I hope you're doing well. Today, I Mufti Abdul Wahab want to discuss a recent tragic event that has captured global attention: the Titanic-related submarine disaster, resulting in the loss of five lives, including Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood. This incident has rightfully gained significant media and public attention.
It's important to acknowledge that any loss of human life is a tragedy, regardless of a person's faith or background. It's natural to grieve such incidents. However, we must reflect on the differing media coverage given to various tragedies. Just a few days ago, a boat carrying illegal immigrants sank in the Greek sea, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives. While it did receive some media attention, it pales in comparison to the coverage dedicated to the Titanic submarine incident.
Both incidents involved the loss of human lives, yet there appears to be a significant disparity in the attention they received. The boat near Greece carried individuals with hopes of a better future, while the submarine attracted tourists eager to see the Titanic's remnants. The only discernible difference is that the dreams of the wealthy tend to garner more attention.
It's worth noting that maritime disasters have occurred since the inception of the ship industry. The Titanic disaster, while significant, is widely known due to its portrayal in a movie. Moreover, the film primarily focuses on a young couple, causing viewers to empathize with them among the thousands on board. Unfortunately, most individuals' stories remain untold and overlooked. This underscores the unfortunate reality that, in life, only those in the limelight or in focus truly matter, while others go unnoticed.
The impoverished individuals who lost their lives in the Greek boat incident are not receiving the same level of attention, both domestically and internationally. Their deaths seem inconsequential to the world at large. However, had they survived, they would have been perceived as burdensome liabilities by Europe. This biased treatment can be attributed to the fact that the five individuals who died in the submarine disaster were considered assets by Europe and the international community due to their wealth.
As human beings, we should extend our condolences and empathy to all victims, regardless of their economic status. It is disheartening to witness the disproportionate focus on the rich while neglecting the plight of the less privileged. Additionally, I find it astonishing that the submariners, educated and intelligent individuals, overlooked safety protocols and failed to ensure the passengers' well-being. Similarly, the stories emerging about the inhumane treatment by agents towards those on the Greek boat highlight the disregard for human life, despite financial transactions taking place.
Let us pray that we learn from such accidents and prioritize
safety in all our endeavors. May Allah keep us safe and grant us wisdom. Ameen.