The invention of the matchstick is important in its own right; its purpose is to light a fire. While fire fulfills our cooking needs, it also provides warmth in the cold. However, those who walk out into today’s society and environment carrying tongues like matchsticks and hearts like matches have completely disrupted the human race. They have lit a fire that simply refuses to be put out.
No matter how you look at it from politics to religious extremism, from the poison of the pen to the edge of knowledge, from the carelessness of youth to the stubborn and painful behavior of a wild new generation that leaves parents crying and sad human beings have fallen victim to moments of restlessness and the toxic habits of drug addiction. As a result, humans have stopped being human. Even though birds and animals belong to different species, seeing their love for one another makes humans hang their heads in shame. Yet, humans show no mercy to other humans. Because intensity in thoughts and emotions is growing day by day, and bringing intense reactions, the innocent are being destroyed along with the guilty (literally: the green plants are burning along with the dry ones).
On one hand, the self-serving actions of greedy geographical mafias and moneylenders have trapped the entire world in a prison-like state. Sometimes, they release germs in the form of a pandemic, and other times, they shamelessly spread piles of explosives right among the people. The poor, helpless society is constantly being crushed in the trap of inflation. Meanwhile, there is an intense race to see who can become number one in wealth. This fierce competition and tug-of-war is happening everywhere, from the global stage right down to neighborhoods and villages.
Whenever a new product enters the market, there are daily changes in policies, packaging, and promotional deals. Inside, everything is empty, but the superficial show is visible everywhere across different fields. From the mosque pulpits to political seats, there is such a massive internal conflict that the true purpose of these institutions has died. Laws and regulations have been forgotten, while hatred and rebellion have increased. Patience and tolerance are completely gone; there is constant tension, and in trying to pull the rug out from under each other, people are destroying themselves.
The fire of revenge is burning so high that even good people have chosen to remain silent and isolated. Where should one go to complain or seek justice now? Wherever you look, there is only fire, and no water can be seen. On top of that, there is a shortage of resources, and everyone is dependent on money. No wonder matches and matchsticks are so cheap and easy to find, while a peaceful environment to cool them down is nowhere to be found. May God create people who can put out this fire.
Syed Ghulam Hyder Shah Qalandri
Kunri, SIndh, Pakistan
