Bhoja plane crash -127 is just not a number

Assalaamualikum wr wb!

Dear readers,

This is an e-mail sent by a dear friend of mine. With her permission I am posting this. When you read it, it  would become self-explanatory. Something personally I didn’t even know . It’s an eye-opener.

Please keep her and me in your duaas.

Love.

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“127 isn’t just a number.

They weren’t just 127 people. They were 127 life stories. 127 dreams that are never realizing. 127 sons and daughters, husbands and wives, lovers and friends. I don’t know what the cause was, and frankly don’t care that much either.

All I know is that this is a reminder for all of us: Say your I Love Yous and Sorrys today. Forgive the people you’re holding grudges against. Let go with peace and harmony. Stop hatred. Stop being mean. “

Came across the above note while care-free surfing the internet. Thought of sharing a piece of it as a reminder for all of us.

I needed it, cz i am one person who hardly cares whats on the news esp sitting here in KSA, checking the news is the last thing i’d even think to do.

I didnt even know there was a plane crash :0

But giving it a thought.. why am i so careless and living my life SO fearlessly..doing little sins knowingly and unknowingly.

Maybe the list of 127 ppl had our names :’(

One day we all have to return. No matter how long one lives nothing will save him/her from death. And are we ready for it?

No one has immunity against death. No one is too heathy to die, or too young to die or too wealthy to die or too powerful to die or too famous to die.

“Wherever you are, death will find you out. Even if you are in towers built up strong and high.” (al-Nisaa 4:78)

 

“O you who believe fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in the state of Islam” (al-Imran 3:102)

Plus the loss of JAmia Uloom ul Islamia Darul Uloom Binori Town Karachi’s naazim taaleemaat Hazrat Maulana Atta ur Rehman Sahb and jamia Binoria Site’s Fazil Molana Peer Usman Rasheed, Gulshan e Iqbal Siddeq e Akbar Masjid imam Qari Gul Zaman. 

 A sign of Qiyamah. loss of ulema, unexpected sudden deaths! and such accidents..

A reminder to me and all of us. To be honest i really didnt pay much heed when i was told about a plane crash.. but for a moment thinking about my death and how much i am prepared gave me goosebumps :’(

Ya Allah Ta’aala keep us in Your hifazat and give us a death when we are in state of good emaan and peace. and You are happy with us. Ameen

and May Allah Ta’aala give Sabr to the families suffering the loss of their beloveds.

Ameen thum-ameen.

:’(

 

Beyond Imagination

Humayd – My little and only nephew up till now. Two years of age. Masha’Allah! Alhamdulillah! Reminded me something very valuable today.

Lately, busy with University life and some extra evening classes there is barely any time to spend with this angel.

There was a time when I was completely free and could spend time with him. However, with university classes starting, a sacrifice was made i.e no longer hearing him shouting right from the entrance door BAA BAA BAA(calling out my name)when he arrives .

Nonetheless, finally managed to cushion with the thought of spending time with him in the evening. Well, life is not fair as many state.  Ultimately, joint some evening classes thrice a week (a must thing). Quite bummed with this situation. Yet once again consoling myself with the thought maybe at least he would come on days when I won’t have evening classes.

Once again, I repeat life is not fair and cannot be perfect. Unfortunately, my sister would in fact come on these specific days that would clash with evening classes. Well she cannot adjust or live her life and schedule her work according to my life. Can she?

BUSY BUSY AS a BUMBLE BEE staying out of the house from 7:30am in the morning until 8:15pm means barely would I see him or hear his voice. Slowly and gradually, the acceptance was made and reality check was done that I won’t see him at all. Cox she would then leave for her home around 8:00pm and on the way pick her husband from work.

Besides, there was this fear within. Seeing him less often meant probably he would forget me. He is a child right? Yah! He forgetting me worried my poor nerves most. On the other hand, his love for me would decrease also worried me. Hence, would then make a point to try to make ways to meet him. Go out of the way just to spend time even if it means sacrificing afternoon naps of half an hour to one hour depending on the situation of middle stop over breaks at home.

However, today or rather tonight around 8:30pm reaching home quite late from class once again distressed by the thought of not seeing him. I announced my presence.

Assalaamualikum!

And believe it or not he had not yet head home. Immediately, he left his mother’s arms and rushed towards me crying out loud repeatedly

“Hiba Khala! Hiba Khala”

And he hugged me ever so tightly that I could just respond back to him with the same affection of tight hugs and of course smooches. It seemed as if we had not seen each other for ages. And lo! Tears began to cling on the eyelashes. Surely, the fears were just internal fears… fears that we have of our own which in reality do not exist.

Continuously replaying this incident reminded me of this hadith:

 “Umar ibn al-Khattab said, “The Messenger of Allah (saw), was brought some captives and there was a woman among them who was running about. When she found a child among the captives, she took it, brought it close to her, and suckled it. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “Can you imagine this woman casting her child into the fire? We said, “No, by Allah.” He (saw) said, “Allah (swt) is more merciful to His slaves than this woman to her child.”

It is just the thought that a woman hugging a child with so much affection and Rasullallah (saw) compares this with Allah’s Mercy! Who is so Kareem and Raheem! To whom we barely turn to. Who just asks us just to come an arm’s length and He would come at a fathom’s length. If we would go to Him walking, He would come to us in speed.

Subhanallah!

Where can we find such a Raab? Who is ready to accept us in whatever Haal (state) we are in? No matter how many sins we have committed. Still, He is ready to accept us. No matter if we barely remembered Him.

It is narrated in one of the other hadith that Allah (swt) rejoices more in the repentance of His slave than one of us when we find our lost camel in a desert. (Gist)

Again, many a times we have heard that Allah(swt) loves us seventy times more than a mother.

Then again, Allah says:

“O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous”

(Surah Al-Infitar, Ayat 6)

He is At-Tawwâb, The Acceptor of Repentance. Let us not get caught up in the whisperings of Shaitan for His Mercy and Love is vast. Even beyond our imagination.

Allahu Akbar!

 

No amount of worrying can change the future

“No amount of guilt can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future. Go easy on yourself, for the outcome of all affairs is determined by Allah’s decree.

If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from it you cannot flee.” ~ Hazarat Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (R.A)

 

I am a Good Boy

Wish I hadn't lied

I wish, I wish and I wish everything was so easy. I feel so bad.My sister is punished because of me. I wish I had not lied to mummy. Why was I so afraid to tell the truth? Mummy said I am a good boy and Maria Appi is a bad girl because she lied to her. She said Allah does not like children who tell lies.

It is me who lied. It is me who lied. Now Allah is angry, mummy is hurt and Maria Appi is crying.  All just because of me. What should I do?

*****

Mummy just gave me M&Ms. My favourite. Let me go share it with Maria Appi. Maria Appi is lying on her bed staring at the ceiling. Her eyes are red. She said to me not to talk to her ever again. I am sad now.

I have to tell mummy. It is me. It is me who broke the flower vase. I hope Allah helps me. I want to be a good boy again.

*****

Mummy is tucking me to bed. Kissing my forehead she is saying I am proud of you son. I am very happy. I did the right thing by telling the truth. I can feel it – Allah is happy because mummy is all smileys and Maria Appi is talking to me.

And so like always being scared of the dark I am sleeping beside my sister, holding her hand.

*****

The devil inside,

The devil outside,

Poking his nose from all side.

I know he has ways to trick,

I know he has ways to prick,

Always trying to transgress my district.

Has he forgotten Allah is on my side,

For Allah do I abide,

He is my best friend standing beside.

He does not leave me alone,

Even if I do something, wrong.

He helps me to be strong.

So when He is with me ,

I have no one to fear,

For He is my saviour.

*****

 

When Darkness Prevails

When reality dawns it is like entering this pitch-dark black hole. There is no way out. Looking towards the left and then right. Turning around three-sixty degrees. A dead end. Where to run? Where to hide? Where to seek shelter? In whom to confide?

What happened to the moments when mom does not understand and she rushes to the phone to call her best of best friend and sobs for an hour? Where did his reassuring *at least I love you* hugs go?What happened to the soothing beats and lyrics of  the music? Where has her peace gone?

Stuck between the  illusion of space and time. Drowning into the darkness. Hurt and wounded. Yet, continuing with the mundane acts. Reading books of self-improvement, self-management. There has to be a secret to find peace.

Skimming through:

• Aromatherapies
• Ideology of eating chocolates & peanut butter
• Yoga
• Mood Management
• Religions
• Meetings with counselors

Exasperated with the search. Swimming deeper into the obscurities of gloominess. The only way of escaping was to opt the path of relinquishing the hunt.

Her insides screaming, shouting, begging to try up-stream once more.

Silently tears scrolled down her cheeks.

  

I am sorry were her last words.

 

Our Kind and Kareem Ra’ab

Abu Huraira said that Rasool Allah said, “The angels look for those who do Zikr of Allah on the paths. When they find those who are doing Zikr of Allah then they call each other, “Come, your desired has been found.” Then those angels cover those are doing Zikr of Allah up to the skies of this world with their wings. And Allah Rabbul Izzat says about them to those angels “What are my slave doing?” Though Allah knows more than those angels. The angels say, “Those people are doing your Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, and Tamjeed.” Rab Ta’ala says, “Have they seen me?” The angels say, “We swear by your pure Entity, they have not seen you.” Rab Ta’ala says to them, “If they had seen me then what would be their state?” The angels say, “If they could’ve seen you then they would do your Tamjeed and your Tasbeeh even more.”

Rab Ta’ala says, “What slaves are asking from me?” The angels say, “They are asking for Jannat from you.” Rab Ta’ala says, “Have they seen Jannat?” The angels say, “We swear by Your Pure Entity, they have not seen Jannat.” Rab Ta’ala says, “If they had seen Jannat then what would be their state?” The angels say, “If these people had seen jannat then their greed, desire, and inclination for it would increase. Rab Ta’ala says, “What else are they doing?” The angels say, “They are seeking refuge.” Rab Ta’ala says, “From what are they seeking refuge?” The angels say, “They are seeking refuge from Hell.” Rab Ta’ala says, “Have they seen Hell?” The angels say, “Oh Rab, we swear by Your Pure Entity, they have not seen it.” Rab Ta’ala, “If they had seen it then what would be their state?” The angels say, “If they had seen it then they would run even further away from it and fear it even more.

Rab Ta’ala says, “angels, Be witnesses that I have forgiven them.” An angel says, “There is one person amongst them who is not part of those who do Zikr, he is there for some necessity of his/her.” Rab Ta’ala says, “These are such people that even those sitting among them are not deprived.” (Bukhari)

 

Abnormality Case # 1.

It has almost been a week and I was trying to write this but could not get the time. Well, it is okay since I have time today I will try to bring in my thoughts for you all to read!

Last Thursday I was studying for my Psychology exam. Since, I was going through a moment of adrenaline rush, I was quite alert to every single topic that was being revised.
So, one of my favourite topics’ – Abnormality; it always takes all my energy understanding disorders and what not. Nevertheless, in the very beginning of the Chapter the text was talking about types of abnormality like statistical norms, maladaptive behaviour, extreme anxiety, and most importantly deviation from cultural norms.

Deviation from Cultural Norms talked about how there is a time when something away from the norm a person behaves which in the society or culture is not seen at all and people think of that person as abnormal. For instance if you go back in time and enter a British ballroom wearing not so frilly gown which is backless, with no puffy sleeves and no flare. Trust me they would give this weird look as if you are from planet X not even from Planet Mars. However, according to cultural relative perspective normality and abnormality ultimately with time differs within the society.

While focusing on every single sentence of this sub-heading, it got me into thinking that nowadays how people view me as abnormal and label me as “Extremist.” When they hear that Alhamdulillah I haven’t listened to music in the past one year except for certain places like my university cafeteria where music is booming in every corner. (I am hoping that one-day Insha’Allah I could exclude myself from places where music is screaming its hypnotic notes in my poor weak ears) People just give me this weird look =>how can you survive without music!
Ah! Hello! Here I am, perfectly fine, living, breathing as a sane person.

Other than that, a few days ago some of friends invited me to go to the cinema to watch this 3-D movie at the Atrium Mall. I said, I cannot not make it for so and so reason. Well, one of them knew me for years and saying no to movies was just so not me. Thus, a valid reason was required. I informed her that I have stopped watching TV (yes I must admit that there are times I do lean for a couple moments unconsciously or consciously towards this but that is a different topic to be discussed later Insha’Allah) as in “Castle”, “Grey’s Anatomy” etc.
With an index finger and the middle finger*inverted comas* she emphasized TV as in Television.

Ugh! I believe she meant Telepathy Vulgarity that has made number of us numb towards what is wrong and right. Right?

According to Maulana Shaykh Kammaludin Ahmed even if we say that the program we are watching is clean for instance Castle hugging Beckett, we think it is fine! Right? Sadly not. There was a time even I thought so too but it is not. Here the mehram and non-mehram relationship comes into focus. If we travel back in time ten years from now and do this same thing (I am talking in according to Islamic perspective please) probably with in Pakistan, an Islamic Country which was separated from India in order to preserve the Sovereignty of Islam where people could practice their religion freely and openly. People that very moment would have daggered eyes ready to- How dare you! This would be the first scrutiny. Are you okay? Are you in your senses?

Well, today it is not a problem because as mentioned above that eventually in the midst of time abnormal behaviour eventually becomes normal.

The weird thing is if we try to revive certain morals, which have been lost that should be there you are marked with A HUGE CApTiON:

E-X-T-R-E-M-IS-T

At times, it makes me wonder that whether the abnormal, which is now normal, can once again turn into abnormal where needed.

 

Effort, EfFoRt, EFFORT

 “Ugh! If I don’t do this I will not accomplish my target.”

“Okay so the way I am now going to go about with this is…”

Every single day everyone is struggling to make something out with their life. Everyone wants to achieve something or the other. And to arrive at their objective one has to make an effort without which the level of contentment cannot be reached.

A couple of days back I was talking to my best friend on the phone. I was telling her how at times I would slip up by watching TV especially when it comes to chick-flick movies. While talking to her it made me realize that nothing actually comes easy. You always have to pay the price. People have to work a lot to gain their means one way or the other- sacrifice the “Duniya” for the sake of “Allah (swt)” or sacrifice “Allah (swt)” for the sake of the “Duniya” and for all of this you need to make an effort.

Life always offers two extremes and it is up to an individual to choose; 1) Worldly gains 2)   Or the pleasure of Allah (swt).

Usually when a boy/girl hit their teens they face many challenges. One has to keep in check of the following fashion trends, latest music, hip hop, gossip and most importantly drugs or keeping up with smoking just so that they are not mocked by this “Cool Crowd”. Effort is needed till the end.

If a newly graduate is looking for a job he/she must have had to keep in mind during university years that whenever there is summer, spring, or  winter break he/she needs to find a place to intern if not how will  the resume look in front of the corporate professionals.

Likewise, a Muslim who is surrounded by the “Fitnah” and is constantly attacked every single second of their existence by Shaitan. He/she makes an effort to refrain from him and ensures to be mindful of Allah (swt) and do good deeds. Yet once again effort is being made!

During the life time of the Prophet Mohammad (saw) once an orphan approached Him (saw) and said that the Date palm owned by his guardian, Abu Lubabah, is actually his. He (saw) then called for Abu Lubabah and heard his side of the story. Although the Prophet Mohammad (saw) favoured Abu Lubabah, he requested him to gift this palm to him so that it could be given to the orphan but he refused.

“O Abu Lubabah give it then thou to the orphan and it shall be thine in Paradise.”

However, he did not agree to this. When another, Helper, Thabit ibn ad-Dahdahah, heard this, he went up to the Rasool (saw) and asked,

 “O Messenger of God, if I should buy this palm and give it to this orphan, would mine be it’s like in Paradise?”

“Indeed it would”

So this man went to meet Abu Lubabah and offered him an orchard of date palms for this single tree. (Yes, the Prophet Mohammad (saw) was disappointed with Abu Lubabah’s behaviour) but the point over here is look at such people. They would go out of their way just to please Allah (swt) and the Messenger of Allah (saw).

Imagine for attaining a tree in Paradise and Allah’s pleasure Thabit ibn ad-Dahdahah offered an orchard for one single date palm.

Subhanallah!

Hence, it could be said that continuous attempts are ALWAYS being made by ALL to reach PARTICULAR GOALS. Nonetheless, what about us Muslims? Are we putting all our efforts in the right thing? Are we more into the Duniya? No doubt we are! Forgetting the real purpose of this life which was already defined by Him (swt) and explained perfectly by the best example- Mohammad (saw). Then why are all our endeavors for this world, when this world is in fact a paradise for the Non-believers and a prison for the believers.

Once again I would like to remind the effort is needed in both cases but only one of them would lead to the path of Victory.

Dear Muslims it is time for all of us to wake up. From every corner we are being attacked. Why? Because we are not placing our hard work in the right thing and not portraying the way a Muslim should be. Instead following the fad set up by the “Ghaib”.

Allah (swt) in the Quran (V 25: A 52) says:

“So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them (by preaching) with the utmost endeavor with it (the Quran).”

The incident narrated during the life time of the Prophet Mohammad (saw) is taken from the book- Muhammad(saw), his life based on the earliest resources by Martin Ling

 

A Fruit for Thought

Phew! Finally my account on word press is created. After so many conflicted thoughts I finally decided to dedicate my thoughts to people who are willing to listen unless some might be out there thinking what rubbish I am writing. Well no issues, this is meant for those who are interested. So, this blog mainly focuses on my journey of life where I experience, see things around and well learn from them. There will be times, well most of the times; you will notice my talks are quite “Deeni”. By the way, I bet some might say is this woman an extremist or what? Well no I am not! Recently I am on a quest, trying to expose myself to something which, I guess; I was quite IgNoRaNt about it for a long time –Islam.

Being born as a Muslim is the best thing that Allah (swt) has gifted me and an opportunity to discover Thy Majesty but sadly many wrong turns had been taken to realize this blessing.  Nonetheless, it is never too late is it? =).

The picture of today’s Muslim Ummah in this century is not viewed positively. In fact, the Muslims are stereotyped as terrorists, untrustworthy, liars, etc. All the negative wave lengths are directly hitting us Muslims. And the question is why?

Well, you need not to ponder over this question because I will tell you! We Muslims are educated literate illiterates. We know all about the “Ghairullah” and not anything about the Deen of Allah (swt). Nowadays, if you ask a Muslim anything about Islam they will not know about it and sadly I am too included in this.

Just two days back I had my Islamiat Exam. There was this question – Who was the first wife of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW)? A very basic question. I believe many of us must have thought that is this something we need to be asked about? This is a joke right? Everyone knows who the first wife is! Well apparently this outlook contradicted my thoughts. A friend of mine comes out of the examination hall and says,

“I think Ms. X has lost it entirely what kind of question is this – Who was the first wife of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW)?”

“Yah, I know”

“Haha and you know what? For once I am hundred percent sure my answer is correct – Hazrat Aisha (R.A) the first wife”

You can just imagine my reaction after this. Maybe some of you out there reading this might have their mouths hung open. I could not simply believe what my ears were hearing. A twenty-one old person saying this, if a child age four would have said that I would have forgiven but this – Allahuakber. Literally, I had to ask him to repeat what he said _ I Beg your Pardon!

So, this is the condition of us Muslims today. I am not saying this right after this incident happened but lately many things I have witnessed which made me realize how explicitly lost we are in this “Duniya” (world). Staying oblivious to our own religion.This is sad. It makes me now wonder what would be the reaction of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) if he were alive today!

Just think – What are we portraying ourselves as?