O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other(not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
49:13 Al-Quran.

Important point to be noted that in this passage from Quran, Allah announces that the most honored amongst the mankind is the person who is righteous one and not a Muslim or a Christian, or a Jew. Now, who may be the righteous one...

1. And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.
2:195 Al-Quran

2. Those who spend (freely) whether in prosperity or in adversity; who restrain anger and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good.
3:134 Al-Quran

3. But because of their (children of israel) breach of their Covenant We curse them and made their hearts grow hard: they change the words from their(right) places and forget a good part of the message that was sent them nor wilt thou cease to find them barring a few ever bent on (new) deceits: but forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds): for Allah loveth those who are kind.
5:13 Al-Quran

4. Allah forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes form dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.
60:8 Al-Quran

5. (But the treaties) are not dissolved with those pagans with whom Ye have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently fail you in aught or aided anyone against you. So fulfill your engagements with them to the end of their term: for Allah loveth the righteous.
9:4 Al-Quran

These are a few litmus test for a righteous person, man or woman. When the Taliban denounced democracy, rights of the non-believers and believers alike, become unkind towards fellow human beings and impose cruel and unjust governance and above all break all the promises they had committed to with the government only ten days ago; they clearly stray away from the path of righteousness and hence loose all authority to impose Islamic law, as they are clearly in violation of the said law themselves.
Islam in its entirety establishes a just, tolerant society that provides equal opportunities to all its members of the community. Their is no discourse on the subject of whose Islam is right, mine or yours. IT IS THE MOST PEACEFUL OPTION OF CO-EXISTENCE FOR BELIEVERS AND NON-BELIEVERS ALIKE AND NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO HIJACK ISLAM.

Gone with the wind.

Spring is such a beautiful season, life comes back to earth, every thing around us is reborn or rejuvenated...new green leaves, little baby squirrels scurrying around the garden, cool fresh breeze, makes you want to smile.
Swat--a beautiful valley surrounded by lush green mountains, such calm and tranquility that brings peace to your soul, yet the ferocious flow of the Swat river cutting through the heart of Swat Valley makes you fall in love with nature and drowns you in its captivating beauty.
A valley full of fruits, vegetable and newly wed couples on their honeymoon. Yes, it was my honey moon in Swat that I first fell in love with this beautiful valley. The people are simple and hospitable while the roads are treacherous--winding dangerously around the mountains to reach the resort.
I have not seen fruits the like I saw in Swat. We stayed in Swat Serena, in its garden were trees laden with yellow-red pear, so sweet, so syrupy and ripe that they would melt in our mouth, the juice actually dripped on our shirts with every bite. I have never again tasted such delicious pears in my life. We went to Lahore, Islamabad, Murree, Abbottabad and Swat on our honeymoon. Every place seemed beautiful and captivating to us, but none like Swat. This is the valley where so many people find love.
My heart goes out to the people of Swat and it is impossible to imagine the voices of hatred and sounds gunfire in that valley of peace and love. I can understand how these simple people of Swat have been tricked by Talibans into such chaos. Talibans have not only stolen opportunities from their children to education but have brought Swat valley to financial and tourist meltdown. The livelihood of the people of Swat depends on fruits, which is exported all over the world and tourism which brings people from all across the world to enjoy the natural beauty of Swat and purchase handicrafts made by the locals.
In Quran, Allah says that it is mandatory for a Muslim to educate themselves. Nowhere does He says, Muslim men and not Muslim women, therefore making it compulsory for Muslim men and women to educate themselves. When Rasullallah, Mohammad p.b.u.h commanded Muslims to seek knowledge even if they had to go China to acquire it. Rasullallah didn't mean Islamic education, he meant knowledge, worldly knowledge, because a learned man is logical and capable of spreading love and peace.
Talibans who are trying to hijack Islam and present a picture of a cruel, harsh and inhumane Islam must be defeated by every faction of society.
Islam is a deen of peace, brotherhood, charity and discipline. In Quran Allah says," Do not creat unrest on my Earth."
It preaches the necessity of living in harmony with people of different faiths, cultures and tribes. A true Muslim is tolerant, loving and caring.

Deen. vs. Religion.

Today at a local meeting with some intelligent young mothers on the topic of raising children in USA, I stumbled upon a grate confusion...Islam as a religion. It is interesting how media has finally brainwashed us in accepting Islam as a religion. Nowhere in Quran does Allah calls Islam a religion, He has always announced it as Deen. The distinction is simple. Religion in a name of worships and rituals, whereas, a Deen is a way of life.
If you study Islam, you will find that Allah is teaching us manners or dictating codes of conduct to live peacefully and harmoniously in a society with people of all faiths, cultures and religions. Giving back to the community through Zakat, Sadaqat and Khairats--are all names of charity, is strongly emphasized. Simple smile is considered charity, visiting the sick, feeding the poor and hungry, fostering the orphans, rehabilitating the drunkards and taking in the disabled or challenged persons is a compulsory duty of the society and a great virtue. Islam teaches us selflessness, charity, and compassion along with consideration for the less fortunate amongst us.
Everyone is blessed with some kind of power over others, some with money, others with good health or fine children. Our Deen teaches us to utilize our skills to contribute and spread Islam through our actions. We all depend on one another to exists peacefully in this world.