Wanderer

Noor Jahan - Marsiya 01 - Mir Anees

2011-11-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

Fireflies in the Garden

2009-11-20T04:15:00.000-08:00

Here come real stars to fill the upper skies,

And here on earth come emulating flies,

That though they never equal stars in size,

(And they were never really stars at heart)

Achieve at times a very star-like start.

Only, of course, they can't sustain the part.

-Robert Frost

image credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilcreek/

Ali (A)

2009-09-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

One name has ruled the hearts of Arifs, Saints of all times, and even has been a ray of hope for polluted hearts such as mine. Name of Ali (A) makes Darwaish spin in axis, Sufis lose themselves and Mystics chant … ... Aik wird hai dam dum Ali Ali .

Ali (A) is for whom Lal Shehbaz Qalandar said:

Haiderium Qalandram Mastam
Banda e Murtaza Ali Hastam
Peshwa e tamam Rindanam
Ke Sag e Koo e Shier e Yazdanam!

Translation:

I am Haideri (relating to Haider), Qalandar and Mast (intoxicated with inspiration)
I am a slave of Ali Murtaza
I am leader of all saints
Because I am a dog of the lane of "Allah's Lion

Who is this Ali (A)?
Ali ( The exalted one) is also called Ailya, Haider, Murtaza , Asadullah, Shair e Khuda( Lion of Allah), Wajahullah( Allah’s Face), Yaddullah ( Allah’s hand), Lisaan Ullah ( Allah’s tongue), Aain ullah( Allah’s eye), Ameer ul Momineen ( master of the faithful), Imam ul mutaqeen ( Leader of the pious), Abul Aimma ( Father of Imams), Mushkil kusha ( solver of difficulties ), Fatah e Khaiber ( one to conqueror of Khaiber), Budh Shikan ( destroyer of Idols), Babul ilm ( Gateway to the city of knowledge), Abu Turab ( father of sand) ,Sa’aqi e kosar (one who will quench the thirst of believers from the stream of Kauthar), Qaseem e Jinnah o Naar ( Divide of Eden n Hell), Wali Ullah (Friend of Allah), Nafs e Rasool saw (Part of Rsasool saw) etc.
Ali (A) was exclusively born inside Ka’abah and He is the first martyr in the house of God during prayer.

Ali (A) opened His eyes in Rasool e Khuda (saw)’s arms. He was married to the most pious lady of all worlds, leader of all women of Eden; Daughter of Prophet (saw), Fatima tul Zahra (S). His sons, Hassan (A) and Hussain (A) are Leaders of the youth of Heaven.

Ali (A), as a solider, protected Rasool e Khuda (saw) and steadfastly fought on His signals. He had the special role of protecting Rasool e Khuda (saw) when most of the Muslim army fled from the battle of Uhud.

Ali (A) is the one for whom “Zulfiqar” (sword) was sent form Allah through Hazrat Jibraeel (A) during the battle and it was said:

"There is no brave youth except Ali and there is no sword which renders service except Zulfiqar."

Ali (A) was the Prophet (saw)’s Alamdar (bearer of the flag). He was the one who slept on the bed of Prophet (saw) on the night of Meeraj. Quran praises Ali (A) saying:

“And among men there is who sells himself (soul) seeking the pleasure of God; and verily, God is affectionate unto His (faithful) servants.” -Chapter 2 verse 207

Ali (A) is the one for whom Prophet (saw) said: “Man Kuntu Mola Fahaza Ali un Mola”

"Ali is with Haqq (truth) and Haqq is with Ali - O Allah (SWT) turn Haqq in the same direction in which Ali turns”

“Looking at the face of Ali is Worship”

“O Ali ... I love the person you hold dear… and I hate the person u dislike.”

“O Ali Your fight is my fight, your resolution is my resolution... My fight is Allah’s fight, and my resolution is Allah’s resolution. The one who resolves with you resolves with Allah.”
“Nobody knows Allah except me and Ali. Nobody knows me except Allah and Ali. Nobody knows Ali except Allah and me."

“It is Ali who will distribute heaven and hell among mankind."

“Whoever wishes to see Adam in his knowledge, Noah in his piety, Ibrahim in his forbearance (patience), Musa in his strength, and Isa in his worship and devotion should look at Ali ibn Abi Talib."
“I am the city of Knowledge and Ali (A) is the gateway.”

Imam Ali, Abu Turab (A) was the only one who declared 'Saluni, Saluni Kabla an Tafkiduni' - 'ask me, ask me, before you do not find me amongst you.

Dr. Alama Iqbal said:
"Har Ke Dar Affair Garden Bu Turaab;
Baaz Gardaanad Ze Maghrib Aaftaab
(In spiritual exaltation, if anyone can achieve the status of Bu Turaab, then he will be able to cause the sun to rise from the West.)"'

Ali (A) is the heart of love and reverence; center of hatred and revulsion. His devotees love him passionately and His enemies hold equally intense grudge against Him.

Ali (A)‘s love and devotion roots in the hearts where God lies. He was blessed with companions like Mesam e Tammar, Ammar e Yasir, Owais e Qarni, Hani, Malik e Ashtar and many more who gave their lives but remained faithful to Ali (A).

Ali (A) encountered worst people as enemies too. But it is pleasantly alarming, that Ali (A) became their identity… the very person they wanted to erase from history.

Ali (A)‘s door of wisdom is open for all. I wonder what is in Ali (A) that the whole world is chanting his name… Hindu poet Devi Roop Kumari couldn’t also resist saying:

Nisaar e Murtaza hoon...Punjetan say piyar kerti hon
Khizan ji s per na aaye uss chaman say piyar kerti hon
Aqeeda mazhab e insaniyat me kab zaroori hai
Main butt parast hon. ek budh shikan say piyar kerti hon

Ali (A) is whom I Love... I pursue.

Note: I have been intensely restless to write something for Mola e Kainaat, Ali (A), but found my self drowned in the ocean of love created by His lovers…. I accept that I don’t have words…I have tried to collect few pearls from this divine ocean. And have realized that until we lose ourselves to these depths we can never find the Truth.

Collection of Sayings and Duas: Nehjul Balagah, Nehjul Asrar, Sahifa e Alwiya

image credit : www.sistani.org

At the Gateway to City of Knowledge

2009-09-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I wonder

Why faithless people like us

Feel a connection towards the name of Haider.

Only The Wise knows, what wisdom lies with him.

The Brave knows only, the secret to the conquest of Badr and Khaiber.

The Learned knows only what drowning ships he saved.

I, am aware of one thing alone.

He was fragrant with the essence of my Lord

He was raised and trained, under him.

And his days and nights were spent waiting for a signal from our Lord's eyes, a word from his lips

If he slept amongst the crowd of enemies, it was but for him, our Lord.

If he bathed in his own blood, fighting, it was but for him, our Lord.

Thus, him, I love

Thus, him, I pursue..

The depths of all love and emotions, are to his name.

A poem in Urdu by Iftikhar Arif

Translated/Compiled by Guest Writer: Shane Hussain Naqvi

Image Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/58519970@N00/

WHISPERS OF LOVE

2009-08-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

Love whispers to my ear,

"Better to be a prey than a hunter.

Make yourself My fool.

Stop trying to be the sun and become a speck!

Dwell at My door and be homeless.

Don't pretend to be a candle,

be a moth,

so you may taste the savor of Life

and know the power hidden in serving."

Rumi

Mathnawi V. 411-414 (translated by Kabir Helminski)'The Rumi Collection', Edited by Kabir Helminski

photo credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/soloflight/

A Wake Up Call

2009-07-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life, you need a shock treatment to wake you up. This morning proved to be a wakeup call for me.

Previous night’s joviality from a friend's wedding was still fresh in my mind when I began the day with the excitement of Halwa Pori breakfast with friends and a wedding of another buddy planned for the night.

After setting out the table, I decided to quickly make Sher Khorma for the guest, with a maid by my side who was cooking parathas. During a casual talk, she started to weep. She shared that she wanted to visit some syed peer this evening. On my display of curiosity to know the reason, she said that her husband is jobless. She further said that she left her children sleeping today, and dint cook breakfast either. I wondered why dint she cook anything. She looked at me with tears flowing down her cheeks and replied,

″I swear, there was nothing to cook.″

Her tears drowned me in the filth of my own contentment. Her words pierced my heart. And her distress left me paralyzed and speechless.

She continued to work leaving my eyes fixed on all the food stacked in cabinets, a refrigerator packed with fruits, meals of all kinds and so much extra that was just there to delight… and her hands... that were rolling paratha for someone else while her own children were asleep with an empty stomach.

An echo of my father telling me stories about Ahl e Bait AS e Rasool SAW, and the three days when they had a fast and on all three nights they gave away all that they had to a hungry beggar.

Every single thing that I ever read about Imam Ali Ibn Hussain As and Imam Ali As, that they used to carry bags full of food and used to secretly deliver it to the doorstep of the poor every night, flashed back. My head bowed down in embarrassment in front of Rasool Allah SAW remembering that he said that you are not momin if your stomachs are full while your neighbors sleep hungry.

Her tears were a slap on my face. They exhibit my ignorance, my selfishness, my ego. While I was busy showing off my love for God... talking about ISHQ… I overlooked the ones whom He loves the most.

I found myself isolated in a fort with walls of ego that are plastered with contentment of being right! Thick curtains of ignorance have darkened the surroundings. Any beam of light that enters, gets lost in the hollowness of the adobe.

Her tears did crack a wall. They will stay with me every time I eat. It now scares me to spend hundreds on just a meal for my own self… for the sake of enjoyment and not to survive. That same money can give such families enough food to last for two days.

It’s painful when our fort trembles down, in the same way as if someone lived in dungeons throughout his live and for the first times he opens his eyes that are sensitive to the light.

photo credit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nygus/

I am a Sculptor, a Molder of Form

2009-07-24T02:29:00.000-07:00

I am a sculptor, a molder of form.
In every moment I shape an idol.
But then, in front of you, I melt them down
I can rouse a hundred forms
and fill them with spirit,
but when I look into your face,
I want to throw them in the fire.
My souls spills into yours and is blended.
Because my soul has absorbed your fragrance,
I cherish it.
Every drop of blood I spill
informs the earth,
I merge with my Beloved
when I participate in love.
In this house of mud and water,
my heart has fallen to ruins.
Enter this house, my Love, or let me leave

Dewan e Shamsi

Rumi

photo

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oaspetele_de_piatra/

The Journey Begins..

2009-07-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

The stars look dimmer tonight and the grieving silence of the air signals a storm is bond to come. Hearts feel weaker as the seconds pass by. The thought of departing from the sight of my Lord is leaving even more burden on my heart… darkness just keeps thickening... and the stillness is getting dense... But at least I can see my lord tonight… at least the city is still bright and radiant with his presence... The city is still drowned in his fragrance... but sand seems to be crying like a child … it doesn’t want His feet to leave its grounds…why should it not weep…after all these feet have grown old on its surface.. How could it bear the separation…it seems even the skies are shedding tears.... and hearts have forgotten to beat...

Ah...It’s the last night with the grandson of Muhammad SAW... It’s the last night of Hussain AS in Madina…

They say that the greatest ones will accompany him on his journey… and I am not one of them.

کنعان محمد کے حسینوں کا سفر ہے
خورشید لقا،زہرا جبینوں کا سفر ہے

چھٹتا ہے وطن،گوشہ نشینوں کا سفر ہے

اک دن کا نہیں کوچ،مہینوں کاسفر ہے

گل رو چمن خلد میں جانے کو چلے ہیں

گھر چھوڑ کے جنگل کے بسانے کو چلے ہیں

گردش ہے اب،اور فاطمہ زہرا کا قمر ہے

ایک ایک قدم راہ میں لٹ جانے کا ڈر ہے

بستی ہے رستے میں کسی جا،نہ شجر ہے

درپیش ہے سختی،کہ پہاڑوں کا سفر ہے
گرمی میں گرفتار محن ہوتے ہیں شبیر

اک غل ہے کہ آوارہ وطن ہوتے ہیں شبیر

میر انیس

......................................................................................................
An unexplainable mood made me wander into the night before 28th Rajab 61 Hij…When Imam Hussain as left Madina on a journey guided by Ishq. It’s the night of 27th Rajab 1430 Hijra. I can’t overcome the fact that I was not the best one to accompany him. The finest ones were born when they were needed.
Mir Anees says in his mersiya that we recite in our majalis as we mourn tonight recalling the painful memories of this journey...
" Kunan-e- Muhammad (saw) kay haseenon ka safar hai..."

The Flight

2009-05-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

The mystifying wind outside is stirring strange sensations within me.....

How should the soul not take wings

when from the Glory of God

It hears a sweet, kindly call:

"Why are you here, soul? Arise!"

How should a fish not leap fast

into the sea form dry land

When from the ocean so cool

the sound of the waves reaches it

How should the falcon not fly

back to his king from the hunt

When from the falconer's drum

it hears to call:"Oh, come back"?

Why should not every Sufi

begin to dance atom-like

Around the Sun of duration

that saves from impermanence?

What graciousness and what beauty?

What life-bestowing! What grace!

If anyone does without that,

woe-what err, what suffering!

Oh fly , oh fly, O my soul-bird,

fly to your primordial home!

You have escaped from the cage now-

your wings are spread in the air.

Oh travel from brackish water

now to the fountain of life!

-Rumi

Aik Hain Hum Aur Aik Hai Pakistan!

2009-04-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

WE are ONE and so is PAKISTAN !

Last night, I was coming back from market; It was a Saturday night, and oddly, streets were empty, the small food shops were deserted, bakeries abandoned even the beggars were out of sight. We stopped at a tandoor to get some naans for dinner. Unusually, the lights were dimmed and the Tandoor seemed closed. As our taxi stopped, I noticed 3 shadowy figures move hesitantly. They wore prayer caps and had tasbeeh in their hands; they seemed alarmed with our presence.

When our driver returned with Naans, he told us that the shop owner is Phakhtoon; they are so terrified with latest incidents of Phakhtoon killings that they have camouflaged themselves in the gloomy darkness of the shop and prayed to find solace and to be secure!

A sharp twinge traveled deep into my heart. We keep on hearing such news, but witnessing the reality was awfully agonizing. News is not always false its not always aggrandized. Our own people are not sensing protection within their own domains. Our streets are no longer an extension of our homes. They have become corridors of crime.

We have always been one.. We have always been Pakistanis. Then what happened? Did we fell asleep and became ignorant of what has been happening in the background? Or we were well aware of noiseless movements, those invisible objects being re assembled.. We did hear those whispers but were not able to make out the meanings. We did notice those changes but that dint affect us, and how could it when we already had so many other things to worry about.

These thoughts invaded my mind. I could hear the classic national song “Sindh, Sarhad, Punjab Baluchistan…Aik hian hum aur aik hai Pakistan” and could see all those childhood memories of school assemblies, in which four students enthusiastically represented four provinces and lovingly hugged each other under Pakistani Flag... Just like brothers.

At least that’s what we saw and felt as children but will our children be chanting the same song? Will they still have same four friends to inspire them? Or will they see one shooting all three one after the other and then painting the green and white flag his own?

I am not trying to portray the worst picture here. But I think it’s about time that we should open our eyes and ears and confront the reality.

If we don’t want those four buddies to kill each other, we must notice those extras, unwanted characters on the stage; some are behind that curtain at the back… who are whispering in the ears of the friends, who are trying to edit the script. They are going to ruin the show! As soon as one of the friends is left behind, as soon as their strength weakens, these characters are going to stab him as well. They will shredder the flag and now the stage will be their own along with the silent, stunned audience; us!

Let’s wake up! Let’s pull that curtain down! Lets unmask those faces! Let’s rise up and swamp the stage, push those uninvited characters off the stage. Encircle those young brothers and let them be ONE!

~ Zahra

photo source:

ISHQ : The Sea of Love

2009-04-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

نیک خواھانم نصیت می کنند... خشت بر دریا زدن بی حاصل است

شوق رابر صبر قوت غالب است ...عقل رابر عشق دعوی باطل است

My friends advise me that a wall can’t be built on the surface of water

Desire overrules Patience---Claim of wisdom in Love is false.

Verses by Sa'adi

For the Sake of Welfare

2009-03-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

Rumbling train, trembling walls and shivering floors, were the few things that I noticed when I reached a private welfare school here in Karachi.

It was a fine morning; my heart was filled with excitement to visit a welfare center along with a group of O level students who wanted to spend a day for others. Sadly that feeling withered away as we reached the venue.

A slim door opened into a narrow, congested and a ceiling-less corridor. Right beside the door was a confine bathroom with a dented door. Facing it was a huge blue drum with a tap attached, beneath that an empty paint bucket was placed. On my right was a tall rack stacked with little dusty chappals. Some dead plants added to the depressing ambiance.

As I took few steps inwards, it was heart rendering to see a whole row of tiny chairs with broken seats arranged adjacent to a wall. Classes were being conducted in room with partially covered ceiling and with walls encrusted with dust; students were settled on floor mats.

On one side of the picture was a tear jerking sight of innocent kids with little, bare feet, muddled hair, inconsistently uniformed and variably placed in classes without chairs, space and even without a proper roof and on the other hand was the discourteous attitude of the principal with volunteers who went to help them out. Well, I rather not go there.

Principal’s filled to capacity workplace, served multiple purposes. Besides being an office, it was a library, store room, dining room and even acted as a staff room. One door opened into a classroom, the other one into a small passage that could be called an exit. This passage was divided by a curtain into half; on the other side of the curtain was a filthy, fetid bathroom.

While talking to the teachers, I made some astonishing discoveries. The teachers there had to go through a series of 2-3 year Urdu pronunciation program before they could teach students of KG! According to one senior and the most qualified teacher, she had to spend 2 years just to work on Urdu pronunciation and it was a tough course!

My heart sank and I felt I was sitting in an adobe whose base was so vulnerable, pillars too brittle; I felt the roof will rumble down anytime taking all of us with it.

Every second that I spent there made my heart heavier, partially, to see melancholy of young people; primarily, because misery was being imposed on them.

My pption of the scenario was at polarity with the common point of view. I was raged to observe that such welfare organizations are just portraying these chaste children as a symbol of misfortune, for me the organization it self was disparage in the name of “welfare”. It is no more than bandwagon.

I fail to understand the purpose of useless, broken chairs placed at the entrance when they have low desks and floor mats for the class. I can not comprehend the logic behind Urdu pronunciation course as compulsory for teachers of kindergarten. I can not grasp the purpose of such institutions. I can not foresight the future of students of such schools.

If an organization is so impoverished and penniless, why in the world they open tens of branches all over the city with same pitiable conditions? Wont it be better to have only one center but with standards of education and teaching? A safe and pleasing place with uplifting milieu... There is no point of such schools if they can not provide something better for the kids.

I urge the government to fortify the educational standards and I request such welfare organizations to have an infrastructure and not to initiate such projects if you are already broke. It is a good thing for all of us to give something to others; every one should contribute, but let’s not embark on something with a hope to get funds.Please don’t play with the lives of these kids. They are going to so called schools but are they really learning anything? What ever people contribute dose it affect kid’s live at all?

Let’s taste the bitter truth. It dose not!

BUDGET TIPS: Cheaper By The Dozen

2009-01-08T22:08:00.000-08:00

January 08, 2009

Zahra Ali Syed suggests some simple ways to beat the food crises

Let’s face it; the whole world is going through a riotous food-price crisis. The best way to cope is to face it!

Large sum of our budget is spent every month on food items; before we know it, the budget is out of control and we either spend too much or we end up compromising on the quality and quantity of food that our families require.

In both cases a little planning and some simple steps can help ease the burden without compromising on the quality of life.

BUY SMART

Always keep your self updated with the changing prices of food items. Your shop keeper might be selling at a higher rate than the market in the next neighbourhood.

Make a list and stick to it

• Check for expiry dates. An item may be marked down because it’s close to expiry

• Buy in bulk. Buying in small quantities throughout the month costs twice as much, apart from increased fuel and time cost.

• Keep an eye open for discounts and special offers

• Keep a record of the bills. This will help you evaluate your monthly food cost

• Do a survey of local stores in your area; communicate with friends about different stores and their prices. You may be surprised to find high quality at cheap rates in small, low-profile stores.

STORAGE

Storing and saving food is an art in itself. Here are some ideas:

• Slice, dice or chop your vegetables, blanch them and freeze in trays for few hours. Then transfer them in air tight bags and refrigerate for two-three weeks. This comes in handy if you buy vegetables in bulk

• Make puree out of tomatoes and freeze

• Meat and chicken can be stored for weeks without any hesitation. You can always make portions and freeze in separate bags

• Use an old ice-tray to freeze ginger and garlic paste; you can use it a cube at a time

• A good quality airtight container goes a long way. Herbs and spices can be stored in these for easy use.

COOK SMART

• Buy fresh poultry rather than the pre-frozen packs. It’s cost effective and probably healthier, too. As a bonus you can ask your butcher to pack those bones left over from boneless cut chicken pieces to make stock to use in cooking rice, lentils, vegetables or soups

• Pickles, jams and chutnies can be made at home. Rope in the kids, and maybe even hubby, to clean and chop the vegetables and experiment with different varieties

• Don’t throw away leftovers. Exercise your ingenuity and try to come up with interesting combinations• One can make potato, vegetable or lentil burgers instead of beef or chicken; they are equally delicious, healthier and definitely cheaper

• You can learn to use less oil while cooking; it will not only be better for your health but also your budget.

• Go back to the old-fashioned way; replace tea bags with tea leaves. Yes, it will be a bit of a hassle but after a while you’ll realise that this makes a far more delicious cup of tea

The list can go on and on… once you get in the habit of keeping an eye on your budget, you will automatically find ways to save the pennies.

Happy budgeting !

Ever Wander?

2008-12-28T04:51:00.000-08:00

As the Car stopped at a signal, I gazed at people, waiting for the green light to flicker and to continue their journey. My mind started wandering in a valley of thoughts. Where are they coming from and where are they going?

It is perplexing how man has homogenized in this world.
A middle-aged man tiredly waited on a motorbike with bread hanging in a plastic bag on the handle of his bike perhaps he was going home after a frenetic day. Behind him was a bus packed with jadedly standing people returning from work, students and generally people traveling, a family was in a jovial mood in their air-conditioned car. Some beggars prattling in a group. Traffic was rushing on the next road. People were standing at the bus stop lost in their lives. The market was glittery with lights and busy as usual.

I marveled how man has envisaged his existence. How he learned to live here, found activities to do, to keep him busy, learned tricks to showoff, yet this assumingly free creature is bond to do only what he is allowed to!

After centuries of existence and using wisdom that was nurtured by hundreds of generations, and by achieving heights of advancements, he is where he started. Man is helpless in changing key things that comes with the package!

He has to eat when he is hungry, he has to sleep when he is tired, he must open his eyes to see, he ought to breathe to survive. He cannot break the chain! Coming here was not his choice, nor would leaving this world be.

He still plays with things granted to him; he cannot make something new without using material already present. Yet strangely, he stands swollen with pride of his intelligence. Just like a child who is given toy blocks to play with. Sometimes he makes house out of it, some times a bridge, and flamboyantly displays his creations.

With given resources he cannot look beyond the blue sky that covers his world. With inventions, there is always an endless universe to discover. There is no end or the limits get as far from him as close he tries to get to them!

Living in an illusion, he has convinced himself to be in a reality.
It is strange how man owns something that previously belonged to people before him. He dwells on the land where people before him lived and died just like him! Thing he owns today will belong to someone else tomorrow yet he is busy in planning for future exhausting himself in the process just like his ancestors.

Nothing is his, not even he himself, yet all belongs to him. He has a house, a family whole world for him, yet he is a stranger to himself. He sees some one else inside him when he looks in his own eyes in a reflection. He wants to live forever and ever yet an infinite life scares him.

It is mystifying that he breathes in the air that the first man inhaled! He lives under the same sky; sun that shines on him today has scattered its radiance in the worlds of the past too and have seen the nations rise and fall. Dazzling stars that shine tonight have glistened the nights for societies before him.

He feeds on what grows from earth, and drinks water that skies sprinkle. He wears wool that sheep produce, and cottons that a flower offers. His most treasured possessions are stones that mountains veil, just like a child who while digging the earth finds an interesting looking twig or a pretty seashell along the seaside and keeps it in a secret place and guards it with his life.

He feeds on what grows from earth, and drinks water that skies sprinkle. He lives in world already garlanded for him, with exactly all he needs and nothing more or less.

What is he doing then: Perhaps just playing with the toys, frittering his time?

Mysterious Coincidents

2008-12-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

During a stroll in Karachi University today, I came across these beautiful dancing trees. I am sure I have seen these before...spellbound with the mysteries of coincidents...

untitled.

2008-12-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

Its raining outside.. dont know why I am captivated by these lines...

کتنا پانی یے جو بےوقت برس جاتا ہے

اور کہیں قفلا پیاسوں کاترس جاتا ہے

~Zahra

Reactions | We Care

2008-12-01T23:59:00.000-08:00

Writing for ireport became quite adventurous when I posted my first report without expecting the reaction.

With in few minutes of posting, Christina Zdanowicz from CNN emailed and latter called to ask few questions about the post “We Care”. The call ended up quite long. She wanted to know why I wrote this report and how was Pakistan after the Mumbai attacks.

I told her that I read Indian reactions on irport.com and it hurts to see such abhorrence for Muslims and especially Pakistanis in their hearts. I just wanted to portray what whole of Pakistan is feeling about it.

We were in shock and disturbed even terrified that Karachi could be attacked like that too. In short the discussion got quit lengthy. Christina also said that “we care” was the only response they got from Pakistan!

She asked for permissions for using my report on CNN. Within an hour CNN.com published my ireport. It was an exciting experience for me to see for my first and totally unplanned report to be the highest rated, most viewed, most shared and with highest number of comments for two days!

The comments how ever, were mostly from Indians. Every few were the encouraging one. It was dispiriting to see two or three Pakistanis participating in the discussion. There was no one to respond to the all harsh comments that we were getting from Indians.

During this eye opening experience, a Canadian also posted a reply. He was 40 and his grandparents were British. He said that he is friends with both Pakistanis and Indians and have nothing against both. He even said that he read about British history and was too angry at his ancestors that why would they steel the jewels from the sub continent. And he actually apologized for the acts of his ancestors!

I will always remember the innocence and originality with which he wrote that. And I guess that’s what we need to do!

Let’s move on.

We Care!

2008-12-01T23:51:00.000-08:00

This is a voice from Pakistan, where we are in pain for the unnecessary loss of precious lives of Indians in recent Mumbai attacks.

Everyone here is shocked. We have been watching news and praying for the quick end of terror wave in India constantly as even our families and friends live there. It's been like this since ever. We have cultural inheritance and a sincere love for each other.

But it hurts to see Pakistan being blamed without any evidence and being threatened by Indian press, government and the army. It's another debate that why the Indian government and the intelligence agencies failed to track this plot down and how did these terrorist managed to get the ammo.

We as Pakistanis have suffered the most even before the war against terror started. Horrific memories of 1995 terror attacks are still fresh in our minds and they continued after that with different intensities. Currently we are fighting against militant groups within our country. Our bazaars, public places, government buildings, citizens in general are being targeted since many years now.

These terrorists are neither Pakistani nor Muslims; in fact they even drift away from the category of humans. No nation suffered from terror attacks like we have.

We stand with India in this time of crisis and it would be heartening if they would too.

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-155418

A Clue

2008-11-24T10:17:00.001-08:00

I believe precious pearls of wisdom are scattered all around us. Just like those gold coins secreted in different places in 3d games. Most special ones are usually hidden inside the most unexpected places. I found two special ones by chance!

I was at a shop on Tariq Road, bought some fabric. I was holding bags in my right hand; hurriedly I took out my wallet and thoughtlessly handed over the money from my left hand to the old yet charming shopkeeper.

He was in his 80’s, wearing white kameez shalwar and a prayer’s cap. With a white beard, a mustache and a pleasing smile on his cuddly face he reminded me of Santa clause. He was just about to take money from me but he stopped, pulled his hand back, smiled and said, “Right hand please!”

It woke me up! Literally!
I quickly kept all things down, untied my other hand. Apologized and said thanks with all my heart for pointing out my mistake in the politest manner.

Just then the women next to me said that same thing happened with her and she never forgets to use her right hand to give or take something from others.

During my visit to the dentist yesterday, he handed over the card and I as usual had my mobile in my right hand, was about to use my left hand to get that card, but quickly realized my mistake and corrected it.

That was not the only inspirational experience that I had.

Last week, floor tiles of our terrace cracked due to some unexplainable reason. Two men worked to fix them. There was dirt all around; they have been hammering the floor since morning under the scorching sun. I peeked outside from the window to learn how the work was done. I expected to see tired and worn out men. But to my surprise I found them smiling and singing as they worked!

They were joking, and singing a Punjabi song softly but working whole-heartedly. They were enjoying their work under such uncomfortable conditions.

It’s true they might be used to working on such sites, but they could have been angry, frustrated, shouting and fighting as they worked. They were smiling instead; there was no sign of agitation or discomfort.

It taught me a great deal. And I kept standing there secretly; just to learn more from those two simple men.

I can never forget those smiling faces and the lessons that all three of them taught me. Two of them don’t even know about it!

We spend out lives searching for wisdom in books, over the internet but sometimes simple people teach you simple things that makes your life special.

I am still under the spell. The experience was like a clue, a flashing arrow that points towards the cross marked on the treasure map in a game.

Better keep my eyes open for treasure from now on!

~ Zahra

Letters to the Editor| Its All in the Head!

2008-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

It’s all in the Head

This is with reference to the article ‘It’s all in the head!’ by Zahra Ali Syed.The writer’s research is commendable. Statistics show that suicide attempts have increased and mostly due to depression, different phobias, mental disorders, loneliness and anger. To lead a peaceful and healthy life both physically and mentally, one should control excessive anxiety and try to relax the mind to get rid of these problems.
Samia Khan
Karachi

Its All In The Head!

2008-11-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

The next time you hear someone say ‘what we think determines what happens to us’ you better believe it, for recent researches have shown that our mind affects our health in ways never imagined before.

Brain biologists have discovered that the brain might actually help our immune system fight disease, ease chronic pains, encounter addictions, defeat depression, overcome phobias and put a stop to spreading cancers. It began back in 1975, when Dr Robert Ader, director of the Division of Behavioural and Psychosocial Medicine at University of Rochester, New York, first reported that our immune system, nervous system and endocrine or hormone system work together, and each system influences the other. The study of these complex interactions was originally termed Psycho Neuro Immunology, or PNI. Although today it is most commonly referred to as the mind-body connection.

By 1980, researchers from Harvard University reproduced and confirmed Ader’s studies. PNI is now taught at most leading medical schools as the scientific field of study that investigates the link between bi-directional communications between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems and implications of these linkages for physical health.

In the year 2000, Dr Tracy, a neurosurgeon, immunologist and director of the Feinstein Institute of Medical Research, New York, after careful study of two decades, reveals through his study that the stimulation of the vagus nerve — a major nerve that runs from our brain stem to our belly and regulates our heartbeat, breathing and intestines — stops severe sepsis. It does so by utilising neurochemicals to signal immune cells, which prevents them from releasing alarm molecules that spur inflammation and cause damage. Latter in 2006, he discovered a brain circuit that could stimulate the vagus nerve to stop inflammation.

If patients with severe sepsis can learn to slow down their heartbeats, they might be able to control their brains to modify the vagus nerve, which will calm the inflammation to fight disease.

Moreover, a strained and stressed mind can lead to surfeit physical and mental disorders, which can directly affect our immune system. Higher levels of stress are interlinked with chronic and intense anger, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, cancer and even conventional physical illnesses such as flu, cold and generally poor health.

Studies have shown that stress hormones can encourage cancerous cells to release two particular compounds that help them travel within the body through the blood stream. The third compound supplies nutrients to the existing tumour. Thus by reducing stress level, cancers can also be fought.

Anger not only affects our lives and relationships but is also directly associated with depression. A person suffering from depression is likely to have severe mood swings, fatigue, and lack of energy, decreased or lost appetite, anger and anxiety. In severe cases of depression, patients become hopeless and distance themselves from society, which may result in excessive isolation, loneliness and even suicide attempts

Anxiety may also trigger depression. It is therefore essential to pacify and relax our minds to control palpitations, racing pulse and excessive panting. Phobias, panic attacks, physical and mental disorders, anxious or depressive collapse or nervous breakdowns are caused by intense depression and stressful psychological conditions. But a peaceful, tranquil mind can rebound these fiends.

In modern times, doctors and scientists have and are still working together to train people so that they can control and harness their minds. Many studies and observations have been made to understand the influence of the healing power of the mind on the human body.

Stress should be fought with fortitude, for if left intact, it will gradually impair your strength

The best way to confront stress is to adopt positive thinking patterns, which will help immunise your mind and body, producing positive and durable results. Meditation may also help repose your mind.

In addition, it is also important that the family and friends of people dealing with stress fully support them during their recovery by believing in them, understanding and encouraging them and by helping them set targets and achieve their goals.

The mystifying healing power of the mind still needs to be studied in depth. However, always remember that energy of the subconscious mind used consciously, will not only bring peace to your soul, but will also bring ease to physical illness and disorders.

Published in DAWN sunday magazine 6th July'08

Jashan-e-Razavi

2008-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Birth anniversary of Shah-e-Khorasan, Imam-e-Ali Raza A.S was celebrated on 11th Zeqad, 10th Nov 08.

Khorasan is the largest province of Iran which now has been divided into 4 parts. The word Khorasan in Persian means “the place where sun rises from”. Mashad is the heart of Khorasan and in the heart of Mashhad is the Shrine of Imam-e-RAZA; Iran’s most valued treasure.

It truly is the place from where the sun rises from. Jashan-e-Razavi is celebrated just like eid in Iran. I wanted to be there to celebrate this eid but couldn’t go.

It was a marvelous day. The enchantment mounted as the day matured, fulfilling many dreams and leaving us with even more.

What a day it was!

Heal the soul | Letters to the Editor

2008-11-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

Heal the soul

This is with reference to Heal the soul by Zahra Ali.I found myself immersed in the article. The writer is dead right about meditation. We need to find time for meditation to make our lives more pleasant. The techniques discussed in the article were simply amazing.
Waheed Zaman Magsi
Karachi

I agree with the writer's thoughts. When we find beauty in our lives, we become happy. Beauty lies in nature’s smaller things. Meditation is a process that connects us with our own selves. It is also a fine way to relax and chill out.
Samia Khan
Karachi

This is with reference to the article Heal the soul by Zahra Ali (June 8, 2008).I really liked the piece. The writer has correctly mentioned the need for adopting a positive attitude towards everything. It helps make the road of life appear smoother. Meditation definitely leads people towards appreciating nature, which in turn gives one peace of mind.
Madiha Kauser
Via e-mail

Thank you guys! thanks for apreciation and ecouragement to all others who smsed and emailed me.

~ Zahra

Meditation: Heal the soul

2008-11-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

Find beauty in life, appreciate things around you, be ready and prepared for sudden changes in life, be kind and gentle, and you will see surprising results.

The art of meditation has been practiced since times immemorial. Be it Sufis or Buddhists, all have employed meditative techniques like yoga with different postures, breathing exercises and different goals.

The common thread, however, is that meditation is a pathway to peace, a way of connecting with the divine or finding the ultimate truth. It is a practice that not only soothes the body but heals the soul, the inner being, bringing one peace and contentment.

Meditation is the skill of focusing on an object or a thought. It enables one to understand everything in life. It lets one observe and indulge with the inner self, allowing people to get acquainted with their whole entity. In a nutshell, meditation is a corridor to one’s inner self, through which one can access and address inner conflicts, inner demons and discover true inner strengths. Meditation makes one feel more fulfilled, relaxed and more in control of themselves

Besides aiming at developing a deeper understanding of one, meditation also allows one to discover one’s true abilities. It gives life a new perspective, which is more positive and more productive.

A meditation session begins with sitting calmly in an extremely comfortable position, focusing all one’s attention inwards or towards a specific object or topic. To meditate, you will need to breathe consciously, creating a slow, deep rhythmic breathing cycle using your lungs, diaphragm and abdomen. Inhale from your nose, observe as your diaphragm descends and abdomen rises, then exhale and the exact opposite will happen. Observe your breathing pattern; deeply inhale: pause. Exhale: pause.

Once your breathing is in order, try and open your mind’s eye. Try to focus on an imaginary rose as you meditate. Imagine looking closely at its vibrant colours, feeling its velvety soft petals, smelling it. You can actually smell its refreshing fragrance if you are concentrating deeply enough.

Concentrating requires your mind to be organised. Thoughts that pass your brain need to be trained or organised. An untrained mind is like a chattering monkey; always restless, jumping here and there and never calm or still. You can control this chattering monkey by training your stream of thoughts

Sometimes sitting sill and trying not to think or focus on any thing specific can be helpful in sorting out your thoughts. Sitting quietly will help you unravel what is going on inside you. It will surprise you how many thoughts, distant memories, future plans, dreams, and unexpected thoughts you will unearth. It is helpful to try and create order in your mind by detaching yourself from your surroundings for some time.

Different objects or symbols can be used to meditate, which can either be found in nature or around you. For instance, a candle is the universal symbol of peace and hope. Light up a candle in a dark room and concentrate on its flame if you lack hope and peace in your life.

Other examples can be of evergreen plants, for they symbolise the continuation of the cycle of life as waterfalls represent the flow of life. Discover your own symbols; vastness of a starry sky can be an example too.

Nature has blessed us with objects around us to observe and enjoy, and with five senses so that we can benefit from nature’s many blessing by seeing, thinking, hearing, tasting and smelling. Colours found in nature have their own mysterious influences on us. Each colour is known for its specific attributes and to draw upon their qualities, you need to visualise a particular colour in your mind, trying to assume qualities you seek.

Visualise a red flower, fire or any red object when you need strength, direction, energy and courage in life. Look at the sunset to gain the properties of the colour orange such as vitality, brilliance, activity, or to break down barriers or get more fun out of life. The colour yellow is a sign of spring, a colour representing clarity. Green is a colour of renewal and of personal growth. Amplify relaxation in your life with the colour blue — the colour of the sea and the sky. Indigo is a rare colour in nature and is related to the expansion of mind. Violet insinuates peace and harmony within you. For pureness and wholeness meditate thinking of the colour white

Find beauty in life, appreciate things around you, be ready and prepared for sudden changes in life, be kind and gentle, and you will see surprising results. Make it a habit to relax before you go to bed, and to greet whoever you see each morning with a smile.

Always remember, to achieve fulfilment in life, live each moment happily, positively, for time is constantly running away. Make positive choices in life and be aware of the power of you mind. Always be in control of your thoughts, because it’s very true that ‘you are what you think’. Remember that meditation is not about being cut off from the world. It is all about finding inner peace amidst the hassle bustle of life.

published: 6th June 08 DAWN

The Great Africans

2008-11-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

Everyone seems excited about the changing world; pleasingly dazed to see a black as The president of America. I just can not stop my self from saying that the milestone that USA reached now, after recovering from the discrimination disorder, we as Muslims and Islam as a religion, started its journey from that very point!

I feel fortunate to be a follower of the Prophet(SAW) who led us into the world of equality. I cannot stop thinking of the great Africans who served Prophet SAW and His Pious Family(AS) and so the religion as a whole. Great African Muslims such as Hazrat-e- Bilal-e-Habashi and Janab-e-Fizza SA, kaneez-e-Fatima SA , who's constant love and faithfulness will always be an inspiration.

Praise others, but don't forget to value your own assets.

~ Zahra Ali