Over the past week we have published many different views on the New Year. Most of our readers gave us depressive predictions of more violence, poverty and heartache to come. Hopefully the events of 2002 will be less dire than anticipated. As a part of our poll we asked our readers to tell us their one wish for the New Year. Young or old, rich or poor, Western or Eastern, the one prayer that is on everyone’s lips is, "Please God, give us peace."
Rasheeda Iqbal, Indian: The Holy Qur’an has declared, "And whatsoever the messenger has giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain from it. And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal." The world has violated this ordinance and so misfortunes and chastisement have overtaken us.
At this time it is good to remember George Bernard Shaw’s important comments: "If any religion had the chance of ruling over England, nay Europe within the next hundred years, it could be Islam. I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him — the wonderful man — and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today."
Asyia Aqeeq, Pakistani: We should all think of 2002 as a Year of Peace. We must understand that war is not the solution to any problem and we have to obey the idea of "live and let live." Advances in technology have made our world a global village. Now all the borders are nothing but self-created lines. In reality, peace is the only viable option for us.
Abdulrazaq Al-Turki, Saudi: I am sure 2002 will definitely be better than 2001, because what happened in 2001 should not be repeated. I think 2001 was one of the worst years the world has ever seen. Moreover, I think the world will realize the mistakes the USA continues to make by disregarding humanitarian values and will act accordingly. For 2002 I wish for peace and prosperity throughout the world. We must learn to understand each other and respect each other irrespective of religion, race or ethnicity.
Nasrin Moopen, Indian: I don’t think this New Year is going to be any different from any other. People in a few countries of the world will continue to have a good quality of life, but in most parts of the world the suffering will go on due to the undesirable actions of worthless leaders. I believe that the world is going to keep turning and nothing is going to change. Despite my depressive feelings I still must try to look forward to and celebrate the coming of 2002 because a New Year brings new hope and new thoughts. There can be no tomorrow without hope.
Fouad Saleh, Lebanese: There’s no doubt that 2001 was an extremely unpleasant year with all its miserable events. No one but God knows what the future may bring to us. In the New Year, I want to see people’s smiles. I want children to live without worrying about wars. I want to experience a real Eid, Christmas and an honest Happy New Year. I want peace but it is important to remember that peace is more than just an end to war. As long as the poor are suffering there is no real peace.
R. Sabeer, Indian: I feel that pain and misery have existed simultaneously with life and hope. When a year comes to an end, the dawn of the upcoming year brings with it a hope for a better future. It’s a suitable time for introspection and making resolutions for self-improvement. I strongly feel that instead of wasting money and resources on wars and other calamities, it could be better used in the service of the poor and needy.
