Available as a pdf file at one of the editor's site. [via Boing Boing via SF Signal]
When I saw this some months back, my first reaction was to ignore it. Aurangzeb is one of the most hated names where I grew up. In fact, I don't recall seeing this kind of names proudly displayed by anyone except Pakistani terrorists emphasizing their affinity to India's most hated villains. But I guess names are given by parents & I'm probably unnecessarily prejudiced about certain names.
This anthology collects fiction by Western authors, presumably with some Islamic characters or environment.
When I saw this some months back, my first reaction was to ignore it. Aurangzeb is one of the most hated names where I grew up. In fact, I don't recall seeing this kind of names proudly displayed by anyone except Pakistani terrorists emphasizing their affinity to India's most hated villains. But I guess names are given by parents & I'm probably unnecessarily prejudiced about certain names.
This anthology collects fiction by Western authors, presumably with some Islamic characters or environment.
Good to hear that you were able go move past the name and try out the anthology. We hope that you like the stories. On the names, Guru Nanak puts it nicely in Guru Granth Sahib.
ReplyDeletekoee bolai raam raam koee khudhaae
koee saevai guseeaa koee alaahi
har ne har mien kook machai
wapis mann mien aan samai
bahut hee hamne pia parekha
pee ka har ka ant na lekha
kaaran karan kareem
kirapaa dhhaar reheem
Translation:
Some call the Lord 'Ram, Ram', and some 'Khuda'.
Some serve Him as 'Gusain', others as 'Allah'.
The lord embeded in all a thirst for himself
The hunt for something to quench this thrist ends within our body.
We tested the beloved a lot
The beloved and the lord do not have a written ending.
He is the Cause of causes, and Generous.
He showers His Grace and Mercy upon us.
I'm sorry about the prejudice. It's tough getting rid of the monsters you collect in the childhood.
ReplyDeleteAnd good hearing from you. And thank you for putting this up.