Jum'ah Journal-Inebriation and alcohol

Sorry I got late.
Nothing unusual for us to see the effects of drinking alcohol and its after effects, and at least we know these effects have been known for centuries.
Some of the  remarkable comments in Qur'an-el-majeed:
S. Waqiah (56th) Aya 18 and 19
باکواب وا اباریق وا کاس میں معین - لا یصدعون عنھا ولا ینزفون-
"With goblets (shining) beakers and cups (filled) out of clear-flowing fountains
No after-ache will they receive therefrom nor will they suffer intoxication"(Yusuf Ali)
 "With goblets and ewers and cups filled with water from unsullied springs, by which their minds will not be clouded and which will not make them drunk"  (Muhammad Asad)
شراب چشمہءجاری سے لبریز پیالے اور کنٹر اور ساغر لیئے دوڑتے پھرتے ہونگے جسے پی کرنہ ان کا سرچکرائے گا نہ ان کی عقل میں فتور آئےگا
"(They will be hurrying around) with goblets and ewers and cups filled with drink from the everflowing spring drinking which will not make them dizzy nor will it make their minds cloudy"  --Maudoodi)
  (Mufti Muhammad Shafi's )آبخورےاور کوزے اور پیالہ نتھری شراب کا جس سے نہ سر دکھے نہ بلواس لگے
Goblets and ewers and cup of clear drink which causes neither headache nor nonsensical talk.
 Note the differences in translations of the words  یصدعون 'Yasdaoon' and ینزفون 'Yunzifoon', two effects of heavy drinking
 Surah Nisaa  (4th) and sura Hajj (22nd) the word for drunkun-ness used is 'sukara', as follows:
       یا ایھا الذین آمنوا لا تقربا الصلواۃ و انتم سکاری احتی ا تعلموا ما تقولون۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔
"O ye who believe! approach not prayers in a state of intoxication, until ye understand all that ye say---"
 و تری الناس سکاری ا، و ما ھم بسکاری ا ولاکنّ عذاب اللہ شدید
"Thou shall see mankind as in a drunken riot yet not drunk but dreadful will be the chastisement of Allah"  (Yusuf Ali)
  "Yasdaoon" carries the meaning of headache which M. Asad renders as cloudiness of mind (similar to meaning of 'sukara') and Maudoodi calls it  diziness. Anyway in these verses the Qur.an mentions two or three well-recognised results of drinking hard liquer
1. headache or dizziness
2. C;oudiness of mind
3. Saying things that you dont understand
   Headache is an "after-effect" (which is why Yusuf Ali calls it 'after-ache') that the Holywood movies have popularized so much and drunkenness or as they say one step forward and two steps backward, which is what kind of gait is described in S. Hajj "they will appear drunk but will not be drunk" because of the fear and awe of the day of Qiyamah. Lastly the "until you know what you are saying" type of talk/speech.
   From a neurologist's point of view, the question of headache is interesting because I used to teach the residents and students about the "absence" of headache in the drunks they see in the ER, which sometimes if you ask the man he may oblige you with an unemotional answer "O yes I have headache" but will not volunteer that statement and even if he clearly denies headache the physician must continue to suspect a subdural hematoma the cardinal symptom of which is headache, missing which can be fatal.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal- about Qur'an

Many a people both believers as well as non-believers have made remarkable comments about this book but none, in my knowledge has touched my heart as much as this one.
      So, I would like to share with you this comment written by a Mr. John Penrice in 1873 (Old but very quotable)

 "It is not to be expected that all the transcendent excellencies and miraculous beauties discovered in the Qur'an by its commentators and others should immediately unveil themselves to our cold unsympathizing gaze; beauties there are many and great; ideas highly poetical are clothed in rich and appropriate language, which unfrequently rises to a sublimity far beyond the reach of any translation ; but it is unfortunately the case that many of those graces which present themselves to the admiration of the finished scholar are but so many stumbling blocks in the way of the beginner; the marvellous conciseness which adds so greatly to the force and energy of its expressions cannot fail to perplex him while the frequent use of ellipse leaves in his mind a feeling of vagueness not altogether out of character in a work of its oracular and "soi-disant" prophetic nature."

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajunana.blogspot.com/

Snow storms-This year in USA

There is so much snow in Washington area and Virginia area that Musa (my grandson in Maryland) says if you go out you may get burried in snow. I am afraid he is right and in NJ I heard the news of a child playing in the yard did get burried and sad for the parents took her out too late. Normally you let the kids have fun but this was a very sad news.

No! the above is not USA, That was in Murree (Pakistan) in 1956 X-mas time, myself and Zaheer enjoying the snow. That is uncommon experience for Lahories or even Islamabadies. You have to travel up the mountains for such experience.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi- Killing of 12 YEAR OLD GIRL

 I am sure you have all heard the news that in Lahore one wealthy man mistreated a "home-help" type of girl to the extent that she ended up losing her life. That Islam teaches good conduct with "slaves" is well-known and does not need my quoting ahadeeth or ayat of Qur'an.
 Why then this happens in "the third world' (Mostly Muslim) countries?
 Yes, true there is 'cultural' influence which has remained untouched by Islamic teachings but that is only  part of explanation. Non-Muslims as well as some Muslims question about the holy book:
 "Qur'an does not prohibit slavery "
 Meaning thereby that Man has done great service to the humanity whereas God failed to do that service. Superficially looking at this fact that Bible Taurat and all scriptures fail to mention prohibition of slavery. Does that mean God does not dislike slavery?
  Infact no such thing at all. God has given us principles of living WITH full knowledge of differences between men and women, men of high stature and men of the low, men of great intellectual powers and men of meager intellectual endowment and so on. God is wanting to judge  man according to His balanced Judgement. It is of little consequence to Him that one is a "slave" and the other Master. Both have to be equally answerable for what the slave was actually able to achieve AS A SLAVE (with minimal means and lot of  pardonable acts due to restriction and no provisions at his disposal) and what the master mustered in the way of goods AS A MASTER (who has more abilities, assets and possessions)
 So God has not given how Man should conduct his political career, nor that Democracy or other  '...cracies' are liked and promoted by Him but has insisted on Fairplay, Justice and equality in all "man-to-man" affairs. He has created 'in-equality" to judge and not for letting one group of men get the better of the other group with complete disregard to 'humanity' (human-ness)
 If democracy gives you the best chance to have a fairplay, justice and equality, yes promote democracy
 If socialism gives you such opportunities, let socialism be your choice
 If King-ship and subject type of realtionship can give you the same justice etc. then let there be kings and queeens.
  The bottom line is
 Do men and women get real freedom to live their lives to their fullest abilities without fear of injustice, racial or other prejudice etc. then that way for govenance amogst you is good otherwise the best of democracies, the best of King-Queen, the best of Socialistic regimes are but a game for the oppressor to oppress the weak er ones and nothing more.
 Do we not see that every where? No system has been found to be perfect except as I previously alluded to the 30-40 years of governance with justice during "Khilafat-rashidah"
Otherwise no matter what system you have you will always find such Choudhries (Please! all choudhries do not take it personal, I am not using this term for choudhry but a generic term for any oppressor whether Lord Xyz or his-her majesty or his or her excellencies etc.) and such miserable children of the low will continue to be mistreated.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Muslims Killing Muslims

There is so much one can talk daily on this subject. Iraq and Pakistan both places showed bombing and killing of innocent Muslims BY MUSLIMS, The Qur'an is clear without giving any options, ifs ands or buts, such Muslims who kill a Muslim knowingly and withut reason, go straight to Hell and stay there for ever.
   4:93


         وَمَن يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا

"If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (For ever): And the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him."
What I would like is that ALL media spend time and effort to maximize advertising this Aya and quote all the well-known present day Ulama of all sects in Pakistan, making sure all Ulama make this a forceful preaching from all pulpits on next Jum'ah Khutbahs and keep doing it for each khutba for the whole month, kind of "Month against Muslim killing"

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal-What have we done for the next generation

Ibraheem AS has left  lessons for us to what we should leave for the progeny. Was always thinking of his offsprings and their welfare, like praying to Allah SWT when he left his wife Bibi Sara and his young son Ismaeel in the desert so they could get food and water and fruits etc.

رَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْ وَارْزُقْهُم مِّنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ   (Yusuf Ali)

"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give thanks."

  The most important legacy we leave for them is Iman and then comes after that the grain and the fruit and water.  What we brought from our home countries was minimal and God gave us good life here. Sure we can leave, beautiful houses, plenty of money and all the matterial stuff this great country has to offer but in the end what is really matterial and vital,  according to Maulana Yusuf Islahi (the author of the famous "everyday fiqh"), is making sure they have Iman.


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi-Cleaning the Government in Pakistan

One surkhi reads:
 "The Anti-corruption department is more corrupt than the rest of the Government"
   Can you beat that?
  For so long now I have been hearing,
 The President has immunity against any criminal allegations/crimes.
 Well, that was precisely the reason for Mr. Zardari to seek the highest/top job in Pakistan and he got it uncontested.
 NRO may have been beneficial or convenient way of trying to erase all the sins on the part of all the high officials including of course the president, but it clearly indicates the weakness of the judiciary and it is like the president of USA using the UNO.
 All I see is mockery of law and order everywhere
 If you try to "clean" the Government, the government will clean you out. That is the way things started when ZA Bhutto took over, (May Allah forgive his sins and missdoings) and, his successors have kept up his traditions


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajunana.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah journal-Disasters; Nature vs God's wrath

 I remember when northern Pakistan was hit by severe earthquake that some preachers raised their voices
 "Allah is punishing the Pakistanis"
 So did some tele-evangalists here for the Haiti disaster. The same spirit affects these preachers.
 I am not saying they are totally wrong but the disasters happen from God's will. However the question of "punishment" remains open as it is not always for punishment that disasters affect the humanity. Let us say that all Tsunamis, earthquakes floods etc and man-made disasters like wars and killing with destruction of cities after cities for greed and producing huge refugee misery are not God's "punishments" but from other reasons known only to the All-Knowing Almighty
  That does not mean that such disasters, 'natural' or man-made, should not teach us a lesson for they always do and we as human beings are always forgetful.  The II WW with huge destruction/desolation of European countries and mega problems of refugees coupled with cold/snowy weathers taught a 'lesson' to them and they sat down to review "The league of Nations" and 'promised' never to get so destructive. "We will prevent wars" and a charter of UNITED NATIONS was carried out. Yet we saw destruction of Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan all on flimsy reasons; wars were declared with obvious cheating, the purpose was the same as that of Changez Khan or Alexander the Great. Halakoo Khan and Bush-Cheyney duo. Results were much desolation extirpation and human misery that these countries are going to take a century or more to recover anything.
 So did we learn anything from horrible war-machines?

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Medical Science in Osler's view

He is reported to have said many pearls'' during his life. My friend Zindagi Ki diary placed a quote of his teacher some ten days ago that inspired me, to write this one
"Gentlemen, if you want a profession in which everything is certain, you had better give up medicine"

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal-, Was Jesus a Muslim?

   First a brief look at the non-Muslim influence on Islam.
During the life of the prophet PBUH the principles of Islam were put into operation and were tested fully for 30 years after his death during the khilafat-e-rashida. That is the best governance the humanity has ever experienced. These four persons (AbuBakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali) may God be pleased with them were educated and trained by him, so nothing could tarnish their clear vision, but as vast lands were brought under the newly born Islamic empire, a vast variety of peoples got introduced to Islam and its principles. Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians and other followers of pagan religions who saw the truth of Islam and accepted it but they all did not necessarily 'vomited out' everything they had before for 'swallowing' pure Islam.
Many of them perhaps continued their pre-Islamic thought process and indeed the Greek and Zoroastrian as well as Hindu philosophies found their way into the new Islamic lands That started off the 'discussion' process or "kalam" which led many Muslims into beliefs that were not in the true spirit of Islam especially for the unwary Muslims. This verse sort of is a reminder for such "converts"?
"O ye who believe! Enter into Is;lam wholeheartedly and follow not the footsteps of the Evil one...."S,II, Aya 208. It has also been interpreted to means 'enter into the "whole of Islam"', i.e. give up all preIslamic things and accept this new "way of life" in toto.
   The 'infection' of Aristotalian and Platonian philosophies had its effect on the Muslim 'intelletuals' of those days and times, with sometimes disasterous results (Just recall the question of "Qur'an is created" concept during Mamoon-ur-rashid's time) and sometimes less obtrusive consequences but more subtle and more permanent results.

Hans Kung, a scholar of theology and philosophy has a very clever way of describing these "changes" in the Islamic political theological and cultural sphere, calling them "paradigms" (Islam, past present and future, a worth reading book)
 
 However it is indeed a pleasant surprise to see a Christian Scholar of today saying
"JESUS WAS A MUSLIM"
  Yes and he gave us his concept of Tawheed, (No! not three-in-one type) that Muslims and Christians have the same mission today to work together to establish Justice and Equality on earth, which was the mission of Jesus Christ PBUH as he traced his (meaningful) life events. (Like "It is He who has sent down His apostle with guidance and the religion of truth, that he may proclaim it over all religions, even though the pagans may detest it."--Vrse 9 sura 61)
 His studies led him (Dr. Robert F. Shedinger) to write a book with a provocative title
 "Was Jesus a Muslim?"
It was refreshing to listen to his lecture in our Islamic center


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi--Haiti 'quake and Poverty

The combination of Poverty and a natural disater of this magnitude is bad for the country, any country for that matter. We had the experience in Pakistan not too long ago and still people are trying to cope with the aftermath and then IDP (Internally displaced personel,-- 'refugees' in their own home) has been increased due to other political, military and other indigent Pakistani problems. So it is easy for me to estimate how the people in Haitie are suffering and will continue to suffer long after all the immediate 'helping hands' of other more fortunate countries have receded/withdrawn or the dollar rains have dried out. These "rains" would be soaked up by those who have power and the poor will continue to suffer. That is the real tragedy of the 'third world' countries. All the aids are routed to those who need less and those who need more get less. You might think that Man gets more vicious when hungry  and needy but I think it is the other way round. When he has plenty he is more vicious callous and selfish. Will he ever learn?

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajunana.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal--'Inside Qur'an'

There was a two hour program on this subject and this is the second time I happen to see it (This time on National Geog. Channel)but only a part of it, each time.
I was amazed that a young non-Muslim "Qur'an or Arabic Scholar" said, to my chagrin, that Muslims arranged the "harakat" wrongly thus changing (Tahreef?) the real Qur'an or its meanings.
It all goes back to some documents that were found when an old building in Yemen was destroyed. They were considered 'very valuable'(comparing to the dead sea scrolls, which is NOT a true comparison as you will see below) and they were old pages of the Qur'an without harakat (Zdamma, kasara etc.). No comment was made about the real words which were preserved (in the final shape and form) during the time of Uthman RA and those copies are real originals (three of them still available and preserved) which declared standard and authentic which was about 40 years or so before the Yemeni articles were written probably about the time when Hijaj Bin Yusuf developed these Harakat.
They mentioned "foriegn words" or borrowed words of Arabic of Qur'an. We already are familiar of the Syriac Armaic influence on the language of Qur'an and we are familiar how the person (The Prophet PBUH) and his companions understood the meanings and significance and pronunciation of these words. They are the ones who know that language which was spoken at that time ans that is the one that is preserved visually as well as (More authentic) aurally. The art of reproducing the same sounds as close to the sounds produced by Muhammad PBUH has been preserved diligently and methodically by Muslims since that time and has been continuously 'handed down' with meticulous care to this day and will continue in that fashion till the end of times as promised by the Author Himself Allah SWT
انّا نحن نزّلناالذکر و انّا لہٰ لحافظون
"We sent down this 'memorization' and We are its guardians."
And these so called 'Qur'an specialists' of today tell us we are wrong. Now remember that seven different variations of these harakat are considered "allowed"
like we say maalik or malik-i yaumiddeen both being correct
I am only touching upon the tip of the iceberg, there is so much more about Qur'an and its pronunciation and seven different ways (approved by the author Allah SWT when the prophet PBUH asked for these variations during his life time and Jibreel AS brought the answer to the prophet SAWS, thus 'standardizing'it long before the Yemeni papers were written).
Let not less-knowledgeable Muslims be misguided by such claims. I am at the same time respectful of many real scholars of Qur'an who are non-Muslims and would gladly accept their true criticisms without shaking my own Eeman about the holy book, Qur'an-el-Majeed.
One example was given by the 'specialist' which I do not remember exactly in words but he was saying that meaning of one was very different from the other. Two important things to remember 1.
This specialist is talking from linguistic point of view looking at it centuries later from his acquired knowledge and is saying that those people who understood the pronunciations and meanings at that time were not listening correctly.
2. The significance of and meaning of words can change during the passage of times but the meanings of Qur'anic words have NOT changed nor the words nor their pronunciation.
Let me give you one example.
If I was to say today, "When I came to USA I was gay"
Sure enough 30-4o years ago it would mean I was happy, and no one will raise an eyebrow but in today's understanding!!!!--You are going to laugh at me if I say these words. "No you cant be, you must be joking ." and you are right.
I have no claims at being a linguistic or Qur'an scholar. I am only a student of Qur'an like you but even I can see these 'misguiding' findings of so called 'scientists'. I know that youngsters of today consider everything on the internet and on TV much more authentic than the statements or writings of "older men' (they dont know anything, they are not in touch with modern advancements)

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajunana.blogspot.com/

SUnday Surkhi- Masjid and Minar

I know this is old news and not this Sunday's, but I have noted no comments since it first hit the news Ban of building Minarets on Swiss Masajid There was stone throwing, paint throwing and such attempts on 14 masajid in Switzerland. Admittedly no life was lost. There is a suggestion among the Muslim countries to continue to protest against this ruling all over the Muslim world. That is scary because it can start violence. I am not against nonviolent protest, it is legitimate and should be promoted. Then there is news of church arson in Indonasia, presumably on the name of Allah ( I am not quite sure what it was) The reasons given for banning minarets in Switzerland are very flimsy and unconvincing. Reportedly around 400,000 Muslims live there. I see no restriction on church buildings in any county including Muslim countries. I thought French are the only stupid ones

Jum'ah Journal--Musa/Moses

There is some mention of the prophet Moses PBUH in 38 of the total 114 surahs of Qur'an. The whole story of his life is really examplary not only for the prophet Muhammad PBUH but also for us along with how his followers behaved and how we as Muslims are behaving with the teachings of God and prophet PBUH. But without giving the references of the verses I wish to share with you two occasions of the story which Qur'an tells in a vivid and effective manner.
One, where God first declares near the "burning Tree" "I am Allah" and Moses is captivated by the "voice" and as the conversation developes God asks:
"O! Musa, what is it you have in your hand?" Of course God knows but the question alerts the prophet, gives him relaxation and gives time to answer, so he answers, "This is my staff........" goes on to describe how and for what he uses it .
The other is when Musa PBUH is confronted with the expert magicians and challenges them Surrounded by the crowds and the Fir'own is sitting , all watching and when he throws down his staff which turns into a "serpent or dragon" swallowing all the things of the magicians who by then know full well this is no magic.
But pause here to reflect. There must be a hush all around from astonishment at the scene. Fir'own must have felt "defeated" and then he speaks up
He must be your teacher and you have all planned it, I will punish you....etc.
But the king does nothing to Musa PBUH and actually from the beginning the King did not have the guts to arrest Musa PBUH. There is that awe of the personality of the prophet Musa PBUH.
Of course there is so much more in his life and may be you have seen Hollywood version of this story also (Both Charlton Heston and Burt Lancaster have done well)

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajunana.blogspot.com/

Anisa----Imani

Father's and mother's preferences make the name of my beloved poti (who I called Anisa)
as Iman and Aya, so the result is two names. Me, just a grandfather--(who cares for his suggestion of name) but strictly speaking this girl is one who has given me, the grandfather the most happiness by just being born safely and timely although her mother had to go through a lot of difficulties but "all is well that ends well".
My darling Anisa Aya Iman or whatever other beautiful names are given to you I wish to express my love here and pray for you baitee. No doubt you have opened your eyes in this world with a lot of happiness in your family, everybody has wanted you but especaily myself. I know each grand child has that distinction of bringing happiness to grandparents, but this is sooooo special and so precious for me. I am unsuccessfully trying to find words which can express my feelings faithfully. You will not know how much change, radical and good you have brought with you just as before you your brother did and you will no doubt meet a number of cousins/uncles aunts etc.
I pray to the Almighty to give you more happiness than what I have felt with your birth. You have graced my family with Iman and here I agree with your naming; May HE give you the real Iman making you what in Persian we call "Ism ba musamma", May He make you an Aya from Himself for this world to learn from you about Him, and you pass it on to others around you and into the next generations.May Allah give you strength and forbearance for difficulties you will encounter in your life. Face them with Iman baitee

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi-Old 2009

My new year/old year thoughts (No I am not a philosopher)   

    Years come and go and we continue as if nothing is going to happen to us, but in fact lots of changes occur what in the Quranic language/lesson is called "within your self and in the surroundings (Aafaaq)" Make some promises for the new yr. (and forget them after a few days/months) Man remains unchanged in habits. So now I dont make any promises in the new yr. Emails/FB/Twitters?Netlog etc. etc. bring in new horizons in our lives and provide wanted and lot of unwanted/ unasked for info like in those chain-letters. Lot of jokes and things like that, are my sources of joy these days I cant run away from the fact that I have grown older and that feeling is a mixed one each year felt not only in the new year when I end up thinking more of the OLD Yr. but also on my birthday. Mostly I end up thanking the Lord who has given me this life and the joys and sorrows with it to be my lot and have so much to be grateful to the Almighty.

 Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal--Wisdom of the Creator

In sura Shoora (42nd) aya 49 and 50 " Allah's is the kingdom of heavens and the earth; HE creates what HE pleases;HE grants to whom HE pleases daughters and grants to whom HE pleases sons. Or HE makes them of both sorts male and female; and HE makes whom HE pleases barren; Surely HE is the knowing, the powerful" 

    I have pointed out His wisdom and being the cause of the causes (Musabba-al-asbaab) in the story of Kakkaji last year. My friends and acquaintances stories One: The couple had to go through lot of difficulties to get one child (Fertility clinic etc.) Allah gave them one girl. In the neonatal period poor thing developed hemorrhage in the brain, neurosurgery etc. recovered but got some damage done. You may call it some mental and physical disabilities. The couple are devoted to the child's life. Have spent as much as they could to rehabilitate her (spent some months in an European country) ,she is walking and talking. Allah creates extraordinary love in these couples/parents--for the sake of the child Allah wanted to be born. Second: Not unusual here you hear about the "child" killing the parent/parents. You have such news every so often but a Sister of (I know the family) 

one such mother who was killed by her son, after so many years still cant get over it and I wonder how all this has happened? Was the mother at fault or not capable enough or should God have not allowed such son to be born (May Allah forgive me for saying so, not thinking I can make better judgement) but surely here we see how and why God makes things like you see in the quoted verses above. HE only is the one who has the knowledge for what is to be born and why?

 Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Family honor and punishments

و لقد کرّمنابنی آدم و حملناھم فی البرّو والبحرورزقناھم من الطیّبات و فضّلناھم علی ا کثیرا" ممن خلقنا تفضیلا"
آیہ ۷۰، سورہ بنی اسرائیل
And surely WE have honored the children of Adam and WE carry them in the land and the sea and WE have given them good things and WE have made them to excel by an appropriate excellence over most of those whom we have created.

So God has made human beings "superior" to , say animals. We have been given intellect to use for example to differentiate between right and wrong. How we use that is what is important. I am sure you have heard of the judgement in Pakistan of the two men who cut off the nose and ears of a woman for keeping the honor of the family (the woman wanted to marry against the wishes of the family) Not unusual in Pakistan or for that matter among the Muslims of other countries.
Has that heinous act on the part of these two achieved their goal?
The whole world has come to know of that "bad for the family wish" of the woman.
Appropriately named--Fazeelat bibi, She is bringing more honor to her self and to the women of Pakistan.
Some say that such punishment as ordered by the court for the perpetrators (300K rs. fine +700K to be paid to the victim and also have nose and ears cut off like they did with the woman)is uncivilized, barbaric (as if the act itself was not barbaric) and belongs to medieval times, not the 21st century. Does it?
Pray tell how we consider ourselves more civilized than the medieval times.
USA statistics indicate rise of murders after capital punishment was lifted off and then started falling after '77 when it was re-instated in some states.
Those of you who think appropriate punishment is not deterrant compare such statistics.
And if all appropriate cases are dealt with properly the fear of death is not something any human being is willing to face easily and it will be helpful in reducing the incidence of such crimes. So, I do not think the judgement is not current with our times. There are situations where being lenient for any reason is dangerous. Have we not seen those perpetrators who as soon as they are released from the prison they go for their target at the first opprtunity and the society loses another life unnecessarily.. I am not saying that cutting off nose and ears of the perpetrators is going to eliminate that kind of crime in those areas of Pakistan but it will send a powerful message to those who are thinking of doing it again. That is why Allah has specifically mentioned that let not the believers take pity on such punishments and let a group of believers watch such punishment. The creator knows the weaknesses of His creations

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoreebsc.blogspot.com/ and my Hindi blog at http://wahajuana.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi-Aashoora

This is 10th day of Muharram called Aashoora (Arabic). There are multiple stories given for its importance to us. One that is obvious and is commemorated by Muslims especially the Shia, somewhat more extensively, is the Martyrdom of Hussain Ibn Ali Radiallahu Anhuma. But this is another one:
The Prophet SAWS in Madina found Jews fasting on that day so he enquired why did they fast. Apparantly he was told that because Musa AS fasted on that day as he and his people were saved from Phir'own so he was offering gratefulness to Allah. The prophet SAWS said that we have more right to be thankful because of Musa AS so we should also fast and he did on that day but he added that to distinguish it from Jews we as Muslims should fast 9th and 10 day both, These are therefore recommended fasts (Voluntary) for us.
The real Phir'own who stated when drwoning that he believes in Allah now is available for us all to see even today.(that photo, above, of his mummie described by Dr.Maurice Buccaile as the real person after thorough examination) Allah told him that He will not accept his Tawba at the dying time as it is too late but He would save his body for the posterity as a lesson (Ibrat) and that is what we have found the mummified body of that Phir'own Ramses.Here is the Qur'anic ref.: (S. Yunus, Ayat 90,91 and 92)

"And WE led the children of Israel across the sea; then Phiown and their hosts pursued them in rebellion and enmity, until when the drowning overtook him he said, "I believe that HE, there is no God but HE, in whom the children of Israel believe and I am of the Muslims". Now indeed! when thou hast rebelled afore and was of the corruptors. So this day WE deliver thee in thy body that thou mayest be a sign to those after thee. and verily many of mankind are of our signs heedless"

Thus spoke Allah the truth.

Jum'ah Journal-Christmas day

Merry Christmas to my Christian readers. 

   Have the Christians ever questioned when exactly Christ PBUH was born? It is certain that he was not born on 25th of December, however it is his birthday that is being celebrated. Of course you have the option to celebrate on some other day as some Christians do it on 6th of January and feel that is more appropriate. The difference of Muslim feeling and that of Christian Muslims do not celebrate but if they would they would be celebrating the miracle of birth of this man called Jesus from a Virgin woman called Maryam (Mary) The Christians celebrate the a man was born to virgin Mary and was son of God saying that Man became God on this day (May God forgive me) There is a point for the Muslims being in Minority here and Christians in majority that we as Muslims should wish them for this day because of their belief but my point is (considered against the Ulama's stance) we should wish them with our belief in our heart and leave their belief with them. Like this is Muharram-ul-Haraam and we could as Sunni join the Shia majlis but without beating our chest. May be my point is misleading but I do not feel my Islam is hurt when I wish my neighbor happy Christmas today when on my Eid day my Christian neighbor wished me happy Eid. I quote no hadith or Aya here.

Sunday Surkhi-Old story

گاھے گاھے باز خواں ایں قصّہء ُپارینہ را
(Every now and again tell this old story again)
To tell you the truth I was watching one old movie as usual and thought of it very different than when I first saw it, "Dr. Zhivago".
One good thing for watching such oldies is that you dont have to watch it all can interrupt wherever and whenever you want to. Thus while watching I was carried into my own world of imagination.
As a Muslim why do I support the idea of a man, no matter who he is, for having married one woman and carrying on with another one so passionately that ultimately losing the life (You will recall at Omar Sharief's excellent portrayal of the acute coronary syndrome on seeing Laura). He obviously loved Laura more than he loved his wife, mother of at least two of his children. As a man of course you could love two women at the same time and equally which is human. I guess you could say the same for a woman too but women according some sayings of the sages are "monogamous" by nature (Are they?)
Anyway, the villainous Komerov was right in saying about her, "a slut", and yet Laura was so devoted to Yuri (Dr. Zhivago).
Well, it is such a moving story and catching and absorbing on the screen performed so well through MGM, and you cant help but be moved by it and end up in sympathy with both Laura and Yuri and of course Tonya. It reminded me of Chacha Ghalib who while married loved another woman.
Then reflect on those days of "Revolution" when Czar was killed along with the whole family and the "people" took over.And how long that Leninism etc. last? We saw it with our own eyes crumbling down almost overnight, not that the triumphant democracy/capitalism is any better but human beings have yet to learn how to run their affairs in a just and equitable fashion. (Have also seen and lived through the concepts of "Maxism" being started and over a short period supported and then eclipsed/disapproved)
It was only one time (in human history) when "just" governance was achieved may be just less than a half century- what is called
Khilafat-e-rashidah خلافت راشدہ
There is one more story I must relate here. My neuropathology teacher was a Polish individual who told me that in the USSR system the value of a physician was very poor. He was telling me about some man whose daughter was dating a doctor and her father was furious with her, "Why do you want to ruin your life marrying a doctor who remain poor all his life go for some worker who will be richer". Looks like Joe the Plumber, did have enormous capital then? (in Poland, and so was preferable to a doctor who was paid less)

Sunday Surkhi-Tiger

What is with women .
and
ATHLETES.
For the last 7-10days , every TV show has done it.
Poor Tiger, ended up rolling up Golf game.
Women seem to fall like insects on honey. I am not saying he is not attractive, but that is surely not the only reason!!!
Men in power, politics and so on do get women
And what happens to feminism or ERA?
No! I am past the age for being jealous
Well, what do you have to say?

Jum'ah Journalمیری پیاری سی -پوتی--

۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔ فتبارک اللہ احسن الخالقین " ............So blessed be Allah, the best TO CREATE" (Yusuf Ali) "............""""""""""""""""""""the best of creators" (Maulana M. Shafi, Farooq-e-Azam, and also Muhsin Khan) This is from the 14th verse of 23rd sura I point these differences in translations because of the explanation given by Asad, but before I quote that, I wish to say Maudoodi says "kareegerکاریگر" in Urdu translation and Asad says, "Artison" in his translation, so as not to get into any 'problem' with word Khaliq, which is also stated by M. M. Shafi(معارف القران that this word is used as creators for creators of art etc, also. Now the quote of Asad which will make my point clear: "Lit. 'the best of creators'. As Tabari points out the Arabs apply the designation 'creator' to every artison (S'ani) a usage also current in European languages with reference to the creation of works of art and imagination. Since God is THE ONLY CREATOR in the real, primary sense of this word the phrase "Ahsan-ul-Khaliqeen" احسن الخالقینmust be understood this secondary sense of the term Khaliq." I always understood the meaning to be 'best of Creators' but I saw the translation of some Urdu mufassireen and of Yusuf Ali who instead, in their translation make the word 'Best' to relate to things created rather than the creator and so I had to look up more translations to see why they 'avoid' "the best of creators".

     Now the real reason for this particular verse My dear readers Allah has given us a most beautiful Grand-daughter (پوتی) last Tuesday 8th of December, and my joy knows no bounds and I am unsuccessfully trying to find words of gratefulness to Allah the best of creators. That verse had first struck my imagination when her father Hassan was born although it happens to strike me every time I hear, a child is born, but grand daughter is something sooo precious.

Sunday Surkhi-Saddam and Osama

It is no secret that Osama was within the reach of Americans when the higher Authority let him go, back in 2001 or so.
Saddam was attacked and was known to be rogue to Americans in 1991 and Bush Senior did not take him Kuwait was liberated (that was within a couple of days of carpet bombing of Bughdad) but Bush continued destruction of Saddam's army and people with much loss of life mostly that of Iraqis. Then everything was left to Bush Junior for attacking and capturing Saddam, there was no hurry here.
while Osama who was the main and the first taget roamed free in Afghanistan.
One wonders what is the aim, what is he purpose of fighting and killing.
War means loss of life and security for all and it continues unabated all over the world today, not just Pakistan.
Are we more civilized than Changez Khan or Halakoo Khan?
Big news about the treatment of prisoners in Iran, but no news of the prisoners in Israel.
Does political arrangement mean fraud only?
Put a label of sun on darkness and call the darkness, a sun and then insist on everybody to agree on that statement.
This is the sum of of our leaders of the most advanced and most civilized nations of the world today.
Feel like striking my forehead against the wall/stone.

Jum'ah Journal-Spirit of Sacrifice

Hajj is a kind of worship of Allah in which physical, financial, emotional and spiritual participation is required, all. Sacrifice is for hajjis sort of marking the end of nearly all rituals of this worship in which the Muslims all over the world participate, sacrificing a specified animal.
Commemorating the almost sacrifice of the son by Prophet Ibrahim AS.
Detatch your self from all the religious dictates etc. and just think about sacrificing your own son, with your own hand.
Well, that is what that man was doing and the son was prepared for it too. That is amazing in itself.
Now, in addition to the "commemoration" what would you sacrifice?
I have often thought that one of the most diffricult things to sacrifice is of -- "SELF" your ego your self, how you value your own self your own thoughts and ideas etc. In the language of Qur'an I would draw your attention to lust, desire etc. a translation of "Hawa"
"Hast thou ever considered (the kind of man) who makes his own desires his deity. and whom God has (thereupon) let go astray......"
As if following your own desires in opposition to the teachings of Qur'an is making your desire your god. That is a very powerful statement.
That should make us look again at our feelings if they make us feel good about things for which God has a punishment spelled out. We need to 'sacrifice' that good feeling.

12th of Zdul-Hijja

Many Hajjis spend this day in Mina as before, perform the stoning of three Shaitans (Always starting from the great, then go to middle and finally to the little. For sacrifice today would be the last day option.
Now if they wish they can end their stay or continue for one more day (Option given by Allah SWT in Qur'an). The condition is if they are still in mina and sun is set then they MUST stay for the 13th day and do final day of stoning after which ALL Hajjis will finish and leave Mina. If they are leaving they must leave by 'Assr time.
Continuing the Journey, they go back to Makkah-al-Mukarrama from mina. The traveling is by buses, by cars, on foot (Very wide roads constructed for that purpose) and many of you will remember the TUNNELS that the Government had developed for cutting short the distance of walking. Tunnels have good air circulation propelled by large fans.
They will stay in Makkah for the last Tawaf of Hajj (Each tawaf has seven circumambulations, each one beginning from the black stone. Then those who are staying more days in Makkah will perform the tawaf-el-Wida' (Parting tawaf) and then leave.
I have NOT described ALL the performances/arkaan or rituals but only made some comments about some of the rituals and tawafs. Please do not draw a conclusion that I have missed out some aspects. I would be glad to answer questions (To the best of my ability) if any, and would certainly welcome your comments.
I am going to take the option of 12 days and finish my note on Hajj for this year. Would wait for the Hajjis to come and tell us their first hand information of this year. There was lot of rain early on I am told and rain is rare in that part of the country (It was heavy, so I am waiting to learn from the hajjis)

11th of Zdulhijja

Today you complete if you have not completed the things of the 10th day but if you are done you continue your stay in Mina where you get up in the morning and about Zawal time go for stoning of Shataan.
This is a symbolic stoning but people think there is real shaitaan hiding behind that column. In actual fact the column is there to make sure the stone falls in the appropriate area wherein it must fall to be counted. Some would throw their shoes also and you find a heap of thrown slippers or flipflops around that shaitaan. That is unnecessary burdon for the Saudi Government to collect and throw away somewhere else or send it to Haram Shareef for "recycling" Many slippers are thus available free during these days.
Why the stoning?
May be because Ibraheem AS when he was carrying his son for sacrifice the Satan tried to dissuade him and he threw the stone at him three times---BUT really speaking Muslims do it because the prophet Sallah-o-alaih-i-wasallam did it.. The rest of the day you have prayers and takbeer, a special gift of Allah for us we as Muslims make this takbeer-glorify Allah after every salat in loud voices in all the Muslim world. So we say
Allaho Akber x3 La ilaha illallah allahoakber wa lillahil Hamd, repeating ususally three times after each salat. This takbeer begins after Fajr salat on 9th day and the last takbeer is recited after 'Assr salat of 13th Day of ZdulHijja
Keep tracking we are not done yet the Hajjis most important and most difficult performances are done but just one or two more days to go and he/she will be free to go home.

EID DAY--Yaum-un-Nahr

Hajis travel next from Arafaat to Muzdalifa where they spent the night
1. resting
2. Paying, of course
3. Collecting pebbles, getting ready for "stoning of Satan"
At Dawn this am they departed from Mudalifa after Fajr payer and this is going to be the busiest day. First thing is stoning of Great Shatan. Everybody wants to do that the same time and that causes problem. Anyway that done (throwing each pebble with allah-o-Akber seven of them) they move back to Mina where they visit the slaughter houses (Camels, Cowes, Sheep. Goats and lambs all available, take your pick, say bismillah Allah-o-akber on the knife and the man will do it for you in a second. Thousands of animals are sacrificed there and elsewhere all over the Muslim world, so everybody gets to eat meat today. They try to get all meat to all the poor people who cannot afford.
In other parts of the muslim world they do their animals and they are done,
Happy Eid-ul-Ad-Ha
Hajjis have more to do, they can come out of Ihram take a shower if they can after cutting the hair ---Halaq ==shaving the head, or with machine and qassr ---cuting with scissors shortening to more than 50% of the existing crop. Now they are out of Ihram, they can use toothe paste, soap and cut nails etc. and use perfume.
Then they must go to Makkah and perform Tawaf (Circumambulation--seven times-- around K'abah) and then get back to Mina before sunset. This is called Tawaf Ziyara.
Yes that is a lot to do. If you could not do all things in one day you can do it the following day
You stay in Mina and daily perform stoning of Satan with the collected pebbles seven of them for each of the three Satans
Great one. Middle one and the third "small one"
Keep tracking my dear, there is more to come. The Journey is not over yet.

Thanksgiving/Arafat

Happy thanksgiving to all including those who are on Hajj and they will be the ones who will be offering thanks to the one and only God in Arafat grounds today for having been forgiven for their all sins and those not on Hajj are at home offering their prayers as usual ans thanking God for having given them the purities and nicities of life.
Hajjis travel again today fron Mina for their second stop--Arafaat grounds. where they offer two prayers together Dzuhr and 'Asr and then start prayers for themselves for their family for their friends etc. all the human beings' needs of this world--- from Zawal time till sunset time standing in prayers singly and in groups 3 to 5 million of them in vast grounds with no b uildings except one masjid. nothing between Man and God. You can almost feel the angels running around gathering all the good prayers of the believers for their Lord to present to The Almighty
Lord! these are your believers who came from far and near tired and humble in humble attires, so Lord accept their deeds and their prayers and the vastness of the Almighty's mercy spreads to all and He is forgiving and merciful as always.

Let the Journey (Hajj) Begin

Muslim Pilgrimage is time oriented--ONLY at this time of the year. A Lesser pilgrimage-Umrah- can be peformed any time of the year except during these days 5 of Hajj beginning today, the eighth of Zdul-Hijjah. The number of people performing Hajj this year are ther today and after Fajr Salat in Makkah-al-Mukarramah they bathed, cleaned and took off their clothes to wear two unsewen pieces of cloth, women however donned clean clothes sewen and fully covering themselves except for face:
They put on the "Ihraam" and made intention of Hajj.(Tamattu')
Those who had Ihraam already and made intention for Hajj only (Mufrad) joined them.
This is Yaum-ut-Tarwiyyah
Journey has begun --first stop Mina-- a camp outside Makkah in Mina where they are spending about 24 hours praying (five salats, starting from Zduhr until the Fajr of the next day after which---march again) resting relaxing before the day of Hajj (9th). My friend who performed Hajj before I did, told me
Mina is like a huge camp of picnic. Yes it is.

Sunday Surkhi-Divorce "celebration"

Headings of main news are not very attractive these days (except Palin & her book) so I hit another side-news
Divorce being "celebrated with a "Divorce Cake" cutting. Allkinds of imaginary (Free at last or bride with a knife on the back of the outgoing husband etc.) being expressed for such Cakes.
However, it reminds me of divorce in Islam.
Sura Baqara, for instance---"Divorce is permissible twice; after that the parties should either hold together on equitable terms or SEPARATE WITH KINDNESS......" (Verse 229)
"When ye divorce women and they fulfil the term (Iddah) Either take them back on equitable terms; OR
SET THEM FREE ON EQUITABLE TERMS...." (V.231 )
"There is no blame on you if ye divorce women before consummation or the fixation of their dower; But BESTOW ON THEM (A SUITABLE GIFT) .........." (V. 236)
"For divorced women maintenance should be provided on a reasonable scale. This is a DUTY on the righteous." ( V.241)
In other words the teaching tells us we should part without bickering and fighting that is so common (I know we have terrible things that caused us to divorce and this and that, all very understandable)
AND THAT THE WOMAN SHOULD BE GIVEN A PARTING (and befitting, according to what he can afford) GIFT BY THE MAN
That is the way I see it. Tell me if my understanding is wrong.

Jum'ah Journal- 10 days/Nights of Zdul-Hijjah

God says, (Sura Al-Fajr) "Wal-Fajr wa Layaalin 'Ashr...." (Swear by the day break and ten nights) referral is to first 10 days/nights of Zdul-Hijjah (12th Islamic month) and another explanation is that the referral is to the last 10 days of Ramadhan. (May be Allah SWT has placed these words puposely in such a way that more than one meanings can be derived, for the benefit of us)
The fact is both are extremely important from Islamic point of view. Islamic books and tafsirs tell a lot about the significance of these ten days/nights; ahadeeth (sayings of the Prophet SAWS) may be weak but we talk about the 10 nights of this month at present. Like the prophet says about these nights each one is like that of Lailat-ul-Qadr. That means each of these days should be spent in prayer and takbeer and saying other words of Allah's praise etc. and the ninth day (the day of Arafah) fasting is more recommended. Fajr the daybreak is considered to be referring to the day break of the tenth day of Zdul-Hijjah which is the day of sacrifice (Yaum-un-Nahr in Arabic) the day of Eid-ul-Ad-Haa.
To me quite apart from all the recommendations these ten days make me go to Hajj "in spirit". I feel I am there with all the other Hajjis
Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik (I am here O Allah I am here)
The answer to the call of Ibraheem AS, who is ordered by Allah SWT... The Qur'an tells us (Sura Hajj 22nd, Aya 27)---"And proclaim the pligrimage among men...."
I thought of that at my Hajj standing on the 2nd story looking down at the huge crowds circling around the Ka'aba with hum of Muslims praying. I thought when Ibraheem AS was asked he must have felt (5000 year ago), nobody around there, no human beings---hmmm who should I call--- But you see these are prophets they just do what God tells them to and so he made the call and Muslims are coming in huge crowds saying
"labbaik....." (I am here) So now if Inraheem AS comes to see what his call has done!!!!
"Wa Azddin fin-naasi bil hajj......" (And proclaim the pilgrimage among the men...)
Muslim has reported a hadetth from Umm Salama RA that Rasoolullah SAWS said "whoever wants to make a sacrifice he should not cut his hair or nails after seeing hilal of Zdul-Hijjah until he has made the sacrifice"
Many Muslims therefore do that (It is a recommendation) but when I do I feel as if I am with the Hajjis, even though I personally do not perform the sacrifice but have someone else do it in my name (This is allowed also)

"The Healing of America"

I sometimes enjoy CNN Washington Journal.
T.R. Reid wrote this book (see the title) and was interviewed this am that I listened to partly.
Very knowledgeable fellow on health matters. Good grasp on world wide systems of health, good questions from the callers.
Slowly it is becoming clear that it is the Capitalistic materialism driving the Insurance companies to make money from the riches of the sick America. Any other suggestions are dubbed as
Socialistic
Too much Government
and so on.
The Insurance companies, like the big corporate management/over seering/monitoring health-care conpanies (Masqurading as quality assurance also)
are there basically to make money. Their financial assessments CANNOT go into red. Practicing physicians not infrequently would treat many poor patients without
the expectation of being paid. That Insurance companies are a problem, is not questionable any more.
I am not saying that is the only problem with American health care system but try compare the system with the following story I wrote previously:
I was standing in for a sick physician (North England) and got a call in the evening about abdominal pain. The person calling with a background noise I could hear people drinking and rejoicing. I was suspicious but I went to see the patient anyway. The caller was a proprieter of a Pub. He took me inside to see his relative who was indeed in pain. I diagnosed burst appendix, called the sugeon on call made the arrangement for immediate transport of the sick to the hospital who was operated soon thereafter. Nobody talked about insurance, no bills sent to the family from me, from the surgeon, or from the hospital or the Ambulance company etc.
You are all familiar that many people go to India for excellent care for cardiac bypass sugery and all inclusive expenses are still significantly less than if the surgery was undertaken in the USA.
I am not saying Obama has given the people the complete treatment that this system requires but something has been done and may be this trend will continue to go futher in order to tame the monster of healthcare expense in this otherwise great country of ours, a healthy America.
Keep talking of alternatives and improvements in the system, whic supports the rich people to get the best treatment and discourages the poor to get any treatment. We have a long way to go.

Sunday Surkhi-Unconventional ندیا کے پار

That is it is not a "surkhi" in its normal sense. The news has been very unpleasant so I decided to try a departure from the "surkhi" path.
"Wuthering Heights" and "Nadiya kay par" (ندیا کے پار ) which is my most fav. movie (1949?)
What is common to these two very different movies?
Here is my report. Now many English (meaning movies or films in English or "Holywood") movies are taken as a whole or in part in some Indian (Urdu/Hindi movies of "Bolywood") Like for example Film "Jadoo" جادو was a Bolywood version of "Loves of Carmen" (Movie starring Rita Hayworth). In addition to the whole movie theme, Rita's dance and song with those hand trippets (I dont know what you call them) creating that critit-like sounds is copied by the Jadoo heroine Nalini Jaiwant نلنی جیونتincluding its tune. And there are other scenes for example I can recall a movie, "Love in the Afternoon" starring Gary Cooper and Audrey Hepburn in which the last scene when Gary is going away in the train and Audrey is following walking and then running to be picked up by the hero, and in his arms, eventually. Very similar scene you have in the Bolywood film, جب جب پھول کھلے" jab jab phool khilay " starrring Shashi Kapoor when he is leaving the heroine in Bombay and on the train as it moves away on the platform the heroine starts walking and then running begging the hero to take her with him until the platform is about to run out and the hero catches hold of the running heroine into his arms.
Now here, in Wuthering Heights (The only novel of Emily Bronte, sister of more well-known Charlotte Bronte, published in 1847, filmed 1939 and was nominated for best picture of that year) the large house of the hero (Heathcliff-played by Sir Laurence Olivier) recieves a stray traveller in a snow storm and gives him the room reluctantly for overnight stay. He happens to have experience of the ghost of Heathcliff's beloved Kathy. He gets frightened and is then told the story of the, unfortunate love affair of Heathcliff and Kathy.
Nadiya kay par ندیا کے پار, A doctor who does not find a boat to cross the river in a storm and rain; comes into the village of fishermen who let him stay reluctantly in the room of the heroine and hero (Kamini Kaushal and Daleep Kumar کامنی کوشل اور دلیپ کمار ،playing Phulwa پھلوا،اور کںور and Kunwar) and the poor doc gets the freightening experiences of the ghost and then is given the story by the villain. The last scene of Wuthering heights shows hero and heroine 's shadows walking in the snow in "the heights" and in ندیا کے پارNadiya kay Par the shadow of the boat of hero and heroine makes the last scene--the boat in which they drowned in the middle of the flooded river's whirlpool. (May be these coincidental similarities? but...)

Late Jum'ah Journal-Backlash of Fort Hood

I guess there will be for some time to come lot of talk, speculation blaming this and that and anger etc. in media as well as private talks everyhwere. National Geog. News published to day the interview of Anwer al-Awlaki recorded by them on 9/11 at that time. Then also read the statement given by the same man (Now in Yemen) calling Maj. Hasan a hero and condemning all Muslims living in America as hypocrites. It is hard to believe that he is the same man and he makes no mention of his previous stand.
Then there are non-Muslim soldiers shooting episodes that lately have been recorded due, at least in part to the psycholoical problems that do exist and are getting worse. If a Christian soldier or a Jewish one does the same thing there are no backlashes seen whereas when a Muslim does it, no matter how disturbed he is he will be connected to some Imam and vague relationship with al-Qaeda will be forged out. So I am confused what and who to believe.
I have become suspicious in my old age because of such things I have experienced. For example, I still canonot believe Blair and Bush's statements of weapons of mass destruction. I cannot understand why Iraq was invaded by us with such obvious lies. Saddam could be removed by any drone or other more focussed instruments of localized destruction that have been mastered by us and Israel has adequately demonstarted their efficacy.
I do not believe there is crusade against Islam because it has no purpose, no goal, no gain and Muslims own nothing of importance---Oil?-- but all major Western powers are almost " co-owners" and can twist the arm of any Muslim country to keep the oil flowing. I see no Muslim country having any power. Pakistan has nuclear--yes but can they use it all? Who is being threatened? Or, is it just a percieved threat.
I am confused when I see the reality and I pray that this country USA may find a real leader to take it out of this mess we are in. As I see it, this is the only country which can do something to improve the lot of oppressed downtraden poor and hungry people in the world. There is no doubt this is the only country that has all the powers to do such good and the people here are known to be good at heart, compassionate. I am not ignoring extremists but are found in every country and every nation but the good people are ones who win in the end. Maybe this is my just wishful thinking. Sad, very sad

Sunday Surkhi- Ethics and WMA

World Medical Association (WMA) chairman Dr. Blachar completed his (1yr) term. He was aslo chairman of IMA (Israel Medical Association) and there was an unsuccessful campaign worldwide to force him to step down as chairman because his IMA had acted unethically (Israel doctors participation in Palestinian prisoners tortures in violation of the standards accepted by WMA and human rights etc.)
Specific examples were provided and a petition was sent signed (including mine) by more than 700 physicians from around the world but WMA took no action.
The convener of this campaign Dr. Derek Summerfield tells us now that WMA issued a statement to Iran for the same thing--torture of prisoners under the watchful eyes of doctors.
He wonders why Israel cna get away without mentioning and why Iran is warned?
Well, this is the going thing these days started by USA, say nothing to Israel if human rights are violated and throw all mud at Iran--you are our friend and if you do otherwise you are our enemy--nothing in between--. Everybody wants to be friends with USA at the expense of anything and so support Israel and oppose Iran, Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Pakistan etc. etc.

Jum'ah Journal--Sympathy and Empathy

.۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔ و خلق الا نسان ضعیفا" (Sura4, Aya 28)
.....And Man is created weak.
My full heartfelt sympathies with the unfortunate victims of the undoctorly and inhuman behavior of Major Malik Hasan.
The word Sympathy is described as "sameness of feelings or affinity between pesrsons-- agreement in qualities, harmony--mutual liking arising from sameness of feeling-sharing or ability to share another person's mental state or emotions etc. especially compassion for another person's sufferings or troubles." (Webster's Dic.)
Empathy is described as "the projection of one's own personality into that of another or into an object--intellectual or emotional identification with another". (Webster's)
Strictly speaking both words have one common aspect--COMPASSION which in Urdu we call "غم خواری-or -ھمدردی".
There is a fine line between the two feelings as you have guessed. I learnt to empathise with the patients during the one year I spent in training of psychiatry before taking up the love of my life--Neurology. Indeed I benefitted a lot from that experience.
A psychiatrist is in the "business of feelings and emotions" of the patients and he/she has to keep his own personality safe from being affected (which would be sympathy) in order to be objective in helping his/her patients and not losing the compassion. This is a tricky situation and walking on a thin line but essential for the psychiatrist because otherwise his/her goal to treat the patient's mental health is jeopardized .
I know all of us came out with "OMG, not again" when we first saw Dr. Hasan Malik's photo on the TV and all that media circus that goes with it including him being dead for many hours and then the Commander General coming on in the evening saying, "No he is alive" So much for the Journalism. But I understand that access to military areas can be limited and this mis-reporting can be forgiven perhaps.
It appears that this man has been trained by Army and he must have chosen Psychiatry as his line of action which is even more noble in my opinion for the kind of patients he wanted to help. How he turned into Mr. Hyde from Dr. Jeckle is beyond comprehension (but probably understandable)although they report he was irritated on deployment to Iraq, had some other attitude problems which seem to indicate he was unaware of his Muslim obligations or he was not fully aware of them. A Muslim physician is always ready to offer help to the patients no matter who and where and no matter he is remunerated or not because he is rewarded by Allah for the job and that he/she should always keep in mind.
The physician, however, is still human and that 'weakness' (S.4, Aya 28 above) is still there. I think that being overwhelmed may have caused the change - sympathising more than empathising -and he became a patient himself, only Allah knows the truth.
Although I had alreay decided for myself what I would pursue as my line of action I do remember one of the factors in NOT taking up psychiatry as my carrier was the headache I used to feel after my morning interviews with all kind of patients (general Psychiatry)
May Allah help us all, and give sabr to the bereaved families.

Sunday Surkhi--Pakistani Physicians association

I am frequently been told by the leadership of APPNA that it is a SECULAR association and that making Jma'at Namaz and saying Allah-o-Akber is NOT APPRO PRIATE in the meetings of the association. I did not think this has anything to do with the association but it has everything to do with Muslims, no matter where they are they do that because offering 5-daily prayers is part of their religion and I had always felt that SECULAR DOES NOT MEAN ANTI-RELIGIOUS. In the USA or any other Western country the state is considered secular and THERE IS FREEDOM OF PRACTICE OF RELIGION in these states (I guess that kind of ruling is what these association leaders are following)
So why do they object if the Muslims do such terrible things (like making Azan and Jamaat namaz)that hurt the non-Muslims of the Association so bad they may quit the association which would be very non-democratic or so they think.
One objection went so far to suggest that this is as bad as killing Christians (referring to an ancident in Pakistan where some local Muslims hearing that Christians had desecrated Qur'an copy (which was a lie) they took the law in their own hands and put fire to the houses of many Christains and nobody did anything (I dont know the whole story of the aftermath).
There are many Christians Hindus and Sikhs living in Pakistans and they hear Azan five times a day and also there is widespread namaz ba jama'at evrywhere but nobody has done anything about that either.
Does this sound equal? That is killing non-Muslims and Namaz and azan etc.?
Some educated MD (Syed Nadeem Ahsan, in the latest Journal of APPNA NEW JERSEY)living in the West thinks that way and wants to chide the Muslims for Namaz and Azan. As a aMuslim I would welcome the non-Muslims to do their pooja/prayer in their own way in the meetings of APPNA, and promise not to discredit them for doing so. I think that would be in keeping with being secular as wella s democratic.

Jum'ah Journal-Urdu and Qur'an-el-Hakeem

Some times the words of Qur'an have similar meanings and some times different from what we use them in Urdu. I will make an interesting example of similar meanings (Basically my note is for non-Arabic speaking Urdu speaking Muslims):
In the last rukoo'a of Sura al-Ahzab (33rd) "We indeed OFFER the trust to the......." That is the translation of "inna 'aradnaa 'alassamawat...." The word --'Aradnaa-- is used in Urdu when writing an application which is called " 'ardee" or 'arzee" (Ain ray zwad and yay)--that is a 'subject' writing to a superior whereas in Quran the Superior is "offering" to inferior. The opposite of presenting or offering or showing is taking away from or avoiding or shunning which is used in Qur'an by placing alif before the a'arada like: "Therefore SHUN those who turn away from ...." (Sura Najm aya 29) --"Fa- a'arid amman tawalla...."
Actually Urdu speaking persons have so much more in Qur'an they can understand by paying attention to the words which they are actually familiar but may think they are not. "I'araaz" is a word used in Urdu in the same meaning as in Qur'anic Arabic as in the example I have given above of Sura Najm. It just makes reciting Qur'an so much more meaningful.

Jum'ah Journal

This is not so much about Islam but more a personal note.
Sometimes some of your relative may have married "outside" meaning non-Pakistani or Indian while living and making life here and although it may not necessarily be embarrassing "the relative" tends to become aloof or isolated (from family or IndoPak society--to a certain extent). Life here is so busy, who cares, that is neither the one who is "lost" nor the one who is not. May be there is embarrassment in marrying non-Muslim, whatever, but no doubt it has been frequently observed and I'm sure you all have that experience). There are many causes, reasons and ifs and buts associated but in the long run a relative is a relative a brother or sister or cousin whatever.
I have personally felt it is "unnecessary" but that may be because I married "within" As time passes and things change life undergoes many types of metamorphoses and thoughts and feelings undergo such alterations too.
The plethora of communication channels that has been introduced through the computer like email, twitter, flixter, facebook netlog etc. etc.(and I keep getting new sources daily) has opened up several possibilities previously considered impossible (I wonder how PI or 007 s of today would approach these things).
So I had a surprise this Friday, through facebook, or rather somebody found me after several years, seeing my facebook appearance. I was beginning to be critical fearful and almost getting to be "anti-facebook" and now...... well I have to think. Such pleasant surprises do not come daily anyway. Some sadness is always mixed, as it was more than 4 yrs ago when my sister died and I kept wondering about her only son when he would contact me (he did not have direct contact or had lost it) as I am located within the US (so is he). So I ended up telling him the sad news.

Live and Let Die

I chanced upon the above caption from BMJ of last week (British Medical Journal)
--I do n ot read BMJ any more now--
First the essentials as I gather from the report (Very briefly)
A certain, Kerrie Wooltorton enters a hospital alert and having swallowed "antifreeze" (in lethal amounts) and also produces a valid document (legally binding) to refuse life-saving treatment (Why was she brought to the Hospital and by whom?).
The doctors watched her die, could not do anything (legally prevented) to save her. Sad indeed.
This was her NINTH time she had ingested the stuff, so her plan was perfect to kill herself as she had been saved the previous eight times.
Investigations, etc. etc.
Leaving aside the legal matters I wish to make a few statements.
For a Muslim patient it is Haram to refuse life saving treatment when it is known and likely to save the life, just like it is Haram to commit suicide.
A Muslim patient can refuse treatment if it is not proven or if it involves forbidden-haram- things (or ask for alternative unforbidden - halal medications/methods)
Once the patient is in the hospital the physicians are obliged to treat the patient except for the fact that patient has the freedom to refuse any treatment, the doctors may advise the patient as strongly as they can (they are free to advise).
Even if there is a valid documentation like
"Living Will" or "Advanced Directive"
The patient, if alert and can talk can, Change his/her mind and ask to be treated, will require signatures for that (properly witnessed). The problem of Ms. Wooltorton however was complicated by her mental illness which can be as exacting for the physicians as it is for the patient.
As before I would urge all my Muslim readers to look into signing an advanced directive or living will when living here in US or in the West.

Sunday Surkhi- Waziristan/Taliban

So, who is fighting who in Pakisan.
I can blame the goverment to declare war on Waziristan and blame Waziristan if they support killing Pakistani innocent Muslims.
It is totally unrewarding to blame "forieg elements" like India and America to have produced the scare of Taliban, Al-Qaeda and UBL , Baitullah Mahsood, or whatever.
These are a terrorist group of Men who masquerade as Muslims/Taliban or whatever label they choose for themselves, openly flouting the teachings of Islam and are bent upon destroying Pakistan, playing in the hands of enemies of Pakistan. The previous gesture the Zardari Govt. made of "compromising" with this terrorist group was a strengthless venture with disasterous results. Now if an all out attack is planned, which is itself a disaster but it will be bigger disaster if it is not fully effective and half hearted, feeble/timid. Because it will be not only ineffective but also counterproductive. I wish the Zardari Government had made no such declaration. May Allah guide us all and May Allah help Pakistan.
Like my friend said
Is gher ko aag lag gayee gher kay charagh say.

Jum’ah Jurnal- Nobel Peace Prize

All day long there has been talk about this surprise for President Obama who was himself surprised. It is all understandable. The impromptu Republican leader bellows like only he can on TV, it is a joke. They all say what has Obama accomplished and fail to see his total approach, his vision his ability to turn tides in favor of America while the whole world was booing Bush just a year ago.

  No doubt he has laid down such policies that will augur well for the future world and will be seeing results long after he is passed the office. Iran is talking directly and has revealed second installation to the world, Korea is talking and declared no-Bomb, Qadzafi has visited US Iraq is turning towards peacefulness and I feel sure Afghanistan and Pakistan will turn that way in the near future. I only wish that real Taliban with peaceful approach rather than the “apparent Taliban with a gun in the hand” will be successful, on the table  rather than on the battlefield.

Listening to everybody about his/her take on this Nobel prize is like a Rorschach’s inkblot, telling more about the commentator’s personality rather than Obama’s prize.

The Hippies and Mazars

If you look at the praise and glorification of the hippie movement (Like Beatniks of California) you may find lot of good things like, anti war (remember anti nuclear sign, in fact one of my consultant physicians I worked with in England used to call it "ban-the-bomb test") or anti-Vietnam war, good music etc. Then there was freedom of so many regular and traditional things like dress, manners, keeping the hair properly groomed (Mind you, I grew up during "grease" times) some good and some not so good. I remember some medical students (in Traditional England) coming in the wards scruffy looking (and smelling that way too) during those days of "She loves you yeah yeah yeah". I had to remind one young lady "that when using Ophthalmoscope you have to be very close to a patient, please tidy up your hair".
But then there was over- stretching that good to "free-love", free mind, free drugs (and let the police also do it so they dont catch you.) and free everything.
Music and anti-war elements elevated the movement to a level of "philosophy" and "cultural revolution" (instead of devaluation); I learnt several new words, like psychedelic colors, P. music, P. fashion etc. and sure I saw Wimbledon players and world class cricket players donning colorful clothing instead of the traditional white.
Then, of course the "Woodstock" experience was like a Hajj for them (forgive me for comparison) I was new in America at the Woodstock festival but later learnt more about it that the opening with a blessing, was performed by a Yogi, "Swami Satchetananda" (For some reason that yogi dressing and marijuana became popularized in the West and you saw all people visiting India)
"Data Ganj Bakhsh" in Lahore (A mazar of a soofi saint--for non-Lahorians) had given me all that philosophy long time ago so for me there was nothing new in the philosophy or teaching of "relaxation", of "love not war" slogans etc. I have been familiar of that "movement" that has, to my amazement, gone "un-noticed" by the world around. Most "mazars" are centers of the bhang and charas (Marijuana) lovers who have carried on that "teaching" and enjoying for centuries I guess. I am amazed that nobody ever visited "mazars". They missed the real origins of this "philosophy"of hippies or beatniks or whatever name you may call it.
But the things I always considered of low morality, are being praised, use of drugs, young men and women sleeping together without any relationship and mating like animals, and for three days with filth, mud, and aweful human smell. (Woodstock)The hippie movement. (Some of you may recall the 40th anniversary back in August '09)
They call it PEACE. The mind alteration drug effects are called mind-expanding experience. There is no study of illegitimate children born (Called love children that is what reminds me of that aya of Qur'an--Zayyana lahum-ush-shaitaano 'amalahum--Satan made their deeds look nicer for them) out of Woodstock festival but there is mention of Abortion rights of women being recognized and "women had their say" finally but divorce rates doubled etc. from this "sexual revolution". The effects are still present among the young ones, for the media hailed the Woodstock experience as "good for cultural freedom" A new America was born from Woodstock.

Sunday Surkhi--سنڈے سرخی

اچھا ھے اگر ساتھ رھے پاسبان عقل
لیکن کبھی کبھی اسے تنہھا بھی چھوڑدے
بجاءے اردو کے بلاگ میں لکھنے کے اردو یھیں لکھ رہا ہوں کبھی کبھی سرخی اردو میں لکھوں تو کیا خیال ھے آپکا؟
اس میں کوئ شک نھیں کہ پاکستان میں ماشا اللہ بہت ترقی ہو رھی ھے اور عورت وزیر اعظم کے درجہ تک پہںچ گئ مگر عام عورت کا حال کچھ بھی بہتر نہیں ہوئا
جیسا کہ تین چار روز پہلے کی
خبر سے ظاھر ھے جب برھنہ عورتوں کا جلوس نکالا گیاوہ عورتیں بد چلن اور بری سہی لیکن اس طرح کا تماشا بنانا تو اپنی ھی صورت کو بگاڑنے کے مترادف ھےاورسوال یہ ہے کہ کیا یہ طریقہ ان کو سدھارنے کے واسطے کارآمد ثابت ھو سکتا ہے؟ حقیقت یہ ہے کہ اس پیشہ کو کوئ قانون اور کوئ حربہ آج تک ختم نہیں کر سکا۔ وجہ؟ مرد کی بے راہ روی ہے نہ کہ عورت کی۔ ممکن ہے آپ مجھ سے اتفاق نہ کریں مگر مجھے تو یہی لگتا ھے کسی شھر کسی ملک کہیں بھی جایِں اس پیشہ والی عورت مل جائے گی
بھت دکھ ہوا پڑھ کر

Sunday Surkhi--

There are so many news from Pakistan showing how Muslims are killing Muslims. I do not know how these people celebrate Eid. I feel like going back to my childhood when all we did was celebrate the festival even though we would just go out to buy some samosa or pakoray for do paisa (adhanni bhi kehtay thay) and have so much fun in eating and feeling great. The only caveat was we were "enslaved" by the English and we fought for our freedom and felt proud of doing that.
What do these killers feel when they kill for the sake of killing?
I have unsuccessfullytried to find explanations behind such threats
"we have a number of suicide bombers waiting for our orders to go out and lay down their lives for "Islam", so beware of our Islam, it is coming and we will fight the Government (Muslims government of Pakistan) if they do not stop.
Both sides are swearing to stay the course.
Both sides are composed of Muslims
Both sides are composed of Pakistanis
Both sides have people going for five times a day prayers.
Both sides recite the same book daily.
Both sides people call themsleves true Muslims
The poor suicide squad people waiting for entering al-Jannah promised by these maulanas on behalf of Allah SWT. These are agents??? of Allah SWT, (God forbid), May Allah SWT forgive me for saying so. The brainwashed youngsters who may have deep down feeling of unworthiness and lonliness abandonment or whatever.
May Allah guide us all to the right path.
Iqbal marhoom said
"hilal-e-Eid hamari hansee urrata hay" (The crescent of Eid mocking at us)

My blogs

Well I have launched the new blog in Urdu under the heading
"Khiyalat wa ihsasat" which gives me freedom to write everything
In Hindi I write under
"Khiyal AaraiyaN"
So please go ahead and start looking at all if you preferहिन्दी or Urdu .
This was the first time we had Eid without our children or grandchildren and we felt it a bit, but I was talking to my wife we need to get used to it for things can sometimes happen like that as the children are busy with their own programs and some other commitments for the sake of their own children. Ramadan was like always full of sisters and brothers taking shahadah.
One spanish and one french gentleman did this time (in addition to three sisters). Hoping they will find guidance with other brothers who led them into this fold of Islam. I talked with them I will always be available whatever question they have.
I have always wondered at the strength of Iman of these persons how they face that significant change in their life. How God guides them and takes them into this fold to give them the satisfaction of their life. There must be some antecedent period of anxiety they go through, misgivings, like "to be or not to be" but at the end of their voyage they take that bold step which marks the end of confusion. Many eminent persons have done it and it is so amazing to read their stories of life. Yet it is all human drama that I have observed, had the chance to meet with so many persons with intriging and revealing reasons and their whole journey up to this memorable step they take and each one was enhancing my own Iman.

Sunday Surkhi—Eid Mubarak

Sunday Eids are better enjoyed and more widely attended for obvious reasons and this one (if you all had it Sunday and not Monday) is no exception.

Eid mubarak to all my readers who are Muslims

Each Muslim country has its own traditions for these celebrations and we see this wonderful variety all over. Get to-gethers and wishes are shared by all however and everybody gives the friends and relatives an “embrace”. So I picked up a joke in our gathering

Imam Saheb was given some remuneration or gift after finishing Taraweeh prayers and felt he was not adequately compensated so he said nothing. He led the prayers as usual and went into sajda with the Muqtadee(Followers) doing the same but they remained in sajda for some time and there was no more Allah-o-akbar to get them out of sajda.

Then they realized, the Imam was gone.

Sunday Surkhi--Temper and Sports

I have two instances of recent events to quote
Serena Williams losing her match making a bad remark to the lines person.
Michael Jordon making an ass of himself in the speech, at the ceremony when he was being conducted as the greatest player of Basket Ball.
I guess, to have a "high temper" helps in winning, I dont know. I am no winner in any sport. There are lots of (may be most of) excellent athletes who take their win and loss both equally gracefully. Some however are bad tempered foul-mouthed and outright rude persons even though they may be good players. I remember Tyson biting off ear of his opponent in boxing--a most unusual and unforgivable behavior which I would have barred him from ever entering into the arena for fighting after that if I was in some position. That is not Gladiator fight but a boxing game which was so examplified by the real greatest Mohammad Ali.
I like Serena but I have always liked her sister better but this bad behavior removes her from my list of likable players.
Many youngsters who go on to make great players start off as teenager talents and show erratic behavior in the beginning and then develop control and poise required for being on top or being amog the top players. I remember Conners improving rapidly though I saw lot of ticks of nervousness even later in his remarkable career. One of the most calm and composed behaviors I have seen is that of Bjorn Borg and also Pete Sampras (I watch a lot of tennis). Billie Jean Moffit (King) was a good player but was rash in behavior at least in the beginning, so was the hreat player Martina Navratilova. Chris Evert was however more graceful of these good players Billie Jean and Martins Navratilova lacked the female grace.

Jum'ah Journal--'Itikaaf

For some personal reasons I have not been able to start this "retreat" experience this year although I had set my mind on it.
'Itikaaf (Retreat--loosly translated) has its own rewards ( I am talking about the ones you get for yourself and of course Allah gives you many rewards also).
Kind of self-purification process, you sit and think while praying and making supplications reciting Qur'an or contemplating on some aya etc. there is so much to reflect upon. It is performed for Allah and one must be adult Muslim and have an intention to do it. The time spent in these supplications etc. is recommended but no worldly or loose talk is allowed in the masjid during 'itikaaf.
There are other religions that have some "retreat" programs though may not be as "specific" as in Islam. Islam makes it only "suggested" sunnah, not mandatory although the prophet Muhammad PBUH performed it every year as a "duty". The "mandatory 'Itikaaf"" is the one that someone makes it upon himself as an "offering" (Nadzar) or devotion--then it MUST be performed for the number of days that the person "mandated" it for himself. Generally it is optional and can be performed any time during Ramadhan or any other time and for any number of days (because it is OPTIONAL) although recommended for the last 10 days of Ramadhan. (the manner of the prophet PBUH)
Men perform it (and must do it ) in a mosque specially the one where all 5 prayers are held. For women it is preferable in her own home where she has her own nitch for prayers.
I enjoyed the time with extra prayers, tafseer study, some memorization of ayat etc. but the closeness to Allah is somewhat like that in Arafaat during Hajj (To tell you the truth, nothing really equals that feeling, you have to be in Arafaat to experience it).

September, the month (6th, 7th and +++)

Just to remind us all September is a month full of happenings Sept. 6------'92 Babri Masjid was destroyed '81 Anwar Sadaat was murdered (We were in Mina during Hajj) '65 war India-Pakistan Sept. 7, 1977---Pakistan Government declared Ahmadis or Qadianis as Minority Sept. 16, 1951, the first PM, Khan Liaqat Ali Khan was murdered. (the first political murder in the then new state/country of Pakistan I missed sept. 11? Well it does not have to be reminded by me so I did not mention. There may be more to this month....

I wanted to list these unfortunate happenings and to reflect on the subject why in this month

Are there other months with history? (August 2025)..

Sunday Surkhi – Old people’s Home

There are some horrible stories about what happens to the elderly of immigrants in USA and as always there are two sides of the story.

Once we were in a group to discuss (Brain-storming session) what is the “future” plan for the elderly (Muslims) in our society?

I found out we had very poor knowledge about this and had very little to offer, in the way of practical suggestions. Let me start from (what we did on that day)

“Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but HIM and that ye be kind to parents, whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, Say not to them a word of contempt nor repel them but address them in terms of honor

And out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and say, My Lord! bestow on them Thy mercy even as they cherished me in my childhood “. Verses 23 and 24 from Sura # 17, Bani Israeel

Much has been done in tafseer of these verses and these verses reflect the main cultural value of parents in our society. How to deal with it in THIS country is a different matter. I believe that Verses are not time related they are true for all times and all societies including USA today. The reality, however, is that the way of life here is such that elderly are not tolerated when they retire and are less-functioning or otherwise an nuisance to live with. Whatever the situation respect should never be lost. Daughter-in-laws are frequent sources of such happening even though the “privacy” may not be as helpful as perceived. After all the daughter in law, herself, will get to that age also given the time and mothers mother-in-laws and fathers father-in-laws will be roles all “children” will take over one day. The cycle will go on.

So does an “Old people’s Home”, form an answer?

I do not know but worth considering at least in selected cases. I personally would hate to be in that situation but at (almost 76) my age I am up and about and able to take care of myself and do not have the usual old age ailments other than mild“arthritis”. Language, friends, surroundings, and TV and computer are all good investments but all in my age cannot operate these gadgets or cannot afford. I have, for instance, spent lot of money to be able to spend just a few hours with my old friends even for travelling long distances and even to Pakistan. These are all personal solutions and not a prescription for all.

Old peoples homes are notoriously ill-equipped, poorly staffed or staffed with poorly trained and even rude personnel etc. etc. So when your parents God-forbid are sick or unhealthy or disabled what are the choices?

I do not know we have a clearly definable prescription. Individual decisions tailored to the families and their circumstances would be the rule.

Unfortunately the “daughter-in-law” gets the bad name and she is therefore under greater pressure from all sides. I am afraid I have very little to go on for taking her side because no matter how you see it a son has a responsibility for his parents for in most situations he as well as his wife owe everything to them. The “parent of “home-less to Harvard” kind  child are not common but most immigrant parents have sacrificed much to give their children the life they enjoy. No doubt this is a society for single families and individualistic but some compromise must be created at least for,at least, one or two generations.

I have only touched upon one or two aspects of this multi-faceted question and am still  undecided about “solutions” Old people’s home or your own home?  There is no doubt if you keep own“home”, the rewards are tremendous especially in the hereafter, they may be a source of key to your Paradise. That is the Islamic understanding or teaching.

Jum'ah Journal--Ramadan Message

We have come a long way in this country as Muslims. Various factors have turned out to be effective teachers and attention getters for Muslims and Islam in this country over the past couple of decades and 9/11 is not the most important one.
We see Hajj every year,
We get Ramadan "breaking Fast" in the white house
We see Eid celebrations and messages from authorities in the Government
We have said prayers in Arabic for opening Senate or congress sessions
We have regular appointed Imams (Muslim Chaplins) in all categories of the armed forces
and more
This makes me feel that we have a strong responsibility of answering questions on Islam and its stand on various things we encounter daily with our colleagues, coworkers, what have you. We cannot leave it to the Imam or other Scholar or on Dawa committee etc.
Like one of the persons who I met in Pakistan who advised me:
"You are Ambassadors of Islam".
It was 1977 I was in the plane leaving from Karachi to Lahore when he, wearing Arabic dress came to sit with me, a clean-shave wearing a three piece suit. Yes his diagnosis was correct he was no other than Dr. Mohammad Muhsin Khan the translator of Bokhari and Quran-el-Majeed (Noble Qur'an)
He was a 1950 grad. of my college (King Edward)and had specialized in Pulmonary Medicine.

Ethical Considerations but not for the "priviledged"

You may have come across organ thefts in Palestinian areas by the Israeli army personel.
One story of a 19 yr. old stone-thrower Bilal shot by the Israeli Army and body (alive?)transported away to some hospital, brought back after 5 days for the victim's family for burial, with autopsy(Post mortem) mark a slit from the chin to the lower abdomen sewen up. No proof that kidneys or other organs have been "stolen". (but the suspicion is very strong)
Bilal's story is published and this is not the first child, many other Palestinians have provided the needed organs for the Jews in Israel before.
Heinous, hair-raising crime of first killing (purposefully?) and then.............
Although the Jewish religeon allowes organ transplantations for Jews but not organ donation, so to save jewish lives the organs must come from non-jews.
Regardless of the religeous dictates; Just think of this for a moment.

Telephones and me

I am not friends with “telephones”.
I grew up in a home without telephones and it was when our family had moved to city and lived there for some time that we had a telephone hooked up about 1957-8, something like that.
I had left home after 1953-4 and never learnt the use of this communication method (I mean I knew but never made use of it).
After getting my MBBS I got my “house job” (1958) in Mayo Hospital for one year. There were no telephones in the wards. I would write a note (question suggestion or whatever) on a notebook which the “ward bearer” (baira) will take it to the appropriate person, say house physician or surgeon in other ward who would write the answer and notebook would be brought back to me. Even in my Obstetric training in Lady Willindon Hospital the students had no phone and the aya with her flipflops would come (you could hear the slippers in the veranda from our room) and announce in the verandah “doc sahbji case aye” (Doctor there is emergency which meant that labor has started or water is broke etc.) so whoever is on call would rush to the labor room. Telephones were installed (in Mayo hosp) at the time I finished my job, (Jan.1959) but before that there was one telephone outside the hospital building under a tree ( a telephone booth of some sort). I used that phone once during the time I was senior house physician.
That was summer holidays time and Col. Ilahi Bukhsh Marhoom (my boss, Prof. of Medicine and Principal of the college) had to be called. A patient with acute coronary was admitted who was well-known to the then health minister (Khan Khudadad Khan) and Khan saheb came to the ward in the evening to visit the patient and wanted to see/talk to the doctor incharge. I had to use that phone.
I was in Peshawar for over two years and my department had the phones but not in my (our, more than one senior lecturers) office. I could use the other office phones however. Once I called a freind of mine changing my voice to feminine but he recognized and said and I still remember
“Ba her rangay keh khwahi jama mee posh
man andazay qadat ra mee shanasam”
(Whatever color or type of clothes you may wear, I recognize you from the way you walk)
I start my first job in Southampton after reaching England and have to use telephone for everything. For the first time I realized that I could not hear so well in my right ear, the one which has now the cochlear implant (the left was also not normal) so from then on I used only left ear for listening to the phone. the first day at my job (house surgeon) I received lot of calls as my ward was admitting surgical emergencies… boy I was nervous using this machine as I was not used to it. I still remember there four cases of urinary retention (male ward) and my registrar(An Australian Chap), taught me (very gracefully) the non touch technique of introducing the catheter. Well, after a week or so I became comfortable using phones.
Now, I hardly ever use telephone because I cannot hear with my left ear even with hearing aid’s maximum tune up. I do possess one mobile (cell-phone) but it is more for urgent needs.
The communication technology has advanced so much but for a real “paindoo” like me I am still out of touch and still not friendly with these gadgets.