Thursday, October 30, 2014

The Land of Karbala and Moharram....

Karbala

 It is a City situated in Iraq around 100kms south west of Baghdad.

Photo Courtesy:Google Images
This is the Land where Beauty of Sacrifice was Glorified with the Blood of Seventy Two Martyrs and with the wail of thirsty-hungry children and their mothers.It is place where 'Islam' was saved by the grandson of Prophet Mohammad(saw),Imam Husain a.s and his household "Bani Hashim", from  turning down in ashes by the hands of yazid (L.a) {the then Ruler}and his pets.

The first Islamic month Moharrram echoes in detest the helplessness of Maula Husain Ibne Ali(a.s) and his sacrifice in 680 A.D ie 61 Hijri.and today even after 1375 years later, the wounds of karbala  remains afresh.

But human mind is known for questions and explanation and so the most comman ones are ,What is Moharram?then Why not entire year?Its 1400 years yet ?What is the significance of it?Why do you all hit yourselves?Why Black?etc and many.

Well,i will try my best to explain most of the things in the simplest possible way.To begin, let me tell you,our first month of the calender is the commencement of our 'Ayyam-e-Azaa i.e Our Mourning Days'.This is because on second day of this month,Imam Husain(a.s) along with his people who were 72 and ladies with children reached the land of karbala,as he was called by yazid ,who later forced alliance and  betrayed Imam as his sole motive was to burn down Islam with coal and modify the religion according to his will and wish.He wanted to establish a religion of injustice,betrayal,terrorism and wrong doing to which Imam disagreed.But ,unfortunately there are many Yazidis even today, hiding behind bombs and grenades defaming religion by modifying it like his ancestor.

As Imam Husain(a.s) disagreed to his terms,the opposite army imposed a war.The yazid's army was in number that you cannot count of whereas on Imam's Side the figure was 72.The brigand,ruthless,tyrant ruler had devoid Imam Husain(a.s),his army and his family which even included a six month old son of food and water.The thirsty-hungry side was firm on belief,their eyes glowed of patience and their words only uttered of thankfulness to the almighty.This gives out a concealed message to the world of strengthening their trust on faith.The first ten days of this
month is seen as the time when the mothers were preparing their son to die a brave death.A sacrifice which any mother cannot think of.And that brings royalty to this sacrifice.

On tenth day of this month (the day you get public holiday)which is Ashoora,the land of karbala witnessed the most historic event.A battle which no words can explain completely.Seventy Two on one Side and lakhs on other.Each member of Imams army fought a brave battle on the dessert of Karbala until the last breadth.I cannot narrate the tragic death of Imam's loved ones.But all i want to ask is Can u Imagine a father removing a spear from an eighteen year old son's chest.Or Can you imagine your brother being chopped by the hands when he is gone to get water for your four year old thirsty daughter.This is what had happened by the side of river euphrates,When Imam's brother Abbas Ibne Ali(a.)went to fetch water..Can you see a six months old baby's  throat being slitted with a three headed arrow heavier than the baby himself or a four year old girl being mercilessly slapped on crying in remembrance of her dead Father.But,The golden mud or the dessert of karbala narrates  the cry of Janabe Sakina[a.s](Imam's Four Year Old Daughter)and the merciless killing of thirsty six month old child,Janabe Ali Asghar(a.s).
This war continued until Imam Husain(a.s)was beheaded and Martyred while he was in  prostration  in the worship of Almighty with wounds all around the body.His last breadth conveyed a million message,setting an example of standing against oppression and not accepting wrong.

After Imam was martyred,his household was looted and his Family which included of children,ladies and his only son who was left, were made captive by Yazids.But,Imam's Sister Zaynab(s.a) along with other ladies further continued the battle by bearing all the atrocities after her brother's death and not accepting yazid's religion.Moreover, She also gave a speech in the court of yazid where she unveiled the truth from lies and represented the actual islam which was completed by Prophet Mohammad(saw) which teaches of justice,love and peace.
And So I repeat,"The first islamic month moharrram echoes in detest the helplessness of Maula Husain(a.sI ibne Ali(a.s) and his sacrifice in 61 A.D.And today Even after 1375 years later, the wounds of Karbala  remains afresh

Thus Moharram is our identity,Black is our voice of sadness and our Azadaari(ie Juloos or Processions,Majalis,Matam ie Chest Beating) is expression of our grief for the martyrs of the battle which was of Right v/s Wrong,Peace v/s Terrorism, Justice v/s Injustice, Truthfulness v/s Untruthfulness and Islam v/s Inhumanity.


And if You Question Me Why Even After 1400 Years then here's the Answer,

What Happens,when God forbid, an unexpected death happens in the family,presume a mother loosing her husband and young child.She cries loud,hits herself,looses consciousness,sobs and wails all life in the remembrance of someone who was her world.Do you question her why she is crying or Do you ever think of telling her that she should forget it and move ahead.Rather you sympathize and agree to the fact that pain will remain forever.Isn't it?After all they were  her own,Whom she loved, her Reason of iving.
Then my question is why do you all question us,in moharram When we mourn,When we hit ourselves (Matam),Come together and cry loud.When you do not object the lady in pain for crying over her family members then what makes you ask us.She is crying for her world,so are we.Moreover we are crying for someone who completes and defines our world.

Imam Hussain (a.s) is our strength,He is our davior.The teachings of Prophet Mohammad (saw)and His Household ie Ahlubayt ,The Divine Rulers,Convey the right islam.And the Extremist you see today babbling behind blast, Misinterpreting Jihad are nothing but the descendents of yazid.And Imam Husain(a.s) gave this sacrifice to protect us and the Religion from this kind of Acceptance.Had he not fought the Battle and Died self along with his family then Islam would have been slaughtered then only.It is these Tears that has been shedding through the Generations since 1375 years which has kept the Message of karbala Alive.And this shall continue to flow Every year with the same fervor till the last Shia or rather Lover of Imam Husain(a.s) Remains on Earth.

P.S:All the incidences that i have narrated have authentic reference in the islamic Literature and other historic books.This was in very brief just to make you understand in the most simplest way.If you are interested to know more or any help with the books you can contact me.Please give your review.
                             -SSW and SSZ
Special thanks to my Friend Sabika Zaidi for her valuable suggestions and review.





'It is Better to Die on Your Feet than to Live on your Knees'-Imam Husain(a.s)




Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Drop Of Ink



Is there power in writing? Can writers bring social change & change the world?

 
Photo Courtesy:Google Images

 

     When Metonymy of the Synonyms forms a Phrase, 
Together it Shines like a Diamond in a Bay,
And the Sparkling Glow turns More Fine,
When Writer Begins to Narrate His Rhyme.

The Drop of Ink Cries down the Quill,
   And Echoes the "Silence" with a Sharp Shrill,
The Slate of Injustice is Written Again,
Carving a Smile on the Face of Pain.

  The Sword of Writer is his Pen,
   And His Victory is his Magnificence 
 His Wandering thoughts and Moving Pen,
Leaps a step against bewilderment.

 His Every Word Written on the Page,
Then Join Hands to Form a Chain.
  And The Many Eyes Who Read His Work,
Strengthen the Hands of his Written Words.

The Sound Of Protest then Moves Like A Wave,
Hitting the Empty Loud Vessels of Hate,
And Many Voices then turn to be One,
Standing together in Unison.
   

So,When Eloquent Linguist Speaks to the World,
A Silent Message is Conquered,
 And The Magical Wand calls out the Spell,
Off the Change With the Pen!
  -SSW

Sunday, October 12, 2014

On The Road of Credentials...?

Education is not merely Stacking of Degrees but also Dressing up of one's Mind and Soul.What is Your Definition Of an Educated Person.And what is your opinion about Educated Illiterates. #Education


We are Educated! 

It is a thought that requires deep Introspection and Analysis with a favorable and Logical Explanation.Though ,The Annals of "Education System" In India has undergone Dynamic changes for the Betterment over the years and the Leap of 20th to 21st century has brought New Dimensions to it,but the question that still knocks our Door is How Educated We are? or Rather How Are We Educated?

Who is Labelled as Literate or Highly Qualified?

One Who,

  • Holds the Best of Credentials from a very Recognized Institution

  • Speaks Fluent English.

  • Is Elegantly Dressed.

These are the three most common criteria looked for while defining an Individual and his literacy by the Society.(if you disagree please tell me but this is my close observation)

"And Moral values,unfortunately is still on the waiting list,,,,"

                      WHY???And,

What about a Person who is not well versed with English?

How much do our children know about our culture?

Where does those "Values" once Our Ancestors Sung of Stand Today?

  • English is an International Language.Yes ,it aids us to integrate as a Global citizen(nothing against the language ,you are comfortable with it,well & good),But not being efficient with it does not make one Less Intelligent!But Our "Society "looks down at such Individuals.(conditions applied)! eg You walk in for an Interview in a reputed Firm,there you Fumble with words and in a minute you are scanned for the probability of being non compliant for the Work and Company's Standards.Alas,its a hard fact which will never dwindle.To catch up with this trend schooling in English Medium has become a Mandatory Need for Success,but in this race our Mother tongue suffers most of the times.It is very shameful that youngsters today proudly say 'I don't know my Mother Tongue! or I hardly use it!Parents are equally Responsible for slaughter of this cultural education which is expected out of Indian Education System.Adopting an International Language has no Harm but ignoring the use of one's own Mother tongue  is injustice in its purest form to one's Identity.Moreover,Schools and Colleges are Actively Introducing Foreign Languages in the curriculum but familiarizing students with the diverse languages across the Indian states Lacks discussion even at Legislative Level,Ponder!

    Understanding and knowledge of one's beliefs will glow the flame of respect to the 'Values and culture' that India boasts about!But this Flame is gradually diminishing in younger Generation and the "Sanskriti" we Indians talk about is all in words.Because "Spiritual and Cultural " Education  has now become ,like a tiny plot on an one acre Land that is in threat of being encroached by our Adopted Culture in Near Future.

    In my school,i remember having Value Education Classes soon after Morning Assembly and in that our teachers spoke of many Good things which introduced us to theory of Good and Bad.But whatever i am today,my principles,my Ethical,legal and Social understanding is a reflection of people with whom i have grown up,they have practically exhibited the theory we were once taught.And so i can proudly say i am Educated because i have a conscience,a super ego to keep the Spine of My Degree Erect.

    Moreover,My Mom doesn't speak a Fluent English and holds an Ordinary Degree from an Average College.She will be Called Graduated.I call her Highly Educated.Her Understanding of the Intricacies of Values and life,shapes me as a Better Human Each day.She Corrects my wrong thought and Pushes me on the Right Path.And if i make a Mistake she immediately reverts"Padhi Likhi Jaahil na bano"

    So here comes the discussion of padha likha jaahil....Or 

    Educated Illiterates...

    The difference between Class and Crass is of more than an alphabet,but these people are too qualified to Notice.They are like the Paper Pinwheels who change the Direction with the Blown Wind,but hold no power to decide for themselves.
    No matter how many degrees they carry in their satchel but their mind is a Rotten barren land where no seed of values was ever sown.

    Few Examples 
    • Last week while i was going to my college early morning,on the way i came Across a Pile of used paper plates,Glasses,some Green leaves,tethered garland and many other such Wastes dumped in the corner of a small open ground which is also commuters way.This scene was Post function of Previous night.There is no slum around but a few buildings in which according to societal norms,supposedly Educated people live,who had a Gathering last night.They all hold degrees,also i am sure most of them must be Reading Newspapers but may be Clean India Mission or Swatch Bharat Abhiyan is too difficult to comprehend. 
    • A High post official misuses his power for his selfish Motives involving his subordinates too.Is he Educated? 
    • A Chemical Engineer slogs day in and out,laden in sweat preapres a Human bomb to Fritter Humanity.Is He Qualified? 
    • A director of a Company silently Molests his Secretary.What will you call him?
    • An Advocate favors the Brigand over Civil rights.How has he used his credential?
    • He is corrupt,has bad police record yet he is given the 'Ticket' for Election.?
    • And We who knowingly and unknowingly accept all of the above, need to answer ourselves,How are we Educated? 

Illiterates are like Mosquitoes,easily Noticed but Educated illiterates are like Bed Bugs always hidden and only on repeated Encounter you will get a clear picture of their masked Face.


What Education  means to Me....
Education is a guiding Light.In the arms of it,lies a persons character,his values,Attitude towards Life,Understanding of self and others.Education molds an individual as a whole and Ignites Independent thinking under the umbrella of Right values.An Individuals Education is not only responsible to shape his Life,but also upbringing of a Generation.And, Many Generations together form Society and this Society forms a Nation.

   

So,Education is not merely stacking of Degrees but also Dressing up of one's Mind and Soul.But our Focus on Education or Higher or Professional Education has moved from merely 'Earning' to 'Earning Abroad'

Rather than talking about Merely changing the Education system,if individually we change our thought,our outlook,our Definition of Education,then many things will fall in to right Place.  
Its Time,that we educate our Mind and Soul harmoniously and on International Platform glow with the Identity of Being Indians! 
                                        -ssw

Thursday, October 09, 2014

In the Eyes of Beholder!

This is Repost from my blog for the Indispire 33 Edition.

 Why is the world so focused on physical assets- bank-balance, material-possessions, external beauty/body/cleavage...? What's the value of good thoughts, clear heart, inner beauty & values like honesty, discipline etc. today? What is important to you? #TreasuredAssets

 

     She sat by the side of the river course,
On to the rock layered with Mold.

She dangled her legs restlessly,
Her thoughts maundered aimlessly!

She closed her eyes to feel the breeze,
But Lingered in front her dusky cheeks!

Shuddered by it she stood on her toes,
Tumbling back on the uneven Billows!

She pleaded for way to the floor,
But it spoke to her, now no more!

She sat back crying all in vain,
Alas,No ear to listen her Disdain!

She had no clue why she was there,
Her mind rippled in silence everywhere!

Her eyes wandered to slit thy self.,
Her heart pounded to jump in the well!

She spoke to herself and to the world,
Whats the myth with a Girl ?
"My Parents want to get rid of Me,
But no one is there to Hold Me"!

They come at door asking her to be fair
If not,Then dowry will make a good pair!

Poor girl, when wails against in  misery,
They strangulate her soul calling it customary!

She cried and sobbed all hour alone,
Looking at the River,in forlorn.

As her reflection poured Insitu!
Her Red Fabric glowed the Moving Blue!

The freshness of her Henna began to wither,
With it,Drowned her tears in the River!

As she made her mind to end it,
Her soul awakened her to live!

In silence,soon,echoed a voice around,
O' dear, fight Back, do not look down!

She lifted her brows in Astonishment,
Listening to the voice in oblivion!

The Breeze was calm and steady again,
His voice,pierced the silence of disdain!

Whispered in her ears,the sound of Love,
The secret admirer smiled at her dove !

"You want to end your Life for a few,
Who Bark on your steps in Crew!

Do you know the strength you hold,
I know you are a Gem with Gold!

The bounteousness of beauty is at no par,
For it bows down  in front of your heart!

"The Creator so Beautiful has Created You,
For special someone who belongs to you!.

O' My heart,you are the most beautiful soul,
I just want you and nothing more!

Let the world know this my dear,
Beauty Lies in the "Eyes of Beholder"

She smiled midst her rolling tears,
He wiped in silence all her fear!
 The sun set down and they walked by,
Two souls ,now one,waved another day "good Bye"!
-SSW

I stopped Writing...

Why i stopped writing and then withered down with no words to carve  on the narrations of  so many perspectives At times it is therapeutic a...