The Moral Deprivation

By Maria Sharif

The twenty-first century has brought with it fruitful advancements in every light. Today we can connect to people across the world with the tip of our fingers or learn about microscopic bacteria with advanced microscopes, yet simple acts of humanity and the problems that plague are society are ignored. In our materialistic present, often it is difficult to comprehend the grave situation of our society. In an era where bigger is better, can we take a step back from the blinding pursuit of wealth and status and address these contemporary issues?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514474341

Maria Sharif

My name is Maria Sharif, and currently I reside in Edmonton, Alberta, with my family. I am an eighteen-year-old writer with a keen interest in humanitarian works. I believe in the power of words, and through the usage of this power, I would like to bring happiness to those who cannot afford it. In school I am an honor student and have received an AP scholar award in English. In addition to that, I placed second in the national essay competition organized by the Ahmadiya Muslim community. My career goal is to become a lawyer, but my first and foremost responsibility and passion is in improving the human condition and rekindling the light of humanity.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by Maria Sharif.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2016904062

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-5144-7436-5

Softcover   978-1-5144-7435-8

eBook   978-1-5144-7434-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

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without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Rev. date: 03/10/2016

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

For My Father

The best of you are they who have the best character.

---Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

Preface

When a child is born, he/she unleashes a chain reaction. Suddenly, one is a father, mother, aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc. This child brings with him/her a fortune, one that will sustain his/her life. This child is the reason for a million smiles, laughter, and memories. The child smiles, and the parents act as if it were the first time they have seen someone smile. This child's every movement is cherished. Through sleepless nights and restless days, the child grows up.

Everyone knows of this phenomenon. Parents, with or without children alike, know of the work and patience that go into raising a child. Parents have dreams and hopes of seeing their child happy and settled in their lives. Unfortunately, some of these parents don't get to see their child reach that stage in their lives. Instead of being put to bed, they are lowered into the grave. School bombings, child prostitution, sweatshops, and forced marriages take the lives of these poor, innocent children.

The truth is grave.

We only hear of some of these atrocities that occur in society, but in reality, the crimes against children occur in great numbers. Their voices just aren't heard. These topics are considered taboo, not meant to be discussed in a civilized society.

I believe in equal voices for the child who lives in a slum and for the one who occupies a mansion.

A child married at the age of five to someone at the age of seventy deserves a voice. Children forced into prostitution deserve a voice. Children working fourteen hours a day, seven days a week deserve a voice. Their voices need to be heard.

We, as a society, have fallen into the hands of social order and societal norms. The pursuit of material wealth outshines the need for humanity. The media controls what issues get press. To truly understand conflicts in today's society, we must explore beyond what the media provides us, think on a deeper level, unveil our eyes from the norms of society, and search.

Relapse into History

When put into perspective, humans have only been present on