Not human...?!

A nice breeze was blowing, the weather was lovely and delicious smell of grilled kebabs and tikkas was wafting through the air, making the mouth water when suddenly my eyes fell on a young boy sitting on the darkened steps of a closed shop, crying and rubbing his eyes.

 Don't worry this isn't a scene out of some fictional drama, rather it is the reality of Pakistan that i witnessed less than 30 minutes ago!

What has this country become, heaven for some and hell for others. The great big politicians, the fancy elites don't care if 90% of the country is without electricity, water, gas or food. Would it be wrong to ask someone that how the kebab go down their throat when they see that boy crying on the stairs? Or is it not their fault and they simply missed him on those steps? I don't know what the answer is but it is definitely a lesson for everyone.

Think about this young boy when you whine the next time you aren't able to get some luxurious item, or when you make a face at some dish on your table just because you didn't like it. Think very hard the next time you waste food on your plate, or make  a face at 20 dresses hanging in your closet just because they are 2 months old.

How many times do you sit and ponder over such kids? Does it break your heart to see such scenes?

O Imam(ajtf) it is another eve of Friday and the world is still without you, the oppression is increasing. O imam(ajtf) please come soon...he heart cries for you.

What is Love?

Many times we claim that we love someone or something BUT have we truly analyzed if our love is sincere or true? I was listening to a lecture by Ayt. Aqeel Ul Gharvi and thought he defined love in a beautiful way. If all of us were to apply and use that definition and then claim we love someone, our lives might become more peaceful and conflict free.

Love is nothing but appreciation and respect for someone or something and giving them their right due. In urdu the word of "qadardani" can be used for it. For example Allah(swt) granted parents children. Now love of children means that parents appreciate them and give them their right due. Like if they are hungry, give them food; they need education, give them education; give them water if they are thirsty; give them clothes if they need them etc. In a nutshell appreciate them and give them their right.
Now imagine a mother holding a toddler while he/she is crying out of hunger. If the mother just keeps on saying "my love don't cry" and keeps on patting him without addressing the issue of hunger, would you say the mother loves the kid even if she repeats it a million times that she loves him?!

Therefore appreciation means giving the ones we love their rights. If we say we love someone and don't give them their rights then its not true love. Love means to recognize the other's rights and needs. So if you truly love Allah(swt) and alhulbayt(s.a) then give them their rights and only then would you be able to claim that you love them. Otherwise its nothing but empty claims of love. Saying you love Allah(swt) without praying means you have no love and are just deluding yourself.

Wake up and realize what true love is all about, just celebrating valentines, mother's day, father's day or xyz day doesn't show true love. True love takes place every breathing moment when you recognize the need of your loved ones and fulfill them. Just giving your parents or your spouse flowers on these days means zilch if you are not giving them their due.

Ref:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xFJucGMC7o

The Void...

I usually don't use this blog space as a personal story place but you know how there are some people who are worth mentioning and sometimes you want the whole world to know about them, well my nani(maternal grandmother) was one of those people. She died in the month of Safar this year. Initially i had thought not to talk about her death as i thought it was something too personal to share but over the weeks the feeling of penning about her has gradually increased. You know how the tears and sadness wells up inside you, i think sometimes the only way to let it go is to write it down.

She was one of those lovely people who have truly inspired and helped my personality. In this messed up world full of selfish and mean people she was that safe corner where one could go and hide and forget about everything. Since the time i have been fully aware of my surroundings i have seen her totally focused on her worship and devotion to Ahlulbayt(s.a). But the best thing about her was that she was one of those cool people with whom i could talk about religion as well as watch sports and chill out. It's one of those sweet memories to remember when Pakistan cricket team was about to lose and we used to plead to our nani to start doing tasbeeh for the team. So many of the prayers and duas that i have learned have come from her, i would have been quite ignorant if it weren't for her. I still remember this one time i was staying with her and she asked me to recite Iqbal's poems for her. One memory i think i can never forget is the time when i was little and was left with my nani for babysitting. She used to make the perfect fried eggs with toast n' butter and  a glass of cold mango squash. Then she used to set up everything in a tray and put it infront of me while i watched cartoons. Although over the years i have stopped eating eggs, but i am sure no one can make eggs as good as hers.

Although she lost a young son in her life, i never heard her complain to Allah(swt) or how she had suffered that tragedy. All the time she talked about patience and trust in Allah(swt). I remember the times when anyone of us from the family used to talk about problems and how things are getting difficult...she would always smile her typical soft smile and point above and say that trust in Allah(swt)...HE(swt) always helps.

Now when she is not here, looking back at her life makes me realize how piety truly moulds a person. Her prayers had made her mind so alert that even in pain and in her old age she was well aware of her surroundings and for a moment did not leave her senses. When she was about to die she was speaking out in pain but when the moment came really near she just stopped the pain sounds and started slowly reciting some duas or some Dhikr. This made me realize that no matter how much wealth people think they can accumulate in the end it's only your piety that is going to get you through to the other end. Her life also makes me reflect on the narration that says that live life in a manner that when you die everyone cries for you. She was a true embodiment of that. Everyone from close friends, to domestic helpers to far off friends and families broke down after hearing about her death. And people couldn't stop saying what a great person she truly was. I can go on an on about her but the space and time is limited. Suffice is to say she was truly one of the awesomest person i have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

I don't know whether i was that perfect granddaughter or not but still she showered me with so much love and attention. Even a few days before her death when i went to meet her, she was so overexcited and overjoyed to see me that for a moment i was taken aback at the deep sense of love that i felt from her. Time spent with her are some of the warmest moments of my life when i knew that this person loved me for me and not for something that i had or for something selfish. It was one of those selfless love so hard to find these days. I can't describe the void left in my life with her death, she was the last link to that generation and time which still showed hope of selflessness and sincerity.  Even when she is gone, she has left her legacy of duas and devotion to Ahlulbayt(s.a) for me; the last thing that i inherited of her is her dua book, covered in a cloth specially sewn by her.

I just hope and pray that Allah(swt) eases things for her in her after life. If you ever read through this please pray for her maghfirat and say a surah Fatiha for her.

Protection from Satan Series-Part I

I had read a book a while back titled "Ista'aaza;Seeking Allah's Protection from Satan" by Shaeed E Mehrab Ayatollah  Abdul Hussain Dastghaib Shirazi.

Ayatollah Abdul Hussain Dastghaib Shirazi

I have started to read it again and thought i should summarize its main points and helpful things so that others can benefit from it as well. In this first part i will outline the various duas we should recite at different times and places to gain protection.

At the time of wearing the clothes one should say:

Allahumma astarurati wa la tajal alshaitan lahu naseeba

Translation: O Allah keep my private parts hidden and save them from the interference of Shaitan

while going to a washroom one should recite:

Allahumma inni a-oozu beka min al khabeesil khabs ar rijs al khabs ash sahaitan ir rajeem

Translation: O Allah I seek Your Protection from the accursed Satan and the defiled impurities) 

Recite the following supplication at the moment of emerging out of the house:

Bismillahi wa billahi aamanto billahi tawakkalto alallaha wa la haula wa la quwawata illa billa

Translation: In the name of Allah and with His Help I am proceeding on my errand. I have absolute Faith in the Great Allah and there is no power besides Him. 

ref:Ista'aaza; Seeking Allah's Protection from Satan

Priceless Treasure

The world is in a crazy race to make as much money as they want, reach the highest level of success YET i wonder at these people as they fail to recognize the true treasure. I feel it is one of the most elusive treasures of it all, its nothing other than INNER PEACE. One can have as many material things as they want, as much success as they like but can it guarantee inner peace? No!
One of the reasons the world has become such a messed up place full of anxiety, tension, worries, anger...all the negative emotions one can count is because of a lack of inner peace. As i write this i wish i could achieve that state of inner peace as well where nothing and no one affects me, no matter where i go or with whom i am, i always remain in a state of inner calm and peace. BUT *sigh* unfortunately as i said its an elusive treasure, bestowed upon those lucky few who manage to reach that state of neareness and piety to Allah(swt). We can strive for it i guess, well here are some useful things we can do to try and reach this state:


Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi writes:

A person can achieve inner peace by creating harmony and balance between his main emotions (desire and anger) and his spiritual self. In other words, between his emotions and his conscience.
Human's spiritual power or conscience is not a static phenomenon: it has the ability of growth as well as decadence. God swears by the soul of human being and says, "He inspired to it to understand what is good and what is evil. Prosperous in the person who purifies it, and failed is he who seduces it." (Qur'an; chp. 91, verse 10).

ref:An Introduction to Islam


In Ibid,. Khutab No. 220  it is written that:

He has revived his intellect and slain his self, until his body became lean and its bulkiness shrunk, and stubborness turned into tenderness (of heart). Then an effulgence, like a thunderbolt, descended his heart and illuminated the path before him, opening all the doors, and led him straight into the gateway of Peace. Now his feet, carrying his body, are firmly rooted in the position of safety (on the Sirat) and comfort because he kept his heart busy with good deeds and won the good pleasure of his God. 

As we can see the passage above talks about the self struggle against one's nafs and drowning oneself in piety and righteousness. Its one of the greater Jihad's and thats why achieving inner peace is not easy. It says in the Quran:
Indeed, the hearts are at rest in God 's remembrance.(13:28) 


When one talks about Imam Hussain(a.s) and nafs-e mutmainna, the following lines fit in perfectly to describe his sacrifice and spiritual state:
He did everything only for God, and so God also made him His own.[Ibid, Khutab No. 87]
ref: The Glimpses of Nahj al Balaghah Part III - Suluk and 'Ibadah


Piety is a very important thing which can heal an ailing heart. It sounds strange and at times we have to struggle a lot and the heart still aches BUT it takes time and is a difficult process, as the final reward is not very easy. So its all about striving continuously.


Certainly, fear of Allah (taqwa) is … the cure for the ailments of your bodies…[Imam Ali(a.s)-Ibid]
A person who has taqwa is satisfied with his limits and his rights, feels calm and confident, and has inner peace. This results in a healthier heart; tensions will not cause him to suffer from stomach ulcers and from pain in his intestines. The well-being of his body, social life, and spirit all depend on taqwa.
ref:Taqwa and Health


May we all achieve Inner Peace and tranquility and always remain on the straight path(ameen).

Hope

This world has become a difficult place to live in. At times it seems as if every door is closed, we are trapped in something for which no escape seems possible. At such times is their something to give us hope? I was listening to this beautiful lecture which shed light on this topic. I hope it also helps you when you feel their is no hope left.

Patience & Forebearence

I met a friend recently who has been out of Pakistan for a few years and she made me realize how frustrated and impatient we as a nation have become and therefore i felt it was relevant to write something about this topic. Its true that in current times every step is full of difficulty and calamities, it is very easy to lose patience and become frustrated. Life can seem oppressive at times and it almost seems impossible to move on. It's at these times it's important to keep certain traditions and narrations in mind to help one get over the frustrations and disappointments and be patient.  Below i am relating some of these narrations:

Beware! Your patience should not be like those of ordinary people. Instead of remaining patient, they were more concerned with their exhibition of patience. This is Riyakari. The patience of muttaqi (pious) people should be such in which there is hope of reward in the hereafter. Arifs (those who have knowledge about the qualities of Allah) should be such that at the time of patience, they should enjoy their hardships because these hardships have been given by the Beloved who is aware of its result.

Allah the Most High said: “O you who believe, seek assistance through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient.”

 He also said: “And give good news to the patient. Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: 'Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return.' Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and those are the followers of the right course.” 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) said: “There are three kinds of forbearance: Forbearance in misfortune, forbearance in obedience and forbearance against disobedience.”

Imam 'Ali (a.s.) the Commander of the Faithful said: “The role of patience in actions is like the role of the head among the organs of the body. If the head is gone the organs become useless and if patience is gone actions are useless.”

And seek assistance through patience and prayer; and most surely it is a hard thing, except for the humble ones (2:45), who know that they shall meet their Lord and that they shall return to Him (2:46). 

Imam As-Sādiq (a. s.) said: "Whenever ‘Alī (a.s.) faced a difficulty, he used to stand up for the prayer and then recite this verse: and seek assistance through patience and prayer." (al-Kāfī) 

Yeah things can seem very difficult at times BUT just remember these traditions and keep in mind the tragedy of Kerbala. How Imam Hussain(a.s) kept on moving even after he had to carry so many bodies, face so many enemies alone, he didn't give up but went ahead with his mission with patience and forbearance.

references:
Al-Mizan-Chapter 13
Living the Right Way by Ayatullah Jawad Tehraani 
WASIYATNAMA (Last Will & Testament) Ayatullah Shaikh Abdulla Mamkani (a.r.)'s will to his children, relatives, well-wishers and friends
 http://www.al-islam.org/short/wasiyatnama/38.htm

Life...

Sometimes life can seem really difficult, everywhere you turn its as if nothing is going your way. The motivation to move on with life diminishes...one just feels like giving up! Everything seems sad and depressing. Its at times like these that the Quran and words of Ahlul Bayt(s.a) help. One sermon from Nahjul Balagha that has really helped me at times is "Al-Khutba Al-Qasi'ah". I love the following excerpt from the sermon:

If Allah, the Glorified, had placed His sacred House and His great signs among plantations, streams, soft and level plains, plenty of trees, an abundance of fruits, a thick population, close habitats, golden wheat, lush gardens, green land, watered plains, thriving orchards and crowded streets, the amount of recompense would have decreased because of the lightness of the trial. If the foundation on which the House is borne and the stones with which it has been raised had been of green emerald and red rubies, and there had been brightness and effulgence, then this would have lessened the action of doubts in the breasts, would have dismissed the effect of Satan's activity from the hearts, and would have stopped the surging of misgivings in people. But Allah tries His creatures by means of different troubles, wants them to render worship through hardships and involves them in distresses, all in order to extract out vanity from their hearts, to settle down humbleness in their spirits and to make all this an open door for His favours and an easy means for His forgiveness (for their sins). Caution against rebellion and oppressiveness

Patience Of Imam Reza (a.s)

During the period Imam Reza (a.s) resided in Merv as the heir apparent of the caliph there was an Abbaside leader who was very jealous of him. He was always waiting for an opportunity to degrade the Imam in the eyes of Mamun, but he did not get any chance. One day he came to the Imam and criticizing the Shiite religion began to foul-mouth the Imam.

The Imam asked him, “O Man! After all, what is your aim with this?” “To insult you!” he replied.

The Imam said, “The special servants of Allah are never humiliated.” “I do not consider you among the chosen servants of Allah,” he said.

The Imam said, “When did I ask you to consider me thus? But the One Whose servant I am considers me thus.”

He said, “Show me a miracle and I will accept it.” The Imam said, “Is it anything less than a miracle that you are talking in such a bad way and I am maintaining patience and self-control? Can I not complain to the ruler and have you punished severely?”

Hearing this the man became regretful and fell down at the feet of the Imam and said, “From today I have become your devotee. I had come with the intention to make you behave arrogantly with me so that I can fight you and defame you in the town. But I have become a devotee of your good behavior. The fact is that being on such an important position the patience and forbearance you have shown is impossible by anyone else.”

Who is narrow minded...Islam or you...?!

According to a tradition one day Holy Prophet(pbuh) was sitting in the mosque when a lady entered. She said salam to the Prophet(pbuh) and said that i am single and want to get married.

The holy Prophet(pbuh) said ok and asked the sahaba siting their that who would like to marry her.One person got up and said he would.

The Prophet(pbuh) asked if he had any money for mehr, the man said i just live in that hut nearby and dont have much money. The prophet(pbuh) then said...then how will you marry and he sat down. Once again he(pbuh) raised the same question. Again the same person got up...the prophet(pbuh) said ok you can marry her but tell me if you have learned the knowledge that i have been imparting...he said yes. So the prophet(pbuh) said that you can give that as the mehr.

Now ask yourself that what is narrow minded...islam or us or the society that we have created?!

A woman was easily able to enter the mosque...so Islam doesnt restrict women...its us who have closed off females from mosques.

Secondly the woman was easily able to enter while other male sahaba were sitting and talk to the prophet(pbuh)...if these days we cant do the same with alims...whose to be blamed...religion or the society?

Finally she was able to talk about marriage openly and holy prophet(pbuh) answered.

Imagine if the same incident took place today...what would such a woman be labeled? a outspoken woman without any level of modesty?

So then whose to be blamed religion or the society we have created?!

(Extracted from majlis by Ilama Zaki Baqri)

Amanat-e Khuda....a perspective to live a peaceful life

In a recent majlis ayt. aqeel ul gharvi told a very simple and beautiful way through which we all could lead peacful and conflict free lives and i thought it was worth sharing...:)

One of the most effective ways to make tauheed a part of your life is to consider everything a safekeeping or amant of Allah(swt). For example:

1. Parents should think that their children are amant of Allah(swt) so while taking care of them they should not think that later on in life i would be getting something from him/her. They should think that the money given to them is also an amant of Allah(swt) so they should spend one amanat on taking care of another amanat. This way when they would even be kissing the face of their child, they would be doing 'ibadat'.

2. Husband and wife should also think the same; wife should take husband as 'abd-e Khuda' and husband wife as 'kaneez-e khuda'. So when both interact with each other they should think that Allah(swt) gave them each other as amanat and so the other should be treated as such. If the duties assigned are not fulfilled properly, they would be doing na shukri with the amnat of Allah(swt). In such a manner all acts would also become ibadat.

 These are just two examples but this concept could be applied to all the areas of life and to all the people one comes in contact with. So next time you hurt someone or fight with someone....think what you are really doing? And if you are taking proper care of the amanats giving to to you by Allah(swt).