An old man I knew.

In memory of late Saifuddin Uncle Lotia…

There was an old man I knew,
He had the smartest walk in town,
A walk, so straight and tall,
Yet, he wasn’t proud, at all.

A man so humble, in his words,
Yet, sarcasm filled the air,
His smile, so light and fresh,
That no one minded, what he had said.

A man a teacher not,
Yet he taught me a great more lot,
Not by words or formulas that I saw,
But in, the character and shape he sought.

He was a silent man, with a lot of work,
A space in corner, in his office, I recall,
His chair is silent, but something lives,
On his table, his presence still reverberates.

On his funeral, the town had crowded,
For his service and work in society was known,
Not in boast, or words that he would have said,
But by what he did, was evident and shown.

No phrases, or words, could ever define him,
For he was more, than one could say,
He lives inside, who knows him by his place,
A place small, yet everything on its own.

From an MSBian,

Ruqaiya Lokhand.

Frozen.

Frozen in time, with words unsaid, and voices unheard,

Frozen, like the icicles on trees, that only melt in due time,

Frozen with love hidden inside, and unexpressed,

Frozen, because nature is too harsh and unbearable,

Frozen and paused, while slow tears stream down the eyes,

Frozen in cold chains, with no space to fly.

Ruqaiya Lokhand

 

The Unforgettable Beings -The Unforgettable Life!

School days, not only the days when we were just the students of any ordinary school, but we were the students of AL- MADRASA TUS SAFIYAH TUL BURHANIYAH; the school which was our home indeed, and the teachers, the soul of our madrasa, were like our parents. We gave each other 14 years of our lives (Nursery to 11 O’levels).

Although we didn’t give them anything, but the teachers, who were our tutors, friends, guides, well-wishers, helpers, educated us with Deeni & Dunyawi knowledge on every step we took. They not only educated us but they also forgave us for our each and every mistake/mischief/disrespectful act. And, they were the first one to help make us distinguish between good and bad, and the right and the wrong.

Our Madrasa where we lived together, laughed together, wept together, is missed, because, not a single day passed when we didn’t meet our friends. Today when we stand in the path of our life where we have although left MADRASA for two years now, but we still breathe the fragrance in our soul, and beat in our hearts, the memories which we have gathered during that journey.

I would like to thank each and every teacher of ours who helped us to walk through the path of our life for 14 years and their teachings and blessing will surely help me and all of us to walk furthermore as we go ahead. I am deeply sorry for all the troubles I have done and mistakes that I have committed and beg pardon if I have ever hurt you. I stand here today and tell you, thank-you, I owe you all my life and I wouldn’t be able to thank you enough for what you all have done for me and for us.

Here in this Picture and Every Time we want to stand below them.Not so that we can be viewed in the photograph easily,no not at all! Only because of this reason so that their shade falls on us throughout our lives.

PROUD TO BE AN MSBIAN AND PROUD TO BE YOUR STUDENT.

Motivated to write this by; Janab Shk Huzefa Bhai.

Thanking you,

Your student,

Hussain Muslim.

To those who are irreplaceable…

As me and my friend Husain (school-mate) talked over about school and old times, our conversation took us to our school teachers. Some of them were who I had met in the past couple of months, and some, that he had met. But, in all we talked about every teacher of madrasa who had taught us and nurtured us with good qualities in madrasa.

I remember when CIE examinations in my 11th grade (last year of school) were about to begin I wrote an article on my classmates; I addressed a paragraph to each one of them and bid them farewell. My principal told me that I must not forget my teachers while bidding farewell. I picked up my pen but I didn’t know what to say to them, I was unsure that what was right and what wasn’t at that time because with friends you could say what you feel, but while speaking about a teacher you would always hesitate before making a statement.

Being naïve and immature you make a lot of mistakes and so did I. I think all students must have made fun of a teacher or spoken ill of them; and I agree I have too (almost about everyone).

Two years after passing school, I’ve come to realize that life will not give you what you want, it will not say what you want to hear, it will not do what you want to happen, in fact, it will silently teach you with remarks that would baffle you. Only after this I realized how wrong I had done to those who corrected me in the most polite manner, who generously gave me what I wanted, who left no chance of appreciating me, who stood by me and showed how to anchor life.

Without the art of handling my tools (which they gave me), I wouldn’t last a day. I didn’t know it was a blessing that I had them in my life, I did not thank them, in fact, I had done something so ill which makes me think I did not deserve such brilliant and hardworking teachers.

There have been instances where our teachers got tired and frustrated of our acts, but I found that, no matter what we did they didn’t leave us; they would come back again the next day beginning with a fresh start. I’m sure it’s not easy to forget where one does wrong to you, but they did.

I believe no student can succeed until he respects his teacher. It’s because the one who gives you knowledge matters more than the knowledge itself. Imagine a piece of clay awaiting its potter; we would be there, waiting to be shaped and polished by the potter.

I am deeply sorry, first for doing something which was inhumane and, for never thanking them. I was unable to write about each and every one of them but I want to take their names, not because I want to show off, but because I want them to know I remember them and I pray for them.

Janab Shk Mustafa Jack
Janab Shk Ammar Bhai
Janab Shk Tahir Bhai
Janab Shk Saifuddin
Janab Shk Huzefa Bhai
Janab Shk Mohammad Bhai
Janab Shk Shabbir
Janab Shk Mustafa Bhai
Janab Shk Yousuf Bhai
Janab M Quaid Johar Bhai
Janab M Ibrahim Bhai
Janab M Moiz Bhai
Janab M Mansoor Bhai
Janab M Ahmed Bhai
Janab M Abbas Bhai
Ali Sir
Murtaza Sir
Muzammil Sir
Zulifqar Sir (computer)
Quaid Sir
Sir Asgher
Sir Javed Kamal
Sir Arif
Sir Tauheed
Sir Sadiq
Sir Zulfiqar (Pakistan studies)
Sir Zohair
Sir Ahmed
Zahabiyah Bhen
Rabab Bhen
Tasneeem Bhen
Tahera Bhen
Tasneem Bhen

Husnebanu Bhen
Farida Bhen (Grade II)
Shireen Bhen
Shama Bhen
Fatema Bhen
Fatema Bhen (art teacher)
Arwa Bhen
Fauzia Bhen
Tasneem bhen Dawoodji
Durriya Bhen
Nighat Bhen
Shahzadi Bhen
Tasneem Bhen Shakir
Nafisa Bhen Jabir
Rehana Bhen
Rashida Bhen (Primary Urdu teacher)
Rashida Bhen Box
Zainab Bhen Anjar
Rashida Bhen Haji
Fatema Bhen Raziuddin
Zainab Bhen Sadri
Umme Hani Bhen
Maryam Bhen Sadri
Qurratul-Ain Bhen
Naseem Bhen
Raeesa Bhen

I know I must be definitely missing out on someone; I tried my mind to go back as much I could take it. I’m sorry (yet again) whose name I’ve missed out here. But, together I remember you all as school teachers. Regretting over the mistakes, I’m thankful to all of you, for being the potter and turning this clay into a piece of pottery.

My words might not reach you, and might not be so great, but I wanted to at least try and show my feelings.
To those who are irreplaceable and unforgettable.

Your student,
Ruqaiya Lokhand.

Because, I miss you…

I really have no idea where to begin from, and I’m not sure if people would like to read it, but I’d like to notify the readers, that, this essay is as a small gift of thanks to my friend, Rasheeda.

There’s no once upon a time in this story, I’ve known Rasheeda since I was a kid. It’s simple; I and Rasheeda have been living in the same area since childhood just until yesterday. We have known each other since we were babies crawling here and there in the masjid. Then we joined the madrasah and had our own girls group of the mohalla (area). Time passed and we used to play with each other/ be with each other for like every day.

When teenage hit us, there came times for sleepovers and gossips. Girls will be girls, there’s no denying it. So, there used to be cat fights (amongst all of us), I don’t mean physically, but saying stuff and cold wars, that kind. But even then, I don’t know why or how we still stayed along in a group.

In all of this growing part, we graduated from schools, and then from colleges and got into universities (except me, still in college – no comments on that) . We enjoyed getting older, because now no aunties will tell us not to sit in separate thaals and go to our moms (Just kidding! :D) Taking the oath of misaaq was one part of growing up, because it really meant we have to be serious towards studies and life, and we have to act mature, somehow all those parts in life went well. I believe growing up brought us closer to each other’s heart.

Naturally, no one can live without friends, even if we don’t say it, we want our friends to listen to our scored goals and the missed ones too, and our times of hardship and happy days, we like it when they appreciate, and are consoled even if they just keep a warm hand of comfort on our shoulder. At the end of teenage, our ‘girly-group’ transformed  into a ‘club’, our park walks became dining out on occasions, our gossips jumped from who hit whom to who went out with whom, but, one thing remained the same, we laughed the same way like we did when we were kids.

Although our physique changed and we became different people now, but we stayed together, we enjoyed each other’s company, actually relished it, it was something special, actually it IS something special that I can’t define.

Time ran so fast it came to the part of engagements. Well, Rasheeda was the first one to get engaged from our group. We were all happy that now we are adults and have become mature with time. Who knew that we will all miss being together one day?

Day before yesterday, it was the last function of Rasheeda’s wedding, sorry if I’m jumping from engagement to the wedding, but it seems like she got engaged just some time ago and now, she is happily married.

I don’t know Rasheeda if I was ever a good friend to you, but you ARE to me. You might laugh now, I couldn’t sleep right now, I miss you. I miss you singing 9XM songs, I miss your smartness, I miss your cries, I miss you being bossy, I miss your enthusiasm, I miss dancing in the rain with you, and I miss your smile, I really miss you – already.

I think about your home, it’s such a big part of my childhood, I miss you being there. Apart from all the differences we have had, you were a really good friend to me, and to see you away I really don’t know how to react. I will miss your place beside Fatema – Muslim in the thaal. I will miss you every time as I pass by your building (which will be every day).

Yesterday as I hugged you the last time, I really didn’t want to let go of you, you are so much to me, you don’t even know. I know we haven’t been like best friends and all, but even then I will miss you like A LOT (Have I said this like the hundredth time till now?)

Life is really bitter sometimes, I really don’t want to be away from you.

I’d like to quote some lines to you;

I pray that your each and every day passes with a light heart, that no troubles bother you because I know you are great at tackling them 😉 .

I wish that every day you light the days with your radiant smile, and live a happy contented life under the Saya Mubarakah of both Maula. Ameen.

May Allah grant our Maula a long, healthy and prosperous life till the Day of Judgement. Ameen.

Take care.

With lots of love,

Yours truly,

Ruqqu.

Inni Wallahe Ohibboka Ya Maula!

As it dawned on Wednesday, 2^nd September 2015, my home seemed like a fish market, we all were in a hurry to get to Hyderabad. All in all, we left home by almost 7.30 am. The plan was, that Syedna Ali-Qadar Mufaddal Saifuddin Maula TUS was directly coming to Hyderabad from Karachi airport.

We reached in time and got the sharaf of waaz of Urus Mubarak of Syedna Idrees Imaduddin Maula RA in Hyderabad; in bayan Mufaddal Maula TUS explained the position of a leader. He (TUS) told that the leader is like a lion, the protector from evils, the King of all, He whose one roar can make everyone silent. And, when I read this quote I knew exactly what Maula TUS tried to tell us, ‘I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.’ ~Alexander the Great

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay in Hyderabad while Maula TUS was there, and came back to Karachi by evening, none of us knew if the city of Karachi will get His blessings too, but on the inside everyone prayed that He would bless our city too. By weekend, we knew the stay in Karachi for a few days was confirmed, and the arrangements and preparations had begun as soon as the news came in.

On Monday morning, 7^th September ’15, Maula TUS flew to Burhani Industrial Park and then Burhani Recreational Park in helicopter; the parks were inaugurated by His Holiness. Around 1.15 pm, Maula TUS came to Karachi.

In the evening of 7^th, thousands of mumineen did deedar of Maula TUS at Naadil Burhani. Each heart was rejoiced as Maula TUS gave salami to the crowds in the ground. The cricket match of Saifee Burhani Games commenced. While the match went on, Maula TUS enjoined on mumineen to keep this ground as a ground, since health is very important, and no other thing should take this ground’s place.

I and my few friends hurried to Hasani Masjid- Clifton, where Maula TUS would offer Magrib/ Isha prayers. Luckily, we got through the excited crowd and prayed after Maula’s Imamat.

Then, on 8th of September, Tuesday, the day began with Fajr prayers in Taheri Masjid – Sadar. After the prayers and deedar, the MSB staff, students and alumni proceeded to Al-Madrasa-Tus-Saifiyah-Tul-Burhaniyah Hyderi campus, last minute work was going on for Maula TUS’s arrival in the madrasa.

In not more than 18 minutes, Mufaddal Maula TUS did an overview of the whole school, He TUS looked inside every classroom, every lab. Since I was standing by the counter, where shehed (honey), water, and many things were kept for shifa, I was right in front of Maula as he said shifa to all the things, never in my life have I ever been so close to Maula TUS. And then, Zohar Asar prayers were offered in Husami Masjid – Barakaat-e-Hyderi.

Later that night, Governor of Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad conferred doctorate degree upon Mufaddal Maula TUS in a convention organized by University of Karachi (KU) at Governor House.

9^th September started with Fajr prayers in Adam Masjid – Old Karachi, and at night Saleh Masjid was blessed with Magrib/Isha prayers in the night of Milaad Mubarak of 51^st Dai Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA. A noorani procession was held in Naadil Burhani, the sight was amazing, and the cries of ‘Maula Maula’, ‘Maula Aik Nazar’, ‘Labbaika Ya Dai-Allah’ and ‘Inni Wallahe Ohibboka Ya Maula’ are still ringing in my ears. The Moukib (procession) was truly something that the mumineen of Karachi will never forget.

The day of Milad dawned on us, and the news which none of us wanted to hear was clear to us when Maula TUS gave wada nu salam (the last words) to all of us. When I heard the waaz, I felt every word, every zikr, every sentence was meant for my soul. Many of us did deedar from the terrace of Masjid, which was like the do or die thing but at that moment no one cared, the want of Aik Nazar gave us the spirit.

As I sat for jaman (lunch) with my mohalla friends, we came up with a plan to do last deedar as Maula TUS would leave for airport from a zyafat nearby. We, and many mumineen stood on the road waiting for Maula TUS as He’d come towards the car. Not once, not twice, not even thrice, it was definitely more than that, I ran after the car, seeing the last salami of Maula today, my feelings can’t be put to words. As much as I’m thankful, my heart is grieving on Maula TUS’s departure.

This safar has changed me like no other, I guess, some things can never be explained, and maybe never be understood by any other person, except Maula TUS himself.

As these days pass, I wish to do His deedar again and again, until there is no other day.

May Allah, grant our Maula TUS, a prosperous and healthy life till the day of Judgment. Ameen.

Amate Syedna Maulanal Mannan,

Ruqaiya Mulla Mustafa Lokhand Wala.

What do you hope to achieve in your lifetime?

We’ve all born up with, or at least I can say that I’ve born up with- fairy tales, a place where magic existed, and anything could be done by a swish swash of a wand; there was an outside world- so called Narnia and a school named Hogwarts. Life went on, and then I started to realize, that those places and things were mere imaginations, those were just illusions that are not the meaning to life, that’s not the core of it, there’s something else besides being a hero.

Like all children, I had my own fantasy world (of course); being the youngest of my siblings, I never had anything to worry about. I was always pampered and got whatever I wanted. I was not an outspoken person; I had such ideas and elements in my world that no one would believe I would think of. The fantasies made me feel that my life would be the same, but seriously, would it?

Humans are unique creatures, aren’t they? I don’t know if there’s one definition to them. Of all the creations of God, humans are entirely distinctive in features and habits. There are many theories of how humans evolved from other animals, but then, humans have this most insane thing in them, yes, I call it insane, because this particular thing has the ability to do anything, absolutely anything; it is the mind, yes. This is where I disagree to the fact that humans evolved from animals, if so, one aspect to that is; why would it be taken as an insult if one called us an animal?

The point is; that humans have the ability; to think, visualize, weigh the options according to their priorities and likes/dislikes, and act upon it. Animals do that too, but they can do it to a certain extent, they can’t go across their boundaries to do something mind blowing. It is the humans that can bring peace, and then, at the same time, mass destruction as well. It is the humans, who have the ability to go as far as the moon. It is the humans that can turn mere particles into sky scrapers.

I’m sure we all know what a human mind is capable of doing. This brings us to reason out; why humans are born different? Why do they have a particular race in life? What is the meaning to their live? Will they be particularly accounted for what they do? And so, the questions arise one after another.

A few years ago, I started to write on a blog with my school-mates. There, I wrote an essay (or you could call it an autobiography), which was; ‘it’s fun to be me’, and one of my teachers commented there, ‘Knowing oneself is a life-long process of discovery. It’s good to realize your own strengths and shortcomings. That is the key towards self-development.’ That’s what struck me; our process of experiencing life is the same thing. It works the same way, as we proceed to take steps in our life one after another, we come down to various perspectives, we understand ourselves in a better way and hence, the motive of our life.

The first revelation that came upon Prophet Mohammad PBUH was,

“Proclaim! In the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created-
Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood;
Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,-
Who taught (the use of) the pen,-
Taught man that which he knew not.”

It was a clear order, to acquire knowledge and then, spread it to others. When we study or wade through the words of wisdom, at first, we accept what is brought to us and then, we ask of how and why this or that happened, which enables our mind to open up. When we talk in religious terms, there have been people who were astray and then as time passed they became religious, on the other hand, there have been people who were born in a religious environment but they found ‘their’ meaning of life something else. Every mind is given a certain time (age), to use his mind and contemplate with what he has observed in his time.

I’m not a scholar, and I do not have the sound reasons to argue about the theories of life evolving from a unicellular organism to a very well developed one, but with what I have grasped and what my mind tells me is that if humans are extra-ordinary, then there’s definitely a reason to it. I am, in the process of learning, everyday my mind perceives a new thing, and it makes me wonder and ponder.

It is my mind that instructs me, to dive-in, in the sea of knowledge and achieve the task of knowing of my existence here.

Ruqaiya Lokhand.

Life goes on…

Sometimes, I sit down and think, of all that has happened in my life. At one place I was a shy person, who would be forced to talk, and, at another I was quite the opposite.

As time passed, I blend myself in the colors of life, acquiring something new each time for a different situation. Each day brought a new role for me in life. One day I was a mere student in my school and the next day the head girl of the entire school. I don’t think so that I played each role with perfection because I’m a very lazy person. Those who don’t know me personally often don’t believe that I could be a lazy person, maybe because at times I am able to save the day at the eleventh hour (lucky!).

Life went on as the sun went down each day, throwing random things at me all the time. I fought for catching on everything but I simply used to end frustrated and drop the simple catches being Umar Akmal.

I always used to think that life should be called a problem. It gives nothing to you. But, growing up gave me one thing, it made me understand that life is a chance given by Allah; you ought to remember His message.

Being a child I thought of being a hero, saving people and doing what-not, but being a teenager my views changed completely. I don’t know who should be put to question for that, maybe I should be, because I had my every right to do anything. I’m proud of some things I did, and even saddened at my foolishness when I messed up everything.

Will I ever learn to be a mature person? (Haha that is an essay in itself) What I simply do, is wake up every morning, do something good, and put my head to rest; that is good enough, isn’t it? Well, to be true it’s not even near good.

Few months ago, I read a letter in my Easy Urdu class with my teacher. It was a letter from Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to his students, which means this happened way before independence. Coming down to the point, every word of that letter touched my heart. His words taught me how we never realize the importance of time. We think it will always be the same way; the sun will go up every morning, the stars will be lit up every night, the clock will tick every second and we will enjoy ourselves every might. Everything might go on the same, but we miss out on the part, that we won’t. He said that, ‘my life should be a notice board to you all, “Beware! Don’t go this way.”’ He meant that he had not given the time to study and learn that he should have, but, we should. Of course a well-educated person like him couldn’t be like this, he being so humble, explained it all so well.

We don’t value the words of our own people, but most of the times, it is them who inspire and motivate us. If there’s one major thing his letter taught me, it was;

Life goes on…

Ruqaiya Lokhand.

In the Abadi Saya of Maula Burhanuddin Aqa R.A…

There is a time of our life which we never forget, our school times, right? We spend a lot of time at school and there are memories of all the kinds from school. For me, it just won’t be school memories. For me, it would the thanda saya (cool shade) of Muqaddas Maula Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin Aqa R.A.

Al Madrasa tus Saifya tul Burhaniyah, the institution well-established by Maula Burhanuddin Aqa R.A- the institute, that has changed lives of hundreds, as Maula R.A states in one of his Bayaan Mubarak “ Al Madrasa will endeavor to see that its students acquire knowledge from childhood in consonance with Deen. When its pupil leaves the school, his educational preparedness and standard should be so high, that he may be eligible for admission to all the esteemed higher educational institutions of the world. At the same time his thinking and mental faculty would be so trained and disciplined that he would be spared from vices of worldly education, which normally hampers efforts to reach standards of perfection.”

Thinking over the Kalimaat Nooraniya I now think back to the time I came to madrasah. In class 2 I got admission in madrasah or should I say I got the ne’mat (blessing) of being under the Saya Mubaraka of Maula R.A. Each wall, each brick of madrasah reminded of Maula R.A’s Zaat Mubarak. Each achievement in madrasah was appreciated and each painful misery was made forgotten with ease. What is it about madrasah that makes this happen or should I say, what is it not about madrasah which wouldn’t benefit you?

Each day in madrasah began with Maula’s zikr and tul-ul umr dua. Throughout the day we were taught and nurtured in Nazaraat Raheemiyah of Maula R.A as each class had a picture of Maula R.A right in the front, over the class board. It was, as if, Maula R.A himself taught us everything, it was his picture that consoled us in our problems and his tabassum that assured us that he is proud of our achievements.

We were granted with the most wonderful teachers who groomed us and taught us everything. From the part that how should one eat, to the part that how should one perform khidmat. It all came from Maula, from madrasah, from all the teachers even the ones that did not teach us in class, but gave a lesson to learn in each act.

As the final year will soon come to an end, our class teacher Janab Al-Sheikh Huzaifa Bhai gave each of us a paper. He instructed us to write our names and pass it to the one on our left. We were supposed to write whatever we want to about each other as a farewell comment. The idea rejoiced us but it also reminded us that the year in madrasah of learning each day was coming to an end. The difference that madrasah made in our lives is remarkable. We all did khidmat of both the Maulas together; we recited duas and did araz our hadayah in Hazrat Aaliyah being one. And, there was one significant day we all used to await each year. It was the day when we celebrated Milaad Mubarak of Burhanuddin Maula R.A (the Izhar-ul-Masarrat program). Different competitions were held of card making and thali making and what not. We all used to attend this day in Libas-ul-Anwar and it would be the most momentous day that we would have each year.

However, this year came with a difference. The 40 days of Ta’budaat had begun and preparations of the Milaad programs had started at school when we heard that, “Maula Burhanuddin Aqa ye hamesha no araam farmayo che.” The heart pounded vigorously, the mind couldn’t picture the thought and all I could do so was cry. I cried like I had never cried in my life. It was as if everything that I had is gone, well it had indeed. As Maula says ‘Man Lahul Maula Falahul Kul’ (je na pase Maula che ehna pase saglu che). The news baffled my ears that had I heard it correct, was it the news of my Maula that he had closed his eyes forever from this mortal world? As I saw Maula’s picture in front of me I just looked at him and cried ‘Maula ap padhari gaya? Maula hame ye apni waat na suni hamne maaf karjo’.

In a few days when madrasah re-opened after Maula’s wafaat I knew things would be so different. We came to assembly and recited Dua and qaseeda Mubaraka inscribed by Aali Qadar Maula in Maula R.A’s Shaan Mubarak. The walls of madrasah were mourning; there were silent cries that surrounded us. How could one bear the thought of losing Maula forever?

Each day as I entered madrasah, it was Maula’s madrasah that sedated me in such times and the very picture of our Mushfiq Pidar Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin Aqa R.A and his Mansus Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS who after Burhanuddin Maula R.A is our Sahara in our lives, consoled me. This showed the significance of the fact that it’s Maula’s yaari that has given me the strength each time in my life and will do so…

Today whoever I am, whatever I have achieved it is because of Syedna wa Maulana Mohammad Burhanuddin Aqa R.A and Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Maula TUS. Before coming to madrasah I was like any other child but today I am one of leaves of the tree that Maula R.A had planted and has taken care of. I was a different person back then but the knowledge I acquired from madrasah, is the one that has brought me here. Now, when I discuss something with people and if one likes my taswwur, they ask me, “Madrasah ma parho cho?” I smile back and I answer “Ji, Al Madrasah Tus Saifiyah Tul Burhaniyah ma parhu chu”.

It is this institution of Maula Burhanuddin R.A and Mufaddal Maula TUS that has given me respect and has taken me beyond the limits of achievements that I for one couldn’t and can’t do on my own. It is the name itself that comes after madrasah that opens all the doors to me, and, I know for sure wherever I may go their Saya and yaari will always be there for me.

As I end this, I would like to Araz Shukr na Sajadaat to Burhanuddin Maula R.A and Mufaddal Maula TUS who have made me capable of doing things which seemed so difficult to me that are now made so sehel (easy) with their Dua Mubarak. And, also I’d like to thank all the people – the teachers, the juniors and seniors, other staff members who have taken me closer to Maula at each step I took. They have always supported me and given me confidence and have made me believe in myself.

Nevertheless, the time has to go on and soon we’re going to finish our schooling from madrasah. And as I said in the beginning it just won’t be school memories that I’d miss, it would also be the Saya of Maula R.A and Maula TUS that protected and took care of me.

May Allah grant our Maula Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin Aqa R.A Aala Darajaat in Jannat-ul-Firdous and may Allah grant our Maula, our Saya, Syedna Mufaddal Safuddin Maula TUS a long healthy and prosperous life till the day of judgement. Ameen.

May we, the parts of the Shadaab darakht always do khidmat of Maula Saifuddin TUS so that may Burhanuddin Maula R.A be proud of us.

 

Amate Syedna Maulanal-Mannaan,
Ruqaiya Mulla Mustafa Lokhand wala.

Young Dreamy Love

I used to wonder why, wonder where the days had gone which we spent together, the songs sang , under the cloudy sky when we danced together. I was holding on forever to the love that seemed so far and hoped my dreams would come to life one day. Although, deep down inside I knew this was just meant to be, this was pure love and you were coming back to me where the field was green and the sky was blue. A place where I could see the moonlight above, feel the sensation of your touch, the sound of your whispers who’s echoes lasted a great deal longer and could smell the intoxicating scent of yours that I wanted to grasp within the confines of my heart forever.

It was perfect. It was passion and it was setting me free. My heart was skipping beats, the charming gestures of yours had totally taken my breath away. I just couldn’t get enough of how much do I needed you to fill me up because with every touch and every whisper you made me fall in love all over again! It was just like a movie scene, where we reunited in a sweetest dream.

It seems dreamy yet it’s awake. When that moment flies by, time stops and everything goes silent leaving the affect of the rejuvenating spells of your love. It’s amazing how the sun seems brighter the next day, flowers smell sweeter with the remains of your scent in my soul and the birds seem merrier while humming along the melodious notes of love with me. You make me realize that the moments we’ve spent in the spirit of love are the ones truly lived. You are the one who truly makes me spin with ecstasy, makes me cherish the moment, ignore the pain and let my heart be drunken with love which will always be filled because true is this connection. True is this love that surely you will see it in my smile when the heaven above showers it’s blessings in the form of
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                                                                                    ‘RAIN’!!!

(The connection between the rain and me) ;P
Sarrah Mustafa Malirwala

The Barakaat of MSB Assemblies

An assembly is basically held for communicating information, habitual practices and for learning experiences of knowledge with the fellow mates. But the morning assemblies in MSB are totally unique. The seeds of the institute sowed by Maula (TUS) is full of barakaat and that’s where the assemblies make a difference.

Only the ones present in them ‘thoroughly’, can realize the barakaat it showers every morning, every dawn, into a new day that is welcomed by the smiling countenances of the students and the staff as we assemble in our dua hall to proclaim a productive promising day by commencing with the barakaat of the recitation of a few mesmerizing verses of Quran-e-majeed, zikr-e-Hussain, duas, a few soothing stanzas of madeh or qasaids with some worldly news and sometimes a presentation that is ended by all of us standing imposingly reciting Wazeefat-u-shukr and asking for taeed(help) to Maula (TUS) to begin a challenging day with spiritual strength and stimulation.

Well, the main reason behind this piece is that something which we witnessed today in the assembly and to capture that fading melody within the confines of my mind, to capture that feeling of profundity that I want to live with forever, I ‘had’ to write. I had to write for the sake of the indescribable torrent of emotion and rush of gratitude as today was the bereaved occurrence of Shehzada Huzaifa Mohyuddin Bhaisaheb’s death anniversary which is why every single thing we recited was heartily dedicated to him. After the recitation, we were been shown a presentation on what were his great achievements, his attributes and the khidmaat he preformed of dawat-e-haadiya all his life! We were filled with inspiration. We were filled with awe, and then the emotion raised plentifolds as the marasiyah, ‘Aey Huzaifa Mohyuddin’ penned by his beloved daughter, ‘Ajab bensaheba’ was recited in which she beautifully expresses with such mellifluous words of how every minutiae of him has been missed which is why the chamber had gone faint in it’s power of emotion. Everybody was filled with grievous loss and was teary-eyed. After that we recited the madeh, ‘101mi Milaad’ which was recited by every single person loudly with utmost affection and gratitude and devotion which filled the hall. Now, you would’ve an idea how it all felt.

Taken in March 2012

This is how our everyday education begins. Surrounded with spirituality.

In the end, let’s pray that our Maula (TUS), the bower of all the 22 thriving branches of MSB Educational Institute around the world, and His Mansoos (TUS) live a prosperous life till eternity. And may the Shehzada rest in the appeasing shade of Syedna Jalal Shamsuddin (R.A) Ameen!

Amate Syedna (TUS) wa Mansoosehi (TUS),
Sarrah M. Mustafa Malirwala

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, never fail to content me. 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 others 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 us to express yourself can be rewarding. It is not always important for us 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 & 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. Of course, 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!

-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