Beyond Ritualism: Impact and Implications of Ḥajj on the Society of Pakistan

Ḥajj―an annual Islamic congregation―is a supreme manifestation of Faith (Imān) in which muslims assemble to pronounce explicitly their subservience and loyalty to Almighty Allah alone. Besides freeing themselves from the squalor of Shirk, Muslims satiate their souls with the feelings of ‘Faith’ and ‘Unity.’ This fact is purely accomplished when the Muslims shed off their outer difference by donning the dress of unity (Iḥrām). Ḥajj is a perfect blend between ‘Creator’ and ‘creature’, ‘soul’ and ‘spirit’ on the one hand and an enduring and invaluable expression physically, socially, and materially on the other. From this pragmatic Institution, Pakistan―one of the premier countries of the Islamic world―can derive unprecedented benefits politically, socially, and economically. One of the important objectives of the paper is to describe the significance of Ḥajj to the people of Pakistan. In so doing, the paper examines and explores, objectively and analytically, the institution of Ḥajj and its implications on the Muslim world, particularly Pakistan. The first section of the paper, “Ḥajj―At a Glance”, presents meaning and historical background of Ḥajj. The second section “Revitalizing the Ḥajj”, besides presenting the revitalization of the Institution by the final Messenger (peace be upon him) also gives an overview of some of the very important rituals to be realized (during Ḥajj). The subsequent sections, “Socio-Economic Dimension of Ḥajj” and “Ḥajj―Implications and Impact on the Society of Pakistan”, describe respectively the socio-economic impact and leverage of the Ḥajj on the Muslim world in general and on Pakistan in particular. The study is followed by “Conclusion” wherein it has been argued that the Ḥajj can bring an immense transformation and positivity in a country if its sweetness is sought in all earnestness.

444A Study of Genetic Polymorphism of Gstm1 and Gstt1 in Healthy Volunteers and Leukemic Patients

Genetic polymorphism might be consider as a marker for predisposition of different diseases including leukemia. Glutathione S Transferase has role in metabolism of different types of Xenobiotics to facilitate their excretion from the body. It has also role in the metabolism of the drugs used in chemotherapy for different diseases. There are many genes that exhibit polymorphism but most of them show single nucleotide polymorphism. The deletion of whole gene is rare. GSTM1 and GSTT1 members of glutathione family are polymorphically deleted. Purpose of the study was to investigate deletion of these two isozymes in local Pakistani population and to investigate if any relationship exists in leukemic population. Male and females of healthy and leukemic patient volunteers were selected. Leukemic population was further divided into different groups (ALL, CLL, AML and CML). Biochemical parameters and oxidantion status of all patients and healthy volunteers were measured by kit method and Genetic polymorphism was seen by PCR and gel electrophoresis. Total bilirubin, creatinin, urea and ALT is greater in patients compared to healthy volunteers. Total oxidant status was low while total antioxidant status was high in healthy volunteers compared to patients depending on disease condition. Healthy subjects show 54% deletion of genes (66% and 52% in female and male respectively). Patients show 67% deletion of GSTM1 gene in which ALL 66% (68% and 76%, CLL 70% (80% and 60%), AML 70% (72% and 68%) and CML 62% (60% and 64%) in female and male respectively. GSTT1 deletion found healthy volunteers was 71% and it is 72% and 70% in female and male respectively and was found 70% in leukemic patients. ALL 78% (76% and 80%), CLL 76% (80% and 76%), AML 66% (76% and 76%) and CML 60% (56% and 64%) female and male respectively. All patients and healthy volunteers have more than 50% deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes. More deletion of GSTM1 was seen in patients than healthy volunteers while local population seems to be more prone to leukemia and may respond less to some chemotherapeutic drugs.