYI