War and Peace

Title:- WAR AND PEACEMonalisa Parida 
     War and peace lies in every fellow who lives in this world. There are some people who are always ready to do war in small issues where it is not at all necessary on the other hand issues can get solved with the help of weapon of peace but still there are some people who don’t understand the language of peace and so in this situation fight takes place. But there are some people who always try to solve the problem with the help of peace. In this world where people are ready to show their superiority wherever they get a chance, people who believe in peace and they always try to solve their difficulties with the help of peace.      War and evil, the greatest catastrophe that befalls human beings. It brings death and destruction, disease and starvation, poverty and ruin life. Peace is generally considered to always be a direct result of warfare. Peace is the concept of friendship and harmony among each other in the absence of violence, brutality and sadness. We can bring peace even without war. Peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflicts such as war and freedom from fear of violence between individuals and groups. The whole world is divided into two parts, one is that there is all happiness, hope, light; the other is where there dejection and darkness. When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.    Once the Prime Minister of India said:“Instead of thinking of war and preparing for war; we should think about peace and prepare for it.”

Free Legal Aid in Jammu and Kashmir: Challenges and recommendations

• FREE LEGAL AID IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR : challenges and recommendations
By Advocate Adnan Magray (Adnanmagray123@gmail.com)

Legal Aid implies giving free legal service to the poor and needy who cannot afford  the services of a lawyer for the conduct of a case or a legal proceeding in any court, tribunal or before an authority.  The concept of legal aid in the form of Article 39A exists in our constitutional framework. Hence, legal aid is not a charity or bounty, but is a constitutional obligation of the state and right of the citizens. The problems of human law and justice, guided by the constitutional goals to the solution of disparities, agonies, despairs, and handicaps of the weaker, yet larger brackets of India’s humanity is the prime object of the dogma of “equal justice for all”. Thus, legal aid strives to ensure that the constitutional pledge is fulfilled in its letter and spirit and equal justice is made available to the downtrodden and weaker sections of the society. It is the duty of the State to see that the legal system promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity for all its citizens. It must therefore arrange to provide free legal aid to those who cannot access justice due to economic and other disabilities.Time and again it has been reiterated by our courts that legal aid may be treated as a part of right created under Article 21 and also under Article 14 and Article 22(1)[Hussainara v. Home Secretary, State of Bihar. Also Khatri v. State of Bihar, Suk Das v. Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh, Kishore v. State of Himanchal Pradesh.• How to avail of free legal aid ?• The right of early access to legal representation is one of the fundamental elements of fair trial rights.
• Free legal aid can be availed either offline or online depending upon the preference of an individual.
• One can directly approach the nearest Legal Service Authority and can either opt for already filled up forms or can put down on paper necessary details stating, in brief, the purpose for seeking legal aid.• Another alternative is to send the application online • i.e. by email to NALSA (at dlsa@nic.in) or through the online application form available at the official DLSA’s website• A person who qualifies the expressed norms demonstrated in the Legal Service Authorities Act 1987[8] within working days action is taken upon the stated application, without investing a cent and irrespective of fact one having his counsel during all stages can get free legal guidance and aid.• Regardless of getting legal aid from DLSA, one can still avail the services of private counsel after taking permission from the member secretary of DLSA .
• Various Means of Justices Delivery System• Lok Adalat
• How can one approach Lok Adalat?
• A person can simply put down on paper the essential details with intention and can move to the nearest Lok Adalat service. Subsequently, before the trial procedure if a party wishes to resolve in the Lok Adalat[9] they can through the format available with Legal Services Authorities[10] or through an application.
• Mobile Lok Adalats: A New Initiative
• Mobile Lok Adalat is also known as Justice at the doorsteps. A team consisting of skilled individuals visits numerous remote areas as per the agenda instructed with the aid of DLSA. They stress resolving confrontations through compromise, they provide assistance and necessary information in case one requires legal help and focus on organizing legal literacy campaigns.
• Legal Aid Clinics• The paralegal volunteers operate these clinics focusing on fixing issues of common people with dedication and a sense of commitment.
• Legal Aid Clinics camps are located in a habitat that is easily accessible to the local people. To make them conscious of their protected rights and equip them to avail the privileges of the several aid programmes financed by the State and Central Government.
• Pro Bono Legal Services• Pro bono legal services is a complimentary service that can be accessed through the website[11] using which the weaker and downtrodden sections of the society can approach a professional pro bono

• Online Forums• Every year we observe an increase in the volume of lawsuits adding to this the underprivileged people residing in villages and remote areas struggle to approach the courtroom taking into account the above-mentioned reasons DOJ (Department of Justice) had launched “Nyaya Bandhu”, a mobile application for the purpose to the uplift condition of the people making convenience pro bono services for all persons.
• While other apps including path legal, legal aid, free legal advice are too available on the Google Play Store. One can post law-related queries, as well as search for specific lawyer’s and can get online advice, free legal advice etc.
• Obstacles to Legal Aid  in jammu and kashmir : • According to the recent census 13%  to that  are poor, while jammu and kashmir  continues to be home to 32%  illiterate people), the facts suggest that the large number  population is illiterate and also unaware of their protected rights.
• Lawyer’s cannot be Compelled• It is an undeniable fact that the attorneys furnishing pro-bono aid neither can be pressured nor can be compelled to go ahead with the lawsuit since they are not the public prosecutor so it’s up to their individual choice to continue with the case.
• Although on many occasions the praiseworthy effort of many lawyers serving the impoverished area of society by means of imparting them relevant legal help free of cost has not received any worthy commendation.

• Major Drawbacks of legal aid in jammu and kashmir : • Lack of public legal awareness• About 70% of the people living in rural areas are illiterate and even more than that percentage of the people are not aware of the right conferred upon them by law.• It has been observed that even literate people on occasion lack awareness.• In the city area of Srinagar or jammu  itself, only 76. 2% of women possessed the knowledge of how and what the legal aid services were and 23.8% were having no clue about the same .
• Perception plays a significant role in shaping people decision• According to the one  report, 76.2% of women knowing the types of poor services offered by Legal Aid counsels did not engage with them, while 23.8% women ignorant of such services, engaged in the decision-making process of not hiring a LAC just based on their perception (that itself was shaped by other) that the quality of the services suffers.
• Further, the research also proved the fact that most of the women make these decisions based on perceptions of low quality as 97.2% of them had not previously engaged in any kind of legal aid services and had no direct exposure to the same. Only 2.8% of them had engaged in such services.• Poor shape of Legal Aid Counsels• As estimated by a study, 81% of Legal Aid counsels take up the job intending to serve the poor. However, this may be undermined by the following problems:• Low salary and delay in payment: the major issue affecting lack of incentive and preference for private law practice is the meagre amount of payment they receive with almost 23% of the candidates complaining regarding the same according to a study.• The research states the major cause of such delay to be the non-availability of funds with the DLSAs.
• Legal aid as last option resorted to by people.• Almost 75% of people adopting such legal services believe in doing so as a last resort. Almost 22.6% of people have also shown their disapproval for resorting to such services in the future.• Also, due to lack of trust and reliability over legal aid services, 60% of women under the Study, despite being familiar with such services went on to adopt private lawyers.

• Recommendations : • The Legal Aid panel needs to begin with grass-root level, accordingly facilitating door to door services focusing on the layman and underprivileged section who seek legal guidance. A timely and coherent manner is vital for the sound working of the justice system and also enable the built-in trust of people.
• Legal awareness drives need to connect far off remote regions for this traditional media, roadshows, loudspeakers, banners, brochure distribution so forward can be effective.
• Informative projects or educational sessions running in the online media, print media requires a prior strategy i.e. set an intended interest group before dispatch of such projects as it will assist with bringing gigantic traffic.
• Among the legal profession incentive for pro-bono must be inculcated. Paralegal career advantages must be promoted among undergraduates as the employment of paralegals and legal assistants are projected to grow 12 per cent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• As discussed above, the board working toward legitimate help should participate in discussion with the public authority as the active role of legislative organizations in supporting and providing funds are imperative to provide the right tract to any awareness drive.
• NGO’s, student organisations must promote informal paralegal services in isolated towns wherein basic amenities are not accessible.• The Legal Aid policy drafted by the paralegal groups must be monitored and biannual reports must be submitted to the respective DLSA.

• Frequent meetings must be conducted by the head DLSA of a distinct state to work on the ambiguity in the laws and work on solutions that navigate around the problems.
• Mobile Lok Adalats must be backed financially by the government as it tends to be an effective instrument in settlement through compromise and facilitating legal counsel and direction.• For the youth activities – vivid work of art, banner making, animated videos, reviews, survey, paper perusing, attire and embellishments can be utilized to show support for a reason, enrolling like-minded individuals through online portals and wireless networks are few prescribed ways to boost legal literacy.• Incentives must be given on time and commendation by the aid of rewards, certificates, recommendation letters, remuneration to advocates and paralegals is requisite as it works as a motivating factor contributing to volunteer services.
• Case Law• In Khatri v. State of Bihar[15], the Supreme Court held that the state is constitutionally bound to provide legal assistance by hiring a lawyer to an accused person not only at a trial stage.
• Also when they are first produced before the magistrate or remanded time and again and such a right shall not be denied on the ground of financial or administrative inability or that the accused did not ask for it.
• Magistrates and Sessions Judges have the responsibility to inform the accused of his rights.

Covid-19 induced recession proved more deadly than disease

Covid-19 induced recession proved more deadly than disease.
Dr Suhaib Ashraf Bhat

Coronovirus really bankrupted more people than it killed and this is now going to be real global emergency. Since from 2008 till now, I have seen many ups and downs, be it mass agitation, total lockdown or flood. I have witnessed all these things but have never ever witnessed people suffering like this. Since the corona virus was declared pandemic on the same day I wrote corona virus will bankrupt more people than it kills and now it’s clear. In these months I saw the cream of society talking about suicides; some have huge loans while some owe money to others.
The ultimate tragedy I witnessed since the outbreak of covid-19 is, I saw the cream of people literally in begging mode, but due to the status they hold they are not able to speak out. I am of the strong opinion that it’s always middle class who suffers a lot. Neither they can go out and beg nor will anyone knock their door. In these days I met few people and I really felt that problem is with us. We should speak out to our friends, neighbours or anyone whom we know. Trust me there are many who need our support. Yes there are many. 
Before understanding the problems of middle-class family we should first understand what the middle-class family is?
A middle-class family is a social group that consists of ordinary people who usually have good jobs and are neither rich nor very poor. We saw the whole world suffering from Coronavirus Pandemic and during this Pandemic we saw rich class busy in learning new skills and hobbies while the poor class was suffering for life and death and both the rich and the poor class is always getting attention. But there’s an another class of which nobody talks and care about. When all is shut and all is dwindling at an unprecedented pace it is necessary to evaluate our situation. Enormous government schemes, all lined up at the time of Covid-19 range from feeding the poor to the old. Thus, each provide for the rural sector to get an upward push amidst this financial stoop. We all know how badly people are being affected during and after lockdown. The economy is shrinking at a great rate. The government took a number of measures to ensure the least number of casualties in this pandemic and also that lower class and people with no jobs should have food and shelter. The upper class already had proper facilities and is still going well. However, the future still holds bleak for, a middle class. A middle-class person is a self-respecting person. They do not dare to ask for food and essential things from anyone. Whatever resources they have, they always live their lives. They never ask for too much but the amount in which they can live and fulfil their small dreams. They are busy solving their big problems and enjoying their small happy moments. Those who have to pay monthly rent, those who are working in a private company and are not getting salary or are getting less salary than their expenses, are the ones facing some major issues. Whatever happens, the middle class is always left behind. 

NEED OF THE HOUR: The best among you are those who bring greatest benefits to many others. Charity preached by every religion of the world, is a way of bringing justice to society. And justice is the essence of religion, Islam has therefore made charity that is Zakah, obligatory and binding upon all those who embrace the faith; it has been made into an institution in order to give in permanence and regularity.
You know that charity, is the Third Pillar of Islam, a major teaching. Being charitable and providing for the needy are important features of the Muslim character. Why is charity so important?The existence of countless starving, poor, hungry and destitute Muslims and non-Muslims in the world points to the need for this essential teaching to be put into practice. Affluent Muslims may not realize how their wealth could strengthen whole communities. Giving charity correctly is crucial to both the well-being of the needy as well as the ultimate happiness of the wealthy. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) emphasized this principle repeatedly.
Every situation, good or bad, it’s a choice upon ourselves. Predicted on our intentions, whether it becomes a tool for good or for bad, the choice is yours. Either you can decide to follow it through to raise you up or you can complain about it, and send you down. That’s not theory, that’s a practise. If you practise it, you know that everything is due to Allah swt. And if you know that Allah swt acts with Hikma, with wisdom, then you know that in all occurrences, there is wisdom in that what happens to you. There is the opportunity for khayr and for goodness.
Secondly, being kind to people in word and deed, and all kinds of doing good. This is one of the means of removing worry, distress and anxiety. By this means Allah swt wards off worries and distress from the righteous and immoral alike, but the believer has the greater share of this, and is distinguished by the fact that his kindness to others stems from sincerity and the hope of reward, so Allah swt makes it easy for him to be kind to others because of the hope that this will bring good things and ward off bad things, by means of his sincerity and hope of reward. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or Ma‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind; and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward.” [al-Nisa 4:114]
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers)”[al-Baqarah 2:254] “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah swt, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah swt gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah swt is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.262. Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah swt, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”[al-Baqarah 2:261-262] “O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah swt is Rich (Free of all needs), and Worthy of all praise”[al-Baqarah 2:267] “Believe in Allah swt and His Messenger (Muhammad), and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees. And such of you as believe and spend (in Allah swt’s way), theirs will be a great reward”[al-Hadeed 57:7]It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives charity equal to a date from good (halal) earnings – for Allah swt does not accept anything but that which is good – Allah swt will take it in His right hand and tend it for the one who gave it as any one of you tends his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1344; Muslim, 1014. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “There is no day on which the people get up but two angels come down and one of them says, ‘O Allah, give in compensation to the one who spends (in charity),’ and the other says, ‘O Allah, destroy the one who withholds.’”  Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1374; Muslim, 1010. 

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah said: ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5073; Muslim, 993. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah swt will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor. The Muslim’s sacrifice in this life will be their protection on the Day of Judgment.

suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

Kashmir Needs Vision of Humanity

Kashmir  Needs Vision of Humanity By Syed Irfan Hashmi 
You can never forget a person who came to you with a torch in the dark. Humanity is the highest form of morality, Ethics and religion. Who never discriminates, divides, hurts and always teaches to be united, integrated, to spread love, brotherhood and non-violence is valued before God . But in this age  Everybody speaks humanity but no one is practising in real life. No  religion teaches hatred, prejudices, innocent killing, exploitation or to oppose humanity. 
But Alas! In today’s day and age  humanity is easily murdered and have no value, and  human Rights organisation are not  bothered. No  religion allows or teaches to support inhuman activities. Then why ? all the people remain silent, Why they  support inhuman activities. When will  people  understand the social and moral obligations. When their soul will strike them to accept the cruel Reality and support truth to save humanity.
Enough is enough wake up people don’t wait, don’t be slave, don’t tolerate the injustice. This is the better time to speak before it is too late. We want peace, prosperity and a life with respect & dignity. 
Being a Kashmari social activist / writer I have seen since from my childhood Kashmir is the most conflict / ignored zone of all the Times. The circumstances and present situation is witness of it. All Kashmiri people are suffering in all ways from decades. Civilian killings, stone pelting, Hartal, anti-national agenda became  trend. Wrong perception has been created among the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has been used for political mileage and other agendas.

Since 1946 People are being exploited by the Congress govt in central and NC, PDP in the state. Every time a common Kashmiri people, especially  poor and middle class families suffered. The people of Jammu kashmir has dual policies as like their politicians. Who has sold the blood of common masses of Jammu Kashmir. 
Kashmir have deliberately being made hell by the main stream politicians, separatist Leaders and bureaucrats together for their personal benefits. No one leadership has seriously thought about Jammu Kashmir people. They have never framed any people centric policies, National interests or to boost the Jammu Kashmir as model or  as an International Business hub. 

The biggest mistake of people of Jammu kashmir during elections is to vote without knowing leaders potential / worth / moral character  and they simply  sell his/her vote. The mistake of people is to be silent when need is to speak about the injustice. Why people support propaganda’s, hell Agendas, Radicalisation, injustice, bloodshed , rape, extortion, harassment, violence against innocent people and remain silent. Everyone is responsible for this bloodshed -the person who is doing and the person who is enjoying or taking for granted. Where is the life ethics, morality and religious teachings. Speak up the truth and don’t bother about the consequences. Support truth, humanity as greatest religion in the world. My Kashmir was Paradise on Earth! 

But Alas! It is called the hell now. Everyday  humanity is murdered by means of terrorism, human rights violations, injustice, radicalisation, Extremism, Civilian Killings, Rapes, etc. Where is the development,  Lakhs of  Educated youths are unemployed. Agriculture and other resources at zero level progress , Education which has never been considered as integral part, in three decades scores of youth died , many youth are in Jail, thousands of orphan and widows fighting for survival  Why? Does humanity exist! 
No humanity doesn’t exist, When Religious becomes business and politics as Leaders property, how can humanity survive. The main stream  Politicians and others so called separatist leaders are responsible for this bloodshed and distraction in Kashmir.
It is high time to wake up and elect A strong  Leadership based on ethics, morality, people centric Leadership and need to come forward with slogans of Peace and prosperity. Whose agenda  can be to save the humanity, to respect nature and national security. Help people on humanitarian grounds not for any personal interests. 
Even today administration needs to improve policies and implementations on ground levels. People basic needs, education, healthcare should be always priority. The lack of proper coordination between the departments leads to government failure. 
The day when person will understand the natures Law, respects and follows the humanity Peace will prevail, the prosperity will prevail, when all the people can obey, respect the humanity not any religion or thought. 
Humanity as the greatest religion in the world. 
The writer Syed Irfan Hashmi hails from Watergam, Kreeri  Baramulla, North Kashmir.  He is young mainstream youth leader .

Charity : The Best Deed In The Month of Ramadan

CHARITY: THE BEST DEED IN THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN
Dr Suhaib Ashraf Bhat

The first thing is to give something in charity in secret. Allah swt says, “If you give charity openly then what a good thing it is; and if you give to beggars in secret it is better for you than everything, and He will remove some of your sins. And Allah is Aware of what you do.“(Qur’an 2:271).
The best among you are those who bring greatest benefits to many others. Charity preached by every religion of the world, is a way of bringing justice to society. And justice is the essence of religion, Islam has therefore made charity that is Zakah, obligatory and binding upon all those who embrace the faith; it has been made into an institution in order to give in permanence and regularity.
You know that charity, is the Third Pillar of Islam, a major teaching. Being charitable and providing for the needy are important features of the Muslim character. Why is charity so important?The existence of countless starving, poor, hungry and destitute Muslims and non-Muslims in the world points to the need for this essential teaching to be put into practice. Affluent Muslims may not realize how their wealth could strengthen whole communities. Giving charity correctly is crucial to both the well-being of the needy as well as the ultimate happiness of the wealthy. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) emphasized this principle repeatedly.
Every situation, good or bad, it’s a choice upon ourselves. Predicted on our intentions, whether it becomes a tool for good or for bad, the choice is yours. Either you can decide to follow it through to raise you up or you can complain about it, and send you down. That’s not theory, that’s a practise. If you practise it, you know that everything is due to Allah swt. And if you know that Allah swt acts with Hikma, with wisdom, then you know that in all occurrences, there is wisdom in that what happens to you. There is the opportunity for khayr and for goodness.
2ndly, being kind to people in word and deed, and all kinds of doing good. This is one of the means of removing worry, distress and anxiety. By this means Allah swt wards off worries and distress from the righteous and immoral alike, but the believer has the greater share of this, and is distinguished by the fact that his kindness to others stems from sincerity and the hope of reward, so Allah swt makes it easy for him to be kind to others because of the hope that this will bring good things and ward off bad things, by means of his sincerity and hope of reward. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or Ma‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind; and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward.” [al-Nisa 4:114]
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers)”[al-Baqarah 2:254] “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah swt, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah swt gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah swt is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.262. Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah swt, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”[al-Baqarah 2:261-262] “O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah swt is Rich (Free of all needs), and Worthy of all praise”[al-Baqarah 2:267] “Believe in Allah swt and His Messenger (Muhammad), and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees. And such of you as believe and spend (in Allah swt’s way), theirs will be a great reward”[al-Hadeed 57:7]It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives charity equal to a date from good (halal) earnings – for Allah swt does not accept anything but that which is good – Allah swt will take it in His right hand and tend it for the one who gave it as any one of you tends his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1344; Muslim, 1014. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “There is no day on which the people get up but two angels come down and one of them says, ‘O Allah, give in compensation to the one who spends (in charity),’ and the other says, ‘O Allah, destroy the one who withholds.’”  Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1374; Muslim, 1010. 

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah said: ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5073; Muslim, 993. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah swt will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor. The Muslim’s sacrifice in this life will be their protection on the Day of Judgment.The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “If anyone would like Allah swt to save him from the hardships of the Day of Resurrection, he should give more time to his debtor who is short of money, or remit his debt altogether.” (Muslim)If someone owes you money, it is considered charity if you show mercy, give the debtor more time to pay back his loan, or even cancel out the person’s debt. If charity is a person’s shade on the Day of Judgment, cancelling a person’s debt will also serve as a protection.It is considered better to give charity than receive it. One should be wary of repeatedly soliciting and taking from sadaqa and zakat funds. Those who refrain from taking these funds (so that more will be left for the other needy) will be provided for by Allah swt and be made self-reliant by Him.The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand (he who gives is better than him who takes). One should start giving first to his dependents. And the best object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the money left after his expenses). And whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah swt will give him and save him from asking others, Allah swt will make him self-sufficient.” (Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah swt will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor. The Muslim’s sacrifice in this life will be their protection on the Day of Judgment. By sacrificing part of one’s wealth and giving it in charity, the individual is guaranteeing protection for themselves from tragedy and misfortune.The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi) suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

Ramadan: Month of Humanist Spirituality

         RAMADAN: MONTH OF HUMANIST SPIRITUALITY 

Dr Suhaib Ashraf Bhat.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is deemed auspicious and the holiest. During this month, which consists of 29 to 30 days, Muslims worldwide observe Roza (a fast from sunrise to sunset). This month focuses on Sawm (fasting – one of the five pillars of Islam). It is a month which is venerated in the Islamic religion, and it is distinguished from the other months by a number of characteristics and virtues, including the following: 
1 – Allah swt has made fasting this month the fourth pillar of Islam, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month” [al-Baqarah 2:185]and it was narrated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 8; Muslim, 16) from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah swt and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad; establishing prayer; paying zakaah; fasting Ramadan ; and Hajj to the House (the Ka’bah).” 2 – Allah swt revealed the Qur’aan in this month, as He says in the verse quoted above (interpretation of the meaning): “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…”[al-Baqarah 2:185]And Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).”[al-Qadr 97:1]3 – Allah swt has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah swt in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah swt’s Permission with all Decrees,(All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah swt to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn”[al-Qadar 97:1-5] “We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan — the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]”[al-Dukhaan 44:3]Allah swt has blessed Ramadan with Laylat al-Qadr. Explaining the great status of this blessed night, Soorat al-Qadr was revealed, and there are many ahaadeeth which also speak of that, such as the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah swt has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999. And Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760. 4 – Allah swt has made fasting Ramadan  and spending its nights in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward a means of forgiveness of sins, as was proven in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 2014; Muslim, 760) from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah according to which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” And al-Bukhaari (2008) and Muslim (174) also narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” The Muslims are unanimously agreed that it is Sunnah to pray qiyaam at night in Ramadan . Al-Nawawi said that what is meant by praying qiyaam in Ramadan  is to pray Taraweeh, i.e., one achieves what is meant by qiyaam by praying Taraaweeh. 5 – In this month, Allah swt opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils, as is stated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 1898; Muslim, 1079), from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “When Ramadan  comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” 6 – Every night Allah swt has people whom He redeems from the Fire. Imam Ahmad (5/256) narrated from the hadeeth of Abu Umaamah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “At every breaking of the fast, Allah swt has people whom He redeems.” Al-Mundhiri said: there is nothing wrong with its isnaad; and it was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 987. Al-Bazzaar (Kashf 962) narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Allah swt has people whom He redeems every day and night – i.e., in Ramadan  – and every Muslim every day and night has a prayer that is answered.”  7 – Fasting Ramadan  is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the previous Ramadan , so long as one avoids major sins. It was proven in Saheeh Muslim (233) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The five daily prayers, from one Jumu’ah to the next and from one Ramadan  to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, so long as you avoid major sins.” 8 – Fasting in Ramadan  is equivalent to fasting ten months, as is indicated by the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim (1164) narrated from Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari: “Whoever fasts Ramadan  then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” Ahmad (21906) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan , a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” 9 – Whoever prays qiyaam in Ramadan  with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer, because of the report narrated by Abu Dawood (1370) and others from the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever prays qiyaam with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Salaat al-Taraaweeh, p. 15 10 – ‘Umrah in Ramadan  is equivalent to Hajj. Al-Bukhaari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said to a woman among the Ansaar, “What kept you from doing Hajj with us?” She said, “We only had two camels that we used for bringing water.” So her husband and son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left the other for them to use for bringing water.” He said, “When Ramadan  comes, go for ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in Ramadan  is equivalent to Hajj.” According to a report narrated by Muslim, “… is equivalent to doing Hajj with me.”  11 – It is Sunnah to observe i’tikaaf (retreat for the purpose of worship) in Ramadan , because the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) always did that, as it was narrated in the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah swt be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan  in i’tikaaf until he passed away, then his wives observed i’tikaaf after him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1922; Muslim, 1172. 12 – It is mustahabb in the sense of being strongly recommended in Ramadan to study the Qur’aan together and to read it a great deal. You may study the Qur’aan together by reciting it to someone else and by having someone else recite it to you. The evidence that this is mustahabb is the fact that Jibreel used to meet the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) every night in Ramadan  and study the Qur’aan with him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308. Reading Qur’aaan is mustahabb in general, but more so in Ramadan . 13 – It is mustahabb in Ramadan  to offer iftaar to those who are fasting, because of the hadeeth of Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani (may Allah swt be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever gives iftaar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 807; Ibn Maajah, 1746; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 647. May this Ramadan be successful for all of us and provide us with good health and wealth. Remove all our sins, May this holy month of Ramadan be a month full of blessings. May we all be showered with peace, joy and prosperity. Aameen.
The writer can be reached  at  suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

The Gardenia of SCB Garden

THE GARDENIA OF SCB GARDEN By Monalisa Parida 

        Dr. Mukesh was born in Bheunria, Bargarh, Odisha, India on 8 November 1993 and the 3rd son of Gurubaru Miri and Jamuna Miri. He belongs to a higher middle class family. His father is a teacher and mother a homemaker. Dr. Mukesh was an Iris of Panchayat High School, Bheunria, a Narcissus of Anchal College, Padampur, a Valerian of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Sambalpur and is a Yarrow of Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Now he is perusing his Post Graduation in Orthopaedics at SCB MCH, Cuttack  and also a dynamic hero of that college.        Dr. Mukesh manages to catch attention of every patient with his mesmerizing words. He is a perfect example of a good doctor. He works in his department day and night without feeling tired also never gets irritated with his patients after working for such long hours. Like a never stopping heart he spreads his love, affection and care in the whole medical college and hospital campus, always.      Among all doctors in the world, he is most powerful and sympathetic one.  He is one of the most exciting young doctors of Odisha. When he will pass his medical post graduation course, he will be like a Panacea to give lots of solace to all his patients. Then no one can deny that he will be the most eminent and sought after doctor in Odisha.       Before saying anything, I want to tell one thing that Dr. Mukesh is an extraordinary human being. Surgeon like him is not just a doctor but a Living God! I may not have seen to God in my prayers, but in him I have seen real God.   “Medicines cure diseases,  doctors can cure patients but only Dr. Mukesh Kumar Miri cures both diseases and patients without giving any medicine and without doing any surgery”.  The doctor of the future should follow him. He is an adorable person, we should adore him. He is not a merely doctor sent by God to serve destitute people but also an angel who keeps calm and tranquillity.

Not All Depression Is Created Equal

           NOT ALL DEPRESSION IS CREATED EQUALDr Suhaib Ashraf Bhat

Peace of mind, contentment, happiness and freedom from worries and anxiety, these are what everyone wants, and these are the ways in which people can have a good life and find complete happiness and joy. There are religious means of achieving this, and natural and practical means, but no one can combine all of them except the believers; although other people may achieve some of them, they will miss out on others.The name of failure is enough to put us off it and strive for success, regardless of the material gains that a man may attain as the result of his success, because failure is a word that implies shortcomings and loss, and success is a word that implies perfection and praise. Failure and success are two sides of the same coin, although they may seem to contradict one another at first glance. But in fact they are interconnected if you think about it, based on experience and real life.
On average, an adult brain weighs between 1.0 kg – 1.5 kg.  It is mainly composed of neurons – the fundamental unit of the brain and nervous system. Recent estimates have suggested that the brain contains anywhere between 86 billion to 100 billion neurons. The brain, along with the spinal cord, constitutes the central nervous system. It is responsible for thoughts, interpretation and origin of control for body movements. Numerous studies show that many people diagnosed with depression have elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which affect brain function and mood. Some people believe that depression could be linked to lifestyle, diet, or even environmental pollution. Other experts believe it’s a physical response to environmental stressors or worries. According to one theory “brain on fire” there is a physiological response to a supposed threat. That’s where the inflammatory and immune system response comes from. In this case, it acts like your worst enemy and weakens you instead of protecting you. According to the brain on fire theory, when the brain perceives a stressor, it releases cortisol. This hormone triggers the production of cytokines, vasoactive amines, nitric oxide, and glucocorticoids. When your body detects the presence of a virus, it triggers an immune response with the goal of fighting the enemy. The immune response is inflammation. The brain on fire theory states that our bodies trigger this same immune response when we experience pressure, stress, fear, or anxiety.First of all, let me clarify something important. Not all depression is created equal, and not all depression is caused by inflammation. The brain on fire theory comes into play for individuals who have tried psychological therapy and medication and have seen no improvement.Depression is a mood disorder that effects millions of people around the world. Fortunately, depression has been studied for decades and there is a wealth of information available for people who have depressive symptoms. Many treatments for depression are highly effective and can provide relief in just a few weeks. If you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent with your circumstances and interferes with your ability to function. You may be extremely sad, empty or irritable (depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being excessively happy (mania). Anxiety disorders can also affect your mood and often occur along with depression. Mood disorders may increase your risk of suicide.Some examples of mood disorders include:Major depressive disorder — prolonged and persistent periods of extreme sadnessBipolar disorder — also called manic depression or bipolar affective disorder, depression that includes alternating times of depression and maniaSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression most often associated with fewer hours of daylight in the far northern and southern latitudes from late fall to early springCyclothymic disorder — a disorder that causes emotional ups and downs that are less extreme than bipolar disorderPremenstrual dysphoric disorder — mood changes and irritability that occur during the premenstrual phase of a woman’s cycle and go away with the onset of periods.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) — a long-term (chronic) form of depressionDisruptive mood dysregulation disorder — a disorder of chronic, severe and persistent irritability in children that often includes frequent temper outbursts that are inconsistent with the child’s developmental ageDepression related to medical illness — a persistent depressed mood and a significant loss of pleasure in most or all activities that’s directly related to the physical effects of another medical conditionDepression induced by substance use or medication ― depression symptoms that develop during or soon after substance use or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.Trouble is inevitable in the life of this world; this is how Allah swt has decreed it and He has made it a place of trials and tests, and a bridge to the Hereafter. Even the best of His creation, the prophets, were never free of troubles. Life is never plain sailing for anyone, young or old. You may have reason to rejoice one day, then reason to feel sad for many other days; this is how it always is in the life of this world and this is how people are all the time. Who among us has not felt grief and sorrow as a result of the calamities we see befalling the Muslims, day after day? Who among us has not lost interest in this world and everything in it, because of what we hear or see? But when these feelings of sadness and loneliness or bad moods persist and prevent us from living a normal life or carrying out the duties that are required of us, or fulfilling the rights of others, or they cause us to neglect the blessings of Allah swt which He has bestowed upon us and fail to give thanks for as we should, at that point sadness moves from being something natural to being a case of weakness and sickness that needs to be treated.  There is no greater remedy for that than patience and fearing Allah swt, and thinking positively of Allah swt, the Lord of the Worlds, putting one’s trust in Him, delegating one’s affairs to Him and turning to Him in all times of calamity. If the state of grief worsens and leads to some level of depression, then in addition to this spiritual remedy, showing patience, putting one’s trust in Allah swt and always remembering Him, medical attention from a knowledgeable and trustworthy specialist is also needed. The symptoms of depression include the following: ·        Always feeling sad, anxious and in a bad mood·        Loss of interest and lack of enjoyment in activities that people usually enjoy·        Constant pessimism and feeling helpless in the face of life’s problems·        Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and social alienation·        Inability to show or express feelings towards others or to accept feelings from others·        Trouble sleeping, such as insomnia, sleeping too long or waking up too early·        Eating problems (overeating or loss of appetite)·        Chronic physical pain from which no remedy brings relief·        Weepiness·        Getting tense quickly; hyperactivity and not being able to calm down and relax·        Constant feelings of tiredness and inability to do any physical activity·        Inability to concentrate, remember or take sound decisions 
If four or more of the symptoms mentioned above are present, then you should consult a specialist in psychology.In addition to seeking medical treatment, you should try to keep yourself busy with useful activities, such as reading Quran and other books, and engaging in hobbies and so on. Do not forget some natural remedies that will re-energise you and help the brain to regain energy, such as honey and dried fruits.One of the prescriptions that was often used in the past is talbeenah. According to an authentic report, the Messenger of Allah swt (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said concerning it: “Talbeenah brings comfort to the sick person and it lessens grief.” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5101; Muslim, 2216 Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said in Zad al-Ma‘ad:This broth clears that from the stomach and intestines, cleanses it, makes it flow, makes it more liquid, adjusts it, and restores balance. Thus it gives relief, especially for the one who usually eats barley bread, which was the custom of the people of Madinah at that time; it was their staple food, as wheat was very expensive for them. And Allah swt knows best. Talbeenah is a broth made from barley flour with its bran, to which a cup of water is added, and it is heated on a low fire for five minutes, then a cup of milk and a spoonful of honey is added.
suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

Serious Crime

SERIOUS CRIME

Dr Suhaib Ashraf Bhat
Applying black magic on Allah swt’s people is not a good thing so keep in your mind that you will get punished. In modern era people do not actually deplore due to his sorrow, but other people’s happiness is the main reason behind his deploring. So they try lots of black magic to hurt other people. Sometimes they get success, however they cannot continue success in it  because Allah swt use to bless all his slaves. The practitioner of magic is the person who uses the shayaateen (devils) and gets close to the jinn by doing the things they like – such as sacrificing to them instead of to Allah swt, calling upon them alongside Allah swt, obeying them by disobeying Allah swt by committing zinaa, drinking wine, eating haraam things, neglecting prayer, covering himself with najaasaat (impure things) and staying in dirty places – until the shayaateen respond to what he asks them, with a gentle and kind approach, to do, such as harming the people against whom he uses his magic, causing division between a man and his wife, telling him some unseen things, and telling him about stolen items and where lost things are. Such a person is a mushrik and a kaafir, because he worships both Allah swt and the Shaytaan, which is major shirk (al-shirk al-akbar). So he is a kaafir, because Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning);
“Sulaymaan did not disbelieve, but the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic” [al-Baqarah 2:102]
“but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, ‘We are for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).’” [al-Baqarah 2:102]
It was also commanded that the practitioner of magic should be executed, because of the hadeeth: “The hadd (prescribed punishment) for the practitioner of magic is a blow with the sword (i.e., execution).” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1460; al-Daaraqutni, 3/114; al-Haakim, 4/360; al-Bayhaqi, 8/136; see al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah, 3/641, no. 1446)
On this basis, he is a kaafir even if he prays, fasts, reads Qur’aan and makes du’aa’, because shirk cancels out all good deeds. 
Sihr is a serious crime and is one of the kinds of kufr. It is one of things with which people have been tested, in the past and currently, among the nations of the past, during the Jaahiliyyah and in this ummah. The more ignorance increases, the less there is knowledge and awareness of faith, the less attention the authorities pay to this matter – the more the practitioners of sihr and trickery increase and spread in the land, to take the people’s wealth and confuse them and do other things. When knowledge prevails and faith increases, and the Islamic authorities are powerful, the number of these evil people shrinks and they move from one land to another, seeking a place where their falsehood will be accepted and they will be able to engage in their trickery and corruption. 
The Qur’aan and Sunnah have described the kinds of sihr and the rulings on these matters. 
Sihr is so called because its means are hidden or secret, and because the practitioners of sihr deal with things in secret which enable them to perform illusions to confuse the people and deceive their eyes, and to cause them harm or steal their money, etc., in a secretive manner so that in most cases nobody realizes what is happening. Hence the last part of the night is called sahar, because at the end of the night people are unaware and they do not move about much. And the lungs are also called sahr, because they are hidden inside the body.  
According to sharee’ah, the meaning of sihr is what the magicians do to delude and confuse people, so that the one who is watching thinks that it is real when in fact it is not. As Allah swt said concerning the magicians of Pharaoh (interpretation of the meaning):
“They said: ‘O Moosa! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?’
Moosa said: ‘Nay, throw you (first)!’ Then behold! their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast.
So Moosa conceived fear in himself.
We (Allah swt) said: ‘Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand.
And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician’s trick, and the magician will never be successful, to whatever amount (of skill) he may attain.’”
[Ta-Ha 20:65-69] 
Sihr may involve things that the magician does when tying knots on which he blows, as is referred to in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):
“And from the evil of those who practise witchcraft when they blow in the knots”[al-Falaq 113:4] 
And it may involve other things which they manage to do through the shayaateen (devils), so they do things that may affect a man’s reason or make him sick; they may cause division between a man and his wife, resulting in her looking ugly to him, or by making her hate her husband or be put off by him. This is blatant kufr as the Qur’aan states. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“They followed what the Shayaateen (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan (Solomon). Sulaymaan did not disbelieve, but the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic”
[al-Baqarah 2:102]
 Allah swt informs us that they (the shayaateen) committed kufr by teaching men magic. Then He says (interpretation of the meaning):
 “and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Haaroot and Maaroot, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, ‘We are for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).’”[al-Baqarah 2:102]
 Then Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
 “And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah swt’s Leave”[al-Baqarah 2:102] 
i.e., this magic and any harm that results from it is subject to the prior decree and will of Allah swt, for our Lord cannot be overwhelmed and nothing can happen in His Dominion against His Will. Nothing happens in this world or in the hereafter except by His prior decree and His great wisdom, as He wills. So some people may be tested by sihr, and others may be tested by sickness, or by being killed…etc.  Allah swt is All-Wise in all that He wills and decrees, and in all that He prescribes for His slaves. Hence Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah swt’s Leave” [al-Baqarah 2:102]

 The evils that come at the hands of the magicians or others do not happen because our Lord is ignorant, for He knows all things and nothing at all is hidden from Him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, Allah swt is the All-Knower of everything”[al-Anfaal 8:75]
“that you may know that Allah swt has power over all things, and that Allâh surrounds all things in (His) Knowledge”[al-Talaaq 65:12]
 So Allah swt knows all things, and nothing happens in His Dominion that He does not will, but He has perfect wisdom and good aims in whatever He decrees should happen to people of honour or humiliation,
 People who have had experience with such situations have related that the following are among the signs of a person who is possessed by jinn (or Satan):
Strong repulsion when hearing Quraan or Aathaan (call for prayers).
Episodes of losing consciousness and/or epileptic attacks, especially when Quraan is recited for the possessed person.
Frequent nightmares during sleep.
Tendency to avoid people accompanied by out-of-the-norm behaviour.
The jinn who possesses him might speak when Quraan is recited for the possessed person.
Madness, as stated in the Quraan (interpretation of the meaning): “Those who devour usury will not stand except as stands one whom Satan by his touch hath driven to [epileptic] madness”2:275
As for a person struck by magic he might experience the following:
Dislike of one’s spouse, as indicated in the Quraan by the following verse (interpretation of the meaning): “And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife…” (Al-Baqarah, 2:102).
Different attitude in the house from that which is outside the house. For example, a person will feel that he is missing his family when is outside the house but when he goes home, love changes quickly to extreme hatred.
Inability to have sexual intercourse with ones spouse.
Frequent miscarriage for pregnant women.
Sudden change in behaviour without obvious reason.
Complete loss of appetite for food.
Thinking or imagining one has done something when in reality one has not.
Sudden obedience and/or love for a particular person.
It should be noted that if a person experiences some of the above symptoms this does not necessarily mean that he is either possessed by a jinn or struck by black magic. It might be due to physiological or psychological reasons.
As for curing this condition the following steps are recommended:
Putting ones trust in Allah with sincere belief that He is the only cure for everything.
Reading Quraan and known supplications expressing seeking refuge, the most important and effective of which is sura 113 and 114, Al-Falaq and Al-Naas, which were used to cure the Prophet himself. Surah 112, Al-Ikhlaas, is recommended along with them, as well as the opening chapter of the Quraan, Al-Fatihah. To cure black magic some have successfully used seven lote-tree leaves. The leaves should be crushed, then mixed them with water enough for taking a bath. The following verses from the Quraan are then recited: verse Al-Kursi (2:255), surah Al-Kafiroon (109), surah 112, 113, 114; the verses which mention magic, which are: in surah Al-Baqarah (2:102), Al-Araaf (7:117-119), Yunus (10:79-82), and Taha (20:65-69). The possessed person drinks some of the water, and the rest is used to give him a bath.
Removing the elements of magic as was done by the Prophet when he was struck by black magic by a Jewish man called Lubaid Ben Al-Aasim.
Eating seven Aaliya Al-Barniy dates (among the dates of Al-Madinah) first thing in the morning; if not possible, any dates will suffice, by the will of Allah swt.Cupping–removing excess blood.
suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

In ISLAM DOING AN ENTIRE PARDHA BY MUSLIM WOMEN IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP

IN ISLAM DOING AN ENTIRE PARDHA BY MUSLIM WOMEN IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP 

FAROOQ AHMAD BAKLOO( The Writer is A PHD STUDENT)
Since a month after the episode of Karnataka where some Muslim girls were not allowed to enter the school because of a violation of the school dress code. After that, the issue has become a national sensation and nourishment to those Media channels that repeatedly are a forerunner in unfurling the poison against the Muslims and the entire Muslim community. These news channels are doing discussions with a high velocity on the issue of whether doing pardha is in Islam or not. These channels tried to endorse or cultivate the opinion that doing Pardha by Muslim women is a sign of suppression and a tool of male domination in their households. During these debates, some participants even called that there is no word Hajib in the noble Quran and some misquoted the verses and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to cook their bogus argument. In reply to these faulty arguments about the Pardha of Muslim women presented and posed by controlled media. Some Muslim sections tried to respond to these posed undesirable questions. Those who are presenting the questions about the Pardha did not know the status and significance of doing pardha in Islam. To cite the example the Muslim girls most often said that doing Pardha is our choice and identify some say it is our culture. However, one must know that the Pardha of Muslim girls is an act of worship it is no choice, it is obligatory as it is a commandment in the noble Quran by Allah.The reason why I said this worship, the noble Quran says “I did not create Jin, or mankind, except to worship me. (Al Quran 51: 56). Here the word worship has a comprehensive meaning it means every action and saying that Allah loves and is pleased is included in the worship. According to the Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullah ( d. 728H ) worship is a comprehensive term that brings together everything that Allah loves and is pleased with from actions or sayings both inward and outward ( Majmu al-Fatawa 10/49).According to Ibn Kathir (d. 774H) rahimahullah worship is obedience to Allah by acting what Allah commands and abandoning what Allah forbids (Tafsir al Quran al- Adhim).From the above definitions of both great scholars of Islam, it is crystal clear that worship is obeying the orders of Allah through the way Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught his companions. Therefore, the matter of Pardha of Women in Islam is undoubtedly the instruction of Allah mentioned in (An-Nur, 24) and (Al – Ahzab, 33 ) of the noble Quran. Allah says in Chapter 24 An-Nur verse 31 as:And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity and not reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests, and not reveal their hidden adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their father–in–law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters sons their fellow women, those bondwomen in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women nakedness. (Translation Saheeh International Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the clear Quran).Another place where the Noble Quran commands the believing women to cover their entire body is chapter 33 Al – Ahzab verse, 59 as:O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way, it is more likely that they will be recognized as virtuous and not be harassed. (Translation Saheeh International Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the clear Quran).Hence, it is evident that Pardha is an obligatory ruling and if anybody obeys this ruling as shown teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is doing the act of worship and fulfilling the commandment of Allah. THE WORD HIJAB IN THE NOBLE QURAN: Mostly the Word Hijab is famously associated with the covering of the body but the Quran does not use the term Hijab in this covering body context. We Muslims significantly used the word Hajib as equal to the Burka and regard the Hajib and Burka as identical. However, the word Hijab which is mentioned seven times in the Noble Quran is not used in this context. If we see the word Hajib according to the terminology of the noble Quran the Word Hijab refers to a curtain, barrier and in all seven places, it is used as a curtain and barrier as shown below:· Al – Ahzab Chapter 33, Verse 53. · Al- Mutaffin chapter 83 verse 15. · Al – Araf Chapter 7 verse 46. · Sad Chapter 38, verse 32. · Fussilat chapter 41, verse 5. · Ash-Shura chapter 45, verse 51. · Al – Isra chapter 17 verse 45. · Maryam chapter 19 verse 17. From the above verses of seven places of the noble Quran, it is clear that the word Hijab is used to define a barrier, and curtain. It is a big slap for those who are advocating that there is no word Hijab in the noble Quran and some ignorant people say that it is an Urdu word. These guys have never seen the noble Quran in their eyes. They only know how to spread the venom against the Islam and Muslim community.However, the Hijab that the Muslims used as the garment by which the woman has covered acts as a barrier and protects her from the unwanted gaze of the people. QURANIC WORDS FOR THE COVERING OF THE BODY OF THE MUSLIM WOMENAs far as the covering of the body of the Muslim women is concerned the noble Quran instructs the believers in two places in An-Nur chapter 24 verse 31 and Al- Ahzab chapter 33 and verse 59. In both places, the noble Quran used two different words for covering the body. In An-Nur the word Khimaar and in Al- Ahzab the word is Jalbaab.SCHOLARS AND THE MEANING OF KHIMAAR According to ibn Kathir: “Khumur is the plural of khimaar which means something that covers, and is what is used to cover the head. This is what is known among the people as a khimaar.”Shaykh Muhammad al-Munajjid defines “Khimaar comes from the word khimaar, the root meaning of which is to cover. For example, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Khammiru aaniyatakum (cover your vessels).” Everything that covers something else is called its khimaar. But in common usage khimaar has come to be used as a name for the garment with which a woman covers her head; in some cases, this does not go against the linguistic meaning of khimaar. Some of the fuqaha  has defined it as that which covers the head and the neck. The difference between the jilbaab and the khimaar is that the jilbaab is something that covers all of a woman’s body, whilst the khimaar, in general, is something with which a woman covers her head.”Shaykh Muhammad Nasiruddin Albani: “The word khimaar linguistically means only a head covering. Whenever it is mentioned in general terms, this is what is intended.Imam Abu Abdullah Qurtubi: “Women in those days used to cover their heads with the khimaar, throwing its ends upon their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, along with the ears, in the manner of the Christians. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimaar.”Ibn Kathir: “‘Draw their khumur to cover their bosoms’ means that they should wear the khimaar in such a way that they cover their chests so that they will be different from the women of the jahiliyyah who did not do that but would pass in front of men with their chests uncovered and with their necks, forelocks, hair, and earrings uncovered.”.The dictionary of classical Arabic, Aqrab al-Mawarid: “[The word khimaar refers to] all such pieces of cloth which are used to cover the head. It is a piece of cloth that is used by a woman to cover her head.From the statements of these Islamic scholars, Khimaar is the garment that covers the head, neck, shoulders, and chest of the women. It is the obligatory dress commandment by Allah in the noble Quran for the believing women.MEANING OF JALABAABThe Noble Quran commands to the believing women to cover their entire body are chapter 33 Al – Ahzab verse, 59 as:O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way, it is more likely that they will be recognized as virtuous and not be harassed.In this verse, the noble Quran mentions the word Jalbaab The word “jalabaab” is the plural of “jalbaab”. This ayah states an instruction for Muslim women to wear a garment which Allah SWT has called “jilbab.”The jilbab is the outer garment, mantle, or cloak. It is derived from the word tajalbaba, which means to clothe. Jilbab is the outer sheet or covering that a woman wraps around her on top of her garments to cover herself from head to toe. It hides her body completely” (Lisan al-Arab )JILBAAB AND THE HADITHS OF PROPHET (PBUH)Beyond this, the hadiths record how the sahabiyat (r.a) went about obeying Surah al-Ahzab ayah 59 when it was revealed:Sunan Abu Dawud Book 32 #4090. Narrated Umm Salama, Umm al-Mu’minin: When the verse, “That they should draw their jilbaab close around them” was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows over their heads by wearing jilbaab.And there is more even than this. Some of the women remained in seclusion and never went out so that they did not own the garment called “jilbaab”. The hadiths record that the Prophet (sAas) commanded the women to come out for the Eid gathering, and what he said about the issue of the garment called “jilbaab”:Sahih Bukhari Book 8 #347. Narrated Umm Atiyya: We were ordered to bring out our menstruating women and screened women to the religious gatherings and invocation of the Muslims on the two Eid festivals. These menstruating women were to keep away from the musalla. A woman asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What about one who does not have a jilbaab?”. He said, “Let her borrow the jilbaab of her companion.CONCLUSION:From the noble Quran and authentic Sunnah, it is apparent that covering the entire body from head to toe. This is an act of worship for the Muslim women.  By doing this act Allah is pleased to those Muslim believing women who perform this action as shown by the authentic Sunnaha of the Prophet (peace be upon him).All the scholars are agreed on this, that covering the entire body by Muslim women is obligatory. And if any Muslim sister is not doing the complete pardha she is not obeying the order of Allah. The point of disagreement among the scholars is on the obligatory status of face veil and hand cover. However, these scholars also state Muslim women must cover the entire body including the face and hands. Besides this, the word Hijab in the noble Quran is used to refer to the barrier while for the complete coverage of the body of the believing women the word khimaar and Jalbaab is used in the noble Quran. The Khimaar, is an garment covering the head, neck shoulders, and the chest.  it is the dress that is mandatory and obligatory when the believing women is at home with Muharrams.  The Jalbaab is used when the believing women went out to the market, school, or any other public place. She must cover by the the entire body by an outer garment including the face and hands. The scholars defined the Jabaab as Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Baaz rahimahullah the previous grand Mufti of Saudia Arabia stated that Jalbaab is the outer garment covering all the body except eyes. Molana Maududi rahimahullah defined jilbaab as an outer garment covering the face. Sheikh Yousuf Qaradawi hafzahullah explains the Jalbaab as a loose outer garment and the sheik Nasir ul din Albani rahimahullah says the Jalbaab as an outer garment that is thick and opaque and covers the clothing under it and the women form.  Apart from this some of the untaught people who say that covering the entire body by Muslim women is a sign of backwardness and suppression, those people must understand that covering the entire body including face and hands is not backwardness. Nevertheless, it is the state of undress which linked with the backwardness and Stone Age.Modernization has nothing to do with the clothing of the person as modernization means the emergence of new ideas, inventions, and discoveries that have benefited the entire humanity. We see how the Muslim women who are strict ardent of parda are attaining good positions at the international and national level. Instructions related to the covering the body of women especially hair is also found in other religions as well like Judaism and Christianity. In Judaism, it is called (Kissui Rosh). But it is some anti-Islamic forces only target Muslim women because of their religious identity and their faith