Time of TestWritten by Allama Parvez
As you all know Pakistan is currently going through an extremely critical situation – probably more than any other time in its history. This is no time to "play politics." This is time for soul searching. This is not time for finger pointing, being arrogant, or exerting self-righteousness. This is time for humility, self-reflection, and bonding for sake of Pakistan and Islam. This is time for being calm and collected but determined and focused, not emotional and hotheaded. No matter what our past and present background and affiliations. Therefore, this is not time to side with parties or personalities – religious or political. This is time to side with truth and justice. This is time of looking inward into our spiritual mirrors. This is time for reorientation of our thoughts and emotions from personal benefits to benefit of Pakistan. There is a real danger at this time that our emotions might take over and our sense of balance and balance of sense might be lost. But remember! Vultures are hovering over us to take advantage of us or even to use this opportunity to tear us apart. Please do not let your emotion dictate you, especially at this dangerous and critical time.Global injustice prevails. Law of jungle seems to have taken over. ‘Might is right' is being used as norm. Poor and weak are suffering. Truth is being sacrificed at altar of prejudice and hatred. World policies seem to be in hands of followers of Machiavelli. Our Quaid came to know it very well – hard way. Just remember what happened to Gurdaspur.
| | Purpose of Fasting in Islam Written by Allama Parvez
The evening prayer has attracted a larger than usual number of worshippers. Today, advent of new moon might herald start of holy month of Ramadan - Muslim month of fasting. In an effort to observe Sunnah of Muhammad (PBUH), some worshippers are busy trying to sight new moon when call to prayer is made. After prayer, Imam is informed that new moon has been sighted. Members of council also confirm this news. This prompts worshippers to congratulate each other and mosque is filled with chants of Allahu Akbar (God is great). For this group holy month of Ramadan has begun. Yet Muslims in many other mosques are still debating whether or not new moon has been sighted. Sunni Muslims generally look to Saudi Arabia for answers to this, as well as many other religious matters. Although ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) has established for North American Muslims, a Shura (or consultation) council for dealing with controversial religious issues (such as moon sighting), many Imams in local mosques decide such matters on their own. Year after year, this story is repeated among Muslims in many towns around world. This pillar of Islam begins with controversy among Muslims and ends with controversy. Shi‘as have their own clerical system and their Imams look to Iran in this matter rather than Saudi Arabia. One wonders if this is way our messenger Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions started and ended holy month of Ramadan.
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