Title: Zawiya (I,II,III)
Author: Ashfaq Ahmad
Ashfaq Ahmad, a great writer who has made contributions to Urdu literature as a novelist, play-writer, and afsana nigar. He tried his level best to reshape the materialist thinking of the society and in educating the people with the true meaning of life and happiness . Zawiya (forum to discuss issues ) is one of his marvelous piece of work which was not only tele-casted on PTV but is available in form of books (Part I,II,II) . In order to explain his point of view of life and Allah –Man relationship, the writer adopts the simple yet convincing methodology. He picks the mundane issues and then tries to extract morals from them. Following are some the points/lessons highlighted in the book.
First of all the writer accentuates that doing simple and small deeds (like helping others) for others is the best source of earning happiness and satisfaction in one’s life. We usually spend our life thinking about ourselves only and we tend of ignore the people who are important to us or who needs us. The truth is that there is much more to life than restricting the life circle to one own’s self. The true solace comes when we help others and this help is not just by offering charity (finance) but it can be offered in small forms such as sincere piece of advice, help etc. This is the paramount way to give and get the love from and to others.
Secondly, the emphasis is made on the rapport between man and Allah. The relationship between man and Allah gets strong when one learns to love Allah and not to fear him and of course when one loves Allah he tries his best not to disappoint him. Allah SWT made is very clear that in order to please Allah, one must love Allah’s creator and it is the primary duty of Muslim. Helping others is no doubt the key to the successful life.
I highly recommended this book (part I,II,III ) to the people who are in quest of solace in their life and are willing to discover the secret of a happy and successful life both in this world and the eternal one. May Allah bless Ashfaq Ahamd and grant his Jannat (Ameen).
By:Shamila Keyani
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Raja Gidh (Book Review)
Title: Raja Gidh
Author: Bano Qudsia
Pages: 406
Raja Gidh, a phenomenal and classical novel written by Bano Qudsia . This novel not only delinates the long-trem effects of “Rizq-e-Haraam” on the lives of human beings ,but helps in revealing some of the main reasons for dissatisfied and catastrophic life.
The characters in Raja Gidh are everyday characters (basically it’s us). The writer compares the ‘human nature’ with ‘Gidh’ (scavenger) and tries to convince the reader that humans are just like Gidhs (even worst then them). If a Gidhs eat meat of only dead animal so are humans, who always like to take advantages of weak /disturb and emotionally dead people. In trying to gain what is beyond his/her destination he often choose the forbidden path which leads him to earn Rizq-e-haraam. The writer comprehensively explains the adverse effects of Rizq-e-haraam on human’s genes mutation process. It could lead to insanity and abnormality which is then genetically transferred to next generations.
The second point which is strongly highlighted though out the novel is the concept of “Ishq–e-Lahasil” (love with no destination) . Love for forbidden desires always leads a person in earning rizq-e-haraam which in turn destroyes one’s life and at the end the person is left alone with nothing except his discontented life. In order to convince the reader on this point, characters of Qayyum and Semi Shah are introduced in novel. Qayyum, a middle class member of society falls in loves with Semi Shah, a liberal and beautiful women who had a true love for her other class fellow. Due to some circumstances Semi is unable to marry her beloved and this makes her emotionally upset and weak. During this time of depression and loniless Qayyum takes physical advantage of Semi Shah but as always remains unsuccessful in emotionally molding her love feeling towards him. This was Ishq-e- lahasil of Qayyum. He ran after someone who was never meant for him and his desire lead him towards the wrong path and he kept moving in the wrong direction and at the end was left alone with nothing but regret and dissatisfaction.
This novel strongly reflects on the negatives points of our society today. If only we can understand the concept and adverse effects of Rizq-e- haram and learn to strongly believe in Allah and the fate decided by him , we are likely to prosper as a good Muslim and a perfect member of society. I strongly recommend this novel to all and lot of thanks to Bano Qudsia for such a great contribution to Urdu literature.
By:Shamaila Keyani
Author: Bano Qudsia
Pages: 406
Raja Gidh, a phenomenal and classical novel written by Bano Qudsia . This novel not only delinates the long-trem effects of “Rizq-e-Haraam” on the lives of human beings ,but helps in revealing some of the main reasons for dissatisfied and catastrophic life.
The characters in Raja Gidh are everyday characters (basically it’s us). The writer compares the ‘human nature’ with ‘Gidh’ (scavenger) and tries to convince the reader that humans are just like Gidhs (even worst then them). If a Gidhs eat meat of only dead animal so are humans, who always like to take advantages of weak /disturb and emotionally dead people. In trying to gain what is beyond his/her destination he often choose the forbidden path which leads him to earn Rizq-e-haraam. The writer comprehensively explains the adverse effects of Rizq-e-haraam on human’s genes mutation process. It could lead to insanity and abnormality which is then genetically transferred to next generations.
The second point which is strongly highlighted though out the novel is the concept of “Ishq–e-Lahasil” (love with no destination) . Love for forbidden desires always leads a person in earning rizq-e-haraam which in turn destroyes one’s life and at the end the person is left alone with nothing except his discontented life. In order to convince the reader on this point, characters of Qayyum and Semi Shah are introduced in novel. Qayyum, a middle class member of society falls in loves with Semi Shah, a liberal and beautiful women who had a true love for her other class fellow. Due to some circumstances Semi is unable to marry her beloved and this makes her emotionally upset and weak. During this time of depression and loniless Qayyum takes physical advantage of Semi Shah but as always remains unsuccessful in emotionally molding her love feeling towards him. This was Ishq-e- lahasil of Qayyum. He ran after someone who was never meant for him and his desire lead him towards the wrong path and he kept moving in the wrong direction and at the end was left alone with nothing but regret and dissatisfaction.
This novel strongly reflects on the negatives points of our society today. If only we can understand the concept and adverse effects of Rizq-e- haram and learn to strongly believe in Allah and the fate decided by him , we are likely to prosper as a good Muslim and a perfect member of society. I strongly recommend this novel to all and lot of thanks to Bano Qudsia for such a great contribution to Urdu literature.
By:Shamaila Keyani
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Talash (Book Review)
Book Title: Talash
Author: Mumtaz Mufti
Pages: 260
Words about author: Mumtaz Mufti was considered a non-conformist writer having liberal views
“TALASH” (search, to look for), is a book in which the author quest for the definition of a true and simple “Muslim”. He is startled to find out that despite of being born in a Muslim family and raised in a Muslim country, the meaning of his own identity is vague to him. The book convinces reader to discover his inner-self and expresses the liberal views of the author about the so-called Islamic scholars and their preaching to our younger generation. It also highlights the true spirit of Quranic teaching in our daily lives. BUT WAIT, this does not mean that Talash is a book full of lengthy mystic lectures rather it is free from rhetoric and is simple to understand.
The First point the author tries to accentuate is the rapport between Allah and human. He strongly criticizes the Illiterate and so-called Islamic scholars ( molvis or ulmay dein) as they are relentlessly depicting a negative and strict image of Allah-man relationship . They are molding the Islamic laws as per their wishes and benefits, due to which there always exists discrepancies in all Islamic issues. This is one of the most obvious reasons that are stopping our younger generation to develop their interest in understanding the real meaning of this balanced religion. Younger generation have clung to the belief that Allah is very strict and is ready to punish us for our every single misdeed. Where as in reality, this is most reliable and strong relationship then any other. He is with us in all the moments of grief as well as joy, he acts a friend and at sametime as a mother, he is always listening to you and no matter what you do he always loves you all time and is always ready to forgive you . Instead of being of scared from him (as molvis tell us) it is better to respect him and in order to create a good relationship with Allah we need to take him with us in every single moment of our life.
Next point highlighted by author is that in order for Muslims to prosper it is of extremely important to follow the characteristics (actions) of our Prophet (S.A.W). He have presented some really good examples in the book. Now a days Muslims are taking islam as a ritual or rather a source of identification. Following the characteristics (serat) of Prophet (P.B.U.H) is paramount way to create the harmony and balance in ones life.
Later the authors’ states that Talash (search) for knowing oneself doesn’t end here rather it is chronic process and one need to struggle for it through out the life. When one will struggle then one will search and this is the basic purpose of Islam. “To find, to discover the underlying secrets” and the only key to reveal these secretes is “HOLY QURAN”.
(By: Shamaila Keyani)
Author: Mumtaz Mufti
Pages: 260
Words about author: Mumtaz Mufti was considered a non-conformist writer having liberal views
“TALASH” (search, to look for), is a book in which the author quest for the definition of a true and simple “Muslim”. He is startled to find out that despite of being born in a Muslim family and raised in a Muslim country, the meaning of his own identity is vague to him. The book convinces reader to discover his inner-self and expresses the liberal views of the author about the so-called Islamic scholars and their preaching to our younger generation. It also highlights the true spirit of Quranic teaching in our daily lives. BUT WAIT, this does not mean that Talash is a book full of lengthy mystic lectures rather it is free from rhetoric and is simple to understand.
The First point the author tries to accentuate is the rapport between Allah and human. He strongly criticizes the Illiterate and so-called Islamic scholars ( molvis or ulmay dein) as they are relentlessly depicting a negative and strict image of Allah-man relationship . They are molding the Islamic laws as per their wishes and benefits, due to which there always exists discrepancies in all Islamic issues. This is one of the most obvious reasons that are stopping our younger generation to develop their interest in understanding the real meaning of this balanced religion. Younger generation have clung to the belief that Allah is very strict and is ready to punish us for our every single misdeed. Where as in reality, this is most reliable and strong relationship then any other. He is with us in all the moments of grief as well as joy, he acts a friend and at sametime as a mother, he is always listening to you and no matter what you do he always loves you all time and is always ready to forgive you . Instead of being of scared from him (as molvis tell us) it is better to respect him and in order to create a good relationship with Allah we need to take him with us in every single moment of our life.
Next point highlighted by author is that in order for Muslims to prosper it is of extremely important to follow the characteristics (actions) of our Prophet (S.A.W). He have presented some really good examples in the book. Now a days Muslims are taking islam as a ritual or rather a source of identification. Following the characteristics (serat) of Prophet (P.B.U.H) is paramount way to create the harmony and balance in ones life.
Later the authors’ states that Talash (search) for knowing oneself doesn’t end here rather it is chronic process and one need to struggle for it through out the life. When one will struggle then one will search and this is the basic purpose of Islam. “To find, to discover the underlying secrets” and the only key to reveal these secretes is “HOLY QURAN”.
(By: Shamaila Keyani)
Friday, August 17, 2007
KUFAR (urdu version) / BLASPHEMY (English Version)
Title : Kufar (urdu version)/ Blasphemy (English Version)
Author: Tehmina Durrani......
Pages: 265
“ Wo humain ais dhowray-jahalet aur in halat main wapis lay gay thay jis say humain Rasool Hazarat Muhammad S.A.W (P.B.U.H) nay azadee dilwaee thee. Yeah wo hey halath thay jin k khatmay k leay dinay Islam key zaroorat peree thee”
Kufar , a tragic and shocking story in which the writer deftly uncovers the disgusting faces of the hypocrate known as Peer/Pirs (Sain, Mullanah, Jigirdar ), who present themselves as the conduit between Allah and people (illiterate and ignorant people) . They are playing a curtail role in defacing the values and image of Islam not to only at national but international level. Islam is a balanced religion with balanced rights for everyone, but Alas these Peers and Jigidaars are becoming successful in deliberately molding Islamic rules according to their own desires and wishes. In this book, Tehmina Durrani comprehensively explains the way women rights and actual status given to them by Islam are being abandoned and misused. The writer persistently tries to attain the attention of the reader to the fact that this is not the Islam that our Prophet Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W (P.B.U.H) gave us and we must struggle together to stand against the injustice done by these so-called divine figures and If we don't we will difinetly ruin our image not only as a muslim but as a human.
“HEER” is the main character of the story, who at the age of fifteen is forcefully married to a PEER SAIN (divine man according to his followers) as a result of cultural and financial pressure. She is brutally beaten up plus mentally tortured many times in a day by her husband over small mistakes. First time she was beaten up because she unintentionally dared to come infront of six years old kid, who in her husband view was supposed to be a "NA-MEHRAM” . She was not even allowed to share her agonies and pain with anyone not even with her mother. She was not allowed to read the Quran with Urdu translation because in this way she would get insight about her rights. Twice she was pushed by her husband to commit the sin (Gunaahay Kabirah) of aborting her child. Later due to her husband demand she was forced to present herself in front of his friends for the sake of their pleasure. What a strategy, for Peer “Gunnhay Kabirah” is a normal activity but coming in front of a six year old child is a sin????
By targeting the Peer Sain , the writer has actually revealed the actual faces of whole corrupted Peer community . Peer Sain for his whole life commanded the powerless and weak people by exploiting the name and rules of Islam. Only who surrender to the rule of Peer Sain was considered to be loyal muslim otherwise he was punished beyond one’s thoughts. The writer argues that people like Peer sin feel no shame in sexually abusing their servants and making their own daughters and sisters as the prey of their lust. In case their position or power becomes vulnerable they don’t even feel hesitant in killing their own children.
The novel highlights one of the main reason as to why Islam is being falsely perceived as a violent religion for non-muslims. We must unite against these kind of injustice in order to introduce the true meaning of Islam and Quran to the world.
By: Shamaila Keyani
Author: Tehmina Durrani......
Pages: 265
“ Wo humain ais dhowray-jahalet aur in halat main wapis lay gay thay jis say humain Rasool Hazarat Muhammad S.A.W (P.B.U.H) nay azadee dilwaee thee. Yeah wo hey halath thay jin k khatmay k leay dinay Islam key zaroorat peree thee”
Kufar , a tragic and shocking story in which the writer deftly uncovers the disgusting faces of the hypocrate known as Peer/Pirs (Sain, Mullanah, Jigirdar ), who present themselves as the conduit between Allah and people (illiterate and ignorant people) . They are playing a curtail role in defacing the values and image of Islam not to only at national but international level. Islam is a balanced religion with balanced rights for everyone, but Alas these Peers and Jigidaars are becoming successful in deliberately molding Islamic rules according to their own desires and wishes. In this book, Tehmina Durrani comprehensively explains the way women rights and actual status given to them by Islam are being abandoned and misused. The writer persistently tries to attain the attention of the reader to the fact that this is not the Islam that our Prophet Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W (P.B.U.H) gave us and we must struggle together to stand against the injustice done by these so-called divine figures and If we don't we will difinetly ruin our image not only as a muslim but as a human.
“HEER” is the main character of the story, who at the age of fifteen is forcefully married to a PEER SAIN (divine man according to his followers) as a result of cultural and financial pressure. She is brutally beaten up plus mentally tortured many times in a day by her husband over small mistakes. First time she was beaten up because she unintentionally dared to come infront of six years old kid, who in her husband view was supposed to be a "NA-MEHRAM” . She was not even allowed to share her agonies and pain with anyone not even with her mother. She was not allowed to read the Quran with Urdu translation because in this way she would get insight about her rights. Twice she was pushed by her husband to commit the sin (Gunaahay Kabirah) of aborting her child. Later due to her husband demand she was forced to present herself in front of his friends for the sake of their pleasure. What a strategy, for Peer “Gunnhay Kabirah” is a normal activity but coming in front of a six year old child is a sin????
By targeting the Peer Sain , the writer has actually revealed the actual faces of whole corrupted Peer community . Peer Sain for his whole life commanded the powerless and weak people by exploiting the name and rules of Islam. Only who surrender to the rule of Peer Sain was considered to be loyal muslim otherwise he was punished beyond one’s thoughts. The writer argues that people like Peer sin feel no shame in sexually abusing their servants and making their own daughters and sisters as the prey of their lust. In case their position or power becomes vulnerable they don’t even feel hesitant in killing their own children.
The novel highlights one of the main reason as to why Islam is being falsely perceived as a violent religion for non-muslims. We must unite against these kind of injustice in order to introduce the true meaning of Islam and Quran to the world.
By: Shamaila Keyani
'MunWal Kaba'ah Sharif' (Book Review)
Title of the book: Mun wal Kabah Sharif
Author:- Mustansar Hussain Tarar
Pages:- 453
“ EMANN MUJHAY ROKAY HEY JO KHENCHAY HEY MUJHAY KUFFAR”
“ Mun Wal Khabah Sharif” , is a well written travelogues about spiritual journey (HAJJ) of the author. I must acknowledge Mustanstar Hussain Tarar that he not only shared his personal experiences and feelings with the reader but also has been successful in educating the user with the actual meaning of Hajj. He comprehensively explained the history related to each step performed during hajj which makes the book more fascinating. The writer shows his love for Allah, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) ,and the sacred/divines personalities of Islam, and further on he inculcates that the Hajj is not just a ritual where we recite specific set of Surrats and duas for specific time and assume that our duty is finished ,but in reality the actual Hajj begins when one come backs to the normal routine and implements the righteous actions order by Allah Almighty. In addition to his Hajj experience, the author is quite worried that soon it would be difficult to identify the holy places since most of them are either sealed by Arabs or in some cases renovated (They do this in order to refrain people from doing “Shirk”). I am astonished to find out the comprehensive description provided by the author of all the events and various places because no notes were taken by him during the journey.
The story is first person narrative and the writer is accompanied by his two sons. There are three major portions of the book: 1) Jeddah 2) Mecca 3) Medina. During the stay in Jeddah, the author provides the thorough description of various places of well developed and modernized city Jeddah and sheds the light on the lavish life style of Arabs. He explicitly mentions the pros and cons of the Arab culture. The second part of the book revolves around author’s Hajj in Mecca. Each step performed during the Hajj is explained in form of chapters. In order to engross readers’ attention, the author provides well-referenced historical context. The only part that the author didn’t experience himself is “ the visit inside the kabaah Sharif” but I must comment that he did an outstanding job in narrating the detail report of the inside structure of Kabbah and the experience of his son Suljuke (As a diplomat he mashahallah got an opportunity to offer the nawafil inside the Kabaah). The part is so interesting that while reading this part I felt myself as the part of this journey.
After performing Hajj, the author heads towards Medina (the city of tranquility). In this section Mustansir Hussain Tarar sheds the light on the life and hardships faced by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and Sabahs (R.A). The detail of the sacred places of medina is also discussed.
I highly recommend this book to every Muslim who has true desire to perform Hajj in its real meaning…..May Allah bless Mustansir Hussain Trar for writing this book and bless him with the strength to carry on with his contributions to the society.
By:Shamaila keyani
Author:- Mustansar Hussain Tarar
Pages:- 453
“ EMANN MUJHAY ROKAY HEY JO KHENCHAY HEY MUJHAY KUFFAR”
“ Mun Wal Khabah Sharif” , is a well written travelogues about spiritual journey (HAJJ) of the author. I must acknowledge Mustanstar Hussain Tarar that he not only shared his personal experiences and feelings with the reader but also has been successful in educating the user with the actual meaning of Hajj. He comprehensively explained the history related to each step performed during hajj which makes the book more fascinating. The writer shows his love for Allah, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) ,and the sacred/divines personalities of Islam, and further on he inculcates that the Hajj is not just a ritual where we recite specific set of Surrats and duas for specific time and assume that our duty is finished ,but in reality the actual Hajj begins when one come backs to the normal routine and implements the righteous actions order by Allah Almighty. In addition to his Hajj experience, the author is quite worried that soon it would be difficult to identify the holy places since most of them are either sealed by Arabs or in some cases renovated (They do this in order to refrain people from doing “Shirk”). I am astonished to find out the comprehensive description provided by the author of all the events and various places because no notes were taken by him during the journey.
The story is first person narrative and the writer is accompanied by his two sons. There are three major portions of the book: 1) Jeddah 2) Mecca 3) Medina. During the stay in Jeddah, the author provides the thorough description of various places of well developed and modernized city Jeddah and sheds the light on the lavish life style of Arabs. He explicitly mentions the pros and cons of the Arab culture. The second part of the book revolves around author’s Hajj in Mecca. Each step performed during the Hajj is explained in form of chapters. In order to engross readers’ attention, the author provides well-referenced historical context. The only part that the author didn’t experience himself is “ the visit inside the kabaah Sharif” but I must comment that he did an outstanding job in narrating the detail report of the inside structure of Kabbah and the experience of his son Suljuke (As a diplomat he mashahallah got an opportunity to offer the nawafil inside the Kabaah). The part is so interesting that while reading this part I felt myself as the part of this journey.
After performing Hajj, the author heads towards Medina (the city of tranquility). In this section Mustansir Hussain Tarar sheds the light on the life and hardships faced by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and Sabahs (R.A). The detail of the sacred places of medina is also discussed.
I highly recommend this book to every Muslim who has true desire to perform Hajj in its real meaning…..May Allah bless Mustansir Hussain Trar for writing this book and bless him with the strength to carry on with his contributions to the society.
By:Shamaila keyani
'Pyar ka phela Sheher ' (Book Review)
Title of the book: Pyar ka Pehla Sheher
Author:- Mustansar Hussain Tarar
Pages:- 262
“Pyar ka Pehla Sheher” is one of the most interesting romantic Novels. It is a story about pure and innocent love. The author tries to delineate two points through this novel. First, anyone can fall in love since it is the rite of everyone. Love has never reserved itself for beautiful or physically fit people rather everyone falls in love once or many times in their life. It just happens and sees no boundary, country, nationality etc. Second, in today’s world we define a handicap person as “a person who is either physically or mentally unfit”, whereas in author’s point of view everyone whether he/she realize it or not at some point in their life become handicap. We all desire to mold the life in our own way but most of the time constraints such as culture, poverty, hunger, family, education, job etc make us handicap and we are bound to make the tough and unwanted decisions.
It is a story about a Pakistani tourist “Sunan”, who on this way to France meets “Paskal” , a handicap (lame) yet beautiful French young lady. Paskal seems to be in the complex of inferiority due to her disability to properly walk. Sunan decides to spend sometime with Paskal and help her in getting back to the normal life again. They spend some time together and soon they both realize that they are deeply in love with each other. Paskal on getting the true love becomes ready to sacrifice everything for Sunan and now Sunan due to the cultural and social constraints needs to make a decision. …….To find out whether Sunan marries Paskal or not , read and enjoy the novel………………
Mustansir Hussain Tarar not only did a wonderful job in expressing the feelings of novel’s characters with his magical words, but while reading this novel one can enjoy also enjoy the history and description of some famous places of Paris. I strongly recommend this novel to all Urdu literature readers.
BY:Shamaila keyani
Author:- Mustansar Hussain Tarar
Pages:- 262
“Pyar ka Pehla Sheher” is one of the most interesting romantic Novels. It is a story about pure and innocent love. The author tries to delineate two points through this novel. First, anyone can fall in love since it is the rite of everyone. Love has never reserved itself for beautiful or physically fit people rather everyone falls in love once or many times in their life. It just happens and sees no boundary, country, nationality etc. Second, in today’s world we define a handicap person as “a person who is either physically or mentally unfit”, whereas in author’s point of view everyone whether he/she realize it or not at some point in their life become handicap. We all desire to mold the life in our own way but most of the time constraints such as culture, poverty, hunger, family, education, job etc make us handicap and we are bound to make the tough and unwanted decisions.
It is a story about a Pakistani tourist “Sunan”, who on this way to France meets “Paskal” , a handicap (lame) yet beautiful French young lady. Paskal seems to be in the complex of inferiority due to her disability to properly walk. Sunan decides to spend sometime with Paskal and help her in getting back to the normal life again. They spend some time together and soon they both realize that they are deeply in love with each other. Paskal on getting the true love becomes ready to sacrifice everything for Sunan and now Sunan due to the cultural and social constraints needs to make a decision. …….To find out whether Sunan marries Paskal or not , read and enjoy the novel………………
Mustansir Hussain Tarar not only did a wonderful job in expressing the feelings of novel’s characters with his magical words, but while reading this novel one can enjoy also enjoy the history and description of some famous places of Paris. I strongly recommend this novel to all Urdu literature readers.
BY:Shamaila keyani
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