The new breeze

Ramadan by A-Focus on DeviantArt

After trashing this post twice, I thought to write it finally. The past two days have been busy due to Ramadan and the Photo Fest which I’m really excited about. You will witness shades of life from my lens – a fancy way of saying that I will be photographing during this month and will be updating the page everyday. YAY! Infact, capturing moments in lens allows you to expand your horizons and for once, look at life from a different lens.

There is nice cool breeze outside as the sun is rising. Today will roll by silently as last week did. But I’m glad July is over which was packed with too much work but it feels good that it’s done now and out of sight. August carries a new silent breeze – a fresh start. The early morning breeze at Sehri is so satisfying and listening to the wind rustle by the trees early morning is so serene.

I hope this month brings peace in Pakistan especially our lovely city, Karachi. News have been crammed up with Karachi’s worst scenarios this month. I hope that, atleast, there is some stillness in the city during the month. Please do not forget our beloved country in your prayers.

Also, don’t forget to check  out the Photo fest project. 

Photo Fest – 30 days!

I will have to admit that I didn’t have any passion for photography when I was a child. This passion developed and grew over the past few years. Capturing moments into my memory? Ummm.. I’m not so good at it. But I have found out that pictures are something which help me remember the moment exactly the way it occurred; every passing second of that moment flashes through my mind like it is happening around me at the moment. I bet it’s the case for most of us.

I stumbled upon this website just a few days ago – Number 27. This man, Jonathan Harris, has done some really inspiring work. The short film below will further explains what he did and why:

I think sometimes in life we need to take small steps which help us advance ourselves towards forming goals that we can handle in the future. One small step at a time can change our lives and inspire us to spread good around us. Besides making goals, it is more about achieving what you intend to through every possible means. Making goals, achieving them and then inspiring others  - I think these three things help us build a stronger commitment to our future plans. Aspire, in other words.

This video inspired me to start a 30-day Photo fest. I know it is a very tough commitment since it’s Ramadan. I will have to juggle between this and other household duties, but life isn’t fun without challenges – challenges for self-development.  And again, it is all about aspiring what you want. So, I have decided that I will be posting one photo a day with a blurb about it on my blog. You will encounter more Ramadan themes in the pictures though. So, keep an eye out on this blog.

Follow the project here: 30-day Photo Fest

Some previous work can be found on 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fakeplastictears/

Starting first Ramadan!

Ahlan Wa Sahlan, Ya Ramadan!

Summer will be busy and interesting once again. Yes, Ramadan is here. Well, almost. So tomorrow will hopefully be the last day for any last-minute groceries for the first official day of Ramadan which falls on this Monday (I really hope the moon comes out tomorrow). It would be nice to have Ramadan start on the first and end either on 29th or the 30th – Wouldn’t it? Looks so much more organized and easy. Back to the business.

We don’t know whether this Ramadan will be our last but we do know that we have once again been given the opportunity to repent for past sins and ask for forgiveness from Allah – the most Compassionate and Merciful. Since many of us have vacations, it would be a good idea to concentrate on things that we would have not been able to, otherwise e.g. perfecting your fast, salah, reading some religious books, Aalim Online etc. That has been crossed out because it is better to read some books on your own rather than depending on someone else’s point-of-view.

Finally, there will be some peace of mind. Waking up for Sahoor, the breakfast with family, the fajr prayer, and then the sunrise which I find the most serene moment of my day. It is so calm and unruffled. Our monotonous routines often kill our productivity and we tend to slack off over the year. I hope this Ramadan rejuvenates us with some positive energy of spreading good all around us. I also hope that where ever you are, may your wishes and dua’s be fulfilled. May Allah bless us and everyone around the world with happiness, and peace of mind and soul.

Ramadan Kareem!

The end of Ramadan

Mecca, the spiritual magnetic pole of the world - an aerial view, taken on Sunday, the 27th night of Ramadan 1431 A.H. shared by Sumayya Essack. For enlarged version, click on the picture!

1. After seeing this picture, I just could not resist posting it up here to share it with you all. It is simply ecstatic Khana Kaba has always been a place of attraction for Muslims around the world and it always will be InshaAllah Azzawajul. As Ramadan is at its end, people are shopping, going out to malls, buying clothes and other things. Just remember that please don`t get your all Ibada`go in vain in these last two days which you have earned with struggle during this month. May our fasting be accepted by Allah. May Allah forgive us for our shortcomings and be pleased with us all.

2. Last but not least, please don’t forget our flood-affected brethren in Pakistan. Help them as much as you can and you will be rewarded by Allah InshaAllah

Allah Almighty says, ‘My love is mandatory for those who love each other for My sake and those who sit with each other for My sake, and those who visit each other for My sake and those who give to each other for My sake - Hadith of the Messenger, recorded in Imam Malik’s al-Muwatta

Naat: Alvida Mah-e-Ramadan

Laylat-ul-Qadr | Secret Map

Sorry for being away for so long. Ramadan is as busy as always, Alhumdulilah. Since you all know, The Night Of Power is just around the corner; I thought to post some really important info. Thanks to Sadiq Bhai for all the efforts. JazakAllah Hu Khair! Please remember me in your prayers.

Khwaja Abul Hasan Kharkani mentioned that he did not missed the Night of Power since his adolescence age based on the instruction/ quotations of Imam Jafar Sadiq, the 6th Shia Imam and descendant of holy Prophet. According to him, the night of Power will be on the following:

· If first day of Ramadan starts on Monday, the Night of Power will be on 21st Ramadan.
· If first day of Ramadan starts on Saturday, the Night of Power will be on 23rd Ramadan.
· If first day of Ramadan starts on Thursday, the Night of Power will be on 25th Ramadan.
. If first day of Ramadan starts on Tuesday or Friday, the Night of Power will be 27th Ramadan.
· If first day of Ramadan starts on Wednesday or Sunday, the Night of Power will be on 29th Ramadan.

Moulana Abdul Hai Farangi Mahli has also mentioned in his book that he has implemented the above mentioned dates and found them blessed with the Night of Power. (credit) A similar methodology to find the Laylat al-Qadr is also mentioned by Shaykh Ibn Arabi. Truly, God alone knows the true Secret of this Hidden Night.

Audio Recitation of Surah Al-Qadr with English Trans.:
https://www.box.net/shared/9bqbmpp9xp