Perpetual Friendship (1)

Sharing of gifts strengthens love between friends and verily, it functions as an important pillar of a perpetual friendship. Though it seriously requires to define a true meaning of a gift - it contains both the characteristics, material and spiritual. However, the material aspect of the gift functions nothing but to manifest the spiritual essence and love behind the gift. This is what Maula-e-Rum says, 

"The gifts of lovers to one another are in respect of love, naught but forms; (But the purpose is) that the gifts may have borne testimony to feelings of love which are concealed in secrecy, because outward acts of kindness bear witness to feelings of love in the heart, O dear friend"

What actually makes our gifts valuable is only the spiritual essence behind it. Nothing qualifies to be called a "gift" which is void of the spiritual essence, rather, it only qualifies to be called an "interest based loan" which only serves the ephemeral friendship. Moreover, it is only the spiritual essence of the gift that brings the hearts of the friends together, and motivates them to manifest their love in the best way - that's why sometimes our friend's smile is a big gift and blessing for us. Therefore, it establishes that there cannot be any returns of the gifts, because gifts are the manifestations of the spiritual essence and depended and derived through it - we can actually experience the spiritual essence behind the gifts, but cannot actually quantify them, and this is the reason why the exact return is impossible. He is only Allah سبحانه و تعالى Who knows it the best, Who can reward us the best, and there cannot be any better return than the "perpetual friendship"!

"It's never the materialistic value of the real gifts that is important, but the spiritual value of the real gifts, which is immeasurable for any individual."

When the philosophy of the perpetual friendship strengthens in one's mind then he and she loves for his and her friend what he and she loves for himself and herself. Here, it reminds me of the "definiton of a friend" by Imam Zainul Abideen (Rahimahullah), which Imam al -Ghazali (Rahimahullah) quotes in his book "Ihya ul 'Uloomuddin". Imam Zainul 'Abideen (Rahimahullah) asks a person:

"Does any body among you take anything what he wishes after placing his hand in the pocket of his friend or in his purse? The man said: "no". Then he (Rahimahullah) said: Then you are not friends."

However, this seems something impossible, but it is not. The problem lies in our society which trains us to be stingy.

"How can someone expect "an affectionate and supportive society" where everyday individuals are taught lessons of "stinginess""

What we need is to change our mindsets, and consciously think about our relationships. Do we really try to make everyone as our perpetual friend? Everything starts from the self - we cannot blame others when we ourselves are captured behind the fetters of "stinginess". Everything starts from within - we need to propagate by our actions and teachings the message of Spiritual Love. It is then we will love for our friend what we love for ourselves.

"Help my soul to smash out and travel beyond the fetters of this mundane world, bring me a Quaff of Love."

Now, why is the spiritual essence important behind the gifts? why is it important to gift what you love for yourself? Why does inequality prevail in the societies where stinginess exists? What is the cure for stinginess? I would quote a few Ayahs from the Quran to answer these questions, and conclude my this short note:

"And united their hearts. Had you spent all that is on earth, you could not have united their hearts. But Allah did unite their hearts. Surely, He is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (Al-Quran:8:63)

"You shall never attain righteousness unless you spend from what you love. Whatsoever you spend, Allah is fully aware of it." (Al-Quran:3:92)

"[Those] who are stingy and enjoin upon people stinginess. And whoever turns away - then indeed, Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy." (Al-Quran:57:24)


"” And they ask you as to what they should spend. Say, “The surplus”." (Al-Quran:2:219)

I REQUEST  you all to pray for me first to act upon the above teachings. 

• 
  
  

  
  

Perpetual Friendship

Everybody likes to make friends and wishes to spend a long time with them. It is not every friendship that lasts for a long time, but only a very few. What actually makes your friendship lasting is the purpose it serves. Moreover, these purposes could differ from person to person, however some people do not even give a thought to it in any way. By now, someone might be thinking about the purpose that could lead to perpetual friendship - perhaps, someone could say, the friendship that lasts only till the last breath of your life is the perpetual friendship, but surely for me this definition doesn't do justice to the term "perpetual friendship", rather it only portrays the ephemeralness of the friendship. Before we go further, I need to share a poetic verse of Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (translation):

"Do not measure life by counting passing days and nights,

Ever young, ever alive, eternal is the font of life."  (Iqbal)

"you have a perpetual bond of friendship with someone only when your friendship does not serve an ephemeral purpose."

Hopefully, by now everyone of you understands what i mean by the term "perpetual friendship". Yes, the friendship that lasts even after your death and a friend who could help you after your death. Here, the true concept of spiritual friendship starts. Everybody does favors for his or her friend till the purpose of his or hers friendship has been achieved. 

"Your friendship serving the perpetual purpose doesn't allow you to count the favors you do for your friend; Rather, it encourages you to give and love him more, and overlook his errors and pray for him."

Now, what the favors could your friend do for you after your death? Who could be that perpetual friend of yours? How could a friend be a true blessing for you? Here, i would just quote an Ayah of the Quran to answer these questions and conclude my this short essay:

"Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous" (Al-Quran:43:67)"

Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri and his Farcical Revolution

"Suddenly a man arrives in Pakistan from Canada and proclaims in his public speech that he is going to bring a change in the constitution of country; a man who holds two nationalities - Pakistani and Canadian; a man who portrays his concerns for the struggle for the enforcement of the constitution and the improvement in the electoral system of Pakistan; a man who lives in Canada for last several years and one day, all of a sudden, someone knocks on his brain to ponder over Pakistan's worsening situation; a man who gets backing for his mission from a political party led by two selfish brothers and a UK national who has been living in London since 90s leading a political party back in Pakistan; a man who calls on people to march to Islamabad for a revolution and declares that the revolution would be like a revolution erupted in Egypt. This man is none but  Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri.

Dr. Tahir ul Qadri set foot on pure soil of Pakistan and gave a public speech to his supporters from all over the country on 23rd december 2012. He left some smoke signals indicating to bring a revolution in Pakistan. A delegation was sent by MQM - a political party - of around fifty political activists (leaders) to welcome Dr. Qadri and to attend his supporters' congregation in Lahore at Minar-e-Pakistan Park. MQM praised him for his return to Pakistan. Soon, another political party PML-Q showed their support to Dr. Qadri. Moreover, the whole drama also got augmented on the local media. Media aroused curiosity in people about Dr. Qadri's visit in Pakistan. Shortly, Dr. Qadri got an invitation from MQM to address the public in Karachi and to call the people for 'a march to Islamabad'. Dr. Qadri and Mr. Altaf Hussain, the Chief of MQM, praised each other and vowed to support each other for the march. Dr. Qadri asserted that his purpose of coming to Pakistan is not to derail the democratic system but to force the government to make changes in the electoral system according to the constitution. He declared that he gives the  government the deadline of 15 days to implement the changes or face the huge procession of people marching towards Islamabad on 14th January. This procession could turn Islamabad into something like 'Tahrir Square of Pakistan'. Earlier in Cairo, Egypt, a revolution erupted at Tahrir Square for democracy against the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak. Dr. Qadri tried to dissociate himself from foreign elements by declaring that he does not enjoy any backing from any agency, political party, or any international agency and he also has not come Pakistan to cause any disruption in holding elections. He also said that his decision to participate in the elections is still in the air.

By pondering over his comments, one can draw many hypothesis from this whole drama. First, let us look at the hypocrisy of the two main political parties, PML-Q and MQM. Although both the parties are in the coalition with main ruling political party - PPP, both have shown their support to Dr. Qadri to their fullest. How can any party turn against their own government; what a farcical it is! Secondly, Dr. Qadri referred the march as similar to Tahrir Square in Egypt; The background is totally different here. Revolution is not about bringing a few changes in the system, however revolution is about bringing a change in the system within from its roots. In Egypt, people wanted to bring about changes in the constitution right into its roots, they did not want a few minor superficial changes. The march in Egypt was against the regime of Hosni Mubarak, an army dictator, and the people of Egypt had become sick of his rule. Dr. Qadri says that he believes in democratic system. If he does so, he should participate in the coming elections and bring changes in the constitution by taking legal steps already provided in the constitution through parliament. That could have been more logical step. If he doesn't believe in the democracy then he can derail democracy and  bring about a change by a revolution from within its roots. In Egypt, Muslim Brotherhood party believed in the democracy and therefore, they participated in the elections and won the elections. This was an approval by the people that the want a complete overhaul of the system. If, instead of Dr. Qadri, it was Difa-e-Pakistan, and if, they would have announced a march to Islamabad, that could have added up.

Furthermore, why these two political parties are supporting Dr. Qadri? It is because, either they are afraid of their shriveling due to government's and supreme court's new strategies for the coming elections or to divert the attention of people from the call of the supreme court to a person, MQM Chief Altaf hussain, to present himself in the court on 7th Jaunary? Who brought MQM and Dr. Qadri near to each other? Who is backing the march? Who is that someone who knocked on the brain of Dr. Qadri to give a thought to Pakistan's situation? What is the aim of Dr. Qadri - to threaten Mr. Zardari or Mr. Nawaz? or if there is any International interest behind this all drama?

In my opinion, it is an international game. It reminds me of Dr. Mirza who had earlier said that few parties/people are trying to create a situation in Pakistan that could allow international interference in Pakistan. If you ponder well, the persons supporting the march are those who have lived/been living abroad, have dual nationalities, have their self-interests; have seen constant international support for themselves in the past. So, the question is arising here that 'How could we anticipate a revolution or a better change for the country by these persons?' Therefore, this so called call for a revolution doesn't suggest any betterment for the country, instead of that, God forbid - it might give rise to the violence - a situation like Libya, where NATO forces interfered in the country; and there must be any third party (in Pakistan) supporting this agenda; and people know who could be that 'third party'. 


Lastly, i would suggest people to analyse the facts and figures before being part of any march; the credibility of the person who is calling for the march, his past track record and the purpose of the march should be analysed. The facts and figures of Dr. Qadri's call doesn't suggest anyone to take part in his march, because that could turnout to be very dangerous for the country. 


These are just my thoughts above that i have shaped in words. If someone gets hurt, then I can't do anything ;)
  

Our Present Picture in the Glorious Quran!

In the Name of Allah, the Benificent, the Merciful

• 1. We should always take guidance from the Quran in every single moment of our life. Our picture is clearly shown in the Holy Quran. We must obey Quran and Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).

as Allah says in the Quran : 

"Indeed, We have sent down for you (O mankind) a Book, (the Qur'ân) in which there is Dhikrukum, (your Reminder or an honour for you i.e. honour for the one who follows the teaching of the Qur'ân and acts on its teachings). Will you not then understand?" (Quran: Chapter 21 : Verse 10)

"And Obey Allah and the messenger (P.B.U.H) , that ye may find mercy." (Quran : Chapter 3 : Verse 132)

This is how we can take guidance from the Quran. 

• 2. We should always remember that Allah gives punishment to those who disobey Allah and His Messenger (P.B.U.H). As Allah says in the Quran:

"And whatever the Messenger (P.B.U.H) gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you, leave it. And fear Allah: truly Allah is severe in punishment. " (Quran : Chapter 59 : Verse 7)

• 3. Now, We should look at our country. Why we are facing So many problems? Why we are facing so many natural disasters? Why we are facing hunger in our society? Why we are divided into different groups, sects,and fighting with each other? Its easiest answer is, we are not following the teachings of Islam. We always beg to some others but forget Allah (S.W.T).

We should always remember that Islam is the complete code of life and we should always fear Allah. 

As Allah says in the Quran: " So fear Allah, and obey me." (Quran : Chapter 26 : Verse 108)

"And Allâh puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allâh (with ungratefulness). So Allâh made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad SAW) which they (its people) used to do[]" (Quran : Chapter 16 : Verse 112)

as nowadays, we are facing violence between different groups and in this act, some innocent people are being  killed and injured.

lets see, what does the Quran guide us?

Allah says in the Quran: " if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind." (Quran : Chapter 5 : Verse 32)

Hadith : "Narrated Abu Musa: Some people asked Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him), "Whose Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?" He replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands." (Bukhari: Book 1, Vol 2, Hadith 10)

We should live as a single nation and we shouldn't be divided into sects as we are created from a single pair of male and a female.

Allah says in the Quran:

"“And hold fast, altogether, by the rope Which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves.” [Al-Qur’an 3:103]

" O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." (Glorious Quran:  Chapter 49: Verse 13)

• 4. At one more place Allah says in the Quran :

"Say: He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another." See how variously We explain the Ayât (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), so that they may understand." (Quran: Chapter 6 : Verse 65)

Our picture really reflects in the Quran. We have faced earthquakes from under our feet, we have faced floods and rains from above and now we are facing violence. This is all happening because today we are not on the straight path. We should think, for what we got the country and the way we are using it NOW! We must follow the teachings of The Glorious Quran and The Sunnah of The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). We (the whole nation) should turn towards Allah (S.W.T) and must Ask forgiveness from Allah (S.W.T).

Allah says in the Quran : "And He is the Forgiving, the Loving," (Quran : Chapter 85 : Verse 14)

Allah says in the Quran: “It is a fact that Allah does not change the condition of a people unless they bring about change in their own selves.” (Quran : Chapter 13 : Verse 11)

May Allah change our condition (Ameen)

May Allah Show all of us straight Path (Ameen)

May Allah forgive all of US (Ameen)

May Allah save us from the violence (Ameen)

May Allah forgive me if  i have done any mistake in writing this. (Ameen)

Please Remember me in your prayers.

Thank You.

My Sweet Brother!

"There's no other love like the love for a brother.  There's no other love like the love from a brother". I have four brothers and about whom I am going to write is my eldest brother Sohail Ahmed. Since September, 2007, he's been living in The Netherlands. He has a charismatic personality and has done a lot of things for me. 

 "A brother is a friend given by nature".  My brother, Sohail Ahmed, is not only my brother but he's also like my friend.  For a few years, he has been living outside of Pakistan.  But, before that, he was here in Pakistan and I have a lot of memories with him. The most fascinating quality about my brother is that he always cares for all of us, whether he was here with us or he's there. 




Will update this in few days!






Regards,


Wakeel Ahmed