WATCHING a line of dedicated worker ants in the summer heat is as fascinating as watching a line of soldiers marching. The difference between the two is that while the former lines in comradely zeal for work, the latter is preparing for battle. The difference is huge between construction and destruction. Humans have not calculated which movement — construction or destruction — is winning the battle. One might think that such a question is silly and that despite our differences, we are progressing. Just take a quick look at the huge leap in mechanical and technological advances throughout the 20th century and you need not look further. Well??? I think not. I think that we need to have a clear measurement of both the so-called advances we have allegedly imprinted on the new age and the rarely mentioned destructions. We cannot just measure technological discoveries, even if they are huge, for history is a big record book of many advanced civilizations that brought their own destruction while they were at the top of their power. We have to see where we succeed in building, and where we fail and destroy for it is these parameters that are the major markers of successful movements. We have to be honest when we research and measure and not shy away from the horrors of our own misdeeds. After all, it is only through enlightenment of the raw reality that the human brain excels. We cannot be really moving forward when almost half the planet is starving, new diseases are appearing and catastrophic wars are being fought.

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Dear Nadia, I am very interested in what you do. I think it is great that we can have answers to our questions from the right source. I heard that Muslims, like Jews, eat Kosher food. Is this correct and if not, then what do Muslims eat?

— Kelly, New England

Dear Kelly, eating is a matter of faith in Islam and Muslim dietary practice is fundamentally about obeying Allah. So what they start with is not the food itself but the recititation of the name of God before and after eating. Also, Muslims are encouraged to eat only with the right hand. It is also important that you eat only when you are hungry for food in excess is a sin. Like Kosher, there are certain guidelines as to what cannot be eaten by Muslims:

• Pork, lard or any porcine substance.

• Gelatin from an animal that is not halal.

• Meat that is not slaughtered in an Islamic way.

• Meat from an animal which died before slaughter.

• Blood (direct or indirect).

• Any food or drink containing alcohol.

• Any human substance or part.

What are the important holidays in Saudi Arabia? Can Christians and believers in other religions worship in freedom and celebrate their holidays?

— Nick Douglas, New York

The Islamic world celebrates two holidays — the three or four-day Eid after Ramadan, which is a full month of fasting. Eid Al-Fitr is a celebration of food and reward after fasting. Certain dishes are compulsory, but usually it depends on the financial status of the family. Children are the major beneficiaries of this event since they get from the elders (a mother, father, uncle, or grandfather) what is known as Eidiah which is money. This varies from one family to the other, and usually young children between five and 12 receive it. Teenagers are considered adults and they are not rewarded as such, but some people make exceptions. Some families nowadays give gifts. The second most important Islamic holiday is Eid Al-Adha which is the celebration of the pilgrimage (Haj) to Makkah. Usually the full holiday is not more than five days and it includes the sacrifice of a sheep which emulates the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). Even Muslims who do not go to Makkah for Haj usually celebrate the festival. Nowadays, because there are many poor people in the Islamic world, many do without the meat dish. Saudi Arabia recognizes only two holidays — Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. However anyone can celebrate religious events or holidays in the privacy of their homes or compounds without any hassle. Public decorations, however, are not allowed for any holidays except the two Eids.