Shift in balance of power- a matter of time

So, is there hope amid this chaos? Yes, there is hope and hope is the fuel of life. We may continue to go in circles, but there is only one problem in this country that is imbalance of power, or should we say concentration of power into ruling elite. The way things unfolded in past year or so, has completely transformed the political milieu of Pakistan. Using establishment pawns to topple the government was an accepted norm in our political culture for the past 65 years, particularly during 90s. But the fatal miscalculation by the orchestrators of regime change was that they didn’t take the power and impact of social media on politics. Nothing would’ve happened if people didn’t come out in support of Imran Khan and against the regime change. But unlike past, people had become aware and they did come out which changed the political landscape of Pakistan forever

International establishment has a role and say in whatever is happening in Pakistan. Recent truce brokered by China between KSA and Iran is quite significant development. A step in the right direction to form Russian Block in South East Asia. However, this block poses a serious challenge to US interests in the region. US may have strong bilateral strategic and economic relations with India, but US cannot/ does not control India the way it can/ does control Pakistan. Pakistan for US is very easy to control because they have to invest only in select few or should we say power elite which includes establishment, deep pocket businessmen, politicians and judiciary. US dearly needs Pakistan to keep its signature in the region, particularly keeping a check on China, Taliban and Russia. US is doing its best to exercise control through the largest embassy in Southeast Asia in diplomatic enclave Islamabad and presence of its officials across Pakistan who are monitoring, meeting and issuing instructions to the power elite on regular basis. Also looking at the regional power matrix Pakistan’s natural alliance is with China and upcoming Russian Block but somehow US has been able to maintain a fair control through its loyal elite in Pakistan. Good news is that this model is not sustainable. With shift in balance of power in Pakistan, this alignment will change and that is our real hope. 

Coming back to the domestic scene. Establishment miscalculated the power of social media. The level of awareness is staggering. After successful regime change, one would’ve thought that it will be routine as usual, but the people spoke. They vehemently rejected their right of choice to elect the party/ leader they preferred as opposed to what establishment deemed fit for them. So the struggle to balance the imbalance of power in Pakistan continues against bossy establishment, few businessman, corrupt politicians  and compromised judiciary. This movement might have started by Imran Khan for being ousted from power, but now people are convinced that they need to assert their basic right of deciding the fate of this country. It has turned into a movement based on principle, it is only a matter of time that the balance of powers will shift from nexus of power elite to the people. So despite the blessings of US, existing domestic power matrix is also not sustainable, and that is the real hope for us.

We shall see this shift of power sooner than later because people have already given sacrifices and are ready for more. It’s a matter of time. 

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 108

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. It is special blessings of Allah swt that we get to experience another Ramadan and another Juma. These are special days like those grand sales at the brands of our choice. The difference between clothing outlet sale and yearly Ramadan bonanza is short and long term discounts. On a clothing outlet, for example, 50% rebate is offered at the counter, however, rebate of divine Ramadan sale shall be given in the next world and special bonus of ‘no fear, no grief’ in this world. Interestingly, that long term reward is mentioned in our Ayah of the day 108 which is continuation of previous Ayah 107. For better assimilation, both are shared below. 

Previous Ayah stated that for those who believed and did righteous deeds should get to live in Seven Star (جنت الفردوس) lodging in Paradise Gardens. Remember, finding a place in here is the long term reward mentioned above. However, there is an issue with human nature that no matter how cool, expensive or useful, we get tired/ bored of things/ places. But this lodging should be so perfect that we wouldn’t wish any upgrade. Amazing !!!

May Allah guide us to find a spot in His Seven Star Heaven. Ameen 

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 107

Assalam o Alaikum۔ Shab-e-Juma Mubarak۔ We are so lucky to have seen another Ramadan۔ Being first Shab e Juma of Ramadan، blessings of the day have already increased manifold۔ Let's make the best of it۔ How do we do that؟ The answer lies in today's Ayah No 107. Like an enticing real estate advert, the last part of Ayah invites us to reside in Seven Star Jannah of Allwh swt. Naturally, question comes to mind, what is the cost? The answer lies in first part of this Ayah. You just have to have power of Emaan (Allah swt is our Lord) and perform righteous deeds in this life. How simplex is the payment plan? So why is it so difficult today follow this plan? Why most of us default? Probably, when we an entrapped by temptations, we start thinking that we’ve gone too far, now there is no hope of redemption. Allah may not forgive us. Whereas, there is always hope. Just need to resist remptations. Can't always follow our instincts and then hide behind inability to handle temptations. 

The bottom line is that obstacle between us residing in Seven Star Adobe or else, is overcoming temptations. We all are well versed with the knowledge of religion but we are very poor in acting upon that knowledge. Swimming across the gulf between knowledge and action on religious understanding is our only chance.

May Allah give us strength to act on what we know and help us overcome temptations. Ameen

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 106

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Time to connect with amazing Al Kahf. 

Every type of Islam is acceptable to the world except political Islam. The moment Allah, Rasool & Quran start resonating as guiding principles of Islamic State by any Isamic leader in any era (Past, now & future), it shall raise red flags. Anti Islamic forces with all their might would combine to eliminate that leadership and thought process. History is replete with examples starting from The House of Rasool Allah SAW where Imam Hussain AS could have chosen to stay at Harmain and preach Islam but He had to lead by example to set the bar real high commensurate with His esteemed status. Also leaving us with precious lesson that along worship our real duty is towards political Islam. 

Today's Ayah No 106 is continuation of previous Ayah 105 wherein Allah Karim clearly mentioned that those denied His signs & Messengers shall be accorded no importance on The Day of Judgement. Current Ayah, if read in reserve order, conveys the same message. But please remember the signs in Quran and lives of Messengers including their leader Aqa Alaihe Salato Wassalam didn't only preach Islam but worked towards establishing writ of Allah’s laws on land. Worship and Dawah are the basic religious obligations along with establishing a political system built around Tauheed, Sunnah and The Book. So today if we ignore this duty for ourselves or commit the gravest mistake of ridiculing those who spend their energies towards this cause, we may also end up among hell dwellers. We might find million excuses to avoid obligations towards Islam but it won’t alter sequence of these obligation which culminate in political Islam. 

May Allah swt guide us to the right course of life. Ameen 

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 105

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Al Kahf Time for the reason that Al Kahf is our protective shield against an enemy who is busy in his craft against us 24/7. Important thing to note is that protection shall work if we sincerely want it to work. Mere desire to seek refuge from Shaytan isn't enough, it has to be supported by strong will and actions to stay away.

Today's Ayah No 105 contains extremely important message. In fact, it cleaely defines the way we should live our lives. So here it is. When we show disregard to His Ayahs (signs) including this Ayah 105, not only we turn a blond eye to this warning sign, we ignore other more important ones. For example, by ignoring the 'signs' we buckle into denial mode thus disregard our meeting with our Lord. Now this is so important to remember that if we are selective in our righteous deeds i.e. follow  the commandments which suit us or are easy to execute and ignore the difficult ones then look at the price; Allah swt will ignore us on The Day. It clearly means that entering Islam is not a half hearted affair. We have to keep the end state in mind which is 'meeting with our Lord' and live this life accordingly. Otherwise all our selective good deeds would also come to naught. Pause for moment and think what would be the state of affairs when we finally reach the pinnacle of creation process and waiting to meet our Lord but He swt turns his face away because He swt knew all the way that we were paying lipservice to his religion and lacked full faith/ tawwakal in the Day of Judgement or that meeting. What would be left for us? Where would we go then? How terrifying?

May Allah keep us among the people of The Right Side, look ant us with affection and give us strength to enter Islam in totality in this life. Ameen 

Surah Al Kahf - Ayah No 104

Assalam o Alaikum. Shab-e-Juma Mubarak. Al Kahf Time. Please find time to recite and understand part or whole of Al Kahf on this blessed day.

Today's Ayah No 104 is reply to previous Ayah (No 103) which raised the question about who could be the worst loser in terms of worldly deeds. Unequivocal answer is that the ones who spend all their lives in material pursuits. Such people may think that they are doing well in their lives/ professions/ businesses. But if someone spent all his energies in relentless pursuit of this world, should have known following Hadith, 'Sahl ibn Sa'd As-Sā'idi (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Were this world worth a wing of a mosquito in the sight of Allah, He would not have given the disbeliever a drink of water thereof."

Besides, this Ayah (7th last) and 7th Ayah of Al Kahf are actually the theme of this Surah. Both Ayahs should be read in tandem. 7th Ayah states that everything on this earth has been made as its adornment, so that people are tested for which are the best in deeds. Whereas, current Ayah (7th last) states that if people's whole life efforts are focused on material gains (for which they may get aplenty), those are the real losers.

May Allah help us retain our focus on both the worlds with an eye on this world and the other on the next. Ameen

For detailed blog entry on relation between 7th & 7th last Ayah of Al Kahf, click on the link below:-

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