Monday, January 28, 2013
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)