Lub Dub! Lub Dub!

…And the mass starts pumping hard. The circulation runs through the veins. And oh… the red piece of mass, the size of my fist surrounded by white solid barricades. It’s like a pumping organ locked up in a cage. And… how hard it tries to make sure its duties are performed.. Voices ricochet!! The sounds of flowing blood are heard from each side, the swaying of the microscopic cells all around make violence to serve their leader the best. “Oh heart, Thy heart. Thy heart!!” are the cheers heard from each side.

The heart, the sovereign of the body is the most efficient part and the most vital constituent for survival. It is the counseling of such eligible organs that the body performs its vital functions. Some people believe in what the heart ponders them to do. Some are just freaks, and listen to what their brain asks them to do. The thoughts of the brain and the commands of the heart, together make the human body work. It is their work of respiration and other functions that take place.

The heart of a person is like a king sitting on his throne, surrounded by his knights to ensure his protection. Therefore, it is its duty to let the world prosper. And of course, the diagnosis says that the heart is the reason of a living man. It is with the help of a renowned route, that the blood reaches the heart. The veins are collaborated and each serve as a linking cause for the organs spread throughout the body.

The command of a king and the loyalty of his knights, ensure a successful kingdom. The same works around here- The heart acts like a king and the other organs as its dedicated and obeying knights. It is the analysis of this red pumping organ that this world prospers today. And the day that these hearts stop working, the world sees an end.

Our life is a mystery itself! There is need of such a brilliant counselor like the heart to take charge of his subjects (the organs) and obey his duties to ensure himself of prosperity spread in the world. Life is all because of the heart. If no heart, then no life!

By,

Alefiyah Rao.

The system running in our blood.

 All the people in the world are divided as SUPERIOR or INFERIOR in the ‘caste system’. I am sure you must have heard about the Hindu caste system. If you haven’t then I’ll let you know. The Hindu caste system is very well known around the world in which there were four stages- The first were the Brahmins, the literate and influential then the Kshatriyas who were the soldiers then come Vaishyas who can also be called the middle-class people and last who were the most inferior, Shudras considered as ‘untouchable’.

 This was applied in the Hindu government but besides this, our brain also has the same mind-set like their caste system. Don’t you realize how? Tell me, if you sit with your maids at your home? The answer is- No. This is because we think of them lower then us as they don’t have a status in the society. And in the same way the celebrities would never sit with us as they consider us having a lower status than them. Another example can be of America where the whites thought themselves having a higher rank than the blacks. But soon after a successful boycott the blacks received equal rights like the whites.

We grade each other in every part of life but what was it like before Islam? The rich used to rule over the poor people. Then when Prophet Mohammad PBUH came, he initiated the concept of equality and even while offering prayers the rich and the poor used to stand in the same row instead of looking at their status value. This is what makes Islam a widely spread religion.

Why has the caste system developed all around the world? Why can’t everyone live equally? No matter who is rich and who is poor or what their status in the society is. One day they all have to go to the grave which is their final destination. And they all have to face the Last day- the Judgment Day. We all are born in this place of Satan – a place of troubles. There is no such place in world where trouble doesn’t exist!

One alone can’t master everything. So, according to this we must understand each person’s value, as we will need them in our time of problems. If we all live equally there will be unity among ourselves and so we can tackle anything quickly!

By,

Ibrahim Jodia.

The Fun in Fishing..

“Huzefaa! Get up! We have to go!” My brother exclaimed. “Where to? At this hour, at 3 in the morning?” I yawned. “Yes! For fishing!” My brother replied. “ohh-ohh!” and I rushed over to get ready.

I just love fishing, if someone even wakes me up at three in the morning like that night and tells me that we are going fishing, I would say ‘let’s go!’ I am always ready for it. I enjoy the way we have to change spots for fishing, to wait for fishes to be hooked and the way the Prawns are to be put on the hooks that the hook is unseen.

With the fishing season on the way fishermen get excited about the upcoming season of their favorite sport. If you had to choose only one of the species to hunt this year it would be difficult for you. Because you would catch different types of fishes as you don’t know what is hooked in your fish wire underwater, until and unless you are an experienced fisherman. An experienced fisherman knows what is hooked in their fish wire by a pull, movement of a fish and the perfect bait that is needed for a particular fish. That’s what I have noticed being in place of an inexperienced, the first thing I should learn is what I should use as a bait to catch the prey. Then I’ll get experienced being in practice.

I have seen people doing fishing in four different styles; the one which is the cheapest and easiest which is mostly done is “Bottoming”. In which you have to use fish wire manually with hands. The rest of the styles, all are done by fishing rods which make fishing an expensive sport, they are called “CASTING, JIGGING, AND TROLLING”.

Last year, In January there was a fishing tournament organized by Clifton. I participated in it with my two cousins and the great fisherman my Brother. As we left the sea shore in the boat we call “Ora” in Urdu we started to do trolling (trolling means that your fishing rod is stuck in a hole and its wire is in the water and your boat is moving, the bait in it is the artificial fish called Lures). After an hour later we were bored that nothing was being hooked to make us enthusiastic for the fish to land in the boat, so we went to sleep putting the alarm on in the rod so that we come to know if the fish is hooked.

After another half an hour, suddenly the rod alarmed ZzZzZzZzZzZzZz… producing a rattling sound, I heard that and woke up, I started to say loudly “Machi, machi”(“there’s a fish! There’s a fish!”). Everyone woke up in a hurry that as if there’s a tsunami coming our way.  My brother grabbed the rod and started to tackle the fish. And finally after 5 to 10 minutes, it ended up to be a 6kgs barracuda which was in the boat taking its last breath.

In the evening we went back to the sea shore, people were shocked to see that we caught a barracuda in such a bad weather. Lately we went to the place where the fishes were being waited on a big hook in the center. We saw that no one had a fish bigger or heavier than ours. We were excited very much, finally Mustansir Bhaisaheb arrived, who actually planned this, he came and saw our fish and told us standing together that “Kon? Hazari? Hazari ye pakri, Mashallah” and then we were called upon on the stage as the winners of the tournament!

By the fisherman,
Huzefa Hazari.

 

The hinge of all virtues!

I’m sure you know that everything stands with the help of something. Buildings stand with support of the pillars. A person does good work when he has a feeling of hope to bring a change. Like the window for example is virtue and its hinge is preserving because of which it stays firm in its place.

To achieve a goal where virtue exists you have to try. Obstacles lie in the way becoming a hindrance and you have to cross it with great difficulty. This is shown by a life of a farmer. The one, who has a very tight schedule and works regularly in order to complete his task, at first he bows the seeds in the ground and after months of taking care of the plants he gets its fruits. It is said that ‘Patience always bears its fruit’. Patience, hard work and strong faith go together. If the farmer would have stopped doing any of this he might not have got something productive out of it.

The farmer must also have gone through storms and floods but with a heart full of hope he lives it all. By seeing the farmer’s life it shows how in every good work you ought to have a strong faith about what you do.

While bringing a positive change in the society or any other department there will be many people who would be de-bugging. It is what people mostly do but if you give them that task they will not be able to do it. You always need to be bold and smart on hearing people’s comments, as some of them really are there just to help. Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem ‘If’. In which he says:

If you can keep your head when all about you 
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; 
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, 
But make allowance for their doubting too; 
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, 
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies, 
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating, 
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;

Only in a paragraph he tells that in order to attain something you need to make up your mind first, and then all you have to do is be at it! Do not let the problems or the back seat drivers make you change your mind. To complete it you have to keep trying continuously without a break. Have a clenched fist of hope and not leaving until the work is accomplished.

So, get-set and off you go with a chamber, full of hope and strong faith! And smile, as it makes the problems hush away! J

Ruqaiya Lokhand.

Apologies and Confessions…

 ”I’m Sorry”

We all have been hearing it since forever that saying sorry won’t harm much. Neither will it make you look little nor will it make you bigger. But yes, it’ll surely let the other one witness your sincerity, maturity and generosity.
I, on the other hand have a very bad-tempered mind and a pro-active sense which makes me think that saying sorry will harm my ego and destroy my “big big attitude” in front of all. But, excuse-me? I am sure it’s not just my psychology, but in fact everyone of us’ mind is De-bugged. All the vulnerable teenagers like me think of themselves as very high and they too think that they can’t ever be wrong, and the opposite one is at fault ALWAYS.

But, as we grow up, as the days pass; we everyday feel that we perceived something new, something productive, something that was wrong and shouldn’t be done. In short, we are growing and breaking and then again molding then again shaping ourselves. This is the very process of our lives. And we have accepted it.
Sometimes, not even realizing we make certain mistakes that were forbidden for us forever. Nevertheless, we strike the hurdle. But to re-do it is the biggest sin of all. Also then we do it. Thankfully they forgive us and we forget them again.

I, very honestly say that there is no day when I’ve not made a mistake, not broken a heart, not hurt a being, not disregarded my friend. But every other day they forgive me, but till when? Some day or the other their patience will also melt, one day the limits will be crossed.

And that’s when I thought I should apologize. Sometimes in life some incidents happen which makes you ponder over for days, which makes you feel abandoned, which makes you sense you could have even lost the loved one, which scares you from inside.

I have always been a person of my own kind, never cared much, never thought much. Yes, I never think before speaking. People point that out more so often, and all the same I’m trying to change. Because they say “change is good” and “to dare is to err”.

So, here I go.
To every single being in my life who have been wounded by me intentionally or unintentionally; to those who have received unconditional pain because of me; to those who have suffered because of me.

Maria Sadri

Geo tou aisay!

“Saaarrraaaahhhh, take a breath and at least let me get me out of the kitchen!” my mother added.
“Noooo ami, listen to me first! You know then what happened…(and I continued with my story)”

Today, as per routine, I returned from school and began filling my mother with my tales without pausing and she listened to me imperturbably like she always does (she knows I can’t remain bottled up with feelings). I went on emptying myself but leaving all her work behind, she sat calmly with interest, gave me good advices, smiled and laughed at intervals on my escapades and tried to make me learn from the mistakes I made.

These brief conversations we have every day, make me happy & satisfied. Sometimes I wonder what would I do without my loved ones, who are unexpectedly always there to listen. Seriously, I would nearly faint out of suffocation if I was unheard or unexpressed!
Indeed, it’s a gift to have people around us with whom we can toss around ideas, dreams, share incidents, feelings & dispel each other’s fears.

According to me, Silence always kills me from inside. I’d rather remain over said than unsaid. I believe in the power of expression, in the power of words. I believe in intense passion and openness. So, I feel that it’s very IMPORTANT for an individual to be expressive.

Why expressive?

• Being expressive helps you in remaining ebullient in your personality.
• It gives you ‘wings’- it makes you feel high and tension free-it makes you feel lighter.
• People value you more. They enjoy your company.
• It helps you in self development- And makes you realize your own strengths and short comings.
• Resolving misunderstandings and building in strong relationships- Expression plays a very important part in that, I tell you!

Finding out the best way for you to express yourself can be rewarding. It is not always important for you to possess speaking power. You can do it in anyway.
In YOUR way!

I personally express myself according to my fluctuating mood. I write when I overflow with feelings and am unable to hold them at bay. When words seem less, I use my photography skills to express daily life in an extraordinary way. I go sporting when I feel too enthusiastic. That lets me express myself in a physical way. When I feel creative, I spill colors on paper. And then sometimes, when I feel the crazy acid boiling within me, I sing aloud in the shower! It sometimes drains out all the stress (I shouldn’t have mentioned this)

So you see? There are so many ways in which we can express ourselves. We just need to be honest, genuine, fearless, open & confident. But, lets not forget that we do need to express ourselves ‘but’ in an appropriate manner. Our surrounding, our environment does matter a lot. Ofcourse, you cannot jump and hoot with excitement in a very formal situation but yes you can cheer and chill in an informal gathering. So, we do need to realize the importance of ‘the right time’….
But hey? While taking care of the right time, please don’t forget to vent out! Because, expressing is nothing but saying and doing what your heart tells you to.

So, stand up and heave your hearts out amigos!
Cheers to Expressionism!

P.S: Also, check out my Flickr bar on the right side to view my photographs-keep checking for more interesting visuals.

-Sarrah Mustafa Malir

A Century & a One of Celebrations!

As the sun sets, the smiles grow wider and wider as the celebrations come near, as the grand processions lead and the fireworks fill the sky with mirth. Earth and heavens, both bow down as the King of all Kings proceeds to make the history for the world to witness-As He TUS reaches his 101st Milaad Mubarak.

Our hearts rejoice and dance with the tunes of the bands. It gladdens us to see the streets glow with vibrant lights all around and it rejuvenates our hearts and souls as the day completes.

All hail to Him TUS, to the king of our bodies and souls. For he is the one who deserves it. O, Maula! the big day has arrived, the sun and the moon come at your feet. The angels and humans sway and swing for your happiness. Every Mumin on this day, says to you with utmost gratitude, “Maula Mubarak! Maula Mubarak!”

As we,  the Apprentices reach our 52nd post with happiness glowing on our faces, we bow our heads with our palms joined together and give wadhaamni to you. Aey Maula! Aey the 52nd Fatemi Dai! Ye Salgirah ho tujhe Ya Shaha Mubarak!

Abeede Syedna TUS,
Writer’s Apprentices

Mumbo Jumbo’s; A Message for the Dumbo’s

“How slothful are my people. I try to encourage them into becoming lively and none have even bothered to move the rock I placed in their path. I don’t know what to do with these folks. Godforsaken, if some outlaws were to attack the kingdom, my people won’t be vigorous enough to escape, let alone defend themselves.”

“ Me lord! Me lord we have a slight issue.” “What is it Albert, doesn’t thee see that I talk about my country, and has thee forgotten that I do not like to be interrupted.” “But, Me lord though I present my meekest apologies and beg thy forgiveness, this matter is of utmost importance.”
“Well then speak of it; do not waste my time, for time is of the essence.” “Me lord, a group of merchants were passing through your kingdom, and when they saw the rock your highness had placed on the road was hindering everyone. They picked it up and as per your briefings to reward a bag of gold to the people who removed the rock; I was forced to give it to them.” “Ah! Once again my people have proven to be lazy, you may leave Albert.”
“Thank you Me lord. Sire, you need not worry, for I have just thought of a solution to your problem. I know a man who lives not far from here and is known for his sharp mindedness and trickery.”

“Okay then! Let us visit this man you speak of, for I believe this has been stretched enough and it is time we had some outcomes.”
So off the king went to meet Merlin the famed trickster and illusionist. Merlin lived on the steep slopes of a knoll. He had made his house inside the mount where he did all kinds of mystic and magical experimentations, Merlin had always wanted to be part of a kingdom but as a young man the cruelty of his people had made him leave his realm. But now it seemed he had received an opportunity and so afore the king had even arrived he was all-ready and waiting for him.
King Alexander arrived at his abode and after a few moments of words, Merlin said “Sire, I shall help you in your mission if you accept me as your royal advisor, I shall need assurance that you shall pay heed to every single one of my advice, in fact will find that it will all end in benefit to you.” “Well then! Looks like we have a deal”, replied the king in utter joy to have not even needed to make any perilous agreements. And so they took off back to their kingdom.

The next morning Merlin told his plans to the king. “I shall carry out a test which will god willingly change the nature of the people. The difference shall be that you came to think of it and I shall put it to action. For the chicanery I will require a few hundred of your guards and equipment.”
Once he had attained them he went to speak with them and told them about his simple plan. “You shall be secretly leaving the kingdom and create an illusion that the country is to be under attack.” And so after several preparations, that’s what they did, and when the people found out about it the king called out an assembly. ”My fellow men we are doomed, a vast army is approaching us from all sides,and are not accepting a white flag.And what is worse is that none of us have the métier and vitality to fight them, so my brothers, I believe death and imprisonment shall be our fate.”

Upon hearing the daunting things that could come about they stood up and pledged to do as the king commanded to defend themselves and their families. And so upon ensuring their trust and loyalty the king called upon Merlin to instruct them. “I shall train you to the very best and upon my life I promise you that that if thee work together and fast enough all shall be protected. First of all I would like all the men to come to a side, women in the center and children in the end. Now let us get to work.”
And so with fear in their hearts they started working. Merlin made them do all the things they were supposed to do, like helping build houses for others, labor work, learning to fight, cleaning their land, even building an arena for games and sports and what not. And that’s when Merlin’s trick showed its effect; as when at last they questioned why the army had not yet attacked, Merlin told them that the army had retreated, due to some unseen turn of events, but alas! The work they were doing had become their habit and they were enjoying it.

Thus, the laziest kingdom in the land turned into one of the mightiest and the strongest.

P.S Sorry for being so lazy myself, I think I’ve also learnt a lesson.

Mustansir Burhani.

Few Relations In Earth Never Die.

How would the Moon look at night, without the light that makes it look so beautiful? I was peeping dreamily outside the window by my bed. ‘It would be so lonely and sad without the Sun, with no one to put on light so that it would shine’, I thought. With a last look at the Moon, I went to sleep.

Well, even I wouldn’t have been worth a dime, if I would be spending my life alone. What makes me so special is that there are some people who play a role of being a Sun for me. And due to their super-natural light, I shine!

This part is played by some of my friends. We’re a group of five sophisticated, drop dead gorgeous girls! I can praise about them the whole day but still would be left with dozens of things to say. They are the ones who have been there for me when I needed them; in every cherishing or heart-breaking moment.

The Fantabulous Five

Let’s take the intro by alphabetical order as it would be justice, because each one of them plays an equally important role to me. First comes…

Alefiyah Rao (Nerdy Eloquent Rocking Diva)! She is the most mature person amongst us. Since, I came to know her in class 8 only; I thought she was a book worm. But, when I actually conversed with her, I saw what a hilarious being she was! And now in 9th, I swear she has got the most amazing replies to every taunt. Ibrahim (my classmate) says ‘ Alefiyah! Taap (top) jae raes tu’.
She has almost the same height as me and still is a nerd (I tell you!). And I just love it when she smiles which gives a mischievous look to her spectacled eyes. She is a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on. Every time I cry, she is there for me and makes me understand what I must have done. And I’m amused to know how she knows everything and explains to me what I shall do.
The perfect ratio of Seriousness and Fun! Then comes…

Maria Sadri (Sweet Whining-whiz Elegantly Effective Trendy-gal). Well, what I shall say about this little red riding hood. Don’t you dare go on her height, as she has got a genius mind inside and always comes up with amazing solutions- Now, now I’ve known her for like 8 years! But in the beginning we were two rivalries and I envied her a lot. But, today? We are two pupils who can not be in opposing teams.
When I’m bored she can be the perfect company with her funny questions and queer replies, I laugh my heart out! She is someone who can charm anyone with her captivating beam. She is the short and sweet one! Followed by…

Maria Tayyab (Tall Attractive Lavish Lady). She’s the one who shares my hobby of having a bright smile and laughing out loud, always being a jolly good friend to me. For me and Maria it’s like we at least call each other once in a day. That’s for sure but sometimes there are even more calls than that.
The tough one, she is-knowing exactly who the trustworthy is and whose the sweet knife. But if you would gift her pair of shoes or a watch (her favorite accessories) then maybe she might come for your aid.
Both the Marias has got ample of guts with which they are ready for adventures at anytime anyplace. Then is…

Zahabiya Bhuj (Smart Mischieveous Annoying Rowdy Typical-woman). Zahab has a very friendly nature. But at times she loses her mind when she goes angry and that moment is when you should not argue with her but most of the time she is in her happy-go-lucky mode.
She can make you laugh head over heels with her ludicrous and crazy comments. I just adore this trait of hers that she never says no if you would ask her for some help.
With a geeky look yet inside there is a witty being hidden with her powerful mind. The smart and silly one! Last but not the least…

Ruqaiya Lokhand (Zany Adorable Nettling Yob). It’s me! I should also take some credit, shouldn’t I? Well, I don’t have words to describe myself. I’m just me! But I’m quite confusing too because of having a moody behavior, as I always need company because I get bored too easily without someone to talk with. I can fit with anyone, the age doesn’t have to matter.
Making friends with the young ones and the oldies has never been a bid issue for me. You learn something from everyone that’s how it is, right? With my funny and crazy acts I love it when I make someone smile. It’s like winning the day all along!

We all are dependent on one another. At some time in life we will need someone for help. Alone one can not achieve anything and there is one bond that is everlasting as Few Relations In Earth Never Die.

So, cheers to friendship and to the fantastic five!

Ruqaiya Lokhand.

He sits on the throne and does it All

My heart’s been itching to write about it since several months. But it never was possible until tonight. The fate wanted it to be this night, when the auspicious month of my Maula’s birthday has arrived. A years’ awaited journey has yet again completed. And there again my Maula turns younger as he grows older!

It is about 4 to 5 years back when I think my heart missed a beat or two, when the tension had filled in. When the news struck my ears that maybe my brother; still in my mother’s womb would come out to have abnormal disabilities. The doctors said he had a lot of water in his head and so he might die or survive with the disorders. I was young, didn’t have much sense, I did not know how to react? Although young and juvenile, I had a younger sister and a brother to set example for.
Not able to do much, we just prayed. The times were dark for us but there was hope. And not long after the prayers were answered, the miracle had taken place, giving birth to a baby boy named Hussain; bringing with him all the lucky stars and good fortune.

Obviously the treatment was given to him and we had appointed a physiotherapist to make him walk on his own. By 3 he was good enough walking, when, one day he had an attack and he received fits. Fits is a disease which makes one stop still and turn his head and foam at the mouth and at times it makes ones mind forget the past life he has lived. At the time he had his first attack, he forgot how to walk. I with my teary eyes have seen the pain he has received.

At three a child without any doubt becomes heavier and more difficult to carry around, but my mother? She went through all the hardships praying that one day she will receive its fruit.

When, last year in the mid of September my parents with Hussain went in Maula and his Mansoos Aali Qadr’s hazrat to Cairo, Misr. The very fortunate Hussain got his sehra done by Aali Qadr Maula and my mother with trembling hands and shivering lips did the araz of his disabilities. Aali qadr maula just said “Khuda shifa apse, dua-e-kamil parho”

And my mother with watery eyes brought him out of the crowd and to a nearby relatives’ home. She made Hussain stand by the table and carried on with her work when like a normal person Hussain came walking to her. She retold us this incident, saying that there was no limit to her happiness, her mirth.
Everyone here and there was filled with bliss and was dazzled by the miracle.

When my faiji (aunt) went to perform sajdaat of gratitude Maula just said that “Maro nahi, Imam Hussain no maujizo che”

I’m truly amazed. When I write these words, I mean them. My eyes can’t stop the salty water pouring out. Aren’t there countless other children like Hussain, who might have the same disease; but him? He has the curer too.

Aren’t there hundreds of our problems of which we complain about standing in front of that Roohani photo? I assure you that all of it is answered; when the right time comes he replies to all, Because He TUS loves us. And in return what he wants is,

“Inni wallahe ohiboka ya maulaya”

Amate Syedna Tus
Maria Sadri.