Monday, April 28, 2025

Thirteen Years On: A Son’s Tribute to His Beloved Father

Epigraph: 

(Reading Time: 5 minutes)

"In the silence of loss, I’ve come to understand that love transcends time. My father’s departure left an enduring emptiness, yet in that void, I find solace knowing our bond will never break, and one day, we shall meet again." 




— Aamir Yazdani

Thirteen years have passed (29th April, 2012) since my beloved father quietly returned to his Lord, slipping away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of the morning. It was around 7:30 am when the angels came for him, and as if by divine design, my mother was made to fall into a profound slumber. Normally, she would stir throughout the night, waking now and then, checking on him. But that morning, she slept heavily, unaware that her whole universe would be turned upside down in that short half-hour. Till her last day, she never came to terms with that sleep — that silent, fateful interval when everything changed forever.

That night, I had arrived late from a business tour, reaching home at around 2:30 am. I peeped into my parents’ room before going to bed, watching them sleeping peacefully. It was the last time I saw my father breathing, unaware that it would be our final earthly meeting.

I was 49 years old when my dear father passed away. Around that time, I came to deeply appreciate the profound prayer the Qur'an suggests in Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:15), which highlights the gratitude one owes to their parents, especially upon reaching maturity at the age of 40:

"We have enjoined upon man to be good to his parents. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship. The carrying and the weaning of him is thirty months, until when he reaches maturity and reaches forty years, he says: 'My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am from the obedient” (Qur'an 46:15)

This verse reveals a powerful truth: if a person preserves their natural disposition and does not stray from it, the awareness of fulfilling the rights of their parents becomes a pathway to truly recognizing and reaching the ultimate Being — the Creator of all, including their parents themselves.

In the love, care, and upbringing provided by our parents, we witness a reflection of the greater providence and mercy of God. It is this glimpse of divine affection that, upon reaching mental and spiritual maturity, opens our eyes to see God’s blessings in everything around us.

I can only bow my head in gratitude to God Almighty for blessing me with so many precious years with my father, years filled with countless conversations, laughter, guidance, and moments of pure togetherness. I remember sitting with him for hours, being gently corrected by him even in my late forties, accompanying him to the local mosque where people knew me simply because I was his son. Thank you, my Lord, for allowing my father’s goodness to flow into my life, and into the lives of my children, for so long.

Yes, we all must walk the path he walked. I had always known this, but it became etched in my soul when my father left us. And yet, the most comforting truth is that this separation is not the end; it is but a pause. A crossing to the other side, where we will meet again, God willing. My father's passing has only strengthened my belief in the Hereafter. No one can ever tell me, "There is no life after death." How can there not be, when someone like him, who gave me every shade of goodness within me, must surely be waiting to meet me again?

I pray to God Almighty to keep him at peace, comfortable, and honored until the day we are reunited. I pray He admits us together, hand in hand, into His everlasting gardens of Paradise.

There is still so much I need to tell my father. Stories unfinished. Conversations pending. I need to tell him about his beloved grandchildren, about Waleed’s marriage to our dear Anoop, about what Khalid and Ahmed’s marriages to damsels are now doing with their lives. How his heart would swell with pride and joy hearing about them! I need to tell him about his cherished wife, my fragile, precious mother, who joined him a few years back. How my dear Hureen took care of her with tenderness.

Sometimes, when I returned home late, my mother would softly ask where I had been, and I could only answer with a shy, inaudible smile. But Hureen was always there by her side, sharing stories, listening with a patience only love could inspire. How I longed to tell my father that when Hureen took my mother for her hospital check-ups, the nurses would often mistake her for her daughter. And when they learned she was her daughter-in-law, they would smile warmly, touched by a bond so rare and beautiful it lingered in their hearts long after.

There is so much more waiting to be said, so much love still waiting to be shared with him.

Anon!

اللّهُمّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ، اللّهُمّ أَدْخِلْهُ الْجَنّةَ مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ

O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him. O Allah, admit him into Paradise with the righteous. (Ameen.)

— Aamir Yazdani

 

 

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Giving from the Heart: Charity as a Divine Calling

Epigraph:

Estimated Reading Time: 6–7 minutes
Take a few moments to reflect on the profound spiritual insights about charity and generosity shared in this article. 


"Those who spend in charity during ease and hardship, and who restrain anger and pardon others—God loves the doers of good."
— Qur'an 3:134

"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor."
(Psalm 112:9)

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
— Matthew 6:3-4


Giving from the Heart: Charity as a Divine Calling

In an age marked by growing individualism and consumerism, the call to serve others remains a luminous thread in the fabric of sacred teachings. Across faith traditions, charity is not merely an act of social good, but a spiritual imperative that refines the soul, mirrors the divine, and testifies to the sincerity of one’s faith.

Charity Beyond Obligation

The Qur'an lays down a profound moral and spiritual vision of charity. While defining the essence of piety, the Qur’an distinguishes between obligatory almsgiving (Zakat) and voluntary giving (Sadaqah). It emphasizes the spiritual excellence of going beyond what is required:

"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets; and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; who establishes prayer and gives Zakat; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is they who are the righteous."
(Qur'an 2:177)

This verse powerfully blends faith with action. The righteous are not just those who perform rituals but those who give of their wealth, "in spite of love for it" — showing that true charity arises when giving requires self-sacrifice.

Furthermore, God promises to exponentially multiply the reward for those who spend in His cause:

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing."
(Qur'an 2:261)

This vivid imagery inspires believers to give generously, knowing that even a small act of charity can lead to immense blessings.

Helping Despite One's Own Needs

God praises those who give, even when they themselves are in need:

"They give others preference over themselves, even though they themselves are in need. And whoever is saved from the greed of his soul, it is they who will be successful."
(Qur'an 59:9)

This divine wisdom aligns closely with Christian teachings. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus praises the poor widow who gave two copper coins, saying:

"Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on."
(Luke 21:3-4)

And also:

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."
(Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4)

The convergence of this message in both the Qur'an and the Bible calls us to view charity not merely as a financial transaction but as an expression of the soul's sincerity and trust in divine providence.

The convergence of this message in both the Qur'an and the Bible calls us to view charity not merely as a financial transaction but as an expression of the soul's sincerity and trust in divine providence.

A Divine Trade: Reflections from Surah At-Taghabun

The Qur'an also speaks of charity as a kind of divine trade — one that yields spiritual rewards:

"So, fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in His cause]; it is better for your souls. And whoever is saved from the greed of his soul — it is they who will be successful. If you loan Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is Most Appreciative and Forbearing, Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Almighty, the Wise."
(Qur'an 64:16-18)

These verses emphasize two key points: first, that human capacity is limited and God only expects what is within our means; second, that voluntary spending in the cause of God is likened to a loan given to Him. The phrase "goodly loan" (qard hasan) is particularly significant. It highlights that charity should be pure, free of pride or expectation of return from others. The return is with God alone, who promises to "multiply it" and grant forgiveness.

This "loan" metaphor is intended to elevate the believer’s perception of charity from mere social aid to a sacred covenant. It is an investment in the Hereafter, where the reward is compounded beyond measure.

The Modern Challenge: A Reflection from Iqbal

Amidst the materialism of modern times, Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s timeless words sound a deep warning:

عصرِ حاضر ملک الموت ہے تیرا
جس نے قبض کی روح تیری دے کے تجھے فکرِ معاش

"The modern age is the angel of death for you;
It has seized your soul by burdening you with the anxiety of livelihood."

Iqbal’s lament reminds us how easily the pursuit of livelihood can overtake the soul’s higher yearnings. True liberation lies in freeing ourselves from the grip of material anxiety, and nothing accomplishes this better than generosity. When we give, especially when it demands sacrifice, we reclaim our spirit from the tyranny of materialism and return to the sacred trust between humanity and God.

The Sermon on the Mount: Give in Secret

This spiritual principle also finds profound articulation in the words of Jesus (peace be upon him), particularly in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them... But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing... Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
(Matthew 6:1-4)

Giving quietly, purely, and without showing is true generosity. Both Islam and Christianity warn against charity done for ostentation. What matters most is the inner intention, the purity of motive.

The Heart of Divine Compassion

When one chooses to give even in hardship, one echoes the divine attribute of mercy. As the Qur'an beautifully declares:

"God is with those who do good."
(Qur'an 29:69)

And likewise, Jesus teaches:

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
(Luke 6:36)

We are also reminded in the Psalms:

"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor."
(Psalm 112:9)

Charity, then, becomes a way to draw nearer to God. It molds the soul in the image of divine grace and mercy, transforming both the giver and the recipient.


Conclusion: A Call to Humanity

Let us be among those who give from the heart, not merely to fulfill duty, but to reflect divine love. Whether through a shared meal, financial aid, or even a listening ear, every act of generosity carries within it a breath of the sacred.

And as we give, let us do so with humility and gratitude, remembering that in aiding others, we uplift our own souls and align ourselves with the merciful rhythms of the Divine.

Aamir Yazdani

 

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Christian Mr. Yaqub Masih and Lent

Christian Mr. Yaqub Masih (literal meaning in English: Jacob Christ).

Our gardener for well over a decade. He fasted for 40 days, called Lent (40 days of fasting, repentance, and spiritual preparation). This pattern mirrors many religious themes of testing followed by triumph, patience followed by reward, which is also seen in Ramadan and Eid in Islam.

Christians observe Lent through fasting, repentance, and prayer, preparing their hearts to fully appreciate the meaning of Easter. Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus—the moment of hope, victory, and redemption.

Lent (40 days) commemorates the time Jesus fasted and endured temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11):

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished.
3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
4 But he answered, "It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor;
9 and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
10 Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’”
11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Throughout the forty days of Lent, Mr. Yaqub Masih never appeared to be fasting. Despite the rigour of Christian fasting, he remained energetic and carried out his daily duties with the same vitality as before.

 Jesus (peace be upon him) is quoted in the Book of Matthew (6:16-18):

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

I wish Mr. Yaqub Masih and indeed all the Christians a meaningful Lenten season. May this season of reflection and prayer bring you peace and strength. And extend blessings to you during this time of spiritual renewal. Also, Happy Easter to you and your families, and wishing you a joyful and blessed Easter!

Aamir Yazdani

 

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Reply to the Article: Anthropomorphic Imagery in the Sistine Chapel – A Theological and Historical Analysis by Dr. Zia H Shah.

 Epigraph:

“Ask them [O God’s Messenger]: Who has forbidden you the adornments of the Almighty which He had created for His servants, and who has forbidden the wholesome among the edibles? Tell them: They are for the believers also even in this world [but God has also given the disbelievers a share in them]; and on the Day of Judgement, they shall be theirs alone. [The disbelievers shall have no share in them.] Thus, do We explain Our revelations for those who want to know.

Say: My Lord has only forbidden lewd acts, whether open or hidden and usurping rights and wrongful oppression and that you associate with God that for which He did not send down any sanction and that you fabricate something about God that you know not.”

Reply to the Article: Anthropomorphic Imagery in the Sistine Chapel – A Theological and Historical Analysis by Dr. Zia H Shah.

[Dr. Zia H Shah is a physician practicing in Upstate New York. He is the Chief Editor of the Muslim Times, which has more than 36,000 followers on Twitter. He has authored more than 400 articles on Islam, Christianity, Secularism, and Religion & Science. Follow in Twitter: @The_MuslimTimes]

Exodus (20:4-5): “Exodus 20:4–5, states: “You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath…; you shall not bow down to them or serve them.” relates to worshipping idols. The article also quotes 1 Kings 6:23-29 as Solomon’s Temple adorned with carved figures. The Qur’an is consistent with these Biblical Verses. It mentions Prophet Solomon’s kingdom (34:12-13):

In a similar way, We subdued the wind for Solomon. The going of the wind [taking along his ships] would be of one month also and the return too would be of one month. And We made a spring of molten brass to flow for him and had also subdued the jinn who would work in front of him at the behest of his Lord and had said: “He among them who shows disobedience to Our directive, We shall make him taste the flavour of Fire.”

They would make for him whatever he wanted from among arches, statues, basins as large as watering-troughs, and gigantic cauldrons stationed on hearths  – “Continue to be grateful [to your Lord]! Family of David.” In reality, few among My servants are grateful.”

 I believe the Verse in Genesis 1:27 which says: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." does not mean in the literal sense. It relates to the attributes of God that we too are bestowed with to a certain degree. If God is compassionate and gracious, we too, exhibit being compassionate and gracious to a certain degree. God is forgiving. We, too, are forgiving to a certain degree. The attributes of God are in absolute terms. In Arabic, these attributes when preceded by the article ‘Al’ (like ‘The’ in the English language) specify the attribute. So, if we are compassionate and gracious, God is the most compassionate and the most gracious.

That is why, when I mean we exhibit these attributes too, to a certain degree, I imply these attributes are in absolute terms when we relate to God.

God is most sensitive to monotheism. He says He shall forgive every sin under the sun except polytheism, Qur’an (4:48):

“[They think that whatever their beliefs and deeds, they will necessarily go to Paradise; they should know that] God shall not forgive that associates be [deliberately] ascribed to Him; however, lesser than this, He shall forgive [according to His law] any sin for whomsoever He wants, and [there is no doubt that] he who associates partners with God is guilty of inventing a great sin.”

Allowing images or idols to be venerated only and not worshipped is treading dangerous waters. As the followers of Divine religion and believers of One God, one must remain aware and cognizant of the challenge of Satan to God, mentioned in the Qur’an (7:11-18):

“[Your tale is that] We had created you, then had given you form. Then We had said to the angels: “Prostrate before Adam.” So, except Satan all prostrated. He was not among those who prostrated.

God said: “What stopped you from prostrating when I had ordered you?” He replied: “I am better than him. You have created me from fire and created him from clay.”

He said: “Get you down from here because you do not have the right to show arrogance here. So, away with you! Surely, you are disgraceful.” 

He replied: “Give me respite until the Day people are raised up.”

God said: “You have this respite.”

He replied: “Then because you have led me astray, I too shall surely lie in ambush at Your straight path for the progeny of Adam.

Then I shall certainly pounce upon them from their front and behind, from their right and left – from all sides. And You will find most of them to be ungrateful to You.” 

God said: “Go away from here, disgraced and accursed. [Remember that] those of them who follow you, I also shall definitely fill Hell with you all.”

 The above quoted Qur’an verse where Satan challenges God that he will ‘lie in ambush at Your straight path for the progeny of Adam’ implies the straight path of monotheism. Monotheism lies at the core of human existence. God warns us to remain in absolute terms within the precincts of monotheism. As a consequence, God declares polytheism as the filth of human intellect. Qur’an (9:28):

”Believers! These Idolaters are absolutely impure. So, they must not even come near the Sacred Mosque after this year of theirs and if [as a consequence] you fear poverty, [rest assured,] if God wills, He shall soon make you rich through His grace. Undoubtedly, God is All-Knowing and All-Wise.”

The verse has a context but the implication is that because of the filth in faith which the idolaters are afflicted with, they cannot enter the limits of the House of God even for ḥajj and ‘umrah. This House of Kaa’ba is the center for monotheism.

At one place in the Qur’an God states (72:18):

“And also, that mosques are only for God; so, invoke not anyone in them besides God.”

A Hadith attributed to the Prophet stresses practicing monotheism. Narrated Mu'adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him): “I was riding behind the Prophet (peace be upon him) on a donkey called 'Ufayr. He said to me, ‘O Mu'adh, do you know what is the right of Allah upon His servants, and what is the right of the servants upon Allah?’ I said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He said, ‘The right of Allah upon His servants is that they should worship Him and not associate anything with Him, and the right of the servants upon Allah is that He will not punish the one who does not associate anything with Him.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, should I not give this glad tidings to the people?’ He said, ‘Do not tell them, for they might rely on it (and not strive to do good deeds).’” — Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2856 & Sahih Muslim, Hadith 30 (in some editions Hadith 135)

In this light, Michelangelo’s portrayal of God may seem problematic because it is placed in a sacred space (a chapel) where people gather to worship and such images or statues could be used to invoke God’s devotion.

The Qur’an, however, comments on Fine Arts. It says these are God’s blessings for His servants to be used and enjoyed. These verses of the Qur’an are explicit in guiding us for all times to come, Qur’an (7:32-33):

“Ask them [O God’s Messenger]: Who has forbidden you the adornments of the Almighty which He had created for His servants, and who has forbidden the wholesome among the edibles? Tell them: They are for the believers also even in this world [but God has also given the disbelievers a share in them]; and on the Day of Judgement, they shall be theirs alone. [The disbelievers shall have no share in them.] Thus, do We explain Our revelations for those who want to know.

Say: My Lord has only forbidden lewd acts, whether open or hidden and usurping rights and wrongful oppression and that you associate with God that for which He did not send down any sanction and that you fabricate something about God that you know not.”

These Qur’an verses suggest God has no issues with Fine Arts. The term "fine art" is defined by several reputable dictionaries as follows:​

  • Oxford Reference: "Art created primarily for aesthetic reasons and not for functional use. Examples of the fine arts are painting, drawing, sculpture, and music."
  • Collins English Dictionary: "Painting and sculpture, in which objects are produced that are beautiful rather than useful, can be referred to as fine art or as the fine arts." ​
  • Cambridge English Dictionary: "A type of art that is admired for its beauty, for example, painting, sculpture, music, and dance."

These definitions collectively highlight that fine art encompasses creative works valued primarily for their aesthetic appeal and beauty. God points out the prohibitions in the next verse (7:33). This verse offers a profound and multilayered ethical framework for understanding divine prohibitions. God, through this verse, ‘reminds’ along with personal purity, and social ethics through the Qur’an (God declares His Qur’an as a Reminder) to adhere to pure monotheism and sanctioned belief and not attribute lies to God.

In conclusion, it is important to remain knowledgeable regarding God’s expectations of us. The sole source of the Divine expectations is His prophets who received His revelations. The Bible – Old and New Testaments are in sync with the Qur’an regarding issues of morality and monotheism. These can neither be tinkered with or misinterpreted for any reason.

God while commenting on the Jews who tinkered with the verses of the Torah or hid them from the common public in the times of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says (3:77):

“[You expect from them that in the matter of your prophet, they will act justly] and on the contrary, the situation is that among the People of the Book there are those also who, if you trust them with a heap of wealth, will return it to you intact; and there are others among them also who, if you entrust them with a single dīnār, will not hand it back unless you forcefully demand it from them. This is because they have said: “We shall not be held blameworthy in the matter of these unlettered.” And it is a fact that they deliberately say of God what is untrue.

Indeed, why not? [The way of God only is that] he who keeps his covenant with Him and remains pious is liked by Him because God loves the pious.

On the other hand, those who sell the covenant of God and their own oaths for a trivial price have no share in the world to come. And God shall neither speak to them nor look at them with favour, nor purify them [from their sins] on the Day of Judgement. In fact, a grievous punishment awaits them there”.

 Aamir Yazdani




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  Estimated Reading Time : 4 minutes ⸻ Epigraph “We record that which they send before and their footprints; and all things We have ke...