?? Question ??

The Oxford dictionary defines “question” as
Noun:
• 1 a sentence worded or expressed so as to obtain information.
• 2 a doubt.
• 3 the raising of a doubt or objection: he obeyed without question.
• 4 a problem requiring resolution.
• 5 a matter or issue depending on conditions: it’s only a question of time before something changes.

Verb:
• 1 ask questions of.
• 2 express doubt about; object to.

While searching for the answer to a few queries meandering in my mind over Google, I wondered about the importance of Question and Questioning in the development of Human Race as against the other lesser life forms (read: All others except humans, as perceived by humans). This led me into a thought process to find out the answers but from the easily available source in hand i.e. the internet. I compelled myself to re-search this particular topic from my own experience as against scavenging the various sites for the already available information.

My 20 month of nephew, even before he had learnt to stand, walk or sit on his bums had started chattering. And one of his most common phrases is, “Kya hai Ye?” (What is This) in his usual infant accent and innocence. Now that he can sprint around aka Usain Bolt in Nappy, he lunges after my father (his Grandfather) wherever he goes, inside the house, around the garden, in the vicinity following his footsteps and stopping him at almost everything which he wants to know and grasp and learn, shooting the usual “Kya hai Ye?”.

And off course my ever obliging father would very courteously try and answer his little query with utmost care in order for the toddler to understand and grasp the knowledge. My nephew on his part would repeat his question until the response he gets from my father gets permanently and impeccably printed in his mind against the picture of the subject of his question. I on my part would try and tease him by returning favor and asking him instead “Kya hai Ye?” after he had asked my father enough number of times to be assured that he has grasped the knowledge and the small test would mark it well and permanent in his little but fast developing mind.

As with the ever increasing involvement of science and behavioral studies in the approach to parenting and giving weight age to EQ over IQ and importance to perceived learning than forced data, the little Scud Missile, “Kya hai Ye?” plays much more important role as a weapon of mass learning as against parents buying costly books, fun computers, learning and knowledgeable games and gadgets. The latest blasphemy being advertised 24x7 on various channels (particularly the kid’s channel) is the Tata Sky Plus – Isko Laga Dala to Life aur bhi Jhingalala. Well apart from the Life becoming Jhingalala I can’t see any other perceivable benefit per say. The child is more likely to learn the nuances of decoding the Child-Lock and scanning all his favorite Cartoon Channels than learn anything worthwhile sitting in front of the Stupid Box (Post “3 Idiots” Stupid is the new notorious lingua, against the now revered Idiot).

Although I am not a member of the Flat World Society, who would cling to the past rudimentary frameworks than accept that the World is indeed round, but there are some things that are at their best in elementary format, and Practical Learning being one of them. One of the greatest exponents of it is my father, who harbors in his personality the virtues of patience, stoicism and unperturbed demeanor which are some of the most important and basic ingredients required to stew the concoction through which to imbibe practical learning in a 20 month old toddler student. As with the cycle of life it seems, he has his place marked well and high upon the pedestal where from to impart knowledge in the most effortless and easily comprehensible way for the seeker to extract the best out of it. As my mother and other elderly relatives tell us, we three siblings were as inquisitive as my little nephew, asking and pestering my father with every opportunistic situation which could have demanded our attention and a following narrative from my father in the most interesting way possible. And while an average elder person would grow tired and become petulant at this constant pestering, my father would as patiently oblige ‘n’ number of times for repeating the response so quench our thirst of information.

This reminds me of a story which we all have had heard in the past. An old man was relaxing with his son in their backyard. The son in his mid twenties was reading a book, when a crow suddenly descended upon a nearby branch and croaked in its customary cacophony deriving the duo’s attention. The son caught a glimpse of the crow and then immersed himself again in the book, when his father asked, “Son, What is that?”, “It’s a crow father” he replied. “Son, What is that?” he asked again, “A crow” said the son, this time not looking at his father. “Son, What is that?” the father inquired again, “It’s a crow” the son replied in a monotone without lifting his head from the book. “Son, What is that?” pestered the elder man. This time the son grouched, kept his book aside and looked into his father’s face and said, “For the fourth time father it’s a crow, why do you keep asking again and again, can’t you see it it’s a damn crow sitting on the branch”. “Thanks Son!” his father smiled back, “When you were a toddler, you used to ask me all sort of questions and often irrational drivels not three or four but sometime even 10 or 20 times again and again, and o would be too happy and eager to respond to your query, with a smile on my face and the same energy and fervor every time, until you were satisfied. And today you lost your temper only because your old father asked you a very simple question four times.” The son guilt faced and ashamed filled with remorse sought pardon from his father.

The importance of questioning in the development of our intelligence and character derives morals from many historical incidents, be it the case of Marie Curie asking her father about the emanating light from a dark room that led to her discovery of Radium or Jagdish Chandra Bose asking his mother when he plucks the branch of a tree, which set him to work towards his research on sensitivity in plants are but a few examples. The democratic form of governance is built upon the very basic principles of people having the power to be able to question their elected representatives and seek explanation or justification of their actions. The leaders on their part have been given the power to seek answers from the government on behalf of the people of their constituency during the Question Hour in Parliament. However as pertinently it is also called as the Zero Hour, when the functioning of the session or the process of asking questions by MP’s comes to a standstill with Zero outcome, often due to absence of the highly esteemed leaders or stalling of the proceedings due to the ruckus created during these times followed by walkout or adjournment of the session.

The Right to Information Act included in the Constitution in 2004 gives the citizens of India a very powerful tool, by way of which it can question the functioning of the government, the various departments under the center or state administration and with the latest amendment to this Right, the bureaucracy now falling under its purview the hitherto un accessible species of Babu’s in this country too would be answerable for their work or lack of it. Verily the Right to Information asks the citizens to keep questioning and firing the salvos akin to my 20 month old nephews, ‘Kya hai Yeh?’

Quran

~ Most Comprehensive Encyclopedia of the World & Hereafter

I still remember the incident, when I was returning one evening from my grandfather’s house many years back, and my friend who was a non-Muslim, oriented my gaze towards small kids rushing out of the Masjid after finishing their Deeniyat (Teaching of Quran) classes. “Do you notice something peculiar among these kids with those breaking loose after regular school classes?” I shrugged in ignorance. And contemplated, ‘Perhaps these children here were wearing traditional dresses and their head were covered; both boys and girls. But surely they were as happy and shouting with the same enthusiasm as they would have earlier in the day when their regular schools classes had finished’. “Just see how they hold their Ajza (Each of the 30 Booklets/Parts of Quran), close to their chest and heart and all of them with their right hand”. Indeed I was astonished at his observance and as my childhood days flashed before me I could recall that we too did the same when we used go to and from the Madarsa holding the Yaslan Quran (Quran with selected Surahs and other religious information, especially as a beginner for kids) close to our chest and inadvertently with our right hands, while we rarely did that with any other book. And as with us in our past I was sure none of these children’s parents would have given them instructions, apart from reminding them that it is a Holy Book of Allah and do not drop it on the ground.

Surely it indeed is but just one great significance of Holy Quran, about which Allah himself said that, its protection and originality remains my duty. Significant is the fact that while the other 3 holy books revered by Muslims as divine and blessed upon by Allah on his Prophets, namely Injeel (Bible) on Prophet Isa (Jesus) (AS), Tawraat (Torah) on Prophet Musa (AS), Zaboor on Prophet Dawood (AS), have all undergone changes made by its readers and molded as per the whims of priests and rulers of their times. But Quran in spite of the fact that it wasn’t reveled to its Prophet in written form has not seen alternation of even a single letter or even punctuation from the time it was revealed over a period of 23 years. The Holy Quran mentions about itself not less than 70 times in the Quran and conveys the message of Allah when it mentions, “And we sent down upon you a light, the greatest light”; the light which is a guide to the Muslims and all across the world, till eternity. Though scholars argue if the light mentioned here is in reference to the Holy Quran or Prophet Muhammad (SAW); it belittles the point of argument, as the Holy Quran was revealed upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and it was after the first revelations, when he declared his Prophet hood to the world and embarked upon his mission to spread the message of Allah and Islam amongst the people.

Such was the comprehensiveness and power of the message conveyed by Holy Quran, the Kitabullah (book of Allah) that it was not bestowed like the other three books which were revealed to their Prophets in written form and in entirety. Allah sought a medium pure and powerful enough to endure the responsibility of the Holy Quran. And what better place than his beloved Prophet’s heart to encompass the verses of Quran with; vindicated by Allah himself when he says that, “Had we reveled the Quran in written form upon Mount Sinai, it would not have been able to withstand it”.

The Holy Quran has 114 Surahs (chapters) and over 6200 Aayats (verses), each inimitable and comprehensive in itself. In fact Quran itself challenges the mankind in one of its verses, ‘To present a Surah or even an Aayat better than or even equivalent in form and meaning than its own’. A challenge that will remain in vogue, till perpetuity. Quran was first revealed upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the night of Layla-tul Qadr or Shab-e-Qadr, during Ramzan. It was over a period of 23 years that Angel Jibraeel (AS) would descend from heavens and recite verses of Quran to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who would take efforts to recite the verses along with him. But Allah was unwilling to see his dear Prophet take even that much efforts and he said, “O Muhammad (SAW), you need not trouble your tongue to recite the Quran, We have made it such that it will be encrypted in your heart.” Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on his part would recite and remember it and convey it to his Sahaba (followers) and commoners along with its interpretation and elucidating its message, for them to learn and take guidance from. The Sahaba would remember the Quranic verses and write it on tablets and papers to conserve it. Though it was not until long after Prophet Muhammad when under Caliph Usmaan (RA), the first fully complied Holy Quran was brought out in the form of a book. Thus vindicating the fact Allah said, ‘That it’s upon himself to preserve and protect the Holy Quran’. It didn’t seek dependence or presence in physical form of a book, but was passed upon from Allah to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through Jibraeel (AS), and from him to Sahaba and others just through recitation. Even today thousands of Muslims dedicate themselves to learn Quran and preserve it in their hearts.

The benefits and rewards of reciting and learning Quran are immense and incomparable. Each of the Surat and Aayat of Quran has its own significance and reciting it provides the reader insurmountable benefits. Aisha (RA) wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Prophet has himself mentioned that reciting Quran on a regular basis provides many rewards to the reader, and for those who recite it with great difficulty, not well versed with Arabic and take efforts to pronounce each word correctly; for them the rewards are double”. Thus it is not those fluent in Arabic are only to be benefitted; instead it should be responsibility of people to learn Arabic to understand the Quran or at least learn to read; a case in point to vindicate the fact, that Islam propagates literacy as compulsory amongst its followers. Every effort should be made to understand Quran by reading its translation in language of their comfort if not in Arabic. Although such are the benefits of reading Quran that reading just a single letter, not even a complete word will increase your good deeds by 10 every time. Thus it is advisable to read at least 10 Aayats of Quran before Fajr Namaz every morning and the person will never suffer from forgetfulness ever in his life. Surah Fatiha (1st Surah) is a summary of Quran in itself and learning and reciting it in Namaz is mandatory. Quran provides us the beautiful phrase of “Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ir-Rahim” as a commencing sentence for every task we undertake.

A person who learns and understands Quran by heart is honored by the title of Hafiz. Not only a Hafiz but also his parents are rewarded with a place in Jannat (Heaven). Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “On the day of Judgment, there will be a group of people who will enter Jannat even before the Shohda (martyrs) and their parents will have a crown of bright light over their heads” “Who will all they be Rasuaallah (SAW)?” asked the Sahaba, “They will be the Hafiz who learn and understand Quran”. History is abound with examples of how people took efforts to learn and understand Quran and derive benefits from it. When the two young sons of Aurangzeb Alamgir, the last of the influential Mughal Emperor told him about their becoming Hafiz having learnt the whole Quran, Aurangzeb asked them to communicate the good news to their grandfather Shahjahan. The youngsters joyfully apprised Shahjahan of their accomplishment, who blessed them but still said grieving, “What benefit is this for me, I would have been more delighted had one of my sons become Hafiz”. The duo dutifully conveyed their grandfather’s wishes to Aurangzeb; who was 58 years old at that time. The Emperor took it upon itself religiously and in two years he learnt the whole Quran to become a Hafiz himself to fulfill his ailing father’s desire. Historic facts in our books about Aurangzeb notwithstanding, this was but one of the brighter aspects of the last and most powerful Emperor of the Indian subcontinent.

The influence of Quran has inspired many and apart from the aura and personality of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) it was also the verses of Quran whose help he sought to invite people to accept the religion of Islam and to convey Allah’s command upon them. Who can forget the events of how Umar (RA) converted to Islam. Umar (RA) a well built, outspoken and intelligent person was a staunch supporter of Quraysh tribes, who were fiercely opposed to Prophets Muhammad (SAW) and his message of Islam and oneness of Allah. Perturbed by their inability to stop The Prophet and his mission, Umar (RA) vowed to kill him and started from his abode with a sword in his hand and blood in his eyes, wherein he met a person who inquired him. On knowing his intentions, the man ridiculed Umar (RA) asking him to first set things right in his own house before seeking revenge from Prophet Muhammad (SAW). An astonished Umar (RA) sought clarification and came to know that his daughter (or sister as claimed by some historians) and her husband have accepted Islam as their faith. Raging in fury Umar (RA) ran to kill his daughter and son in law first and then seek The Prophet. Upon reaching the entrance of their house, he saw them reciting verses of Holy Quran, enraging him even more. As he neared them the verses of Quran fell upon his ears and he started trembling in trepidation; the sword fell from his hands and he dropped down to his knees repenting his action and ignorance for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Islam. He immediately presented himself forth Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and converted to Islam and avowed himself to his mission and became one of his most faithful Sahaba. The ramifications of Quranic messages influenced many more during and after the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

One such story is that of an Imam in earlier times whose parrot had learnt 7 Ajza (Parts/booklets of Quran totaling 30), as he would hear the Imam reciting the Quran daily. It is totally upon Allah who he wills to learn and seek guidance from Quran. Abdul Qadir Geelani (RA) better known as Gaus Pak was one of the greatest Imams of Muslims and of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) lineage, who spread the message of Islam in the lands of Geelan (present day Afghanistan) and Iraq. It is said that when his mother was pregnant and he was still in her womb, she used to religiously recite verses from Holy Quran every morning. Soon after Abdul Qadir (RA) was born and when he was 3 years old, his mother took him to a Madarsa for admission. The elderly teacher at the seminary opened the Holy Quran before the infant and pointing his finger on the first phrase recited “Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ir-Rahim”; then looking at the little boy he said, “Repeat”. Abdul Qadir (RA) recited ‘Bismillah’ in the most beautiful and innocent voice and then moved on to Surah Faitha and continued his recitation of the Quran till the time he finished the 15th Ajza. His teacher was flabbergasted and perplexed at the loss of words to praise the young boy. On enquiring, Abdul Qadir (RA) replied that while he was in his mother’s womb he would hear her daily recite the Holy Quran, but by the time she finished the 15th Ajza, she was due and gave birth to him hence he could not listen to the remaining 15 Juz as regularly.

The Quran is the most comprehensive and exhaustive encyclopedia. It narrates incidents about past Prophets and their followers and asks us to seek guidance and learn from them. Quran also mentions greatness of Allah and how he created everything and everyone. It also praises Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and provides an insight about the life hereafter, the horrors of Jahannam (Hell) as well as the goodness and rewards of the Jannat (Heaven). It paves a path for us on how to lead our lives in this world and constantly prepare ourselves for our death and for the Day of Judgment. It even provides reasoning and base for the natural occurrences of the Universe & the World and is a remedy for all the problems. Though some people doubt the latter claims, it is upon an individual to repose faith in Quran and gain knowledge from the beautifully explained phenomenon in form of Aayats and Surahs related to diverse subjects and incidents occurred over time during the lives of various Prophets sent down by Allah for the good of the mankind.

Ahmad Hasan Zewail, the Nobel Laureate in Chemistry from Egypt is also the pioneer of discovering a non-invasive remedy for cataract and other eye ailments. In one of the interview’s he attributed his concoction to Holy Quran. Surah Yusuf, he said, mentions about the life and ordeals of Prophet Yusuf (AS), who was apple of an eye to his father, Prophet Yaqub (AS). The elder brothers of Prophet Yusuf (AS) jealous of their younger sibling, plotted to kill him, but instead sold him to Egyptian traders. Then they conveyed false news of his death to their old father, who was partially blind. On hearing about the death of his beloved son, Prophet Yaqub (AS) wept inconsolably for a long time (many years as per some scholars). Upon overcoming his grief, he found that his eyesight had improved considerably. This piece of information in the Holy Quran caught Ahmad Zewail’s attention, compelling him to think why Quran should dedicate a verse mentioning crying of Prophet Yaqub (AS), tears filling up his eyes and consequently his eyesight recovering. He focused his research on the subject and found that human tears had a chemical composition to provide relief from eye diseases and cataract in particular. This is just one example of how we could gain understanding and solution for our problems citing interpretations from Quran in a proper manner.

Reading Quran and paying due reverence to it, is obligatory for every Muslim. It is desired that one should read Quran daily, even if it is just a few verses. Quran is not an object of decoration adoring a place high on the shelf, only to be brought down on special occasions, shower kisses upon and pledging oath against. Instead it should be read and understood as regularly as possible. As per Prophet Muhammad (SAW), when a person dies and people carry his Janazah (mortal remains) for burial, a very handsome man in brilliant white clothes will accompany him all along the way, whom no one will be able to see. When the dead body will be laid inside the grave, this man will descend into it to be buried along with the Janazah. He will cover himself upon the dead person and provide him all the comfort inside the grave. This man will even assist him when the Angels will come for questioning the dead person’s faith. The Angel’s would then ask this man, “Who are you and why are you helping this person?” and he would reply, “I am Quran. This person used to read me daily and tried to gain understanding from me. He would seek guidance from me for all his chores. It is my duty to assist him and I will not rest, till the time I help him enter the Jannat”. Verily Quran will be our interceder on the Day of Judgment, when every person will try to resuscitate himself on his own good deeds, to outweigh his transgressions.

Mahmood Ghazni, the Sultan from Afghanistan, attacked kingdoms of Indian subcontinent in 11th century. Once on a hunting expedition, he got estranged from his troops and lost his way in the jungles. As darkness loomed, he found a small hut which belonged to an old women. He requested her to provide him shelter overnight, to which she obliged. Ghazni was led to a very small and narrow passage inside wherein a straw mat was laid down; the old woman meanwhile slept in the only other room. The tall and well built Sultan, prepared to lay down, when he saw Holy Quran on the shelf at one end of the passage wall. So he oriented himself with his feet pointing in opposite side, but that was the direction of Qibla. His hands weren’t clean enough to touch the Quran and his host had already dozed off; he thought it inappropriate to disturb her. Unable to stretch himself along the breadth of the passage, Ghazni spent the night in a seated position with his legs folded, assuring his full reverence to the Quran and Qibla. Years later when he was on his death bed, a voice in his dream, recalled this incident and told him that Allah was so pleased with his act of paying respect to Holy Quran, that he had the Angels write an infinite number of good deeds against his name. Who knows maybe just one act of our esteem for Quran might please Allah, and become a cause for our salvation hereafter.

Significance of Hajj

~ The virtues of visiting the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina

When the Sputnik series of satellites launched by Russia in the space sent some of the first photographs of the Earth, the world got to see the actual view of the globe, the seas, the landscapes, the continents and the ecosystem from the Almighty’s perspective. But one thing that stood out and has amazed everyone till date was an unexplainable brightness emanating from near the Middle East. The place was Mecca, and the brightness was that of the Holy Land of Kaba, the consecrated place for the Muslims, and their point of orientation for worship, or Qibla. The Holy Kaba is the point directly above which the Heavens are located in the skies.

From the time when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) laid the foundation stone of Kaba along with his son Ismail (AS), till eternity or the Day of Judgment, neither has nor will the counter-clockwise circumambulation of the place stop or pause even for a moment. While many believe that the foundation of Kaba was built by Prophet Adam (AS) and it was Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who first constructed the Holy Kaba in its present form. After the advent of Islam by Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Kaba became the centre of pilgrimage for followers of Islam and cities of Mecca and Medina as the holy places. It was agreed upon by the warring tribes during Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) time at his incest, that Kaba and the place around it be free from all forms of conflict. Kaba unlike perceived by many non-Muslims is not a symbol of worship or an idol, but it is merely a focal point for Muslims all around the world to face while offering Namaz five times a day. So a Muslim praying and submitting himself in prostration to Allah does not have a picture of Kaba, or city of Mecca or Medina or Masjid-e-Nabvi before him, but a person in India will simply face the West direction, person in Africa will face the North direction and a Namazi in America will orient himself towards South West to offer Namaz. To vindicate the non-symbolism of Kaba for worshipping, it is even said that a person not sure of the exact direction of Kaba can assume any direction as Qibla and offer Namaz, and even during the course of his prayers if he realizes that his orientation towards the Qibla is wrong, the person can re-align himself towards the perceived correct direction. One of the interesting things to note here is that, before Kaba, Masjid-e-Aqsa in Jerusalem was the first Qibla for the Muslims to pray towards. It was once during Zuhar (afternoon) Namaz; Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was leading his followers while praying in Masjid-e-Qiblatain in Medina when he got a command from Allah through Jibraee’l (AS), that henceforth Kaba in Mecca will be the Qibla for Muslims. Rather than finishing the prayers, Allah’s apostle Muhammad (SAW) in order to obey the Almighty’s command, immediately turned himself towards Kaba and completed the remaining Namaz towards the new Qibla. Pilgrims visiting Masjid-e-Qiblatain can clearly see that the Masjid has two portions facing different Qibla’s. Its name was hence coined as Qiblatain (Masjid of two Qibla’s).

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and it is ordained that every capable Muslim, physically and financially; must perform Hajj at-least once during his or her lifetime. The money kept aside for performing Hajj should be Halal or earned through legal means as directed in Quran and Hadees. Hajj is performed on the 8th, 9th and 10th day of Zil-Hijj; the last month of Islamic calendar. Embarking upon the journey to Mecca and Medina for Hajj, is itself a great virtue for an individual from the time he makes a commitment to himself to perform the holy pilgrimage. Though it requires great investment from a person in terms of both physical and financial difficulty, the beautiful ordinance from Allah and in the steps of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is not a rich man’s possession. How then do we reason the not performing of Hajj by some of the most prominent Muslims personalities in India from the field of politics, cinema, sports, arts and business who have all the means but have never been fortunate enough to perform Hajj, while many not so well off people I know from my place and far relatives who have been blessed not once but many times over and have came back more contended and prosperous than ever. Perhaps, as truly said that it is totally Allah’s will, who he desires to visit the holy cities and birthplace of his Prophet (SAW), and for performing Hajj.

From the time when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) laid the foundation of the holy Kaba, the ethnic tribes living in the Arabian Peninsula were following discrete rituals and worshipping idols, which were placed all around the Kaba in Mecca. The sacrificial animals, their meat were strewn around the Kaba and the blood was smeared on its walls as an offering to their gods. Men and women would act indecently going around the Kaba and artists and magicians would make the sanctified place a platform for their performance, making the whole exercise a carnival of immorality; instead of submission and prayers. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prayed to Almighty Allah, to show the correct path of piety to the followers and guide them. It was then blessed by Allah will that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) summoned the tribes into unity and integrity during the three months beginning from Ramzan till Zil-Hijj when the pilgrimage of Hajj would begin. He laid down rules for everyone; that no wars would take place during this time and people would perform Hajj as per Allah’s guidance. The boundaries or Meeqat for the holy pilgrimage were set in all four directions, beyond which no act of immorality or violence would take place. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) culled all the reprehensible practices and removed the idols from the vicinity of Kaba. The sanctity of Kaba was thus restored and it was until the time when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) shown forth the light of Islam through Qur’an and Hadees that we are still following.

The holy pilgrimage of Hajj begins for a Muslim when he makes a will in his heart to do so. A man on reaching the boundaries of the place of pilgrimage, which is also called as Meeqat, has to shun all his worldly desires, in terms of shaving or combing his hair, applying perfume, indulging in false talks, lies and back biting, seeking sexual pleasures in any form, which can even be looking or glancing at any woman with disrespect and killing of any life forms purposefully. It is said that even trampling a blade of grass or plucking a leaf of plant purposefully will make the Hajj of the person unacceptable while he is on Ihram. These obligations are applicable to women as well as appropriate. While in Ihram a man has to drape himself in a two piece unstitched white cloth leaving his head uncovered and wearing footwear which are open from the top. A woman has to wear free flowing garment providing her enough protection to observe her Hijab. These measures ensure that all people present, in submission of Allah are equal before him and there is no discrimination in terms of gender, race, color or prosperity. And it is upon wearing of Ihram when the pilgrims recite, “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (Here I am O Lord! Here I am), that they submit themselves to come close to Allah.

The rituals of Hajj begin with performing of Tawaf, seven times around the Holy Kaba and praying of two Rakat Namaz behind the Mukam-e-Ibrahim (the place from where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) first placed the foundation of Kaba). People visiting Mecca have observed that the Tawaf around Kaba does not stop even for a second and they have seen birds performing Tawaf above the holy place. Following Tawaf, the Muslims have to perform Sa’ee between the mountains of Safaa & Marwaa. This is a Sunnah (holy act) of Hajra (RA) wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was left alone in the deserts around these mountains with her infant son Prophet Ismail (AS) with meager provisions of dates and water, upon Allah’s will. As from Qur'an and Hadees, the desperate mother managed with the limited resource for some time but when the dates and water were finished she still fed the toddler with all the milk she had. And when that also finished owing to lack of food and water for her, she tried to make the baby suckle whatever moisture was left on her lips and tongue, when it yearned for water. But the heat of the desert didn’t leave that for long as well and unable to bear the anguish and thirst of the innocent baby, the distraught mother ran across the slopes of Safa and Marwaa in order to see a caravan or Bedouins who might be carrying water, leaving young Prophet Ismail (AS) on the simmering sands. While in between the slopes she was unable to see her baby, Hajra (RA) would run with hurried steps so as to avoid losing sight of the infant. Even to this day the people performing Hajj have been asked to run hurriedly at specific places marked between Safa and Marwaa, to follow what Hajra (RA) had done centuries ago. She ran seven times between the mountains and this act of her pleased Allah so much that he decreed every Haaji (pilgrim) to follow the same and made it a part of performing the Hajj rituals. Distraught, Hajra (RA) came back to her baby only to find that Prophet Ismail (RA), rubbing the heel of his legs on the sand and a tiny fountain of water emanating from the same place. She hastily started building a mound around the source, but the water started flowing with even more vigor, prompting her to say “Zam Zam” in Arabic meaning “Stop Stop”. The sweetest water (people who have tasted vouch for it) was thus named ZamZam and has been flowing out of that source ever since to this day. It is said, had Hajra (RA) not said asked the water to stop, it would have flooded the whole earth. It is indeed a miracle that millions of Haaji’s visit Mecca during Zil-Hijj as well as many others visiting during other times of the year for Umra, drink ZamZam, make ablutions and carry vast amounts in containers for their relatives back home, but never has the water supply decreased nor the source dried, in spite of being right in the middle of the desert. Perhaps it was Allah’s will to create a reason for presenting the people of the desert an eternal source of sweet water, and a foundation for the holiest city of Mecca to be laid, by asking Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to leave Hajra (RA) and Prophet Ismail (AS) in desert. Because it was after this event that people started settling around Safa and Marwah and the holiest city of Mecca came into existence.

After the Tawaf and Sa’ee the Haaji’s move to the camps of Mina, where they get some time to relax as well as utilize most of the time praying and reciting Qur’an. From the camps of Mina the Haaji’s proceed towards Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered his last sermon to the Muslims and provided them all the guidance on how to lead their lives and how to uphold the virtues of the beautiful religion of Islam which was a gift to them from Allah. The plains around the Mount Arafat will be the place wherein all the souls from the time the first life forms appeared on earth till perpetuity, will have to assemble forth Almighty Allah on the Day of Judgment and wherein the evaluation of their sins and virtues will take place. While it is said that the people will run from Prophet Adam (AS) to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Prophet Musa (AS) to Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus) and others in quest of solace from the aura of Allah almighty seeking repentance from their sins and asking for forgiveness, they will hear a soothing voice from one corner, which will be that of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) calling all Muslims; sinners and pious, to come under the shelter of his blessings and wherein he will pray and request Allah to forgive his followers and grant them all, the path to Jannat (Heaven). Allah almighty will surely answers to his dearest Prophets prayers and in time the delinquents will be forgiven after repenting for their misdeeds. Haaji’s start for Mount Arafat from Mina early in the morning after the Fajr (dawn) prayers to reach there by the time of Zuhar (noon). They spend the time at the place until the Maghrib (dusk) prayers, repenting and asking for Allah’s forgiveness for all the sins they have committed and pledging never to repeat them. The scene at Mount Arafat on that day is heart wrenching, when millions of Muslims occupy every nook and corner and being closest to Allah; they cry their heart out seeking exoneration for their wrongdoings. And the Almighty Allah the most Beneficent and Merciful, he does answer the prayers of his lovable worshippers, thus emancipating them of all evils. The Haaji’s return to Mina from Arafat and from there onwards proceed to Muzdalifah on their way to the Jamaraat. Muzdalifah is the place where they are required to collect small pebbles for stoning the Shaitaan (Devil). This particular act is the following of Prophet Ismail (AS) who was being carried away for sacrificing by his father Prophet Ibrahim (AS) on Allah insistence. When Allah asked Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his dearest possession, he knew that it was Prophet Ismail’s (AS) sacrifice that the Almighty desired. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) asked his wife to dress up the child in finest clothes as he was taking him to a marriage ceremony. Neatly groomed and excited at the prospect of the ensuring journey, the young boy accompanied his father, unaware of the truth. On their way, Shaitaan appeared before the child and told that it was not the marriage ceremony that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was taking him to; instead he was being taken to sacrifice at Allah’s command. To which, young Prophet Ismail (AS), all of seven or eight years replied, “Allah has given me just one life, had He desired that I be sacrificed for his will and resurrected a hundred times over I would have happily done so”, and saying that he picked up some pebbles as his small hands would allow him and threw them at Shaitaan. Twice more the devil tried to distract him and every time Prophet Ismail would throw pebbles at him. Allah Almighty was so greatly impressed by the little child demeanor that ever since the Haaji’s have been asked to follow the Sunnah and stone the devils symbol at those three places called the Jamraat. Haaji’s are instructed to pick only small pebbles at Muzdalifah and not big stones so as to emulate young Prophet Ismail (AS). The events afterwards we are well aware, that Allah replaced the boy with a sheep from the heaven when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) tried to sacrifice him and his obedience and subservience to Allah was verily accepted without Prophet Ismail (AS) being harmed, which has been the basis for Eid-ul-Azha for Muslims all around the world.

After stoning the Shaitaan, the Haaji’s return to perform Tawaf one last time and then the men are required to shave their heads and offer an animal in sacrifice culminating on the 10th day of Zil-Hijj and thus completing the Hajj of an individual. It is said that once a person completes his Hajj, he is purified of all the sins and is as innocent, as a child born from his mother’s womb. People going for Hajj also make it a point to include the holy city of Medina in their itinerary and pray at the sacred places as Masjid-e-Nabvi, Masjid-e-Qiblatain and Masjid-e-Aisha (the only Masjid in the world for women, named after Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) wife Aisha (RA)) and Gaar-e-Hira (a cave where Prophet used to pray in seclusion). Visiting the grave of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and offering Salam is also considered propitious for the pilgrims and so is visiting the graves of other relatives and Sahabi (companions of Prophet) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

One is compelled to ask as to why a Muslim undergoes these ordeals to perform the various rituals of accomplishing the Hajj? Isn’t praying and observing the other 4 pillars of Islam namely Kalma (declaration of faith), Namaz (prayers 5 times a day), Zakat (charity to the poor) and Roza (fasting during Ramzan) with dedication not enough to purify oneself? The answer is “Yes” and that is the reason Allah has mentioned that all financially and physically capable person to perform Hajj. Since accretion of wealth without using it, even if it is from Halal (legal) source is considered unlawful in Islam. And what better way than to spend it for your own benefit and deriving nearness to Allah, visiting the land trudged by his beloved Prophet (SAW), the place where your religion has its roots and where the Holy Qur’an was descended upon by Allah through his Angel Jibraeel (AS). The following article beautifully highlights the ethics and significance of each action performed during the Hajj pilgrimage:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1124781357691&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Hajj_Umra%2FHajjE%2FHajjE

It was in the past that people embarking for the Hajj pilgrimage were advised to repay all their debts, seek forgiveness from their elders and all those who they have sinned and pay one last tribute to their near and dear ones, since the journey and the rituals were so tumultuous that very few could return, especially those travelling from distant lands. Also it was a belief, especially amongst people from South and South East Asia that Hajj should be undertaken only after a person reaches old age, is free from obligations towards his kin’s and has no other desire left for the materialistic self. Unlike older times when people had to travel on foot or on camels or horses through the Arabian deserts in order to reach Mecca and Medina, braving hardships of inclement environment and bandits on the way, the present journey is hardly anywhere close to being called an ordeal. Haaji’s reach Jeddah or Medina within hours by plane and perform all their rituals inside posh air conditioned construction, enabled with latest technology at the marked places, thanks to the efforts and investments of Saudi government. Be it Haram Sharif surrounding the Kaba, the Safa Marwaa, the camps at Mina or the Jamaraat all places are laced with the best of infrastructure and facility in terms of transportation, food, sanitation, security and safety. Even the untoward incidents of the past, like stampede and fire in camps have been addressed with proper planning and use of latest scientific application. It is indeed astonishing that over 3 million pilgrims, from various countries, languages and culture congregating in one place and sequentially observing the rituals of Hajj without failure and mismanagement, though the efforts of those in charge and off course by the grace and blessings of Allah.

The significance of Hajj lies in obliteration of any traces of bias amongst the Haaji’s visiting the holy land, leaving behind all their worldly desires and affiliation, with complete dedication to his creator for those few days. With every individual wearing Ihram, it removes any discrimination in terms of pecuniary well being and presenting each one as an equal before Allah. The significance of Hajj lies in the feeling of subservience before Allah, when a person first steps inside the Haram Sharif and sights the Holy Kaba, the Qibla for all the followers of Islam that he has been facing all his life from thousands of miles away and one which he had seen only in pictures and videos. The moment is beyond definition as the amazed person is lost at words for praising the aura and divinity of the place overwhelmed by occasion with thousands of people performing Tawaf around the Kaba. This is from the point of view of my parents, grandparents and other relatives who have been blessed to perform Hajj. When Haaji’s completes their Hajj, they are freed from all sins and attain a level of respect amongst relatives and friends. People look at them with admiration and every act of theirs is closely followed by others. The onus then lies on the Haaji’s to maintain the level of chastity attained, by staying away from lies, spitefulness, anger and arrogance in their deportment.

Female Education ~ Vision of Islam

.

“He didn’t leave us huge properties or great wealth, but he left us enriched with the greatest wealth of Knowledge and Education, which will never diminish.” I still remember this sentence my sobbing mother conveyed to me, a month after my grandfathers death. True to her words, my late grandfather was one of the zealous exponents of education not only for his children but also for the children in his neighborhood and wherever he went. And the vindication of my mother’s message is evident that all the children of my grandfather are well educated and financially independent. Especially his daughters, all of whom are well educated and in service, and the legacy they have carried forward among their children as well. My mother is and most probably will be the most educated and qualified person in our family (be it amongst male or female members), from either my paternal or maternal lineage. She was the second topper in the division in her matriculation as well as in the University during her graduation. With double post graduation and doctorate degrees (Ph.D) to add to it, I am quite sure, no-one presently in my family has the acumen to match her qualification. My parent have played their part, with my sister having completed her engineering degree and double post graduation with an MBA, and is happily married and has a regular job. This is an account of education of a Muslim family. My mother owes all her achievements to her father, who fought all odds, from financial crunch in initial years to opposition from family, my grandmother included; to guide my mother to achieve the improbable maybe 40 years back. And as I picked up the newspaper today, one of the articles caught my eyes, ‘Extremists in Northern Pakistan destroying and burning Girl’s schools, and have smoldered over 100 of them. They declared it’s un-Islamic for girls to be educated, and they are only following Islamic decree of preventing Muslim girls to be equated with men.’ “How gibberish!” was my instant proclamation; the legacy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who was accompanied by such learned women as Aisha Siddiqa’ and Fatima (RA) was being wasted in such a form.

Education among Muslims and more so for females has been one of the most contentious issues. While people perceive that it’s the religion, which binds Muslims women against seeking education and equality with men, which is the most blatant myth. Islam has always regarded education as one of the highest virtues and seeking education is a fundamental duty upon every Muslim. In fact well established Hadiths say, “It is Farz (obligatory) upon every Muslim to seek Knowledge”. In his time Prophet Muhammad (SAW) laid special emphasis to propagate equality amongst men and women in all respects, allowing women to pray in mosques as well as it is mentioned in one of the Hadiths that he kept a special day in the week to answer queries by womenfolk, when they complained that the men were talking to him most of the time. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said, “If a man has a girl child and he educated her, took best possible care for her and gave her away in marriage, then he will be rewarded twice”. Interpreting the same, we can surely say that twice the reward should be in comparison for taking care of the male child. This highlights, that Islam clearly gives precedence to women’s education, even above the males. And verily, the reasons for the same was told by our erstwhile Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru that, ‘If you educate a male you educate an individual, but if you educate a female you educate the whole family’. No astonishment that Islam had perceived this 1400 years back.

History of Islam has seen some of the most learned women, with Aisha Siddiqa (RA), wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) regarded as ‘Mother of the Faithful’ leading the contribution. She was perhaps the first female Mufti in Islam, as she was the closest companions of The Prophet (SAW) during his later years and perhaps was the most beneficent of his knowledge and teachings. It is evident from her contribution to the Hadiths, which talk about Life and Philosophy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Scholars regard her (in status) amongst the likes of Abu Bakr, Usmaan, Umar, Abu Hurairah and Hazrat Ali (RA) some of the most devout Sahabi’s (followers/companions) of The Prophet (SAW). Another mention of most prominent woman in spreading equality and knowledge for women and helping the cause of Islam in its heydays was Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) daughter Fatima (RA) – ‘Leader of Women in Heaven’. Not only was she the most adorable amongst Prophet’s (SAW) children, but she was the one with whom he shared most of his learning’s from the Quranic revelations. Khadija (RA), Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) first wife, was also a very learned women and one of the first to accept the faith of Islam. She was the one to provide all the support and assurance to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during his initial years of prophecy and when the Quran was revealed upon him.

The Indian history has seen some of the most influential and learned Muslim women, who by their wisdom and valor, etched a name in golden letters. Razia Sultan (1205-1240 AD) the successor of her father Iltutmish, was chosen above her brothers as the heir apparent for the throne for her interest in administration and learning warfare. While history remembers her for her affair with a slave, her achievements as a ruler are nevertheless remarkable. She propagated equality amongst all religion and established schools, academies, centers for research, and public libraries that included the works of ancient philosophers along with the Holy Quran and the Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Hindu works in the sciences, philosophy, astronomy, and literature were reportedly studied in schools and colleges. Another example is that of Nurjahan (1577-1645 AD) also known as Mehrunnissa , wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who was the brain behind her husband’s just and virtuous rule, continuing the legacy of Akbar. She remains historically significant for the sheer amount of imperial authority she wielded - the true "power behind the throne," and is known as one of the most powerful women who ruled India. Chand Bibi (1550-1599 AD) is best known for defending Ahmadnagar against the Mughal forces of Emperor Akbar. Begum Hazrat Mahal was endowed with great physical charm and grace as well as organizational skills. During India’s First War of independence (1857-58), she led her supporters against the British, and was even able to seize the control of Lucknow.

Journeying back to the present times, we see the two facets of the society, at one end the extremists and self protagonists of the religion are presenting forth their own decree upon their people wrongly interpreting the teachings of Quran and implicating all possible persecutions to subdue the women. While on the other hand we have women like Noble Prize winner Shirin Ebadi and Later Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, who set an example for the Muslim women, to come forward and establish themselves on the world forum, creating their individual identity. Women like Najma Heptulla and Mehbooba Mufti are well known in the Indian Political quarters. We have the example of Iram Khan, third topper in Pune Division, class 10th examination 2008, with 95.69%; who fought odds against poverty and social bindings to achieve accolades. Surprisingly it was her grandmothers unwavering support, when she convinced her family to continue her education after middle school. The girl repaid the faith her grandmother put in her, studying in a one room house, she shared with five other family members and in a noisy surrounding. Her efforts are without any tuitions or coaching classes apart from the school. Back home I still remember how my grandfather had a hard time convincing an auto rickshaw driver who lived in the vicinity, to let his daughter continue her studies after her matriculation. The adamant father finally agreed and the meticulous daughter later completed her engineering degree with first division and got a job in a multinational software firm. Her achievements motivated her siblings for higher studies as well. Years later her father died in an accident, and though the family was grieved but they were financially sound thanks to the same girl, who was now supporting the whole family. My grandfather used to say, evidencing the rickshaw drivers daughter’s case, “That Is my most valuable Certificate for all my achievements in life.”

Shab-e-Meraj ~ The Night of Ascension

27th Rajjab

In the Surah al-Isra (Qur'an 17:1), it is mentioned: “Glory be to Him! Who made His messenger (Prophet Muhammad) to go on a night from the Sacred Mosque (Holy Kaaba) to the Farthest Mosque (Masjid-e-Aqsa) of which We have blessed the precincts, so that We may show to him some of Our signs; surely He is the Hearing, the Seeing.

The event in the Islamic calendar being glorified by Allah himself in the Holy Quran is the Night of Ascension or the Shab-e-Meraj. It is marked as one of the golden annals in the growth of the religion of Islam as well as establishing the prominence of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the Prophet of the prophets. The night of 27th Rajjab of the Islamic calendar, when in an instance of that night Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was ascended to the heavens across the veils of skies and other holy places by angel Jibraeel at the insistence of Allah. It is said that the whole episode was over in the time it takes for a swinging chain (or pendulum) to return to its mean position from its extreme angle. While many others believe that the entire universe stood still from the time when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was wakened up by Jibraeel till he was brought back after traversing the entire creations of Almighty Allah across the skies. The apprehensions of many people doubting this event was clarified by the greatest Islamic scholar Imam Ahmad Raza said in the following verse, “Wo na the to kuch naa tha, Wo na ho to kuch na ho; Jaan hai wo jahan ki, Jaan hai to Jahan hai”. Speaking of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) he said, “When he wasn’t there, there was Nothing, If he isn’t there, there will be Nothing. He is the soul of the entire creations of Allah, and as long as the soul (Prophet Muhammad SAW) is there, the universe will be there.”

Expounding more upon this can be vouched at the instance when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was ascending during Meraj along with Jibraeel. He asked the Leader of the Malaekeen (Angels), “Jibraeel! What is your age?”, to which the holy angel replied, “O Prophet (SAW), I have never kept track of my age, but since the time I was brought into existence by Allah, I have seen a very bright source of light, at the horizons of the Heaven, which comes into existence once in 70,000 years. And I have seen that light 70,000 times in my life. So that will be my age.” The Prophet (SAW) smiled back at him and asked, “Jibraeel, do you know what is that source of light?” The innocent angel replied in negative. “I am that light, it is my soul” said Prophet Muhammad (SAW), “That light is the very first creation of Allah. Had it not been created, nothing would have come into existence. The entire universe, the earth, the life-forms, the angels and all the prophets; they all owe their existence to that source of light, which is my soul.”

Those who doubt the authenticity of the event of Meraj and that it happened in reality when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) made the eventful journey to meet Allah in person and not in his dreams and that the whole episode was over in an instance, can be said that, it is a similar concept of a body and the soul. The body functions as long as the soul is there. Take the case of a watch, and let’s treat it as a body and the cell which runs the watch will be its soul. When you take out the cell from the watch, it stops functioning and its needles come to a standstill there and then. Now if you replace the cell back to its position, after 5 minutes or 5 hours or 5,000 years, the watch (unless tampered or destroyed) will resume its functioning from the instance when its cell was removed. The same was the case on the night of Meraj. The soul of the universe and all life-forms that is Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was called upon by Allah; and as he was raised to the heavens, the whole world came to a standstill. And all the while when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was paying visit to Allah and his creations, the world lay life-less, only to be revived upon his return. So who are we as mere mortal, to doubt the genuineness of Shab-e-Meraj? People have reservations believing the ascension of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) above the skies and his presence forth Allah, in person, but Imam Ahmad Raza said in one of his countless books, “Mankind has wondered, how can Prophet Muhammad (SAW), be raised in person to the heavens in an instance, I have been wondering how the beloved soul and Prophet of Allah spend 63 years of his life on the earth amongst the sinners? His rank is too high and so close is he to Allah that it’s a sin to call him as one amongst ourselves.”

The night of Meraj was a gift of Allah to his Prophet and his followers, for what he returned with was immense knowledge of Allah’s creations and a way of worshipping our Almighty in the form of Namaz. The Prophet was carried upon Burraq, the legendary creature, which took him to places like Tayibbah (Madina), Mount Sinai – the place where Prophet Musa (AS) spoke to Allah, Bethlehem (birth place of Prophet Isa - Jesus) and then to Baitul Muqaddas (Jerusalem) where Masjid-e-Aqsa is situated. (The illustrations of these places can be viewed at - http://www.ezsoftech.com/ebooks/Meraj.pdf ). At each of these places Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Jibraeel performed Namaz with the head of angels providing insight to the importance of these places. That he was informed about Madina by Jibraeel, it clearly tells us that Shab-e-Meraj happened before Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) Hijrat or journey from Makkah to Madina with his followers. There is a reason to this timing as well; it is said that before the night of Meraj, the intolerance of the tribe of Quraish towards Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his teachings on Islam had grown to its extremes and he was now being physically harassed by the barbarians. It was on one of those days he was walking towards his house, when he was showered by stones and sticks, by them and his feet started bleeding and his footwear was drenched in blood. As he sat down in sadness owing to the agony and distress caused upon him, Allah almighty decided to give his beloved Prophet, what we can decipher as a ‘break’. This is similar in the way we go for a vacations after long hectic days of work. Allah Almighty took all the care to provide his Prophet the best of the comfort and knowledge during Meraj, thus asking Jibraeel to accompany him and making Burraq available for him as a mode of transport.

It was in Masjid-e-Aqsa, where all the prophets of the past right from Prophet Adam (AS), Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Prophet Musa and Isa (AS) and all the approximately 124,000 prophets paid salutations and reverence to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Here too they all congregated to offer Namaz and stood in rows, when Jibraeel very politely requested Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to lead the prayers as the Imam of all prophets. This event enlightens us of the position held by our Prophet (SAW) amongst all other prophets of Allah. Some scholars however claim that the other prophets met Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at various levels in the skies, with Prophet Ibrahim (AS) meeting him at the last of the levels. And it was at this place wherein Prophet Muhammad (SAW) led the congregation to offer the Namaz.

After the visit to the places in the world, it was now time for ascension for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to witness Allah’s aura and get all the knowledge of his creations. It was not that The Prophet (SAW) did not have information about Allah’s creation and he just assimilated all that was told to him by Jibraeel, but it was similar to a case where even a most learned historian calmly listens to a tourist guide while visiting a monument. And concerning Allah’s presence, why would his most beloved Prophet not ask all that which he has knowledge about, just to hear his Lord, his Creator speak, and let his words and voice fall upon his ears, which would have been a blessing in itself for even the Prophet of the prophets. Traveling across the skies, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Jibraeel reached a place called as Sidr-tal-Muntaha; a location above all skies, which is marked by a Berry Tree. Here upon Jibraeel paused in his stride and would not move an inch further, he stood beside the tree and said, “O Prophet (SAW), I have reached my limits and I cannot go further beyond this point, as the charisma of Almighty Allah will burn my wings. This is the place where I have access up to and I attend to Allah commands from here only. You will have to travel alone further.”

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) knew that from herein starts the precinct where none of Allah creation has ever walked upon or seen. He prepared to move forward and out of deference, as he was removing his footwear before entering, Allah’s voice emanated from the surrounding, “Beloved Muhammad (SAW), you do not need to remove your footwear, to walk into my audience. Please come in.” This again tells us the respect and admiration showered upon by none other than Allah himself on Prophet Muhammad (SAW). And the narration of the journey further on as described by Prophet himself, has been described beautifully in his various Hadith’s. It was Prophet Musa (SAW) who for years had begged and pleaded to see a just a flash or glimpse of the Lord’s profile, which blinded him for the moment and burnt Mount Sinai, and here we see Allah himself inviting Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and asking him to not even remove his footwear. He saw Allah Almighty with his own eyes and in person, and when Allah touched upon his shoulders, the Prophet (SAW) felt as if the entire knowledge of the Universe was getting incorporated in his heart. He was shown the Heavens (Jannat) and the Hell (Jahannam), and what the believers and truthful followers of the Prophet would be showered upon in Heavens as well as what tortures and punishment lay in store for the sinners in the Hell.

He came back with the beautiful legacy of Namaz, which was provided by Allah upon the followers of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a means to remember him and ask for his forgiveness as well as seek Allah’s blessings. Jibraeel took all the care to help Prophet Muhammad (SAW) come back to his abode on the earth, a thing which no other living soul had ever done nor will be able to do till perpetuity. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) resumed his message for Islam and Allah’s lordship to the masses with all the learning he acquired during the night of Meraj.

The importance of Shab-e-Meraj holds high prominence amongst Muslims and commences what is described as the preparation for the holy months of Shaban and Ramzan, which follows the months of Rajjab. The other two nights of prayer are Shab-e-Barat and Shab-e-Qadr, which fall in the following two months. Muslims across the globe are advised to pray as much as possible during the night of Meraj and recite Quran and remember Allah and his messenger Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The blessings showered upon all those who spend major part of Shab-e-Meraj in prayers are immense and keeping a fast on the following day is also beneficial both physically and spiritually. Rajjab, the 7th month of Islamic calendar is regarded as Allah’s month and is the month of seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and distributing charity in form of Sadqah. And as Allah says in the Holy Quran, it offers a great opportunity for the Muslims to cleanse themselves of all their sins.