Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 44

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak

Al Kahf is among the countless blessings of Allah swt. How was it possible that He swt created evil and dropped us (His best creation) on this planet without due guidance and protection against it. Know that despite a fair processing system, we as specie are as green as it gets. Our nature (Fitrah) is on Islam. Quite pure in its genesis but equally susceptible. Particularly, vulnerable against the invisible enemy. At times, naive enough not to distinguish right from wrong and commit mistakes of proportions. For this naivety, Allah swt gave us protective gear like Al Kahf.

Coming over to today's Ayah No 44, the 'closing remarks' of Allah swt at the end of a speech  i.e. Rukuh 5. In previous Ayah 43, the scene is sketched that each one of us stood in Allah's Court with irrefutable evidence. Irrefutable because our own hands, legs and even earth would stand witness to what we had been doing down here. In this Ayah 44, Allah swt stamps His authority once again by letting us know that eventually truth will prevail. His is the best reward. So what else should we ask for? It would be an insult of human intellect, wisdom and understanding that we invest in the wrong cause. We deliberate so much before investing in business, property and people. How could this investment be done without due diligence. The last word in this Ayah (outcome عقبا) intrigued me and put me on another train of thoughts. Firstly is the reward and then is the outcome. Though English translation 'outcome' doesn't justify 'عقبا' yet it conveys the message. Let your imagination loose on this word. The stronger the Imaan, the better would be the outcome of your imagination. Something really big and great is in the offing up there. Look who is making the offer. We rush to promotional offers by brands and queue up for hours to get the best from the lot on offer. Just pause for a minute and think who is making an offer and imagine how grand could be the outcome.

May Allah help us take the offer. Ameen

Designer House by Geco - Bahria Phase 8

Assalam o Alaikum

One of my personal favourite houses that I constructed so far with Allah's help.

Built with heart and soul & sold before completion and the tenant moved in before this video was made.

Alhamdolillah.

Let me give you pictorial rundown of the project:

Drone shot if the finished house

Inaugural dua. It is one of the greatest pleasures to turn the barren piece of land into someone's living adobe. 

One brick at a time. Sometimes I stand besides a laborer at site and envy his craft i.e working with hands, staying fit, making enough to get through the day, sleeping the sweetest of sleep and above all who knows Allah lives him more for his uncomplicated lifestyle. 

Ground floor slab underway. Left side view of the house. This house has 18 RCC piles with 12 inch diameter, going down into the ground till 20 feet. It is safe against 10 richter scale earthquake. Are these  buildings going to tell stroies like pyramids which still stand and we don't know who built and lived in them. 

Like a budding tree, the house reached its first floor. We might think we make beautiful things but look at soothing green of the plant, steeling away the spotlight from man-made structure.

It started to gain colors. Colors that comfort the dwellers and a house begins to feel like a home.

Please click on the link below to see the professional video of the house on completion.

https://youtu.be/PwJ4kL93rkk

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 43

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak

Al Quran is the Rope of Allah and Al Kahf is one of its strands. We are in the middle of a muddy swamp with seductive traps of evil and tempting snares of devil. We earnestly need to hang on to something to avoid being engulfed by the swamp. How Merciful is our Lord that the Rope is hanging down from His Court and He swt wants us to hang on to it. How unfortunate that we either don't see it or don't want to see it. Either way, the devil succeeds in his game because our failure is his success. Literally, a third rate open enemy with lowly objectives. 

Today's Ayah No 43 is the penultimate Ayah of 5th Rukuh. Last couple of Ayahs in every Rukuh (Speech of Allah on a particular subject) have to be like concluding remarks with certain lessons to take home. This Ayah paints the state  of helplessness when there would be no help. No call a friend option, no 911 to dial, no sibling to support, no dad to bail out; just us and Allah swt. Only hope averting disastrous disposal would be our good deeds in this life. So what are the good deeds? It has been observed that everyone wants to be Abdul Sattar Eidhi (May Allah bless his soul) and nothing short of it. Nothing in between from being indifferent to the greatest philanthropist like Eidhi sb. And we continue to count number and wait for 'good days' to come before we could start our good deeds. Quite a flawed strategy. Let's take four steps as in 4S (Submit, Support, Sympathise & Smile)

Just have to submit to Allah swt, support everyone in anyway possible, sympathise with aggrieved and smile before you say anything. Congrats, you are already a Philanthropist.

May Allah protect us from the state of helplessness and help us do good deeds. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 42

Assalam o Alaikum.Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Time to connect with Al Kahf, The Cave of Hope. Time shall prove its value. Feel lucky if Allah makes you familiar with this Surah. And lucky in His court are those who sincerely and unequivocally submit because they 'listen & obey'.

Coming over to today's Ayah No 42 wherein the scene changes dramatically and Garden of richer of the two men is ruined by seemingly a lightening strike. 

Let's first recap. This story is about trial of wealth that how lack or abundance of it are both trials. We have to remain grateful on wealth distribution of Allah swt. Neither wealth nor this life is forever. Sooner or later both will walk out of our lives. Wealthier man in this story got it all wrong. Despite being Muslim, he was deceived by devil on many counts:

a. He thought he accumulated wealth by virtue of his intelligence and modern methods. Note the word 'trellises' in Ayah's translation which means he was using modern agri methods for enhanced yield.

b. He thought he was blessed in this life and even if there is a day of recompense, he will still be treated better as he was blessed in this life.

c. Faith in Allah swt and Akhirah weakened.

d. He became haughty and insolent.

e. Even mocked his companion of faith for his lesser wealth and offspring.

f. He seemed more reliant on means than the Creator of means.

g. Abundance of wealth distracted him so much that his intelligence overpowered his intellect.

As it happens when we get sucked down in a quagmire of deception and advertantly sweep truth under the carpet, an accident occurs. The One who has power over everything puts His foot down and like so many stories of billionaires going broke and bankrupt, the distracted wealthy man lost everything in a jiffy. Use this link to read how top ten billionaires lost their wealth.

https://www.businessinsider.com/rich-billionaires-who-declared-bankruptcy-2019-7

In case of wealthier man in this story, presumably, lightening struck and his expansive temporary gardens razed to the ground. And at that point, he firstly frets on his loss and then regrets associating anyone with Allah. Note that his initial reaction on loss of gardens looked small in the face his loss of Emaan. Emaan is the most precious asset of a momin.

May Allah help us protect our Emaan. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 41

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Time to seek refuge in Al Kahf -  the Cave of Hope.

In fact, Islamic ideology is the source of hope. Let me share my story with you. As a young lad, always wondered that the sojourn could end any minute or it may take few decades but inevitability of death would always send shudders through my spine. Whereas, death is the only reality of life. However, we all are victims of incomplete knowledge about the real code of conduct i.e.Islam. Death remains the philosophical dilemma confronting which human rationality and reasoning seems helpless. People's reaction on death would always intrigue me as if it was the end of the road. It would create panic inside me to do something and not to live a wasteful life. I must do something to leave my signature to posterity. Basically, to be able to live even after death. The road to glory would always fascinate me but the blueprint was missing. Because the definition of glory or should we call it success, was quite messed up. Being ill defined, no amount of success would bring satisfaction. Wandering wantonly with such unanswered questions, I stumbled into Quran. And the rest is history. It healed me. It held me. It stabilised me. Answered basic questions like success is to submit and be useful to others. Pass the test and be successful. Tests are never easy without toil, sweat and blood. Death is mere transfer. It is like 'pens down' command by examiner. The result will determine future employment. Surely, much bigger and greater things are planned by The Master Planner. This life is finite, Afterlife is not. Last entrant will get 13 times bigger estate than the earth. And we struggle for marlas, kanal and acres. How amazing!!! It puffed hope in my hopeless intoxicated search of truth. All that reading of the past came to halt. No read could read like The Book. No biography could come near the life of The Ideal Man SAW. No philosophy could stand the logic of The Teacher swt. Islam is freedom. Midway through the journey, a born Muslim reverted to Islam. Not sure I'm there. Can never be sure. The beauty of this magnificent code of life is that hope continuously floats.

Coming over to today's Ayah No 41 which is continuation of last Ayah in which the man of faith tells his haughty companion about fragility of this life and material possessions. Reading translation, 'its water will be sunken into the earth never to be sought again' resembled the story of life on this earth. The same water becomes source of life. It goes in cycles. Keeping the analogy of water in view, we may be sunken (buried) into the earth but we shall be resurrected in the best of age, health and mind for an eternal life. The only reason to share dilemmas of my growing years was to share the journey from fear and hopelessness to faith and hope. From finitely mundane to infinitely divine.

May Allah forgive us, keep us on straight path and help us succeed. Ameen

Sialkot - Lynching

Forget about Indian media and International perception... Allah is watching

Forget about Rizvi & TLP... do you really believe after this Aqa AS will even look at you?

Did He SAW not forbid burning human body because its Allah swt's prerogative?

Are we trying to play God?

Why religious franchises are silent? Ahle Hadith, Sunni, Irani franchise, Ahle Bait, Saudi Franchise of Wahabism, Medina Franchise?

What kind of reverence is this? Would Aqa AS allow this? Why don't their religious sentiments simmer when Indian barbarians rape our mothers and sisters in Kashmir? Why don't we all die of shame when Palestinians call upon Muslims of Pakistan for help and we go on to kill our non Muslim unarmed guest in Sialkot.

Where was govt machinery when this Zulm was taking place?

Those who killed, spectated and remained silent on this are worst humans than every Sri Lankan that I know.

Srilankans are humble, cultured and tolerant which are extremely superior human virtues.

Do we not deserve the rulers imposed upon us?

Do we not deserve the injudicious judiciary?

Do we not deserve corrupt govt officials?

We deserve every bit of it and more.

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 40

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Juma celebrations have many reasons and one is birth of our father Adam AS. We don't know the date, however, celebrating every Juma of the year should account for his and our (mankind's) day of birth. Also, special preparations of Juma Prayers are symbol of Muslim unity. Likewise, on this day, we resort to Al Kahf for protection against evil around us and future onslaught of greatest evil humanity shall ever see i.e. Dajjal and his trickery.

Moving over to today's Ayah No 40, a continuation of last Ayah No 39 wherein the man with less fortunes but great faith told his rich companion that they didn't know what future held for them. You never know how things may change. You never know how Allah rewards those who are stronger in faith in next life. You never know any calamity could befall on what we possess. For that matter everything will wither away if not now then surely on its prescribed time. Even our bodies will volatilize into atoms or its subatomic particles. Putting together those 30 trillion plus cells together would be some feat. Some geeks may think how would that be possible?  Well, pretty much the way it happened in the first place. You just have to believe, rest has already happened and shall happen as ordained by the Master Planner. 

Blessed Juma

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 39

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Let us celebrate this Friday by connecting with Al Kahf. One reason is that since dajjal is The Deceiver King, we don't know whether he is among us or operating intergalactic. Is he preparing grounds for his 'arrival' or his associates have already done that? How is he playing his game? However, if we all know this then he will have to let go of his title. All we know is that we can't keep our guard down. It is Allah's special mercy that He swt gave us Al Kahf, a strong defensive shield against all the evil. Towards the end of times (may be we are almost there), this Surah shall be our only protective gear against every evil.

The Surah revolves around four stories about trial of Emaan, Wealth, Knowledge and Power (or Final Showdown -Armageddon). We are already into second story of two men (different fortunes) with two gardens i.e. The Trial of Wealth. Even today, are we not being tried by absence or abundance of wealth? Subhan Allah, this is The Book of/for all times.

Moving forward with today's Ayah No 39 which is continuation of conversation by the second man in this story. Just a reminder that both men were Muslims. First one blessed with abundant bounties but forgot The Bestower of these blessings. Second one might be less fortunate in wealth and numbers but rich in faith. He patiently heard boastful discourse of his haughty partner and conveyed him indignation on forgetting His Lord and the Judgement Day. In previous Ayah, the man of strong faith refreshed his vow of Tauheed and in this Ayah reminds him how he forgot to say 'Masha Allah' while entering his gardens. 

Masha Allah is not just two words but declaration of Tauheed, acknowledgement of The Source of Blesings and submission to Allah's will. Masha Allah is a commonly used phrase of our routine life, however, the benefits could multiply if we develop understanding of these words and raise level of our religion from ritual to practice.

Lastly, anything we think we own (in reality we own nothing), like or see with other, we mustn't forget to say, 'Masha Allah'. Last line of this Ayah also reaffirms the fact that our relation with Allah is not based on our possessions, rather faith and tawwakal.

Blessed Juma Mubarakah.

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 38

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Let's celebrate this blessed day with Al Kahf by reciting/remembering/ understanding an Ayah or few Ayahs of this magnificent Surah.

Today's Ayah No 38 is conveyed to us in the words of the man with lesser possessions yet wealthier in Imaan. After reminding his richer companion of the process of creation i.e. literally putting him back to his place, he seals the deal by proclaiming Oneness (Tauheed) of Allah swt. 

Just to recap, first story of Al Kahf is about young men, Al Kahf Boys (Our Heroes) who took to the Kahf (The Cave) on receiving life threat from the tyrant king. They put their matter in Allah's hand with full conviction. And see how Allah swt honored their trust that every Friday they are remembered by nearly a quarter of the world's population in every quarter of the globe. Note that today again the central pillar of Imaan (Tauheed) is under attack from left, right and center. 

Second story (The Men of Two Gardens)  is about how abundance of means could mislead us. How reliance could shift from Creator of means to means only. We right now live in times where acquisition of means is more or less the purpose of life and abundance of means could be seriously misleading. And first casualty is weakening of faith in Hereafter (Akhirah) which in turns shakes the foundation of central pillar of Imaan i.e. Tauheed. 

Most important thing to remember is that shaky Imaan in Tauheed means serious consequences in both worlds. That is why it is quintessential to renew of our oath with Allah Karim time and again. Lastly, just read this Ayah 38 carefully from the core of your heart and Insha Allah your greatest vow of life is refreshed for now.

May Allah keep our hearts attached to Tauheed now and always. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 37

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. May this Juma and rest of the week bring peace and happiness your way.

Al Quran is glittering with vivid signs and Al Kahf has its own shining place in it. 

Today's Ayah No 37 is conveyed to us in words of the other man in the story who had been patiently listening to haughty discourse of his companion. He put across some basic questions like how could he (richer of the two) disbelieve in The One who created him? First thing to remember is that we are the only creature which has two distinct components/ dimensions. Our body consists of earthy elements of Periodic Table. Body is a carrier vessel of divine photons (Spirit/ Rooh). Earthy elements are put together to shape appearances whereas Rooh gives us unique individual identity in the entire universe. Heavenly component of our body (Rooh) descends from above and accordingly it has an elevated place. However, body belongs to earth and it is in fact, our limitation. Rooh doesn't age. Remains frozen in time, unifies with body (when a deputed angel puffs Rooh in the embryo in a mother's womb) and divorces it to return to where it came from. It is nourished on immaterial things like compassion, care and above all Al Quran. Whereas, body has needs and desires. Body ages, wears off and returns to dust from where it came. That's why at numerous occasions in Quran whenever Allah swt has to show us our right place, He swt would refer back to the process of creation. And who knows the worth of the product better than the manufacturer. 

In this Ayah, it had become necessary to take some wind out of the wings of one of them who had been blinded by abundance of material possessions. Firstly, we are created out of dust i.e. combination of required elements of Periodic Table. Secondly, initiation of life from human side is meeting of sperm and ovum. If we just keep this in view, we might never leave our place. Lastly, Allah swt reminds of His yet another favour that He not only put these elements of earth together but exquisitely proportioned them. And that is the reason we look good when we look in the mirror contrary to the illusion that applying layers of chemicals makes us look good.

Bottom line is we ought to stay in our place otherwise it won't take much to put us back to where we belong.

May Allah help us stay humble and grateful always. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 36

Assalam o Alaikum 

Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. May this be your best Juma. A soft reminder to recite/understand whole/part of magnificent Al Kahf to add to the bounties of this blessed day.

Today's Ayah No 36 (continuation of previous Ayah) is about how belief in means weakens belief in Allah and Akhira. See how closely belief strings of unseen are knitted. We have not seen The Creator, neither life of after death. The reason we can't see Him is coarse nature of our vision. He swt is way too sophisticated and not made up of the matter our eyes are used to seeing. Believing in unseen through seen is difficult. For example Prophets (due to purity of their souls) had strong connect with the unseen. However, like the rest of us, they were flesh and bone which made it difficult for others to believe in their message from the unseen. It was always hard for contemporaries to accept their ascendancy in spiritual domain. Imagine, a kid next door comes of age, walks up to you and claims Prophethood. Sticky situation!!! You might vouch for his integrity but it would be hard to accept his claim. Exactly, the same dilemma was faced by Abu Lahab and Abu Jahal. They saw the truth but their false egoes mislead them. Just like this story, 'The Men of Two Gardens', where wealthier man was blinded by abundance of means. He forgot The Creator of means. The moment belief in Allah weaken, next casualty is belief in Akhirah (The Day of Reckoning). A step further would be getting overwhelmed by our false sense of well being. That even if there is a day of recompense (posing this question itself is a sign of dwindling faith), we shall be rewarded better than what we've go in here. A fallacy of proportions and an insult of human intellect. How could you attempt the paper well when you haven't even understood the questions? How could you pass the test with flying colors when you missed the compulsory question and wrongly attempted the remaining answers?

May Allah help us understand the importance of compulsory question (Tauheed) and doesn't let us lose sight of Akhirah. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 35

Assalam o Alaikum 

Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. A soft reminder to recite/understand part/whole of Al Kahf on this blessed day for our own good.

Life is loaded with means of deception (متاع الغرور). What we see will all perish one day (کُلُّ مَن عَلَیہَا فَانٍ) [26:55]. So it is unreal. What we are unable to see was, is and will remain (وَّ یَبقٰی وَجہُ رَبِّکَ ذُوالجَلَالِ وَالِاکرَامِ).[27:55]. Besides, our sojourn is booby trapped every step of the way. If we could see with the eye of the heart, our enemy is doing all he can to distract or defeat us. In order to develop better understanding, visualise this imagery in mind that we are in the middle of a thunderstorm. Whirling tornado is upon us. Below is engulfing whirlpool amid rebellious ocean waves. We are surrounded by the dark energy which gets the better of us more often than not. Quite intense!!!. But there is hope. A rope (Al Quran) is hanging down the Heavens. One end of this rope (Original copy لوح محفوظ) is tied up with The Kursi and we are on its other end. Not an ordinary rope by any means. Allah's swt aide  (Gabriel AS) brought it down and relayed it to the special heart of very special Nabi Muhammad SAW. He SAW passed on this rope of hope from The King of Heavens and Earth to His companions and taught them how to hang on to it. We are so lucky to have this hope among us to stay safe from thunders, tornadoes and swirling whirlpools of dark energy. Just have to hang on to it no matter what.

Back to normal proceedings and let's have a look at today's Ayah No 35. Richer of two men while entering his garden did himself grave injustice. Before we dvelve upon his mistake, note that Allah swt who granted him the garden used the pronoun 'his' garden. It also goes to show that once Allah swt bestows his blessings upon us, He swt grants us the ownership rights as well. These rights are all about what decisions we take and how we carry ourselves. This man totally lost the plot when he claimed that his garden will never perish and this was where he became unjust to himself. Important to note that  Allah is Just. Adversity and good times are Allah’s distribution of exam papers. His justice is above board and across the board. We as specie are unjust to ourselves and each other. Notwithstanding the fact that we are incapable of doing justice, we mustn't quit doing our part of effort towards doing justice. For full justice, Allah swt has kept one day for Justice in His working calendar (No one except Him knows its time and date). And on that Day, Justice will be done like it should be done:

 فَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ

So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. [7:99]

وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَهُ

And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. [8:99]

May Allah help us carry ourselves correctly in adversity and good times, particularly good times. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 34

Assalam o Alaikum 

Shab-e-Juma Mubarak with this hope that we gather Max Pro Blessings on this blessed day.

Last week's thoughts on Dajjal received mixed feedback. Differing points of view should be accepted and discussed. One such take was about Dajjal being not a definitive entity as there is no mention of Dajjal in Quran and some people believe Ahadith are speculative on the subject. It is true for Quranic mention but issue of Hadith is debatable. However, we have to assume our role in the given scenario which should be getting aware and spreading awareness on Al Kahf and its subject matter which is for all times and ages. Besides, life itself with its glitz and glamour is an absorbing infatuation. To boost its deceptive attraction our untiring enemy is at work. To thwart our consistent enemy (Shaytan), we need constant protection of Quran.

Today's Ayah No 34 is continuation of previous two Ayahs (32 & 33). Allah swt after sketching the possessions of the richer of the two men brings us to the critical point of the story. Rich man's expansive gardens were not only well laid out but were also highly productive in yield. He boasted to his companion of his wealth and numbers (presumably he had many sons out of different marriages and a big workforce). This man is a classic example of how we go wrong in our thinking. Instead of thanking Allah for making this life comfortable for us, we tend to look down upon less fortunate. Our conversations start and revolve around pronuons of 'I' and 'me' like last line of this Ayah. This attitude is the beginning of the end with grave consequences as we will see in this story. Reliance on means than the Creator of means is the greatest Dajl of our times.

May Allah help us understand the message of His Book in its true spirit. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 33

Assalam o Alaikum 

Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. In times to come, Al Kahf is the only protective shueld that may protect humanity of confusing questions, sinking depressions and exhaustive ambitions. Top FAQ on Dajjal (The King Deception) is whether he is a physical being or a concept? The answer is simple, if we exactly know who he is and what is his method of deception, then it would be an insult of his title. Secondly, if the details on his existence and appearance are not explicit then there is a logical reason to support this. He will be the greatest test humanity has ever seen. He will be granted powers to express his craft of deceit. Could he get  powers at his own? No, no creature can have any powers unless The King of Heavens and Earth wishes to grant any amount of powers to anyone. So why Dajjal be granted such immense powers that even faithful will be tempted to accept him as super being as depicted in Hollywood movies of Superman, Batman and flimsy Bolywood stuff like 'Ra One' as 'The One'? Answer is simple, it will be the greatest test of the faithful. Situation would be so precarious that even the most pious and practicing may find it hard to stand their ground. 

Now keep the sequence of Al Kahf's stories in view. First story revolves around the center pillar of Monotheism i.e Tauheed. And second is about materialism i.e dependency on material means instead of the Creator of these means. Humanity right now faces both challenges posed in first two stories of Al Kahf. Interestingly, when we start the next story, you will feel that it has a strong relationship with our times as well.

Bottom line, no one will escape this fitn of dajjal even if he is a physical being or a concept. Scribe believes its both. As concept the stage is being set. See how hard it has become to be people of pure Tauheed. Probably a Cave like Kahf remains our only option to live life as per Tauheed. Secondly, see how people shift Gods in given situations. In place of prayers they try to connect with invisible God and in real life they connect with visible god i.e money, profit, property etc. This hybrid model of faith is actually the preparation phase or conceptualization of dajjal.

Let's dicuss today's Ayah 33 which is continuation of previous Ayah 32. Couple of points to note are: all blessings (which we think are our material possessions) are granted to us. Nothing in our possession is ours. We have got it out of Allah's swt immense mercy and immaculate distribution system. He swt grants few people more than other to test Haves and Haves Not, more so, the Haves.

May Allah help us pass the test. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah 32

Assalam o Alaikum 

Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. This Juma, let's seek protection of Allah swt from all the evil particularly the evil carnate, Al Jajjal (The King Deceiver). A polite reminder to recite whole or at least first/ last ten Ayahs of Al Kahf on this day and if possible understand its message. 

With today's Ayah 32, begins fifth Rukuh or should we say 5th Speech of The King of Heavens and Earth to us the earthlings. It also marks the beginning of second story of Al Kahf i.e. The Men of Two Gardens.

Important point to note is that the first story was about a society where Oneness (Tauheed) of Allah swt was under attack by polytheism. Our heroes, The Kahf Boys stood up to it and became eternal. 

There are interesting parallels in all four stories of Al Kahf with our times. In our times, along with polytheism (in few parts of the world), atheism has emerged as a serious challenger to Monotheism. We are into great struggle with atheism and the second big challenge, humanity came to confront with is materialism. We are at the peak of this pandemic and second story of Al Kahf is about materialism. Wait for next few Ayahs for this story to pick its pace. It will captivate and blow you away. More interestingly, this story is about people of faith. No wonder, Ka’b ibn ‘Iyad reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, every nation has a trial, and the trial of my nation is wealth (materialism).”

Coming over to today's Ayah, wherein Allah swt addressing Prophet PBUH asked to tell the story of two men. One of them was granted vineyard surrounded by palm trees (like a fence). And between the gardens there were crops of grains. How explicit, how brief and yet detailed is the description of these gardens by the Creator of all story tellers.

Two pints to keep note of: firstly, everything is granted to us by Allah's accord and we can't claim to have earned anything in this world including life, health and wealth. Secondly, in this particular case, the bounties are abundant. Two gardens rich with fruits and grains. Pretty much a dream estate. And remember that last Rukuh ended with the description Allah's eternal Eden Gardens. Difference between the both gardens is crazy interesting. Gardens of this world are 'granted' and are temporary whereas the gardens (Jannah) of the next world are 'earned' and are permanent. Gardens or Blessings of this world are a test and the gardens of the next world are a reward of this test.

May Allah we pass this test to earn those permanent gardens. Ameen

Govt spokespersons versus media anchors

No love lost for Media and the Govt incumbent. However, loving the current match between the both. Finally, our 'mainstream', prime time anchors cum leeches (except few) have found their match in Fawad Chaudry, Shahbaz Gill and types. Expose of 'leading manipulators' was overdue and the time was never ripe for their bashing when next General Elections are around the corner. So far, Govt badmouthts are wining over slander brigade of media.
Have been watching 'On The Front' with Kamran Shahid for years just to get a feel of how extremist liberals are playing their game. Secondly, how channels adroitly support their mentors. In case of Duniya News, it is a puppy of Shahbaz, Nawaz and Maryam, in the sequence in which these names are written in this line. And last night's (30 September) episode of On The Front was like chicken coming home to the roost when Shahbaz Gill roasted Kamran Shahid and gave him the taste if his own medicine. Despite him teaming up with Azhar Javed(Duniya News' International Corrspendent) and Uzma Bokhari (PML (N)), Shahbaz Gill prevailed. No wonder journalism is at its lowest when people  like Azhar Javed (a paid presstitute of Sharif Family) made it to this position who is no more than lowlife street journalist. And teacher turned journalist whose only qualification is that his filmstar father Shahid had connections. Interestingly, these connections are with nach gana party who in turn are linked with media and  politicians. And Uzma Bokhari who kept switching hats from abusing Nawaz Sharif to defending him. Not to mention her father's great contribution to this nation when he fought the case of Raymond Davis and helped him achieve clean break.
But we have short memories as nation.Every evening, our middle and old age generations tune in to the talk shows and form opinions based on what these spinmeisters of media wish to sell. Resultantly, forming mixed, confused and polarised opinions notwithstanding serious consequences on our national interests. More so, getting trapped by spoof media and living a lie they wish us to live.
Bottom line, we should neither be dependent on govt mouthpieces, political embouchure and media salesmen/women. We shall be able to cut through the deceptive mazes of narratives serving vested interests of politicians and media.

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 31

Assalam o Alaikum 

Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Blessed Day of Juma begins and let's gather Max Pro Blessings by connecting with Al Kahf (The Cave) which opens the portals to the unseen. A polite reminder to recite whole or part of Al Kahf this Juma and if possible make sense of the message therein. 

Today's sign post (Ayah 31) marks the end of 4th Rukuh or should we call it 4th speech of Al Kahf. With this, ends the everlasting story of our Heroes, The Kahf Boys. What makes this story eternal is their unwavering faith in Allah. This Ayah depicts rewards for them and those who tow their line.

Talking about those who believed and did good deeds in previous Ayah, Allah swt sketches their final destination in magnificent fashion. They will have gardens of perpetual residence. Notice the words gardens and rivers. Also gold bracelets, silk, barocade and reclining chairs like those on beeches. Keep in mind that this was revealed 1500 years ago. Put all this together, the concept of luxury couldn't go beyond this imagery despite evolution of thousands of years. 

Our best undersranding of luxury living is owning an estate, farm house, chateau, castle or mansion with orchards either along a river, on a beech or having indoor swimming pools, jacuzzi, steam, suana, spa etc. Luxury lifestyle is synonymous to expensive jewellery of gold and ornaments along with Chinese silk, colored brocade silk fabric and high end designer furniture. 

Above is maximum human imagination could make of luxury. Hence, Allah just shared that type of luxury which our minds are used to or maximum our imagination could stretch. In actual, it would be way above and beyond our imagination. Difference would the same as we experience in online shopping. Things always turn out to be much less than what we see in those fancy adverts. In case of Jannah, it would be exactly the opposite, word of The King of Heavens and Earth must be fulfilled more than He promised in this Ayah and multiples times in other Ayahs of The Holy Quran.

May we keep the faith and get that excellent reward and good resting place. Ameen

Cricket being ruined by double standards

Hypocrites Hypocrites Hypocrites 

They are all the same. Clear threat to Women's Cricket today 21 September 2021 but no cancellation. 

https://www.thequint.com/sports/cricket/security-beefed-up-for-new-zealand-womens-team-in-england-after-threatening-mail

Is UK Army and security forces better than Pakistani Army and security forces? We are the only nation on God's Earth who defeated terrorism. We luckily have a battle hardened  war machine at our disposal which has thwarted threat from all sides. We are 1000 times lesser in resources and still maintain a 10 times bigger and professional Army than chickens in UK. But Kiwis cancel cricket series at the eleventh hour without our knowledge  I'm gutted that we thought Kiwis and their mother Jacinda were nice and deserved our support in every cricket game except against Pakistan. 

Hindu is playing his games and his friends are in his full support. Too much money is involved in cricket and together they don't like money coming to Pakistan. Such is the nexus of evil.

We shall come through this. 

Totally support the decision not to play home series on neutral venue ever again. This conspiracy would have not taken root if we had strong leadership who could have take firm stand on this earlier.

This is just a test and we shall come good. Insha Allah.

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 30

Assalam o Alaikum 

Juma Mubarak. Let's connect with Al Kahf, The Cave of Hope like today's Ayah.

By discussing Ayah No 30 today (penultimate Ayah of Rukuh), we are heading towards the end of 4th Rukuh of Al Kahf. Before we discuss this Ayah of hope, let's first quickly refresh wisdom behind Quran's breakdown into Ayahs, Rukuhs, Paras, Surahs and Manazil. 

We begin with Ayah which means "evidence," "sign" or "miracle,". Total No of Ayahs in Quran is 6666. Every Ayah is a sign post, complete in its meaning and message if we keep interpretations in the context of ongoing Rukuh. The term Rukuh roughly translated to "passage", "pericope" or "stanza". No of Rukuhs in Quran is 558. It's a group of thematically related Ayahs Qur'an. Rukuh is clubbing together Ayahs wherein topics change so that we can easily decide that after how many Ayahs we should perform Rukuh in prayers  Rukuh is complete speech by Allah swt with a start, a message (the meat) and an ending. Rukuh is breakdown of Surahs. Surah is like a chapter of a book. It literally means a fortress containing secure walls around a subject. These are 114 with two distinct groups of Meccan 76 and Madni 28. For those who desire to complete their recitation of Quran within a certain time frame, they are most pleased to find the Quran separated into thirty (30) even parts called "juz-un" in Arabic or Para in Persian (Farsi). If someone reads a "juz'un" each day, in 30 days they will have completed the entire Quran in one month. Likewise, for the convenience of those who read Al Quran in a week, the text may be divided into seven equal portions, each known as Manzil.

Coming over to today's Ayah of hope. Since, the Rukuh is ending in next Ayah, Allah swt has to leave us with hope. Hope is fuel of life. In absence of hope, life becomes synonymous to futility. Allah swt, The King of earth and Heavens, is assuring that those who believe and do good deeds, their good deeds will not be lost. Same thing is repeated in Ar Rehman in the form of a logical little query,' هل جزاء الإحسان إلا الإحسان', 'Is there any Reward for Good - other than Good? 55:60. How logical and beautiful !!!

May Allah give us Imaan and have us do good deeds. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 29

Assalam o Alaikum 

Juma, the blessed day of the week begins with sunset on Thursday evening. A simple answer to why night precedes day in Lunar or Islamic day is that it was dark (the closest guess) before Big Bang. Allah swt having formulated the master plan (of which you, me, this Blog and this moment were all part of) gave execution order of 'Be' (کن)۔ While it all came into being, the first day (whenever it was) was preceded by darkness. Hence, chronologically night came before day just like the darkness of human mind was lit by the Noor of Quran in 6th Century BC. Pretty much like the journey of a seed or a fetus nutured in the darkness of womb of soil or a mother before it sprouts to the light of life. These are just few points to ponder on logic behind night preceding day in lunar calendar. Anyhow, if someone insist that the sequence is otherwise, they could be right because debate on this would be like proving which came first; egg or hen. An unending debate is not the purpose of The Book. Rather to acquire knowledge, think about it and act upon it to the best of our understanding and ability.

Today's Ayah No 29 is continuation of subject from Ayah No 28 wherein Allah swt 

Today's Ayah No 29 is continuation of subject from Ayah No 28 wherein Allah swt firstly affectionately advised to exercise patience and restraint. Then followed it up in His unique style of being Al Samad (on whom everything depends upon) by telling that if you fix your heart  in worldly pursuits, He will deprive you of His remembrance. This Ayah begins with reassurance that truth is here among you (us) and you know it. But if you still don't believe, Him being a Merciful King, will not wrest your freewill. Logical reason behind this is that since we didn't requisition life, He gives us freedom to exercise our freewill till the last day of our sojourn in His Land. So that we couldn’t complain on the Day of Reckoning that you didn't let us freedom to choose. And if we end up on the wrong side 'by choice' then its an evil resting place. The imagery of hell in latter part this Ayah is quite bleak. It must give goose bumps to people with consciousness, no matter how dormant it might be. 

May Allah help us exercise our freewill judiciously so that we are not embarrassed on the Day, particularly in the presence of Aqa Alaihe Salat o Wassalam. Ameen

Indian at its lowest

We are witnessing interesting times in history. Does this augur paradigm shift in the region or my mind is unduly going off at a tangent? Let's examine.

It all started with change of ruling elite in Pakistan. An elite which was dumb and corrupt but pretty much acceptable to the international establishment. Democracy like kryptocrcy nearly became two party system. 

In the meantime, across borders on the East, Pendamic of Hinduvta was picking up. Deadly Modi variant (deadly for Indians only) acted as stimulus to rapidly growing pandemic of Hinduvta. Hatred of majority (ignorant Hindus) was the catalyst that worked in favour of Mr Modi.

 Phoney surgical strikes by tilted hat Bipin (ترچھی ٹوپی والا سورما) followed up by nose breaking fantastic tea in February, 2019 brought two things to light. Incompetence of Indian Army and inapt Indian leadership. India media, well you really need some extreme end adjectives to define their state of mind which is at best insanly hysterical, acutely myopic, vociferously malignant and schizophrenic. However, there is one unignorabley trait of Indian media that despite being wrong footed, it stands united in Indian cause. 

This Defence Day calls for celebrations

Time to recall all those who sacrificed their yesterday for our today. May Allah accept their sacrifices and give us the strength to uphold the founding values of this miraculous state and ideology of Pakistan. This Defence Day calls for commemorations of sacrifices and celebrations of victory.

Can you hear those excruciating screams coming from our East? Likewise, US media and Afghan experts, like a snarling cat sniffing the pole, trying to fix blame of its humiliation in Afghanistan on Pakistan. It is once in lifetime opportunity for a struggling nation caught up in the great game on its West, gutter games on our East and dirty games from within. A proud moment to be a Pakistani. Feel immense pride to have worn Khaki during last two tumultuous decades and feel ever so joyous to see this day.Those who missed the trick amid confusing game of narratives, should know, why Pakistan Army was a villain and ISI a thorne in the side, please wake up and smell the coffee. Understand the value of being on one page. Out of miserable terror sponsoring quandry on our West, we walk tall with our heads held high in the region. At the turn of millenial, it was poor decision of a dictator to stand by US without securing our end of the bargain. In those weak moments  we let down Taliban. However, our good faith, patience and perseverance paid off. Change in political landscape at home has paved the way for bigger and better things in times to come.Time to celebrate people.

Happy Defence Day

Long Live Pak Army and its invisible omnipresent unsung heroes of ISI 

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 28

Assalam o Alaikum 

Juma Mubarak. Let's seek refuge of The Protector from all evils i.e. iblees, dajjal and their associates in the safest retreat  of Al Kahf (The Cave).

What makes us superior creatures of this universe is thinking faculty, speech and patience or restrain. Patience is the barometer of soul. Physical exercise keeps our body fit whereas, exercising patience keeps our soul fit. Look at all pillars of Islam, the requirement is one of patience. Tauheed demands submission. No me, I or my decision or desire. Everything is routed vertically and done in accordance with laid down rules. Salah, demands leaving warm bed in cold morning and physical cleaning before prostration. Leaving all worldly affairs in the middle of the day and hitting the ground in Sajood. Night does not begin or end without prayers. It all trains us to be patient. Fasting is the most beautiful exercise of soul. Its a break from normal eating routines and restrain till specified time, no matter how enticing is the aroma of freshly cooked food. Zakah is purging of earnings which requires control over self to regulating finances. Hajj is a combo of physical and financial trials. Why so much patience is expected from us? Because we want to meet the eligibility  criteria to live an eternal life in Allah's resort (Jannah) full of bounties. Hence, the only test is patience for Haves and Haves Not and restrain for Haves.

Today's Ayah No 28, lays down a complete code of conduct in times of fitn Al dajjal. 

Firstly, exercise control on desires. Limit the needs. The lesser the needs, the lesser the strains.  Patience could be better exercised in company than alone. Look at the mercy of our Lord that He swt guides us to stick to the company of righteous. 

Ability to resist desiring adornments of life is the theme of this Surah. Why is it necessary? In Surah Ale Imran Allah swt said,' وَ مَا الۡحَیٰوۃُ الدُّنۡیَاۤ اِلَّا مَتَاعُ الۡغُرُوۡرِ',' And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion'. 03:185.

Same message is repeated here and in Ayah 7th and 103rd (7th last Ayah) of Al Kahf. For detailed account on this topic, click on the link below:

http://asadjamal32.blogspot.com/2015/07/deception-and-reality-of-life-al-kahf-7.html?m=1

And how do we avoid falling into the trap of this life's delusions. Three no go areas have been identified to us in the last part of this Ayah. One, the ones made heedless of Allah's remembrance. Note that it's not them who have forgotten Allah, its Allah swt Himself who turned them away from His remembrance due to their conscious and consistent rebellious attitude. الهم لا جعلنا منهم. Two, those who folllow (undue) desire or lust. Undue desire invokes fear. Fear makes us weak. And like Iblees, sons of Adam who follow desire, start making a union of their own. Lastly, those who commit excess and as the adage goes, 'excess of everything is bad'. 

May Allah keep us in the company of those whose hearts are filled and tongues are wet with Allah's remembrance. Who follow not the lust and maintain balance in life by avoiding excess. Ameen

Pre-independence regiment/ battalion history

All post independence re-raised regiments/ paltons should draw a red line on pre-independence history.

Even in this write up words like 'raised during upheaval of Indian Mutiny'. I mean seriously, who were Indian mutineers? I guess, some of our brave, freedom loving and self respecting forefathers.

Above feat is followed by genocides in Bhutan, Afghanistan,Burma and overpowering 'tribal uprising in NWFP',   how shameful. On independence, those tribes helped us take back some of Kashmir which call AJK today. 

As if working as mercenaries to kill our lovely neighbours was not enough that serving British interests I'm Baghdad came to light in next para of brilliant gallantry history. Wait a second, Barnes was another moment of pride.

Post independence, every act of this palton or any other is a matter of pride even if it couldn't fulfil its mission or met with casualties  ut please omit pre-independence history. Its disloyalty to the soil. It is shameful for the new generations.

Warm regards

Dictators caused more harm than good to Army

It is very easy to tag people in advance to stop any possibility of a rational argument. Like in this post, it is stated in first line as a safety valve that anyone who opposes the deceased general must have to either liberal or secular. So firstly, let me declare I'm a Muslim Pakistani to whom Islam is the only hope and love of Rasool Allah SAW surpasses everything. Having submitted my Oath (which makes me feel ashamed) like showing identity on a check post, let's come to point. Zia ul Haq must be a great general, devout Muslim and patriot Pakistani, it still doesn't give him licence to usurp power in this country. Veterans may show professional reverence to the general but we can't eulogize him for holding on to power for 11 years on one pretext or the other.  Veterans should either amend this constitution or  continue to abide by it. Praise all four dictators for their professional excellence but we can't Praise them for running this country against the law of the land. By praising wrongs like these, we ourselves are creating a divide among the nation and allowing the corrupt to get away with corruption. Because they on human level see themselves as equal Pakistanis and if General Musharraf got away from court proceedings, Nawaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar also feel it their right to stay above the law. 

Even a dictatorial takeover gets cover of narratives. Question was raised on a retired veteran's forum as to why people hate Pervez Musharraf. Normally, there is no real gain in sharing views on such forums. Easy way out is tagging people with political biases because engaging in a rational argument is a novelty rarely seen on any forum. By the way, our favourite sport, daily inconclusive political talk shows have also shaped a new social norm i.e. spin the fact and get away with it. Anyway, no love lost for General Musharraf, political system and media, takeover of Perverz Musharraf was one wrong decision that led to so many wrong things. When a usurper like him rules for a decade, it takes more than a decade for Army to clear its name or may be eternity. This is where my love for Army comes to fore. Army has taken overdose of stick for mistakes of few individuals like Pervez Musharraf, at times turning blood of our brave martyrs to multiple of zero. So few facts need to be registered or straightened up:

Army system of merit was violated by the politician at the helm of affairs and PM (Pervez Musharraf) came into being. Meaning came into limelight from three to four star.

NS (Nawaz Sharif) was/ is so full of hatred and spite for the Army that at times shenanigans of PM look little infront of his evocative maliciouness. In reality, those were not little.

If his plane was not allowed landing, he should have fought his case in the court.

Same brainless person who appointed him, appointed General Zia ud din, so neither his first appointee (PM) was correct nor second.

What is not permissable by the law of the land couldn't be defended by any logic. Hence, no matter how bad was the situation on ground and how happy were the people on military takeover,  it can't be justified. Either obey the law or change it, you can't twist it. Blatant twisting of law gives licence to people like NS to get away from any amount of corruption basing on their self proclaimed rulings that if they can, why can't we?

PM and dictators before him brought more disrepute to my institution than the good.

People point out his wrong political decisions. To me his office of Chief Executive was ill founded and every decision emanating from that office was wrong. Some highlights to perpetrate his reign were manipulation of judiciary (not if Judiciary didn't want to be manipulated) NRO, Lal Masjid, overdependece on politicians particularly Q League, nurturing cancers like MQM and Zardari, post 9/11 allowing US easy access without substantial gains etc. Illegal office taking wrong decisions adds to the misery and little bit of positive contribution in economy, freedom of media, devolution of power etc also wither away like it never happened. 

However,

So sir, if you have any rationale argument, please table it

Newly found Af-Pak Nexus & hybrid warfare

There is news circulating on social media that cross border skirmishes at Durand Line resulted in number of casualties on Pakistan side.

So first thing's first, Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan is not the same as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. TTP was an Indo-US implant to confuse everyone. Even now, you will hear Indians, Khoni liberals, Geo News, Salim Safi and likes screaming at the top of their voices to equate TTA with TTP. No, not at all. This is all fake news. 

This news of border crossfire is a pathetic attempt to discredit Taliban's recent policy announcement that no one shall use Afghan soil to perpetrate into other countries particularly Pakistan. And even if this news has any truth in it, we must know that it's not Taliban because they are still finding their feet in Kabul. They are yet to take full control of Afghanistan. In the meantime, enemies of newly found nexus of Af-Pak shall try and create a wedge as soon and as deep as possible. We shall act responsibly. We should remain vigilant. News without authentic sources are the best tools of hybrid war or should we call it dis-info race. Enemies of Pakistan and Afghanistan (Taliban) shall do all they can in their powers to discredit both parties along Durand Line. Unless there is credible evidence, we shouldn't act as proponents of sensationalism. 

Remember, inhabitants of Pure Land, Taliban coming back to power is no less than a miracle. We don't even know what we have achieved by remaining steadfast all these years. Part of the reason we don't know the volume of our achievement is that we are unaware of our own potential.  To keep us guessing, aloof, confused and under-rated is the main job of foreign and homegrown dis-info labs. Our plight is that we don't even have info labs but we have the sense to tell the difference between news and planted fake news.There will be barrages of fake news, bullets of tweets, bombardments of fabricated posts and missiles of Vlogs. Just beef up own defences. Let's not allow narratives of our enemies to take the better of us. If we could strengthen our defences of Hybrid Warfare, we shall prevail without firing a bullet.

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 27

Assalam o Alaikum. Juma Mubarak. On this blessed day, let's seek protection of Allah swt from our open and eternal enemy. Al Kahf (The Cave) of protection also gives protection from Fitn of Dajjal. Its recitation on Juma keep us protected till next Juma. But being thinking Muslims, please don't just count on the ritualistic aspects of worship (Ibadaat عبادات) and remembrance (Zikr ذکر الله). We must be able to develop deeper understanding of The Book and shall be able to relate physical dimensions of religion with metaphysical. Otherwise, the same Dajjal from whom we seek Allah's protection generation after generation, will deceive us before we know it.

Often, the questions are asked about timings of Al Kahf's recitation. For this click on the link below:

http://asadjamal32.blogspot.com/2015/06/timing-for-recitation-of-al-kahf-on-juma.html?m=1

 In today's Ayah, Allah swt addressing Nabi SAW emphasises the value of recitation of Quran. Let's examine how this text (of Al Quran) can do miracles for its acoustics. For this, little flavour of Quantum Physics may help. Real objects including us humans are both particles and waves. Properly speaking, the objects described by quantum physics are neither particles nor waves, but a third category that shares some properties of waves (a characteristic frequency and wavelength, some spread over space) and some properties of particles (they’re generally countable and can be localized to some degree). So we are partly particles and partly waves which can be affected by nature of wavelengths we encounter. Without going into tedious details of Quantum Physics, our moods are determined by the wavelengths of our encounters. Like many 'educated' and science savvy minds, reciting few verses of Quran in a particular mental or physical illness never made sense to my ignorant mind as well. But it does now. So for example, if we listen to Ar Rehman in the voice Qari Abdul Basit, has miraculous healing powers including depression, heart conditions and cancers. It's wavelength synchronises with our souls' divine and our bodies' temporal wavelengths and helps us recover. This is why our Creator and Best Friend keeps emphasising about recitation of Al Quran. Imagine, if somehow, we understand this Book, how will it affect our waveleghts and the waveleghts across the universe which itself (universe) is gliding over cosmic waves. I guess, enough of science for today.

Let's go to the second part of this Ayah, wherein Allah swt assures us that no one can (dare) change its (Quran's) words/ wordings. Why is there a need of this assurance? In order for someone (like dajjal) to deceive us, he will alter the message in this book. He has to sound eloquent, appear sincere and make sense out of the same text. Remember, mini dajjal Mirza Ghulam Ahmad  had all those traits and he did influence some of Muslims. But the question is how do we know that someone is trying to manipulate Quran? Only through study and understanding of it.

The greatest fitn is upon us and our only hope is Al Quran. May Allah give us strength to hold tight to His rope (Al Quran). Ameen

Aghan debacle - A colossal failure of US and her poppies

On a query by one of my British friend as to what is the solution?
Solution to the problem of Afghanistan is,   just leave them alone. Let them decide what is good for them. Who gave US and her poppies the right to ravage a country savagely to avenge three thousand killed in 9/11 and we still don't have credible evidence who did it. His  answer was, who gave the right to Al Qaeda to attack US? My answer, AQ had no right. Where is the difference then? Should have sent your James Bonds to pick out AQ leadership and settle the issue with those rascals. In the end, few marines did the same, why not do it earlier why you guys had to make entire generation of Afghans suffer. Now leaving behind biometrics with the data of all those Afghani moles who sold their motherland for pennies, will make life hell for those poor people. All wrong political and strategic decisions and only poor  Afghans have to pay regardless of their ethnicities and religious inclinations. However, going back in time, in a unipolar world, with people like 'Dick' Cheney calling the preemptive shots, Americans (intoxicated by high of power) go out and kill millions with state-of-the-art weapons including daisy cutters. Spent 3 trillion in 2 decades just to get another three thousand of their own killed and handover Afghanistan back to owners of Afghanistan i.e. Taliban. Colossal failure. Now Taliban have USD 85 Bn worth US equipment. 75000 Vehicles, over 200 Aeroplanes including attack helicopters. 600,000 small arms. Taliban now have more Blackhawks than 85% of countries who bought it from US. Night vision goggles, body armour, biometric devices. Our (Pakistan's) past experience with US did make us wise. If US complained all these years to do more and couldn't get more out of us, we did the right thing. All this contains a lesson for friends of US, particularly Afghans who helped US occupation on their land and Indians, you will be left in the lurch. US will walk out any minute, it felt its interests are served or going nowhere, you will be abandoned to face the real world around you. Stop playing stooges of US or you will be left with excruciating screams coming from our Eastern borders.
Joe Biden may get a lot of stick for it, but this is the only right decision a US president took on Afghanistan in past 20 years.
Taliban may have the intent to form inclusive government and bring peace to their land. But due to geo-political importance of their country, Afghans can't have lasting peace which is evident from three bomb blasts on Kabul Airport this weekend. Let's hope now US doesn't go in circles by deploying more forces to avenge these attacks.ISIS or RAW or any other new stooge will emerge. Any stakeholder will pump in money to keep situation unstable particularly with important component of BRI running parallel to Eastern borders of Afghanistan.

Surah Al Kahf- Ayah No 26

Assalam o Alaikum. Juma Mubarak. On this blessed day, let's seek refuge from greatest fitn through Al Kahf (The Cave) of protection. Often people ask, what is the relationship of Al Kahf and its four stories with Dajjal. For very detailed account, you might have to wait. For basic understanding, please go through the link below:

http://asadjamal32.blogspot.com/2015/06/relation-of-dajjal-with-four-stories-of.html?m=1

Start of this Ayah is again powerful reminder that only Allah knows the whole Truth. It also gives an impression that 309 lunar years mentioned in previous Ayah might be a statement of the popular Christian tradition on the topic. And actual knowledge of everything is with the Knower of everything. The statement is further qualified in next line that unseen knowledge of the universe between Heavens and Earth rests with Allah swt only. It gives us two lessons to take home. One that Allah's swt emphasis of knowing all must be paid heed to. Even a dead leaf from a tree in Delta of Amazon falls with knowledge of Allah. With his knowledge 100,000 miles long veins in human body flow or get blocked. These are just samples of details/vastness of His Knowledge. Instead of daring Allah by naming vessels as 'Challenger' which lasted for only 73 seconds, we should submit to His knowledge. Imagine sitting outside milkyway looking down upon a spacecraft crossing just one orbit in Solar system from earth to Mars. It will look like a child learning to take a step  or two. Please do look up in Ar Rehman, the challenge thrown by the Lord in 55:33. Just to remind in Allah's words,'اُوْتِیْتُمْ مِّنَ الْعِلْمِ اِلَّا قَلِیْلً'،'And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little.' 17:85 So, all our knowledge as specie from inception till the D Day shall accumulative be 'little' when compared with the 'total knowledge' out there. Secondly, don't get into the fuss of numbers, just focus on the message. Even if our heroes, Al Kahf Boys slept for 409 years or 509 years, we only need to understand that Allah swt controls everything. If He can create the Physics that we know of, He can suspend its laws whenever and however He wants.

No wonder, He continues discourse in exclamation that (He swt is) how seeing and how listening. Careful people, He knows it already, it is a word of caution for us who sometimes lose this sense of being seen, heard and recorded. 

Last part of this Ayah is the best example of 'Unity of Command', i.e. Oneness and that too without any partnership. Allah swt shows His affection by prompting that for us there could be no better friend than Him. However, we must keep in mind that He is the King whose Kingdom extends yonder than our imagination, hence, He wouldn't share His authority with anyone or let anyone use/misuse His authority. It is perfectly logical, if there are any heir to any throne, there is divide in heirs and followers. It warrants reciting:

قُلْ هُوَ اللّٰهُ اَحَدٌۚ(۱)اَللّٰهُ الصَّمَدُۚ(۲)لَمْ یَلِدْ ﳔ وَ لَمْ یُوْلَدْۙ(۳)وَ لَمْ یَكُنْ لَّهٗ كُفُوًا اَحَدٌ۠(۴)

Taliban 2.0 and Pakistan

A lot of change has occurred in Afghanistan. Taliban 2.0 is the most significant one. Rest all are the games of narratives. Everyone is sticking to their narrative with cosmetic changes e.g. Indians are screaming with anger and agony. Joe Biden Administration is firm on its failure. Chinese would like to cease the opportunity by filling in the vacuum. Russia and Iran have interests to safeguard. State and people of Pakistan are happy except those aligned with Western/ Indian narrative. After getting lots of airtime in India, Hamid Mir's Hindi has also improved. 

Popular narrative is that Taliban will seek revenge from Afghans who opposed them during US' unofficial occupation. Another sensational item is release of prisoners may vent Taliban style/supported movements in neighbouring countries. Funniest and most irrelevant is the discourse on women dress code. None of these are real issues, these are like smokescreen to keep real issues out of sight.

An upgrade means an upgrade. Taliban are not the Talibans of past. One common thread from their past is that they are not skilful spin-doctors. They say what they mean and do what they say. They have announced amnesty and we have to believe them until they prove otherwise because right now they are in-charge of Afghanistan. Even if they prove otherwise, will they be worst than Modi or Joe? And if they nab few Afghans who helped occupation forces kill their comrades, what is wrong with that? Moles should get their due share. Them, Indians and few quarters in Pakistan may also learn this lesson that allying with US is total lose-lose scenario. You could be abandoned any minute. In this regard, British were great masters. They alloted chunks of lands to their loyal servants before they left and left us with seudo gora class/ culture as their perpetual legacy. So the notion of revenge is real and logical if it comes to pass. Scenes of mob at Kabul Airport are also reflection of stark reality that if you sell out your motherland, you suffer. Also note that four thousand of these don't represent all forty million Afghan. However, there is nothing ideological about this madness, most of them are looking to explore better life in the lands of opportunities.How fallacious!!! More importantly, things are normalising in Afghanistan. Traffic wardens are regulating traffic. Ashura procession in Kabul followed usual routines. Taliban went to Hindu temples to assure them safety. Women dress codes to be decided by Isamic Shura of clerics. All this points towards better and upgraded version i.e. Taliban 2.0.

Secondly, India may worry about Kashmir now but no movement may surge in Pakistan. We have a  battle hardened, well oiled war machine ready to take on anything/anyone. However, we couldn’t be complacent and bank on our past rapporteur with Taliban. We need to be proactive. Stop playing at backfoot. Stop being defensive. Don't wait for anyone else to occupy the space. We have sacrificed a generation in this cause and forget about it being right or wrong. Reach out. Don't wait for China, Russia, Iran and Turkey to accept current Afghan regime. The moment they are able to establish some form of govt accept them hands down. Hindu will runaway from Afghanistan. Take on his unfinished projects. Build infrastructure there. Train Afghan Army. Trade regulations and ties. Businessmen to go across. Educate them and if possible educate yourself a little better. Play sports with them. Send across academia, experts on media, economy etc. Start taking Afghanistan like a normal neighbour because current regime is here to stay.

National Media Workshop-11 Part 2

Secondly, notwithstanding the fact that all Media houses are commercial enterprises, there are too many expectations from the media/ anchors/ reporters to raise their ethics and education levels. An unrealistic expectation. Owners of Media houses have money, political inclinations and unsatiated desire to make more money wherea

National Media Workshop-11 Part 1

It was a unique experience to join National Media Workshop 11 from 2-13 August 2021 in Digital Media category as Blogger. Arrangements by the Admin staff, NDU faculty, quality of speakers and vibrant participants exceeded expectations. I learnt from honourable information minister to look happy for nothing.

Above is the most easily earned certificate of my life. I got selected, got educated,  was well hosted, met some amazing people and all this for free which makes me feel obligated to at least spread the word about the whole activity.
Personally, I feel much more educated on functioning of electronic media and associated government functionaries like helpless PEMRA, toothless PTA. With education come thoughts which I can't help. The Workshop affirmed my belief that we live in the era of ,'The Game of Narratives'. At the same time, concentrated dose of National Security narrative was much needed medicine for all participants. However, shockingly, there is no documented National Security Narrative and every other person, group and office has its own version of Narional Security.

Beautiful gift of pen by DG ISSRA, Major General Ehsan Mahmood Khan. Ironically and sadly, I'm from the category of keyboard warriors rather than pen users.

NDU Shield dished by Lt Gen Muhammed  Saeed,  President NDU who is a breed apart.

Let's quickly run through few observation cum typical cynical blabbing.

Firstly, instead of NDU, MOI should run this Workshop. The productivity might increase manifold if NDU still forms part of this Workshop staying focused on security aspects of the narrative (if we finally have one). Well, disciplining Media friends at MOI could be an issue but then we have to eventually learn some norm without some stick.

Part 2 shall follow soon.

Surah Al Kahf -Ayah No 25

 Assalam o Alaikum.  This Juma coincides with 10th of Muharram. Sad day when kids of my Aqa Alaihe Salam were apparently slain but they live.

Today's Ayah is about the time for which our Heroes, The Boys slept in Al Kahf (The Cave). 
Firstly, Islamic / lunar day starts with moonrise i.e. After Maghrib. Hence, this Blog is shared on Thursday eve (Shab-e-Juma) as a gentle reminder for recitation and understanding of Al Kahf or part of it.

Secondly, we need to understand the rationale of 309 years' sleep by The Boys in this Ayah. According to Christian tradition they slept for 300 years. In order to balance out lunar and Gregorian accounts, Allah swt used figure of 309. Lunar calendar is usually 11 days lesser than Gregorian Calendar i.e. 354 days a year. Total days were 309 x 354 = 109,386. Divide this by days in a Gregorian year, 109,386 ÷ 365 = 299.68 i.e. approx 300 years. This story emanated from Christian traditions which follows Gregorian Calendar and they already had the correct numbers i.e. 300 years. However, currently, the story is being told in Quran which made it incumbent upon us to follow Lunar Calendar. Either way, the figures are correct. Such is wisdom, truth and authenticity of this Book. Subhan Allah.

Thirdly, the time travel aspect of this story; The Boys slept for three centuries and woke up as if they woke from overnight sleep. Despite, the time jump, they were healthy and well nourished. They engaged in normal conversation of how long they had slept and craved for food. Their unscathed mental and physical health defied logic. Yet, justified the only true logic that The Creator of Universe may suspend laws of Physics to make His point. And for once, in the form of true story, human romance with time travel was also satiated.

Fourthly, why lunar cycle is the calendar of choice in Islam? Is it just an outdated calendar system or one of our lost treasures of wisdom and religious inheritance? Let's find out from tradition and science:

1. The new moon marks the beginning of each new lunar month and it is easy for people to see the new moon and know that a new month has begun. Interestingly, the word month is derived from the word moon.

2. Islamic physical worships of fasting  and Hajj rotate every year and are not fixed like the Solar Year. People, therefore, will perform acts of worship in various climatic conditions and in different length of hours in submission to the will of Allah where human imagination plays no part.

3. Lunar calendar makes it easier to calculate tides. Tides are linked with gravitational pull which will (scientifically) cause doomsday. In fact, moon is a cosmic force which has impact on cycles of nature.For example, the gravitational force of the moon influences the sap of plants affecting photosynthesis and all the processes that a plant goes through in its development.

4. Hunters for visibility and fishermen for lunar sensitivity and reproductive activity of sea creatures know moon cycles very well.

5. The new moon is ideal to reflect on new ideas. Whereas, during the full moon we experience the phase in which people's emotions reach the surface.

Lastly, as Muslims all our important events of the year like Ramadan & Hajj followed by Eids, Rabi ul Awal, Muharram, Shab-e-Meraj, Shab-e-Barat etc are all from Islamic Calendar. Allah swt made it crystal clear in Al Baqarah, 'They ask you (O Muhammad (PBUH)) about the new moons. Say,'They are measurements of time for the people...' [02:189]. To resurrect our relation with lunar sense of time, start by celebrating birthdays as per Islamic Calendar every year. It can have lasting impression on growing kids and has worked like magic in my household.
Only Allah knows the whole Truth