The rain made our day.

It has been sometime since I have been blogging. There have been many events during the past few months which has kept me busy and busy. I have been observing a lot during these days and studying different prospects which I think will change my lifestyle in the comming days.

Well, here is the latest. It was 2nd of December the National Day of UAE and we had arranged a picnic for the IT Committee. We folks have been knowing each other since sometime and have been offering our khidmat to the community, that's what had brought all of us together, apart for the love for microchips.

Well the picnic was arranged but just a few attended and it was a family picnic on the whole. We had prepared ourselves for the Mushrif Park in Dubai and we were in for a surprise when I woke in the morning. It was pouring cats and dogs and it was certain that the streets had been flooded. Finally, it was courtious of Yusuf bhai Sandalwala to take the lead and call the gathering at his place. Most of us were lucky enough to reach till noon as a result of the flooding streets.

We had lunch and just gossiped the whole day. We kept talking on various topics and the hotest of all was traffic and rents. Well, atleast thats the most discussed topic anywhere in the UAE.

Did I forget something, malida, well Mohammed bhai Sherawala was in for a big surprise and I am sure he wont forget it and make a point of coming on time.

The climate was cool and rain kept pouring but in the evening when it calmed a bit we took the opportunity and started the fire. It was time for coal and smoke for filling the not so hungry stomach. But the Kababs were excellent and so was the chicken. That was a great day after all.

Are we the Chosen ones? - By Ali Al-Baghli

Dr. Ali Al-Baghli, Former Minister of Oil, Kuwait, and supporter of the Dawoodi Bohras, once again comes to the rescue of Bohras by expressing his opinion in the column in ARAB TIMES, Kuwait's leading newspaper.

Please click on the URL below to know more...
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/opinion/view.asp?msgID=1330

By Mr. Ali Al-Baghli, Former Minister of Oil, Kuwait.

ONE can only be ashamed of the noise created by some religious extremists in the country over the last few days. The entire hullabaloo was about a building under construction in an ideal housing area — South Surrah (Haiteen). Residents of the area thought that a Husseiniya was being built for the Bohra community in Kuwait. So, where did these citizens go? The answer is well-known — they went to one of the members of the 2006 Parliament who is known for his non-progressive ideas. MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, who represents Kaifan, took it upon himself to voice the opinion of the residents of Haiteen because his future electoral constituency will include this area. He started issuing some extremist statements and criticized the construction of a “temple” for Bohras. (Al-Tabtabaei used the word ‘temple,’ which is a place of worship for non-Muslims like Buddhists and Hindus).

Bohras are a peaceful community who came to Kuwait decades ago. They supported Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion in 1990. The spiritual leader of Bohras Sultan Mohammed Burhanuddin was a close friend of HH the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and is also close to the current Amir HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Bohras are Muslims who believe in God and follow the teachings of Islam. Reality dawned when people came to know the building under construction was not a Husseiniya for Bohras but a house. Someone had purchased the building to live with his brothers and their families as he wanted to be close to his family.

I want to ask those who created the racket to put themselves in the place of Bohras and imagine they are living in a foreign country … and if they wanted to construct a house of worship and if people of the neighborhood objected to the construction of their praying place what would they do?

e-mail: albaghlilaw@hotmail.com

Barakaat of Wajebaat in Shehrullah

As Shehrullah approached daddy told me that they were going for wajebat araz to Hasanfeer and Aliasger was to join them. I thought of asking Qusai bs about myself as well. The amount was too small to be counted but karam is the word I would utter as I was told that I could go alone and not join my family. We had prepared to leave on the 1st night itself and the farman arrived that no one come to Hasanfir if their rozas are missed due to hadd al-qasr.

It was on the 9th that Qusai bs called me and said that you should leave immediately. He said that Qutbuddin bhai Virpurwala (Daruwala) was arranging for the tickets. Soon I was told that we were to leave the next day itself in an Indian Airlines flight directly to Ahmedabad.

We reached Ahmedabad on the 11th of Shehruallah, Tuesday. A group of 6 including myslef, Qutub bhai, Abdul Husain bhai, Juzer bhai Kagalwala and his daughter and Idris bhai Janoowala. A car was arranged by Juzer bhai to pick us from the airport. We went to the roza, did ziyarat and left immediately for Hasanfir.

As and when we reached we were in a dilemma weather to return to Ahmedabad or stay at Hasanfir or go somewhere else for the night, Sidhpur perhaps. When we were told that Saylawi was close-by. After completing the wajebat formalities and getting our cards, offering the gongas, as Idris bhai terms it, we all were pretty calm except for him. He was in a fix, as he did not get the cards for he had come without informing Yunus Bs. After offering our first namaz of Shehrullah with Huzurala (TUS) we left for Selavi, we freshened up and dumped our luggage and returned to Hasanfir for Maghrib Isha Namaaz. Idris bhi was in Hasanfir as we made the trip. After namaaz we returned to Selavi. The gonga talk was all over and the name came into existence.

Wednesday, 12th of Shehrullah was the big day. We started early at 7 to reach Hasanfir from Selavi (Mazar of Mowlai Noor Bhai Saheb). We were early and the nizaam was very nice. Within an hour of Maula's arrival we were finished with Qadambodi. Huzurala (TUS) blessed me with nazar and dua as I did Qadambosi and araz was done by Yunus BS that I was a moallim. A Shawl was given in Tashreef by Maula (TUS) and we were all relaxed and calm that our wishes had been fulfilled. After Zohr/Asr Namaaz we returned to Selavi, did ziyarat in Dhinoj en-route to Ahmedabad. On the way we had quails for dinner.

It was scorching in Ahmedabad as we reached late at night. We had to go to a hotel which was not a luxury at all, except for the A/C. The next day we took the domestic flight to Mumbai and we decided to leave for Pune with Qutub bhai. We reached Pune quite late. Had dinner in a restaurant and slept the night at Qutub bhai's inlaws. He was quite a host. We enjoyed every bit of the trip thanks to him.

We returned from Mumbai to Sharjah Int'l Airport on the 6th of October 15th of Shehre Ramadan with barakaat of Qadambosi, dua mubarak of Aqamawla (TUS), namaaz, ziyarat Duat Kiram in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Hudud Fozola in Selavi, Dinoj and Pune.

May Allah bless our beloved Mawla (TUS) with a long life in sehat and afiyat. Ameen

Shehrullah - The days of piety have arrived

The Month of Ramadan is known as Shehrullahil Moazzam meaning the glorified month of Allah. These days Muslims around the world observe fasts day long and engross themselves in Ibadat. The hearts and eyes weep in repentence of past sins and the body parts tire themselves in seeking the mercy of Allah by offering namaaz, alms, observing fasts, reciting the Quran-e-Majid and Duas. Mumineen Mukhliseen are blessed by the bounty of the presence of waliullah amongst them and thus are sure of acceptence of the joh'dal muqil.

Myself a humble slave of Allah and a servant of his wali, have been long waiting for these days of grace and mercy should I get a moment of Allah's grace and the happiness and joy of my Moula (TUS).

Here I quote "The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it." Woodrow Wilson

Certain things have been a habit to me which are too hard to break and some of the built in nature needs to be altered. It is a huge tidal wave that needs to be crossed and I am sure my Moula (TUS) is always with me. Just a small support of loved ones is what would make the journey easy, for I am swimming against the stream of my own unconscience self.

May Allah bless our beloved Moula (TUS) a long and healthy life. Ameen

Another blunder in Malumaat (Information)

The one stop Information portal has again made a bid into securing itself as the top news agency of our times. The Chief editor of the Information Channel had strictly ordered the so called official reporter of malumaat to deny photographs for the sake of exclusive coverage and look what the exclusive information portal does:

http://malumaat.com/pics/darussalam/1427/shaban/wadah_from_nairobi06.jpg

Wadah from Nairobi?? or was it Dares Salaam. I guess its the same place who cares any ways.

The more stubborn thing to do was place a long distance call to the genuine photographer who loves to share his moments with Moula (captured in photos) with Mumineen worldwide and in an enthusiasm to do so sends the pics to all major portals of the community. This photographer was told that the information portal LOOSES interest in publishing them when they are sent to everyone, because they are not exclusive. Now its clear that its truely a one stop shop after all.

Anyone here who watches the indian soap Kittu might see this as the BNS boss attitude.

The Baby is fine, Alhamdolillah

On Sunday, Maria and the baby were home at 7 PM everything being normal and good as expected by Dua of Moula (TUS), many thanks and shukr to Allah.

Around mid-night I had to take her to Central Hospital as she was shivering and had turned blue. She also had a mild fever. A padeatric was called and he diagnosed her of being dehydrated. We came back home with a few adol drops and had given her some water and top-milk. I checked her temprature in the morning and she was having 37.5. At 8 AM the doctor saw her again and said that she seemed fine with no symptoms to worry about nor any fever. Her reflexes were also good.

At around 6 PM the same day, Monday, we took her to the government hospital and she was taken in at the emergency and admitted to the Qasimmiya Hospital. The doctor was quite young and took time to see her. She weighted 2750 gms tonight, which was around 8% less from birth as per the doctor's calculations. He took some blood for blood culture and kept her under observation the whole night. The nurses and the medical staff at Qasimiya are very nice and cooperative. Maria had to stay back at the hospital. The next day we were told that she had a dehydration fever and that she was normal now but should be kept and eye on just to be sure.

The doctor dis-charged her at around 10 Pm upon insisting that the mother and child were not comfartable at the hospital and should leave if medical advice permitted so. Finally, we came home and now I feel a bit relaxed. Many thanks to my Moula (TUS) whom we kept remembering throughout these days.

The one thing I learned was that if its an emergency in Sharjah, then the Govt. Hospital should be approached just for the sake that they have doctors for all faculties round the clock and they take utmost care of the patient. The baby was kept at the hospital for more then 24 hours with excellent care and medical treatment and not a penny charged.

Web Hosting for Jamaats

Six years with NextGen - mumineen.org Team surfing the WWW, writing articles, moderating a huge community like DBNet and publishing the web. It has been a long race and good horses are never tired. The same time I had spent with promoting my hosting business and devoloping internet solutions for people. As technology evolves and as we see shifts in paradigms we learn and get nurtured by experiance in the school of life.

The year 1427 H was a turning point for mumineen.org we had a server melt down soon after Ashara and we started to think about aborting our unmanaged servers donated by Ali Dhoon to shared hosting. One of our team members suggested Dream Host and here we are. We have shifted most of our site to Dreamhost with a new site design in mind with more goody features and stuff for our visitors bu the mailing list is really missed. Ezmlm is missed by all the mods and all are sure that mailman sucks to the very last bit.

Ezzi.Net has generously provided an opteron for mumineen.org and we are not quite sure what we are to do with it. Another server is an Athlon with a CPanel installation as promised by Ali Dhoon. This is a new server we are planing to provide jamaats hosting on.

I configured the server and created a single reseller with Bohra.net domain and created DNS entries through WHM. Unfortunately the DNS was broken and the IPs that AHP had given me were not for our use.

I talked to Dan for repairing the DNS but he didnt. All he did was remove the wrong IPs and alot a few more for our use. Dan was not of much help with the DNS and the dnsstuff was also showing the errors. The next step was that I took the innitiative to go through CPanel documents, blogs and forums to figure out what was wrong and finally fixed the DNS and completed the security tweaks that were needed for the server. We added 2 more domains for jamaats to use, jamaats.net and jamaats.info. Another domain was attalim.net which we intend to use for the madrasas. Finally I am through with the server set-up and the service was launched on Friday, 18 August 2006.

One thing pending is the Reverse DNS (PTR) record which I cannot figure out. Maybe someday I might be able to fix it.

Above all it was a good learning experiance and I found many free SSH providers in the proccess which helps me hop my local proxy and use the SSH host as a proxy to surf the web. YG has written a how-to for that and I shall post it on the blog soon.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

This is Dale Carnegie's summary of his book, from 1936

Table of Contents

1. Fundamental Techniques in Handling People
2. Six Ways to Make People Like You
3. How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking
4. Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

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Part One

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

1. Don't criticize, condemn or complain.
2. Give honest and sincere appreciation.
3. Arouse in the other person an eager want.

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Part Two

Six ways to make people like you

1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
2. Smile.
3. Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
5. Talk in terms of the other person's interests.
6. Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

---

Part Three

Win people to your way of thinking

1. The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.
2. Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never say, "You're wrong."
3. If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.
4. Begin in a friendly way.
5. Get the other person saying "yes, yes" immediately.
6. Let the other person do a great deal of the talking.
7. Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers.
8. Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view.
9. Be sympathetic with the other person's ideas and desires.
10. Appeal to the nobler motives.
11. Dramatize your ideas.
12. Throw down a challenge.

---

Part Four

Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

A leader's job often includes changing your people's attitudes and behavior. Some suggestions to accomplish this:

1. Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
2. Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.
3. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
4. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
5. Let the other person save face.
6. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be "hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise."
7. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.
8. Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
9. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

Keeping a Journal - One Of The Three Treasures To Leave Behind

If you're serious about becoming a wealthy, powerful, sophisticated, healthy, influential, cultured and unique individual - keep a journal. Don't trust your memory. When you listen to something valuable, write it down. When you come across something important, write it down.

Keeping a journal is so important. I call it one of the three treasures to leave behind for the next generation. In fact, future generations will find these three treasures far more valuable than your furniture.

The first treasure is your pictures. Take a lot of pictures. Don't be lazy in capturing the event. How long does it take to capture the event? A fraction of a second. How long does it take to miss the event? A fraction of a second. So don't miss the pictures. When you're gone, they'll keep the memories alive.

The second treasure is your library. This is the library that taught you, that instructed you, that helped you defend your ideals. It helped you develop a philosophy. It helped you become wealthy, powerful, healthy, sophisticated, and unique. It may have helped you conquer some disease. It may have helped you conquer poverty. It may have caused you to walk away from the ghetto. Your library, the books that instructed you, fed your mind and fed your soul, is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind.

The third treasure is your journals: the ideas that you picked up, the information that you meticulously gathered. But of the three, journal writing is one of the greatest indications that you're a serious student. Taking pictures, that is pretty easy. Buying a book at a book store, that's pretty easy. It is a little more challenging to be a student of your own life, your own future, your own destiny. Take the time to keep notes and to keep a journal. You'll be so glad you did. What a treasure to leave behind when you go. What a treasure to enjoy today!

By Jim Rohn

Politics Vs Policy

1. Politics has no rules, policy is a set of rules set forth for the political animal or the social animal to follow.
2. In Politics the powerful always gets to win, policy defines the winner's right to power.
3. Politics has no reason for rules, policy defines reasons for rules.
4. Politics is dirty, policy cleans the dirt.
5. Politics has no feelings for human suffering, policy elevates human suffering.
6. Politics is a game for the wealthy, policy is its rule for the under-previledged.
7. Politics needs no education, policy is based on education.
8. Politics needs no experiance, policy is nurtured by experiance.
9. Politics is the science of greed, policy is the art of content.
10. Politics breeds on ego, policy survives on humbleness.

The list is endless and you may add to it if you wish. The comment section is open for more. I define politics as a tool to fullfil the immediate materialistic desire, while policy as siyasat elahiyah meant to nourish the soul and the human spirit and never to undermine its needs. Well said by Allama Iqbal "masjide marsya kh'wan reh gaye namazi na rahe; ya'ni woh sahebe awsaafe hijazi na rahe"

Burqa Vs. Bikini

The Debauchery Of American Womanhood

By Henry Makow, Ph.D.

On my wall, I have a picture of a Muslim woman shrouded in a burka. Beside it is a picture of an American beauty contestant, wearing nothing but a bikini.

One woman is totally hidden from the public; the other is totally exposed. These two extremes say a great deal about the clash of so-called "civilizations."

The role of woman is at the heart of any culture. Apart from stealing Arab oil, the impending war in the Middle East is about stripping Arabs of their religion and culture, exchanging the burka for a bikini.

I am not an expert on the condition of Muslim women and I love feminine beauty too much to advocate the burka here. But I am defending some of the values that the burka represents for me.

For me, the burka represents a woman's consecration to her husband and family. Only they see her. It affirms the privacy, exclusivity and importance of the domestic sphere.

The Muslim woman's focus is her home, the "nest" where her children are born and reared. She is the "home" maker, the taproot that sustains the spiritual life of the family, nurturing and training her children, providing refuge and support to her husband.

In contrast, the bikinied American beauty queen struts practically naked in front of millions on TV. A feminist, she belongs to herself. In practice, paradoxically, she is public property. She belongs to no one and everyone. She shops her body to the highest bidder. She is auctioning herself all of the time.

In America, the cultural measure of a woman's value is her sex appeal. (As this asset depreciates quickly, she is neurotically obsessed with appearance and plagued by weight problems.)

As an adolescent, her role model is Britney Spears, a singer whose act approximates a strip tease. From Britney, she learns that she will be loved only if she gives sex. Thus, she learns to "hook up" rather than to demand patient courtship and true love. As a result, dozens of males know her before her husband does. She loses her innocence, which is a part of her charm. She becomes hardened and calculating. Unable to love, she is unfit to receive her husband's seed.

The feminine personality is founded on the emotional relationship between mother and baby. It is based on nurturing and self-sacrifice. Masculine nature is founded on the relationship between hunter and prey. It is based on aggression and reason.

Feminism teaches woman that feminine nature has resulted in "oppression" and that she should convert to male behavior instead. The result: a confused and aggressive woman with a large chip on her shoulder, unfit to become a wife or mother.

This, of course, is the goal of the social engineers at the NWO: undermine sexual identity and destroy the family, create social and personal dysfunction, and reduce population. In the "brave new world," women are not supposed to be "nest" makers, or progenitors of the race. They are meant to be neutered autonomous creatures that indulge in sex for physical pleasure, not for love or procreation.

At his press conference on Sunday, Donald Rumsfeld said that Iranian women and youth were restive under the rule of the Mullahs. He implied that the US would soon liberate them. To Britney Spears? To low-rise "see-my-thong" pants? To the mutual masturbation that passes for sexuality in America?

Parenthood is the pinnacle of human development. It is the stage when we finally graduate from self-indulgence and become God's surrogates: creating and nurturing new life. The New World Order does not want us to reach this level of maturity. Pornography is the substitute for marriage. We are to remain stunted: single, sex-starved and self-obsessed.

We are not meant to have a permanent "private" life. We are to remain lonely and isolated, dependent on consumer products for our identity, in a state of perpetual courtship.

This is especially destructive for woman. Her sexual attraction is a function of her fertility. As fertility declines, so does her sex appeal. If a woman devotes her prime years to becoming "independent," she is not likely to find a permanent mate. Her long-term personal fulfillment and happiness lies in making marriage and family her first priority.

Feminism is another cruel New World Order hoax that has debauched American women and despoiled Western civilization. It has ruined millions of lives and represents a lethal threat to Islam.

I am not advocating the burka but rather some of the values that it represents, specifically a woman's consecration to her future husband and family, and the modesty and dignity this entails.

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The above is an article I recieved by email from a friend and the views expressed herein are entirely that of the author. The write-up is posted for interesting reading. Comments are welcomed from readers.

Jannatul Baqi - The Resting ground of Molatena Fatema (AS)

Yesterday and Today: A Fatemi Perspective

“History repeats itself”, is a quote well known to millions around the world and there are many scholars who quote it randomly in their daily conversations. Although famous and known, the truth is rarely experienced even by the most profound students of history apart from the professors.

Mumineen on the contrary are so habituated to experiencing this fact that they rarely consider that there is something scholarly about this saying. The reason behind this is that every era, according to the Fatemi philosophy of history, evolves around one ideal and perfect being chosen by Allah to lead all his creation to their destiny. The Imam (AS) is the center peg of the entire cycle of history and time. In other words it is the Imam (AS) who is the center peg of all creation. Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA) describing the eternity of the Imam (AS) says in a verse that: "The person of the Imam changes while he (the Imam’s position) is the same. The one immortal and eternal being."

The above verse does not state that the Imam (AS) does not pass away from this materialistic world which is merely a transitory phase of life; rather it means that the succeeding Imam is no different from the former Imam (AS) in any manner.

To elaborate the above verse, it would be very simple if an example from history would be quoted. A well known fact that in jihad is that Molana Ali (AS) did not allow the captivation and enslaving of the women and children of the rival Muslim armies. This has become a sunnat while fighting Muslim opponents who have opposed the Islamic state and its laws, while no narration has been cited from Rasulallah (SA) in this regard. The fact that the decision of Amirul Mumineen (AS) is the decision of Rasulallah (SA) can be known from here. Rasulallah (SA) would have given the same verdict if he would have been in place of Maulana Ali (AS at that particular moment of time. A Hadith of the Prophet would further elaborate the above incident. Rasulallah (SA) says: علي كنفسي, Ali is same as my self.

Further more, the acts and judgments of Duat Kiram today are rightious as per the wahye and the Qu'ran. Had Rasulallah (SA) been present today, his acts would have not differed from what we see today in the divine being of al-Dail Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS).

The mere rational reason behind this is that the people of all times are entitled to the same barakaat and anwaar, an equal share of Rehmatun Lil Alameen as were the Mumineen of Rasulallah’s (SA) era. This is in accordance to the justice and adl of Allah Subhanahu.

Mumineen of the Burhani Daur have witnessed several events of the past, history repeating. Knowing that our Maula (TUS) Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) whom we see today, is the reservoir of the divine light and the divine ilm that Allah has sent down to earth with the creation of his hands, Adam (AS).

Looking down in history, from the very birth of our Maula (TUS) barakaat has flowed in multitude among the offspring of Dawat as stated by Syedna al-Muqaddas Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA). The same way that Rasulallah (SA) and Molana Ali (AS) blessed an era, both Molana Taher Saifuddin (RA) and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) have showered the bounties of paradise on Mumineen. The days of both Maulana Taher Saifuddin (RA) and his Mansus reflect the past era of Rasulallah (SA). Many instances of history have been repeated and are know to those who have insight rather then mere eyes to look.

The day of coronation of Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA) was the day when Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) was born. Turn it around and the birth of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) brought in the auspices of heaven to the house of Molanal Muqaddas (RA) as was revealed by Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA). There are many incidences of the Saifiyah Burhaniyah era which resemble those of the days of Rasulallah (SA) and Molana Ali (AS). Those with insight can feel the anwaar of the past Awliyaullah and witness it while looking at our beloved Maula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS).
May Allah bless him with a long life in the pink of health and ever glowing youth. Ameen

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

The most difficult thing for any sinlge person in his life is to educate himself. Education is always transitory and never ending. Aristotle knew this fact and he was the inspiration of the most powerful emporer who ruled from West to East, Alexander. Alexander the great was a profound student even as he plunged in the pool of blood in fearful wars.

Today as education evolves itself to edufun I poder several times that why didn't the masters of the past, the greatest educators and learners of history never thought of it. Though Aristotle has once said "Early education should be fun", it has never been meant to divert educators to adopt the playway method which it is called today.

The playway method has been introduced in western countries to market the toys that fill pockets of the rich and education being made a commercial entity which yields high pofit margins to investors.

I ask and ask, does the playway method make any difference in building the scholistic minds of students. Although it builds and devolops the creative mind but what about the logical brain that gets dimmer as a result. Thinking and memorizing are the only ways to devolop the analytical mind. The bitter wine of education and harsh dicipline that the military still uses must be added to the educational system to build such brains as Einstein and Socrates.

My kid asks "Why" for each and every thing that I tell him. Reason is inborn in the human soul and playway method of education does not point to reason. Rather as far as I know and think is intuites the mind to accept things as is and if not possible change it to match our passion and taste. Kids do need light dozes of education but do they really need to be turned away from the bitter stress of memorizing and the bitter pain of holding the pen for writing?

Many people out there are more experianced and learned then myself and the fact is that I learn from them and try to understand their tactics to teaching and adopt it. They would better more shed light on the debate I intend to raise. I am merely a student of the philosophy that "great teachers inspire".

Someone came upto me and said that the students are always right, the customer is always right. From which day did the philosophy of education change. In todays commercial world teaching has become a curse for some who fear their students for the sake of saving their own bread. The playway method has made education a game and the school a playground.

Aristotle once said, "Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well."

Live Audio /Video Relay from Burhani Masjid Dubai

Hasan Qutbi known to me since a couple of years is the brain around this entire relay drill. Audio/Video that seemed to be possible only through ISDN point to point connection is has now been made possible through DSL lines as well through remote connection to a CUTE little device "SlingBox". The device basically used for streaming your home TV shows to the desktop has done the job.

The only drawback was that the device supports single connections or maybe its the DSL line that has a single IP to allow remote connection to the box. The device is just wonderful and I got to try it out. I am having an idea about conferencing through this box if this entire drill works well and good.

Poison is the sweetest of wine with your hands

Love and sacrifice go hand in hand. Love demands sacrifice time and again. The chain is never ending even if you have nothing to spare. It is only true love that withstands such tyranny and such harsh tests.

My love has always given me and blessed me with the happiness my soul can feel from deep within. It is for the sake of this eternal love that I willingly drink the poisons of envy, jealosy and small thought. I fruitfully swallow the soar words and continious slappings and moments of embarrasement as if the poison was sweet wine.

Time hits hard the most staunchest of all lovers and tries them with the most rigorous of all calamities but true love, as of mine, sees the lovely smile of the eternal beauty that the beholder has seen. None can see and feel what we feel. The power of love make us super-humans.

May Allah bless you, oh my love, with all the happiness and our lives and days lay sacrificed on you. Ameen

Ziyafat and the Day of counting the numerous blessings

We were counting days and hours and then minutes as we came closer to the great day. Suddenly I heard the call of "Bismillah" and my eyes looked at the glimmering and noorani face of what could be called living paradise on earth.

We had been working hours long for this day and had been at Saifee Mahal since Saturday night when we reached Mumbai. Although the Gulf Air flight was very much tiring and had exhausted us but once at the Qasr Mubarak of Moula just next to his resting room was so peaceful that we forgot how tired we were. The next 30 hours or so were quite a drill for the decoration of which I was a very minute part but the needle-lady did get her name listed among those who had gathered to buy of Yusuf (AS).

I did feel sad due to some reasons that I anticipated to have but could not. Lacking was in me and there is always a next time. I just cried when I felt to and as much as I could sitting just near the door of Maula's Gurfah Mubaraka and voiced my wishes as I kept doing what I was supposed to. The tazyeen seemed to have a long way to go on Saturday night and the khidmat was more important, I reminded myslef, then asking my duas. One cannot stop the tears from rolling. Deprivity is not the word but I did gain something that I don't know. The Alms I beg are maybe too much for a begger like me and that which I was given will feed me forever.

Why do the tears roll then. I fear that if death came upon me I would have missed something and therefore I asked to have recieved the pleasure and the honours of being in the Qadam mubarak of Moula (TUS).

A sinner I am but repentence is in my blood just as it is godly to forgive. My love for my Maula (TUS) makes my tears roll down as I remember the numerous bounties that he has bestowed on me. It has been a few months since I started to think of a ziyafat and the dua listened so soon. I could not believe myself. All my lasting araz done in a few moments. Araz of Mohammed, Maria and my father. Everything was so smooth as if I were alone in the ziyafat. Maula (TUS) asked if the Kitaabs I presented were hadiyah. Moula (TUS) emphasised on the Khidmat of the IT Committee as he said "IT Committee ni khidmat numaya che". I have been blessed with so many barakaat that I could not comprehend. Shukr is the word on my lips.

A night before the ziyafat a miskeen of Maula's karam and ehsan stood in the garden of saifee mahal praying to Allah and suddenly the light of Maula's balcony lit. A few minutes later I saw Maula walking in the balcony. After a year this was the first glimpse of Maula and it was the first sign of my voice being heard.

Human's err and human's are so prone to make mistakes that it could be within the blink of an eye. A thought may come from the blues and imprision you. It is then when you are put to test. I do not know where I stand but the test was rigorous and the mark sheet, yet to come. The only thing I could say is that: Maula! Whatever be, my love for you is inborn and eternal. Hold my hands in the adverse of times and hold me in your hands when I am too tired to walk and go on in life.

The countless blessings that Maula bestows on us cannot be comprehended by a mere human mind full of worldly thoughts and is far from being known to the pen. May Allah Subhanahu bless our beloved Moula (TUS) with a long and healthy life. Ameen

Ziyafat of Shareqah Mumineen

Karam and ehsan are the two words that describe the grace of our beloved Maula (TUS). I was thinking about the Ziyafat from the very first day when Qusai Bs expressed his vision. It is quite a difficult thing to decide finding ourselves trapped in the materialistic world.

Finally, I made up my mind to go ahead for what I thought was somthing that I had long wished. Though I had hoped that Maula (TUS) would grace my home but then maybe this was the first step. I had been long thinking of what I would present in Maula's hazrat because as far as I can understand myself I find my self null. I have nothing to offer to a great sultan of the world whose leadership extends over the souls of the universe. I have only 2 Kitaabs that could be presented though that too seems to less. I find myself in a state of irony as I think as what to do and how to prepare. My soul shivering with the very thought of standing before the eminent maqaam.

Thoughts come forward to ask Maula (TUS) for his nemat but the lip could not sound it and put in words. How could I ask of what I am not entitled to, nor can my sight rise to such unprecedented heights. The karam of Maula has always been a blanket on my sins and errors. infact the curtain of his kindness has made me more of a sinner as has his forgiving nature.

It has always been that Maula has covered my soul by his soothing nazaraat, that has kindled my spirit and kept me going.

May Allah bless our beloved Maula with a long life and may our generations reap their unprecedented barakaat and achieve such heights by his nazaraat. Ameen

Asbaq for the IT Committee of Sharjah

Allah Subhanahu has said in the Qur'an-e-Majid that "Allah will raise high in ranks those who have faith and those who are given Ilm." To seek knowledge has always been compulsary on the Human race since its very existence but you will get what you seek is not obligatory. It is a bounty of Allah and cannot be forcefully achieved.

Dua and the enthusiasm with which one seeks the truth does play an important role in achieving the target. The above Ayat not only shows the importance of Ilm but also reflects that amal is based on Ilm and cannot be benifited from to the optimal level till you have the knowledge needed for it. It is only Ilm that uplifts man and nothing else, Eman being the base of it.

We had sought raza for two kitaabs that are very crucial especially when it comes to the life of khidmat. One is Authored by Syednal Qadi al-Noman and the other by Syedna Hatim (RA). My intent was to provide a booster to the committee members for their most important and many khidmat, might they rise and work harder to achieve the joy of Maula's (TUS) qalb mubarak.

Getting raza for such lofty kitaabs was a bit hard as my friends and co-workers had never attended any asbaq before not even the basic kitaabs that build the foundation of our studies as we go on. I was afraid that we would not be the blessed once but the generosity of Syedna knows no limits nor has any boundaries for which our gratitude can never be enough.

There are always those who do not recognize the bounties of the lord and loose out. And there are those who receive it with much gratitude and humility these are the men who win the coin and are blesssed by Allah.

Yesterday night Janab Qusai BS handed to me the misaal for raza for the sabaqs and we started today. May Allah bless our Maula (TUS) for his azeem nemat and ehsan.

Talent and Trust

People do not trust you with the number of degrees and certificates you have rather they trust you with the level of experiance they have with you, the kind of personal aquintance or even from the feedback of the mass. Rarely people take their own decisions and mostly depend on the mass for a not so perfect of 'who' you are.

Personally I have seen my clients who trust me are people who know me persoanally rather then my company and rarely do people who do not know me personally tie-up in a deal with our company. Thats how everything works.

I am involved in many community projects locally and within wider areas but I find that even those who recommend my work from within my pears at a different level have little say over dependence on my type of work. They find it difficult to overcome the trust of their superiors that is rather built in their local charming boys though they lack far behind.

Another thing seen was that I have been a topper in Jamea in my class for years and have passed in Imteyaaz (Distinction) but that does not matter anymore. Nor does the hardwork and perspiration matter. What matters is a piece of paper which I may not have, although being having crossed the boundaries.

I have always wanted to impart what I received, as a matter of generosity from my master and not a result of my pace, but have never got the chance. To impart does not mean to show my abilities as these are gifted but is a matter of thanks giving to my master for his kind and generous deed. Wonder if my fate is so. Allah knows.

So well said by John Milton, "They also serve who stand and wait". The point of service is not in standing, instead it lies in the patience and grace of the long wait. On the other hand the wait must involve the strain of the tiring stand.

Therefore I will always continue with my humble khidmat as long as it takes or until my legs fall apart and my breath cease to be in my company.

For the community, by the community.

It has been a long time since I have been part of a community project and have learnt a lot from the gurus there. The project has been an issue of debate since the past year or so as there is little that has been done from the part of the already tight volunteers. The project has been live since 1997 and wow thats eternity when it comes to the age of the Internet. Now we stand questioning that whether or not its worth the effort.

My friends, some of them who have worked hard enough to keep this project going and have contributed their time heftily "working in the trenches" have also been questioning the worth and value of their time.

Recently, we had asked our community members to comment on what they would like to see from the project and what were their expectations from the project. To my astonishment, no one even bothered to comment. One of them asked for a lot of content. Let me sketch my feelings on the entire scenario.

Community projects are for the community and by the community. People wish to have a lot more from the projects that are devoloped for the community but forget that they need to put a lot of input themselves when it comes to reaping the gains. Where we stand the community grows in terms of quantity but not quality.

If you want your community to grow and reap benifits from it then you should consider contributing activly to its growth. Content does not come from mere writers. Quality writers are needed and then those who would take the innititive to publish that content. What about those who have to keep the infrastructure intact to make the content available. Does the community lack people of such expertise or is there a different reason why talent does not want to contribute to a community project where there is less exposure to the world of fame and glamour.

Lets face it we are not enthusiastic enough to work our way through.

Asbaq of Shz Saheb Aliasger BS Kalimuddin DM

It is surely a karam of Aqamola (tus) and the Sa'adat of this Burhani era that Mumineen are now recieving the barakaat of Haqaa'eq asbaaq. There was a time when people used to take mannat of Hajj to even recieve the barakaat of tawil. Kitaabs such as Daaim were recited to ellite groups of Dawat during the zuhur. The Doat of Ale Mohammed (SA) have been told to "give or hold without any account". Thus, this barakaat has spread beyonf boudaries. Young people who sought raza for the asbaaq from Shz Saheb were granted permission even though they had not recited tawil. There are categories of people. Some just attend because its a status issue for them, some are enthusiastic to learn but havent completed the prior stages of ilm. Some have been given raza for their long khidmat even though they lack far in knowledge. And there are people who have passed the stages of knowledge and reached to the level of haqa'eq gradually.

The results are quite simple. The categories resulting from the above mass are known by all but no one knows where he stands and so do I. These an be listed as
1. People who take it as a status issue just satisfy their ego and skip general asbaaq of zahir and tawil thinking that they are far beyond and higher for such knowledge. One who elevates himself above knowledge and khidmat is far lower in status.
2. There are people who have not attended Zahir but if they do have the ikhlas ilm reaches to them by the nazaraat of Moula (TUS) and these people should further seek knowledge.
3. There are those who have by some means recieved it as a blessing and will reep its benifits later on.
4. There are people who still have long way to go in achieving knowledge.

Knowledge is so wast an ocean that no one can ever drink to its last drop and such is the barakaat in the hearts of Awliya Kiraam. May Allah Subhanahu bless our beloved Moula (tus) a long life. Ameen

Madrasa Exams and the end of a Year

Today the exams of our madrasa started. Shk Husain Hafizji, Shk Huzaifa and M Aliager bhai have come for the Imtehan from India. I went early morning to pick-up Shk Huzaifa bhai from Dubai for the Writtens. The Papers were simple enough and I expect that the kids must have done good enough.

Its difficult to manage extreme conditions and if there are people like me, I am sure its more difficult to manage the situation. I am not much of a high goer but it does matter to some people who take it seriously. One cannot understand another person unless he is in that person's shoes. It is very difficult for each person to understand the other person's responsibilities and burdens unless you are in the same situation. At times I find myself trying to see a situation from the perspective of the other person but its way too difficult. So I should understand.

The orals also were fine and I find myself quite relaxed after a long week. Ego is something that man has brought with himself to this world and to cope with ones own ego is far more difficult then to deal with the ego of our contemporaries. I am quite proud of my kids of saniya, they did put in a lot of effort and were better then my expectations.

Ashara and Ashura in Sharjah

It has been many years since I last did Ashara out of Moula's (TUS) hazrat. I had been preparing to go for Ashara khidmat when it was announced that no one was to go to Mumbai. I didn't get a chance to go for waaz and also was tempted not to go to Mumbai, don't know why. My good friends did offer me accomodation at their place and I am thankful to them, but I just didn't want to go.

Well, this was the first time I was in Sharjah during Ashara and it was not anything like when you are doing Ashara with Moula (TUS). I did make up my mind and plungged into khidmat here. Here the IT Committee that was formed some 3 years back had now changed with many people coming in and an additional department to look after, the sound system - along with the relay. There was a lot of work and everything needed to be streamlined. People are new and need to be handled with care. I was a bit rough at times and that is a problem that I faced while handling the job.

As for everywhere our committee was no exception, I would like to quote a friend of mine, "There are too many Chiefs and no Indians". It is hard for a person who is in lead to tell a programmer to go sit and do data entry, but someone had to do it. I did try and set an example as I went on but did it work or not is not yet clear.

We did do a good job as a team. There are many people who work hard and as volunteers they need applaud. I am very much thankful to our Amil Saheb Qusai Bs Jamaluddin for supporting us as a committee by not only backing our plans but financially making us fit. The one thing everyone on the team appreciated was that on the day of Ashura, during the maqtal, he mentioned our team with a lot on emphasis and priority. He said that "The one group he would especially want to mention are those who are behind the curtains and are not seen in public...these are the IT Committee."

We all had a great feeling that each and everyday we had listened to Moula (TUS) and we done deedar. All because of the technology that is meant to serve our faith and our Moula (TUS). 2 waaz relayed through sattelite and one waaz 65 minutes video recording. Azeem Nemat. On the eve of Ashura we listened to the live kalemaat of Moula (TUS) for 30 Minutes and then Moula's paighaam for 15 Minutes. On Ashura another recording in which Mola (TUS) councelled Mumineen. May Allah bless him with a long life.



After about 5 years or so I was to deliver the bayan bayn al-Salatain on Ashura. I had been doing little preparations and had jotted a few points to mention in the wasila. I would like you, my reader, to know that it is the most difficult and easy of all tasks to make people weep on Imam Husain (AS). I was shivering before I stood up and it was not the first time I have spoken in public. I am used to it. But this time was unique. I just wished from my inner most part that Mola (TUS) bless me to fullfil his khidmat. As I stood next to the thakt and started the wasila the fear vanished. The fear was not what is called stage fear but of properly doing my part of Khidmat. I felt as if I was lifted in air as soon as I started. Al-Hamdolillah, by the dua of Moula (TUS) and his nazaraat it was a piece of cake.

I felt much relaxed after the wasila and now as I listen to the recording I feel that I could not have ever done it were it not for the sake of Imam Husain (AS) and his Dai (TUS).

Apart from all this, its so relaxing that Mustafa bhai, who was in portugal for waaz, both of us co-ordinated the reflections though we could not finish all of them but atleast we did some of it through the internet. The most incredible thing was that we were miles and miles away from the venue and alhamdolillah it was a great achievement and both Mustafa's niyat and mine took good shape. Qusai Bs also helped print and distribute the reflections in Sharjah and asked Shz Saheb to be distributed in Dubai too.

New Year - Hijri 1427

New Year has arrived and has shadowed us with enormous bounties especially the barakaat of live audioviz relay of Aqa Moula (TUS)'s first waaz mubarak.

We wish you all heartiest mubarakbadi on the auspicious occasion. The year is starting with the deedar of our beloved Moula (TUS) and lets all pray that it remains the same the whole year through.

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."

A quote of bill cosby and it is to remind myself to keep focused on one thing, pleasing the only human soul we will forever love and stay bound to, in this world and the hereafter, our beloved Moula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS).

We humbly request your kind remembrance in your dua during these auspicious days of barkaat of buka and matam on Imam Husain (AS) especially on the day of Ashura.

Wassalaam,

Abdy Syedna wa Amatehi (TUS),

Juzar Shk Yusuf bhai,
Maria Mu. Juzar
Mohammed Mu Juzar

Preps for the Satellite Relay on Tuesday

It was almost after zawal that I recieved a phone call from Janab Qusai BS, our Amil Saheb, that Huzurala (TUS) has with karam given raza for Audio Video relay of the first waaz. I was at carrefour with my wife and kid and I didnt know what to say for a few minutes. My heart began to pound in happiness and I seemed as if I was in the floating on air. I snapped myself ot of it to reply to Janab but the happiness just could not be held back.

I kept offering sajadaat as we proceeded home. We were to meet at night after magrib namaaz for fine tunning all audio and other related equipment for Ashara but this was yet an addtional joy. We had recieved our 12ft x 10ft Da-Lite rear projection screen a few days back and it was ready for its first debut.

As soon as we were over with the equipment in the control room and had set-up the reciever, the camera controllers, the DVD-R, the amplifiers and other stuff we began the task of fixing the gigantic fast-flod screen. It was the first time we had fixed one and obviously it was to take time, 2 hours. It was ready and all set for the relay. Some more work is pending and we will be on it tommorrow, Insha'allah.

I am personally grateful to Qusai BS for his support to the IT Committee which will prove its worth as time goes by. We are all here for khidmat and as the bohras believe and practice, it is our Moula's nazaraat that gives us strength. That why most of the bohras believe in community service and the benefit of the human race on the whole.

I do hope that more and more waaz will be relayed, Insha'allah.

Ashara 1427 in UAE

Well, at last the wait is over and I was told from Mumbai that I won't b getting a moze any more. All Ummal are at their own mowaze and also other Qasre Aali and Asateza will be going for khidmat. I knew that chances were dim but still was trying my best. I thought that I could go for khidmat this year coz from next year again it would be with Moula (TUS).

Well, what ever happens is for the better but I was really very much depressed in the beginning that with all heart I wanted to go for khidmat and had made up my mind but didnt get a chance.

I am thinking of trying to write more for DBNet in line to Ashara, might it give me the sawab of khidmat I long wished to perform.

Shz Aliasger BS Kalimuddin will be coming to Dubai and I am quite happy knowing that will get more barakaat of Sabaq on the hands of Shz Saheb. Lets see how everything turns out. I want to go to Dubai for listening waaz also.

Use what talent you possess - the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best

Henry Van's words make me think that I should try my best to prepare for doing the waaz if I was to be granted the moze. The words give me light as I start preparing myself for the azeem khidmat.

I will start picking up and looking at awraaq and kitabs from tonight as soon as I return from the purchase trip with the IT committee for the Ashara preparations in Sharjah. We have to go a leap forward and acquire more techinically sound stuff looking at the future rather then the immediate now.

Doing waaz in Ashara

It has been sometime since I have really done any preparation for doing a waaz that too in Ashara, maybe 7 years. Thats a long time. Since 1419 H I haven't done waaz and maybe if I get a moze this year I might have to prepare for one. It is realy tough making people weep in rememberence of the sacrifice of Imam Husain (AS) and is the greatest of all Khidmats and lots of responsibility.

I have done araz for khidmat husainiyah since there is a farman that no one attend Ashara with Huzurala (TUS). I would have prefered to attend with Moula (TUS) but then this is the second best choice if I had to make one. Waiting for farman is also tense since at times waaz must be prepared according to the locality and the maturity of the people who are to listen to it.

I haven't had it difficult to deliver a speech or a bayan on a particular subject ever. And I guess this is the barakat of Jamea Saifiyah only. Offcourse the nazaraat of my beloved Moula (TUS) is the soul of all my strength. I write as I ponder and think on what to do. How wil I prepare myself for such a huge responsibility and by heart beats faster as I think of the farman to go to any xyz place for waaz. Surely, I rely on my Moula's Nazaraat rather then my own capacity which is not only too short to handle such an enormous duty but also has caught what I call, rust, due to the long break.

I have a lot of mawaad and content for the purpose but still feel nervous. I can feel the fear in my veins as tears roll on my cheeks. But I have to do what I have to do. I wait to serve. They also serve who stand and wait.

Mumineen are hungry to cry aloud and mourn Imam Husain (AS) and recieve more ilm during ashara and it is the Dai of Ale Mohammed (AS) who not only has the right but the power to deliver it to them. We Khidmat Guzaars are merely tools in his hand.

I do humbly ask all readers and my friends to remember me during these days. And I am sure I will do the best to make my Moula (TUS) happy with all his help and nazaraat. May Allah bless Moula (TUS) with sehat and afiyat forever. Ameen.

Little Knowledge is a dangerous thing

The so called "Leading web portal of the Dawoodi Bohras" has messed up its worth once again. Though it does several times but when it comes to the very self of my eternal love, "My Moula", I can't bare it. I do not want to abuse anyone but just jot down what's happening and ask you why is the one stop shop called the leading portal for its little knowledge. Well If you have got me then yes I am talking about Malumaat.

I happened to visit the front page of malumaat as I do for they have information that the other portal does not at times. The reasons are many and one is "youself", who do not contribute to mumineen.org or contribute less. Another reasons are techincal and policy matters. One could also be of quality. We did not do news but only Akhbar of Moula (TUS) but malumaat did everything and put in randomly on their page. Now we started a section dedicated to Akhbar of all Bilad Imaniyah and people can contribute. We rejected photos that were poor of quality and didn't publish them even if we had no other content for the event. We opt for quality and quantity. Visit the technical blog of mumineen.org

Its a community project and the community must step up to keep it going, its you th contributor who can make the difference.

Back to what I read today on malumaat. Its written that Moula (TUS)'s waaz was relayed from Saifee Hospital. WAAZ?? Thats what I call little knowledge. I don't boast to be the all knowlegeble but at least reasonble and have been a student ever. Acquiring as I go.

Oh, I forgot another blunder on the following page, http://malumaat.com/akhbar1426/mumbai/index25.html Look at the naming conventions of the photos. TEHNIYAAT. I don't think this was an Eid Milan programme where people visited to offer greetings. Mumineen visited the hospital to ask, enquire about Huzurala (TUS)'s well-being and pray for Moula (TUS) thats what is meant by Mizaaj Pursi as far as I know.

I leave it to you to understand if malumaat = information is correct and is a leading portal.

How a boss thinks

Have you ever wondered the reason behind flared-up sessions of a staff meet when the boss makes a heated speech to encourage the whole staff? Well here is one:

Lou Holtz - "On this team, we're all united in a common goal: to keep my job."

I had rather be first in a village than second at Rome.

Julius Caesar; such well said as he was fond of honor more then he feared his death. He was a mighty warrior and a well organized general. The historians rank him with Alexender the great. History will always remember such brave men and such men have strived for dignity. He was not ambitious as brutus told about him. He was a well talented man who deserved the position he hath held among the citizens of his nation. It was his government that made him an undisputed king, though un-crowned. Was he really ambitious. Even if he were did not he deserve it? And so do those who have such high potential.

Here is the what happened, as depicted by Shakesphere:

As Caesar lies in a pool of blood in the Roman Senate, Brutus tells a crowd of plebians what has just happened, and why Caesar's unrelenting ambition for power lead to his assassination. The crowd cheers Brutus on, wishing him to be the new Caesar. Brutus exits stage, and offsider Antony delivers this famous eulogy:

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do live after them. The good is oft interred with the bones,
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus,
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious...

Julius wasn't really such a bad..and so on, but from starting off endorsing Brutus's action, he reminds the crowd that bloke, that his death was regrettable, and after reading aloud Julius Caesar's will, that expressed how fond he really was of his citizens, the crowd instead becomes enraged at the conspirators. A riot ensues.

I love the words of Antony, so wonderful is his speech that leaves the beholders and the listeners speechless. I thought I should quote it here.

Mark Antony:
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him;
The evil that men do lives after them,
The good is oft interréd with their bones,
So let it be with Caesar…. The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious:
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answered it….
Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest,
(For Brutus is an honourable man;
So are they all; all honourable men)
Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral….
He was my friend, faithful and just to me:
But Brutus says he was ambitious;
And Brutus is an honourable man….
He hath brought many captives home to Rome,
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept:
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;
And Brutus is an honourable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;
And, sure, he is an honourable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause:
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?
O judgement! thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason…. Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me.

Eid al-Adha 1426

Photos by Shz Idris Bs Badruddin (DM) for mumineen.org

Reach Out For Your Dreams

Why are we afraid to chase our dreams... Why does one person find it difficult to set out and achieve that which they desire, while others can some how set out, without so much a care in the world. What makes some people achievers, while others remain simply dreamers.

Is it the difference in their internal makeup? Is it in the way they were raised? The environment they grew up in? When one studies the lives of "achievers" one thing becomes evident. What is it that tends to shine through in case after case?

In my opinion the most evident factor is that there simply isn't a set pattern. These "super achievers", if you will, come from all walks of life. These folks emerge from all social classes. Varying degrees of socioeconomic backgrounds. Some from affluent families, while others emerge from economically depressed areas, and all corners of the earth.

Some of these people are college educated, others are schooled through lessons that life has taught them; the school of hard knocks. Many from a combination of both. However, all understand that knowledge in any form is a constant thing to be acquired. Skills are constantly upgraded.

While each person has come face to face with giving up, they opted to befriended perseverance, and used it to their advantage. Somehow they've found a way to overcome the point at which one wants to give up, trudged ahead and reached a point of achievement.

Yet at this point most often they tend to move onto other areas of achievement. Not accepting the status quo. Choosing to move forward towards new goals, and things that stand in their path. Though they may come from vastly differing backgrounds, each has found within themselves their ability to turn dreams into reality.

When you read this it is my hope that you take from this the knowledge that you, are just as they are. You are in fact an achiever. Just like these people you will have adversity. You may have more then your fair share of shortcomings. You may experience what seems to be at the time an inordinate amount of failure in your life.

Even so, you are still an achiever. You have more greatness in you then you can ever know. I hope that you will choose to use the power of persistence to your benefit, as all those achievers before you have. In doing so I am certain you will accomplish much more than you can imagine you are capable of at this point in your life. Dare to dream, but even more importantly, dare to put action behinds your dreams...
Yours in success,

BEST REGARDS

ABDE SYEDNA TUS
MUFADDAL M. QASIM BHARMAL
KAMPALA - UGANDA
Malumaat @ Yahoogroups

People who can't bare the sight of you land up doing their own laundry

There are people in this world who want to have all the skills of other people. We call such a person "Jack of all, king of none". These people often look at society with mis-trust and want to have all the skills just to isolate themselves. Instead of trying to cope-up with the temperments of other people and adjust in the society and taking advantage of the skill-sets other people they try to manage it all. The result is that they loose out. They cannot focus on their own skills and leave their jobs incomplete. Just for the sake of competing with others and feed their insecurities these people neglect the best people available for the job.

Leaders can't be from this category. Leaders are people who delegate their work. Delegation skills are the most important of all skills needed to be a leader or a head of the department. This skill requires you to tackle the most stubborn person for getting a job well-done. On the other hand if a leader tries to do everything by himself or tries to delegate the a job to a non-qualified person just to feed his insecurity, then it will end up in turmoil.

I was watching "Kittu Sab Janti Hai" a TV show on Sahara One which gives much insight in the above passage. The show is like this. The new boss Yuvraj seeks to be a perfectionist and for some reason tries to put down Kittu and hand over her work to someone else, the granddaughter of the defence minister. On the other hand he plays the same trick with Jogi a political reporter who has good reach and insider contacts that are badly needed for News channels. He replaces this guy for some personal reason maybe, with the son of the Finance Minister. Yuvraj thinks that his channel is in no need of such people as Yogi and Kittu and that the channel is not dependent on their skills.

I am not sure what the turn-out of the show would be but this attitude has already landed Yuvraj into trouble and embarrasment once and I am sure this is what happens in real life as well.

Imam Ahmd al-Mastur (AS) has said in epistoles of the brethren of purity - Ikhwanus Safa that we should "Seek the help and aid in every work or skill from the concerned people".