iDoc/ ethics of War and Peace

 A lot is being said politically
about the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
 The idea is purely political and carries no meaning when it comes to helping mankind in trouble. What does it matter who used it but men women old and young children all suffered the horrible inhuman effects while politicians are religiously trying to figure out the truth whether the news is correct, what are its sources, are they reliable etc. etc.
 Then we here a big man Mr. Kerry who describes the event.
 Then there are discussions what should be the punitive procedure for the Assad regime.
 Not completely unrelated, the Americans, I am ashamed to call myself American in this situation, have done their own unethical stuff in the past.
 Not too distant in the past, there are incredible reports of increased birth defects in childbirths in Iraq- the legacy of "dirty Bombs" used by the American forces (were they experimenting?)
I read early reports of ocular birth defects like no eyeballs in empty sockets or Cyclopes that I have never seen such birth defects which were alarmingly high in childbirths soon after first  attacks on Iraq in early nineties. Some day these reports will come out and there will be political discussions of who and why such bombs were used and yet the perpetrators will never be brought to justice.
 Who cares what happens to people other than Americans. The same attitude that brought out heroes who used the A-bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
 Unfortunately it is the Muslims who used chemical weapons against their own brothers, Muslims. The very Ummah who are supposed to teach the nations of the world the ethics of peace and war. Meanwhile the disaster is hurled on the Muslims who continue to suffer. When will they learn?


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

i-Doc/SS Marriages in Muslims

Biologically speaking marriage is between a male and a female of human species but it is basically from social point of view, a contract in a society and if biology is ignored any two persons can get into this "social contract".
 Since the American society has started recognizing as 'married' even if biologically not appropriate, it seems that Supreme court is right. Law is human here and NOT divine that cannot be changed.
 From medical point of view the principles are not changed. a child can only be born with the help of a uterus which does not occur in a male and an ovum cannot be fertilized unless a male's sperm is provided with or without a sexual intercourse. Of course there are so many biotechnological possibilities that have opened up a new era of families and "family'' concepts are changing but I do not see a woman or her genital system producing sperms or a man or his genital system producing an ovum.
 From family and social point of view what remains to be seen is the children of gay couples and their brought up and their family concepts. Are we going to see no more of a child looking for his/her biological mother as he/she grows up? 
 I doubt that and problems I see for a 'child' who wants to find his/her biological father is huge because the sperm may have come from some bank. (O yes, these banks sell these things, you want a sperm of a huge athlete? or a remarkably intelligent Lawyer? it will cost you accordingly) That does not apply to egg because child has to develop in a Uterus even if temporarily so the "mother" will have to be the "owner of that uterus", the ovum does not matter here.
 I may not live to see those "family problems" but they are bound to come out one day (unless already started  but may be hushed by the gay community, who have powerful lobby))
Such changes spread widely very fast in today's world. So I gather there is a gay Imam and a gay masjid in the USA. The Gay imam conducts Muslim wedding between two persons of the same sex The Imam happens to be a convert, a light colored African-American but he/she can be from any ethnic background. God! what are wee learning as Muslims in our old age.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Who we ask for Justice

In Pakistan that is
 One Urdu journalist writes about final judgement in Shah Zeb murder case that two persons have been given death sentence and both when they came out showed a V sign to the media that they won?
 The journalist then goes on to say these youngmen belong to respectable families and they are assured of NOT getting death but are likely to get out of Jail soon or sometimes in future so they are 'happy' and confident that they are going to get away with the murder inspite of death sentence by the court as has been happening during the last 5 years of PPP/Zardari rule.
 I am just appalled at this statement and at the happiness of the culprits. As the journalist very rightly says this is making fun of the justice system of the country.
 Then he 'hopes' that the new PM will correct such problems. It remains to be seen but what I saw in the pictures was that
 The president  (Zardari) gave the oath of premiership to the new prime minister and NOT the chief Justice
 Now ordinarily I see no harm there but the difference between Zardari and Justice Iftikhar is  huge-almost like asli naqli. To tell you the truth I do not think Nawaz Shareef has enough guts to change anything.


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Aah- "Radiating Radiated Rashid"

 Of course everything that lives must die some day, there are no ifs or buts.
 We buried our long time friend yesterday, Mr. Rashid Khan whose regular email letters I'll mis
 He maintained his sense of humor till the end, fighting the treacherous cancer with all the 'weapons' made available to him by Allah SWT a true Muslim approach. Rashid Khan signed his letters "Radiating radiated Rashid", to make sure we, his audience, appreciated his heart. Hats off to you Rashid Bhai.
In these letters he kept us updated in his progress in this battle, so very thoughtful of him.
 May Allah SWT award him Jannat-ul-firdaus-aameen


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Memorial Day

 The only thing I do not like about this day (No, I am not unpatriotic, I am a good American)--is that they show only those old war movies on TCM and I do not like all those movies as I have seen them year after year for so long.
 As on any holiday I end up missing my grandkids. (Well, this is because it is easier for their parents to get time off on such occasions) If you are retired and 'disabled' like I am you kind of count daily or weekly things that can bring a smile or some degree of happiness in your heart. Amazing thing God has given us
 The Grand-children
They  love you even if you do not have any candies for them and as far as giving is concerned we the grandparents feel like giving them everything and anything regardless of spoiling them or making their parents uneasy because it is an uncommon glee when a grandchild says
 Thank you grandpa.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jerusalem-Yeroshalem

That is the most prominent building of Jerusalem. From where I took this shot I could turn 180 degrees and look at the Masjid Aqsa. For us Muslims that is all to see and pray in this Haram where one salat is equal to 1000 salat in rewards (Sahih Hadeeth)

 It was a twenty minutes walk from our hotel. The last street we would enter presented interesting combination of Muslims in traditional clothes and Jews in their traditional clothes hurrying down the lane together. Just a few steps from the gates of Haram the Jews would turn right into the lane of "Western (wailing) Wall."

You have a distinct relationship feeling with the Abrahamic faiths. That is the most prominent feeling in this beautiful city with a great and poignant history mentioned in the Quran (part of it) There are groups wandering around all the "old city" with guides lecturing the visitors, all Muslims or all Christians or all Jews. No other city has such mix of faiths being clearly represented. It makes one feel as if there are all prophets and their followers still wandering around here what a picture. No wonder, Allah SWT decided to take the prophet SAWS to this place before Meraj.

"Glory to Allah who did take his Servant for a night journey from sacred mosque to the farthest mosque. whose precincts We did bless, in order that We might show him some of Our signs, for He is the one who heareth and Seeth all things."

 How many prophets passed through here and how many are burried somewhere here. If you leave the political and such things out this is so remarkable  and I felt like hugging Christians and Jews all for we  as Muslims know they are so close to our beliefs. No other city provokes such feelings and yet as we were walking around we were exposed to armed guards of Israeli forces. There was a check post before we enter the gates of our Haram. I felt that masjid Aqsa is "imprisoned". There is no other city where you see so many Jews in their typical garb men women and children with hats and Yarmukes etc. To tell you the truth I felt happy for the Jews and that they have a "country" of their own. However the hurting side is the Palestinians and their condition, their misery. I do not need to expand. When I saw inside of Masjid Aqsa and a metal box to drop in donations which as I and my wife did make me burst out out into tears. I literally continued to cry until I finished my Nafel. Surely Allah SWT did not want Muslims Jews and Christians to fight with each other, must be we ourselves who have done wrong to each other in the past and continue to do so. When I saw Salahuddin's name on the mehrab I wondered if there would be another Salahuddin available for us now. I believe he was a strategy maker more than "fighter". We could all live in peace together. What I see is the Israel, the Zionist state has taken over the Jewish garb and it seems to exist with the force of fire-power only (supplied and supported by mainly US (JerUSAlem)-how long it would last.

"And We wished to be gracious to those who were being depressed in the land to make them leaders (in faith) and make them heirs-- to establish a firm place for them in the land......" (Sura 28th Aya 5-6)

 It seems Allah SWT wanted the "oppressed and suppressed" who had suffered so much to give them 'land' It brings to my mind the Western peoples decided after the Holocaust a similar thing but the way it has been done is contrary to the rules of Allah SWT with the resulting 'permanent' rift  I wish the 'leaders' in Balfore's position had thought of all human beings before creating a 'Jewish state' but Hitler's excesses made it happen in the way it did.

 Man, always, the loser. Never learns from history or the Scripture.


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

St. Patrick's Day and being Irish

 I am not sure what is the "celebration" of this day but it is reserved for  being Irish and wearing green something a shirt or a tie or jacket etc
 "Irish" brings to my mind, Booze.
 On a Christmas celebration in the hospital, long time ago I also joined the dinner and dance party. Was sitting in a corner when an Irish patient of mine asked me while dancing.
"Doctor, come on join the dance"
 "I do not dance". He stopped and sat down with me on the table asked to join with him in bear.
"I dont drink", I said.
 He came out with his packet of cigarettes and offered me one.
 "I do not smoke"
 He was dumb-founded. "Doctor, what do you do to enjoy?"
Chuckle.

Killing Minorities

 I remember hoisting the Pakistani Flag that I had so carefully sewed up myself just before 15th of August 1947 and in a samll gathering of the local Muslims of Kotla my father, retired Congressman turned Pakistani addressed the group of those villagers, thus:
 We are free today the English Raj is over and the government is in the hands of Muslims. That places a great responsibility in on all Muslims living in Pakistan to ensure safety of all Hindus and Sikhs and Christians."
 Not a single nonMuslim leaving the village was injured and we had a couple of Sikh families and a Christian.
 It pains me to hear that as radicalization has gotten worse any personal grudge leads to labeling a Christian insulting Islam and the mob, as if just waiting to get the opportunity lets out the rage against not one person but the whole community.
 They are making a mockery of the law in the first place and secondly they are all including the Government fellows punishable by Allah for the injustice. Recent rage against the community in Lahore is known to be wrong and yet nobody dare say anything against it. They killed Tasir because he wanted to change the situation and I still see the banners of Hero who killed him
 Only Allah can save this country because I see signs of Azab. Every Zaid Umar and Bakar is a knowledgeable Muslim enough to throw out a fatwa of Kufr on anybody and kill.
 Where is Doctor Allama Qadri Saheb?


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Farewell to Vic

Dr. Victor J. Keranen, MD, my friend, a helpful colleague, a genuine caring human being, whose heart was  always in boats/sea; yes he was an accomplished sailor and I always exaggerated (slightly) about him that his profession was sea-faring and Neurosurgery was his hobby.
 He was gracious enough to visit us last year along with his wife from Fayetteville when I got this picture. All I can say that this man would see only a human being and was totally blind to color religion caste ethnicity etc. etc. and I say that from my close professional relationship with him for over 12 years. I attended his funeral on 17th Feb. as he left this world on 14th after fighting with Lymphoma for 5 years. Both Vic and Wendy (his wife) were extraordinarily gracious to get me established in Fayetteville as a Neurologist, got me apartment,, and he let me use his office space to start my office We shared together the establishment of CT Scan services in Fayetteville NC which was no easy task. I learnt freedom of practice with him and how honest and hard work pays off in this country. We both clung to the ethics strictly.
 Will always remember him for I have so many fond memories. He was like an elder (Just over a year older than me) brother to me. I was remembering that it was 17th of February 1952 my real older brother got married (in Pakistan, of course) who died 1995.
 May God bless his soul


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Gun-Control in USA

Nobody dare say anything against the second amendment.
 That was adopted December 15, 1791 and its interpretation by Supreme Court of USA in 2008 and in 2010 makes it evident the purpose and limit of its use.
 That is not the source of quarrell but its application in the USA is what matters. People in this country have a continued fear of "attack" by somebody and they MUST have firearms to use for protection. So far so good but then to practice regularly, keep the guns ready and loaded at all times and have automatic assault weapons even if you do not not know how to hold it or how to fire it you can buy.
 I have never bought or touched guns etc. Now if I am attacked and I do have a gun by the time I use it , may be too late or at best I may fire but likely to miss as i have no practice. In fact it may be more dangerous for me to have one as it would definitely excite the attacker to use it fast.
 One of my patients who had shot his father told me:
 His father had taught him, "son never wait you must use it first in order to survive"
 During my medical practice which was not primary care I did see at least three or four "accidental shots" causing severe injury and even death
 I am still reluctant to buy one. I did have an experience of some youngsters breaking in to my home when I was asleep (being profoundly deaf, I had taken my hearing aids off during sleep). The intruders could not find anything (drugs) so they left me without waking me up but they did come up to my bed and they did have guns.. Two days later they entered a simialr townhouse from the other end (Mine was second from right and they were interested in second from left) and yes there was shooting, nobody was killed but our president of Townhouse Association get the occupant of that townhouse leave the premises.
 The Almighty saved me completely


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Roe vs Wade

It was January 27th , 1973, this historical case was decided.
 So often things come to a discussion about abortion or its related questions especially in times of political debates during elections times. Here the message was sent to America that it is the pregnant woman's choice to get abortion if she wanted for whatever reason, leaving aside the prevailing medical opinions for abortion to save the life of mother which still is true.
That would also be comparable with the subject of contraception about which I wrote on 29th Feb. 2012 as follows:
   "Every TV host has made some comments about Rick Santorum and started from Obama Administration's 'order' to  supply free contraceptives for all employees etc.
  Well, there is religious freedom upon which USA makes claims to be its main upholder which seems to be clashing here  and then the GOP Presidential candidate Rick Santorum has said some things which are reminiscent of USA's attack on Bin Laden Philosophy.
 May be there is always some religious bias in each President (after all he is a human being and does claim to one or the other religious teaching) which does play at some point or the other during their political and governmental transactions or acts, intentionally or un-intentionally So strictly speaking you cannot really oust religion completely from the politics."
    Then I had also written earlier the position of Catholic teaching regarding this subject.
Whereas such ideas are noble for the betterment of society yet one 'side-effect' of this is increased promiscuity of sexual behavior among the women, as the 'fear' of pregnancy is removed
The contraceptives are freely available and if they fail, you have the choice of freely available termination of pregnancy and no ethical or moral hinderance attached. My earlier note of contraception runs a bit longer
but here it is:
 "That the Catholic teaching is in direct opposition to the Government mandated free supply of contraceptives of all types to all employees is not new and regulation has been imposed with full knowledge which is surprising. It provides excellent opportunity for the GOP "wannabe" candidates for forceful rhetoric as the other questions have limited the number of 'bullets' or arrows to throw on Obama.
 However, this seems rather illogical approach because even though contraceptives are used by Catholic men and women either in open defiance to the Church Rule or in modification and gradual relaxation of the strictness of the rule, Government cannot enforce such "preventive care" as many other "preventive care" methods are NOT regulated or "forced to be free". Dental care, eye-glasses prescription filling, hearing aids are some of the things that come to my mind.
 You may say that these things are options BUT
 Low hearing may put some people out of job, out of social gathering, out of listening to good things including music etc. causing psychological disturbances or mental torture (personal experience)
Poor vision may result in bad accidents, a definite deadly risk- not driving means loss of job or other consequences.
Dental problems. Many diseases originate, get worse etc. due to poor dentition
  I understand the real reason is not contraception as much as it is prevention of AIDS but the same argument can be against contraceptive use (there is no doubt that free availability of contraceptives has increased promiscuity in the society).
 No matter how you see it the objection for the Governmental rule remains more appropriate.
 IMANA (Islamic Medical Association of North America) has its position paper on the subject of abortion and use of contraception. (the Ethics Committee of IMANA)"

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

My enrty into NC

Forty years ago today:
It was at 9 am on 27th of Jan. 1973, I was interviewed by NC Medical Board in Pinehurst, the little town that impressed me I wrote, (in my notes)
" This village is built  like English small villages and developed for Golfing"
I did not know much about Golf. Anyway then I proceeded to Fayetteville NC where my contact (wife of my future colleague) had reserved for me an apartment in Briarwood Arms, (26-H) within walking distance of Cape Fear Valley Hospital.
 Next day I submitted my application for priviledges in the hospital, with the help of my neurosurgical colleague and thus started my practice of Neurology in NC. Actually Mr. Moulton, the then director of the hospital was admitted under the care of the neurosurgeon with back problem.
 My first patient on 31st of January, A Mr. Willie Locklear, a 47 yr. old with a hemiplegia, transfered from the neurosurgeon. 
 To bring you to update, I saw my last patient in Fayetteville NC (in VA Medical Center) on 31st of Jan. 2003.(Exact 30 years of Neurologic Practice).  I have been retired now for 10 years. 


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Muslim marriage with a Kitabi(Quranic evidence)

 Face Book note of Baitee Shabana (Koonj) on this subject has prompted me to write this one. I read the "fatwa" of Shaikh Khalid Abou-el-Fadl and my notes here would indicate that I mostly agree with his statement (May be not all).
   Firstly I will start with a clear statement (ayat muhakamat) in Qur'an-el-Majeed      لا
" تَنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكَاتِ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَّ ۚ وَلَأَمَةٌ مُّؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكَةٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْ ۗ وَلَا تُنكِحُوا الْمُشْرِكِينَ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنُوا ۚ وَلَعَبْدٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن مُّشْرِكٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى النَّارِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ يَدْعُو إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ بِإِذْنِهِ ۖ وَيُبَيِّنُ آيَاتِهِ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ
( all English versions are fromYusuf Ali)
"Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise". (2-Baqara- :221)

The words Mushrikat and Mushrik are better understood words by Muslims than any translation. So, here it means Muslims are NOT allowed to marry Mushrikeen, period. No ifs ands or buts. 
Next we encounter that The Qur'an referring to ahl-el-kitab (Kitabis-means Jews and Christians) as 'Kafir' and yet clearly allowing Muslim men's marriage with kitabi women.

لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ۚ قُلْ فَمَن يَمْلِكُ مِنَ اللَّهِ شَيْئًا إِنْ أَرَادَ أَن يُهْلِكَ الْمَسِيحَ ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَأُمَّهُ وَمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا ۚ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
"In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary. Say: "Who then hath the least power against Allah, if His will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary, his mother, and all every - one that is on the earth? For to Allah belongeth the dominion ......................... " (5:17)
لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ۖ وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ ۖ إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ (S. 5, Aya #75)
"They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary." But said Christ: "O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Whoever joins other gods with Allah,- Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help."
لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۚ وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُوا عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
"They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them." (5:76)        and then

 الْيَوْمَ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتُ ۖ وَطَعَامُ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ حِلٌّ لَّكُمْ وَطَعَامُكُمْ حِلٌّ لَّهُمْ ۖ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ إِذَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ مُحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحِينَ وَلَا مُتَّخِذِي أَخْدَانٍ ۗ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِالْإِيمَانِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُ وَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time,- when ye give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret ................." (5:6)
       In all three places,(Ayat 19, 75 and 76) clearly indicate that "those who call Issa-ibn-Maryam God or one of the three" are making "Kufr" And yet in the next quote from Sura al-Maida Muslim men are given permission to marry kitabi women. That seems to 'suggest' that the same priviledge is NOT being extended to Muslim women. At the same time it is to be noted that Qur'an does not make an express statement that Muslim women are not allowed to marry a kitabi, (like in the case of Mushrikeen)
 Does that mean the previously stated Aya 221st from Al-Baqara correct for them?, meaning they are not allowed to marry Mushriks of Kitabi type who believe three God-heads God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Ghost?. Or we stay with the fact that a clear prohibitive Qur'anic statement is not given. That is what all mufassireen mention and all 4 schools of thought consider the above statement not "suggestive" but clearly meaning prohibition of marriage between a Kitabi man and a Muslim woman. Here I do like how this has been presented by the learned writer. Shaikh Khalid (in his fatwa).
 Of course you are free to make your own interpretation and understanding AFTER you have seen all the related verses not only the ones quoted above but also the ones I am quoting below. ( My suggestion for those of you who, like me, are not Arabic-educated should read translations and tafseers written by different authors-English and/or Urdu.) 
   Before going further I wish for all of you to contemplate on this verse:  
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالصَّابِئُونَ وَالنَّصَارَىٰ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." (5:72)
  I quote this one which also appears in S. Albaqara (Aya 62) because how God judges the persons is from such angles rather than labels of believers Muslims, and Christians Jews and Sabeans etc.
      Next I would like you to make good understanding and Tafseer of the aya from "Sura al-Mumtahena" . I have found M. Maudoodi's explanations best for this one (Tafheem-ul-Qur'an or its English Translation)

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا جَاءَكُمُ الْمُؤْمِنَاتُ مُهَاجِرَاتٍ فَامْتَحِنُوهُنَّ ۖ اللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِإِيمَانِهِنَّ ۖ فَإِنْ عَلِمْتُمُوهُنَّ مُؤْمِنَاتٍ فَلَا تَرْجِعُوهُنَّ إِلَى الْكُفَّارِ ۖ لَا هُنَّ حِلٌّ لَّهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحِلُّونَ لَهُنَّ ۖ وَآتُوهُم مَّا أَنفَقُوا ۚ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ أَن تَنكِحُوهُنَّ إِذَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ ۚ وَلَا تُمْسِكُوا بِعِصَمِ الْكَوَافِرِ وَاسْأَلُوا مَا أَنفَقْتُمْ وَلْيَسْأَلُوا مَا أَنفَقُوا ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ حُكْمُ اللَّهِ ۖ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

Yusuf Ali

O ye who believe! When there come to you believing women refugees, examine (and test) them: Allah knows best as to their Faith: if ye ascertain that they are Believers, then send them not back to the Unbelievers. They are not lawful (wives) for the Unbelievers, nor are the (Unbelievers) lawful (husbands) for them. But pay the Unbelievers what they have spent (on their dower), and there will be no blame on you if ye marry them on payment of their dower to them. But hold not to the guardianship of unbelieving women: ask for what ye have spent on their dowers, and let the (Unbelievers) ask for what they have spent (on the dowers of women who come over to you). Such is the command of Allah: He judges (with justice) between you. And Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.

 I have italicized the important aspect of this verse.
As I suggest for you to read the full explanation from Maudoodi you will realize that what was happening during the time of the prophet with women who would accept Islam while their husbands remained non-Muslim, Mushrik or Kitabi. I feel that will widen your understanding of what Shaikh Khalid has said especially about the application of having a kitabi spouse in a non-Muslim country and how it may differ in application in a Muslim country.
 I think there is wisdom in these statements and we should not reject outright or accept all without critical analysis.
  May Allah guide us in all our undertakings. Aameen.
 The question of marrying a  kitabi should be very seriously evaluated by a Muslim both man as well as woman. I have lots of examples of my friends and  persons known to me whose lives are not completely satisfactory because of this particular aspect. Muslim man married to Christian or Jewish wife. Muslim woman married to Christian or Jewish Husband and even married to Hindoo husband (without changing religion). I also know friends who did not marry (and were miserable at least for some time) because family did not agree for the change of religion. In India more Muslim men are now marrying Hindu wives who do not convert to Islam (More examples are in the Bollywood) and more Muslim women are marrying Hindu husbands

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Start of 2013

This an ordinary "childhood toy" of no significance to anybody except the one who enjoyed its company during childhood

This would bring immediately the joy of childhood back to your mind.When such insignificant things, even a waste paper (according to Allama Iqbal) may furnish immeasurable delight to a child
جب کسی شے پر بگڑ کر مجھ سے'چلّاتا ہے تو
کیا تماشا ہے ردی کاغذ سے من جاتا تو
  We grew up without such toys, without teddy bears and monkeys or even Micky mouse. Those were different cultures. However I do recollect the joy of wearing a coat made of some velvety type of cloth of bright color (probably red) and I see it in my picture taken (Family pic. 1940) in sitting position.

 I was very proud of that outfit. Considering that  let me quote the rest of the verses of Iqbal on 'Tifl-sheer Khwar'
آہ اس عادت میں ہم آہنگ ہوں میں بھی ترا
تو تلوّن آشنا ' میں مبھی  تلوّن آشنا
 عارضی لذّت کا شیدائ ہوں چِلّاتا ہوں میں
 جلد آجاتا ہے غصّہ جلد من جاتا ہوں میں
میری آنکھوں کو لبھا لیتا ہے حسن ظاہری
 کم نہیں کچھ تیری نادانی سے نادانی مری
 تیری صورت گاہ گریاں گاہ خنداں میں بھی ہوں 
دیکھنے کو نوجواں ہوں طفلِ ناداں میں بھی ہوں

I dare not translate these extraordinary thoughts of the sage. I would not be able to do justice
with my meager and unfertile English vocabulary


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Good Sayings

Repel what is offensive by the garment of goodness

Move evil from the heart of another by rooting it out of your own heart
              (Ali RA)

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Christmas Eve, Some recollections of mine

It would be rude if I did not say happy holidays to my Christian readers.
 Since I never heard of how X-Mas is celebrated in the southern hemisphere where it is hot weather so I do not know much about their XMas. Here are some personal observations.
 After leaving Pakistan my first Christmas was in England I learnt all there was to know about what Christmas is in the West. Had not seen much in Pakistan even in Lahore where there are so many churches and cathedrals. I always remember waking up in Broom's Hostel every Sunday morning with the church bells ringing continuously (Not too far from the hostel about half way to the Mall.) The only other thing I recall was that we went on 31st of December to my friend Vincent Dulvy's house (within walking distance from where we were given the degrees of MBBS on Convocation held at the "future" Panjab University building and the foundation stone was laid down by Maj. General Iskander Mirza, then Governer General of Pakistan.
We had told Dulvy to keep for us the Christmas Cake (whatever that meant for him our good friend who was Christian, we did not have Turkey there)Days and symbols have been increasing I gather over a period of years , centuries and so in addition to the Christmas day we have Christmas Eve and also "boxing day" (English). Somebody rightly complains about "consumerism" more than religious. That brings me to the "religious" part of Christmas which  has almost died out under the weight of Big fellow Santa, the big Tree and the weight of all the goods bought as presents that is a Must even if you cannot afford (then keep paying for them in the next months until the next Christmas) and not to forget, "Scrooge". Such is the Holiday fever. I see the decorations depicting all kind of things, Angels, Raindeer, the "rednose" animal the whole vehicle of Santa flying toward the sky by the raindeers, the tree, the Santa along with Mrs. Santa, just blinking or unblinking lights of green ad red color, the snowflakes etc. etc. Of course there is occasionally seen Nativity scene (there has been some objection to such 'decoration' by some non-Christians).
 TV shows of Xmas the movies and that "Miracle on the 34th Street" Shop around the corner etc.The Christian Child grows up with all these mythical things along with the only non-mythical thing of birth of Jesus Christ PBUH and so I do not know  what the child thinks about it just like other Myths? I have not heard much about such things in discussions but I do wonder, if I was a Christian Child growing up with Santa dominating for Christmas celebration what would I think about Jesus PBUH especialy after getting to the age when "you do not believe in Santa" to be real


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Culture and "Guns"

The availability and affordability is definitely a reason in the USA Back in forties I was in my village, and whenever there was altercation "Daang chal Gaiee" (use of stick or staff) was seen as Daang (Stick) was the only assault weapon easily affordable. Later after partition occasional pistol or rifle started being used but "Klashankawf" did not hit Pakistan until Russian invasion of Afghanistan. Culture changed overnight and spread rapidly to even those who could not afford--everybody had Klashankowff.(Maybe an exaggeration) That has not changed since then except for being worse. All kind of guns in Pakistan are being used by all. They would go kill a family with guns to put terror in the hearts of the whole mohalla. No doubt in the earlier days if anybody had a gun he would proudly show it off because it would impress others about how rich you are. That culture has always existed among the men from times immemorial and there is nothing we can do about it. "macho", Manhood expression, whatever you may call it it is the same that expressed by a young man racing on his motorbike just like his earlier counterpart used to race his horse. Automatic or semi-automatic gun however is serious business because it does not kill one in a second but many. Going back to the "daang" days only one person can be killed or injured but automatic makes even a novice kill many in a second Surely there can be some control that can be applied to reduce the massacres from multiple deaths to may be single ones. I do not know what NRA might say but sure they live amongst ourselves and have the same sensitivities about human life that non-NRA have. Culture will not change but in the USA I am seeing so many innocent lives had to sacrificed before meaningful laws and their application was brought out otherwise I always heard more about second clause of Constitution and that it cannot be challenged or altered: more sacred than Bible!!
 Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Busy day of 12th December

Well nothing special of this day to be busy and not more than usual but this sure is 

 a very very special day

 Since the first of January 2001 I have been aware of a date each year when if you write month-day-year it does not matter if you are writing day-month-year or for that matter year-day-month etc. it would still be the same such as Year 2002 write second Feb or write March 3rd 2003 or April 4th 2004 and so on until we get to: yes you guessed it right--
today the date or day is 12; the month is 12 and the year of course is 2012 as there is no 13th month. from next year this will not happen
 Only 07/07/07 was a celebration of a friend of mine's son got married on that special day. One of my friends son (Ali Hasnain Yunus) is celebrating his 30th birthday

 Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

SAINT 2

The picture (Published in the previous blog) shows my friend and classmate who was popularly known as Saint.
   His name was Qamar Zaman, a lovable chap. After a couple of years down the Medical school years we learnt he was so fond of the stories of "Saint", a spy kind of character in the stories created by the writer- Leslie Charteris (1930). I did not see those novels but that was loved by Qamar Zaman. The movies made from 1938 starred George Sanders but the TV series star was Roger Moore who was later contracted to play 007 when the original 007 player (Sean Connery) had stopped making those movies. When I was in England during the sixties, I frequently watched the series of "Saint" and that was when I became aware of what my friend Qamar Zaman, may God rest his soul in peace (I recently learned he died young, was practicing medicine in Lahore.) had fallen in love with. So he got that nickname of "Saint" and we never called him by his original name. Some of our classmates studied in Missionary schools of Lahore before coming to Medical school and they were exposed to such English books or literature more than us who attended regular schools where English teaching was done by non-English speaking teachers. Qamar Zaman represented such "English-oriented" group of students. Our other classmate with the same name (or probably Qamar-uz-Zaman) was a pathan from frontier who also died a few years ago, again a young death, and he was a well respected popular Obs-Gyn fellow in Lahore May Allah rest his soul in peace.

 Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

SAINT

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Yawm-e-Hussain RA/Aashura

This is the first month of Islamic hijri year called "Allah's month" and the tenth day called Aashura. Shia have kept this day alive with their exaggerated mourning of shahadat, because they for some reason believe it is OK to mourn this shaheed. There is no doubt this martyrdom is unique as it establishes the principle of justice and how much as Muslims we should sacrifice to establish Justice and not give in to the oppressors. While I do not wish to go along with shia method of mourning because Qur'an tells us the shaheed is not dead, and Qur'an tells us in no uncertain terms, "do not call them dead", I consider that Shia have continued to remind us of these principle of Islam' like what is called "Islam zinda hota hay her Karbala kay ba'd"
        Muslims rulers of today however have followed what the oppressor Yazid did and all the reminders do nothing to wake them up. In addition we could call this also as Yawm-Shukrana because Musa AS fasted for Allah on this day when he and his followers crossed the waters safely and Firawn and his people chasing them were drowned.. This is the other thing known for Aashura as this remarkable day is called. Jews are required to fast this day in thankful-ness to Allah as this is the day Musa AS along with his followers was saved from Fir'awn and his forces as they were drowned after Musa AS and followers crossed the waters with miracle. In order to differentiate it from Jews the prophet SAWS asked Muslims to fast for two days. Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Yawm-e-shukrana

This is the Turkey day. Feel sorry for the poor bird but these birds go straight into paradise in contrast to their consumers who are judged differently. Have started calling it in Urdu/Persian/Arabic as yawm shukrana It may not be popular but there is less objection for Muslims to 'celebrate' this kind of occasion in America Happy Thanksgiving to all Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Our Picnic of November 8th

 Well that was 8th November 1956.
 We all traveled to  stay in a rest house for the night  in "Head Balloki" thanks to the brother of Zulfi (first from left in the first pic above) Rest house stay was free for us
Picnics like that were not easy to come by so it was enjoyed to the fullest there. We were 9 of us classmates/friends. Only one is missing from the two pics, and he was busy cooking the chicken which BTW is not easy to to afford  by the poor students. Chicken has lot more meanings (or it had at that time) in Pakistan than other types of meat. Needless to say our travels were by bus (not chartered) That is the condition of poor students but the regular bus in which we were together in the last  or back seats It did not matter for we all sang our songs for fun while other passengers enjoyed the 'youngsters" fun

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Aah Maryam Jameela Marhoom

New item of this remarkable Muslimah's death in Lahore Pakistan
May Allah grant her Jannat-ul-firdows-aameen
 Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi Rajioon
  How she was as a  pure soul attracted to Arabic to Qur'an and Islam and chose to live in Pakistan 'adopted' by Maulana Maudoodi marhoom as a daughter.
While Muslims are finishing Janaza prayer for her today, it reminds me of what the West is celebrating where she grew up and knew all these "cultural" things. This is a mixture of pagan and some Christian (although Vatican is against it) thinking is producing some celebration which I guess is more mythology than reality but they consider November 1st as All Saints day whatever it means and 31st Oct as Halloween or evening of saints. Funny, nothing to do with this saintly woman who has left a legacy of her writings that are a guide for Muslims


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Dr. Hyde and Mr. Jackyll?

  "The strange case of Dr. Jackyll and Mr. Hyde" was written a drama by Robert Louise Stevenson, indeed a great writer
 Three movies of Dr. and Mr. were made Played by John Barrymore, (1920), and Fred. March (1931) and Spencer Tracy (1941). I have seen the last two on TV.
 Captivating science flick now well-known but I have been thinking the names should be reversed. The man who kills should be called Jack Kill (Jackyll or Jeckyll)) and the man who is scientist is the one who hides his base self so he should be called Dr. Hide (Hyde)
Fascinating story and must have brought a lot of fame and fortune to the writer.
I do not know if new version of this story is likely to come out as now computer can do lots of things for the screen.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

One short of eighty

 Strange what the modern communicative technology can do to you.
 Yesterday as expected on my FB there was a host of messages for me wishing me happy birthday. one of my 'grand-children' being curious did put a question along with best wishes to which I answered "one short of eighty". Funny when you reach at such stage you do not mind telling in  such terms but I have never felt uneasy telling my age when questioned. Frankly I have looked older than age for a long time and I enjoyed it as it helped my professional image.
 I myself however being retired and somewhat disabled think back on my losses and achievements and what I had to go through. I dare not put such thoughts in my words here as I know it will not make a pretty story. When I look back I sort of enjoy my stay in England despite all the saddening things that happened to me there but just the romantic idea of 'good old England' stays with me. As once a year I go through those feelings when I was so eagerly looking forward to leaving Pakistan on this day. I remember clearly it was 6 o'clock in the evening when I completed all my paper work and such formalities to leave, my seat booked on 13th morning of October. The banks were closed/closing (after 5 pm) when my travel agent said, do not worry we can still get you English currency and sure enough he took me through the back door into the bank. The manager had not yet left so I got some English pounds and thanked the agent with a huge sigh of relief that I had finally succeeded in my 'mission' after a year-long struggle from office to office etc. to obtain the passport, NOC (No objection certificate) and going through all other formalities which were not only time consuming but very emotional frustrating anger producing etc. etc.
 That is how my journey began for foriegn lands exactly fiftyone years ago.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

"Legitimate Rape" vs MURDER of a woman's soul/dignity

 May be it was a slip of tongue or a deliberate statement by Mr. Akin but it sure has caused a political firestorm and very rightly so .
 I understand the position of Pro-life and and some cases I would be prolife too but to insist disallowing abortion to a rape victim is not just political stand of republicans it is downright unfair and cruel to the fair sex.
 It was hilarious for me to hear about the opening ceremoney of RC this week to start with Condoleeza Rice doing a powerpoint with "Female Reproductive System". They need to hear and understand what a female human being is. Understanding the anatomy does not do that
 I think if us, the men I mean start calling Rape as a MURDER of a woman's soul/dignity it would be more appropriate and closer to the truth and may be men will understand



Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Yawm-eAzadi mubarik for all Pakistanis

  Today is 26th of Ramadan and very much like 26th of Ramadaan of 1947 August 14, as I woke up on 15th of August in my village as Pakistani whereas I went to sleep on 14th as Indian.
 It was also Jumu'at-ul-Wida'a of the blessed Ramadan of 1947 (1366 Hijrah)
 AND I thought quite innocently that Allah SWT has made such a blessed day and night as the first day and night of this great Muslim country which I knew in those days as the 'largest Muslim country of the world and that it would be governed by Sharia rules. (Pakistan ka matlab kia-la ilaha illa-allah)
 That is what makes me sad, what has happened to this country over the last 66 years. How can the new generation feel what I want them to as I cannot express in the words my feelings of that blessed day. The remarkable resemblance of this Ramdaan/August combination and 14/26 dates of the two calanders (Georgian and Hijri) will always bring such thoughts to those who experienced it. It may be I will not live to see this combination happen again but I must leave it for the posterity.
 So happy independence day (یوم آزادی مبارک   ) for all Pakistanis who read this.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Should Muslims celebrate Shubrat

                                             'Shab-e-Barat or

 Please see my note of Friday 15th of July last year (2011). I wrote things that I do during the month of Sh'aban but that is not celebration of this night, which as I said some Muslims do by praying all night.
 15th night of Sha'ban is called Shab-e-Bara't or (Persian naming) or shortened form "Shubrat". This night  Shubrat'has been singled out for "celebration" and I wish to talk about the TWO POINTS of VIEW.
 Celebration is related to either a weak hadeeth or mis-understanding/mis-interpretation of the following verses of Sura Dukhan 44th Sura which states (Verses 1-5 Trans. by Farooq-e-Azam Malik)
" Ha Meem,  We swear by the Book that makes things clear. We sent it (Qur'an) down during a blessed night; for We wanted to forewarn (mankind). In that (night) every matter is decided wisely, By a command, from Ourself;  Surely We have been sending (the messengers)- 
 There seems to be no doubt that " blessed Night" is the Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Destiny or night of Power) clearly stated in Qur'an to be during the month of Ramadhan, with similar message that ".....Angels and Spirirt (Jibraeel AS) come down by the leave of their Rabb, with all decrees...."
 As seen here the Qur'an is referring in both places (Sura Dukhan and Sura Al-Qadr) the subject of  "Kullo Amr" all the affairs (meaning destiny - like what the person will make, get rich or get poor,  who will die who will live, or will commit such and such sins or perform good deeds etc. etc.). Hadeeth notes indicate that from one night (of destiny) to the next for the whole year "commands" are "written" down. One weak hadeeth says "written down on the 15th Sh'aban and given to the angels on the Lailat-ul-Qadr during Ramadhan". This suggests that some attempt at 'compromise' between the two statements is being made. Because the Qur'an clearly states that night occures during Ramadhan, any suggestion or statement indicating any other night to be the same would be totally incorrect. (Strictly speaking these things are already in the knowledge of Allah SWT- written in Lauh-e-Mahfooz) These are descriptions I am summarizing from M'arif-ul-Quran (Mohammad Shafi) and Tafheem-ul-Qur'an (Maudoodi). M. M. Shafi, however says the following and I must quote it in Urdu
"رہا شب براءت کی فضیلت کا معامہ سو وہ ایک مستقل معاملہ ہے جو بعض روایات حدیث میں منقول ہے مگر وہ اکثر ضعیف ہیں اسی لئے قاضی ابو بکر نے اس رات کی فضیلت سے انکار کیا ہے لیکن شب براءت کی فضیلت کی روایات اگرچہ باعتبار سند کے ضعف سے کوئ خالی نہیں لیکن تعدّد طرق اور تعدّد ورایات سے ان کو ایک طرح کی قوّت حاصل ہو جاتی ہے اس لئے بہت سے مشائخ نے ان کو قبول کیا ہے کیونکہ فضائل اعمال میں ضعیف ورایات پر عمل کر لینے کی بھی گنجائش ہے- واللہ اعلم"
   Not being  insolent but here Mufti Sahb is making "grounds" for those who wish to make "good deeds" on the special night. All mofassirin and other Ulama quote the name of "Ikrima" who is a prominent Tabiee and student of Abdullah Ibn Abbas RA (if I am not mistaken) who insists on this Mid-Sha'ban night although most mufassirin including Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umer, Mujahid, Qatadah Hasan Basri Saeed bin Jubair zDahhak etc. all agree that the night is the Laialt-ul-Qadr in Ramadhan. (Maudoodi-TafheemulQuran) M. Maudoodi also quotes Ibn kathir (English Translation of Tafheem):
  "The traditions thatImam Zuhri uotes from Uthman bin Muhammad (the hadeeth is quoted in Ibn Katheer's abridged version in Arabic)  that destinies are decided from one Sh'aban to next Sh'aban is an indirect tradition and such traditions cannot be cited as against the clear text of Qur'an" Qazdi Abu Bakr ibn alArabi says , "No hadith in respect of  15th of Sh'aban is reliable either in respect of its merit or about this that decisions with regard to destiny are taken in it: therefore they do not merit attention." (Ahkaam-ul-Qur'an).
 So Muslims who follow the guidance of the weak hadeeth and have developed a regular yearly celebration wish to stick to it making ONE Opinion.
 The SECOND Opinon is of those who consider that the real  blessed night is only the one in Ramadhan reject this 'celebration' as Bid'a. (I still have 'difficulty' in calling Shubrat celebration as Bid'a)
 I myself did not know the difference when I ate halwa during my stay in Pakistan/India, like so many others like me who do not know. So I made this study some years ago that I thought would be appropriate to write this down on this 15th day of Sh'aban of the year 1433 Hijra.
 So why am I fasting today (wheres I never did when I was participating in the celebration with my family and all other Muslims).
 My reason is as follows and I do not propose for others to follow this.
   Mishkat-el-Masabeeh (English Trans. by James Robson)  quotes a hadeeth reported by Muslim and  Bokhari, from Aisha RA, " God's messenger used to fast to such an extent that we thought he would never break his fast and he would go without fasting to such an extent that we thought he would never fast. I never saw God's messenger fast a complete month except in ramadhan and I never sw him fast more in any month than in Sh'aban." Books like "Asan Fiqh" by M Yusuf Islahi and Mishakt-elMasabeeh and  Fiqh Sunnah all give an account of "volutary fasting" that the prophet SAWS emphasized or advised us to fast on those days and THEREIS NO ADVICE OF THE PROPHET TO FAST OR PRAY ALL NIGHT ON 15th OF SH"ABAN. There is suggestion  in the above quoted hadeeth of Aisha RA that he fasted frequently in Sh'aban but emphasis like that for Aashoora or 6 days of Shawwal or fasting on each three Monday and Thursday or three days of each month (usually the 13th, 14th and 15th of each month) is not found in ahadeeth.
 Based on such knowledge and the fact that I  wish to 'sort of' prepare myself for the up coming Ramadhan I have taken this route for myself that I would fast during this month on Mondays and Thursdays as well as on the three days of the midmonth during Sha'aban but NOT singling out or celebrating Shab-e-Barat. Also I am not making it a MUST for myself. I keep it purely voluntary.
 If the Muslims celebrate this night with the knowledge that this is the ni9ght of Destinoies. then it would be wrong but if they have voluntary fasting and voluntary praying without such wrong belief it is OK (as Mufti sahib says see quote above)

Allah knows best


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

SS Alam Shaheed

 I wrote in my Urdu blog about my old friend Syed Shabbir Alam and today I give a link for the video I saw recently on You tube. Here is the link to the video.
For my Urdu blog post on the same subject here. (That also includes  an old picture of mine sitting with him in the group photo)

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal, "War on Women"

  No matter what the "modern Civilization" may call it (war on women by Hard Ball Fellow Mathews) the gender preference has never been given up by the Man.
 S. Takwir 81st, Verse 8 and 9 "When the female (infant) buried alive is questioned; for what crime she was killed?" Then there are a host of ahadeeth where the prophet SAWS condemns the practice of female infant killings. That was the "gender-selection" of those days and Qur'an-el-Kareem rightly points out in very simple words the crime of killing whether it is intra uterine life or extra-uterine life.
 The first mistake was to give authority to the women to abort at will. Now how can you tell her when to kill and when not to kill? I find it most remarkable that in all these discussions only the women are talked about as if they developed this 'tumor' on their own in the womb. the man responsible is found no where in the picture. Is that "woman's right?
 I am not talking about medical abortions where the doctor makes the decision and not the woman. Medical practice has been "hijacked" by the politicians.
  
Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Feminism and my age

 Born 22 Jumad-al-thani 1352 Hijra. (this isJumadaII 1433)
Makes me feel old but I have wanted to write about feminism and Islam and how does gender equity fit in with this concept. That is nothing to do with MOTHERS DAY today  and  a month later will be father's day and so is the difference maintained; genders are meant to be different but equal. First the points from Qur'an-el-Hakeem:
"Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah and the Last day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period if they wish  reconciliation. AND THE WOMEN SHALL HAVE RIGHTS SIMILAR TO THE RIGHTS AGAINST THEM, according to what is equitable BUT MEN HAVE A DEGREE (of advantage) OVER THEM, and Allah is exalted in power,Wise." Al-Baqara Aya 228
 and then Aya 34 of Alnisaa
"Men are the "PROTECTORS AND MAINTAINERS (Qawwam) of women because Allah has given the one more (Strength?) than the other and because they SUPPORT THEM FROM THEIR MEANS Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient and guard (in their husband's absence) what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct (Nushooz), admonish them (first), )next) refuse to share their beds and (last) beat them lightly but if they return to obedience , seek not against them means (of annoyance), for Allah is Most High, Great (above you all)
As I understand from the quoted verses, Allah is giving instructions to husband and wife who have marital problems in which clearly stated a degree superiority to husband is accorded. This is NOT a question of  men and women in general. Allah is swift to mention however that women (wives) have similar rights to those of men (husbands), leaving the stated condition where a degree of superiority is applicable that is as I see the right of taking back his wife whenever he wants to during the time of divorce (the three monthly periods), meaning thereby that wife, even if she wants to does not have THAT right of taking back the husband--in other words 'she is on the receiving end', for obvious reasons as it is the husband who has declared the divorce, not the wife. This does not mean wife has no right to divorce which is a subject not covered in these ayat except the all-important statement-women shall have the same rights as men ACCORDING TO WHAT IS EQUITABLE (Maaroof). Secondly if there "marital discord" (Nushooz) what should be the husbands conduct. Here the word marital conduct is translated by all translators as disloyalty, disobedience of wife which indicates to me that all translators all males and they all tend to ignore the true meanings and stick with such interpretation and in tafseers all go on to say
"because women are inferior in strength and intelligence".
 I agree with bodily strength being superior in general but I am not sure about the intelligence. Most writers bring out some such statements of Qur'an in support: ".. .. .. .. and get two witnesses out of your own men and if there are not two men then a man and two women such as ye choose for witnesses so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her. . . . ." (Verse 282 of Al-Baqara.) To most writers that means the women have poor memory as compared to men and along with that the intelligence also suffers. To me that is outrageous because that is NOT what the creator is saying. Evidently women are not used to making such contracts or business ventures etc. (Some women of today however do not conform to that statement) and so they are likely to forget just as a man who is asked to do something that 'usually' done by women is likely to forget. Commentators pair this with woman getting half of man's share of inheritance to reach an easy conclusion that women is half as intelligent as man. Such is not the case as the reasons for half the share have nothing to do with memory or intelligence etc.
 Individual men and individual women are equal in everything except in physical attributes and in their temperaments etc. and these differences result in some rights of husbands being different.
 To refute the feministic claim however, I want to challenge everybody that the CREATOR DID NOT SAY THE WOMEN HAVE HIGHER DEGREE OVER MEN (and also did not say women can spank men when they "noshooz")  but made that statement in favor of the men (husband) only. However if Nushooz is translated as disobedience of wife making her liable to punishment that is NOT correct inference because Nushooz is applicable to both husband and wife and better understanding is discord rather than disloyalty and disobedience. The method described in the Qur'an as to how to deal with that "discord" is different for husband than that for wife. The reason for that is the contract of marriage and its applicability is such. If you will forgive me and open up the question of this contract I suggest you look up on Prof. Aziza al-Hibri's concerns who is aware of problems of these contracts and proposes to write contracts differently yet ACCORDING TO ISLAMIC TEACHINGS. The rights given by Islam to women and to wives are not fully understood or practiced. ( I agree with her in general)
 That I feel is because of lack of "Feminism" amongst the Muslim men in general.
 Having said that I would like to state that Husband and wife are two different genders and have different roles to play for harmony of married life, which is intended and NOT the forced roles given to each gender that seems to be the feminist's proposition. Would you then force your female child to  play with guns and ball and force your male child to play with dolls? A female child is interested in make up and clothes but how are you going to create that in your male child?
 These days "single parents" have shown the man can look after and raise a daughter and a woman can raise a boy with efficiency. That only means if a man is forced by circumstances to do things usually expected of a woman he can do it and likewise when a woman is forced by circumstances to do things usually expected of a man she can do it. Both have the ability and in THAT ABILITY THEY ARE EQUAL. A man can do everything except become pregnant and a woman can do everything except make her partner pregnant. Those are biological differences which are not the subject of discussion.
 In any case a marriage contract is between two PERSONS who must make their 'division of labor' of their "home-government" that suits THEM and here the Harmony is the goal ; if too much 'masculinism' (if you will) interferes with harmony it is wrong, just like if too much feminism interferes with harmony it would be wrong The 'rules' should bend to produce harmony which cannot be forced. Harmony will result from how much "feminism" is tolerated by husband or how much lack of feminism is tolerated by wife.
Happy mother's day to all mothers.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

SAUGOR and its spellings

 I guess I'll have to do better.
 My idea is to show the Railway Station of Saugor written in English in this picture and in Hindi. Unfortunately the English is poorly seen but this picture taken in 1986 shows the spelling of sagar is "saugor" according to the English written in British Raj days.
 I think I'll get it enlarged

 and see if it can be seen
 the spellings clearly. My sister is standing as she was visiting there in 1986. May Allah grant her al-Jannah. She passed away in 2005.





Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal--Human vs Divine Law

Every now and again in some country I end up finding some regulation for the human activity related to sex and procreation. What God has placed as "instinct" in all of us remains unchanged. Rules are made for majority so that exceptions are treated as exceptions and not vice versa.
Humans however tend to ignore the reality and go after exceptions and tend to overrule the reality of rule. We have seen how "gay" movements have been advancing. Then we see not only "baby selling" but also Sperm selling and Ova selling and the regulations attached to that.. Just see how "abortion" is treated in different  countries  Most ridiculous however I heard about some political Pundits trying to define life between "sperm", "Ovum" and finally "Zygote" and to see such statements in this day and time? (One of the Comedy, shows)


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi-New life

 Yesterday we had addition in our family a beautiful daughter born to my nephew's son (Faizan) i.e. grandson of Bhaijan Meraj marhoom. This little one lost her grandma just four months ago but is a source of happiness for all.
I, myself remember my brother and Bhabi in addition to Isbah, dear wife of Mansoor. She would have been so happy. Of course this house in Gujranwala is, for me, Bhaijan Meraj's for I have so many things to rememebr about it.
 Incidentally yesterday was the birthday of my favorite niece, Shabana. I travelled all the way from Derby to London Walthamstow and I made Azdan in the ears of the newborn and that was today I did so many years ago but that is what I am remembering today. God bless you all baccho.


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal- Essence of God

 "Divine Feminine"
 A note from a Muslim feminist appeared last year that I happened to come across now. She tries to search out and emphasize feminine qualities of God and through that she tends to contend God could be just  as much feminine, so why the male-oriented Islam or Muslim jurists and Ulama are stuck with God being masculine only. She quotes some Qur'an and some Hadeeth in support of her contention which is what all Ulama do ; extricate what they think is important from any aya or from any hadeeth.
 No! I have nothing against that tendency after all we need to learn from the scripture. But is there a point where the flow becomes reversed that is knowledge coming from scripture seems to take a reverse gear?
I am frankly intrigued by that feminine thinking for I am not against feminism itself but I worry about excess, going overboard and that is true for both sides of the equation. In general we have known for example that Allah has chosen to refer to Himself as male knowing that He is NOT MALE (NOR FEMALE) as is apparent in the Qur'an. We also know that when in our conversation we refer to "Man" it means mankind inclusive of men and women (Are all the cultures of the world and languages "male-oriented" or dominated by male?) When I first herd from a girl saying to her friends, "Are you guys going to the same place?" I was kind of surprised because I learnt English in the villages of Punjab, purely bookish and did not get used to "English medium" until much later so 'Guy' in my book was only for men. (Just giving some examples.)
 She also quoted Jalaluddin Rumi and other soofi literature which sometimes shows the object of love being 'feminine'(Because the poet is male) as God is 'treated as such for poetical purposes just as in some Urdu poetry beloved is sometimes treated as masculine and compare it with Hindi literature where even though the poet may be male but writes as female pining for male deota or acting as "Bhagwan ki dasee".
 The finer characteristics such as benevolence mercy etc. are 'considered feminine' and she takes that approach also to advance her point of view. I think that essence of God is best left to HIM alone calling Him as such knowing fully well that He is not Male any more than female and He is not female any more than male. He is what He describes Himself. "There is nothing like unto Him" and leave it at that.


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi--April Fool

 Is it really foolish to observe this day and play pranks on friends etc,?
I dont know. I was aware of it in Pakistan but since coming into The West, I have seen it more and probably it is a tradition of the West, although Wickipedia says, Iranians do it on 1st or 2nd April (connected to Nawrooz)
 First time I was a 'victim' of the joke was in England 1962. I was on call working in a busy surgical unit and was called early in the morning to see an emergency Appendicitis patient, a "Mr. Bones." The nurses had a good laugh

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal--Happy Pakistan Day

 72 years ago today,
 The Idea of "Pakistan" was given a shape in words in Lahore, a city where I started studies 8years later and visited that (then called Minto Park) historic ground where that annual meeting of all India Muslim League was held under the chairmanship of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
 During Bhutto's regime a Minar was built to commemorate that event and the grounds were named Iqbal Park


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal- "My lesser Pilgimage"

  Umrah is referred to as lesser pilgrimage and this one has brought some good and not so good experiences I wish to share with you.
 My Muslim friends will understand the situation better who already know about "Zamzam" (holy water). I first tasted and enjoyed this spring water of Makkah 1981. and have been familiar with a distinct taste as I tasted it from time to time since then. Over the last few years though the taste has changed. Either there has been some 'chemical reaction' or 'treatment' or there is 'dilution' given to "pure Zamzam". Rumor has it that the Saudi Government has added other water to it and a "Fatwa" obtained about how much percentage of Zamzam will be considered Zamzam. So I told my wife that if you are drinking two cups of this water that will sure make one definite Zamzam cup.
 It feels to me the whole Islam has become "diluted" and not just this pilgrimage everything is now 'lesser".
  So it is OK to accept it (My sarcasm does have some truth) today. I found the Haram Shreef that is still undergoing extension (why?, when will it be enough?) It is now surrounded by magnificent buildings mostly five or more star hotels and beautiful air conditioned shopping centers etc. those small shops are gone, may be moved to farther places. The whole town of Makkah-al-Mukarramah is undergoing renewal/reconstruction . Rules change with numbers of people visiting. At this time of the year Umra visa is opened and large numbers of Muslims in small and large groups from all over the Muslim world. Every Salat time, the women folks are driven out of the "mutaaf" or Sehan, they must be in the verandahs in the female sections only. Previously there was a part of Mutaaf just for women, may be they will open it up for them again when the numbers reduce for example I expect them less in numbers during summer.
  On the one hand it is good to see better looking buildings, modern etc. and lesser filth but I miss the older less sophisticated streets of Makkah with simple living, small shops etc. The new shops are asking for high prices of the same stuff that was within easy reach of poor people before. I feel that there is too much commercialism visible now and Makkans/Saudi people (Government) are making lots of money and are likely to continue to do so as the people will visit more and more for the air travel is so easy now. The only thing still costing the same today as it did 30 years ago is haircut after completion of the Umrah. The other Barbers may cost more however. What made me uncomfortable however is one doughnut costing four Saudi Riyals (3.74 Riyals for a dollar). I do expect some rise in price over thirty years but not this much.


Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Additional Jum'ah Journal

 Did not know how to approach but since I wrote something about "respecting symbols" it seems to me that some do not quite understand that.
Some comment was made on the 4 day old rioting in Afghanistan triggered by "Qur'an burning".
: Why go as far as killing just for protection of a book?
But you do not realize this is NOT Just a BOOK this is Qur'an which has more respect among Muslims than Christians have for Bible. However I agree that killing is wrong no matter how loss of life is brought about in these riots  Killing is NOT justifiable at all.
OK so if the Christians or Non-Muslims of these forces burn Qur'an, why not retaliate and burn Bible?--- there is the catch. Muslims hold Bible just as special and respected as a Sacred book--well may be not as much as Qur'an. (After all Bible is just an English translation) But the point that is missed here is the SYMBOL.  Qur'an is a symbol of Islam. For example: people burn the flag of a country-well it is just a piece of cloth why get excited about it?
There is the whole point
 There was also a comment that Terrorists shoot and kill attacking a mosque so what about the Qur'an copies that get burned by Muslims also?
Again the point is they are not burning Qur'an copies  they are killing people and of course they desecrate the mosque. They lost the faith and therefore they attack the mosque. I do not consider them Muslims.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jumah Journal--Queen Sheba's wisdom

  The story in Qur'an-el-Kareem  indicates that when this wise queen received the letter from King Soloman she called her advisory council/ shura/ her cabinet or whatever you may call and addresses them how to respond to this invitation (change in religious thinking just like these days people want democracy and threaten the king/president like in Syria).
"She said, Ye chiefs!advise me in my affair; no affair have I decided except in your presence. They said: We are endued with strength and given to vehement war, but the command is with thee, so consider what thou wilt demand." (Sura 27th verses 32, 33.) Very simple and very instructive. They are telling her we have all the weapons and strength and would be willing to jump into armed conflict if you decide. But here is her wisdom in the next verse 34th:
 "She said, Kings when they enter a country despoil it and make the noblest of its people meanest, Thus do they behave."  Next, "But I am going to send him a present .........." (35th verse)
 She is clearly worried that war is likely to bring misery to the people and so many of my people will be killed or maimed or driven into low life, or something like that. It is unnecessary to do so therefore let us take an alternative approach---OK come back to modern times: in the case of Syria would translate to the following scenario
 The president should have considered that and called the "rebels " to a table to talk. That would have avoided loss of 10K lives. As it is now the West and more importantly America has challenged Bashar to step down. Even if he does not do so soon there will be consequences he will  have to face and eventually either leave in miserable state or even lose his own life and "chair" which he thinks is his right because of 'inheritance''. Then there are other examples of  Muammer Qadafi and Husni Mubarak before him
 Queen Sheba's wisdom is sorely needed in the present day politics and is applicable to all the heads of state today where even fake excuses are manufactured to hurry to war.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Starvation in Pakistan vs. Arms race

 Please read this
http://www.dawn.com/2012/02/22/feeding-the-bomb-starving-the-nation.html

  Now. My own thoughts.
 Is it wrong to have Nuclear and other arms in Pakistan?
 If not, then where do we draw the line how much to spend on which arms?
  If Pakistan had NOT gotten into Nuclear equality with India, what would have happened?
 Would starvation in Pakistan and all the  other ills of the nation such as electricity/gas load-shedding, grains deficit, low growth, low supplies etc. etc. would NOT have been experienced if Pakistan does not spend on arms?
 If the answer is NO then should we not look for the culprit some other place than the expence of defence?
 May I venture on what would have been the position of Pakistan if such expense was not undertaken?
 I shall let you think about how India would have behaved with Pakistan
 No waters for Pakistan and Pakistan could not negotiate.
 Kashmir question would have been solved overnight just like Haidrabad was solved by India at the time of Partition. Yes, Bengalis would NOT have had a Bangladesh because it would have been all India
 and who knows here would have been no existence of Pakistan itself . NOBODY would have blamed India. The West all would have supported India and blamed the Muslims
 Why did they want a separate country of their own in the first place?
   Well folks I think the problem is  leadership as has always been from the beginning. There are statistics available to show:
 There is enough food, enough electricity, enough gas enough everything for Pakistanis to resolve these deficiencies. Those are created politically to feed the hungry leaders and their families which will remain hungry no matter how much is provided for them.
Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi- Is 'marriage' just a piece of paper?

Once we are born, the only dead certain thing for each of us, is death.
 It used to be that everybody would think of getting married and having children as a great wish, part of life. But then some may remain unmarried or even if married may remain without children. I remember the old joke of a simple man who was instructed about how to be 'social' in a gathering, like asking somebody are you married or how many children you have, etc. So he asks a lady are you married and she says no and then he asks how many children you have?
   She was furious but nowadays that may not necessarily be considered rude or impertinent. Recent statistics from NY show that over half the children are born out of wedlock. They subdivide it  saying 73% of African American,  53% of Latinos and 29% of white women have children out of wedlock and so on and so forth. Then the Pundits say there is a change in tradition during the last couple of decades and all is becoming accepted. They bring into the etiological factors things such as college education and also that women seem to be earning more than men at this time. (So, they are not attractive any more for the women?) Men are making less money and are more likely to be out of job but the factor of socioeconomic background is not as important any more.
 What will happen to such children born out of wedlock? Considering that two third of unmarried couples having a living together arrangement split by the time their child is ten years old, they will be the ones to suffer and such is definitely the case as the statistics pile up how these children are functioning,socially and academically. there is so much talk about children born with handicap which is physical but the social and psychological handicap is totally ignored. Are these children accepted in the society in the same way as the others or for that matter the 'single parent' family situations? And of course, you are familiar how the media talk about gay parents having a child of their own or adopting or getting a child by donated ovum or rented uterus or donated sperm of choice. I am still waiting for the media to talk about what happens to such children conceived.
 So the unmarried couples, statistics show, have a higher rate of separating than those who do have 'a piece of paper', and yet some continue to hold such ideas that marriage is just a piece of paper.
What is the responsibility of Journalists or media? Just reporting anything aimlessly?

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal--respecting symbols

 In connection with the history of Whitney Houston (Funeral today- or tomorrow) One of the the best performances of the National Anthem at some game (1991) was done by her with full fervour and zeal, putting her heart and soul in that performance along with her art. Exactly opposite to it was  that reminded me of the one that Roseanne had done in some other game probably earlier 1989 or 90 which sounded like she was making fun of the National anthem and I was really very angry. I have since that time positively disliked her, not that I was any fond of her show before that.
 Respecting such symbols is important and without quoting the verse of Qur'an I may add here that Muslims are supposed to respect such "symbols" of other religions even if they are idols as we know that we not supposed to show deference but at the same time we are not to degrade them in front of those for whom they mean equivalent to some god.
   May be Roseanne does not know how to sing, but then she should not have taken that assignment. I think it is preposterous to make fun of a national anthem.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Sunday Surkhi--Whitney Houston

 America mourns today another young death of a music legend Whitney Houston, with a remarkable and distinct voice and a talent beyond description.
 Other veteran music legends like Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, etc. pay tributes and they are older and still alive. When I first heard of this death, I suspected drugs- terrible on my part as I did not know her except as the singer- but so far we do not know the cause of death, may be it would require autopsy. Somewhere her friends and relatives 'failed' her just like they did for Michael Jackson, or those of  Elvis Presley. Sorry I blame such 'friends' because I believe these are "preventable" deaths Like the doctor of Michael who knew better and should have taken precautions both as a friend and as the physician. May be such extraordinary talented people are more self centered and 'alone', do not allow anybody else including friends to come too close to supervise.
 It is sad, very sad.

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/

Jum'ah Journal-- Contraception and Obamacare

  That the Catholic teaching is in direct opposition to the Government mandated free supply of contraceptives of all types to all employees is not new and regulation has been imposed with full knowledge which is surprising. It provides excellent opportunity for the GOP "wannabe" candidates for forceful rhetoric as the other questions have limited the number of 'bullets' or arrows to throw on Obama.
 However, this seems rather illogical approach because even though contraceptives are used by Catholic men and women either in open defiance to the Church Rule or in modification and gradual relaxation of the strictness of the rule, Government cannot enforce such "preventive care" as many other "preventive care" methods are NOT regulated or "forced to be free". Dental care, eye-glasses prescription filling, hearing aids are some of the things that come to my mind.
 You may say that these things are options BUT
 Low hearing may put some people out of job, out of social gathering, out of listening to good things including music etc. causing psychological distubances or mental torture.
Poor vision may result in bad accidents, a definite deadly risk- not driving means loss of job or other consequences.
Dental problems. Many diseases originate, get worse etc. due to poor dentition
  I understand the real reason is not contraception as much as it is prevention of AIDS but the same argument can be against contraceptive use (there is no doubt that free availability of contraceptives has increased promiscuity in the society).
 No matter how you see it the objection for the Governmental rule remains more appropriate.
 IMANA (Islamic Medical Association of North America) has its position paper on the subject of abortion and use of contraception. (the Ethics Committee of IMANA)

Please visit my Urdu blog at http://saugoree-bsc.blogspot.com/