Our societies have immersed us for centuries in a capitalist system, a capitalist culture and a capitalist existence. Far from being a set of economic rules and mechanisms, the ubiquity of capitalism offers us an intimate relationship with ourselves, a vision of direction and also of running beyond it.

I first found out that I couldn’t just walk down the street to a local government office to submit my visa application; I had to go to a Czech embassy in another country and submit the application there.

With the onset of COVID-19 religious affiliations, like many aspects of life, changed notably. In March 2020, Google searches for prayer reached the highest levels ever recorded in history.

We had very little gas left in the car. Just before we arrived at the Sherpao Bridge, the fuel metre went red and the “E” sign started to flash. We still had the bridge to cross.

The choice of the German women’s gymnastics team to wear full-body suits in the qualification round as a stand against sexualisation, according to The German Federation. One of the competitors, Sarah Voss, said she wished to be, ‘a role model for young gymnasts who don’t feel safe in every situation.’

In many societies today, a handshake, hug or even a kiss on the cheek is seen as nothing out of the ordinary and is even viewed as part of everyday good manners. Nevertheless, a Muslim would be uncomfortable with sharing such physical gestures with members of the opposite gender unless they were close family or a spouse.

The upcoming trajectory of events in Afghanistan appears to be horrific. Violence, murder, bloodshed, and anarchy appear inevitable. The human cost of war in Afghanistan is immense. Does it have to be this way? Would the unfortunate land of Kabul always remain a seat of violence and murder and stay deserted, ruined, dangerous, and destitute?

I find this particular misconception interesting for any time I have received a question of this nature, you can be assured that I have encountered the questioner outside of my house in some public space.

Have you ever watched a perfume commercial and wondered why half-naked women feature in almost all of them? Have you ever wondered why most of the music video clips choose to objectify women with unnecessary close-ups on their body?

Well, that is what we call the ‘male gaze’.

In a country where the flag of mullah-ism is ubiquitous – at mosque podiums, loudspeakers in busy marketplaces, rallies all across the country – is the title of ‘Islamic Republic’ at all pertinent?