Over the last week or so, I have been much exposed to what in the sub-continent term known as "caste", in respect to the marriage issue.
This has always been something that I didn't and to an extent don't completely understand especially in the context of Islam and religion where one faith means just that (no prejudices based on colour, creed,nationality, region and class).
Now what is caste, what does it mean to to be a Chowdry, Syed, Ahmed or Khan in today's World, and more so in modern day cosmopolitan Britain.
I have met a sister and her main Q (even before all the other seemingly non-significant ones may expect such as faith, family, profession and so on...) was which caste I came from. I was dumb founded as just plainly said "I don't know", so that brought out my speculation as to what this all meant.
In my parents time, the caste system was one that prevailed and was taken to be very significant and almost the ultimate filtering system of who one can marry or not as the case may be. Those times of caste and class was there to ensure that one knows the type of people and their common ethics and practices. Also I expect due to Geographical immobility this was maintained forthright as one simply couldn't go across the river to the the other village/town.
As I embarked upon trying to find out what "my caste" is or was without getting impressionist looks from those around my family, I found that my Papa had already completely some kind of family tree just a few days prior (must be sixth sense or what).
So now that I know I am a Khan, am I more different than when I was oblivious to what my caste was. The answer is still No. I am still the same and my religion of Islam dictates my behaviour and how I conduct myself, god willing.
I personaly thing as we live in this World that filtering to an extent is required when their is a large pool of fish to choose from, however when their is a shortage of available fish then one must cover other rivers and lakes as long as the foundations are common and right, but be prepared that the waters due to entering the "unknown" has it's own energy and challenge.
