Eid ul Fitr as an Islamic Festival

 

Festivals have great importance in the life of every nation. They are occasions of great and merry-making. They are often celebrated with great pomp and show. All the men, women and children enjoy these festivals. The Muslims have two religious festivals. All over the World, the Muslims celebrate them with great fervour and sanctity. These festivals are two Eids, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. Both are days of rejoicing and prayers.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a great religious festival of the Muslims. It is celebrated by the Muslims all over the world. It comes just after the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This is an occasion for great rejoicing and merry-making. Ramadan is the month of fasting for the Muslims. Eid ul Fitr falls at the end of this month. It is celebrated after sighting the moon. After sighting the moon, people give the message of “Eid Mubarak” to one another. Crackers are cracked. The children look very happy. They relish wearing new clothes on Eid.

The festival of Eid is celebrated by the Muslims quite zealously. Many days before the Eid, preparations to celebrate it start. The bazaars and markets are flooded with men, women and children on this occasion. The prices of various articles go up before Eid. The prices of toys, bangles and perfumes, also increase. New clothes and shoes are on display everywhere.

On the day of Eid, children get up very early. They wear a new dress. Old people put on clean clothes. Everybody rushes to the Eid Gah to say his prayers. After saying their prayers, they go home and enjoy the day with friends and relatives. Tasty dishes are cooked in every house. They are exchanged with friends and relatives. “Tonga and Rikshaw wala” make a lot of money because most of the people enjoy rides and go about visiting friends and relatives.

Shops are decorated and command a big sale. Girls gather under big trees and enjoy swings in villages. Greetings, parcels and gifts are exchanged.

A “Mela” is held at some open place for children. The pedlars sell toys, bangles and other interesting articles. The children buy these things eagerly. At night big dinners and parties are arranged.

Eid ul Adha as an Islamic Festival

 

Festivals occupy an important place in the life of every nation. They reflect the emotional as well as the intellectual side of national life. They mark the cultural aspect of a nation. They tell us how a nation lives its life and what its moral and social laws are. They reflect upon the achievement and progress of a nation. The festivals indicate the way a nation celebrates its joys and pleasures.

Like other nations of the world, the Muslims have two festivals in a year. The Muslims celebrate them with great pomp and show. One is Edi-ul-Fitr, which comes at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a gift of ALLAH to the Muslims who observe the tests of Ramadan with full devotion. The other religious festival is Eid-ul-Azha. It is the festival that celebrates Hazrat Ibrahim’s attempt to sacrifice his son, Hazrat Ismaeel (A.S), on the behest of Allah. This act of sacrifice and obedience earned the pleasure of Allah so much that He sent a sheep from heaven and saved Hazrat Ismaeel (A.S) from slaughter at the hands of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S). It has been enjoined upon the Muslims to sacrifice a goat, a cow or a camel in the name of Allah.

The object of this sacrifice is quite simple; to please ALLAH and to commemorate the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S). It is celebrated in the month of Zul-Hajjah. It makes the end at Hajj. The pilgrims in Makkah perform the sacrifice on the 10th of Zul-Hajjah. It is the last month of Islamic calendar. The Muslims, who do not go to Makkah, sacrifice the animals at their own places. All over the world Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Azha. On this occasion, a sheep, a goat, a cow or a camel is slaughtered in the name of Allah.

It is a reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. The day of Eid-ul-Azha starts with the recitation of Takbeer, in which the Muslims glorify the greatness of ALLAH and thank Him for His bounties. All the Muslims go to Eid Ghahs (open places) or to Masjid to say prayers. After saying their prayer, they pray for the safety and unity of the Muslim Ummah. After the prayers, the Muslims are ready for the sacrifice of their animals. The butchers are engaged to slaughter the animals. However, a few devoted Muslims slaughter their animals themselves. The meat of the animals is distributed among the poor and the needy. It is also distributed among relatives. On the Eid day, men, women and children wear neat and new clothes. Many tasty and delicious dishes of meat are cooked in every family. Some of the rich persons hold public gatherings and arrange Barbecue feasts. The friends and relatives are served delicious roasted meat items. These functions are quite pleasurable. The Eid-ul-Azha continues for three days. The animals can be slaughtered for three days.

The Muslims celebrate this Eid with great zeal and fervour. In the Climax of their celebration, they do not forget to praise ALLAH and His blessings. In every Masjid, the Takbeers are recited loudly in praise of ALLAH. The Muslims feel proud of having such a festival in which they can fulfill the needs of the poor and downtrodden and also praise the greatness of ALLAH.

Cash Crops of Pakistan

Pakistan is an agricultural country and 70% of her population lives on agriculture. Our farmers produce two types of crops.

1. Food crops 
2. Non-food crops.

These crops not only fill the local needs of food and provide raw material to our industry but also a large part of it is exported abroad to earn foreign exchange. The most important cash crops are cotton, rice, sugar cane, tobacco and fruits, etc.

Cotton is the main cash crop of Pakistan. It is grown in Sindh and Punjab. In Sindh, cotton is grown in the districts of Tharparkar and Sanghar while in Punjab, districts of Multan, Sahiwal and Rahim Yar Khan are well known for cotton production.

Rice is our best cash crop. It is grown in Punjab. Sindh, and N.W.F.P. in Punjab and Sindh, it is grown on 150 million hectares. The one variety of Rice called “Basmati” is very popular and is in great demand everywhere. Its contribution to foreign exchange earning is estimated at 22%.

Sugarcane is also a supplier of raw material for our sugar industry. Its average yield is 50 ten per hectare. Almost every cultivator has some portion of his land reserved for this crop. It is grown in almost every province.

Tobacco is one of the important cash crops of Pakistan. The soil of Pakistan is very suitable for this crop. The tobacco industry provides jobs to a large number of workers in the field at the time of crop production and also in tobacco factories. Tobacco of a common quality is grown in the Punjab and Sind. The areas in and around Peshawar are rich in the production of Virginia tobacco, which is the world-famous quality of tobacco.

Fruits like mangoes, apples, grapes and oranges are also abroad, but it is the mangoes which top the list, Major markets are in the Middle East, Gulf countries, Singapore, Malaysia, London, Germany, and Sweden.

Seeds of mustard, sunflower and soya bean are grown as cash crops but the vegetable gene is mostly manufactured form the cottonseeds. Sunflowers are also becoming popular as cash crops.

We should make efforts to increase the production of the above crops so that unemployment can be controlled and the living standard of people may also be increased.

An Ideal Rainy Day

A rainy day is loved by everyone. There would hardly be anyone who despises it. Everyone has his own way of rejoicing the rain. While some love walking in the rain, others love to drench and dance while yet others love the view sitting on their window sill.

My ideal rainy day would be sitting by the window and watching rain, catching some droplets of rain and feeling the chilly breeze on my cheeks. I enjoy writing in my diary sitting by the window. It calms my heart and brings new and creative thoughts in my mind. My mother gets me hot cup of coffee and we enjoy our coffee together. I often turn on soft music and relax on an armchair sipping my coffee.

After spending my afternoon and relaxing with my mom, I love to go on a drive with my dad in the evening to explore the city and relish the beauty of nature. We visit our favourite restaurant during the rains and enjoy having crunchy onion and mirchi pakoras with mint chutney. 

By the time we drive back home, it’s usually dark. I feel so weary and sleepy as I return home. All I do on my return is just change and go to my bed. I really have a sound sleep on a rainy day as the weather is extremely chilly.

Conclusion

So my idea of rainy day is to spend my day with my family and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is so much fun to spend time with family during rains. I love my family and I love rains too.

National Poet "The Allama Iqbal"

"The Hero is a person who is admired for having done something very brave or having achieved something great." (Cambridge Advanced Learners)

The hero is seen as a man of exceptional qualities and matchless genius. He has the potential and courage to change the fate of his nation. He is the man of strong will power, steadfastness and outstanding nerve. His inspiring personality benefits the nation in multiple ways.

“A Hero is a man who does what he can.” (Romaine Rolland)

In human history, there are countless people who served humanity with their outstanding tasks. When we talk about great personalities, various names such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa and much more come to mind. These people had done a lot of things for the people. who needed them. They showed their tremendous courage in banishing the various ills of society and benefited their nations to a great deal.

“True heroism consists in being superior to the ills of life, in whatever shape they may challenge us to combat.” (Napoleon)

Among all these great men, my favorite personality is Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He is our national poet. A great poet only needs a simple verse to leave a long-lasting impression in the reader’s mind that’s why the poets attract me the most. They are said to be the disciples of God. They feel and express themselves in an unusual way. I, being fond of poetry, besides reading Urdu poets like Faiz, Firaq, Iqbal, Hafeez, Josh, Ghalib and many others, have also read Keats, Shelley, Blake, Yeats, Browning, Wordsworth and few other English poets. But Iqbal is my favorite personality. he is not only a poet, he is the leader and champion. He is a genius possessing matchless qualities in his personality.

The creator of the Idea of Pakistan, the poet of the East and champion of Islamic Philosophy was born in Sialkot on November 9th, 1877. He inherited mysticism from his father Sheikh Noor Muhammad and received his early education in his native town. After passing the intermediate examination from Murrey College, he joined Government College Lahore. He got his M.A in Philosophy with distinction and went over to England. There he did his PhD. After his return to the homeland, he settled down as a practicing lawyer. But he never felt cager for this profession. He had a higher calling in view. He aimed at the regeneration of the Muslims through poetry. He believed that nothing but Islamic Principles present the real code of life, As he says:

“I lead no party, I follow no leader. I have given the best part of my life to the careful study of Islam, its law and polity, its culture, its history and its literature.”

He persuaded the Muslims of India to realize their worth and urged them to learn the lesson of “self-esteem”. He convinced the Muslims to break the chains of slavery and come out as an independent nation. He wrote various letters to Quid-e-Azam requesting him to do something for the Muslim Nation. It was he who gave an idea of Pakistan.

In 1930, he made a historic speech in which he pointed out that the Muslims are quite different in their beliefs, customs and religion from other nations. He proposed a plan of peace and happiness for Indian residents.

In his poetry, there are many references from the Holy Quran. Some critics even are of the view that Iqbal’s poetry is the true explanation of the Holy Quran. His poetry suggests that Islam is a universal religion which has the ideal guidance not only for the Muslims but also for the whole world. He urged the Muslims to rekindle the flame of faith in their heart.

“To have no faith is worse than slavery.”

There is no doubt his poetry has universality and would continue benefiting the whole world. He has provided the fantastic code of ethics in his poetry. How beautifully he delivers the idea of self-respect, ego and attainments in life.

"The ultimate aim of the go is not to see something, but to be something."

If the Muslims begin to study, understand and follow his advice, they will surpass the nation and get an elevated place in this world. He is surely a hero in a true sense. He is my favorite personality. May the Muslims of this era get inspiration from his poetry and regain their lost glory

A Visit To A Historical Place

A trip to a historical site connects you with the past. It’s beautiful buildings and historic landmarks offer you a chance to take in the sights and learn something new about history. Learn about the rich heritage of your favorite destination.

There are many landscapes in Pakistan, from the snow-capped mountains of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the arid deserts of Sindh. Adventurous travelers and intrepid explorers will enjoy a visit to Pakistan.

Pakistan’s fascinating culture and fascinating history are reason enough to visit this wonderful country. However, its pristine lakes, azure waters, lush valleys, and breathtaking mountain ranges are just the icing on the cake.

Last week, my friend and I decided to travel by scooter to the tomb of Jahangir. It was a historical palace situated on the Jumma Pahlawan road in Lahore's Lower Mall locality. The idea of traveling in style on our available scooter.

We are going to a historic place. It’s going to take us half an hour. Let’s go now so that we can have enough time and get there on time.

The majestic tomb of the fourth Mughal emperor, Jahangir, is one of the best-preserved Mughal mausoleums in the country. It lies in a lonely corner of Shahdara, opposite the lush green fields of the historic Anarkali Bazaar.

The tomb left us genuinely impressed by the artistic qualities of the builder. White marbles, red sandstones, and a beautiful dome make this tomb stand out from the crowd.

This exquisite marble Memorial Arch is a tribute to those who fought for the Confederacy. Its fine craftsmanship and unusual design are unmatched anywhere in the world. It’s a must-see for every visitor.

The tomb is a low, large marble building. It was built for the emperor Jahangir, but it became his final resting place after his death. His wife was also buried here. Many other tombs in this garden have been built years for family members, but there are also some other graves in this garden that belong to people from different religious backgrounds.

Lahore is a beautiful city surrounded by hills. It has an eye-pleasing landscape and incredible architecture, including the Badshahi mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, which are masterpieces of Mughal architecture.

Our stomachs were growling after a long day of running errands. Finally, we got to the park just in time to cool off and take a break. The fresh air, gentle breeze, and our delicious sandwiches made it all worthwhile.

"Times passes but jubilant memories leave their impressions permanently".

It was a pleasure to visit Jahangir’s Tomb. With some effort, we went there, where we felt the history and timelessness around us. The tomb was built in 1606 and has become one of the premier attractions for tourists visiting Agra. Our trip today was not very far, but it will forever remain a part of our life.

A Hot Summer Day

 

It was the month of June. It was sultry hot. The sun was shining very brightly. It was right over the head. It seemed as it was raining fire. It was emitting flames and balls of fire. It was extremely hot. The day was totally unbearable. The creatures were gasping for breath. The house was burning with heat. The electricity had tripped. The fans had stopped. Now to remain in the house was quite intolerable. The hand fan was equally ineffective. The air was too fiery to give any relief. This situation compelled me to go outside in the open. 

I went to the nearby Gardens in search of a cool breeze. But I was badly mistaken. There not even a leaf was moving. The earth itself was as hot as oven. The grass and tender leaves of tiny plants were all parched. Birds and animals were breathless. The street dogs were rolling in the slushy (muddy) pond nearby. Many a cattle was wandering aimlessly for a shady place. But it was the only thing which was not available anywhere. There was excessive heat on all sides. Even the shade of the trees was respiteless. 

I went to the nook and corner of the garden but there was no rest anywhere at all. I became greatly restless and feverish. Then I returned home. I felt my pulse. My body was burning. I was sick. On reaching home, I fell ill due to heat-stroke. I was confined to bed. My temperature rose to 104 degree. The doctor was called in. He checked me thoroughly. He assured my parents that it was nothing but a simple sunstroke. He prescribed a few medicines and a bandage soaked in ice-cold water. This bandage was to be applied again and again on my forehead. It would soothe me. It would help decrease my temperature considerably. I got medicines, I took rest in my bed. The bandage was applied time and again. I felt soothed. My mother was greatly worried about me. She said again and again that her son, who was hearty an hour ago, was now a patient, confined to bed with high temperature. But when she helped me with a hand fan and ice-cold bandage, she herself felt re-assured. My fever came down suddenly to the relief of my parents. They became happy. I also became relieved of the restlessness which I had been feeling greatly by now. 

Thanks Lord I was well and on my feet again by the evening. Then the electric fans and cooler began to work. As by then the line to our house from the electric pole was rectified. The pressure of heat decreased. The cool breeze followed. And every thing was o.k. 

But when I was lying in my bed, my ideas ran to scrutinize the cycle of seasons-whether it was winter or summer. Both the seasons are equally nasty and bad for a poor man. In a hot summer, the poor fellow had no rest. He has to work hard in order to meet his ever day’s needs. It is very difficult to make both ends meet gracefully and leisurely. He works always under a scorching heat. His lot is really very hard. Again, if it is winter, he is an easy prey to a biting cold. He has to face chilly winds. He has no warm clothes to cover his body. With bare hands and feet, the poor fellow has to put in hard labour. Mostly he falls ill. His body is naked. His stomach is empty and hungry. But he has to work in such an unpleasant weather. He knows no rest. His lot is very pitable. Either season is not favourable to him.