[Qzmsdoem]

Although I disagree with brother general Nomadic's prejudice against Gulf Arabs (and him being a Bangladeshi makes this understandable - more on that to come), I do agree that it is not necessary for all Pakistanis to speak Arabic as a mother tongue. The Persians maintained a great tradition of scholarship without abandoning Persian. The educated Persians were generally bilingual readers and writers, as is the case with many Pakistanis.

That being said, Imam al-Shafi'i said he spent two thirds of his wealth learning Arabic (for 21 years) whilst being a Qurayshi, and the remainder studying hadith. He lamented that he didn't spend more on Arabic!

I do have a problem with the system of education in Dar al-Ulums outside of Pakistan, such as in England. I cannot understand the rationale for teaching in Urdu. This actually prevents many Arab families living in the West from sending their children to these schools. I know of converts who are alienated by this too. That time could be devoted to gaining proficiency in Arabic speaking skills, a noted deficiency in Dar al-Ulum graduates.

Another strange thing is finding the khutba on Friday in Urdu whilst being in England! Many of the youths (from Pakistani backgrounds) told me that they don't understand it either! What's the about?

Now then brother Nomadic. I myself am deeply saddened by the jahili racist treatment of Bangladeshis in the Gulf. I often speak out against it and have had Bangladeshi friends who have been cleaners. They were very smart, quoted Shakespeare, and were strong in religious understanding. Back home they were supporting their entire family on 1,000 Riyals a month. Some of them managed to build houses and start businesses masha'Allah. That's not to say I have not known bad Bangladeshis. Gulf Arabs have a stereotypical perception that all Bangladeshis are criminals. There is even the belief that the Bangladeshi government opened up their prisons to send workers to the Gulf. Whenever a Bangladeshi does a crime (it does happen) it is blown out of proportion in the press and the backlash continues. My advice is for Bangladeshis and Pakistanis to be well-aware of these matters before going to work or live in the Gulf. Even a western passport wont save you. This is very sad but you should see how Saudis are treated in America or in European Airports!

It is not too dissimilar to the perception that many English people have about Pakistanis. But two wrongs don't make a right, as they say in England. Don't return the hatred. I know that even Bangladeshi university professors are abused and even a British or Canadian passport wont stop you being perceived negatively by many. But billahi alayk have you never met a good Khaliji? What benefit will you have in the Afterlife if you go around with hostility in your heart against Muslims, accusing them of hypocrisy? Sins don't make a person a kafir.