Reflections

Things are tight at tea on the 4 th day of the England test match number 2. However, having been through the first two sessions play, one cant help wondering what the impact DRS and technology that has come in cricket is having on the nature of verdict giving in cricket. In the first session today, after England had exhausted their reviews, saeed ajmal got one from monty on the pad while playing forward and there was a vociferous appeal for a leg before. However, to the surprise of many it was given not out. Pakistan still had a review in hand. When contemplated upon, the thought creeped into my head about what such a situation would make the umpire do. He’s been under severe pressure on a spinning wicket with quality spinners and out of form batsmen on both sides. The team appealing for an lbw doesn’t have any reviews left so they cant challenge the umpires decision whereas the batting side can. As an umpire, would you risk being challenged have to your name an incorrect decision to ...

As Muslims, our existence is because of Allah and He has laid out details of not just how we are supposed to lead our lives but also how we are supposed to think ! In otherwords, Islamic philosophy as stipulated by the Quran is the ONLY true philosophy to which believers must adhere. I had been confused about the concept of fatalism (& its likes) in islam. I understand that as far as philosophy is concerned, fatalism, determinism, pre-determinism, pre-ordainment are all different concepts. But I want to here only think through this topic in a layman’s term. When I say fatalism here im referring to the extent to which events are preordained in life. That God has perfect knowledge is beyond doubt. My friends would know that if they slap me, I will react aggressively. When humans are aware of what will happen in future in certain instances because of their experience, familiarity with environment etc, then how could God who has PERFECT knowledge about EVERYTHING not know the future. S...