Issue No: 99
18th November 2011
21st Dhulhijja 1432 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Anti Bullying Week 2011:
This year the week from 14th to 18th November, 2011 is being observed as ‘Anti Bullying week.’ The event, organized by the Anti Bullying Alliance, is observed annually in the U.K. The occasion aims to raise awareness of bullying of young children and people in schools and elsewhere.
Each year a theme is selected to highlight ways of preventing bullying and responding to it. This year the theme for Anti Bullying Week 2011 is 'Stop and think – words can hurt'
Effect of words:
One form of communication across all ages in a society is done by use of words. One can convey a message or an idea by use of words in the oral /spoken or written medium.
By the choice of words one is able to affect the feeling of the person to whom the message is addressed. This is experienced in the daily barrage of messages posted by marketing advertisements in the media and by sales persons targeting consumers. The choice of words and images hooks onto a person’s feelings and influences ones decision to go for purchasing the item being advertised.
On the other hand some words in a communication, which can be either by oral conversations or written messages, may have the direct opposite effect whereby the feeling of a person is hurt. Sometimes one may say hurtful things without even realizing how unpleasant it can be or how much the other person can be upset.
One must not underestimate the power of words. They have a great impact on the state of harmonious relations enjoyed between persons or in a society. The effect can either strengthen the cordiality enjoyed amongst each other or produce disagreements.
This has a consequence on the amicability between persons or in society.
The believers are exhorted by Allah SWT to be careful of their duty (Taqwa) and speak upright words. ( Sura Al Ahzab 33:70)
The significance of amicable relationships is underscored by the holy prophet s.a.w.w. when he stated, ”Allah has commanded me to treat people amicably just as he has commanded me to fulfill the religious obligations.”
The theme for Anti Bullying Week 2011 'Stop and think – words can hurt' has been crafted in today’s age and time whereas centuries before our Amiral Muminin Imam Ali bin Abi Talib a.s. announced :
“Do contemplate before speaking so that you may guard yourself from committing error”
As Shias of Ahlul Bayt do we really stop and think?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat