GOD-ORIENTED LIFE By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
About 13 billion years ago, the Universe was created with a bang, called the” Big Bang”. According to this theory, the Whole Universe was a single entity. The intelligent Designer, parted the Earth from the seven skies with a bang that resulted in the origin of the present Earth. The Holy Qur’an also reiterates this fact in Chapter Al Anbiya. In this way, there are ample evidences that make it clear that there are many ways to know God. God is invisible but His manifestations are everywhere to know Him. In the present world, it is very easy to learn about God. He is omnipresent if we open our eyes a bit. Indeed, our bodies are so beautiful and intricate that a person is forced to introspect. If this is the case, let us try to know some things that make it crystal clear that God is present and we must know him. First is our bodies. The way they are designed, is unbelievable. In the speech by Gyanvatsal Swami, he says that it costs some trillion dollars to make a dead human body. It is not a living body. So, one can easily imagine that how costly the human beings are. We take these kinds of truths lightly but if we ponder over these facts, we will eventually come to know that there is someone who is intelligent and surely He is our creator. We should be thankful to Him for this gift. Second is greenery around us. In Autumn, there is no life. But when it comes to Spring, the same Earth comes to life. Bacteria that were dead in the soil, came to life with some drops of rain fall on the dead Earth. The same God is responsible for making the both things to happen; deadening of the Earth as well as providing life to it. Flowers of different colours bloom that marvel us. Poets as well as aesthetics begin to praise beauty in their works. They deliberately sideline other things of importance in order to know the real worth of things. William Wordsworth in his poem “ Daffodils” says that how one day when he was in a passive mood, he came across Daffodils that were dancing in the wind. Such was the effect of this scene that whenever he was lying vacant, the charming scene of the flowers used to give him the wealth that no material thing can provide to him. Moreover, John Keats says that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. In this way, we can conclude that greenery is about knowing God. Third and last is diversity among the human beings. There are 7.8 billion people in the world, who are different from each other. No two brains are same. Similarly, no two persons’ fingerprints match. Zebras that look alike, are actually different. All these diverse things have one thing in common that there is someone who is intelligent in every sense. He doesn’t get tired after creating this diverse world. In this way, God’s knowledge comes forth with no flaw. In the above things, the main thing that is of utmost importance is that there are innumerable things present that are evident of the fact that God has to be accepted and followed in letter and spirit. Air is invisible; doesn’t mean that air does not exist. Same is the case with God. If He is invisible; doesn’t mean that He doesn’t exist. Logic is necessary in every thing. But some things in the present are of that nature that either we don’t have enough knowledge to know the intricacies of God or God Himself has reserved some things for the world Hereafter. Wahidudin khan says that we must look around. It, in the long run, will help us to know God as well as ourselves.
India Pak Bonhomie
Cover 29 March,2022
India Pak Bonhomie
Let Peace Prevail
India – Pakistan peace is very must for the progress of world and especially the wellbeing of entire South Asian region . The relationship between India and Pakistan in the past few years especially after the deadly 2019 Pulwama bombing had gone from bad to worse.Now with recent border ceasefire between the two countries holding hopes are raised .This has inspired optimism about reduced tensions in South Asia. Experts have stressed that If decades of conflict are to be settled, however, the two sides must both do much more to address grievances and deal with the legacies of a half century and avoid too ambitious an effort to attempt everything at once.On the otherhand, Advocating for peace in the sub-continent, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said it was time for New Delhi and Islamabad to “bury the past and move forward”.
Addressing the Islamabad Security Dialogue, Bajwa added that stable Indo-Pak relations were the key to unlocking the potential of South and Central Asia by ensuring connectivity between East and West Asia.On the otherhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan that trust without terror and hostility was necessary for a better relationship between the two countries, it was reported recently.PM Modi observed :
“As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan,” Modi wrote in a letter dated March 22. “For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative.”On the otherhand, neither India nor Pakistan has reacted over the peace deal, there is a media report that claims that the recent thaw in the ties, beginning with the ceasefire agreement on February 25 and the subsequent conciliatory statements by the Pakistani military and civilian leaders, is the outcome of the mediatory role played by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Media reports have added that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi are likely to hold a meeting on the sidelines of the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference in Tajikistan capital Dushanbe.Speaking with reference to the new ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that India desires “normal” relationship with Pakistan but New Delhi’s stand on several key issues will continue to remain unchanged.One hopes that the real pain hit region of Jammu and Kashmir would see real Development of peaceful and progressive atmosphere as a result of India Pakistan improved relationship.
Optimistic Jammu and Kashmir Budget
Editorial 29 March ,2021 Issue .
Optimistic Jammu and Kashmir Budget
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha recently held a press conference to highlight the significance of Budget-2021-22 for Jammu and Kashmir, besides the set targets & road-map being laid down by the J&K Government for the development of the UT and welfare of its people.
The budget has been full of positives .
It is worth mentioning that while addressing the media persons, the Lt Governor termed the Rs 1,08,621 cr Budget approved by the Central Government as historic.
“This is a budget to rebuild the economy, create jobs and secure the future of the people of Jammu & Kashmir”, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor observed that the quantum jump in the allocation of Budget in all sectors itself speaks about the strong resolve of the Hon’ble Prime Minister towards the development of J&K.
J&K has been getting a larger per capita budget than other states even in the past. It will be ensured that the work is being done on ground and the money is utilized for the welfare of the people without discrimination, besides tapping the the potential of the sectors which are less explored, said the Lt Governor.
The enhanced budget will go a long way in making J&K self-sufficient, thus contributing towards Prime Minister’s goal of AtmnaNirbhar Bharat, added the Lt Governor.
Giving a comparative analysis of the Budget for the year 2021-22 vis-a-vis the previous Budget, the Lt Governor made a sector-wise comparison.
One hopes this promising and optimistic budget takes Jammu and Kashmir to new levels of progress and prosperity .
Kashmir Women’s Collective kick-starts short Arabic calligraphy course
News kashmir Desk
Today, on February 8, 2021, a women’s group, Kashmir Women’s Collective, Kickstarted their two short courses of learning basic Arabic calligraphy and learning to paint by beautifying pots. These courses are a part of Project Wand’e (Winter) themed as winters can be fun by learning something new. 9 short courses are offered and registrations are open for the same. They are teaching basics of scooty repair, crocheting, MS Word, skin care, and photography.
Calligraphy and Painting courses will be taught by two young instructors, Batool Fazili and Shafia Shafi. Batool is a trained Calligrapher and is excited to teach participants calligraphy using bamboo pens (kalam) and some black ink, whereas Shafia is a self taught artist who has done murals and grafiti as professional assignment in various restaurants across the city of Srinagar.
Batool says that calligraphy has Turkish origin and is a great hobby to pursue. Even holding a pen and practicing a straight line requires one to be practising it and it requires a lot of patience. Any hobby that we pursue helps us grow in addition to making us creative.
Shafia says that painting has thereapitic value and helps in balancing emotional and mental upheavals. “I can paint anything from fabric to walls – any surfaces and it releases my energy”.
Mantasha Binti Rashid, the founder of the women’s collective who is also a Kas officer said that they want youth, especially girls to spend their winters meaningfully, by learning something new and by having a sense of development of personality and growth. Youth has a lot of energy and to channelise it in meaningful ways is important for the individual and the society too. “In winters, there’s plenty of free time, ask anyone abroad, what are you doing in free time, they will say learning French or learning yoga etc. Our Women’s Collective team wanted to create a buzz of learning and growth among youth and that’s the whole motive..
Mahroosh Banday, who helped launch this project, said that in the next week, they will be teaching Paper Mache and Self Defense. “Both shall be taught by award winning instructors and where will our youth get such a platform where they can learn a hobby for free? I request people to register in our project Wand’e and pick up an exciting hobby or skill from among 9 courses. Make the most of it as our team has worked hard for it”.
Participants will be given participation certificates by the end of the course and a validection shall be held around women’s day. Suhuliyat Kashmir and Kashmir Motors training institute and collaborating with Kashmir Women’s Collective to organise project Wand’e (winter).
Rising cancer cases in Kashmir .
Cover 8 February 2021 Issue .
Rising cancer cases in Kashmir
News Kashmir Health Bureau
World Cancer Day is observed on 4 February each year. The theme for the year 2021 is ‘I am and I will’.
Breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the most common form of the disease, accounting for nearly 12% of new cases each year worldwide, the World Health Organisation said recently .One million cases of stomach cancer are diagnosed annually in the world. India has a lower incidence as compared to specific areas like Southeast Asia. Certain areas like the Northeastern states and Kashmir have a higher incidence than the rest of India.Kashmir has worryingly enough over the past few decades witnessed an abnormal rise in cancer cases .The summer capital Srinagar has recorded highest number of cancer cases, among all districts of J&K, during the past two years, as per the data available at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
In response to an RTI filed by rights activist and Secretary of J&K Peoples Forum MM Shuja, the hospital administration has revealed that 11,281 new cancers cases were registered at the institute from 2018 until middle 2020.SKIMS, celebrated World Cancer Day at SKIMS auditorium.
On the occasion Scientific program was organized in which experts deliberated on various topics of importance about prevalence, detection, awareness and treatment of various cancers.
While giving comprehensive overview of various cancers prevalent in the UT of J&K, the experts stressed for various preventives measures including early screening , life style modifications , healthy dietary habits etc to contain the disease which is spreading at the alarming rate and is the leading cause of death.
On the eve of World Cancer Day (4th Feb 2021) Cancer Society of Kashmir organized a free Oncology Consultation Camp under the supervision of reputed Oncologists & expert doctors.
A large number of patients who had come from different corners of Kashmir Valley were examined. Poor and deserving patients who are registered with the society were provided free anti-cancer drugs as a matter of routine. Other supportive drugs required for G.I treatments were provided to all patients free of cost.
It is worrying to note that among the Jammu , Ladakh and Kashmir Valley regions the Kashmir Valley has much higher number of cancer cases.Kashmir Valley has recorded the highest number of cancer cases compared to Jammu and Ladakh Union Territory in the last over two years with officials at SKIMS saying that 92 per cent of cancer cases registered with them belong to Kashmir division only.Researchers have revealed that climate change will extract an acute toll worldwide, with rising temperatures, wildfires and poor air quality, accompanied by higher rates of cancer, especially lung, skin and gastrointestinal cancers.
In a study, published in the journal The Lancet Oncology, the researchers provided a synopsis of future effects from global warming on major cancers, from environmental toxins to ultraviolet radiation, air pollution, infectious agents and disruptions in food and water supply.It is hoped Kashmir with proper and healthy life style triumphs cancer soon ..One hopes we would soon witness the valley of Kashmir taking all preventive mechanism to help contain and one day end this menace of rising cancer cases in Kashmir.
Sheezan Zargar,world experienced arts and crafts shares dreams .
8 February , 2021 Issue
Sheezan Zargar , world experienced arts and crafts expert shares dreams Rameez Makhdoomi
Sheezan zargar from Kashmir is a man with iron will . He has always been in love with the tradition of Arts and Crafts of his homeland Kashmir and is inspired by the European Art, Indian art and the international Art culture, after traveling to countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Morocco, United States of America, South Africa, UAE, Thailand, Cambodia, Mexico, Greece, he has a dream of establishing an Art Gallery in kashmir. Pertinent to mention throughout his journeys he has had great yearning for learning of diverse global arts and crafts.
Born in Srinagar and raised into the family of artisans his father having a government post in carpet instruction. He himself got interested in trading with Arts and Crafts. He combined his education for bachelor of commerce from the University of Kashmir with his interest in Theatre and Acting, participating in Workshops of the National School of Drama, New Delhi and a part-time course at renowned Actor Prepares Mumbai, He worked for TV productions in Srinagar, Theatre plays, as well as for a South Indian Film.
He loves to represent kashmir through Art, Culture and language, he loves inter-cultural dialogue , architecture of colors of art.
Through the medium of Art and Culture, we share love regardless, Religion, Caste and Race. He has served in prestigious art and craft galleries of Europe especially Germany. Languages known to him are German, English, Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi.He feels sad that no art gallery exists in Kashmir and has a dream to set one .”Sheezan Zargar states :”Insha Allah we will introduce good art gallery in kashmir where we will represent excellent painters of kashmir and we will also combine art, craft and music we will do the exhibition of kashmiri artists even from outside kashmir as well. But to make this dream reality in kashmir I need your support. Alone only god looks good.”
Many are pinning hopes that youngesters like Sheezan Zargar would use personnel experience to give new dimensions to the art, crafts and overall culture realms of Kashmir.
Opinion on rote learning by Syed Mustafa Ahmad .8 February ,2021 Issue .
CREATIVITY AND ROTE LEARNING.
Syed Mustafa Ahmad
There are many terms associated with education. Information, knowledge, learning, pedagogy, etc., are relevant to education. The best definition says that education is a systematic learning . If we focus on the word “ systematic”, it becomes clear that any experience in life can be a process of learning, provided that a person is ready to learn it. In other way, it can be understood that the whole life is a process of learning, if there are suitable educational environments. But the point that is worthy to discuss is that education has been narrowly understood. Learning some basic facts without knowing them deeply is not education. Some persons are genius in memorizing the facts or things. They easily win the day when it comes to rote-learning during the exams. The persons who are creative in nature, have to lose the day because they can’t write an answer without having a solid proof. In this atmosphere, rote learners with no intellect, get passed with flying colors while those who want to know things deeply and develop their own thoughts, are left behind. They can’t do anything more but wait for the divinity to interrupt. What are the causes responsible for this? How can a genius person loses the day while another person with no intellect becomes the master? There should be apparent flaws in the process of learning that make it possible to have this degeneration. It is not an issue of some years. But centuries are required for this malaise. So, I would like to throw some light over the basic causes responsible for this. First is our educational system hates innovation. The word “ innovation” is not in our dictionaries. Status quo has been the order of the day for a long period of time. Every year, barren minds are produced. They follow the centuries old ways of living, understanding, learning, etc. Their minds don’t see light at the end of the tunnel. The light that welcomes innovation. Innovative minds always look out for the solutions that can break the status quo and place the society on the path of innovation. Rote learning is abhorred. Its nature is questioned. Evaluation takes place. It is this evaluation that makes a learning society. Second is that our educational system is dominated by exams. We only have this parameter to judge intelligence of students. The creator of exams has advised that exams should be ended sooner or later. It is not the best way of judging any person’s ability. Exams halt the intellectual process of a learner. He or she is not in a position to see above the existing exams. His or her mind gets habitual to looking at the same process that has not left us for centuries. In this situation, rote learning rules the roost, creativity has to fail and beat its head against the wall. Third is that our educational system is corrupted. Money does what creativity doesn’t. Learning some questions without understanding them provide an opportunity to qualify an exam. It doesn’t matter whether a student has understood it or not. In this situation, creativity still waits for answers to soothe his or her nerves. He or she hates the existing situation. In this atmosphere, he or she follows others or is forced to stop learning and become intellectually barren, with no purpose of living. Creativity hates corruption while rote learning loves it. In this tussle of opposite things, it is rote learning that wins because the worldly set up is administered by rote learners. How can they accept creativity? They call it an alien concept. Fourth is that we need instant gratification. Results should come in a day. We hate long term planning. We invest for days and want result in days as well. We are impatient. In this atmosphere, rote learning will give the best results. It is because as mentioned above, they are under the supervision of those, who themselves are the products of short term gains. When a rote learner passes an exam with distinctions, he or she is praised by one and all. In the same breath, when a creative person doesn’t pass an exam for three years due to his or her creative or curious nature, he or she is not taken into account by the society. They generally are hated. Their views are rejected. They are called useless persons. Fifth is that we never bother to look at the divine plan. If a divine book is received without knowing its deep meaning and its relevance with the present, it is of no use to recite it. When the Creator hates rote learning, how can the creation of His feel delighted in rote-learning. He wants us to understand what you are reciting. Why have I revealed these books to you? Which way is to follow and which not? Who is your friend and foe? These things are discussed in a holy book. But still we love to recite it for the sake of good deeds and never bother to ponder over the real objective of revelation. Sixth is materialism. Rote learning is the basic foundation of materialism. When this is the case, why it is necessary to hack behind the ways of creative learning. Enjoy the moments of rote learning and the best will come in the form of materialistic things. What can we expect from this thinking? Every where there will be donkeys ruling. Creativity will hang its head in shame. The need of the hour is to understand students and plan accordingly. It can be prove beneficial at the end of the day. We have suffered a lot and cannot afford to suffer more in the future. Let us pledge that there should be a reasonable change on the ground level. Hope good sense prevails.
Syed Mustafa Ahmad.
Edit February 8,2021 on welcome resolve of LG Manoj Sinha on smart cities
Welcome resolve of LG Manoj Sinha on Smart city Jammu , Srinagar
To see in our lifetimes Jammu and Srinagar becoming world class smart cities is dream of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is worth mentioning here that Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha recently called for executing the ambitious Smart City projects in Jammu and Kashmir expeditiously.
In a welcome Development it has been stated that Lt Governor was chairing a high level meeting of Administrative Secretaries, experts on Smart City Projects and other stakeholders here at Civil Secretariat.
Stressing on timely completion of the Smart City Projects, the Lt Governor passed specific directions to the concerned officers for completion of the projects within the set timelines without any delay.
“The vision behind the ambitious projects is to transform Jammu & Srinagar into modern, sustainable and economically vibrant cities with dedicated focus on improving infrastructure & services, increasing mobility and enhancing the administrative efficiency”, observed the Lt Governor.The Lt Governor called for exploring every possibility to achieve the desired results and asked the concerned officers of Smart City projects in J&K to apply the learning gained from the experience of the officers of Smart City Ahmedabad Development Ltd during the implementation phase for various smart city initiatives.
The Lt Governor stressed upon the necessity of proper inter-departmental coordination and also directed the officers to get a better exposure and understanding of different aspects of Smart City projects.
In the imagination of any city dweller in India, the picture of a smart city contains a wish list of infrastructure and services that describes his or her level of aspiration. To provide for the aspirations and needs of the citizens, urban planners ideally aim at developing the entire urban eco-system, which is represented by the four pillars of comprehensive development-institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure. This can be a long term goal and cities can work towards developing such comprehensive infrastructure incrementally, adding on layers of ‘smartness’.
One hopes we soon in coming years see Jammu and Srinagar coming up as excellent smart cities in the country that are epitome of urban development.
Live for Today . Opinion by Suhaib Ashraf Bhat. February 8, 2021 issue
Live for today
Suhaib Ashraf Bhat
As I look back on life, I realise that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being redirected to something better. You must convince your heart that whatever God has decreed for you is the most appropriate and beneficial to you. (Imam Gazali Rahimullah)
Do not be sad, because sadness cause you to regret the past, to have misgivings concerning the future and to make you waste away your present. Do not be sad because grief cannot return the one that is lost or is gone away. Have faith, Give your life a second chance. Keep your eyes open. Lost will be replaced with something best. See upon you the signs of blessing, How many have been deprived of that which we already have? Lock your blessing up and keep them safe by being thankful.
Past is gone, future is unseen, so all you have is present. Are you the one who created human? Are you the one who grants them provision? Are you the one who is taking care of their needs?
No, it is Allah swt, Who does all that, Who is more merciful towards them than you are. Have complete trust that Allah swt will never cause them to be lost, may He be glorified and praised. This matter is not up to us at all. If all the people thought in this way no one would have any peace of mind. But praise be to Allah swt Who has guaranteed provision for everyone. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah swt. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus or grave). All is in a Clear Book (Al‑Lawh Al‑Mahfooz — the Book of Decrees with Allah swt)” [Hood 11:6]
So cast these thoughts away from your mind.
Maybe you have a day coming up that will be your first free day in a long time, and you want to make the most of it. Maybe you’re thinking about those days you wake up and feel weirdly present, happy about the sunshine, singing to yourself, and want to know how to have more of them. Let today be the day you let go of worries and embrace pleasure and contemplation. Let go of yourself, get lost, slow down, and enjoy the moment. The one who seeks happiness and success in this world has to have a balanced approach without letting the one outweigh the other. In this manner he can strengthen his heart with faith and find peace of mind in doing that which he is required to do. You know that death is an inevitable reality that will come to every living thing, and no one will be spared that, no matter how noble his status before Allah swt. Allah swt said to His Prophet, the noblest of all creation (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, you (O Muhammad) will die, and verily, they (too) will die”
[al-Zumar 39:30]
And Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing)” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:185]
And the poet said: Every son of a female, no matter how long he lives, Will one day be carried on the bier.
Always putting your trust in Allah swt in all your affairs, and knowing that this trust (tawakkul) will ward off the whispers of the Shaytaan and put an end to them. Once you have resolved to do that, then do not look back. If you feel that these whispers are overwhelming you again, then turn to Allah swt and seek refuge in Him. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytaan (Satan), then seek refuge with Allah swt. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower” [al-A’raaf 7:200]
Lift your head high and look forward; start your daily life with steadfastness and certainty, and approach all your actions with energy and peace of mind. How many good things there are in this world that fill hearts with contentment and tranquillity and fill the heart with hope and certain faith. You can be alone in public or privately alone, but take some solitary time. If most of your solitary time is spent a certain way, find another way to spend it. For instance, if you work from home, go somewhere else to be alone. Visit a library, a museum, or take yourself out to lunch.Spend time away from your phone and your computer. Forgetting your ordinary obligations will help you live in the moment. Choose to move on from feelings of resentment. Nothing takes you away from the present like dwelling in the past. To clear your day of resentment, make a list of people who have hurt you, or, if there is one person strongly on your mind, write only that name. Spend some time thinking about how much they hurt you, and what effect that has had on you.
Decide to attempt forgiveness. Say it aloud if that sometimes helps you.Ask yourself what you know about the person who hurt you. Try to reconstruct the stresses, pressures, traumas, and fears that this person has experienced.Let go of your anger. Allow yourself to feel compassion for the person who wronged you. You don’t have to reconcile them, just let yourself feel some goodwill towards them.Forgiveness can have a positive effect on your health and wellbeing. Choosing to forgive a betrayal can lower your blood pressure, improve your heart health, and diminish anxiety and depression.
We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them, He said,The happiest of all people is he who has a sincere heart, a patient body, and contentment with what he possesses. I replied.
Most important thing here is to remember, In the period of sufferings real character of the people are revealed and exposed. The masks are down while the ugly faces are open to humanity as whole but don’t forget “No sadness goes on and No joy lasts forever”. You can be damn sure that the people who are there for you when you most need help are the ones that really do love you. It’s easy to love someone when they’re happy and breezing through life. It’s more difficult when that person is so stuck in pain they barely have any love to give. Remember that the people who really, truly, unconditionally love you, will still have love to give to you, even if you’re temporarily unable to give it back. Secondly, struggle doesn’t make you who you are as much as it tends to reveal who you are. When you’re truly in a state of desperation to fix something, your real self will start to emerge out of necessity. Pay attention to this. There are great lessons to be learned from seeing what you do and who you are in the most trying times.
To live for today, focus on what you have. Appreciate the things that make each day yours. When someone does something you appreciate, thank them. Let everyone you love know one thing you love about them. Make a list of things you are grateful for, and share it with those you love.If something happens in your day that you appreciate, write it down, title it, and include as much detail as you can, including how it came to be and how it made you feel. Take the opportunities given to you today, whether they be invitations from friends or samples at the grocery store. Don’t do anything that makes you feel truly wrong, but do encourage yourself to try new things. Say “yes” to more than you usually do, and you might surprise yourself.Set short-term goals that are connected to the bigger picture of what you ultimately want in life and who you want to become. These will impact what you do in the day to day.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah swt have mercy on him) was asked:
Can a believer become mentally ill? What is the treatment for that according to sharee’ah? Please note that modern medicine treats these illnesses with modern medicines only.
He replied:
Undoubtedly a person may suffer from psychological or mental diseases, such as anxiety about the future and regret for the past. Psychological diseases affect the body more than physical diseases affect it. Treating these diseases by means of the things prescribed in sharee’ah – i.e., ruqyah – is more effective than treating them with physical medicines, as is well known.
One of the means of treating them is mentioned in the saheeh hadeeth from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allah swt be pleased with him): “There is no-one who is afflicted by distress and grief, and says: ‘Allaahumma inni ‘abduka ibn ‘abdika ibn amatika naasyati bi yadika, maada fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadaa’uka. As’aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw ista’tharta bihi fi ‘ilm il-ghayb ‘indaka an taj’al al-Qur’aana rabee’ qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaa’ huzni wa dhihaab hammi (O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your maidservant; my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that You make the Qur’aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety),’ but Allah swt will take away his distress and grief, and replace it with joy.” This is one of the remedies prescribed in sharee’ah.
“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.”. Kahlil Gibran. Anxiety is often about not feeling our usual sense of control in life, and as the poet Kahlil Gibran suggests above, about getting stuck in our thoughts about the future.
Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
Lethal Effects of Alcohol
Opinion 1 February issue By Suhaib Ashraf Bhat
Lethal Effects of Alcohol
Suhaib Ashraf Bhat
Alcohol is a psychoactive substance with dependence-producing properties that has been widely used in many cultures for centuries. The harmful use of alcohol causes a large disease, social and economic burden in societies. Alcohol is the intoxicating ingredient that is present in wine, beer, and spirits. It is a depressant, which means that when it reaches the brain, it slows down the body’s systems. It can also be difficult for the body to process, putting extra pressure on the liver, the digestive system, the cardiovascular system, and other functions.
The harmful use of alcohol can also result in harm to other people, such as family members, friends, co-workers and strangers. Moreover, the harmful use of alcohol results in a significant health, social and economic burden on society at large.
Alcohol consumption is a causal factor in more than 200 disease and injury conditions. Drinking alcohol is associated with a risk of developing health problems such as mental and behavioural disorders, including alcohol dependence, major non communicable diseases such as liver cirrhosis, some cancers and cardiovascular diseases, as well as injuries resulting from violence and road clashes and collisions.
A significant proportion of the disease burden attributable to alcohol consumption arises from unintentional and intentional injuries, including those due to road traffic crashes, violence, and suicides, and fatal alcohol-related injuries tend to occur in relatively younger age groups.’
Alcohol and other intoxicants are forbidden in the Quran, as they are a bad habit that drives people away from the remembrance of Allah swt. Several different verses address the issue, revealed at different times over a period of years. A complete ban on alcohol is widely accepted among Muslims as part of wider Islamic dietary law.
The texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah indicate that zina, alcohol and gambling are major sins. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al‑Ansaab (stone altars for sacrifices to idols etc) and Al‑Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful” [al-Maa’idah 5:90]
“And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Faahishah (i.e. anything that transgresses its limits: a great sin), and an evil way that leads one to hell unless Allah swt forgives him” [Al-Isra’ 17:32].
Al-Bukhaari narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “No adulterer is a believer at the time when he is committing adultery; no thief is a believer at the time when he is stealing; no drinker of wine is a believer at the time when he is drinking it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5578) and Muslim (57).
Allah swt has made avoiding these evil deeds a condition of expiation of bad deeds and rising in status. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall expiate from you your (small) sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise)” [Al-Nisa’ 4:31].
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah swt (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) used to say: “The five daily prayers, from one Jumu’ah to the next, and from one Ramadaan to the next, are an expiation for whatever (sins) come in between, so long as one avoids major sins.” Narrated by Muslim (233).
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) cursed ten with regard to alcohol: the one who squeezes it (the grapes etc), the one for whom it is squeezed, the one who drinks it, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who pours it, the one who sells it, the one who consumes its price, the one who buys it and the one for whom it is bought.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1259; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.
It leads to all evil and bad attitudes, and it is the mother of all evils.
But the matter may vary, according to the evils and corruption that result from it. A man may commit zina once and then never repeat it; a man may drink alcohol and become addicted to it, so his attitude becomes bad and he commits a lot of immoral deeds, forsakes his family and does not spend on his children; his love of alcohol may tempt him to steal and keep company with bad people, and other things that some of these people may fall into. So in that case, his situation is worse and his sin is greater than the one who commits zina once and then gives up zina.
Al-Nasaa’i (5666) narrated that ‘Uthmaan (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: “Avoid alcohol for it is the mother of all evils. There was a man among the people who came before you who was a devoted worshipper. A seductive woman fell in love with him, and she sent her slave-woman to him to call him to bear witness. He went with the slave-woman, and every time they passed through a door, she locked it behind them, until he reached a beautiful woman with whom was a child and a vessel of wine. She said, ‘I did not call you to bear witness, rather I called you either to have intercourse with me, or to drink a cup of this wine, or to kill this child.’ He said, ‘Pour me some of this wine.’ So she poured him a cup, then he said, ‘Give me more,’ and he did not stop until he had has intercourse with her and killed the child. So avoid alcohol, for by Alaah swt faith and addiction to wine cannot be combined except soon one of them will be expelled.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.
A variety of factors have been identified at the individual and the societal level, which affect the levels and patterns of alcohol consumption and the magnitude of alcohol-related problems in populations.
Environmental factors include economic development, culture, availability of alcohol, and the comprehensiveness and levels of implementation and enforcement of alcohol policies. For a given level or pattern of drinking, vulnerabilities within a society are likely to have similar differential effects as those between societies. Although there is no single risk factor that is dominant, the more vulnerabilities a person has, the more likely the person is to develop alcohol-related problems as a result of alcohol consumption. The harmful use of alcohol is one of the leading risk factors for population health worldwide and has a direct impact on many health-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those for maternal and child health, infectious diseases (HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis), non communicable diseases and mental health, injuries and poisonings. Alcohol is specifically mentioned under health target 3.5: “Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance use, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol”.
Al-Saawi said in his commentary on al-Sharh al-Sagheer (4/500) about drinking alcohol:
Its evil consequences are worse than the evil consequences of zina because it is very common, because drinking it may lead to zina, stealing and murder, hence it was narrated that it is the mother of evils. End quote.
What is required is to keep away from all of that and similar major sins and haram actions. The one who has a problem with any of these evils at any time should conceal himself with the concealment of Allah swt and hasten to repent before it is too late and before a seal is placed on his heart as the result of continuing evil actions and sins.
If a person consumes large amounts of alcohol regularly, their tolerance can increase, and the body requires more alcohol to achieve the desired effect. As the body adapts to the presence of the drug, dependency and addiction can result. If consumption stops suddenly, the person may experience withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol addiction is a disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, and continued use despite a negative impact on health, interpersonal relationships, and ability to work. If the person stops drinking, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Signs and symptoms of withdrawal generally occur between 4 and 72 hours after the last drink or after reducing intake. They peak at about 48 hours and may last up to 5 days.They may include:Mild tremorsInsomniaAnxietyDepressed moodMany people will take a drink to stop the discomfort of withdrawal.
In more severe cases, the person may experience Delirium tremens, or “the DTs.”
This condition involves:Body tremors (shaking)Hallucinations or changes in mental statusConfusionExtreme sleepinessSeizures that can result in death
Delirium tremens is a medical emergency. Anyone with an alcohol dependency disorder who desires to stop drinking should seek professional medical care or a treatment centre specializing in safe alcohol detoxification.
