Whispers of the Soul by Nadia Nizam

In every home, there is certainly a balloon. Everyone knows when to inflate it, when to fill it, when to let air out lightly, when to release it into the air, and when to blow it up with a pointed needle.  Look closely, the string of that balloon is always in someone’s hand, because using that balloon is the easiest thing; there’s no hard work involved—just whisper a little something in the balloon’s ear against someone, and then watch the show unfold. This balloon starts to swing back and forth and then bursts loudly.  People in the house use it silently and wisely. They keep themselves behind and inflate that balloon. Believe me, every home has this balloon, which is infamous for its verbal carelessness, quickness, and rudeness. But in my view, these people are very pitiable; they are the ones who get used the most, are the most time-wasting, the most dishonored, and the most restless. I do not feel anger towards them but rather pity and compassion. They don’t even realize t...

In our homes and communities in Pakistan, a pervasive issue plagues us: the relentless pursuit of control. It's as if a psychological knot binds us, compelling everyone to manipulate and dominate one another. We all harbor a desire for others to dance to our tune, to live life as we dictate. While we may not always live our own lives to the fullest, we often seek to dictate the lives of those around us, making their existence unbearable. Parents want to control their children, expecting them to follow their every command. Husbands seek to dominate their wives, while wives, in turn, scheme to control their husbands. Sisters demand that their wishes prevail, and daughters-in-law strive to seize control of the household. It is rare to witness a son, guided by Islamic principles, gathering his sisters and mother to discuss their father's inheritance and urging them to claim their rightful shares promptly, easing the burden on their deceased father who will be questioned by God. Thi...