Saturday, 31 December 2011
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Development of nuclear weapons
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 led to Pakistan losing roughly 56,000 square miles (150,000 km2) of territory as well as losing millions of its citizens to the newly created state of Bangladesh. It was a psychological setback for Pakistanis; Pakistan had lost its geo-political, strategic, and economic influence in South-Asia. Furthermore, Pakistan had failed to gather any moral support from its key allies, the United States and the People's Republic of China. Isolated internationally, Pakistan seemed to be in great mortal danger, and quite obviously could rely on no one but itself. At United Nations Security Council meeting, Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto drew comparisons with the Treaty of Versailles which Germany was forced to sign in 1919. There, Bhutto vowed never to allow a repeat. Prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was "obsessed" with India's nuclear program, that is why Bhutto immediately came up with the idea of obtaining nuclear weapons to prevent Pakistan from signing another 'Treaty of Versailles' as it did in 1971. At the Multan meeting on January 20, 1972, Bhutto stated, "What Raziuddin Siddiqui, a Pakistani, contributed for the United States during the Manhattan Project, could also be done by scientists in Pakistan, for their own people." Raziuddin Siddiqui was a Pakistani theoretical physicist who, in the early 1940s, worked on both the British nuclear program and the US nuclear program. Although a few Pakistanis worked on the Manhattan Project who were also willing to return and do the same for their native Pakistan, Prime Minister Bhutto still needed to recruit and bring in other Pakistani nuclear scientists and engineers who never worked in the United States. This is where Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, a German educated metallurgical engineer, came into the picture. Some of the initial funding came from oil-rich Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia.
In later years, some funding for the continuation of the nuclear development programme came from the large British Pakistani population. In December 1972, Science Advisor to the President, Dr. Abdus Salam had called theoretical physicists from ICTP to report of Munir Ahmad Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. This marked the beginning of the "Theoretical Physics Group" (TPG). Later, Pakistani theoretical physicists at Institute of Physics of Quaid-e-Azam University also joined the TPG headed by Salam. The TPG, in PAEC, was assigned to took research in the development of nuclear weapon devices, and it had directly reported to Abdus Salam. Professor Salam also had done the groundbreaking work of the "Theoretical Physics Group", which was initially headed by Salam until in 1974 when he left the country in protest. On other side, Munir Ahmad Khan began to work on indigenous development of nuclear fuel cycle and the weapons programme. Munir Ahmad Khan, with his life long friend Abdus Salam, had done a groundbreaking work in the nuclear development, and after Salam's departure from Pakistan, scientists and engineers who were researching under Salam, began to report to directly to Munir Ahmad Khan. In 1974, Munir Ahmad Khan, days after Operation Smiling Buddha, launched the extensive plutonium reprocessing and uranium enrichment programme, and the research facilities were expanded throughout the country.
In 1965, amidst skirmishes that led up to the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 Zulfikar Ali Bhutto announced:
“ If India builds the bomb, we will eat grass and leaves for a thousand years, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own. The Christians have the bomb, the Jews have the bomb and now the Hindus have the bomb. Why not the Muslims too have the bomb?
In 1983, Khan was convicted by a Dutch court in absentia for stealing the blueprints, though the conviction was overturned on a legal technicality. A.Q. Khan then established a proliferation network through Dubai to smuggle URENCO nuclear technology to Khan Research Laboratories. He then established Pakistan's gas-centrifuge program based on the URENCO's Zippe-type centrifuge.
Through the late 1970s, Pakistan's program acquired sensitive uranium enrichment technology and expertise. The 1975 arrival of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan considerably advanced these efforts. Dr. Khan is a German-trained metallurgist who brought with him knowledge of gas centrifuge technologies that he had through his position at the classified URENCO uranium enrichment plant in the Netherlands. He was put in charge of building, equipping and operating Pakistan's Kahuta facility, which was established in 1976. Under Khan's direction, Pakistan employed an extensive clandestine network in order to obtain the necessary materials and technology for its developing uranium enrichment capabilities.
A new directorate, known as Directorate of Technical Development (DTD) under Dr. Zaman Sheikh and Hafeez Qureshi, was established in March 1974 by Munir Ahmad Khan. The DTD was tasked to manufacture chemical explosive lenses, trigger mechanism, and tempers used in atomic weapon. The DTD was later charged with testing Pakistan's first implosion design in 1978, which was later improved and tested on 11 March 1983 when PAEC carried out Pakistan's first successful cold test of a nuclear device, codename Kirana-I. Between 1983 and 1990, PAEC carried out 24 more cold tests of various nuclear weapon designs. DTD had also manufactured a miniaturized weapon design by 1987 that could be delivered by all Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft.
Also, Dr. Ishrat Hussain Usmani’s contribution to the nuclear energy programme, is also fundamental to the development of atomic energy for civilian purposes as he, with efforts led by Salam, established PINSTECH, that subsequently developed into Pakistan’s premier nuclear research institution. In addition to sending hundreds of young Pakistanis abroad for training, he laid the foundations of the Muslim world’s first nuclear power reactor KANUPP, which was inaugurated by Munir Ahmad Khan in 1972. Thus, Usmani laid solid groundwork for the civilian nuclear programme Scientists and engineers under Munir Ahmad Khan developed the nuclear capability for Pakistan within early 1980s, and under his leadership the PAEC had carried a cold test of nuclear device at Kirana Hills, evidently made from non-weaponized plutonium. Former chairman of the PAEC, Munir Ahmad Khan was credited as one of the pioneers of Pakistan's atomic bomb by a recent study from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London's dossier on Pakistan's nuclear weapons program.
In later years, some funding for the continuation of the nuclear development programme came from the large British Pakistani population. In December 1972, Science Advisor to the President, Dr. Abdus Salam had called theoretical physicists from ICTP to report of Munir Ahmad Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. This marked the beginning of the "Theoretical Physics Group" (TPG). Later, Pakistani theoretical physicists at Institute of Physics of Quaid-e-Azam University also joined the TPG headed by Salam. The TPG, in PAEC, was assigned to took research in the development of nuclear weapon devices, and it had directly reported to Abdus Salam. Professor Salam also had done the groundbreaking work of the "Theoretical Physics Group", which was initially headed by Salam until in 1974 when he left the country in protest. On other side, Munir Ahmad Khan began to work on indigenous development of nuclear fuel cycle and the weapons programme. Munir Ahmad Khan, with his life long friend Abdus Salam, had done a groundbreaking work in the nuclear development, and after Salam's departure from Pakistan, scientists and engineers who were researching under Salam, began to report to directly to Munir Ahmad Khan. In 1974, Munir Ahmad Khan, days after Operation Smiling Buddha, launched the extensive plutonium reprocessing and uranium enrichment programme, and the research facilities were expanded throughout the country.
In 1965, amidst skirmishes that led up to the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 Zulfikar Ali Bhutto announced:
“ If India builds the bomb, we will eat grass and leaves for a thousand years, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own. The Christians have the bomb, the Jews have the bomb and now the Hindus have the bomb. Why not the Muslims too have the bomb?
In 1983, Khan was convicted by a Dutch court in absentia for stealing the blueprints, though the conviction was overturned on a legal technicality. A.Q. Khan then established a proliferation network through Dubai to smuggle URENCO nuclear technology to Khan Research Laboratories. He then established Pakistan's gas-centrifuge program based on the URENCO's Zippe-type centrifuge.
Through the late 1970s, Pakistan's program acquired sensitive uranium enrichment technology and expertise. The 1975 arrival of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan considerably advanced these efforts. Dr. Khan is a German-trained metallurgist who brought with him knowledge of gas centrifuge technologies that he had through his position at the classified URENCO uranium enrichment plant in the Netherlands. He was put in charge of building, equipping and operating Pakistan's Kahuta facility, which was established in 1976. Under Khan's direction, Pakistan employed an extensive clandestine network in order to obtain the necessary materials and technology for its developing uranium enrichment capabilities.
A new directorate, known as Directorate of Technical Development (DTD) under Dr. Zaman Sheikh and Hafeez Qureshi, was established in March 1974 by Munir Ahmad Khan. The DTD was tasked to manufacture chemical explosive lenses, trigger mechanism, and tempers used in atomic weapon. The DTD was later charged with testing Pakistan's first implosion design in 1978, which was later improved and tested on 11 March 1983 when PAEC carried out Pakistan's first successful cold test of a nuclear device, codename Kirana-I. Between 1983 and 1990, PAEC carried out 24 more cold tests of various nuclear weapon designs. DTD had also manufactured a miniaturized weapon design by 1987 that could be delivered by all Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft.
Also, Dr. Ishrat Hussain Usmani’s contribution to the nuclear energy programme, is also fundamental to the development of atomic energy for civilian purposes as he, with efforts led by Salam, established PINSTECH, that subsequently developed into Pakistan’s premier nuclear research institution. In addition to sending hundreds of young Pakistanis abroad for training, he laid the foundations of the Muslim world’s first nuclear power reactor KANUPP, which was inaugurated by Munir Ahmad Khan in 1972. Thus, Usmani laid solid groundwork for the civilian nuclear programme Scientists and engineers under Munir Ahmad Khan developed the nuclear capability for Pakistan within early 1980s, and under his leadership the PAEC had carried a cold test of nuclear device at Kirana Hills, evidently made from non-weaponized plutonium. Former chairman of the PAEC, Munir Ahmad Khan was credited as one of the pioneers of Pakistan's atomic bomb by a recent study from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London's dossier on Pakistan's nuclear weapons program.
Pakistani astrophysicist
Dr. Prof. Muhammad Shahid Qureshi or Shahid Qureshi, he is best known as Dr. M. Shahid Qureshi, is a Pakistani astrophysicist and a renowned astronomer. He is an academic and an eminent educationist from Pakistan who has published articles in the fields of astrophysics and astronomy. He is the assistant professor of astrophysics and astronomy at Karachi University and Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics (ISPA), and also leading ISPA, the country's prominent institution in the field of planetary astrophysics and planetary astronomy. He previously served as an assistant professor of mathematics.
He is an avid supporter of science and technology in Pakistan and has helped directing documentaries concerning about the astrophysics and astronomy. He has also appeared in Geo Television and Dawn News frequently where he briefed the nation on Solar eclipse of July 22, 2009.
He graduated and received a B.Sc. with Honors in Applied Mathematics from Department of Mathematics of University of Karachi in 1979. He then received his M.Sc. in Mathematics from the same institution with specialization in Quantum mechanics, and Astronomy in 1983. In between, he served United Bank Limited, Karachi as a computer programmer to earn his living. In 1983, after getting his Master's degree, he joined as a fellow the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, where he joined the "Mathematical Physics Group", and did preliminary research there.
He left PINSTECH in 1984, and moved to Karachi, Sindh. He joined University of Karachi as a lecturer to fulfill his dream to become a professor of Mathematics. Under the supervision of noted quantum theorist and renowned particle physicist Dr. Khursheed Ather Siddiqui, he did his M.Phil. in Particle physics from University of Karachi, writing a thesis and covered major area in the field of "Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics". In 1989, he moved to the Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics on the directions of the then-Vice Chancellor of University of Karachi, Dr. Zafar Saeed Saifi. Qureshi did his Ph.D. in Nuclear astrophysics and Astronomy from ISPA in 2008.
His doctoral thesis is on the "Earliest Visibility of New Lunar Crescent". He has occasionally lectured in the field computational mathematics at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Currently, he is serving at the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi (IBA) as the Chaiperson, Department of Mathematical Sciences of the Faculty of Computer Science.
Qureshi joined the teaching profession in 1984 at the University of Karachi. Later, he joined Institute of Business Administration, Karachi. For a brief period he also the Department of Computer Science as a full time Faculty member. Besides, he also taught as visiting faculty at various private sector Universities in Karachi including Institute of Business Administration.
He is a well-known astrophysicist in Pakistan. And, he has given numerous interviews to the media, concerning the fields of physical cosmology, astronomy, and astrophysics. He played an important role in re-establishing the Karachi University's Astronomical Observatory. As a noted space scientist at ISPA, he is engaged in research on Supersymmetric quantum mechanics, lunar phase, light pollution and solar energy.
At the Karachi University, he has maintain vital relationship with the professors from Karachi University. According to him, his professors played an important role in his life and influenced him to gain his doctorate in astronomy and astrophysics. According to an interview given to the Dawn News, it was one his professor who influenced him to gain his doctorate degrees in astronomy. He laments, "In 1990, one of my professors said that very soon Pakistan will be asking the world to send us teachers to teach mathematics and physics as we ran out of them. Today I am forwarding his message: we do not have teachers to teach mathematics and physics".
In 1983, he received his M.Sc. in applied mathematics and M.Phil. in 1995 writing his thesis on Supersymmetric quantum mechanics, from Karachi University. In 2008, he was awarded his an Ph.D. in Astrophysics and Astronomy, in which he wrote his thesis on "the effects of atmospheric conditions on crescent visibility, from the Karachi University.
He has been a vocal advocate for space research in Pakistan. Qureshi had been appeared in different Pakistani news channels and educational channels in which he has been advocating for space research in Pakistan. He has been also planned and sat up the astronomical and astrophysics events at the universities and high schools. With the help of Karachi University's Physics department, he planned a "Space Week event" in ISPA on October 31, 2008.
The event was called "Planet Watch" and a numbers of high school and college students were invited. He also delivered a lecture at the conference in which he urged: "You don’t need any equipment for astronomy. All you need is a pair of eyes and curiosity about the cosmos." As he told the students.
He concluded his lectured and later discloses that he worked as part of the team at Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics that worked on the astronomical objects, astrophysical plasma, and physical cosmology. As he explained:
"According to initial cosmology, the ancients considered the planets to be a total of seven: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun and the Moon (also considered planets). Hence, the days of the week were also seven".
Qureshi's articles have been printed in international and national physics journals. He has been a known cited researcher in the field of computer programming while studying at Karachi University. He has been researching to the fields of astrophysics in relation with elementary particle physics and published numerous papers at ISPA. In relation to astrophysics to particle physics, he, once elaborate, while giving a lectured:
"The well-known grand unification theory had two directions of research in the 1980s and ’90s. The Supersymmetric theory appeared as one of the results. The empirical predictions of which, could not be tested till today, due to the absence of laboratories. We will be able to test some predictions of the supersymmetry theory when the Large Hadron Collider functions at its full capability. Particle physics and astrophysics, along wide with astronomy, has remained to explore the nature of forces in the first place and of course which is closely related to cosmology, in which we describe the structure of the universe. So the other aspect of my research was astronomy and astrophysics."
His work has been far reaching and influential. Due to lack to researches to the fields of astrophysics and astronomy; Qureshi's work has been a vital support to an academic research in astrophysics. At SUPARCO, he also helped manufacturing and setting up the space observatory along with the Chinese scientists.
He has been supporting the Satellite Launch Vehicle project program at SUPARCO. He has been also urged that Pakistan should launch its satellites via either Sonmiani or Tilla. In an interview while discussing Pakistan's status on Satellite Launch Vehicle with noted nuclear physicist Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy. While in discussion, he urged that missiles have very roboost and effective electronics and computer system, the SLVs used the similar technology. Dr. M. Shahid Qureshi also urges that Pakistan has the basic technology to build an SLV.
He discloses the discussion with Dr. Hoodbhoy and said "If we can launch a missile up to a range of 1,500 km, why not build an SLV that can launch low-atmosphere satellites?" he said. According to Dr. M.S. Qureshi, "we can begin by launching navigation, spy and weather satellites, which can go up to 1,500 km into space. This alone can give us a lot of data that we need to buy now".
* “Climatic Variability and Linear Trend Models for Major Cities of Pakistan”, Journal of Geography and Geology, Canadian Center of Science and Education, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2010.
* “A New Criterion of Earliest Visibility of New Lunar Crescent”, Sindh Univ. Res. Jour. (Sci. Sec.), 42(1), 1-18, 2010.
* “On Origin Theories of Ring Galaxies: Observational Data and Modelling”, Astronomy & Applied Mathematics, Vol. I, Ed. S Nuritdinov, Pub.: Fed. Urdu University, Karachi, 67-79, 2009
* “Path of Best Visibility of New Lunar Crescent”, Astronomy & Applied Mathematics, Vol. I, Ed. S Nuritdinov, Pub.: Fed Urdu University, Karachi, 156-161, 2009
* “Celestial Objects’ Visibility Concern in Karachi”, Astronomy & Applied Mathematics, Vol. I, Ed. S Nuritdinov, Pub.: Fed Urdu University, Karachi, 185-194, 2009
* “Error Minimization in Polynomial Approximation of ΔT”, J. Astrphys. Astr., 29, 363-366, 2008
* “Assessing Polynomial Approximation of ΔT”, J. basic appl. Sci., 4(1), 1-4, 2007.
* “Methods of Calculating Crescent Lengths”, J. basic appl. Sci., 3(2), 65-72, 2007
* “A Comparative Study of Arithmetic Lunar Calendar, Observational and Predicted Lunar Calendar for Pakistan for Years 2000-2004”, J. basic appl. Sci., 2(2), 91-103, 2006
* “A New Variable Step Size Algorithm for Solving Initial Value Problems”, J. basic appl. Sci., 2(1), 37-44, 2006
* “Taqweemat aur Qudrati Mazahir”, Al-Tafseer, 2(1), 101-107, 2006
* “A Fuzzy Mathematical Model of Maximum Likelihood Estimates”, J. basic appl. Sci., 1(2), 95-100, 2005
* “Differential Mental Growth Model”, J. basic appl. Sci. 1(1), 11-13, 2005
* “On the Modern Approach to the earliest Visibility of Lunar Crescent”, Kar. Un. J. Isl. St., VII(I-II), 54-76, 2005
* “From No-Go Theorems to Supersymmetry Algebra”, Kar. Univ. J. Sc., 32(1&2), 55-62, 2004.
* “SUSY Algebra for One Dimensional Quantum Mechanical Systems and its Application”, Kar. Univ. J. Sc. 28(2), 25-32, 2000.
* “Generalisation of Operator Method and its Application” Kar. Univ. J. Sc. 28(1), 83-94, 2000.
* “Solvable Supersymmetric Systems", Kar. Univ. J. Sc. 23(1&2), 27-38, 1995.
He is an avid supporter of science and technology in Pakistan and has helped directing documentaries concerning about the astrophysics and astronomy. He has also appeared in Geo Television and Dawn News frequently where he briefed the nation on Solar eclipse of July 22, 2009.
He graduated and received a B.Sc. with Honors in Applied Mathematics from Department of Mathematics of University of Karachi in 1979. He then received his M.Sc. in Mathematics from the same institution with specialization in Quantum mechanics, and Astronomy in 1983. In between, he served United Bank Limited, Karachi as a computer programmer to earn his living. In 1983, after getting his Master's degree, he joined as a fellow the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, where he joined the "Mathematical Physics Group", and did preliminary research there.
He left PINSTECH in 1984, and moved to Karachi, Sindh. He joined University of Karachi as a lecturer to fulfill his dream to become a professor of Mathematics. Under the supervision of noted quantum theorist and renowned particle physicist Dr. Khursheed Ather Siddiqui, he did his M.Phil. in Particle physics from University of Karachi, writing a thesis and covered major area in the field of "Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics". In 1989, he moved to the Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics on the directions of the then-Vice Chancellor of University of Karachi, Dr. Zafar Saeed Saifi. Qureshi did his Ph.D. in Nuclear astrophysics and Astronomy from ISPA in 2008.
His doctoral thesis is on the "Earliest Visibility of New Lunar Crescent". He has occasionally lectured in the field computational mathematics at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Currently, he is serving at the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi (IBA) as the Chaiperson, Department of Mathematical Sciences of the Faculty of Computer Science.
Qureshi joined the teaching profession in 1984 at the University of Karachi. Later, he joined Institute of Business Administration, Karachi. For a brief period he also the Department of Computer Science as a full time Faculty member. Besides, he also taught as visiting faculty at various private sector Universities in Karachi including Institute of Business Administration.
He is a well-known astrophysicist in Pakistan. And, he has given numerous interviews to the media, concerning the fields of physical cosmology, astronomy, and astrophysics. He played an important role in re-establishing the Karachi University's Astronomical Observatory. As a noted space scientist at ISPA, he is engaged in research on Supersymmetric quantum mechanics, lunar phase, light pollution and solar energy.
At the Karachi University, he has maintain vital relationship with the professors from Karachi University. According to him, his professors played an important role in his life and influenced him to gain his doctorate in astronomy and astrophysics. According to an interview given to the Dawn News, it was one his professor who influenced him to gain his doctorate degrees in astronomy. He laments, "In 1990, one of my professors said that very soon Pakistan will be asking the world to send us teachers to teach mathematics and physics as we ran out of them. Today I am forwarding his message: we do not have teachers to teach mathematics and physics".
In 1983, he received his M.Sc. in applied mathematics and M.Phil. in 1995 writing his thesis on Supersymmetric quantum mechanics, from Karachi University. In 2008, he was awarded his an Ph.D. in Astrophysics and Astronomy, in which he wrote his thesis on "the effects of atmospheric conditions on crescent visibility, from the Karachi University.
He has been a vocal advocate for space research in Pakistan. Qureshi had been appeared in different Pakistani news channels and educational channels in which he has been advocating for space research in Pakistan. He has been also planned and sat up the astronomical and astrophysics events at the universities and high schools. With the help of Karachi University's Physics department, he planned a "Space Week event" in ISPA on October 31, 2008.
The event was called "Planet Watch" and a numbers of high school and college students were invited. He also delivered a lecture at the conference in which he urged: "You don’t need any equipment for astronomy. All you need is a pair of eyes and curiosity about the cosmos." As he told the students.
He concluded his lectured and later discloses that he worked as part of the team at Institute of Space and Planetary Astrophysics that worked on the astronomical objects, astrophysical plasma, and physical cosmology. As he explained:
"According to initial cosmology, the ancients considered the planets to be a total of seven: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun and the Moon (also considered planets). Hence, the days of the week were also seven".
Qureshi's articles have been printed in international and national physics journals. He has been a known cited researcher in the field of computer programming while studying at Karachi University. He has been researching to the fields of astrophysics in relation with elementary particle physics and published numerous papers at ISPA. In relation to astrophysics to particle physics, he, once elaborate, while giving a lectured:
"The well-known grand unification theory had two directions of research in the 1980s and ’90s. The Supersymmetric theory appeared as one of the results. The empirical predictions of which, could not be tested till today, due to the absence of laboratories. We will be able to test some predictions of the supersymmetry theory when the Large Hadron Collider functions at its full capability. Particle physics and astrophysics, along wide with astronomy, has remained to explore the nature of forces in the first place and of course which is closely related to cosmology, in which we describe the structure of the universe. So the other aspect of my research was astronomy and astrophysics."
His work has been far reaching and influential. Due to lack to researches to the fields of astrophysics and astronomy; Qureshi's work has been a vital support to an academic research in astrophysics. At SUPARCO, he also helped manufacturing and setting up the space observatory along with the Chinese scientists.
He has been supporting the Satellite Launch Vehicle project program at SUPARCO. He has been also urged that Pakistan should launch its satellites via either Sonmiani or Tilla. In an interview while discussing Pakistan's status on Satellite Launch Vehicle with noted nuclear physicist Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy. While in discussion, he urged that missiles have very roboost and effective electronics and computer system, the SLVs used the similar technology. Dr. M. Shahid Qureshi also urges that Pakistan has the basic technology to build an SLV.
He discloses the discussion with Dr. Hoodbhoy and said "If we can launch a missile up to a range of 1,500 km, why not build an SLV that can launch low-atmosphere satellites?" he said. According to Dr. M.S. Qureshi, "we can begin by launching navigation, spy and weather satellites, which can go up to 1,500 km into space. This alone can give us a lot of data that we need to buy now".
* “Climatic Variability and Linear Trend Models for Major Cities of Pakistan”, Journal of Geography and Geology, Canadian Center of Science and Education, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2010.
* “A New Criterion of Earliest Visibility of New Lunar Crescent”, Sindh Univ. Res. Jour. (Sci. Sec.), 42(1), 1-18, 2010.
* “On Origin Theories of Ring Galaxies: Observational Data and Modelling”, Astronomy & Applied Mathematics, Vol. I, Ed. S Nuritdinov, Pub.: Fed. Urdu University, Karachi, 67-79, 2009
* “Path of Best Visibility of New Lunar Crescent”, Astronomy & Applied Mathematics, Vol. I, Ed. S Nuritdinov, Pub.: Fed Urdu University, Karachi, 156-161, 2009
* “Celestial Objects’ Visibility Concern in Karachi”, Astronomy & Applied Mathematics, Vol. I, Ed. S Nuritdinov, Pub.: Fed Urdu University, Karachi, 185-194, 2009
* “Error Minimization in Polynomial Approximation of ΔT”, J. Astrphys. Astr., 29, 363-366, 2008
* “Assessing Polynomial Approximation of ΔT”, J. basic appl. Sci., 4(1), 1-4, 2007.
* “Methods of Calculating Crescent Lengths”, J. basic appl. Sci., 3(2), 65-72, 2007
* “A Comparative Study of Arithmetic Lunar Calendar, Observational and Predicted Lunar Calendar for Pakistan for Years 2000-2004”, J. basic appl. Sci., 2(2), 91-103, 2006
* “A New Variable Step Size Algorithm for Solving Initial Value Problems”, J. basic appl. Sci., 2(1), 37-44, 2006
* “Taqweemat aur Qudrati Mazahir”, Al-Tafseer, 2(1), 101-107, 2006
* “A Fuzzy Mathematical Model of Maximum Likelihood Estimates”, J. basic appl. Sci., 1(2), 95-100, 2005
* “Differential Mental Growth Model”, J. basic appl. Sci. 1(1), 11-13, 2005
* “On the Modern Approach to the earliest Visibility of Lunar Crescent”, Kar. Un. J. Isl. St., VII(I-II), 54-76, 2005
* “From No-Go Theorems to Supersymmetry Algebra”, Kar. Univ. J. Sc., 32(1&2), 55-62, 2004.
* “SUSY Algebra for One Dimensional Quantum Mechanical Systems and its Application”, Kar. Univ. J. Sc. 28(2), 25-32, 2000.
* “Generalisation of Operator Method and its Application” Kar. Univ. J. Sc. 28(1), 83-94, 2000.
* “Solvable Supersymmetric Systems", Kar. Univ. J. Sc. 23(1&2), 27-38, 1995.
young computer whiz kid and I.T. prodigy from Pakistan
Babar Iqbal born 2 March, 1997 in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan is a young computer whiz kid and I.T. prodigy from Pakistan who started computer programming at the age of 5. He came to prominence by becoming the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in the world at the age of 9, as well as obtaining the record of being the youngest CIWA aged 9, Youngest CWNA at 10, Youngest Microsoft Student Partner (MSP) at 11 and Youngest MCTS in .NET 3.5 at 12. His work has been recognised and appreciated by President Asif Ali Zardari, the National Assembly of Pakistan, interior minister Rehman Malik as well as Microsoft. Iqbal is currently based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where he is undergoing training and working with Microsoft.
He is Youngest XNA Game Developer, Microsoft Surface Developer, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) @ age of 9, Youngest Certified Internet Web Professional (CIWA) @ 9, Youngest Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), Microsoft Students Partner (MSP) @ 11 and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) @ 12. A 10 years old Babar Iqbal from Dera Ismail Khan has set a world record in the field of computer by securing 80 percent marks in an examination held in Dubai.
According to the details, Babar Iqbal participated in the examination of Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and grabbed a world record by obtaining 80 percent marks in it. He is the youngest world record holder in the computer field and has also qualified for the trainers programme.
Babar Iqbal has earlier set world records in the fields of Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified .NET Technology Specialist and CIW.
It is pertinent to mention here that the CWNA examination is arranged by American company wherein candidates across the world participate.
Talking to APP, Babar Iqbal said that he wants to make further progress in the field of computer adding that having set three world records he has won laurels for his country and is receiving offers from a number of world reputed US companies.
His Team Explorers Won Mobile Development Award in Microsoft Imagine Cup Gulf 2011 for application/solution touch.Edu; ‘touch.Edu’ is a multi-touch Microsoft Surface, Windows 7 tablet and Windows phone 7 based interactive learning solution helping children suffering from Learning Disabilities(LD) like reading,writing,speaking,memory,maths etc in LDs like Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia
He is Youngest XNA Game Developer, Microsoft Surface Developer, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) @ age of 9, Youngest Certified Internet Web Professional (CIWA) @ 9, Youngest Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), Microsoft Students Partner (MSP) @ 11 and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) @ 12. A 10 years old Babar Iqbal from Dera Ismail Khan has set a world record in the field of computer by securing 80 percent marks in an examination held in Dubai.
According to the details, Babar Iqbal participated in the examination of Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and grabbed a world record by obtaining 80 percent marks in it. He is the youngest world record holder in the computer field and has also qualified for the trainers programme.
Babar Iqbal has earlier set world records in the fields of Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified .NET Technology Specialist and CIW.
It is pertinent to mention here that the CWNA examination is arranged by American company wherein candidates across the world participate.
Talking to APP, Babar Iqbal said that he wants to make further progress in the field of computer adding that having set three world records he has won laurels for his country and is receiving offers from a number of world reputed US companies.
His Team Explorers Won Mobile Development Award in Microsoft Imagine Cup Gulf 2011 for application/solution touch.Edu; ‘touch.Edu’ is a multi-touch Microsoft Surface, Windows 7 tablet and Windows phone 7 based interactive learning solution helping children suffering from Learning Disabilities(LD) like reading,writing,speaking,memory,maths etc in LDs like Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia
world youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
13 Year old Unema Adil has won lauels for Pakistan with her extraordinary achievment of becoming a world youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in ASP.Net .
Umema is a shining star who has made herself recognized in different fields through her talent. She is excellent in ‘naat’ recitation and has won a total of 60 certificates and shields including four times the City District’s All Karachi Naat Competition; twice the All Sindh Naat Competition, All Pakistan Naat Competition and recently Sindh Hamd-o-Naat Award.
A student of grade eight in Mama Parsi Girls’ School, Karachi, Umema has also won the Best Talent Award for her accomplishments as well as various singing competitions.
Umema is a shining star who has made herself recognized in different fields through her talent. She is excellent in ‘naat’ recitation and has won a total of 60 certificates and shields including four times the City District’s All Karachi Naat Competition; twice the All Sindh Naat Competition, All Pakistan Naat Competition and recently Sindh Hamd-o-Naat Award.
A student of grade eight in Mama Parsi Girls’ School, Karachi, Umema has also won the Best Talent Award for her accomplishments as well as various singing competitions.
youngest Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs)
Arfa Karim Randhawa (born 1995), is a student from Faisalabad in Pakistan, who in 2004 at the age of 9 years, became the youngest Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCPs) in the world. She was invited by Bill Gates to visit the Microsoft Headquarters in USA. The vice president of the Software Development Division Mr. S. Somasegar wrote about it in his blog.
On returning to Pakistan, Arfa had numerous interviews on almost all of the country's known television channels and newspapers. In August 2005, Arfa Karim received the Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal in the field of Science and Technology, presented by the Prime Minister of Pakistan at that time. She also received the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award again in August 2005 by the President of Pakistan. Arfa Karim is also the recipient of the President's Award for Pride of Performance. This is a very high level civil award granted to people who have shown excellence in their respective fields over a long period of time. Arfa is till now the youngest recipient of that award ever.
Arfa Karim has also represented Pakistan on various international forums, she was invited by the IT Professionals of Dubai for a stay of two weeks in Dubai. A dinner reception was hosted for her there, which was attended by the diagnostics of Dubai including the Ambassador of Pakistan. During that trip, Arfa was presented with various medals and awards. She also flew a plane in a flying club in Dubai at the age of 10, and received the first flight certificate.
In November 2006, Arfa was invited by Microsoft to be a part of the keynote session in the Tech-Ed Developers conference held in Barcelona. The theme of the conference was "Get ahead of the game" and Arfa was presented as a true specimen of being ahead of the game. She was the only Pakistani among over 5000 developers in that conference.
As of 2011, at the age of 16, Arfa Karim is studying at Lahore Grammar School Paragon Campus in her second year of A Levels. She suffered from heart attack and now admitted to hospital in a critical condition.
On returning to Pakistan, Arfa had numerous interviews on almost all of the country's known television channels and newspapers. In August 2005, Arfa Karim received the Fatimah Jinnah Gold Medal in the field of Science and Technology, presented by the Prime Minister of Pakistan at that time. She also received the Salaam Pakistan Youth Award again in August 2005 by the President of Pakistan. Arfa Karim is also the recipient of the President's Award for Pride of Performance. This is a very high level civil award granted to people who have shown excellence in their respective fields over a long period of time. Arfa is till now the youngest recipient of that award ever.
Arfa Karim has also represented Pakistan on various international forums, she was invited by the IT Professionals of Dubai for a stay of two weeks in Dubai. A dinner reception was hosted for her there, which was attended by the diagnostics of Dubai including the Ambassador of Pakistan. During that trip, Arfa was presented with various medals and awards. She also flew a plane in a flying club in Dubai at the age of 10, and received the first flight certificate.
In November 2006, Arfa was invited by Microsoft to be a part of the keynote session in the Tech-Ed Developers conference held in Barcelona. The theme of the conference was "Get ahead of the game" and Arfa was presented as a true specimen of being ahead of the game. She was the only Pakistani among over 5000 developers in that conference.
As of 2011, at the age of 16, Arfa Karim is studying at Lahore Grammar School Paragon Campus in her second year of A Levels. She suffered from heart attack and now admitted to hospital in a critical condition.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
A Muslim is a brother to a Muslim
Allah has made the relationship of the Muslim to a Muslim more sacred than any relationship, even that of blood, culture or nation. He has united us into one ummah, the Muslim ummah, and has made us responsible for each other. The relationship between the Muslims is a sacred one:
...A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him. The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith; his blood, his wealth and his honor. Sahih Muslim Book 31, Number 6219.
We have special responsibilities towards our brothers and sisters in Islam that we do not have towards the non-Muslim, and the rights of Allah come first, and the rights of Allah include the treatment we give to our brothers and sisters in Islam. We are to consider the Muslim, first and foremost, regardless of our relationships. The Muslim is sacred for us in his faith, his blood and his honor. The act of looking down upon a Muslim brother or sister is a serious sin in Islam. Think about this. How many times do we look down to the Muslim for his or her position in life. For instance, a brother refuses to consider a woman for marriage because she is a maid, or a sister refuses to consider a brother because he has not finished college. Yet, these people are great in their deen and their manners. This is a serious offense, to look down upon a Muslim because his or her social status does not suit us. We must also not assume the worst about people. Many Muslims from overseas come here having been warned that the African American Muslims are not good. They are dangerous. They are not "real" Muslims. Shame on us for accepting such a thing before we have even a chance to meet one of them! Based on such presumptions, many of us would prefer to assist a non-Muslim in need, while ignoring our brothers and sisters. The ties of Islam must be stronger than all other ties. The most vivid example of this is that of the prophet Noah and his son.
Allah tells us; And Noah called upon his Lord, and said: "O my Lord! surely my son is of my family! and Thy promise is true, and Thou art the justest of Judges!" He said: O Noah! Lo! he is not of thy household; lo! he is of evil conduct, so ask not of Me that whereof thou hast no knowledge. I admonish thee lest thou be among the ignorant. 11:45-46
Here was the prophet's own son, and Allah was telling him that the son's disobedience had effectively removed him from the family unit and from Allah's protection. How did Noah react to this?
Noah said: "O my Lord! I do seek refuge with Thee, lest I ask Thee for that of which I have no knowledge. And unless thou forgive me and have Mercy on me, I should indeed be lost!" 11:47
and
Noah said: "This day nothing can save, from the command of Allah, any but those on whom He hath mercy! 11:43
The Prophet was true to his character, recognizing the wisdom of Allah over his own judgement, and he sought forgiveness for his assumption.
Another example of this is Prophet Lut. He fled his city by Allah's command, and tried to save his family, but this was not the will of Allah, for his wife was not of the believers. "But we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who lagged behind" 7:83 Here we see that Allah did not save the wife of the Prophet. He had to choose between obeying Allah and saving his wife, he had no choice, he obeyed Allah. He knew that the only relationships that exist are those for the sake of Allah - seeking His Great Pleasure.
We are supposed to love each other for the sake of Allah, no other reason. If we do this, the rewards are so great:
For example:
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: Verily, Allah would say on the Day of Resurrection: Where are those who have mutual love for My Glory's sake? Today I shall shelter them in My shadow when there is no other shadow but the shadow of Mine. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6225.
and
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: A person visited his brother in another town and Allah deputed an Angel to wait for him on his way and when he came to him he said: Where do you intend to go? He said: I intend to go to my brother in this town. He said: Have you done any favour to him (the repayment of which you intend to get)? He said: No, excepting this that I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. Thereupon he said: I am a Messenger to you from Allah (to inform you) that Allah loves you as you love him (for His sake). Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6226.
We can not hold enmity/hatred for our fellow Muslims. Too often I hear Muslims talking about other Muslims because they are from a particular race or nation. How many times have you heard Arabs insulted or Pakistanis or Indians, for what is perceived to be a flaw in their deen or character as a race? Too often. It is easy to argue that Saudi or the other Arab nations are not living up to their duties as Muslim nations, and in the same breath, we praise America for what it does. Brothers and sisters: I am here to tell you that the worst of the Muslim states: the worst Muslim ruler: the worst Muslim on this earth is better in the sight of Allah than the best kafir! Do not doubt this.
Allah says:
And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. 2:54
The Muslim has rights upon us, and we must fulfill these rights first. then we can help others, but we can not go to a non-Muslim when a Muslim needs. The fact of belief in Allah is what makes the Muslim's life sacred. The Muslim servant of Allah can not be ignored, for serving/helping him is equal to serving/helping Allah.
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said, Verily, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, will say on the Day of Resurrection: O son of Adam, I was sick but you did not visit Me. He will say: O my Lord, how could I visit Thee when Thou art the Lord of the worlds? Thereupon He will say: Didn't you know that a certain servant of Mine was sick but you did not visit him, and were you not aware that if you had visited him, you would have found Me by him? O son of Adam, I asked you for food but you did not feed Me. He will say: My Lord, how could I feed Thee when Thou art the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Didn't you know that a certain servant of Mine asked you for food but you did not feed him, and were you not aware that if you had fed him you would have found him by My side? (The Lord will again say:) O son of Adam, I asked you for something to drink but you did not provide Me with any. He will say: My Lord, how could I provide Thee with something to drink when Thou art the Lord of the worlds? Thereupon He will say: A certain servant of Mine asked you for a drink but you did not provide him with one, and had you provided him with a drink you would have found him near Me. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6232.
How far does this go? How far does the ties go? When the ansar welcomed the muhajireen, they shared everything with them. They divided their property in half. They even offered their wives to be wives the Muhajireen. They became brothers in the true sense of the word.
I remember an example of a story I read of how a man took his shahadah. He was in a hospital. He was sharing a room with a Muslim man. One day some people came to visit the Muslim. They came in, hugged the Muslim brother, kissed him, greeted him with love and affection. They visited with this brother for a period, and shared a closeness that was true and unbound. After they left, the man asked the Muslim if these were his brothers who had visited him. The Muslim said, "No, they learned that I was sick today, at the Friday prayer, and they came to visit me. I just met them today." This shocked the man. These people had not acted in that awkward stranger fashion. They had acted like true brothers. This led the man to ask questions and finally accept Al Islam. This duty, visiting the sick had the special blessings from Allah, and this time had the extra blessing of serving as a vehicle to guide a man to Islam.
Narrated Thawban: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: The one who visits the sick is in fact like one who is in the fruit garden of Paradise so long as he does not return. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6227
We expect too much from each other. We want everyone to be perfect just because he or she is Muslim. We go to the Muslim countries expecting a nation of angels. It does not exist. We have to stop thinking that the Muslim must be perfect because he/she has accepted Allah. None of us is perfect. Even in the Prophet's time, there were hypocrites, drunks, adulterers, thieves and slanderers. And these were the companions! We must recognize that we are imperfect creatures, and Allah wants us that way. If we were not of those who sin and return to our Lord in repentance, He would destroy us and bring about a nation that is. We have to be patient with each other and avoid anger.
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: The strong man is not one who wrestles well but the strong man is one who controls himself when he is in a fit of rage. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6313.
We have to forgive each other our sins against each other:
Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: It is not permissible for a Muslim to have estranged relations with his brother beyond three days. Muslim: Book 31, Number 6212.
We have to be kind to each other:
Narrated Aisha: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: Aisha, verily Allah is kind and He loves kindness and confers upon kindness which he does not confer upon severity and does not confer upon anything else besides it (kindness). Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6273:
and
Narrated Aisha: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: Kindness is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective. Sahih muslim: Book 31, Number 6274.
We have to guard our tongues against backbiting him/her:
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: Do you know who is poor? They (the Companions of the Prophet said: A poor man amongst us is one who has neither dirham with him nor wealth. He (the Prophet) said: The poor of my Ummah would be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with prayers and fasts and Zakat but (he would find himself bankrupt on that day as he would have exhausted his funds of virtues) since he hurled abuses upon others, brought calumny against others and unlawfully consumed the wealth of others and shed the blood of others and beat others, and his virtues would be credited to the account of one (who suffered at his hand). And if his good deeds fall short to clear the account, then his sins would be entered in (his account) and he would be thrown in the Hell-Fire. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6251.
Letr us not forget, while we are being patient with each other's faults that we have a special obligation of advising each other:
Except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience 103:3
We have to not take allies except from the Muslims, especailly against each other:
O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. 5:51
Last but not least, I beg you, brothers and sisters, to be careful in what you say and feel for your fellow Muslims. We are not perfect, but we all share a common bond, love for Allah and His messenger. Even the worst of Muslims will fight to the death to defend his Lord, his Messenger and His deen. May Allah give us all increased faith, knowledge and love for each other. Ameen.
...A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him. The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith; his blood, his wealth and his honor. Sahih Muslim Book 31, Number 6219.
We have special responsibilities towards our brothers and sisters in Islam that we do not have towards the non-Muslim, and the rights of Allah come first, and the rights of Allah include the treatment we give to our brothers and sisters in Islam. We are to consider the Muslim, first and foremost, regardless of our relationships. The Muslim is sacred for us in his faith, his blood and his honor. The act of looking down upon a Muslim brother or sister is a serious sin in Islam. Think about this. How many times do we look down to the Muslim for his or her position in life. For instance, a brother refuses to consider a woman for marriage because she is a maid, or a sister refuses to consider a brother because he has not finished college. Yet, these people are great in their deen and their manners. This is a serious offense, to look down upon a Muslim because his or her social status does not suit us. We must also not assume the worst about people. Many Muslims from overseas come here having been warned that the African American Muslims are not good. They are dangerous. They are not "real" Muslims. Shame on us for accepting such a thing before we have even a chance to meet one of them! Based on such presumptions, many of us would prefer to assist a non-Muslim in need, while ignoring our brothers and sisters. The ties of Islam must be stronger than all other ties. The most vivid example of this is that of the prophet Noah and his son.
Allah tells us; And Noah called upon his Lord, and said: "O my Lord! surely my son is of my family! and Thy promise is true, and Thou art the justest of Judges!" He said: O Noah! Lo! he is not of thy household; lo! he is of evil conduct, so ask not of Me that whereof thou hast no knowledge. I admonish thee lest thou be among the ignorant. 11:45-46
Here was the prophet's own son, and Allah was telling him that the son's disobedience had effectively removed him from the family unit and from Allah's protection. How did Noah react to this?
Noah said: "O my Lord! I do seek refuge with Thee, lest I ask Thee for that of which I have no knowledge. And unless thou forgive me and have Mercy on me, I should indeed be lost!" 11:47
and
Noah said: "This day nothing can save, from the command of Allah, any but those on whom He hath mercy! 11:43
The Prophet was true to his character, recognizing the wisdom of Allah over his own judgement, and he sought forgiveness for his assumption.
Another example of this is Prophet Lut. He fled his city by Allah's command, and tried to save his family, but this was not the will of Allah, for his wife was not of the believers. "But we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who lagged behind" 7:83 Here we see that Allah did not save the wife of the Prophet. He had to choose between obeying Allah and saving his wife, he had no choice, he obeyed Allah. He knew that the only relationships that exist are those for the sake of Allah - seeking His Great Pleasure.
We are supposed to love each other for the sake of Allah, no other reason. If we do this, the rewards are so great:
For example:
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: Verily, Allah would say on the Day of Resurrection: Where are those who have mutual love for My Glory's sake? Today I shall shelter them in My shadow when there is no other shadow but the shadow of Mine. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6225.
and
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: A person visited his brother in another town and Allah deputed an Angel to wait for him on his way and when he came to him he said: Where do you intend to go? He said: I intend to go to my brother in this town. He said: Have you done any favour to him (the repayment of which you intend to get)? He said: No, excepting this that I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. Thereupon he said: I am a Messenger to you from Allah (to inform you) that Allah loves you as you love him (for His sake). Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6226.
We can not hold enmity/hatred for our fellow Muslims. Too often I hear Muslims talking about other Muslims because they are from a particular race or nation. How many times have you heard Arabs insulted or Pakistanis or Indians, for what is perceived to be a flaw in their deen or character as a race? Too often. It is easy to argue that Saudi or the other Arab nations are not living up to their duties as Muslim nations, and in the same breath, we praise America for what it does. Brothers and sisters: I am here to tell you that the worst of the Muslim states: the worst Muslim ruler: the worst Muslim on this earth is better in the sight of Allah than the best kafir! Do not doubt this.
Allah says:
And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. 2:54
The Muslim has rights upon us, and we must fulfill these rights first. then we can help others, but we can not go to a non-Muslim when a Muslim needs. The fact of belief in Allah is what makes the Muslim's life sacred. The Muslim servant of Allah can not be ignored, for serving/helping him is equal to serving/helping Allah.
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said, Verily, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, will say on the Day of Resurrection: O son of Adam, I was sick but you did not visit Me. He will say: O my Lord, how could I visit Thee when Thou art the Lord of the worlds? Thereupon He will say: Didn't you know that a certain servant of Mine was sick but you did not visit him, and were you not aware that if you had visited him, you would have found Me by him? O son of Adam, I asked you for food but you did not feed Me. He will say: My Lord, how could I feed Thee when Thou art the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Didn't you know that a certain servant of Mine asked you for food but you did not feed him, and were you not aware that if you had fed him you would have found him by My side? (The Lord will again say:) O son of Adam, I asked you for something to drink but you did not provide Me with any. He will say: My Lord, how could I provide Thee with something to drink when Thou art the Lord of the worlds? Thereupon He will say: A certain servant of Mine asked you for a drink but you did not provide him with one, and had you provided him with a drink you would have found him near Me. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6232.
How far does this go? How far does the ties go? When the ansar welcomed the muhajireen, they shared everything with them. They divided their property in half. They even offered their wives to be wives the Muhajireen. They became brothers in the true sense of the word.
I remember an example of a story I read of how a man took his shahadah. He was in a hospital. He was sharing a room with a Muslim man. One day some people came to visit the Muslim. They came in, hugged the Muslim brother, kissed him, greeted him with love and affection. They visited with this brother for a period, and shared a closeness that was true and unbound. After they left, the man asked the Muslim if these were his brothers who had visited him. The Muslim said, "No, they learned that I was sick today, at the Friday prayer, and they came to visit me. I just met them today." This shocked the man. These people had not acted in that awkward stranger fashion. They had acted like true brothers. This led the man to ask questions and finally accept Al Islam. This duty, visiting the sick had the special blessings from Allah, and this time had the extra blessing of serving as a vehicle to guide a man to Islam.
Narrated Thawban: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: The one who visits the sick is in fact like one who is in the fruit garden of Paradise so long as he does not return. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6227
We expect too much from each other. We want everyone to be perfect just because he or she is Muslim. We go to the Muslim countries expecting a nation of angels. It does not exist. We have to stop thinking that the Muslim must be perfect because he/she has accepted Allah. None of us is perfect. Even in the Prophet's time, there were hypocrites, drunks, adulterers, thieves and slanderers. And these were the companions! We must recognize that we are imperfect creatures, and Allah wants us that way. If we were not of those who sin and return to our Lord in repentance, He would destroy us and bring about a nation that is. We have to be patient with each other and avoid anger.
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: The strong man is not one who wrestles well but the strong man is one who controls himself when he is in a fit of rage. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6313.
We have to forgive each other our sins against each other:
Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: It is not permissible for a Muslim to have estranged relations with his brother beyond three days. Muslim: Book 31, Number 6212.
We have to be kind to each other:
Narrated Aisha: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: Aisha, verily Allah is kind and He loves kindness and confers upon kindness which he does not confer upon severity and does not confer upon anything else besides it (kindness). Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6273:
and
Narrated Aisha: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: Kindness is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective. Sahih muslim: Book 31, Number 6274.
We have to guard our tongues against backbiting him/her:
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: Do you know who is poor? They (the Companions of the Prophet said: A poor man amongst us is one who has neither dirham with him nor wealth. He (the Prophet) said: The poor of my Ummah would be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with prayers and fasts and Zakat but (he would find himself bankrupt on that day as he would have exhausted his funds of virtues) since he hurled abuses upon others, brought calumny against others and unlawfully consumed the wealth of others and shed the blood of others and beat others, and his virtues would be credited to the account of one (who suffered at his hand). And if his good deeds fall short to clear the account, then his sins would be entered in (his account) and he would be thrown in the Hell-Fire. Sahih Muslim: Book 31, Number 6251.
Letr us not forget, while we are being patient with each other's faults that we have a special obligation of advising each other:
Except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience 103:3
We have to not take allies except from the Muslims, especailly against each other:
O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people. 5:51
Last but not least, I beg you, brothers and sisters, to be careful in what you say and feel for your fellow Muslims. We are not perfect, but we all share a common bond, love for Allah and His messenger. Even the worst of Muslims will fight to the death to defend his Lord, his Messenger and His deen. May Allah give us all increased faith, knowledge and love for each other. Ameen.
Allahu-Akbar
Allahu-Akbar. Allah is the greatest.
These are the first words a Muslim child hears after entering this world. The father makes the call to prayer in his or her ears as the welcome-to-this-world message. The same call is heard wherever there are Muslims, five times a day. The prayers also begin with this pronouncement. Certainly this is the emblem of the Islamic faith. There is no power in the world equal to the power of the One God. Allah is the greatest.
This has been the Islamic message right from the beginning. The very first surah or chapter to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was surah Mudathir. And it contains the command: "And Thy Lord, do thou magnify." The Arabic word is kabbir. Declare Allahu-Akbar. Announce that Allah is the greatest.
The pagans of Arabia did not like it. The Jews and Christians were not happy with it either. The irony is that at the same time all of them professed belief in the statement. The pagans believed in many gods, but did believe in the Supreme God too. They claimed authority for their smaller gods, but did not claim them to be bigger than Allah. Jews and Christians clearly believed in God, the Creator and Lord of the universe. With the exception of a small group of atheists, that remains valid till today, as the U.S. dollar bill announces to the whole world: "In God we trust." The question is, then, why should anyone have problem with Allahu-Akbar. Why feel uneasy with it or feel threatened by it? Is it not saying the same thing that they already agree with? The answer lies in the Islamic concept of God.
In the western literature, God is presented as a wise man. (To the feminists He is increasingly a She). To the mathematician-philosopher, He may be a super mathematician or even a differential-equation. To the scientist, He is the First cause, that jump started the automobile of this universe that is now running on its own. To all of them, He is a good subject for a hobby but is irrelevant to our day to day affairs. As one scientist puts it: "I subscribe to Einstein's religion. It's an oceanic feeling; there's that great big thing out there that's pretty marvelous." Thing?
Einstein, who reportedly considered himself spiritual but not religious, said: "I want to know how God created this world." The implication is that He did it once. I am studying and conquering His universe now. But for intellectual curiosity it will be good to learn a little more about Him. "He may have created the laws of nature but since creation He has left them pretty much alone. He does not come in and tweak them any more."
A people's concept of God is the first place to look for, to get an idea of the corruption that their religion has gone through. Now let's compare the above confusions with Islam's declaration of an All Knowing, All Powerful God who created the Universe and who is running it every second. His attributes are best described in the well-known ayatul-kursi. Look at this marvelously profound declaration, that is beyond any human's capacity to declare but within everyone's ability to feel:
"Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal, Supporter of all. Neither slumber nor sleep can seize Him. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him except by His leave? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Most High, the Supreme." [Al-Baqarah 2:255]
What a tremendously empowering creed! From the smallest to the largest, everything in the universe depends on Him. He depends on none. All other powers are illusory. His is the only real Power. When He is on our side, we need not fear anyone. If He is not pleased with us, the support of the whole world for us will be for naught. Worldly powers try to manipulate people by telling them what they can do for them and what they can do to them. But a person informed by Allahu-Akbar will not be tempted by the first or intimidated by the second. The power of "world powers" evaporates before the shouts of Allahu-Akbar. In fact there is no empowerment outside this belief, and no enslavement to other humans with it! We can see why the claimants to power in this world may be threatened by it.
What a tremendously liberating creed! It liberates us from slavery to our own desires also. His knowledge is unlimited. Ours is extremely limited. What can we do except follow His commands? He is watching us all the time. We cannot get away with disobedience because of His oversight. He will judge us and no one will be able to intercede on our behalf except with His permission. We can see why those who are afraid of accountability may be threatened by it.
What a tremendously humbling creed! It reminds us of our humble station in life with respect to God. As the Qur'an says at another place,
"Those who dispute about the Signs of Allah without any authority bestowed on them, there is nothing in their breasts except the quest of greatness, which they will never attain..." [Mumin, 40:56].
We can see why those with arrogance may be threatened by it.
This includes the arrogance of science. We see it in the scientist who declares that there is no need to invoke a spiritual hand of God since everything has a rational basis. Or the medical doctor who thinks that he can control the biological processes. (Look at all the pronouncements of the genetic engineering pundits, euthanasia advocates, and population control gurus). On the other hand, a scientist free of such sickness looks at the workings of this universe; the great design in it; the tremendous purpose in every creation; and he finds himself compelled to say: Subhan-Allah.
Allahu-Akbar. Glory be to Allah. Allah is the greatest. Similarly a medical doctor constantly finds the Hand of God in the life and death struggles of his patients; some succumb to minor problems, others survive major ones. Allahu-Akbar!
Allahu-Akbar is the weapon that gives us the courage to challenge all subjugation, political or intellectual. It makes us turn our attention to the Creator and ignore other creations like ourselves. In the jihads in Afghanistan, Kashmir, or Bosnia, as elsewhere, the power of this weapon has been felt by people on both sides of the conflict. In every conflict the shouts of Allahu-Akbar instilled fear in the hearts of the oppressors. It boasted the morale of the mujahideen with new levels of hope and courage. And that is the way it should be. Because Allah is the Greatest.
These are the first words a Muslim child hears after entering this world. The father makes the call to prayer in his or her ears as the welcome-to-this-world message. The same call is heard wherever there are Muslims, five times a day. The prayers also begin with this pronouncement. Certainly this is the emblem of the Islamic faith. There is no power in the world equal to the power of the One God. Allah is the greatest.
This has been the Islamic message right from the beginning. The very first surah or chapter to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was surah Mudathir. And it contains the command: "And Thy Lord, do thou magnify." The Arabic word is kabbir. Declare Allahu-Akbar. Announce that Allah is the greatest.
The pagans of Arabia did not like it. The Jews and Christians were not happy with it either. The irony is that at the same time all of them professed belief in the statement. The pagans believed in many gods, but did believe in the Supreme God too. They claimed authority for their smaller gods, but did not claim them to be bigger than Allah. Jews and Christians clearly believed in God, the Creator and Lord of the universe. With the exception of a small group of atheists, that remains valid till today, as the U.S. dollar bill announces to the whole world: "In God we trust." The question is, then, why should anyone have problem with Allahu-Akbar. Why feel uneasy with it or feel threatened by it? Is it not saying the same thing that they already agree with? The answer lies in the Islamic concept of God.
In the western literature, God is presented as a wise man. (To the feminists He is increasingly a She). To the mathematician-philosopher, He may be a super mathematician or even a differential-equation. To the scientist, He is the First cause, that jump started the automobile of this universe that is now running on its own. To all of them, He is a good subject for a hobby but is irrelevant to our day to day affairs. As one scientist puts it: "I subscribe to Einstein's religion. It's an oceanic feeling; there's that great big thing out there that's pretty marvelous." Thing?
Einstein, who reportedly considered himself spiritual but not religious, said: "I want to know how God created this world." The implication is that He did it once. I am studying and conquering His universe now. But for intellectual curiosity it will be good to learn a little more about Him. "He may have created the laws of nature but since creation He has left them pretty much alone. He does not come in and tweak them any more."
A people's concept of God is the first place to look for, to get an idea of the corruption that their religion has gone through. Now let's compare the above confusions with Islam's declaration of an All Knowing, All Powerful God who created the Universe and who is running it every second. His attributes are best described in the well-known ayatul-kursi. Look at this marvelously profound declaration, that is beyond any human's capacity to declare but within everyone's ability to feel:
"Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal, Supporter of all. Neither slumber nor sleep can seize Him. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him except by His leave? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge except what He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Most High, the Supreme." [Al-Baqarah 2:255]
What a tremendously empowering creed! From the smallest to the largest, everything in the universe depends on Him. He depends on none. All other powers are illusory. His is the only real Power. When He is on our side, we need not fear anyone. If He is not pleased with us, the support of the whole world for us will be for naught. Worldly powers try to manipulate people by telling them what they can do for them and what they can do to them. But a person informed by Allahu-Akbar will not be tempted by the first or intimidated by the second. The power of "world powers" evaporates before the shouts of Allahu-Akbar. In fact there is no empowerment outside this belief, and no enslavement to other humans with it! We can see why the claimants to power in this world may be threatened by it.
What a tremendously liberating creed! It liberates us from slavery to our own desires also. His knowledge is unlimited. Ours is extremely limited. What can we do except follow His commands? He is watching us all the time. We cannot get away with disobedience because of His oversight. He will judge us and no one will be able to intercede on our behalf except with His permission. We can see why those who are afraid of accountability may be threatened by it.
What a tremendously humbling creed! It reminds us of our humble station in life with respect to God. As the Qur'an says at another place,
"Those who dispute about the Signs of Allah without any authority bestowed on them, there is nothing in their breasts except the quest of greatness, which they will never attain..." [Mumin, 40:56].
We can see why those with arrogance may be threatened by it.
This includes the arrogance of science. We see it in the scientist who declares that there is no need to invoke a spiritual hand of God since everything has a rational basis. Or the medical doctor who thinks that he can control the biological processes. (Look at all the pronouncements of the genetic engineering pundits, euthanasia advocates, and population control gurus). On the other hand, a scientist free of such sickness looks at the workings of this universe; the great design in it; the tremendous purpose in every creation; and he finds himself compelled to say: Subhan-Allah.
Allahu-Akbar. Glory be to Allah. Allah is the greatest. Similarly a medical doctor constantly finds the Hand of God in the life and death struggles of his patients; some succumb to minor problems, others survive major ones. Allahu-Akbar!
Allahu-Akbar is the weapon that gives us the courage to challenge all subjugation, political or intellectual. It makes us turn our attention to the Creator and ignore other creations like ourselves. In the jihads in Afghanistan, Kashmir, or Bosnia, as elsewhere, the power of this weapon has been felt by people on both sides of the conflict. In every conflict the shouts of Allahu-Akbar instilled fear in the hearts of the oppressors. It boasted the morale of the mujahideen with new levels of hope and courage. And that is the way it should be. Because Allah is the Greatest.
Good Muslim, Good Human Being
at Iman (faith) has seventy-seven branches. The highest one is the declaration that there is no God except Allah and the lowest one is the removal of harmful objects from the path. This is consideration. And obviously, there is no trace of Iman below this.
We see this consideration for others throughout the life of the Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Of course, such an attitude shows itself in "minor" details. For example, whenever the Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam visited a group were some people were asleep and others were not, he would greet them with a low enough voice so those awake could hear him while those asleep would not be disturbed. Every night when he used to get up for Tahajjud (midnight prayer)---a voluntary prayer for the rest of us---he would walk out of the bed very quietly so as not to disturb his sleeping wife.
Whenever he saw someone commit a wrong that needed to be corrected in public for the education of others, he would mention it in general terms, not naming the person who did it. This last practice also shows the two extremes in this regard that must be avoided. On the one hand is the temptation to compromise on the issue of right and wrong to avoid hurt feelings. On the other is the temptation to correct the wrong with total disregard to the fact that one might be insulting or injuring the other person. While we may see these extreme attitudes in people who seem to be poles apart in terms of their practice of religion, both stem from the same narrow vision of religion that holds our dealings with others as worldly affairs, outside the realm of Islam!
It is good to remember that Islam is a way of life. We must submit our whole life, not a small subset of our choosing, to the commands and teachings of Allah and His Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Our commitment to Islam must not only be life-long but also life-wide.
We see this consideration for others throughout the life of the Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Of course, such an attitude shows itself in "minor" details. For example, whenever the Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam visited a group were some people were asleep and others were not, he would greet them with a low enough voice so those awake could hear him while those asleep would not be disturbed. Every night when he used to get up for Tahajjud (midnight prayer)---a voluntary prayer for the rest of us---he would walk out of the bed very quietly so as not to disturb his sleeping wife.
Whenever he saw someone commit a wrong that needed to be corrected in public for the education of others, he would mention it in general terms, not naming the person who did it. This last practice also shows the two extremes in this regard that must be avoided. On the one hand is the temptation to compromise on the issue of right and wrong to avoid hurt feelings. On the other is the temptation to correct the wrong with total disregard to the fact that one might be insulting or injuring the other person. While we may see these extreme attitudes in people who seem to be poles apart in terms of their practice of religion, both stem from the same narrow vision of religion that holds our dealings with others as worldly affairs, outside the realm of Islam!
It is good to remember that Islam is a way of life. We must submit our whole life, not a small subset of our choosing, to the commands and teachings of Allah and His Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Our commitment to Islam must not only be life-long but also life-wide.
H I J A B: MUSLIM WOMEN'S HEAD COVERING
The Quran, the Muslim's holy scripture, clearly enjoins Muslim men and women to dress and behave modestly. Muslim women are specifically instructed to cover their heads when in the presence of non-mahrem (potentially marriageable) men:
. Surah Al-Nur (the Light) (24:31) in the Quran states: "They (the believing women) should draw their head coverings over their bosoms...". . Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59) states: "O Prophet [PBUH] Tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women that they should put on their outer garments; that is most convenient in order that THEY MAY BE RECOGNIZED (as Muslims) and not be molested."
[MY COMMENT: This is an effective rebuttal to the argument some Muslim women have against wearing Hijab, that by wearing it they will be recognized and will be attacked. Allah clearly wants Muslims to be recognized in whatever community they live in. Their lives lived as Muslims will get other people interested in them and that will be a way of spreading the message of Islam. People will approach them and ask them why they dress like that, why they are different. Their curiousity will automatically draw them towards Islam. Allah is the most supreme starategist of the universe. He blessed us with the message of Islam (Islam means peace and security and told us strategies to spread the message which only benefits us and not Allah. Allah is beyond all needs.
Allah says in Quran that if the whole world gets united against a Muslim and want to harm him, they won't except if Allah wills, and if the whole world unites to benefit a Muslim, it won't except for Allah's will. Therefore security comes from Allah. Allah is the protector of believers. One should NEVER FEAR ANYONE BUT ALLAH and then all of his/her fears will be erased from the heart. Those who bow before Allah, bow to no one in the world - no one. As great poet of the east Dr. Allama Iqbal said (in Urdu) :
yeh Aik sijda jesay tu garaaN samajhta hai hazar sijdooN say daita hai aadmi ko nijat Translation: This one bow (to Allah) which is so hard for you,is the bow that saves you from thousands of other bows.
END OF MY COMMENT]
Both of the above Quranic references instruct the Muslim woman to cover herself with a large, loose overcoat (jilbab) and full head covering (khimar) so that no provocative part of her body will be visible. Her modest appearance would MAKE IT CLEAR TO EVERYONE THAT SHE IS A CHASTE, BELIEVING WOMAN, and no one is to molest her or sexually exploit her [My Comment: This is an effective solution to the problem of sexual harassment because a Muslim woman's modest appearance is a social statement that she is not to be messed with!!].
THE BENEFITS OF HIJAB (COVERING) FOR WOMEN
. For Muslim women, COVERING THE HEAD IS NOT THE SIGN OF DEGRADATION or oppression. It is a commandment from Allah, who is not male or female, and thus, would not discriminate against women, a segment of His creation.
. Rather, HEAD-COVERING IS A SIGN OF PURITY AND DIGNITY. It highlights the Muslim woman as a pure, chaste woman and sets her apart from the immoral behavior associated with women who dress immodestly.
. The HIJAB IS A SORT OF "SCREEN" BETWEEN THE CHASTE MUSLIM WOMAN AND THE EVIL THAT EXISTS IN THE WORLD. When a woman wears a hijab she is less likely to be harassed by men with lusty motives; SHE IS LESS LIKELY TO BE EXPLOITED FOR HER BEAUTY AND FEMINITY.
. The Hijab allows a woman to move about outside the confines of her home WITH HER ATTENTION ON THE TASKS SHE HAS SET OUT TO DO. The Muslim woman does not try to impress anyone but Allah when outside of her home. She is not concerned if men find her attractive, or if people are impressed because she has the latest fashions, or the newest hairstyle. She leaves her home as a SELF-CONFIDENT PART OF HUMAN RACE, not as a fashion-plate seeking stares and adoration in order to gain self-esteem.
. The hijab cuts down on competition among women. How many people in the West sacrifice financial savings and health in order to have plastic surgery - in a desperate attempt to meet up to an unrealistic standard of beauty. IN ISLAM, WOMEN ARE APPRECIATED FOR THEIR KNOWLEDGE, PIETY AND CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY. When women wear hijab one finds that the most beautiful women are not necessarily the most popular. Rather, a woman is assessed for her mind, and not just superficial physical traits.
. Surah Al-Nur (the Light) (24:31) in the Quran states: "They (the believing women) should draw their head coverings over their bosoms...". . Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59) states: "O Prophet [PBUH] Tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women that they should put on their outer garments; that is most convenient in order that THEY MAY BE RECOGNIZED (as Muslims) and not be molested."
[MY COMMENT: This is an effective rebuttal to the argument some Muslim women have against wearing Hijab, that by wearing it they will be recognized and will be attacked. Allah clearly wants Muslims to be recognized in whatever community they live in. Their lives lived as Muslims will get other people interested in them and that will be a way of spreading the message of Islam. People will approach them and ask them why they dress like that, why they are different. Their curiousity will automatically draw them towards Islam. Allah is the most supreme starategist of the universe. He blessed us with the message of Islam (Islam means peace and security and told us strategies to spread the message which only benefits us and not Allah. Allah is beyond all needs.
Allah says in Quran that if the whole world gets united against a Muslim and want to harm him, they won't except if Allah wills, and if the whole world unites to benefit a Muslim, it won't except for Allah's will. Therefore security comes from Allah. Allah is the protector of believers. One should NEVER FEAR ANYONE BUT ALLAH and then all of his/her fears will be erased from the heart. Those who bow before Allah, bow to no one in the world - no one. As great poet of the east Dr. Allama Iqbal said (in Urdu) :
yeh Aik sijda jesay tu garaaN samajhta hai hazar sijdooN say daita hai aadmi ko nijat Translation: This one bow (to Allah) which is so hard for you,is the bow that saves you from thousands of other bows.
END OF MY COMMENT]
Both of the above Quranic references instruct the Muslim woman to cover herself with a large, loose overcoat (jilbab) and full head covering (khimar) so that no provocative part of her body will be visible. Her modest appearance would MAKE IT CLEAR TO EVERYONE THAT SHE IS A CHASTE, BELIEVING WOMAN, and no one is to molest her or sexually exploit her [My Comment: This is an effective solution to the problem of sexual harassment because a Muslim woman's modest appearance is a social statement that she is not to be messed with!!].
THE BENEFITS OF HIJAB (COVERING) FOR WOMEN
. For Muslim women, COVERING THE HEAD IS NOT THE SIGN OF DEGRADATION or oppression. It is a commandment from Allah, who is not male or female, and thus, would not discriminate against women, a segment of His creation.
. Rather, HEAD-COVERING IS A SIGN OF PURITY AND DIGNITY. It highlights the Muslim woman as a pure, chaste woman and sets her apart from the immoral behavior associated with women who dress immodestly.
. The HIJAB IS A SORT OF "SCREEN" BETWEEN THE CHASTE MUSLIM WOMAN AND THE EVIL THAT EXISTS IN THE WORLD. When a woman wears a hijab she is less likely to be harassed by men with lusty motives; SHE IS LESS LIKELY TO BE EXPLOITED FOR HER BEAUTY AND FEMINITY.
. The Hijab allows a woman to move about outside the confines of her home WITH HER ATTENTION ON THE TASKS SHE HAS SET OUT TO DO. The Muslim woman does not try to impress anyone but Allah when outside of her home. She is not concerned if men find her attractive, or if people are impressed because she has the latest fashions, or the newest hairstyle. She leaves her home as a SELF-CONFIDENT PART OF HUMAN RACE, not as a fashion-plate seeking stares and adoration in order to gain self-esteem.
. The hijab cuts down on competition among women. How many people in the West sacrifice financial savings and health in order to have plastic surgery - in a desperate attempt to meet up to an unrealistic standard of beauty. IN ISLAM, WOMEN ARE APPRECIATED FOR THEIR KNOWLEDGE, PIETY AND CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY. When women wear hijab one finds that the most beautiful women are not necessarily the most popular. Rather, a woman is assessed for her mind, and not just superficial physical traits.
What are the advantages of wearing hijab?
There are many advantages, even cosmetically!
I 'll tell u only. what i feel as:
1- Bad guys usually don't try to tease u.
2- You can protect yourself from unnecessary attention from
males, esp, when going for shopping or in crowdy areas.
3- As we know that our whole body plus face and hair are covered so we don't spend too much time on them before going somewhere........more time saved :-)
4- People generally respect women wid hijab and try to help them whenever they ask ( i noticed it in my college, where boys usually tease the girls who are not in Hijab or don't cover them properly, while they show extra respect towards those who wear hijab and try to help them.......just my experience).
5- Cosmetically, hijab protects our skin and hair from side effects of sun exposure......so better skin, better hair, no need to spend extra money on sun blocks and hair conditioners :-)
6- As you wear hijab so you have to dress modestly and if you cover yourself wid abaya or gown, then less money and time spent on designing and buying of your clothes....money saved :-)
7- Some times we just keep ourself from doing something wrong (despite the strong urge to do) just because it will not match our appearance.......our Iman strengthens as people expect us to be more religious than normal girls who don't wear hijab, so it causes stimulus to keep us on right track.
8- Non- muslims will know our religion and faith, even without being introduced......so it spread message of Islam. While u can't differentiate b/w non-muslims that from what religion they belong.
9- Girls will become less conscious of there appearance and physique in co-gatherings., so it also promotes confidence in personality.
Well you may laugh on some of advantages what i feel, but yeah you can't deny it. So what i want to convey is that Hijab not only strengthen our faith but it is also very usefull in other things also, so promote Hijab.......there are not any disadvantages of it, and lots of lots of advantages, religious as well as cosmetic :-)
I 'll tell u only. what i feel as:
1- Bad guys usually don't try to tease u.
2- You can protect yourself from unnecessary attention from
males, esp, when going for shopping or in crowdy areas.
3- As we know that our whole body plus face and hair are covered so we don't spend too much time on them before going somewhere........more time saved :-)
4- People generally respect women wid hijab and try to help them whenever they ask ( i noticed it in my college, where boys usually tease the girls who are not in Hijab or don't cover them properly, while they show extra respect towards those who wear hijab and try to help them.......just my experience).
5- Cosmetically, hijab protects our skin and hair from side effects of sun exposure......so better skin, better hair, no need to spend extra money on sun blocks and hair conditioners :-)
6- As you wear hijab so you have to dress modestly and if you cover yourself wid abaya or gown, then less money and time spent on designing and buying of your clothes....money saved :-)
7- Some times we just keep ourself from doing something wrong (despite the strong urge to do) just because it will not match our appearance.......our Iman strengthens as people expect us to be more religious than normal girls who don't wear hijab, so it causes stimulus to keep us on right track.
8- Non- muslims will know our religion and faith, even without being introduced......so it spread message of Islam. While u can't differentiate b/w non-muslims that from what religion they belong.
9- Girls will become less conscious of there appearance and physique in co-gatherings., so it also promotes confidence in personality.
Well you may laugh on some of advantages what i feel, but yeah you can't deny it. So what i want to convey is that Hijab not only strengthen our faith but it is also very usefull in other things also, so promote Hijab.......there are not any disadvantages of it, and lots of lots of advantages, religious as well as cosmetic :-)
HIJAB; the Reasons and the Advantages
Allah SWT has commanded us with every action that is good for us and prohibited us from performing every action that is bad for us. Allah SWT orders the Muslim woman to wear the Hijab when she steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men. So to wear the Hijab is a source of great good for you – the Muslim woman - for many reasons. Among them:
1. You please Allah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the Hijab and you can expect great rewards in return.
2. It is Allah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.
3. It is Allah’s preservation of your chastity.
4. Allah purifies your heart and mind through the Hijab.
5. Allah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with Hijab. Outwardly your Hijab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.
6. Allah defines your femininity through the Hijab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.
7. Allah raises your dignity through the Hijab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.
8. Allah protects your honour 100% through your Hijab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!
9. Allah gives you nobility through the Hijab. You are noble not degraded because you are covered not naked.
10. Allah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the Hijab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the Hijab.
11. Allah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the Hijab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your Hijab. You are someone that people take seriously.
12. Allah expresses your independence through the Hijab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.
13. Allah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the Hijab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your Hijab gives you a unique confidence.
14. Allah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the Hijab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.
15. Allah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.
16. Allah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing Hijab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your Hijab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.
17. Allah brings about peace and stability in the society through the Hijab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…
So a Muslim woman in Hijab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…
Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfil your duties towards Allah SWT, put on your adornment - put on your Hijab and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing Hijab is extremely beneficial – it must be - because Allah only commands what is good… and believe me dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…
1. You please Allah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the Hijab and you can expect great rewards in return.
2. It is Allah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.
3. It is Allah’s preservation of your chastity.
4. Allah purifies your heart and mind through the Hijab.
5. Allah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with Hijab. Outwardly your Hijab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.
6. Allah defines your femininity through the Hijab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.
7. Allah raises your dignity through the Hijab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.
8. Allah protects your honour 100% through your Hijab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!
9. Allah gives you nobility through the Hijab. You are noble not degraded because you are covered not naked.
10. Allah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the Hijab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the Hijab.
11. Allah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the Hijab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your Hijab. You are someone that people take seriously.
12. Allah expresses your independence through the Hijab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.
13. Allah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the Hijab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your Hijab gives you a unique confidence.
14. Allah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the Hijab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.
15. Allah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.
16. Allah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing Hijab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your Hijab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.
17. Allah brings about peace and stability in the society through the Hijab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…
So a Muslim woman in Hijab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…
Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfil your duties towards Allah SWT, put on your adornment - put on your Hijab and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing Hijab is extremely beneficial – it must be - because Allah only commands what is good… and believe me dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…
Monday, 19 December 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)