Is Our Patriotism Limited to Materialism?

It is 14^th August today. 70 years ago on this day our forefathers fought to have a land where Muslims can freely obey Allah and follow the Sunnah.

But unfortunately today the 14^th August is the day when people go crazy on the streets. They dance on music that deafens the ears. They wear everything green and white, and drive their vehicles without silencer, and on high speed that can cause severe accidents. Every year aerial firing kills innocent people. 70 years ago these precious lives were lost to give us a peaceful life on this land. Today these precious lives are lost on the expanse of someone wanting to feel the rush of adrenaline. So hasn’t our patriotism become materialistic?

I feel 14^th August should be a day of reflecting and pondering about this blessed land. I feel 14^th August should be the day when you thank Allah tremendously. When you evaluate yourself as a Pakistani, as a Muslim, and as a human being. When you ask yourself this question, ‘What have I done for my country so far?’

I am not against beautifying our homes and our streets with flags on Independence Day. I am not against going all green in our attire on 14^th August. But what I wish is we celebrate the day for what it is and not for what we want to do with it.

Jazakillah khairun kaseerun

The Beauty of Prayer

Prayer is our lifeline.

Without prayer we are nothing but flesh and bones.

Prayer gives us a true purpose in life.

It makes us feel useful.

Prayer leads us to success, to peace, to Jannah.

Hence we must never skip our prayer.

There is no guarantee of our life.

There is no guarantee if we will be alive to pray our very next prayer.

Another beauty of prayer is the mindfulness (that is if we really focus while praying).

Focus in prayer makes us forget our worries, our sorrows, our mistakes and, our greatest fears.

Focus in prayer gives us relief.

Focus in prayer rejuvenates us.

Prayer is obligatory and is a duty towards your Creator.

Leaving prayer is like leaving the opportunity to be successful.

Hence make time for prayer because the beauty of prayer is felt nowhere but in prayer.

Eid Mubarak To My Readers

As much as this day brings happiness to each of our homes and heart, we cannot deny the grief that the innumerable deaths around the world have caused. Not just in my country Pakistan, but each part of the world, especially the Muslim countries were terribly hit by unfortunate events. So it is my request to you to please remember them and their families in your prayers today and the days to come.

As I mention the word ‘prayers’, I wish to remind you that Ramadan may be over but not your test. You are still in this Dunya and the Angels at your sides (Kiraman Katibeen) are still writing down your good and bad deeds. The Angels carry on shifting their position during Fajr and Asr to report Allah Ta’alah that if you were praying or not when they left. So nothing has stopped. Only Ramadan has gone by but your life is still going on. You are supposed to obey to the commands of Allah Ta’alah even right now. So please don’t forget to pray all your five daily prayers. Please don’t let the spirit of Ramadan die. Don’t let your efforts go in vain. You have spent many nights repenting for your sins so don’t start its collection all over again.

On a lighter note, enjoy the Eid delicacies. I would love to know what your first day of Eid is like. For me Eid day begins with the Fajr prayer of course, after which I do a bit of cleaning and arranging that is left from the day before. As a Surti Gujurati my breakfast comprises of Payaa (without which my breakfast seems incomplete), Andaa Murghi ka Salan (Egg and Chicken curry) and Shermaal and Naan (these two are a kind of bread) to eat with it. This is like my most awaited breakfast. After that there is a serving of Sheer Khorma (vermicelli) for each of us. Then  I joyfully have a cup of coffee. Mmmmm! This is utter delight because Alhamdulilah I stop drinking coffee during Ramadan in order to avoid intake of caffeine. In the afternoon we go to meet our relatives and that’s about it.

So this is all about my first day of Eid. I’d love to know about your Eid as well so don’t forget to share it below in the comments section.

EID MUBARAK!

Regards,

Aisha

The Struggle Of Finding The Right Job

After university ends life starts to feel like a big empty hole. When you are in university or college there is always a push that makes you keep going even if you don’t want to. But as soon as you step out of university it feels like you have stepped on a deserted island where your first goal is to look for water but exactly in which direction, becomes the big question.

During my last month in the university I was having mixed feelings. I already had some ideas in mind but they weren’t yet ripe enough to implement. Then the final exams began and ended all too soon. The first 2 months I enjoyed, Alhumdulilah and I am still enjoying. I have gone to a few job interviews but something just didn’t feel right. I am a person who adjusts quite easily but certain times I just don’t feel like settling for anything less.

With 5 years of experience in freelance writing and 4 years of experience in blogging I can easily get a full time writing job (was also offered from a few places) but that is not what my life goal is. I know some of you reading this might think that I am being ungrateful but honestly I don’t want to settle for something that is not going to give me the satisfaction even if it brings in a lot of cash. I love writing but working as a full time writer is not what I would enjoy doing hence I am still in search of that right job.

I have always wanted to work in a field where I could bring positive change in the lives of people. My blogging allows me to do that and so does the book that I finished writing several months ago. Now I wish to work in an organization where I can actively do this. People have told me that I should just settle with whatever offer I am getting but once again I want to follow my heart just like how I did when I was confused between choosing to become a doctor or a psychologist. I believe in doing something that I enjoy so I can give my best to whatever I am doing.

I don’t mean to rant in this blog post but I thought this piece of my feelings can be a source of inspiration for those who are struggling to follow their dreams rather than the crowd. If you are not ready to settle for something that doesn’t excites you then it is totally okay. If you are still lost and not able to decide what you want to do in life, it is still okay. If you believe that despite all the hopelessness you will still find the job that you want, then it is totally fine. If you are not running after money but rather expertise, then that is wonderful. If you are not ready to follow the herd and want to make your own path, then that is great!

Just know that Allah is closer to you than the jugular vein. He will answer your prayers and He knows your good intentions. Stay strong, keep praying and don’t stop striking over and over again.

Life is not just about earning money,

It’s about doing the thing that defines you.

Jazakillah khairun kaseerun.

The Price Of A Differently Abled Child

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a special child? Their eyes reflect innocence like every other child. God has only created them in a different way which sometimes requires extra attention from their care takers. But then who isn’t different. The society takes advantage of this situation and makes the parent pay a hefty price for something that wasn’t in their control.

Looks of disapproval

The society makes the parent pay when they look at their child with disbelieving eyes. When they show annoyance for their child’s restlessness. When the society fails to provide support to their parents. The world makes the parent pay a price when they look at them in a degrading manner. What these people forget is that beauty and intelligence come in different forms.

We all face hurdles

One of the biggest myths about a child with special needs is that they bring unhappiness to their parents. But they fail to understand that a child who is like every other doesn’t always guarantees success and happiness to their parents. Each one of us faces some form of difficulty in life. God tests each one of us so no one has any right to look down upon a child who might be slightly different than the rest. No person has any right to label any child.

The experts take advantage

The health welfare team charges tons of money for helping the child deal with their limitations. While some countries may be considerate enough to provide financial help to parents, organizations in many countries take it as an opportunity to fill their pockets with as much as you can.

Every child deserves respect

A child may score low in their academics.

A child may stutter while speaking.

A child may show lack of confidence when in public.

A child may lack some form of capability.

A child may be mentally challenged.

A child may be physically disabled.

A child may face difficulty in focusing.

A child may be hyperactive.

A child may require extra help.

A child may require more attention.

But they all deserve to be respected.

What People Have To Say About Me Being A Quiet Person…

I enjoy talking but with those people with whom I can relate. I am usually hungry for intellectual talks which can help me increase my knowledge. People who mostly have tons of gossip or boost about materialistic goods don’t fascinate me. I’d rather be alone than spend time with people whose sole purpose is to gossip. This ideally means that I don’t interact much with every person I meet and it is always funny to hear what people have to say about me.

• They think I am arrogant because I remain serious among strangers but they don’t understand that this is my nature.
• I am considered to be a jealous person because I don’t inquire much about their life. But this is just because I don’t ask about things that have no concern for me. I would never ask a friend what her husband does as a living because that won’t benefit me. I will however be interested to know what my friend wishes to do in her life so I could assist her in some way.
• People think that I am not confident enough to speak but they don’t know that I have confidently presented in class presentations and have conducted group counselling sessions and workshops at different places.
• I am judged as a rude person but sometimes I just want to remain quiet.

Why I enjoy being a quiet person at times?

Sometimes I just want to be a spectator to different situations and this in turn also helps me to writer better. I get to understand a situation without being in it and that allows me to see every ones perspective. I enjoy listening to what other people have to say and I can be a good listener if I want to be. I like reflecting on situations and being quiet means I get to think thoroughly about a situation.

Another reason why I am quiet is because I don’t enjoy speaking at the top of my lungs. If I am a gathering where I will have to raise my voice to speak to everyone than I prefer being quiet. I get tired too easily if I speak loudly for long durations. Lastly, I cherish the people close to me and there are few of those. I don’t find it comfortable opening up to everyone and that is why I am mostly listening than talking. But if you find me sitting with my favourite people you will surely judge me as a talkative person.

So this was about me. What about you? Are you an introvert or an extravert? What judgements do you have to hear for being any of those? Share it in the comments section. Let’s make this blog post more interesting.

Making The Most Of My Days ‘OFF’ From Studies

I wasn’t able to write much on my blog for two months since I was busy with my final assignments and exams but now I will be updating my blog frequently.

Alhumdulilah I finished with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I had announced it on my Facebook page a few weeks ago but thought now is the time to express my entire feelings on the blog.

Finishing with my bachelor’s degree was one of the dreams that got fulfilled. Soon after my final examinations were over I wasn’t able to focus much on anything because there was still a tiny bit fear of what the results would be. But Alhumdulilah they too turned out to be great.

After my results were announced my heart was completely at ease. I went on reading, surfing the internet and finally was able to get on with finalizing my book. Yes! My book will be out soon. Currently it is in the editing phase. I really hope you guys like it once it’s out. I will be coming up with a giveaway as well so keep an eye on my Facebook page.

I will also be uploading a blog post with complete details on what the book is about.

Anyways getting back to what I have been doing so far. I enjoy having to wake up in the morning and have nothing to rush about. I go about the day doing what I love, that is reading and writing. So far I have read The Holiday Home by Fern Britton and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I am currently reading two books simultaneously, After You by Jojo Moyes and The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy by Fiona Neill. I am also doing freelance writing jobs side by side. Alhumdulilah I am trying to make the most of these carefree days until I get myself a fulltime job. I am also drinking lots of coffee, hot chocolate and enjoying winter to the most.

I’d really love to know what my readers are up to so do comment below with what’s the latest in your life.

Jazakillah khairun naseerun.