Friday, January 25, 2013

ARE MUSLIMS ALLOWED TO WORSHIP PERSONALITIES?



ARE MUSLIMS ALLOWED TO
 WORSHIP PERSONALITIES?

BY JAVED ZAHEER, FREE EXPRESSION AWARD WINNER

            TORONTO: Were you part of or did you witness the great moment?: The demonstration of unity, love, respect, joy and happiness when all those who truly believe in, support and promote humanity, love, respect, brotherhood, peace and unity joined the Muslims throughout the world in celebration of Eid Miladun Nabi, birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), on 12th of Rabiul Awwal (January 25, 2013). On behalf of the Muslims and all those who greeted and joined the celebration of this great occasion, I would like to thank all.  
            Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) personality is an example of the best true leadership, which we must try to understand, adopt and follow. A study of his life, character and contributions (Seeratun Nabi) helps us to understand the values, principles, actions, impressions and status of the Best Human Beings.
            Not only this it also properly and practically connects us to the divine messages in the Holy Quran and other holy books like Bible, Torah and Scrolls because the main message and the author---Allah (The Almighty)---are same.
            Like others (non-Muslims), who greet and join us in our religious and other celebrations, we must also join them in celebration of Christmas and other events, which are permitted by our religion. This is because we too like, love and respect all the prophets (PBUT) mentioned in the holy books and all saints and good people. This is how we can promote togetherness and unity and serve humanity in reality.
            Only with the shining examples of life and true leadership and spiritual and visionary guidance of Best Human Beings like prophets (PBUT) we can practically become Good Human Beings and understand to truly respect and love each other and serve humanity and worship Allah (The Almighty) in reality. The rest is exercise in futility.
            The Sura Al-Ikhlas # 112 (Verses 1 to 4) in the Holy Quran specifically puts an end, once and for all, to the confusion, misunderstandings and differences created by vested interests between Christians and Muslims. Muslims, particularly, should understand that it leaves no room for them for any further debate, discussion or confusion.
            The translation is as follows:
            Say: He is Allah, the One! (1) Allah, the eternally Besought of all! (2) He begetteth not nor was begotten. (3) And there is none comparable unto Him. (4)
            When Allah (The Allah Mighty) Himself is saying: “He begetteth not nor was begotten” then who are we to debate or discuss that Jesus was His son or not. The Christians say that we don’t consider Prophet Jesus (PBUH) as His biological son.
            Sura # 19 Maryam (Verses16 to 22) in the Holy Quran explains further about Mary, Spirit and Prophet Jesus (PBUH). The translation is as follows:
            “And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking East, (16) And had chosen seclusion from them. Then We sent unto her Our Spirit and it assumed for her the likeness of a perfect man. (17) She said: Lo! I seek refuge in the Beneficent One from thee, if thou art God-fearing. (18) He said: I am only a messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son. (19) She said: How can I have a son when no mortal hath touched me, neither have I been unchaste? (20) He said: So (it will be). Thy Lord saith: It is easy for Me. And (it will be) that We may make of him a Revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained. (21) And she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place.”
            According to Sura # 19 Maryam (Verse 30) of the Holy Quran:
            "He 'Īsā (Jesus) said: Verily! I am a slave of Allâh, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet)."
            According to Sura # 3 Al-E-Imran (Verse 59):
            “This similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be" and he was.”
            When the facts (Divine messages) are clearly mentioned in the holy books and scrolls and we too know and understand them then why there is still confusion, misunderstandings and differences?  
The sole reason for such a confusing situation is the distortions, conspiracies and propagandas made by the committed enemies of mankind---The Evils and Devils in Disguise. They are the real conspirators, troublemakers and mischief-makers who are posing as peacemakers and champions of humanity. In reality, they are dangerous and destroyers.   
            According to Sura Al-Baqara # 2 (Verses 6 to 13) of Holy Quran:
            “As for the Disbelievers, Whether thou warn them or thou warn them not it is all one for them; they believe not. (6) Allah hath sealed their hearing and their hearts, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be an awful doom. (7) And of mankind are some who say: We believe in Allah and the Last Day, when they believe not. (8) They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves; but they perceive not. (9) In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increaseth their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie. (10) And when it is said unto them: Make not mischief in the earth, they say: We are peacemakers only. (11) Are not they indeed the mischief-makers? But they perceive not. (12) And when it is said unto them: believe as the people believe, they say: Shall we believe as the foolish believe? Beware! They indeed are the foolish? But they know not. (13)
            All evils and devils in disguise including exploiters, opportunists and hypocrites belong to the Evil Forces of Darkness and are undoubtedly committed enemies of mankind and humanity. Unlike the good people with positive and constructive approach and purpose, their approach is negative and destructive and based on vested interests. They enjoy this very much.  
            These characterless characters have no conscience or religion but are good actors as champions of religions, humanity and community. This is how they play with the people.  
Wearing mask of goodness and peacemakers and in the shape of respectable and responsible persons, professionals, religious, community and party leaders, policymakers and rulers they fool, cheat and harm the helpless and innocent people. They keep making false promises and commitments but act vice versa. Such is their cunning nature. People understand but helplessly watch and elect them. This is their mistake. Only very few stand up and struggle against them. 
            In the form of professional religious leaders like priests, Jahil & Makkar Mullahs (Illiterate & cunning Mullahs), preachers and scholars they cause the most harm and worst damage. Just because of them, instead of worshipping Allah (The Almighty) illiterate and innocent people cross the limits of love and respect and start worshipping personalities. Allah (The Almighty) has always strictly warned us not to cross the limits and boundaries.  
            Through distortions, confusions, misunderstandings and differences they achieve their nefarious designs including dictatorship and worship. They fool, blackmail and threaten the helpless and innocent people. Allah (The Almighty) has clearly and openly warned, through holy books, prophets and good people, that it is great sin and wrong to worship personalities, who are human beings and creations of Allah (The Almighty).
            Allah states that the human beings deserve only respect and not worship. Those claiming to be Muslims and doing this must understand and stop forthwith. They need to change their ways and lives and put themselves on the right track and category (Which Allah describes in the holy books including Quran).       
            The world and Muslims too keep wondering as to why despite the best true leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his great good character and tremendous role and contributions for humanity the Muslims are in such a bad state and suffering?   
            The answer to this question is very simple and understandable:  There are three types of Muslims---Best, Good and Worst. Most of the Muslims seem to greatly love Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Allah (The Almighty) but in reality how many really love both of them. When I say really that means practically and spiritually with full commitment, dedication and devotion. Frankly, there are very few only and they are indeed the best ones.  The number of good ones is less and the worst ones very high.
            Just analyze our lives and contributions and we will get the answer and the category we are choosing. If we reform and transform ourselves to practically follow the examples of Best True Leadership, like Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), other Prophets (PBUT) and all good people, and sensibly select True Leadership then only we can become good and successful.  
            Allah (The Almighty) is always there to help us. In the Holy Quran (Sura Al-Waqia # 56, Verses 1-57) Allah (The Almighty) clearly states about the types of people and their fates.  
   `        “When the event befalleth - (1) There is no denying that it will befall - (2) Abasing (some), exalting (others); (3) When the earth is shaken with a shock (4) And the hills are ground to powder (5) So that they become a scattered dust, (6) And ye will be three kinds: (7) (First) those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand? (8) And (then) those on the left hand; what of those on the left hand? (9) And the foremost in the race, the foremost in the race: (10) Those are they who will be brought nigh (11) In gardens of delight; (12) A multitude of those of old (13) And a few of those of later time. (14) On lined couches, (15) Reclining therein face to face. (16) There wait on them immortal youths (17) With bowls and ewers and a cup from a pure spring (18) Wherefrom they get no aching of the head nor any madness, (19) And fruit that they prefer (20) And flesh of fowls that they desire. (21) And (there are) fair ones with wide, lovely eyes, (22) Like unto hidden pearls, (23) Reward for what they used to do. (24) There hear they no vain speaking nor recrimination (25) (Naught) but the saying: Peace, (and again) Peace. (26) And those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand? (27) Among thornless lote-trees (28) And clustered plantains, (29) And spreading shade, (30) And water gushing, (31) And fruit in plenty (32) Neither out of reach nor yet forbidden, (33) And raised couches; (34) Lo! We have created them a (new) creation (35) And made them virgins, (36) Lovers, friends, (37) For those on the right hand; (38) A multitude of those of old (39) And a multitude of those of later time. (40) And those on the left hand: What of those on the left hand? (41) In scorching wind and scalding water (42) And shadow of black smoke, (43) Neither cool nor refreshing. (44) Lo! heretofore they were effete with luxury (45) And used to persist in the awful sin. (46) And they used to say: When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then, forsooth, be raised again, (47) And also our forefathers? (48) Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Lo! those of old and those of later time (49) Will all be brought together to the tryst of an appointed day. (50) Then lo! ye, the erring, the deniers, (51) Ye verily will eat of a tree called Zaqqum (52) And will fill your bellies therewith; (53) And thereon ye will drink of boiling water, (54) Drinking even as the camel drinketh. (55) This will be their welcome on the Day of Judgment. (56) We created you. Will ye then admit the truth?
            While celebrating Eid Miladun Nabi, we must keep all this in mind and analyze the reasons for our failures, sufferings and destruction. We must just focus on the purpose of our creation and existence----Worship of only Allah (The Almighty) and to serve humanity in reality.  
            Remember, no Pir, Faqir or Mullah (Religious Leaders) or any PERSONALITY can take the place of Allah (The Almighty). Instead of being misled by distortions and propagandas, let us just understand and follow The True Divine Messages. Lives and teachings of all the prophets including Muhammad, Jesus and Moses (PBUT), saints, pious and good people are based on these Divine Messages and for us to understand and implement.
            ---Javed Zaheer, Free Expression Award Winner, Desi Idol Recognition Award Winner, Member/Honorary Director of NEPMCC, Veteran Active Member (VAM) of Toronto Press Club, Ex-Member of The National Club and The Ontario Club, Honorary Editor of English Weekly `Pakistan Abroad’, ex-Chief Editor (Honorary) of English Weekly `The Ambassador’, ex-Senior Sub-Editor of English Daily DAWN, Pakistan, Chairman, CANOPI, and Director, Canpak Camber of Commerce, is contributing purely on Voluntary and Honorary Basis in order to serve all people and communities. Contact: (416)696-0981/jazamedia@hotmail.com. To read more JZ’s exclusive articles, please visit: www. nepmcc.ca and nationalethnicpress.com (Editorial Sections. Scan years from 2004 to 2011. Visit www.javedzaheernews.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

SENIORS DANCE & DINE TOGETHER



SENIORS DANCE & DINE TOGETHER, ENJOY
  MESMERIZING SONGS, MAGICAL VOICES

BY JAVED ZAHEER, FREE EXPRESSION AWARD WINNER

TORONTO: Had William Shakespeare been alive he would have written a very touching  poetry on the realistic feelings, actions and expressions of seniors gathered at a get together organized by the Seniors Club at the TNO Youth Centre in the Thorncliffe Park Drive locality on Sunday, January 20, 2013.
The seniors, comprising a dozen people of ages over 50 and 80, joined by some youngsters of ages between 20 to 30 years, participated in the social-cum-cultural event, made it really lively and memorable and fully enjoyed every bit of the moment.
Without any questioning and complaints, grumpiness and egoism, the seniors, belonging to respectable families with glorious past status and tremendous contributions, showed great respect, love and care for each other and the other guests.
With maturity, good understanding, consensus and eagerness for participation in a family and friendly environment and atmosphere, they happily contributed $20 each to organize and make the event practically successful. And they did it.
Those who actively participated included: Noorain Fazli, real uncle of Amir Khan (Bollywood Superstar Hero) and whose voice remarkably matches the voice of  Radio Pakistan’s famous news reader late Shakil Ahmed, Muhammad Salahuddin (Ex-Bureaucrat (PIA)-cum-Professional Singer), Syed Sajid Ali (Ex-Banker-cum-Singer), Mohammad Shafi (Ex-Banker (NBP), Syed Shakeel Ahmed (Ex-Bureaucrat), Nasim (Ex-Pakistan Railway Guard), Azhar Bokhari (Ex-Educationist), Tariq Rehman (Ex-Educationist), Mirza Nooruddin (Ex-Bureaucrat (PIA) and also close relative of Noorain Fazli and Amir Khan), Aziz Ali (Sindhi Wadera---Landlord), Muhammad Idrees (Brother of Tariq Rehman), Javed Zaheer (Professional Journalist), Mujeeb uddin (Graphic Designer and son-in-law of Mehboob Ashraf, a renowned Music Director of Pakistan), Abdul Munaf (An active member of the Steering Committee of Residents of 35, 43, 47 & 49  building in Thorncliffe Park Drive area) and Abdulla Ravat.
Except Syed Shakil Ahmed and Abdulla Ravat, who are from Indian community, the rest belonged to the Pakistani community. Above these and all, they are proud of being members of the Canadian community, society and system and are fully enjoying the taste of Canadian fabric, beauty and facilities.
            The event was purely friendly, social and cultural. Although all topics including politics, religions, policies and personal experiences are openly discussed at the weekly meeting on every Saturday but there was no room for politics at this event or would be at other such events. This is how community members could be brought together and united. This is how they can really love, respect, promote, help and support each other---With trust, confidence, love and respect.
The aim is to keep the groups, events, meetings and gathering clean, safe and protected and to ensure success. The exploiters, opportunists and hypocrites in the community posing as leaders and volunteers cause the most damage to togetherness, unity and community. They are the root cause of non-formation or failure of any group or emergence of true leadership. They are only interested in their vested interests and as a result the people fail to unite and finally suffer.   
The classical and sensational music, songs, poetry, jokes, delicious food and Kamal Ka Dhamal (Sensational emotional dances of spiritual touch) were soul-touching and worth enjoying during the get-together. Syed Sajid Ali and Syed Shakil Ahmed sang some golden Hindi songs hits of Mukesh, Rafi, Hemant Kumar and Kishore. Despite being old, they did their best with good voices. They used to be very good in the past and had won hearts and awards.
The main attraction and lead singer was Muhammad Salahuddin, an earnest devotee and special student of King of Ghazal Mehdi Hassan. Salahuddin is a popular professional singer with remarkably great resemblance of Mehdi Hassan’s voice. He mesmerized the audience. There was pin drop silence except when he sang the `Shahbaz Qalandar’ hit beat and compelled some lovers to rush to the dance floor and start Kamal Ka Dhamal. Rarely people would have seen such Dhamal of oldies in select gatherings of seniors.
Such was the sweetness, sensation and enchantment of songs and voice of Muhammad Salahuddin. Literally they could not control their feelings, emotions, happiness and themselves. It was a scene worth watching. Such was the effect of magical voice of Muhammad Salahuddin and songs of Mehdi Hassan. It was indeed a Great Tribute to Mehdi Hassan.   
Since Mehdi Hassan is highly respected, liked and enjoyed by the particularly Indian community, Muhammad Salahuddin is more popular in Indian community and there is great demand  to organize major events to hear his mesmerizing and magical voice. Those interested could contact Muhammad Salahuddin at (647)853-9601. This is the best way to pay respect and tribute to the Legendary Singer, Pride of Pakistan and King of Ghazal---Mehdi Hassan.
Both Mirza Nooruddin and Muhammad Salahuddin were employees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and are close family friends. It was Mirza Nooruddin who introduced Salahuddin to the Seniors Club of TNO. Now Thorncliffe Park has opened its doors to this great singer Salahuddin and already there are plans to organize programs.
On November 30, 2008, Muhammad Salahuddin released his first album `REBORN’ in Toronto, Canada. The CD, `REBORN’, is based on greatest hits of Mehdi Hassan. Mehboob Ashraf’s daughter, Afsheen Mansoor, and son-in-law, Mansoor Khan, were special guests on the occasion.
Aziz Ali gave a religious touch with recitation of a Quranic verse. He  said: “It is good to start any event with recitation of Quranic Verses and name of Allah (The Almighty). Even the program ended with spiritual touch of `Shahbaz Qalandar’, which charged the audience and made them Mast Mast (Emotionally charged).
Mujeeb uddin, who accompanied and assisted Salahuddin, is the son-in-law of Mehboob Ashraf,  a famous music composer/director of Pakistan and a close friend of Salahuddin,
Mujeeb uddin is a Professional Graphic Designer. He is in Canada since the last three years. He was in Dubai for ten years. In Pakistan, he was associated with media and leading advertising agencies. He was a graphic designer at the prestigious `Financial Post’ newspaper.
Mujeeb was a graphic software teacher and claims that the editor of Financial Post, Sohail Abbas Gokal, was his student. Mujeeb could be contacted at Cell: (416)768-1230. Office (905)907-6911—Ext 269.  
Team leader of the Seniors Club, Tariq Rehman, deserves the credit for his efforts for seniors. He not only got a place for the seniors at the TNO Youth Centre (Worth noting----Seniors at the youth place) but convinced many seniors to join the club as active team members.
Here, they are provided table tennis, carom board, computer facilities with many more to come including exercises and breakfast, etc. Right now, Tariq Rehman claims to arrange from his pocket tea and crispy samosas for the members.
In future, the members hope and expect that the TNO will step forward to take better care and provide more and best facilities, entertainment, recreation and food. It is not appropriate to put a burden on seniors. Willingly they can contribute and do what they want. This option needs serious consideration in the interest of all---members, organizers and sponsors.    
Tariq Rehman said: “Jehad Aliweiwi, Executive Director of Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office (TNO) and Ahmed Hassan, a Director at TNO, and some other members deserve the credit for the Seniors Club. Since day one, both of them took and are taking great interest in the club activities and members.”      
The Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office (TNO) is a community-based multicultural agency. Programs and services include information and referral, a family violence program, women’s counseling, settlement services, language classes for newcomers, employment assistance services, an Ontario Early Years Centre for Don Valley West riding, youth services and delivery of community information workshops and seminars.
The communities living in the Thorncliffe Park locality expect more constructive and positive policies, practical actions and activities. The struggling communities are fed up with false promises and dirty politics of characterless characters---exploiters, opportunists and hypocrites and all evils and devils in disguise. Unlike Rain Frog type leaders, they always look towards a true leadership which will stand by them and help and support them.    
It is hoped and expected that the Seniors Club of TNO and all other such groups, organizations, leaders and volunteers would keep themselves clean and protected and adopt a positive approach and direction.. There should be no room for dirty politics, rain frogs, exploiters, opportunists and hypocrites. Enough is enough. We have reached the Zero Tolerance level.
---Javed Zaheer, Free Expression Award Winner, Desi Idol Recognition Award Winner, Member/Honorary Director of NEPMCC, Veteran Active Member (VAM) of Toronto Press Club, Ex-Member of The National Club and The Ontario Club, Honorary Editor of English Weekly `Pakistan Abroad’, ex-Chief Editor (Honorary) of English Weekly `The Ambassador’, ex-Senior Sub-Editor of English Daily DAWN, Pakistan, Chairman, CANOPI, and Director, Canpak Camber of Commerce, is contributing purely on Voluntary and Honorary Basis in order to serve all people and communities. Contact: (416)696-0981/jazamedia@hotmail.com. To read more JZ’s exclusive articles, please visit: www. nepmcc.ca and nationalethnicpress.com (Editorial Sections. Scan years from 2004 to 2011. Also visit www.javedzaheernews.blogspot.com.