Rabi-ul-Awwal and Shahbaz

“Introduction to a righteous Person within all of us and his feelings this Rabi-ul-Awwal”

 

This Rabi-ul-Awwal, Shahbaz was thinking of how to celebrate Birthday of his beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.). Considering him of being a very ordinary man in whole of Prophet’s Ummah, Shahbaz was very confused and depressed this year. Horrific scenes of Muslims invaded lands were circulating in his mind every other day. He could not forget the use of chemical Weapons in Syria and video of dying children with utmost pain. Each and every Muslim land including Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt and Parts of Pakistan etc was revolving in his mind one after the other. “What phase are we going through as an Ummah?” he asked himself. But no answer came from within… 

Two Extremities:

“Have we got any right of calling ourselves an Ummah?” somebody deep inside him whispered…Then his mind and conscious showed him two discriminate screens. One screen was showing all sort of heinous and terrible events that Muslims were going through. He recalled screaming of an Iraqi man yelling at Muslim leadership on a TV show live call and tears in the eyes of program hosts. Then his mind flashed back and heard shouting and weeping of Dr.Afia Siddiqui (from far) who was captivated in USA. He then saw (on the screens of his conscious) one Poor Palestinian kid stoning an Israeli tank. He made a big sigh and recalled shameful event of Raymond Davis in Lahore, who killed two Pakistanis and ran away keeping whole Pakistan nation in an ashamed state. He then slapped himself when he realized some evil characters (with involvement of Governments) every now and then itching and Challenging whole Muslims nation by coming up with blasphemous Pictures and Videos of his beloved Prophet (S.A.W.). He cannot believe himself. “How can I (and millions others) bear all this and still call myself one of Prophet’s (S.A.W.) followers???” Shahbaz kicked himself… 

The other screen displayed some really different features. He recalled millions of Dollars spent by Dubai on a new year’s (nothing to do with Muslim Ummah) fireworks celebrations. Should this have been done, closing eyes towards deprive Muslims brothers? Lavish life style of Muslims rulers then came in his mind who has forgotten what Muslim brotherhood actually is? They just want to take care of themselves, their families and their power seats. They do not care what is happening to the rest of the world and from where the refugee Muslims brothers will eat? “Kalma Tayyab” written at the face of Pakistani Parliament house (Islamabad) then flashed in his mind and then he began counting dirty and heinous crimes committed by people inside the parliament which was created to establish government of Allah and his Rasool (S.A.W). He began screaming with pain… 

Celebrations: Last Sermon of Prophet (S.A.W.)

When he opened TV channels, he saw all sorts of gleaming and decorations on the occasion of EID-E-MILAD shareef. People were celebrating with full love and devotion to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Mere Allah “ye sab kia hai???” he sighed looking up somewhere far in the skies. Such an intense display of Ishq-e-Rasool (S.A.W) these days and what will happen in rest of the year? Same ignorance, same attitude, same selfishness??? Why we cannot display and remember Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) all the times, all year. Why we cannot try to follow his footsteps along with celebration??? Can we ever become Sadiq and Ameen??? Puzzled up, then he started reading last sermon of Prophet (S.A.W.)

Reading the last Sermon through, he came to the following lines: 

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.”

 

He was not able to read anything after that. He held his head with both hands and went back to the word “Brotherhood”, where is brotherhood today? Muslim world’s map laid down in front of his eyes some countries of which were rich and others were poor; definitely not doing justice with each other. Thought of discrimination on the basis of breed, color and ethnicity left him speechless and blank. 

Every other person Shahbaz meets wants to see brotherhood but is unable to implement sacrifice in his life. Divide and discrimination is evident in all spheres of life. Rich and powerful oppressing their own poor people…Is this the brotherhood we were taught of? Why people call me an Urdu speaking, a Punjabi, a Balochi, a Pashtun or a Sindhi? I am Shahbaz and I am a Muslim (enough for me) and every other Shahbaz living in my country (and beyond) is my brother. In Pakistan, we could not spread brotherhood till this time so how can we talk about global Muslim brotherhood? He was really confused to see the verdict given by the Prophet (S.A.W.) and the things on ground going on with Muslims all over the world. 

Shahbaz finally bows Down

“Shahbaz ko kuch samjh nahee a raha tha ka who is confusion aur sharmindagi ko kahan le kar jaye.” He finally bowed down to his beloved Allah and asked his mercy and Reham:

“Ya Allah please bless us; please bless your beloved Prophet’s Ummah. We are scattered and shattered; enable us to help ourselves my lord. We pursue humble forgiveness for our sins and ignorance. Bless us with your Rehmat. Ya Allah, we want to become brothers again, please remove all hindrances and doubts in this path. On the birthday of your beloved Prophet (S.A.W.), we accept our mistakes, show us way foreword and make us stronger enough to coup hindrances in this way. Ameen”

“Do not wait for some Leader to come, lead yourself right away. Hypocrisy will not take you anywhere. Be practical and believe in Allah. Strive and Even if you fail, you will be satisfied to leave this world thinking I GAVE MY BEST.” Someone inside him murmured…Shahbaz was smiling this time! 

Who Shahbaz actually is???

Shahbaz is hidden in each and every one of us. Shahbaz wants to become Shaheen of Iqbal and break all the chains of slavery captivating us. He is living in us whenever we want to speak truth. Whenever we want to become ourselves; whenever our Zameer stands against our mistakes and blunders. Shahbaz is that person who hates wide gaps between theory and practice and wants to achieve whatever he was taught in his early ages and wants to do whatever he actually praises. Shahbaz want to retrieve his Identity and break all signs and signals of Slavery. Shahbaz helps me communicate with you. Recognize Shahbaz, We all are Shahbaz, ME and YOU! 

To all of you:

Lets recite Darud Shareef in the honor of THE GREATEST OF ALL who (S.A.W.) is so remarkable and world will not witness anybody like him again.

I wish all readers a “Happy EID-E-MILAD Nabi (S.A.W.)” and a blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal…

Note:

This was first published in following

http://blogs.arynews.tv/rabi-ul-awwal-and-shahbaz/

A VISIT TO PAKISTAN

 “Notes from a Karachite expatriate’s diary”

 I had a chance of comparatively longer visit to Pakistan last October-November (2013) during my annual vacations. My trip is usually limited to Karachi but this time around it included a week long stay in Punjab.  

 Roaming in Punjab

I took a rather long flight to Lahore. From there, I had to travel to Sargodha for two days stay. We were on our way from Allama Iqbal Airport and saw all lights shut down on the Lahore ring road and felt “Pakistan agaya hai bhai”. We touched the Motorway around 5:00 am and when the dawn came out, I was stunned to see the greenery and beauty on both sides of the motorway. I have usually traveled long road distances mostly in UAE, KSA etc in which the sight is usually limited to deserts and sandy conditions. So, I forgot blinking when I saw such landscape of Pakistan. The lush green fields, to both right and left with an odd innocent tree here and there; meant to provide soothing shadow to the farmers. I wonder what would be the feeling of Pakistan’s natural beauty including the famous naturally blessed northern areas. I made each and every effort to absorb the scenery inside me throughout the journey, so inspired that it can be recalled anytime just by closing eyes. 

 So, after that I reached Sargodha and had a great two days stay with my relatives. Roamed around the city and found people very kind and helpful. Each place I went, people instantly recognized that I was from Karachi (mainly through my Karachi Urdu accent) and gave even more welcoming reception after confirming this. I visited the “Model Mart of Sargodha” during a fine cloudy drizzling evening. It was great to see people enjoying with their families coming from all backgrounds. The most striking to notice was the carefree and open style of people. People were doing all sorts of activities without any fear which was a surprise to a Karachite like me who always fears for some incident to happen.

 Baagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore Zoo and Museum…

From there on, we went to Lahore for two days again enjoying the green ride through the motorway. The very next day we hired a private taxi (having a Driver cum city Guide) for a trip of Lahore. First of all we visited Baagh-e-Jinnah which is rightly famous for its old and oldest trees. The lush green Garden of Mughal time is really a treat to visit specially due to its very good maintenance. Apart from old trees, there is a mountainous path which many people like to climb. Also there is a beautiful “Bara-Dari” at far end of main entrance. There is an awesome library within the Garden. The library administrators specially allowed us (when they came to know we were visitors from Karachi) to have a round trip of library. The atmosphere inside was really peaceful and striking with many of students studying/working for their ongoing projects.

From there, we visited “Lahore Zoo” which is also very good. Almost all categories of animals including wild beasts like lions and tigers, section for snakes to a big section of birds. Highly recommended to visit with your families. From there, we briefly visited the ‘Lahore Museum’ which is full of antiques and objects from Mughal Empire and even times well before. It also show cases art from Gandhara times. There is a very good antique gift shop inside the Museum. I found the staff quite welcoming and Cooperative. Worthy to mention a funny thing. While coming In and Out of the car, I was strictly locking it and asking my wife to also do so. When the Lahori driver saw this, he told us with pride: “Bhai Sahib ap fikar na karo yahan aisi koi tension nahee hai,cheena jhapti nahee hoti hai itni main jagah pe, yeh Karachi nahee hai” Iske aage meri kia feelings thee’n, I am speechless…App samjh hee gayee hoge na!!!

While roaming around in Lahore city we recited ‘Fateha’ at Data Sahib. Also glad to see the Metro Bus project in service. People were very positive about this newly open project and believed that it’s fulfilling its purpose. I hope so they are right…We saw Traffic constables obeying their jobs with utmost responsibility and seem to be educated well behaved people. We visited ‘Fortress’ shopping mall that is very well maintained and its main corridor is mainly Female shopping Oriented. I was very surprised to see almost all ‘sleeveless’ dress display for ladies. Thanks god they still provide optional supplementary sleeves…

Badshahi Masjid & Minar-e-Pakistan

Then, we visited Icons of “Badshahi Masjid” and Shahi Qila. Shahi Qila was unfortunately closed when we reached there. Badshahi Mosque round trip was a real treat including the display of pious antiques on the upper floors near the entrance. I recited fateha for the Allama Iqbal resting outside the Badshahi Masjid with a large sigh having an intention to study him more than ever before. The food street just outside the Shahi Qila is awesome. Food though is a bit expensive but it’s very delicious and well presented. The well dressed, well behaved young Gentlemen selling all sorts of traditional food stuff with a modern touch. It was a real sight to see such a transformation. We enjoyed Gola and Falooda, Yum Yum Yummy!

Minar-e-Pakistan was far from our reach as we were short of time and while I was trying to capture it with my camera inside the car behind the window glasses of car. The driver stopped the car by road “Bhai sb aram se bahir nikal kar tasveerein kheinch lain, yahan koi snatcher nahee aaye ga” Oh I got some confidence and snapped Minar-e-Pakistan with a sense of Independence. The same thing happened at the famous Lahore Railway station where I took some snaps. “Waise Apas ki baat hai” I was afraid of every other person passing close by me and was ready for someone to snatch my camera. It never happened Alhamdulillah!!!

Oh Pity, A typical Karachite Behavior!

Observing my cautious behavior, the driver told me a funny event which he had with a family from Karachi. He told me once he was carrying a family from Karachi (who was visiting Lahore) to their relatives; he took them to the desired area which was a part of congested old Lahore. During the process, they reached a comparatively narrow street when two bikers were coming from the opposite side. The women inside the car when saw the bikers they sighed “Ahh Lo bhai agaye! (they were thinking that those bikers were snatchers who will now loot them)”. The driver on the other end thinking that these bikers are relatives of passengers he said “Acchi baat hai ke woh agaye hain”. When the bikers passed by the car without any harm, the women told him “We thought these were Snatchers”. Ohh then driver told them what he was thinking and calmed them down that “be patient, this is not Karachi; snatching is not that common here”…So this is a typical story of us Karachites…The man literally laughed at me at few occasions seeing my scary attitude as if I was a Goofy. Frankly speaking, I got jealous specially after observing the well developed ON ITS WAY Lahore. When will this happen to Karachi and off course every other beloved city of Pakistan??? I am still thinking trying to find answers…

 During my Punjab visit, exposed to different people, there was often a discussion on the situation of Karachi and what’s happening in Punjab. What are the difference in behavior of Karachites and people in Punjab. Overall, I saw a welcoming attitude from different people I encountered. In the hotel (where we stayed) barber shop, I seek help from a man as to how to approach my Lahore tour; he was Gem of a man. He helped me a lot and told me each and everything required for a Lahore visit. In the end, he told me about his Karachi visit:

“The people in Karachi are not that welcoming and do not help the way I am helping you” he said.

“May be you met the few odd Guys, we are as welcoming and hospitable as people in any other area of Pakistan” I replied so as to settle down his negative perspective about Karachites. While I was moving towards the airport (luckily with the same driver who showed us Lahore) I saw big banners portraying Shahbaz Shareef.

“You are lucky that you got a man like Shahbaz Shareef in Punjab performing so well” I told driver.

“Yeah we are lucky, he is making Lahore an International city with passage of time” He replied.

“But do not you think as major stake holders and national leaders Mian brothers and other authoritative Individuals in Punjab should also spread this development fairly to others parts of the country?” I asked.

“You are right my friend, agar aap bare ho, ap baap ho tou apko baap ban kar dekhana pare ga. Sab bacho’n se aik jaisa salook tou karna hoga warna koi faida nahee hai.” Driver replied thinking deeply and deeply…

And yes, this last sentence is a key to my visit of Punjab and wrong perspective that many of us Karachites carry in their minds about People in Punjab. Common public is just like us willing to see all Pakistan in good shape. They have got nothing to do with biased things going on at the Top. They have similar feelings and often become victim of their own authoritative people. I have seen many people from Punjab saying “Karachi walo’n jaisa bara Dil kisi ka nahee hai”. Such acknowledging and welcoming behavior still exit, not visible on majority of media. We need to realize all this scenario/puzzle!

  

Beloved Karachi, finally…

Then I headed towards Karachi. PIA flight is already discussed in one of my previous blogs; just do not want to recall that again. It was great to see Karachi in a good shape because of the ongoing operations (at that time in October-November, 2013).I saw people moving freely like the birds who are being freed from the cage. I pray/hope for that day when all of us will be walking and enjoying freely without need of any such operation; and Karachi gets its due place and lives up to its potential. InsAllah!

In Karachi, I got involved in few household and outside works; also applied for few personal certificates through local Union council Office. All this left me with disappointments. Masses often complain lack of work, but ironically when you appoint somebody for some work; it requires real GUTS to get that finished because people tend to delay and ran away from given responsibilities...I found people in Govt. Offices incompetent and I am sure they can not write their own Names properly.

My visit ended and I took some mixed memories out of it. I did not watched news channels much during my trip and felt lot better nerves; lot of good things still continues to happen in Pakistan. It’s the responsibility of our Government and Media to highlight positive things and attitude within our people. Inter people connection needs revival between various cities/provinces to avoid Misunderstandings. Discouraging the ethnic mess-ups and restoring an effective transportation system are some steps that must be taken in this regard.

Life gets on its way after all things we see and face. Sitting outside the country, escaping from a busy and machinery life I often close my eye’s to cherish Golden memories earned while stay in my motherland listening carefully to what heart beat is saying Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad!...

Note:
This article was first published at following websites
http://blogs.arynews.tv/a-visit-to-pakistan-notes-from-a-karachite-expatriates-diary/
http://www.bashaoorpakistan.com/blogs/muhammad-sultan-shah/romantic-tour-pakistan-sultan-shah/#more-21210

A FLIGHT WITH PIA

Despite of getting drowned by PIA very often, I still can not resist myself to fly with my national carrier…But, how long more???

 

I had a chance to travel with PIA this October with my wife from Lahore to Karachi and it turned out to be a disaster. After roaming around in Lahore for two days visit, we were all set to fly to Karachi when we found that the flight was delayed for one hour beyond its actual schedule of 11:00 am. Fair enough, we took it lightly and started strolling around and passed time in bookshops and enjoying some snacks. After that, they announced of one more hour delay which passengers took with a bit of discomfort. Finally, when the melodious PIA announcement disturbed our senses “Kahwateen-o-Hazraat PIA ki Karachi jane wali parwaaz PK(_ _) fanni kharabi ki wajah se taakheer ka shikaar hai, rawangi ka ailaan baad mai kia jaye ga ” So the whole bunch of passengers went down hearing this as every one of us knew that we were the fresh victim of our national carrier.

 

From there on, it started the whole series of errors, situations stumbling and funny events. We then took our lunch to keep our appetites. I kept on observing the passengers who were getting angry with the passage of time. PIA provided the passengers with lunch boxes shortly which was the most awaited thing at that time and people just attacked the poor distributors (as they were hungry forever). Nevertheless, nobody stopped them doing so and Shareef passengers like me were empty handed (As I assumed they will come to each one of us with an apology). Although I had had my own lunch with my own pocket, just to make them realize I had to pinch two boxes (when they came for the second time) as there is no space for justice for people who want to keep their selves in order. You have to snatch your box; otherwise the system just does not care, to what condition you are passing through.

 

Meanwhile there were all sorts of rumors of TV airing for the poor flight. “Flight will depart at 6:00pm” somebody told us. “Passengers will be accommodated on Air Indus flight”, the rumors touched us. I saw an MNA (very famous politician) there who was to catch another flight. Although, he is very famous on media but nobody bothered just to Salam him at that very moment. He was standing alone talking with 1-2 people. Passengers knew he was there and with an unwanted feeling, they passed all sorts of slang and shit remarks about him. At that day my realization become much strong “Respect is a very pious thing which could not be bought at any cost” All the status and powers are in vain when you are unable to get heartiest respect from common men. We all know that self servant politicians are disregarded all over the country for their selfish agendas. So, it was a real experience to watch humiliation of men in power during this flight delay.

 

During the last two hours of this drama, there was a rumor that everything was all set and now we are waiting for the Pilot to arrive the scene to take us all home. So, each and every one of us started to look at the corridor (coming towards departure gate) with a very innocent hope. I just can not forget the way people looked for Pilot. RED CARPET was the only thing missing from the scene at that time. Alas! The pilot came with a dignified look and all the passengers started clapping as if some sort of film premiere was on way. It was a perfect heroic entry. Despite of all the mess-ups, that PIA pilot was such confident that he started clapping (with a gentle smile) in reply to his overwhelming reception. What an epic scene, perhaps I would never be able to see this again.

 

Worthy to mention, one brave PIA official stood his ground up to the last moment and was responding very well to passengers. We have witnessed people often run in these conditions but that man stood with a sense of duty that is highly appreciable. Poor PIA staffs have to face this situation every now and then due to bad bad politics played with our beloved national carrier. They are the people on ground and have to justify crimes which they never committed. Working & competent PIA staff has to struggle to save this national institution and keep their jobs in tact. Salute to all dedicated working professionals of PIA…

 

“Allah Allah kar ke Jahaz mai beth gaye yaar”. That PIA plane was a Boeing 747 and seemed to be a very old one. Then when the plane left the apron area strange sounds “GURR GUROON GUSHHHHHHHHHH GUSHAAA”. Ya Allah, we recited all the Surat’s and Ayat’s we had learned and called our families as we were unsure of reaching alive. During the takeoff I was cursing myself as why did I booked PIA as now I am unsure of my EID-UL-ADHA the very next day. Worthy to mention a PIA aircraft survived an engine failure few days back in Karachi (so it was revolving in our minds). So, we were wondering what’s coming next our way. But luckily the flight was smooth against all our fears and presumptions.

 

We reached our home safely in the end but all along the way and even now my heart is deluge to see mess-ups with PIA. It was not only a simple Lahore-Karachi trip. It was witnessing a national institution die. It was like watching PIA taking her last breaths. I have a very close and personal association with PIA as my father served here for whole of his life. There were many instants when he asked us “Beta PIA ke halaat kharaab hai, iske liay dua karo” and we raised our hands for prayers. There were instants when my father and many employees like him served over the time and delayed salaries to keep things in tact. It’s a pity that things have never changed since the very golden era of 50’s 60’s. If PIA and its people can trigger big names like Emirates and provide gateways to China in past being one of the finest airlines, then why not today? Lately, I saw one report saying PIA has highest number of staff per aircraft in the whole world; many of them are political appointments for incompetent people against merit. Corruption is another thing that stabs the airline every now and then. Witnessing Gulf airlines with many of bright Pakistanis, why not PIA could flourish by taking services of these professionals. We all know the answers, good political will and leadership can change course for any institution.

 

Many passengers have left business with PIA due to their bad service, at the same time many loyal people are still keeps their heads straight and getting embarrassed in airports all around the world. But how long we would continue like this?. May Allah protect you PIA and enable with all good things soon. Perhaps this is the only last thing I can say on this topic as “Mayusi gunah Hai” …Get well soon PIA and become a national pride again!

Note:
This article has been published at the following websites:
http://blogs.arynews.tv/a-flight-with-pia/  
http://www.bashaoorpakistan.com/blogs/muhammad-sultan-shah/flight-pia-sultan-shah/#more-21208