Tagheyyur.

The basic premise of all leaders which were included in Pakistan movement through 1857 was “Unity”. From Sir Syed’s ‘dulhan’ to Iqbal’s ‘mein uska banda banunga jis ko khuda k bandon se pyar hoga’, to Jinnah’s ‘faith unity and discipline. Even Mary Parker Follette, in her world renowned book, ‘The New State’, states ‘there should be a will to will the common will.’ They and others always talked about unity and power of people instead of rule of few. When Iqbal commended Ataturk’s revolution of democracy he said that the parliament can act like a body to bring into action what people demand. And Turkey is pioneering a great system when Khilafat ended. Sir Agha Khan III said that the true leader is the one who listens to the inspirations and dreams of his people intently and realize them in physical form for them. We in our age need to go back to our roots and learn from them that how they became great leaders. How they achieved great things; by listening to the time...

He said I am confused about my direction. He left me questioning myself and my ideas. I asked him to specify but he changed the subject so I have to figure it out on my own. He is right to think that way. I don't judge his judgement. But I know that there's lack of understanding in this statement. It's okay. I will not explain myself because its of no use.  I have things on my mind but that is not enough. One has to have time and presence of mind to turn those ideas into actions. Yes I am always talking (to myself about doing this and that) but its all talking and he doesn't see any thing substantial so he is right in a way.  But who is going to change it. When am I going to have 'enough' time to have my ideas come true. Nobody tells me that.  What did I want to say? Why did I come here? I just wanted to let it out to keep me going I guess. It gets quite strenuous to keep your mouth shut for hours on end. I have been reading a lot these days. But I c...

I am usually rude, mean, angry and moody with the kids. I take out my frustrations on them fully aware that I shouldn't be doing it but carrying on anyway after holding it inside me longer than necessary. Lately I have been trying to be patient with the kids. I see this transformation in my three year old as well. With me, he is also trying to control himself. Even going a step ahead by offering compassion to me. He surprises me. With Winter around the corner, I insist on eating everything warm (read hot). "It's medicine when taken warmer." I tell them. And they both accept it grumping about. So my three old had his egg and I didn't, I didn't feel like eating it. He saw it and came to me; "You didn't eat it? Meine bhe khal lia, affan ne bhe kha lia. Ap thanda khaengi to tabyat kharab ho jaegi. Phir mein apko dawayi nahin dunga." And my heart burst with I don't know what not. Yes, I become cruel and tell them that if they wet their clothes or...

The second chapter of Aazadi book is about the first stage of active struggle of Muslims. This period is from 1886-1906 Syed's personality in that period towers over others. This stage is twenty year long and all of these years are brimming with Syed's efforts. His efforts are defined beautifully by Iqbal that his ideas were so huge that they needed several generations to gradually unfold and reveal their consequences. The society free of want and poverty was the only goal behind every effort of Syed and it is unfolding even now after more than a hundred years. He introduced the everlasting good which was in fact the soul of all human beings and which was going to be the centre of attention of our ancestors. All of their efforts revolve around her. This period gave us the manifestation of consensus also. Canada came into being through dialogue and. Nobody imagined that, especially Britishers, after more than 50 years another state would come into being. Sy...

This interview is divided into series for easy reading purpose. You can read parts I , II , III and IV as mentioned. During freedom movement, the Muslims sadly didn't have access to different forms of media as Indian Congress had. Congress even had voices in British Parliament which spoke on their behalf; ruling Muslims totally out of mainstream. As a result, common English person didn't know which minorities existed in sub-continent and what was their stance. In this backdrop, they were unaware of Muslims' struggles and how they were subjugated. And so they were in favor of United India. Also, it was (and also today) falsely believed that British wanted to create Pakistan. It is one of the greatest lies of history. Quaid-e-Azam made it a point in many of his speeches that "it was the common man who came first. You (educated people) came later" [for Pakistan Movement]. It is also discussed in detail in Mr. Khurram Ali Shafique's new book, Aazadi (u...

Aazadi book lays down the journey of freedom from slavery and foreign rule. This book breaks so many idols and brings out shocking facts, yes facts which were literally erased from our books, minds, hearts. It rightly claims that if only we accept what is presented in this book we will have our legacy again., and it is not a mere wish of the author but what our hailed ancestors struggled and lived for. Where do we come from? Why did we come out of India? How did it happen and many more likely questions are answered in this book. It is usually wrongly believed that there was mutual hate among Muslims, Hindus and Britishers and thats how Pakistan came into being. The author discusses this lie which is fed especially to young Muslim of Pakistan. The hate was not mutual. Neither it always existed. Hindus and Muslims lived peacefully in Muslim Empire. Muslim Emperors went out of their ways to keep the peace for Hindus and not make them feel they were ruled by foreigners....

  (Int erview continues) SELF(BN): And does that also apply to defense? JINNAH: Of course it applies to defense. Once again I will ask you a question. How is Afghanistan defended? Well? The answer is not very complicated. By the Afghans. Just that. We are a brave and united people who are prepared to work and, if neces- sary, fight. So how does the question of defence present any peculiar difficulties? In what way do we differ from other nations? From Iran, for example? Obviously, there will have to be a transition period. We are not asking the British to quit India overnight. The British have helped to make this gigantic muddle, and they must stay and help to clear it up. But before they can do that, they will have to do a lot of hard thinking. And that reminds me I have something I would like to show you. He excused himself and left the room. I lit a cigarette and waited. And suddenly I realized that something very remarkable was happening, or rather was ...

This is the third part of the interview series. You can read previous parts here and here . Beverly Nichols interviewed Quaid-e-Azam in 1943 and included it in his book "Verdict On India". He was quite taken with Quaid's personality. Look how he describes him [Jinnah] in the chapter when he reached at his place to meet him.  THE most important man in Asia is sixty-seven, tall, thin, and elegant, with a monocle on a grey silk cord, and a stiff white collar which he wears in the hottest weather. [...] I have called Mr. Jinnah 'the most important man in Asia That was to ensure that you kept him spotlit in your mind. Like all superlatives the description is open to argument, but it is not really so far from the truth. India is likely to be the world's greatest problem for some years to come, and Mr. Jinnah is in a position of unique strategic importance. He can sway the battle this way or that as he chooses.    JINNAH: [with a smile] What other question...

It is a common notion that Quaid-e-Azam united Muslims of India but it is hardly ever acknowledged that the Muslims of India were an organic entity and it was growing on its own terms especially after 1857. This aspect is discussed in depth in my teacher's book "Azaadi" in which he describes painstakingly how Muslim Nation evolved and Pakistan came into being. I am by no means diminishing Quaid's role in freedom movement, no. What I mean to highlight is the Muslims of India had developed their intuition and they were growing onto that. Quaid himself always believed that the people had bestowed the power upon him and not vice versa. He acknowledged this principle number of times. For example, when he was proposing the 14 points for Muslim League he clearly conveyed that these are only suggestions based upon numerous meetings with different minority groups within India and it is unto these groups whether they accept them or reject them.  Here, in below responses al...

My teacher Khurram Ali Shafique sahab recommended me a book, "Verdict On India". There was a chapter in which the writer,  Beverly Nichols interviewed Jinnah in 1943. Though Jinnah promised to give him just half an hour but they actually talked for three hours, concerning matters of wide range.  This post is part of a series where I am going to break down this interview into smaller posts for effective reading.  What I found profound about this interview is the stature of Quaid-e-Azam. The power in his answers is almost tangible. You can feel the strength of his argument and relive the faith which the Muslims of that time felt when they were in Quaid's presence.  Its also amusing (for me) that this interview is sort of an elder is admonishing a child of stupid behavior. Or may be Pakistan has been so much a reality for us that we almost (mentally) accuse different nations of not seeing it so. May be every national feels the same for their country which we fe...

I don't know from where to begin. I'm kicking it off just for the sake of it.  I'm a mother of two toddlers (boys). Elder 4 and younger 3. full stop yes. Hahahhaha! I want a daughter very much but I don't ask Him. I don't know what's the wisdom behind gifting me with two boys when I really wanted a daughter and I prayed at that time. Was even disappointed when nurse announced what is it. Hahahhaha! couldn't help it. They are my life though. They are so cute and innocent and nerve wrecking hurricane. I love them.  Affan goes to a school. He's in nursery. He asks me daily if tomorrow is off and I say no. Today he woke up before me and asked the same question. He was angry and lied down again, pretending to sleep. I told him to get up but he didn't budge. He immediately got up when I said come on, I'll carry you to the washroom. They both make me smile in odd situations.  Like few days back, Talal was in washroom. I don't remember ...

A few days ago I was very disturbed. I was trying to find the reason behind the dilemma I was in - like always. Not questioning His plan or Power; just curious about the Wisdom of it. Last night when going to bed I recited the last ayahs of surah baqarah and there was my answer. And I was immediately calmed by the thought that He doesn't burden a soul beyond their capacity so no matter what is the Wisdom or Reason behind the situation He Knows I can handle it. And that was the last thought I had before I fell asleep. Allah tala is truly truly Wise. and He shows it to us every now and then. How Wisely He takes His slave a step further towards Himself. Makes us trust Him by reassuring us through His Words (Quran) that He Knows and He listens and cares and plans best. If we ponder upon this ayah, "He doesn't burden a soul beyond its capacity" we get a picture of a strong character. The slave knows that he is capable of handling this situation since allah says it. ...