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Showing posts with label EVENTS IN PAKISTAN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EVENTS IN PAKISTAN. Show all posts

BASANT


Basant

Basant is an annual festival of Kite Flying in Lahore, Pakistan. It marks the begining of spring season, usually it starts in mid Feb. When did it exactly start? No one can say it with authority, its been here for centuries, for last few years – its exuberance has lowered downed a bit due to killings by the thread used to fly kites (Dorr). Sky of the city is full of all types of kites of different sizes, shapes & colors.
Art of Kite Flying
Flying Kite is an art – it required a lots of mastery, previously kites used to be flown in open parks, grounds and different parties kinda played a battle by intersecting the thread with other party’s thread. As time passed by people started to fly kites on their roof-top, then it started to be celebrated on nights with lighting, dance parties, barbecue, drum beating and lots of other stuff added flavor into it.
Types of Kites
There are different types of kites, and different terms are used to name them. Usually Kites are of 2 shapes, patang & guddas.
Patang is again categorised into different sub-categories namely, Patang & Kupp. Patang is … let me try to find a show you the image to describe it that how it looks alike as I find it very difficult to describe its shape…

so this is patang, the one in RED-BLUE & yellow – it has been bowed (cut during flying) – people are trying to get hold of it – the term used in Lahore is Lutna – to grab —– (in background you can see the historical shahi mosque of Lahore). The sticks which guys are holding in their hand is called Chaambhaa with bunch of bushes attached to it so that thread of the kite gets entangled in the bushes and doesn’t go away.


Kupp is slightly modified in shape and is a bit vertical and lower portion of the kite is little smaller than the one shown in picture.
Its worth mentioning, perhaps Patang flying is one of the most difficult in kite flying, to hold, manage & then to play battle with Patang is an art which requires a lots of practice, patience.
Patang is usually measured in size in terms of hands Giths, Do Githi (2 hands), Cho Githi, Panj Githi (5 hands) & Saarh are the most commonly used sizes of patang.
Gudda
Gudda (Rectangular Kite) is another famous type of kite, it also comes in different sizes, variant shapes, colors. Different sizes of Guddas are pona, tawa, dairh tawa, 2 tawa, 2.5 tawa and higher. Based on different designs, it gets different names like Modhay maar, Patti Maar, Lucknow Cut (Nakhlow Kaat), Macharr, Dabbi Maar, Machi Maar, Ik Akhal, 2 Akhal etc..



Chamairna
Chamirna means to get hold of kite (which is cut) with another kite. Like, when 2 kites are having battle with each other, at the end usually one and at times both are cut and goes in air with some thread with them, then there are guys who fly usually a typically shaped kite with special thread Tandi or even having stainless steel wire at the start of the thread (near kite), some people attach half cut match sticks near steel wire or near the talaawan of  the kite (what is talaawan – i’ll explain later). The kite usually used for this purpose is Lucknow Cut (Nakhlao Kaat) as it has more tendency to move around its centre of gravity :-) I am getting short of words in english that how to explain it – basically when the free thread of the kite is felt on thread of your kite, the Chamairu (person flying kite for the purpose of holding other free kites) make the kite to move in circular shape around the thread so that there are lots of knots, wrinkles of the both thread with each other – and when both gets entangled with each other, the guy starts to pull the thread carefully and gets both the kites – at times his own kite (the hunter) is at risk, if the thread is not properly entangled he might loose his own kite.
Talaawaa`n
Talaawaa`n are very important in kite flying, you don’t tie the thread directly with the kite, rather you balance the kite with a thread by having a thread attached to the kite near top side and other end of the same thread is tied near lower side by make small/tiny holes, after tieing this thread, the kite is balance so that it doesn’t fall on one side, then where the balance is found, there we tie a knot and from that part we attach the actual thread..
Threads / Dorrs
There are different kinds of thread/dorrs available to fly kites, in my childhood, most famous brands were 12 number, 2 pandas, 5 pandas, 2 bears (do richh), 5 bears (5 richh).. later on as i kept on growing so did the brands of threads, now a days there are so many brands that one doesn’t know which one to buy – each one is meant for special purpose, depending on the size of kite, nature of flying, nature of the wind speed – you’ll find a variety of threads available.
Safety comes first - 1st Priority
Recently lots of killing happened due to weird use of heavy metalled threads – at the time of my childhood – people used to fly kites in great number – i personally think that the number of kites flown is now reduced but the killings have increased – the reasons which I understand for these incidents are
1. Too hard/thick threads
2. number of motorcycles & traffic has increased drastically – over last few years traffic growth in Lahore is in 3 digits.
So people have tried to find their own way of protecting themselves from the killer thread, here you figure it out.


Basant is not only confined to kite flying – there are lots of other activities which are attached and now part of basant.
Actually there is lot more which can be presented here so its taking quite a lots of time to present all about basant & kite flying – so making page available online now – will keep on adding as I get time & pictures

BASANT



Basant is a centuries old cultural tradition of Punjab. Over the years, it gained an element of controversy as the fundamentalism wiped the norms of tolerance and co-existence in our society. Disregard of law and for the lives of fellow citizens turned it into a bloody sport.
Recently I came across a book “URS AUR MELAY” by Aman Ullah Khan Arman, published by Kitab Manzil Lahore in 1959. I am reproducing the chapter on Basant (p.276-277) here: “Basant (a Sanskrit word for spring) is a seasonal festival of Indo-Pak sub-continent and it has no religious bearings. Basant is the herald of the spring and celebrated in winter (Magh) on the fourth or fifth day of lunar month. This is the reason why it is called Basant Panchami. Basant season starts on this day, therefore, Basant is regarded the herald of spring, wheat grows, and mustard blossoms in this season. (Old Aryan tradition divides a year into six seasons each having two months. Mustard blossom that is yellow in color is considered the color of spring and accordingly yellow outfits were worn). 
BASANT’S MODE:
According to poet Kalidasa, rivulets and streams suddenly started flowing, mango bear flowers, honeybees hum and love god enamors the hearts in Basant…
BASANT’S TRADITIONS:
In pre-partition India Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs all celebrated Basant. Basant festivals held in all major cities of Punjab. Yellow clothes were worn; men wore yellow turbans and women yellow dupattas and saris. It was common to sway swings among Hindu, Muslim and Sikh women together and Basant’s traditional songs were sung that reflected the liveliness and romance of life in Punjab. Kite flying was common but on a small scale with decency.


POST-PARTTION BASANT:
After partition where many other evils take roots, some festivals too lost their original colors. After departure of non-muslims Basant was reduced to kite flying and other traditions were also forgotten. Now a day neither yellow clothes nor swings came in sight or any civil activity. Here and there, crowds of kite flyers show their ill manners. Children, grownups and old alike fly kites on rooftops from dawn to dusk. Kite battles and brawls are common scenes…
KITE FLYING EPIDEMIC:
Most of the kite flyers are less educated or illiterate laborers. Some educated also do the same and the kite flying epidemic is spreading among the school children”.
This is a narration of Basant celebration nearly 50 years ago but much has changed. Sadly, the festival has lost its true colors and instead became a game of death.

Muharram: living under fear of the known


Muharram: living under fear of the known:Every year, the occasion of Ashura brings mourning and remembrance for the shuhada of Karbala across the Muslim world. But sadly, in our country, it is almost synonymous with further killing of the innocent souls that marks the end of first ten days of first month of the Islamic New Year. History of sectarian violence in Pakistan is old, and everyone knows what non-state actors or agencies incited hatred between two communities of the faithful to further their own interests in the battlefield called Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
However, the fear of such incidents happening obviously compounds when our country and society is literally at war with extremism and radicalism. The killers did not think how many Shias would be there when Moon Market blast happened in Lahore. Nor did they consider sectarian association of thousands of innocent civilians and security forces killed in our cities, towns and the tribal agencies across the country. In such a state of war, it was a treat for terrorists to get an opportunity of inciting violence, hatred and killing amongst the very people who they have lost support from. It was their good chance of taking revenge against the common Pakistanis for defying their version of beliefs. There are no versions of this religion; Islam is only peace!


And it happened. Two incidents one after another, significant and deadly, in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, caused havoc by killing more than 50 mourners while injuring more than a hundred. Arson attacks in Karachi after yesterday’s suicide attack has led to burning of more than 2,500 shops damaging goods worth 2-3 billion rupees while crippling the country’s economic hub.
Who’s partying and raising toasts as we bleed in heart and soul? Who’s celebrating new year with resolutions to kill as many innocent Pakistanis as possible? Who is making claims of defending a religion that they themselves have drifted so far away from? We know them, don’t we? And we also know, it’s not only them as only the blind could not see who’s benefiting from this war and anarchy in our backyard.
Prayers for the martyred in Karachi and Muzaffarabad… People of Lahore and rest of the country stand by you as you are not alone; we are also bleeding from your loss!

SHAB_e_MEHRAAJ


بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

ٱقۡتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُهُمۡ وَهُمۡ فِى غَفۡلَةٍ۬ مُّعۡرِضُونَ

In the Name of Allah The Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Closer and closer to mankind comes their Reckoning: yet they heed not and they turn away.
[Quran - Al Anbiya:01]




The Night of Ascension regarding Hadiths:


The story of the Al-Miraj goes that the beloved Prophet (PBUH) was asleep one night towards the end of his prophetic course in Makkah when he was wakened by the angel Gabriel(as) who cleansed his heart before bidding him alight on a angelic horse named Buraq.


Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, p. 101
I was brought al-Burg who is an animal white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who would place his hoof at a distance equal to the range of vision. I mounted it and came to the Temple (Bait-ul Maqdis in Jerusalem), then tethered it to the ring used by the prophets.


The journey from Makkah to Jerusalem is known as al-Isra, "the night journey". At Jerusalem the Prophet(PBUH) was tested in the following way by Gabriel(as).


Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, p. 196
Allah's Apostle was presented with two cups, one containing wine and the other milk on the night of his night journey at Jerusalem. He looked at it and took the milk. Gabriel said, "Thanks to Allah Who guided you to the Fitra (i.e. Islam); if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray".


After this began al-Mi'raj, "the ascent". The Prophet(PBUH) passed the sea of kawthar, the sea of "abundance", and then met various prophets, from Adam(as) to Abraham(as), as well as a variety of angels as he passed through the seven heavens. After this Gabriel(as) took him to the heavenly lote-tree on the boundary of the heavens before the throne of Allah.


Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, p. 147
Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the lote-tree of the utmost boundary). Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, "This is the lote-tree of the utmost boundary".


Gabriel(as) and Buraq could go no further but the Beloved Prophet(PBUH) went on to the presence of Allah where he was commanded to order the Muslims to pray fifty times a day:


Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, p. 213
Then Allah enjoined fifty prayers on my followers. When I returned with this order of Allah, I passed by Moses who asked me, "What has Allah enjoined on your followers?" I replied, "He has enjoined fifty prayers on them". Moses said "Go back to your Lord (and appeal for reduction) for your followers will not be able to bear it".


The Prophet(PBUH) went back and forth between Allah and Moses(as) till the prayers were reduced to five per day. Moses(as) then told him to seek yet a further reduction but The prophet stopped at this point and answered Moses:


Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasulullah, p. 187
I replied that I had been back to my Lord and asked him to reduce the number until I was ashamed, and I would not do it again.



Allah then said whoever observed the five times of prayer daily would receive the reward of fifty prayers. The Prophet(PBUH) then saw some of the delights of paradise as he returned to Gabriel(as) and Buraq and then beheld the torments of the damned before going back to his home in Makkah that same night. This, briefly, is the narrative of the ascent.


The Qur'an also supports this miraculous journey.


Glory to (God) Who did take His Servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose precincts We did bless, - in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things). Surah 17.1


The "Sacred Mosque" (al-masjidul-haram) is interpreted to be the Ka'aba at Makkah and the "Farthest Mosque" (al-masjidul- aqsa) the Temple at Jerusalem. The great mosque which presently stands next to the Dome of the Rock is accordingly known today as the "al-Aqsa" mosque.
Ill try to get more reference InshaAllah, that will explain the story in details.
JazzakAllah
Question : If it was possible to travel faster then the speed of light, would time reverse itself (like backwards time travel) or just not exist?
Answer : The problem with this question is that you can't say, 'Hey, what would happen if you could go faster than the speed of light?' because that's totally "physically" impossible. It's not possible to go faster than the speed of light, so the laws of physics can't possibly say what would happen if you imagine things that way in some hypothetical universe. Physics is a complete package: once you decide to ignore one physical law, you're ignoring them all.
You run into a similar problem when you ask 'What if I could divide by zero?' or 'What if I went back in time and killed my grandfather before I was born?' There's no answer, because the question doesn't make any sense.
Of course, this doesn't bother the writers of Star Trek. They go faster than the speed of light every show and travel into the past like it's a trip to Disneyland. This brings up an interesting point, however: The idea of a space-warping engine is NOT entirely a bad one! Warping space would allow you to travel as if you were moving faster than light by changing the structure of the universe, at least temporarily. You would end up in a certain location much faster than if you travelled there the 'normal way,' kind of like a secret passage. Happily for relativity, you would STILL not actually be travelling faster than the speed of light in local space, so Einstein's 'speed limit' still holds.
The point is that though it's fun to think about and enjoy in science fiction, truly going faster than the speed of light is a violation of the laws of physics and therefore can not really be discussed by physics. I can't say time would reverse itself or not exist or anything because those aren't even options. It's like if I invited you out to dinner and you told me you absolutely couldn't come, but then I asked you whether you were going to have the soup or the salad!
One of the reasons that prevent any object with a mass going at or faster than the speed of light is that the mass is not constant - it increases with velocity and it goes to infinity at the speed of light. So that eventually you need infinite amounts of energy to accelerate infinite mass past the speed of light mark! (and as far as I know we have yet to find an infinite source of energy.
As we know Allah Subhanuwatala is not bound by any of these created laws. There is no measurement of what He could do and what he can bestow on his creation. The Buraq and Raf-Raf are both made of Noor (light), therefore the laws of physics as we understand them do not apply to them as well.
One of the reasons why the people of Makkah denied the Miraj is because the fastest modes of transport they had were horses and Camels. Over the centuries speeds of transport have increased greatly to thousands of miles per hour.
On the Miraj the Prophet on his way to Jerusalem saw Musa praying in his grave. When he reached Jerusalem all the Prophets were in Masjid al-Aqsa ready to be lead by the Imam of the Prophet's , Muhammad-ur-Rasoolallah . Musa was also there, which shows that the speed at which Prophets can travel, with the blessing of Allah Subhanuwatala is much greater than the Buraq. Imagine the speed of travel if the Holy Prophet went on the blessing Allah Subhanuwatala has given them. Sunhanallah!
When you call someone as a guest, in order to show his importants you send a means of transport, therefore Allah Subhanuwatala sent a Noorani Buraq and a guide Jibraeel . Subhanallah! we cannot begin to understand the greatness of the Holy Prophet , let alone Allah Subhanuwatals greatness.
If I have said anything wrong may Allah Subhanuwatala forgive me, Ameen. Allah Knows Best!



It was this night, on which our belove Prophet(PBUH) went to Skies in Buraq and met all earlier Prophets(May Allah Pleased With them).
It was the night on which Prophet(PBUH) met Allah
It was the night, on which 5 time Prayers were get compulsary on us.
So celebrate this night with great happiness and Pray the Nawafils and pray for all ur friends and family
coz on this night, Angels are gonna come to our house with blessings of God

SHAB_e_BARAT


Shab-E-Barat: Introduction


The festival of Shab-E-Barat is celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm by Muslims all over the world. For, Muslims believe that on the night of Shab-E-Barat god writes the destinies of all men for the coming year by taking into account the deeds committed by them in the past.

The festival is celebrated held either on the thirteenth or on the fourteenth day of Shaban, the eighth month of the Muslim year. This happens to be fifteen days before the beginning of Ramadan.

Shab-E-Barat means the night of forgiveness or Day of Atonement. People pray to god both in preparation for Ramadan and for the forgiveness of the sins committed by them. The festival is also known as Boraks Nigh.

In Persian language, ‘Shab’ means night and ‘Barat’ means ‘the night of commission or assignment’. In Arabic language, however, the day is known as Lailatul Bara'at, meaning the night of emancipation. Some though see Shab-E-Barat as the night of good fortune and a popular legend says that on this night the Prophet visits each house and relieves the pains of suffering humanity.

The night of Shab-E-Barat also commemorates the entry of Muhammad into the city of Mecca. However, Shia Muslims associate this night with the birth of their last Imam.

Celebrations
Skies light up on the night of Shab-E-Barat as the festival is celebrated in the night. Houses and streets are are also illuminated by candles and strands of electric bulbs to provide a joyful ambiance to the festival.

Colourful fire works keep dazzling the skies as the Muslims stay awake on the night of Shab-E-Barat. This is due to a belief that god writes the destinies of all living beings for the coming years in heavens during the night.
Sweets, specially the delicious savaiyyan or the vermicelli is prepared and sent to friends and also to the relatives in their remembrance of those who died during the year. Some also perform acts of charity by distributing goodies to the poor and needy in the name of their deceased ancestors. Flowers are also offered to the graves of the deceased family members.

Fatiha or the blessings are recited over the meal in the name of the Prophet, his daughter Fatima and her husband Ali. The Holy Book of Quran is also read to mark the day. Muslims hold a belief that if someone prays to Allah throughout the night and seek forgiveness for all the sins he may have committed, he could be forgiven. Therefore, the entire night of prayer is devoted to asking for forgiveness for the past year and for good fortune in the year to come.
Some people also go to mosques for prayers and meditation. While some Muslims fast during the day and render nafal, the optional namaz at night.

It may be noted that there is no mention of Shab-E-Barat in the holy book of Quran. However, Sura Dukhan does mentions about Laila Mubaraka, which, according to the learned scholars of the Quran and the Hadith, is Shab-E-Barat.

 

EID MELAD_un_NABI






"And peace on him on the day he was born, and on the day he dies, and on the day he is raised to life" Holy Quran 19:15
Allahuma salli ala Muhammadin wa Aal-e Muhammad
O God! Shower thy blessings on Muhammad and the descendents of Muhammad

Milad-un Nabi or Maulid (Mawlid) is the birthday celebration of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) and is celebrated by Muslims as Eid-e Milad. Prophet Muhammad was born Arabia in the city of Mecca on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which was Monday the 20th day of April, 571 A.C. This falls on Saturday May 25, 2002 and fell on June 4th last year (2001). This is also his death anniversary. The occasion is celebrated by remembering the favors bestowed on the ummah (community), the first is the revelation of the Holy Quran with its instructions, the second, the institution of an Everliving Guide who would advise the mu'mins (believers) according to the needs of the time. This is why Ismailis are called Ibn'ul Waqt (children of the time) as they are guided by the Imam of the time, Noor Mowlana Shah Karim Al Hussayni Hazar Imam (salwaat), His Highness the Aga Khan. He is the 49th Imam descended from the Holy Prophet's daughter, Fatima and Hazrat Ali (a.s.). For Shia Muslims, this occasion is of even more import and full of symbolism as this was also his death anniversary and, therefore, it endorses the Hablillah (Rope of Imamat) wherein Prophet Muhammad had chosen Hazrat Ali as his successor at Gadhir-e Khumm. What I am trying to say is that, this more than a coincidence. Prophet Muhammad's birthday coincided with his physical passing as was ordained by God. Hazrat Ali took over the spiritual reins from him and this chain has continued to the present. In every jomma (period of Imamat) the previous Imam appoints the following Imam and even though the previous Imam passes away physically, which could be a day of mourning, the ummah rejoices at the installation of the new Imam as the Covenant (promise of the Light of Allah) continues.
Regarding this, Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah (a.s.) said in one of his sermons:
We (the Imams) change the physical bodies in the world but our Noor (Divine Light) is eternal and comes from the very beginning. You should therefore take it as one Noor. The Noor (Light of Allah) is ever present, only the names are different. The Throne of the Imamat of Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) continues on and will remain till the Day of Judgment." (source: Ilm, Vol. 3, No. 2 - November 1977 pg 22)
The Eid-e Milad and Eid-e Gadhir are two very important celebrations for Shia Muslims. On this day every year, believers gather to recite special prayers for thanksgiving to Allah for sending Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to all nations, and speeches and lectures are made about the seerat (life) and instructions of the Holy Prophet. Poetry in the form of naats are recited and after the prayers, sweets are distributed and perfume is sprinkled or applied on everyone. The ladies and children gather for the mehndi (henna) application and everyone wears beautiful clothes for the occasion. Children get money or gifts and in East Africa we used to go to a fete, Eid Mela (fun fair) organized on this occasion by community members and we could ride on the swing merry-go round on which as children we had great fun.
In countries with Muslim concentration, the celebrations go on for the first twelve days of the month called Barah Wafah (twelve days before passing) and there are conferences and mehfils (gatherings) everyday.
Our beloved Prophet offers humanity a perfect example in all facets of life. The Holy Quran declares: "Verily, you have in the messenger of Allah, a most beautiful model (Uswa al-Hassanah)." Laqad kana lakum fee rasooli Allahi oswatun hasanatun Quran 33:21 



Prophet Muhammad lived among his people and taught them about the belief in one God, ethics in everyday life and the importance of education in leading an exemplary life. In this regard, some of his famous sayings are "Seek knowledge even unto China", "acquire knowledge, for he who acquires it performs an act of piety; he who speaks of knowledge, praises God: he who seeks it, adores God." He also declared: "The ink of the scholar is more precious than the blood of the martyr." Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah stressed this message of Prophet Muhammad and maintained that Islam by its very nature was dynamic and not rigid and spiritual faith should advance with along with material progress. In his Message to the World of Islam, he said:
"Formalism and verbal interpretation of the teachings of the Prophet are in absolute contradiction with his whole life history. We must accept his Divine Message as the channel of our union with the 'Absolute' and the 'Infinite' and once our spiritual faith is firmly established, fearlessly go forward by self sacrifice, by courage and by application to raise the scientific, the economic, the political and the social position of Muslims to a place of equality with Christian Europe and America.
"Our social customs, our daily work, our constant efforts, must be tuned up, must be brought into line with the highest form of possible civilization. At its greatest period Islam was at the head of science, was at the head of knowledge, was in the advance line of political, philosophical and literary thought."
Addressing the Seerat Conference, our beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam advised the Muslim World to make the Prophet's life the beacon light for achieving a truly modern and dynamic Islamic society. He said:
"The Holy Prophet's life gives us every fundamental guideline that we require to resolve the problem as successfully as our human minds and intellects can visualize. His example of integrity, loyalty, honesty, generosity, both of means and of time his solicitude for the poor, the weak and the sick, his steadfastness in friendship, his humility in success, his magnanimity in victory, his simplicity, his wisdom in conceiving new solutions for problems which could not be solved by traditional methods, without affecting the fundamental concepts of Islam, surely, all these are foundations which correctly understood and sincerely interpreted, must enable us to conceive what should be a truly modern and dynamic Islamic society in the years ahead."
His life and achievements are so wonderful and expansive that I cannot cover them in this short article and for this reason, I urge you to peruse the links at the bottom of this page for more material.
The following excerpts have been provided by my good friend, Courtney Kirshner, who encouraged me to get this article up even though I missed the birthday deadline this year. They are taken from Annemarie Schimmel's Mystical Dimensions of Islam:
"As early as the late eleventh century, and generally from the twelfth century on, the veneration of the Prophet assumed a visible form in the celebration of the maulid, his birthday, on 12 Rabi' ul-awwal, the third month of the Muslim lunar year. This day is still celebrated in the Muslim world. The number of poems written for this festive occasion in all Islamic languages is beyond reckoning. From the easter end of the Muslim world to the west the maulid is a wonderful occasion for the pious to show their warm love of the Prophet in songs, poems, and prayers." Page 216
The next material is from Schimmel's book "And Muhammad is His Messenger" it has a whole chapter devoted to this topic!
"It seems that the tendency to celebrate the memory of Muhammad's birthday on a larger and more festive scale emerged first in Egypt during the Fatimid Era (969-1171). This is logical, for the Fatimids claim to be the Prophet's decendants through his daughter Fatima. The Egyptian historian Maqrizi (d.1442) basing his account on Fatimid sources. It was apparently an occasion in which mainly scholars and the religious establishment participated. They listened to sermons, and sweets, particularly honey, the Prophet's favorite, were distributed; the poor received alms." page 145
The earliest Arabic sources, basing their claims on Koranic epithets like sirajun munir, a 'shining lamp,' tell that a light radiated from Amina's womb with the arrival of the newborn Proghet. Hassan ibn Thabit [poet, contemporary of Muhammad who joined him in Medina and eulogized important events in the Muslim community] sings in his dirge for Muhammad that his mother Amina of blessed memory had born him in a happy hour in which there went forth "a light which illuminated the world"
It is not surprising that this spiritual light was soon given material reality in the accounts of the Prophet's birth, as can be seen first in Ibn Sa'd's historical work in the ninth century. Yunus Emre [turkish sunni poet d.1321] sings like numerous poets in his succession in Turkey, Iran, and India:
"The world was all submersed in light
In the night of Muhammad's birth." page 149-150

"The first comprehensive work about the Prophet's birth, as far as one knows, was composed by the Andalusian author Ibn Dihya, who had participated in the festive maulid in Arbela in 1207. Written in prose with a concluding poetical economium , his work has the characteristic title Kitab at-tanwir fi maulid as-siraj al-munir (The Book of Illumination about the Birth of the Luminous Lamp), in which the light-mysticism associated with Muhammad is evident. Two Hanabilites, Ibn al-Jauzi and, a century and half later, Ibn Kathir, devoted treatises to the maulid. Poetical works about this important event were also composed relatively early." page 152
"Ibn al-Jauzi, without doubt a serious, critical theologian of Hanbalite persuasion and not a mystical poet - wrote in his maulid book, which is the first of this kind:
When Muhammad was born, angels proclaimed with high and low voices. Gabriel came with the good tidings, and the Throne trembled. The houris came out of their castles, and fragrance spread. Ridwan [the keeper of the gates of Paradise] was addressed: "Adorn the highest Paradise, remove the curtain from the Palace, send a flock of birds from the birds of Eden to Amina's dwelling place that they may drip a pearl each form their beaks," And when Muhammad was born, Amina saw a light, which illuminated the palaces of Bostra. The angels surrounded her and spread out their wings. The rows of angels, singing praise, descended and filled hill and dale." page 150
"It is also important to remember that Muhammad was born free from all bodily impurities." page 152
"The conviction that a maulud [song of the Prophet's birth] has a blessing power is not peculiar to Turkish Muslims. Its baraka is acknowledged everywhere in the Muslim world...From the Middle Ages onward it was believed that the recitation of the maulud would grant the listeners not only worldly but also heavenly reward." page 255-256
Naat-e Rasool
Hamd is poetry in praise of Allah, Naat (urdu), Qasida (Arabic and Farsi) Ginan (Gujerati) is poetry in the honor of Prophet Muhammad and the Imams.

Duroodo Salwaat by Kamal Taj - I could listen to this all day!
Mitha naam Muhammad ka Ginan
Allah Ek Khasam Sabuka This Ginan was recited in Mowlana Shah Sultan Mahomed Shah's Diamond Jubilee
Qasida Burda Sharif by Fazlay Ahmad Raza
Sub Se Aula-o Aala by Fazlay Ahmad Raza
Ya-Nabi Salam-un-Alaika by Muhammad Mushtaq Qadri
Ya Sahib-e Jamal by Maqbool Sabri
Is Karam Ka Karoon Shukar Kaise by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - one of my favorites
Nabi Syed-Ul-Anbiya Ke by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Noor-e Khuda by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Yaad E Nabi Ka Gulshan by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Nabi Nabi Yah Nabi Nabi by Aziz Mian - you'll enjoy this one!

 

HAJJ




 


HOW HAJJ WAS MUTILATED?

Competitions of Poets
How Hajj was mutilated in that period of ignorance can be gauged from the fact that it was turned into a fair which used to be held from year to year. Many big tribes with their gangs used to come to Mecca and encamp there separately. Poets and clowns of every tribe waxed eloquent in fantastically praising the bravery, renown, dignity, strength and generosity of their fellow-tribesmen and tried to excel others in bragging about them ultimately resulting in the satire of others.
Demonstrations of fake generosity
Then a competition in generosity used to be staged. The chief of every tribe in order to assert his superiority, installed huge cauldrons, and, to run down others, slaughtered camels upon camels to cook the flesh therein. The only object of this prodigality was that their name should be exalted in the whole of Arabia and that it should be publicized that this person slaughtered so many camels and that person gave food to so many people. Singing, revelry, drinking, adultery and every kind of ribaldry were pompously indulged in and the thought of God scarcely occurred to anybody.


Circumambulation in the nude
There used to be circumambulation of Ka'ba but how ? Women and men all went round and round stark naked and said : " We shall go before God in the same condition in which our mothers gave birth to us." 'Ibadat was performed in the mosque of Abraham but how ? By clapping of hands, by whistling and by blowing horns. The name of God was proclaimed but with what gusto? They said: " Here I am present, My Lord. I am present. No one is your partner except the one who by being yours is by Thee. You are his master for and the master of what he possesses."
Concept of sacrifice
They made sacrifices in the name of God but with what indecency? The blood of the animals was spilt on the walls of Ka'ba and the flesh thrown at its door with the idea that, (may God forgive) Allah demands flesh.


Sacrilege of sacred months
Abraham had declared four months of Hajj as scared and had directed that no warfare should be waged in these months. These people paid regard to this sanctity to some extent but when they wanted to fight they arrogantly turned a sacred month in one year into a violable one and compensated for it in the next year.
Some self-imposed restrictions
Then even those who were good-intentioned in religion had contrived strange ways due to ignorance. Some people used to set out for Hajj without any provision for journey and travelled begging food from here and there. They considered this as an act of piety. They claimed that they were mutawakkil (those having full trust in God), and were proceeding towards the House of God and so needed no worldly material. Doing business or working for livelihood during journeying for Hajj were generally considered unlawful. Many other people used to give up food and water during Hajj, and regarded this abstention as a part of 'Ibadat. Some people, while setting out for Hajj, stopped talking. Its means has Hajj-e-Musmit, i.e. dumb Hajj. There were countless other customs of this type by describing which I do not want to waste your time.
Abraham's prayer granted
This condition lasted for more or less than two and a half thousand years. No Arab prophet was born during this long period nor did any prophet's genuine teaching reach the people of Arabia. Ultimately the time arrived for granting the 'Dua' of Abraham which he had invoked while raising the walls of Ka'ba, i.e. " O Lord ! raise up in their midst a messenger from among them who shall recite unto them Thy revelations, and shall instruct them in the Scripture and in wisdom and shall reform their morals". (Al-Qur'an 2:129) Consequently, a perfect man rose from the progeny of Abraham whose holy name was Muhammad bin Abdullah (peace be upon him). Just as Abraham was born in the family of Pandits and Mahants, likewise Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in a family which had been for centuries Mahant of the teerath of Ka'ba. Just as Abraham struck a blow with his hands to the Mahantism of his family, likewise Muhammad (peace be upon him) struck a blow to it, and, more than that, actually exterminated it for good. Again, just as Abraham strove to extirpate the godhood of false deities and prevalence of spurious beliefs and tried to popularise servitude to one God, actually the same work was done by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who revived the same genuine and pure Deen which was introduced by Abraham. When in the course of 21 years he completed all this work, he again, with God's command, declared Ka'ba as the centre of God-worshippers of the world and sounded the same call to the people to come to this centre from all sides for Hajj. " And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for him who disbelieveth (i.e., fails to come in spite of ability let him know that) lo ! Allah is independent of (all) creatures." (Al-Qur'an 3:97)


Revival of Abraham's 'Sunnah'
In this manner, along with the renewal of Hajj, all the customs of the time of ignorance which, had become rampant during the last two and a half thousand years, were completely exterminated.
End of idol worship
All the idols in Ka'ba were smashed. The worshipping of objects other than Allah being done there was completely stopped. All rituals were wiped out. All fairs and carnivals were closed down and it was ordered that Allah's Ibadat must be carried out in the prescribed manner. " Remember Him as He hath guided you, although before ye were of those astray." (Al-Qur'an 2:198)
Prohibition of indecent acts
All indecent acts were strictly banned. " There is to be no lewdness nor ribaldry nor wrangles during Hajj." (Al-Qur'an 2:197)


Poet's competitions brought to an end
Competitions among poets, exaltations of forefather's achievements, contests in satire and sycophancy were all stopped. " And when you have completed your devotions, then remember Allah as you remember your fathers or with a more lively remembrance." (Al-Qur'an 2:200)
End of ostentatious generosity
All competitions in generosity which were meant solely for ostentation and fame were terminated and in their place was revived the system of Abraham's days to slaughter animals exclusively in the name of Allah in order that by the sacrifice made by the well-to-do people, the poor Hajis may get a chance to eat the meat. " Eat and drink, but be not prodigal. Lo! He loveth not the prodigals." (Al-Qur'an 7:31) " So mention the name of Allah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then when their flanks fall (dead), eat thereof and feed the beggar and the suppliant. " (Al-Qur'an 22:36)
No spattering of blood and flesh of sacrificed animals
The practice of spattering the blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of Ka'ba and throwing of their flesh there was stopped, and it was said : " Their flesh and their blood reach not Allah, but the devotion from you reacheth Him." (Al-Qur'an 22:37)

Prohibition of circumambulation in the state of nudity
Circumambulation in the state of nudity was strictly prohibited, and it was said : " Say; who has forbidden the adornment of Allah (i.e. dress) which He has brought forth for His bondmen". (Al-Qur'an 7:32) " Say ; (O Prophet) Allah, verily enjoineth not lewdness." (Al-Qur'an 7:29) " O Children of Adam! Look to your adornment (i.e., dress) at every place of worship." (Al-Qur'an 7:31)
Transposition of months of 'Hajj' prohibited
It was strictly prohibited to interchange the months of Hajj so as to turn the Haram month into Halal ones for purposes of battle. " Postponement (of a sacred month) is only an excess of disbelief whereby those who disbelieve are misled. They allow it one year and forbid it (another) year, that they may make up the number of the months which Allah hath allowed, so that they allow that which Allah hath forbidden." (Al-Qur'an 9:37)

Order to take provision
It was prohibited to start for Hajj without taking provision, and it was said : " You must take provision for the journey because (not to take provision for a journey in the world does not mean taking provision for the Hereafter) the best provision for the Hereafter is piety." (Al-Qur'an 2:197)
Permission to earn livelihood during 'Hajj'
It was formerly considered an act of piety not to make any earning during Hajj because it was regarded unlawful in this condition to utilize sources of livelihood. This concept was refuted. " It is no sin for you that ye seek the bounty of your Lord (by trading)." (Al-Qur'an 2:189)
End of customs of ignorance
The system of dumb Hajj and hungry and thirsty Hajj was also ended. After abolishing all other customs of Jahiliya, Hajj was made a model of piety, fear of God, purity, simplicity and austerity. The Hajj were ordered that when they set out from their homes they must purify themselves of all worldly pollution, abandon sexual desire, suspend during that period carnal relations with their wives, and abstain from filthy language and indecent acts.
Fixation of 'Meeqat'
On all reads leading to Ka'ba, marks were fixed from scores of miles away to indicate that before proceeding beyond these limits all pilgrims must put on the mendicant-like dress of Ihram so that the rich and the poor may become equal, distinctions of different nationalities may be eliminated and all of them may appear in the Court of Allah in a state of oneness as suppliants full of humility.
Instruction to maintain peaceful atmosphere
It was made haram, with Ihram on, to kill any animal, not to speak of killing a human being. The object was to create an atmosphere of peace, and to make the minds of the pilgrims spiritualised. The four months of Hajj were made sacred so that no battle takes place during this period, peace reigns on all roads leading to Ka'ba, and no pilgrim is molested en route. When the Hajis reach Ka'ba in this manner, there will be no festival or carnival, fun and games, frolic and revelry. There is remembrance of God at every step. There are prayers, 'Ibadaat, sacrifices and circumambulation of Ka'ba. If there is any clamour, it is this :
Only one slogan, 'Talbiyah'
" Here I am present, My Allah! I am present, I am present. There is no partner unto You, I am present. Verily all praise is due to Thee. All boons are Yours. Thine is the entire sovereignty." The Holy Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has said about such a neat and clean, selfless and sincere Hajj : " Whosoever performs Hajj solely for Allah and, in the course of it, abstains from sensual and ribald acts, he returns from there as immaculate as a child just born."
Importance of 'Hajj' as an obligatory act of devotion
Before I describe to you the benefits of Hajj, I should point out what kind of Fard this Hajj is. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an : " And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither. As for one who disbelieves, (let him know that) Lo ! Allah is Independent of (all) creatures." (Al-Qur'an 3:97) In this verse, failure to perform Hajj, in spite of possessing means to undertake it, is interpreted as Kufr and its elucidation is found in two Ahadith of the Holy Prophet : 1. " Whosoever possesses provisions and conveyance for a journey to the House of God and in spite of this does not perform Hajj, then his death in this condition and the death of a Jew and a Christian are both similar." 2. " Whosoever, not prevented from proceeding for Hajj by any clear preoccupation of his, or by an order of an oppressive ruler, or due to any deterrent disease, fails to perform the Hajj and dies in this condition, it is his volition either to die as a Jew or as a Christian." Elucidating this very Hadith, Hadrat 'Umar said : " I wish to impose Jizyah (tax) on those who do not perform Hajj in spite of possessing the required means. They are not Muslims. They are not Muslims." From the commandments of Allah and from its elucidation by the Holy Prophet and his caliph (peace be on them), you must have judged that this Fard (obligatory act) is not such as may be fulfilled or neglected as you like, but it is one which is obligatory once in a lifetime on every such Muslim who can defray the expenses of making journey to and from Ka'ba and is not physically incapable, no matter in which part of the world he resides and whatever may be his responsibility in regard to maintaining his family and his business or service. Those who, despite the necessary means, avoid Hajj and put it off year after year on the pretext of thousand and one preoccupation should be mindful of their Iman. As for those who never care to think for once in their whole life that there is such an obligatory duty as Hajj, and go about travelling throughout the world, and pass by the coast of Hejaz, which is at a few hours' distance from Mecca, in the course of their frequent trips to Europe, their beloved country, they are certainly not Muslims. They lie if they call themselves Muslims, and that person who considers them Muslims is ignorant of the Qur'an. They may pose that their heart ache for the Muslims. In any case, their hearts are devoid of any feeling for obedience to God and they are bereft of faith in His Commandments.

Eid al-Adha



 

What is Eid al-Adha

At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2009, Eid al-Adha will begin on approximately November 27th, and will last for three days.

What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)
One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?


 

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.
Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.


It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.



What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

 

EID_ul_FITR



Celebrated at the end of the most sacred Islamic month Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr is a three-day long festival that is enthusiastically celebrated by all Muslims of the world. But how did this exciting festival originate? Read this well-researched article from TheHolidaySpot to know about the fascinating history of Eid-ul-Fitr that is related with none other than the great Islamic prophet Muhammad. If you enjoy this article on the history of Eid-ul-Fitr and want to share it with your friends and loved ones,
According to the Islamic tradition, it was in the year 610 A.D. that Prophet Muhammad, while meditating in Mount Hira one night during the month of Ramadan, had a vision of the angel Jibril (also known as Gabriel) appearing before him telling his name to Muhammad and declaring to the latter that he was the messenger of God. Jibril said to him : "Iqraa" (meaning "read" or "recite")

.

To this Muhammad replied that he could not read.

Jibril embraced Muhammad and after releasing him repeated: "Iqraa."

"I cannot read." Muhammad answered again.

Jibril hugged Muhammad for a third time and asked him to recite what he said. He told him:


"Recite in the name of your Lord Who creates.
Creates man from a clot.
Recite: And your Lord is the Most Bountiful
Who teaches by the pen,
He teaches man what he does not know."

Though the angel informed him that he was the messenger of Allah and was going to be a prophet for his people, Muhammad was greatly disturbed at his meeting with Jibril. It is believed that he at first considered the angel as an evil spirit. It was his wife Khadijah who allayed his fears reminding him of his good conduct until then and that it was impossible for him to be visited by a demon. Even her much learned old cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal convinced him that he was indeed a messenger of God and the angel who visited Muhammad was the one who had also visited the Hebrew prophet Moses.

Muhammad was of forty years of age at this time.



In the following twenty-three years, Muhammad was visited many times by Jibril who taught him the holy knowledge in verses. This sacred knowledge consists of the code of conduct that Allah wants his people to maintain on earth. It is inscribed in verses which are compiled in the holy Qur'an, the most sacred book in Islam.

It is said that the sacred knowledge was revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. As a mark of respect to Allah and to show gratitude to him for the true knowledge that he gifted to his sons and daughters, the prophet asked his followers (and therefore the followers of Islam) to pass the month of Ramadan in fasting, prayers and other austerities and end the month-long non-indulgence with festive celebrations. This is how Eid-Ul-Fitr was born. This three-day long celebration ends the ninth month and begins the tenth month of Shawwal with absolute happiness and contentment for the ability to sacrifice for Allah. The aim of this festival is to promote peace, strengthen the feeling of brotherhood and bring oneself back to the normal course of life after a month-long period of self-denial and religious devotion.

New Year In Pakistan




New Year in Pakistan is marked by a difference owing to their distinct cultural background and ethnic background. Pakistan is a land of diverse cultures, which also presents a multi lingual, and a multi ethnic background. It is home to ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley civilization. New Year in Pakistan is celebrated in March every year.

Pakistani New Year is traditionally referred as “Nawrooz” or ‘New Day’. Like most of the other countries which celebrates 1st of January as the New Year day, this day is officially declared as New Year in Pakistan. It is a time of celebrations, merriment and revelry. The festival of Nawrooz lasts for nearly six days marked by celebrations and enthusiasm, and passion. People welcome the New Year with the hope that the coming year will be more prosperous, successful and full of happiness as compared to the year gone by. The people of Pakistan usher in the New Year with hope and eagerness and the excitement is quite palpable.

New Year celebrations in Pakistan are marked by a difference due to the diverse and distinct cultural background. Different regions and provinces of the country have their different reasons to celebrate the day and their style of celebrating it may also vary. People in the mountain valleys of Pakistan like the hilly Chitral region observe the New Year as the harvest time of grapes and walnuts. It is better known as ‘Mela Chiragan’ or ‘Basant’.

In some parts of the country, the day is welcomed in a traditional manner with religious rituals and prayers being performed in mosques by the people. In popular cities of Pakistan, such as Lahore, Karachi, preparations for the New Year starts days before the arrival of the actual day. Different households welcome the New Year in different manner. In most of the houses, women folk become busy in cleaning the houses and people buy new clothes and prepare large variety of delightful dishes to entertain the guests and the family members. People also offer prayers or “namaz” at the nearest mosque and greet each other.

New Year celebrations begin with the New Year’s Eve in Pakistan when gunshots are fired in the air to signify the start of a new year. This is also a time for different art and traditional folk music festivals, which are held to mark the occasion and the festive mood. People look forward to this day with great enthusiasm and optimism. New Year in Pakistan is also the time for resolutions for bringing about more stability and peace in the country.

For more information about the New Year in Pakistan, visit travel.mapsofworld.com.

Christmas in Pakistan




Christmas in Pakistan is celebrated like any other festival of the minorities. The Christmas day in Pakistan is a public holiday, although it is observed in the memory of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan. Though predominantly an Islamic country, Christmas in Pakistan is the main festival of the 5 millions Christians in Pakistan. Pakistan Christmas also brings forth the various traditions and rituals of Christmas celebrations in Pakistan.

Since, Christians are less in number, the enthusiasm and excitement of this festival in Pakistan is limited within the pockets where they live. Christmas celebrations in Pakistan are quite austere. However, such imperatives cannot mar the enthusiasm. Churches in Pakistan are decorated with streamers and colorful flags. Church services are held both on the eve of Christmas and on the Christmas Day.
Christmas in Pakistan is a very special occasion for many. Those who do not visit the church during the rest of the year, do not miss to attend services. Wearing new clothes, even the poorest person will attend the services. The Christmas day in Pakistan is known as ‘Bara Din’ meaning Big Day. St. Anthony's Church in Lahore is one of the best places to experience the enthusiasm of Christmas. Both before and during Advent, spiritual seminars are held to help people to prepare for the festival. During the last week of Advent, you will see groups of singers assembling for Carol Singing.

Christmas in Pakistan is celebrated with the special Christmas cakes and meals. Chicken or beef curry, rice and maybe a sweet dish is the staple menu during Christmas. Family reunions and exchange of gifts are some of the common practices. Houses are decorated with stars and Christmas trees and cribs.

travel.mapsofworld.com provides online information on Christmas in Pakistan.