SCATTERED WORDS

Responsibility to Society

2011-12-16T21:44:00.003+06:00

When a seed is planted, it takes its nourishment from the earth and its surrounding and slowly grows into a big tree. After it reaches its prime, the tree then starts giving back to its surrounding. First it gives fruits for man, birds and animals to eat and oxygen to breath; then some of its fruits, leaves and parts are returned to the earth through decomposition; and finally it is cut down and used as wood for people’s benefit.

But what about us, the Muslims? When we think about the blessings that we have taken from this society, we see that they are many. But when we count that which we have given back to the society we live in, there is little we have to present. This is in contrast to our forefathers, the Muslims from the beginning of Islamic civilization until some hundred years ago. Those Muslims have enormous contribution to all spheres of life and society starting from politics, economics and social justice to science, technology and medicine.

Allah Azzawajal says in the Holy Quran, what can be translated as,
“You are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma`ruf (all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah.”
(Surah Ale Imran, verse 110).

The meaning of the Ayah is that the Ummah of Muhammad is the most righteous and beneficial nation for mankind, because of their bidding the good and forbidding the evil, and because of their good character and morals.

Thus, we as the Ummah of Muhammad Mustafa (saws), have to attain the best morals and characters, be true to our responsibility of the bringing the best benefit for the society; and avoid the mistakes committed by the ummah before us.

Here, in this ayah, the word NAS, or mankind is used; not just Muslims or believers. Therefore the bringing of goodness and social justice have to apply to all of mankind and should never be limited to only the Muslims.

So, how can we be the best of nation that brings goodness to the whole of mankind?

First of all, we need to understand that Islam is a Deen, a complete way of life, rather than just a religion. The word religion has a rather narrow scope limited to a set of beliefs and rituals. Deen, on the other hand, obviously means a system of life where the Almighty Allah is worshipped and obeyed, not just in the narrow religious sense, but in a manner that includes all aspects of human of life including our social life.

In order to follow this Deen of Islam, we need to develop and strengthen our relationship with Allah by reading, comprehending, and pondering over the meaning of Holy Qur’an with a genuine search for truth; and practicing its lessons in our everyday life by living a life of total obedience to the Almighty Allah.

Once we start practicing this, the Ibadah, or obedience to Allah, will begin showing its signs in our character and in our outwardly nature. Our leader, Muhammad (saws) is the perfect and best human being, and the Quran was fully reflected in his character as described by the mother of the believers Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her).

The more we are able to learn and put to practice the lessons of the Quran, the more will the Quran be reflected through our character, biiznillahi Taala.

Secondly: bidding of the good and forbidding the evil is not just a matter of words. It is not something which we say only. Rather it is something which should be reflected in our everyday life. We can see a beautiful example of this from the life of Sayyidul Mursalin Mustafa (saws).

One old woman made used to throw rubbish on Prophet Muhammad whenever he passed in front of her house on the way to the mosque. Even when the old woman threw rubbish on him, he (saws) would pass silently without showing any anger or annoyance. This was a regular, daily event.

One day when the Prophet was passing by, the woman was not there to throw the rubbish. He stopped and asked the neighbor about her well-being. The neighbor informed the Prophet that the woman was sick on bed. The Prophet politely asked permission to visit the woman. When allowed he entered the house, the woman thought that he had come there to take his revenge when she was unable to defend herself because of sickness. But the Prophet assured her that he had come to her, not to take any revenge, but to see her and to look after her needs, as it was the command of Allah that if any one is sick, a Muslim should visit him and should help him if his help is needed.

The old woman was greatly moved by this kindness and love of the Prophet. By the example of greatness of Muhammad, she understood that he was truly the Prophet of God and Islam was the true religion. She accepted Islam at once.

Such kindness is repeated many times in the history of Islam. Justice, honesty, integrity, kindness, sincerity, and truthfulness are the qualities of the Muslims that opened the hearts of millions of people in Asia and Africa to the truth of Islam. People knew the tree of Islam by the fruits of the good conduct it produced in its followers.

Similarly, we also engage regularly with the wider society in todays age too. People know and understand Islam through personal experience of Muslims. The early Muslims spread throughout the world through doing business with the others; and their nobility and integrity of conduct won them over. This very model should be followed by us Muslims today, and we have to interact with larger society in our places of work and other spheres of life; and we need to portray a good example of ourselves and represent Islam as it really is. 

Guiding society by spreading the call of righteousness, fighting atrocities and detestful things, encouraging virtue, enjoining all that is good, helping the people, trying to win the public opinion to the side of Islam, and observing the Islamic principles in all aspects of public life: these are the duty of individual Muslims as well as the community working as a unit. The society we live in has many problems to which we Muslims can contribute and work together with others to solve.

Thirdly: Our life, individually and within the Muslim community, should be an ideal one which may draw the attention of others. It should make people think and compare their own lives with ours. That is one of the ways that will make them curious for gaining sound information about Islam. However, if we slavishly imitate the parts of the Western lifestyle that do not agree with Islam, and thus degrade ourselves, there will not be and cannot be any distinction between us and others. In this case, they will not feel any attraction towards us or our Deen. Nor will it make them reflect on the Muslim behavior or hold us and Islam in esteem.

We must also remember and understand that if we commit a crime in our home country, we are less likely to be stereotyped, compared to doing the same in this society. This is because we are not just an individual here, rather we are representatives of our countries and of our Deen Islam. So, it is much much more important to set a good example and be a good role model in this society.

This also applies to the community within ourselves. We need to be united, have strong brotherhood and set good example as a group. One of the greatest blessings of Islam is it's admirable success in creating strong, warm and rich bond of love and brotherhood among the Muslims. It is this blessing of love and brotherhood which is the greatest source of sustenance and nourishment for man, but few of us can honestly say that we have experienced true brotherhood. True Muslim brotherhood implies that we should pray for our brother and want for him what we want for ourselves.

The importance of brotherhood is highlighted by the saying of the Prophet (saws). He has described it by saying:
"You find the Muslims in their mutual love and compassion, like one body, should any organ of it fall ill, the rest of the body will share in the fever and sleeplessness that ensues". (al-Bukhari)

Let us all pray and work towards being the best of Mankind, being a member of the Ummah of Sayyidul Mursaleen Muhammad (saws).

Hijrah 1433: Lessons from Hijra Nabawiyyah

2011-11-28T02:11:00.001+06:00

The migration of the Prophet illustrates the principle that no matter how something is desired by us, we should never hesitate to sacrifice it for the sake of our faith or ideal. Worldly material and things of value can never and should never take the place of our faith; nor can the faith be exchanged away for the entire world.

Makkah was the birthplace of the Prophet (saws) and his companions. It was also the city of Holy kaaba. Yet, nothing stood in the way of bidding farewell to their hearts and homes, families and kinsmen just for the the freedom of conscience and liberty to practice Islam.

Finally, Hijrah is not only a physical migration, but more importantly it is a spiritual migration. To attain true Hijrah, we have to work on our Faith, our knowledge and our actions, so that we are able to worship Allah and pull away from Haram; make our Faith strong, and face the trials and tests of staying on the straight path; and migrate away from what Allah has forbidden to worshipping as Allah has ordered.

Let us pray that we can all be a true immigrant, and migrate away from leading a life of desire and vanities to a life of humbleness and thankfulness. Allahumma Ameen.

Hijrah 1433

2011-11-28T02:09:00.002+06:00

It is appropriate for us to reflect a while on the significance of the important event of Hijra in the history of Islam.

The Islamic calendar was first introduced by the close companion of the Prophet, 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab (R). During his Khilfah, the need to introduce a new Islamic calendar raised. After consultation with other prominent companions, it was agreed that the most appropriate reference point for the Islamic calendar was the Hijrah, since it was an important turning point for the Muslim community, the history of Islam and infact the history of this world. It was only after the migration to Madinah that the Muslims were able to organize and establish the first real Muslim "community," with social, political, and economic independence.

Let us briefly look at some points related to the beautiful story of Hijrah, the blessed journey of the Prophet (saws) and his companion Abu Bakr (r) through the lonely desert from Makkah to Madina.

As the Muslims started migrating to Madina, the Quraysh decided to end the Prophet (s) blessed life by assasinating him jointly. They chose to do it one night, and waited outside his house waiting to kill him the moment he left his house early in the morning. Allâh, the All-Mighty, however, had other plans. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) came out of the house and cast some dust at them and managed to work his way through them reciting verses from the Noble Qur’ân: which can be translated as
· “And We have put a barrier before them, and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see.” [36:9] (surah Yasin)

The unbelieving Quraysh of Mecca were bitterly set against the Prophet (saws). Yet they were absolutely convinced of his truthfulness and trustworthiness, and chose to trust him with their valuable belongings. When Allah’s orders for the Prophet (saws) to migrate to Madina was revealed, He had a number of their things committed to his trust. He, therefore, charged ‘Ali to return these to their owners before leaving Mecca.

Instead of taking the direct road to Madinah Prophet (saws) and Abu Bakr (r) walked for 5 miles in the opposite direction and took refuge for three nights in a cave in rough rocky mountain called Thawr. ‘Abdullah, the son of Abu Bakr would go to see them after dusk, stay the night there, inform them of the latest situation in Makkah. ‘Amir bin Fuhairah, the slave of Abu Bakr (r) used to supply them with milk at night and Asma (r), Abu Bakrs daughter brought them food by walking this long distance, although she was pregnant at than time.

‘Abdullah bin Uraiquit, a guide hired by Abu Bakr (r) who was not yet Muslim then, reached the cave after three nights, bringing with him Abu Bakr’s two camels which he had arranged especially for this journey. During the long journey to Madina, they took the hardly ever used ways along the coastal route, instead of the short and straight path that was commonly used then.

We have hightlighted these brief points to show that The Hijrah was not a random flight but a carefully planned migration. What lessons can we draw from these incidents?

First of all, we learn that if something is not working out as planned, we should look for alternatives just like the Prophet looked for alternative land to establishing the deen when efforts at Makkah failed, and the Quraysh of Makkah opposed Islam with strong force.

We also see that the Prophet (saws) did not forget his duties and his trust to the Makkans, people who wanted to kill him, even at this dangerous and difficult moment. So, we should also learn to be trustworthy and honest in all circumstances, and with all people, Muslims and non Muslims alike. We must be trustworthy in our job, in our studies, in our businesses, in all our affairs of this life and hereafter.

Further, although this migration was in the way of Islam and by the orders of Allah, both the Prophet (saws) and Abu bakr (r) left no stones unturned to prepare for this journey in the best possible way. They knew that Allah will help them, yet Abu bakr (r) bought and prepared camels for their journey, they took the help of a non-Muslim bedouin guide, they hid in the cave. Instead of taking direct path, they took long and dangerous routes. Similarly in our worldly affairs and more importantly in the matters of the deen, and working for the deen, we also need to be well prepared and do things in the best possible way. We know that we must rely on Allah, but only after careful planning. Also we learn from this incident that there is no fault in taking help from non-Muslim experts.

Finally, we also see the dedication, hard work and sacrifice of those around the Prophet (saws) and his blessed companion. For example, Ali (r) had to have a lot of courage to lie in Prophets bed knowing that there are angry men waiting outside to kill the Prophet (saws) and they could have killed Ali (r) in the place of Prophet (saws). Also we see the dedication of Asma (r) who walked all the way from Makkah in pregnant condition to serve food for the beloved prophet (saws) and her father.

These are not mere stories for us to listen and then forget. These stories and incidents are there for us to learn and take lessons for our daily life and our activities. We need to contemplate on these beautiful stories of sacrifice and struggle and try to implement their lessons in our everyday life.

Can you imagine walking in the desert sun of Arabia for around two weeks. The temperature is about 50 degrees? For whom did the Prophet (saws) and his companions suffer this hardship? Could they not have decided to stay in Makkah in the comfort of their houses and among their people? Did not the Quraiysh offer Prophet (saws) to give wealth and power and whatever he may want?

Do you know why the Prophet (saws) left Makkah, his birthplace, although it was the dearest place to him? He (saws) did this so that the message of Islam survive beyond their life. It is because of all the sufferings and hardship of the Prophet (saws) and all his companions that you and I and all of us are blessed to get the message of Islam. It is because of their Hijrah that day, that Islam got established and reached all the corners of this world today.

This migration of the Prophet (saws) also has relevance in our own lives: If we live in a place where our faith and our very life is in danger, we should move away; as many of us here have done. We are told in the Holy Quran, that when the angels of death question those who sinned, they will accept no excuses. The angels will ask: Was Allah’s earth not wide enough for you to move away from a sinful environment?

At a deeper level, the Hijrah is also a spiritual migration. If our lives are too much concerned with material things, with our own personal vanities, our likes and dislikes, our comfort and amusement, then we need a to make a spiritual Hijra, spiritual migration. We need to re-organise our priorities in life. We need to re-focus our heart, our emotions and our desires on something higher and nobler than ourselves. Material things should never be the main goal in life. Our main concern should be, to seek the good pleasure of Allah in everything we do.

If, in the process, wealth and good fortune comes our way, we should consider it as a by-product of serving Allah. We should hold onto these things lightly, at arms’ length, not close to the heart. It should be a bonus, not the main agenda. We must not dedicate our life for this purpose alone. There are very beautiful verses in Sura Ale Imran that reminds us, which can be translated as:

“14. Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they desire: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to).

15. Say: Shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy); and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah.s sight are (all) His servants,-

16. (Namely), those who say: “Our Lord! we have indeed believed: forgive us, then, our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;”-

17. Those who show patience, Firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah.; and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.

The migration of the Prophet illustrates the principle that no matter how something is desired by us, we should never hesitate to sacrifice it for the sake of our faith or ideal. Worldly material and things of value can never and should never take the place of our faith; nor can the faith be exchanged away for the entire world.

Let us mark this Islamic New Year with personal thinking, reflection and re-dedication. Let us refocus our attention on pleasing our Maker, our Lord, and achieving that noble status that He has assigned for us, that is the status of the best of Creation. Let us make a fresh start, to steer our lives from where we are, to where Allah wants us to be. There cannot be a more important journey in our lives than this spiritual Hijrah, the true Hijrah.

Let us pray that we can all be a true immigrant, and migrate away from forbidden things to the way of serving Allah, from doing thing which displeases Allah to that which pleases Him, from leading a life of desire and vanities to a life of humbleness and thankfulness. Allahumma Ameen.

first ten days of Dhul Hijja

2011-10-31T23:57:00.004+06:00

We are in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Many Muslims are gathered in the holy city of Makka to perform Hajj during this time. Unfortunately, many of us are not among the Hujjaj. Yet Allah SWT in His infinite mercy, has given us an opportunity to share some of their rewards by making the first ten days of this month, more virtuous than other days. This is so that we can increase our good deeds and try to wipe away our sins. According to the scholars, these ten days are the ten best days of the year and the 9th Dhul Hijja, the day of Arafat is one of the best day of the year.

We should all try to exploit those golden days. Some of the recommended actions for these days are:
1. Praying Tahajjud Prayer
2. Fasting, especially in the ninth, the day of Arafat.
3. Saying Takbeer, Tahlil, Tasbeeh and Tahmid.
4. Making a sacrifice following the tradition of our father Ibrahim (a) seeking Allah's pleasure.
5. Repenting from our sins
6. Doing other good deeds, such as reading Qur'an, remembering Allah, honoring parents, and others.
7. Last but not least, making doa; especially on the day of Arafat, which is one of the best days to make doa.

May Allah give us all Tawfique to take advantage of these blessed days.

Last ten days of Ramadan and Laylatul Qadr

2011-08-24T16:54:00.003+06:00

All praises and thanks to Allah (swt) for enabling us to witness this blessed month of Ramadhan in good health and safety so far.

This last ten days of Ramadhan are very important in the life of a Muslim, as we can see from the life of Prophet Muhammad (s). They holy Prophet (s) was seriously doing ibadah in the month of Ramadhan more than any other months. And even within the month of Ramadhan, when the last ten days would arrive, he was much more serious than other twenty days.

To get the most out of it, Muhammad (s) used to enter Itikaf for the last ten days. Where he used to stay in seclusion in the mosque and dedicate himself solely to worshipping Allah (swt) and drawing himself closer to Allah. Besides increasing his own Ibadah, Prophet (s) would also wake his wives and family members.

Alhamdulillah these ten days are with us. we need some serious planning so that we dont have to regret loosing these days after they are over. Rather, let us prepare ourselves so as to make best use of the special days lying ahead of us.

Another significance of these ten days is the presence of a very important and special night among the nights of this last ten days, the night of power, the night of blessing, the laylatul Qadr.

What is Layltul Qadr?

This is the night in which Allah has chosen to reveal the Holy Quran, His blessed words.

Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. On the other hand, those who catch the opportunity, their gift is that of past sins wiped away.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah reported "When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say:
(Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)

When is Laylatul Qadr ?

Narrated by 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle said,
"Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."

What should one do in Laylatul Qadr?

It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever stood in prayer on the night of Al-Qadr, in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

From the blessed Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (s), we find the following recommended action for the night of Laylatul Qadr:

1. Praying Long Qiyaam (night prayer):

2. Making doa:
It is recommended to make extensive doa on this night.
‘A’ishah reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say:
“Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee – O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love to forgive. So forgive me.” [An authentic Hadith recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and at-Tirmidhi.]

The scholars said: The meaning of ‘’alafow’’ is the clearance and it has the meaning of concealment and cover, it means Allah clear my crimes and sins, and forgive my faults and mistakes and conceal them, and let your punishment be away from me.

3. Abandoning Worldly Pleasures and devoting time solely for Ibadah.

What are the virtues of Layatul Qadr?

Sufyaan ath-Thawree reports, on the authority of Mujaahid, that the night of Al-Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it, and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months’ good deeds, prayers and fasting. (Narrated by Ibn Jareer)

The reward of sincere Ibadah which are accepted by Allah (swt) in this night is nothing less than having our past sins wiped away.

What makes this night so special?

The first Laylatul Qadr, …was the night that changed history. It was the night that Jibreel alayhis salaam brought the first revelation.

When we ponder over this fact, it is easy for us to realize why is this night so important, and why is it called the blessed night. Because it was on this night that the light of guidance and Truth replaced the darkness of ignorance and Falsehood.
So, to really make the best out of Laylatul Qadr, we need to read, understand, and live by the Quran in our everyday life. We will only truly benefit from Laylatul Qadr and our lives and surrounding will be filled with peace when we can change our lives to live by the Quran. InshaAllah.

Let us also take this opportunity and earn for ourselves and our families salvation from hellfire and a place in the eternal Jannah.

10 things to learn from Japan

2011-03-28T12:58:00.002+06:00

1. THE CALMNESS: Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2. THE DIGNITY: Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

3. THE ABILITY: The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.

4. THE GRACE: People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

5. THE ORDER: No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.

6. THE SACRIFICE: Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid ?

7. THE TENDERNESS: Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.

8. THE TRAINING: The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

9. THE MEDIA: They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.

10. THE CONSCIENCE: When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly.

150 Million Bangladeshis are confused today

2011-03-06T04:12:00.004+06:00

Primary Guide

2011-02-15T17:46:00.002+06:00

"And among His Signs is this: you see the earth humble [because of drought]; but when We send down rain to it, it is stirred to life and yields increase. Truly, He who gives it life can surely give life to the dead, for He has power over all things."
Fussilat (Clearly Expounded) - Chapter 41: Verse 39

In the first years of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) life he developed a specific relationship with nature that remained constant throughout his mission. The universe is pregnant with signs that recall the presence of the Creator, and the desert, more than anything else, opens the human mind to observation, meditation, and initiation into meaning. Thus, many verses of the Quran mention the book of creation and its teachings. The desert, apparently devoid of life, repeatedly shows and proves the watchful consciousness the reality of the miracle of the return to life.

This relationship with nature was so present in the Prophet's life from his earliest childhood that one can easily come to the conclusion that living close to nature, observing, understanding, and respecting it, is an imperative of deep faith.

Nature is the primary guide and the intimate companion of faith. Thus, God decided to expose His Prophet, from his earliest childhood, to the natural lessons of creation, conceived as a school where the mind gradually apprehends signs and meaning. Far removed from the formalism of soulless religious rituals, this sort of education, in and through its closeness to nature, fosters a relationship to the divine based on contemplation and depth that will later make it possible, in a second phase of spiritual education, to understand the meaning, form, and objectives of religious ritual.

Cut off from nature in our towns and cities, we nowadays seem to have forgotten the meaning of this message to such an extent that we dangerously invert the order of requirements and believe that learning about the techniques and forms of religion (prayers, pilgrimages, etc.) is sufficient to grasp and understand their meaning and objectives. This delusion has serious consequences since it leads to draining religious teaching of its spiritual substance, which actually ought to be its heart.

Compiled From:
"In The Footsteps of The Prophet" - Tariq Ramadan, pp. 12-14

[source]

Hilarry-leaks

2011-02-05T18:09:00.003+06:00

Transcript of Hillary Clintons tele-conversation with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina:

Prime Minister Hasina (PM): Good Morning, Madame Secretary. I am very pleased to hear your voice.

Secretary Clinton: Good afternoon Madame Prime Minister. I hope I reached you at a good time.

PM: Yes, yes, you reached me at a good time. For you, any time is good time for me. Please feel free to call me anytime.

Secretary: Madame Prime Minister I have been updated by Ambassador-at-Large Stephen Rapp about his visit to Dhaka. Honestly, at the request of New Delhi, we sent him there and tried our best to help you better organize the trial. After listening from Amb. Rapp and our Ambassador Moriarty, I felt obligated to inform you that both I and President Obama take the issue of human rights in its proper spirit. It is on this context, I called you to inform you that United States does not support the trial in its form and content. Bangladesh has to reform the whole process in a way so that it doesn’t become a conduit of punishing opposition.

PM: Madame Secretary, I understand your concern and I already asked my Law Minister to take note of what Amb. Rapp suggested. This is a trial we undertook with active support and assistance of New Delhi. I am sure Indian Ambassador in Washington DC will brief you further on that.

Secretary: Prime Minister, United States stands for a certain values and policies which may or may not be the likes of New Delhi. Of course, we have been attentive to New Delhi’s most of the suggestions but this one I thought I should forewarn you.

PM: Madame Secretary we noted your concerns and can tell you this much that this was in our manifesto and our people would like to see the trial should go on.

Secretary: Absolutely, but that has to done in an way so that it is accepted internationally. I am sure, even people who voted for your party, may not accept the trial in its form and format which is, to our view, flawed and politically motivated. President Obama working hard to bring peace to your part of the world, Madame Prime Minister. Therefore, United States would not allow any action that may only help some legitimate political forces going underground to create more problem for you and thereby, for us as well.

PM: I understand. I understand. Don’t worry we will fix it. Don’t take it that seriously. We are doing it as we have to do and there are some culprits who we need to straighten up.

Secretary: Ambassador Rapp also informed me about your government’s influence on the Judiciary and I was told how Judiciary is giving verdict they way you want. This is not good at the end. You have to be watchful.

PM: Thank you, thank you. I always value suggestion from yourself and President Clinton.

Secretary: Madame Prime Minister, let me come to the core point for which I called you. As you have seen even Washington Post picked up your treatment to Dr.Yunus and Grameen Bank. I thought it is about time to tell you how upset we are in Washington DC. I am personally upset because Dr.Yunus has been a family friend to the Clintons long before his wining of Nobel Prize. President Clinton is equally upset. Hope you are aware how hard he worked to see Dr.Yunus gets this award. I know people may have personal issues, but when it comes to national icon like Dr.Yunus, I thought Bangladesh shouldn’t demonize country’s only Nobel Laureate.

PM: Madame Secretary, please listen, please listen----

Secretary: Madame Prime Minister, please let me finish first. I hope you are aware that President Obama is a big fan of micro-credit. He is a fan of microfinance since his mother had her thesis on this subject. So, I am making this call to let you know how upset both of us-President Obama and I-at your continued effort to demonize Dr.Yunus.

PM: Madame Secretary, I hope you are aware that it is not us who brought this issue. Norway is the first to complain about Dr.Yunus’s misplaced fund. After all, this is our domestic issue and Madame Secretary we will do it as per our own rules and regulations.

Secretary: Madame Prime Minister, I thought I would not have to go that far. But, unfortunately, I was wrong. I hope you know as much we know, how your government came to power. Don’t forget that we helped you congratulating you after the election terming it as a free and fair. You know Prime Minister, how this election result was pre-arranged at the behest of our good friends in New Delhi. We acted the way they suggested us. And please don’t forget that Gen. Moyeen, who brought you to power, now in the USA and perhaps, we now know, more than you could possibly imagine. Prime Minister, I am not saying that we will disown you so soon. I am just trying to place issues in the order of history demands it.

PM: Madame Secretary we are aware of your support and assistance. We will do all we can to keep you happy. Don’t worry. We noted your point. Now let me know when you are coming to visit my country.

Secretary: Thanks for the invitations, Madame Prime Minister. I thank you for your time.

PM: Madame Secretary, Please bring President Clinton and your daughter and son in law.

Hilary hangs up on the other side----

[Note: Could anyone in the USA makes a request under the freedom of information act to State Department and proof the source wrong.]

[original source]
[image source]

চুনতী মাদ্রাসার ২০০ বছর

2011-01-16T14:33:00.001+06:00

Happy Hijri new year 1432 - "Never lose hope"

2010-12-15T13:55:00.007+06:00

This is the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, and the month of the Hijri new year. The story of the Hijrah, from where the Islamic calendar got its name, goes as follows:

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, found it impossible for him to continue his mission of inviting people to the True religion, Islam, in Makkah; and that his own life and that of other fellow Muslims were at risk. So, he started looking at nearby populations that would accept his message and provide him a base to establish a model Islamic society. After hearing about the message of Islam and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, the people of the nearby city of Yathrib, later to be known as Madinatunnabi (the city of the Prophet) or Madina, invited the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to migrate to their city. They offered him submission and unconditional support, and graciously accepted to accommodate all fellow Muslims with them.

After a couple of years of careful planning, the time had finally come when Allah ordered the Prophet to leave Makkah for Madina. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made the journey with Abu Bakr as his companion. Despite the fact that Allah was `the third with the two of them', the whole journey of Hijrah was scrupulously planned and executed with extreme care and caution. When they finally reached their destination, the people of Madina were filled with joy at having the greatest of man as their fellow citizen, and sang the famous song 'tala`al badru `alaina' while welcoming him.

Years later, this important event of Hijrah was chosen by Caliph Umar and his counsel to mark the beginning of the Islamic Calendar.

Why Hijrah to mark the Islamic Calendar?
1. Hijrah is a major milestone in the mission of Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. It marks the beginning of establishment of Islam as the complete way of life.
2. It is a very special occasion for Muslims as it highlights the importance of submission of one self to Allah the Almighty.
3. It reminds us of the sufferings of early Muslims in Makkah, and how they left all worldly pleasures to please Allah the Almighty. It is only because of their sufferings and sacrifices that Islam is what it is today.

Lessons from Hijrah
1. If something is not working out as planned, look for alternatives (Prophet`s seeking alternative land for establishing the deen when efforts at Makkah failed)
2. Don`t do anything hastily. Proper planning is the key. (The Prophet took few years seeking alternatives to Makkah. He went to taif, and had contacted other nearby tribal leaders. He migrated more than two years after people in Madina started accepting Islam and opened their doors to him)
3. Rely on Allah, only after diligent planning. (The Prophet and Abu Bakr (r) journey was not a straightforward trip along the regular route. It was very well planned and well executed)
4. There is no fault in taking help from experts (Prophet had a trusted non-Muslim bedouin who knew the area well as a guide)

Finally here is an excerpt from an article on onislam.net about attaining true Hijrah

Five Important Areas for a True Hijrah: To attain true Hijrah, here are the five areas we have to work on
1. Faith: We should work on strengthening our faith to be able to pull away from what God has forbidden.
2. Knowledge: Only with good knowledge could our faith see us through the trials and tests of staying on the straight path. (Knowledge is not limited to religious information only)
3. Acts of worship: Migrating away from what God has forbidden to worship, which not only brings us closer to God and supplies us with essential strength, resolve and tranquility, but also humbles us enough to see we’re only creatures like the rest of the creation, and that we have to maintain an ethical relationship with the universe and other people.
4. Desire: Controlling one’s urges and desires is prerequisite to how much success in this life one achieves as a migrant to God.
5. Ethics : A person who is full of great concepts and no deeds to prove it is a loser. Unless our Islamic ethical system is apparent through our everyday behaviors and manners, there is no hope for us to be true Muslims and a true migrant in the way of Allah.

In short, a true immigrant is an ethical, well-mannered and pious Muslim, and that is what we should all strive to be everyday of our lives. Allahumma Ameen.

Turning to the Qur’an in times of tribulation

2010-12-07T13:04:00.003+06:00

by Uthman Khan

The murder of a family member causes great unrest in one’s heart. And indeed the death of a small animal is sufficient for an individual to remember the return to their Lord. Upon the idea of the creation of mankind, the Angels were disturbed because of the potential level of injustice and the spilling of blood that we would cause. Yet Allah, with His infinite wisdom created mankind, and informed them of their role as custodians of truth and justice in this world. With this in mind, we reflect on the current situation of the world, and the escalating legitimized removal of wealth, freedom and life.

The greatest crimes on a global scale are arguably those committed against Muslims and many find entertaining the regular action-packed news of the ‘progress’ being made to maintain safety and security. But the same ‘progress’ is at the expense of the freedom and lives of many Muslims who are often unable to fulfill their basic human necessities. Chilling is the image of another Muslim being killed and even more so, the mass murder that we witness regularly. Allah informs us that “the believers are nothing else than brothers,” (Qur’an, 49:10) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) said that “the Muslim nation is like one body…if a single part hurts then the rest feels the suffering with fever, and cannot sleep.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Throughout history trials and tribulations have faced those nations that affirmed the truth of Allah’s sovereignty and unity of worship. However, this nation, as in those who follow Muhammad (peace be upon him), has been given a special status coupled with a complete and comprehensive source of guidance to last till the Day of Resurrection.

“Thus We have made you the best nation, so that you be witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you.” (Qur’an, 2:143)

The Muslims must therefore appreciate and understand the position that they hold and turn to the guidance that they have been blessed with. Some individuals feel secure from such trials, and find themselves busy in their own affairs. Yet Allah warns us:

“Do people think they will be left alone because they say we believe, and will not be tested. And indeed We tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make known (the falsehood of) those who are liars.” (Qur’an, 29:2-3)

All of mankind will therefore be tested and in addition, the same tests will affect both the sinners and pious among mankind due to their vastness. In another verse we are warned:

“And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which does not affect only those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people), and know that Allah is Severe in punishment.” (Qur’an, 8:25)

Tribulations and whatever else the Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us about must surely take place. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Muslims to observe patience, prepare, and be cautious of them. In fact, we must take extra caution in our current times because we have drawn closer to the final hour. The nature of tribulations is that they spiral out of control and often confuse people so that one would assume something prohibited to be permissible or vice versa. The 9/11 and 7/7 events are pertinent examples and the perpetrators are unable to control the plethora of consequences that result.

Due to the complexity of tribulations and their potential implications, many respond incorrectly and often go to extremes, despite knowing the Qur’an has been revealed to guide us in all of our affairs.

If a Muslim responds to a situation in accordance with the Qur’an then they will be elevated in status and rewarded, while if they do otherwise they will be lowered and face the consequences. Thus, we find guidance through correctly contemplating the verses and in particular stories of the Qur’an, and contrasting them with our own situations. Allah says:

“(This is) a Book which We have sent down to you full of blessings, so that they may ponder over its verses, and so that men of understanding may remember.” (Qur’an, 38:29)

Many of the stories in the Qur’an provide exemplary responses which can be correlated to situations that we witness today. Stories of true leaders, who acquired great strength in their belief, were steadfast upon the truth, and endured physical, mental and emotional tests. Every Muslim who is granted wisdom must contemplate the path that Allah chose for the best of the believers.

Patience and firmness upon the religion of Allah, while seeking the reward in the next life, is perhaps the most common lesson that can be taken from the stories in the Qur’an. The knowledge and wisdom in these stories is abundant and a fundamental source of insight into these stories is authentic exegesis.

The Qur’an is the source of guidance, honor, and strength for the Muslims. We must all build a relationship with the Qur’an, study its meaning and understanding, contemplate its verses, and remember Allah through them. Allah says:

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an, 13:28)

[Source: The Saudi Gazette]

Is justice the privilege of only a selected few?

2010-09-28T10:03:00.006+06:00

Jamaat leaders Nizami, Mujahid, Kamruzzaman and Abdul Kader Molla are now in police custody and being tried for so called war crimes. It is alleged that they were involved in many crimes against humanity during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, which ultimately resulted in Bangladesh emerging as an independent country. However, all this fiasco almost four decades after the war has lead to many questions.

1. According to media reports, Nizami is around 70 while the other three leaders are in their early 60's. That means during the war, they were youths in their early 20's with the exception of Nizami, who was 30 or so.
If we take a look at the political leadership today, we will hardly find any national leaders who are even in their forties, let alone be of their age then. There is not even a single national leader or political personality who is in his mid or even late 20's. Even the leaders of student organizations like BCL, BCD or Shibir are in their mid 30's.
So, isn't it funny when we hear that these handful of youths were the leaders of the entire anti-liberation movement and perpetrators of large scale crime against humanity?

2. It is reported that these jamaat leaders were members of a student organization in 1971 when carrying out the crimes. Were they the only members of this organization? Was it that only this four persons were the perpetrators of those horrendous crimes? Where did they get their training? Where did they get the arms? Who showed them directions? Who assisted them in various capacities?
Probably these four are supermen with extra-human capabilities!

3. All these four people are from different parts of Bangladesh. Nizami is from Pabna, Mujahid from Faridpur, Kamruzzaman from Sherpur and Abdul Kader from Mirpur. Most of them were students at their local colleges, and hence there is no chance of them knowing each other then.
Years later, they all joined Jamaat. Call it a miracle or whatever you may, exactly these four turned out to become its top leaders four decades later.

3. I pity the other members of their student organization then. Had they been involved in crimes against humanity, they too could have become top leaders and national politicians, including ministers.
Or is it that allegations of crimes against humanity is brought against these people only because of their political position???

4. During the war in 1971, many political parties and personalities opposed the separation of Bangladesh from Pakistan, including Muslim League and the communist parties (which are now part of the government). There is no mention of their names or even of the fact that these parties opposed the separation.
It seems all others, apart from the few scattered and independent alleged war criminals (who were not even jamaat members then), were and are 'doa tulshi pata' (as innocent as an angel).

5. Some months ago, the government handed out a list of 40 suspected war criminals. Does that mean that the BAL government wants us to believe that out of the entire 75 Million people, only these forty (remember they are only suspected criminals) were involved in crimes against humanity.
Some quarters have spends all their time, energy and money in highlighting the reign of terror lashed out by the anti-separation forces. Was all that terror and devastation and sufferings and killings committed by only this (at most) forty people.
It is said that three millions were killed and 200,000 women raped in the nine months of war.
All that carried out by this forty disconnected young men???

6. In late December 1971, American channel CBS broadcasted images of Mukti bahini killing tens of innocent biharis and rajakars in broad day light in front of thousands of people in the then racecourse maidan. The incident took place on the 18th of December, and was lead Kader Siddiki, a prominent freedom fighter.
This is not an isolated incident. During the nine month war, millions of Biharis and anti-separation Bangladeshis were tortured, raped, made homeless, maimed, robbed and thousand of them killed. Most of these were carried out by the mujib bahini, which was a guerilla unit trained by the forces of and in a neighboring country. It is alleged that this force was formed during the concluding part of Liberation War according to the policy of Awami League and the ally, India, aimed against the actual freedom fighters to bar them from taking the lead in the War; and they did not actually take part in the fighting against Pakistani forces.
Was these not crimes against humanity? Will these crimes never be tried just because it was perpetrated by elements of BAL?? Is justice the privilege of only a selected few???

Fair media in a free land

2010-08-08T17:27:00.005+06:00

The hottest media sensation in Bangladesh last week was the joint interrogation of Maulana Saidur Rahman, Amir of the terrorist organization, JMB and the top three leaders of Bangladesh Jamaate Islami. Every day the newspapers carried sensational and detailed reports of what went in the interrogation cell.

One report mentioned that the three top Jamaat leaders (Maulana Nizami, Maulana Sayedee and Mr. Mujahid) were lying down on a green blanket when Saidur was produced before them in the DB office. Surprised and startled at meeting an old acquaintance and ex Jamaat leader, all three of them jumped out of the blanket. In another report, it was said when Saidur was brought face to face with Nizami and Mujahid, Saidur greeted them with Assalamu alaikum. Only Nizami responded to Saidur’s salam whereas Mujahid put on a stone face and kept silent. Yet another report portrayed the scene of Mr. Mujahid meeting Maulana Saidur. According to the report, at first Mr. Mujahid claimed that he didn’t know Maulana Saidur. But upon reminding him of their meeting in 1990 at jamaat office where Mr. Mujahid was boasting about his participation in the Intellectual killing in 1971 while peeling an orange, Mr. Mujahid kept numb and faced the floor in shame.

All these reports are so vivid and detailed that it seems all these interrogations take place in the presence of reporters.

However, a little scrutiny and reading of other related reports make it clear how false and fabricated these reports are. Here are just a few examples.
It was reported both in print and electronic media that due to lack of facilities and space at the DB office in Mintu road, Maulana Nizami, Maulana Sayedee and Mr Mujahid could not be accommodated in DB office at the same time. First only Maulana Sayedee and Mr Mujahid were held there. Later when Maulana Nizami was transferred from central jail to DB office, Maulana Sayedee had to be shifted to Ramna thana. This was confirmed by the OC of Ramna thana in the electronic media. How could it then happen that all three of them were lying down on a green blanket when Maulana Saidur was brought in their presence??
Most importantly, the Deputy Commissioner of DB police said in a TV interview, that Maulana Saidur and the three top leaders of Jamaat are arrested under different cases, with their investigating officers being different and also in most cases even the thana being different. Thus there is no question of bringing them face to face.

Yet these are the media outlets which claim they are “angshik noi, puro shott” (the complete truth), ”niteer proshne aposh-heen” (firm on principle) or "committed to the people's right to know".

unhealed wounds

2010-02-25T03:19:00.000+06:00

25th February marks the first anniversary of one of the saddest events in the history of modern day Bangladesh. Here is a detailed analysis of what happened then. Much of it make sense, and worth the read.

why i threw the show

2009-10-20T13:51:00.003+07:00

i usually dont like to copy paste posts on this blog, but i couldnt get my hands off this one.

-----------------------

Why I threw the shoe

I am no hero. I just acted as an Iraqi who witnessed the pain and bloodshed of too many innocents

by Muntazer al-Zaidi

I am free. But my country is still a prisoner of war. There has been a lot of talk about the action and about the person who took it, and about the hero and the heroic act, and the symbol and the symbolic act. But, simply, I answer: what compelled me to act is the injustice that befell my people, and how the occupation wanted to humiliate my homeland by putting it under its boot.

Over recent years, more than a million martyrs have fallen by the bullets of the occupation and Iraq is now filled with more than five million orphans, a million widows and hundreds of thousands of maimed. Many millions are homeless inside and outside the country.

We used to be a nation in which the Arab would share with the Turkman and the Kurd and the Assyrian and the Sabean and the Yazid his daily bread. And the Shia would pray with the Sunni in one line. And the Muslim would celebrate with the Christian the birthday of Christ. This despite the fact that we shared hunger under sanctions for more than a decade.

Our patience and our solidarity did not make us forget the oppression. But the invasion divided brother from brother, neighbour from neighbour. It turned our homes into funeral tents.

I am not a hero. But I have a point of view. I have a stance. It humiliated me to see my country humiliated; and to see my Baghdad burned, my people killed. Thousands of tragic pictures remained in my head, pushing me towards the path of confrontation. The scandal of Abu Ghraib. The massacre of Falluja, Najaf, Haditha, Sadr City, Basra, Diyala, Mosul, Tal Afar, and every inch of our wounded land. I travelled through my burning land and saw with my own eyes the pain of the victims, and heard with my own ears the screams of the orphans and the bereaved. And a feeling of shame haunted me like an ugly name because I was powerless.

As soon as I finished my professional duties in reporting the daily tragedies, while I washed away the remains of the debris of the ruined Iraqi houses, or the blood that stained my clothes, I would clench my teeth and make a pledge to our victims, a pledge of vengeance.

The opportunity came, and I took it.

I took it out of loyalty to every drop of innocent blood that has been shed through the occupation or because of it, every scream of a bereaved mother, every moan of an orphan, the sorrow of a rape victim, the teardrop of an orphan.

I say to those who reproach me: do you know how many broken homes that shoe which I threw had entered? How many times it had trodden over the blood of innocent victims? Maybe that shoe was the appropriate response when all values were violated.

When I threw the shoe in the face of the criminal, George Bush, I wanted to express my rejection of his lies, his occupation of my country, my rejection of his killing my people. My rejection of his plundering the wealth of my country, and destroying its infrastructure. And casting out its sons into a diaspora.

If I have wronged journalism without intention, because of the professional embarrassment I caused the establishment, I apologise. All that I meant to do was express with a living conscience the feelings of a citizen who sees his homeland desecrated every day. The professionalism mourned by some under the auspices of the occupation should not have a voice louder than the voice of patriotism. And if patriotism needs to speak out, then professionalism should be allied with it.

I didn't do this so my name would enter history or for material gains. All I wanted was to defend my country.

Muntazer al-Zaidi is an Iraqi reporter who was freed this week after serving nine months in prison for throwing his shoe at former US president George Bush at a press conference. (note: freedom of speech comes at a price)

EID MUBARAK, عيد مبرك ، ঈদ মোবারক

2009-09-23T15:13:00.004+07:00

Eid is a day of thankfulness - thanking Allah for enabling us to complete the fast of Ramadan
Eid is a day of joy and happiness - an peek into the happiness of receiving the ultimate reward, in Hereafter
Eid is a day of gratitude - gratitude for all the goodness and blessings Allah has bestowed upon us. in deen and in life
Eid is a day of remembrance - remembering the dear and near ones who have left us. remembering that we too will have to follow suit one day

Eid is a day of joy, and laughter. day of celebration - celebration of life and Love.
Love for family, Love for friends, Love for those around us, Love for humanity. and above all, love for God Almighty - the lover of all lovers, the source of all love.

Tariq Ramadan's Ramadan Chronicles

2009-08-26T17:01:00.004+07:00

Renowned Islamic scholar and thinker, Dr Tariq Ramadan started this innovative Ramadan Chronicles on his website. Its basically a collection of short nasiha (words of wisdom) from this great man. Each day throughout Ramadan, he uploads a new nasiha for Muslims around the world.

In his own words: "These are reflections around some Prophetic traditions referring to fasting, its meaning, its objectives, and our responsibilities. A short talk lasting between 3 and 5 minutes in order to meditate, to think, and to share: your comments every day are most welcome.
I hope these exchanges are going to be useful and they will help, all of us, to reconcile ourselves with our hopes and our quest for peace.
May the Light go along with you and love you. May these days be profound, nice, and full of love. It is our prayer, and your gift in sha ar-Rahman (by the will of the Merciful)"

You can listen to them on his website.

For a taste of it, here is the Chronicle from day 1

past vs. present; success vs. failure

2009-08-10T21:22:00.003+07:00

this is life. not everything is as it should be.
unfortunately in our case, Bangladeshis, most things are not.
however, as is always the case, just criticizing others and grumbling over the past will not change anything. as the wise man said, history is for us to learn from. thats all!! there is nothing we can do to change the past, so there is no point wasting our valuable time discussing what was right and what went wrong.

it is the present that we live in, and what we do here matters most. when i see all the injustices and screwed up things all around me, i get frustrated and pissed off. but then, when i ask myself what am i doing to make things better - i put myself to shame. i see that i am just talking the talk, but never walking the walk. eta nai, sheta nai; erokom kora uchit chilo, sherokom korle valo hoto: kintu korar khetre ami shunno.

so, my dear friends, let us stop talking the talk and start walking the walk. our capabilities and abilities may be little, our hands may be weak, and the destination may be too far away; but i am sure, together we can at least do something. we may never reach the goal, but we will at least be able to take one single step towards it.

remember, success is not reaching the goal, success is in working towards the right end. Similarly, failure is not failure to reach the target, it is failure to try.

they say its friendship day today

2009-08-02T20:33:00.004+07:00

to my friends
-------------

once we dreamed of a perfect world, only to realize later that there is no utopia
then we dreamed of a bright future, only to find out that future also becomes present one day
today we dream of happiness, may be tomorrow we will discover that that too is an illusion
BUT
we have always dreamed of love, and still do. let us know, my dear friends, love is eternal. the flame of love will never falter.

love will keep us alive. love will keep our dreams alive.
love will keep our friendship alive.

long live our friendship
long live our struggle through life
long live our sweet and sour memories
and most importantly
long live our dreams and our love.
love for ourselves. love for our friendship. love for the Creator who gave us this friendship.

i love you all

the future of the world is being planned while you are reading this

2009-05-14T18:03:00.006+06:00

it may sound like something out of a john grisham title, or from the pages of a hollywood script; but it is the bitter truth that the future of our world is being shaped in a secret cabal of the worlds rich and discreet 'behind the scene' rulers. "Don’t tell anyone, don’t breathe a word, but the world’s most powerful men are meeting secretly again to save the planet from economic catastrophe." reports the London Times.

yes, its the annual bilderberg group meeting that i am referring to. the annual meeting of the 150 or so top financiers, bankers, business-controllers, royalties and their stooge politicians. kissinger, rockefellar, rothschild, queen beatrix, this are just a few of the big names behind this group. this year, they meet from May 14-17, under wraps as always, in the luxury astir palace resort of the beautiful greek peninsula vouliagmeni.

this way for more info
guardians 'mole' in vouliagmeni
the agenda for this year meeting
the bilderberg aggregate
the truth will set you free

একটি বাংলাদেশ তুমি জাগ্রত জনতার, সারা বিশ্বের বিস্ময় তুমি আমার অহংকার

2009-03-26T20:43:00.003+06:00

The preamble of our Constitution states: "We, the people of Bangladesh, having proclaimed our independence on the 26th day of March and through a historic war for national independence, established the independent, sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh."

On the 39th anniversary of this day, one of the greatest in our history, let us all unite in praying for a truly independent, peaceful, prosperous, powerful, just and proud Bangladesh in days to come.

Let us all work towards betterment of our beloved motherland. Let us do whatever we can, large or small, in serving this glorious land of ours. Let us love Bangladesh, our fellow Bangladeshis, and all that bring betterment for our country. And last but no least, let us pray for God Almighty's special mercy and blessings for her and all her children in this turbulent time of ours.

The SONAR BANGLADESH of our dreams is not far away...

[photo credit: the daily star]

ammu

2009-01-28T03:12:00.006+06:00

it was not until my visit home last Christmas that i realized how much sacrifice a mother makes in letting her children go. until then, going away, both for studies and work, has always been an entry to a new world - with all the thrill and excitement making me too blind to notice the sad cry and deep sorrow hidden in my mom's eyes.

this time however things were different. it was a full house with all but one of her seventeen member family gathered under a single roof, a roof that otherwise silently cries out for inhabitants. and for two long weeks, it was just food, fun, and fervor for us grown ups; and quarrels and make ups for the little ones. we all wished time stood still in that little house of ours with nobody ever having to return to the real world. but like all things mortal - and there is nothing worldly that is immortal - there came the time for the dream to end; and for the harsh reality to once again steal us away from our beloved mother's lap. i had a few more days of leave, and thus it was i, alone with my parents and not so little youngest sister.

its these very few days that opened my eyes to a mother's heart. a heart that is so tender, yet so strong. a heart that every single mother have so successfully hidden away from the rest of the world. a heart that we, the children (esp. us men), will never learn to appreciate. a heart that would do anything and everything to hold on to us, yet lets us go because her well-wishes outweigh her love for us. and above all, a heart that will always be there for us - no matter what.

i pray Allah gives all mothers strength to persevere, and that their gone away children grow up to be men and women whom the whole world are proud of.

[photo credit]

what on earth is on with these people?

2009-01-24T16:40:00.007+06:00

i wonder how much benefit is there in reading news from bangladesh. but stil i do, at least every now and then. after all, home is home...

just came across this (see image). clash over who will lead the prayer. its simply beyond me how people can argue, let alone fight with fists, in a masjid, and still call themselves devout muslims. masjids are supposed to be houses of GOD Almighty, a place of worship and spiritual strengthening. a place for one to escape the hues of cries and endless selfishness of this mortal world.

everybody has their way of seeing things. so why does it matter what viewpoint prof salahuddin (the newly appointed national khatib) holds, as long as it doesn't unequivocally contradict the fundamental message of islam? if you cant bear him, pray elsewhere. i remember learning dhaka is the city of mosques.

the very same people who outburst with rage over the carnage against humanity in gaza, are the ones violating the sanctity of the house of God - a crime against God Himself. its a funny world, isnt it?

how i dearly wish we all had a little respect for others, a little more toleration for different views, and a lot more introspection for the stances we take.

[photo credit]

today its Gaza. where will it be tommorrow?

2009-01-18T14:51:00.002+06:00

today Gaza is being attacked and sane people all over the world are showing their frustration and sympathizing with them. But there is a veiled sense of security, and in the back of our mind we continue to think that this is a conflict too far away from to be much concerned about.

but is that really so... With the recent mumbai attacks be sure that war on terror is much closer to home (in Bangladesh). And every conscious individual knows that this war on terror is just another name of the all out efforts by select few at world domination and subsequent economic, political, cultural, and most importantly mental subjugation of most people.

The one and only way of avoiding such a miserable life is to wake up from our slumber and question ourselves: who are we? where do we come from? and where are we heading to?

today's Gaza can be far from home, but be sure that Gaza of tomorrow will be much closer to home than we can imagine. May GOD be with us.

Best of the best days

2008-12-02T15:58:00.002+06:00

In norway, there is a day of the year called crazy day, where most stuffs are given off at rock bottom prices. Almost everyone prepare from months ahead for this crazy day, and shop like crazy when the day arrives. That is how our psychology works, we always want to get more for less.

Allah being our Creator knows this even better, and that is why He has some days of the year better than others. For us to score a few extra points with our regular daily acts of worship, and bag a lot more rewards with minimal added efforts. One such example are the days of Ramadhan where an obligatory act of worship (fardh) is rewarded 700 times or more.

Just as there different degrees of sale (30%, 50%, or 90%), some of these special days are better than others, with the most blessed of them being the days we are going through now - the first ten days of the month of Hajj. The Prophet (pbuh) said that "There are no deeds as excellent as those done in these ten days.[1]”

So dear brothers and sisters, just as we do all within our means to not miss any big sale or offers, let us try our utmost to make best use of these best of the best of days. According to Hadith, some recommended acts of worship for these days are:

1. Fasting, especially on the 9th day (the day of Arafah - i.e. the day before Eid - which is 7th dec in Norway & Saudi Arabia, and 8th dec in Bangladesh). The Prophet (pbuh) said: "Fasting the day of `Arafah I seek from Allah to make it expiate the sins of the year before and the year after"[2]
(note: this fast can be done with dual intention of making up missed fast of Ramadhan as well)

2. Tahajjud prayers - an easy task now with long winter nights.

3. Remembering Allah alot by Tahlil (saying la ilaha illa Allah, i.e. None has the right to be worshiped except Allah), Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar, i.e Allah is the greatest); and Tahmid (saying al-hamdu lillah, i.e. All praise be to Allah) [3]

Of course, it is not limited to these acts of worship only.

P.S.: For those who are offering sacrifice (Qurbani), it is recommended (not compulsory) that they should not cut their hair, nails or skin [4] (I am not sure about trimming / shaving beard / moustache). It is not compulsory, and thus will not effect the sacrifice in any way.

May Allah help us to make best use of these most blessed of days. Ameen.

Source:
[1] Bukhari
[2] Ibn Majah
[3] Ahmad
[4] Ibn Majah

learn more here

[image source: IOL]

2008-11-29T23:19:00.003+06:00

'talks have failed again.'
'what? i thought you said things were under full control this time around'
'only apparently'
SIGH. 'what now'
BIG SIGH. 'what else?'
'god damn... why cant we just settle for something? or forget it altogether?'
'lasting peace or endless uncertainty? its ur choice.'
'never know peace came in so many pieces.'
...

ও পাগল মঅন মন রে, মন কেন এত কথা কয়?

2008-11-23T04:38:00.011+06:00

১.
'তোকে কেমন জানি বিধ্বস্ত দেখাচ্ছে। কি হয়েছে?' - দেখা হওয়ার সাথে সাথেই তার প্রশ্ন।
'কই না তো! কিছুই তো হয়নি! ঘুম কম হয়েছে, হয়তো তাই ওরকম দেখাচ্ছে।' ...

দুজন যখন পরে একটু একা হলাম, সে আবার চেপে বসল - 'কি ব্যাপার? কোন খবর আছে নাকি?'
'হুমম....' দির্ঘশ্বাস ফেলে আমি পাল্টা প্রশ্ন করি, 'আল্লাহ অন্তর্যামিত্বটা কেন শুধু তোদেরকেই দিলেন?'

আসলেই কয়েকদিন ধরে আমি অনেক ধরণের চিন্তার মাঝে ঘুরপাক খািচ্ছ। অতীত, বর্তমান, ভবিষ্যত, সব চিন্তায় একসাথে এসে ভীর জমিয়েছে আমার এই ক্ষুদে মাথায়। আচ্ছা মনটা কম্পিউটার প্রোগ্রামের মত ইচ্ছে মতো চালু বা বন্ধ করা যায় না কেন??

এক দিক দিয়ে কাজের প্রচন্ড চাপ। আমার কাজটাও শালার একখান... চিন্তা করাটাই নাকি কাজ! এক সময় ভেবেছিলাম চিন্তুক হিসেবে খারাপ হবোনা, কিন্তু সত্যি সত্যিই চিন্তুক হতে গিয়ে েদখছি, ইটস মাচ ইজিয়ার সেইড দ্যান ডান। চিন্তার এই জগৎটা বিশাল, অথৈ, অন্তহীন। গন্তব্য তো দুরের কথা, ডানে না বাঁয়ে যাবো তা ই ঠাহর করে উঠতে পারছিনা।
নদীর এ কুলটা সবসময়ই কন্টকাকীর্ণ হয়, তাই না?

তার উপর আবার যোগ হল ভবিষ্যতের ঝামেলা। তাও আবার স্বপ্নের সাথে জড়িত, রঙীন স্বপ্ন...
মাঝে মাঝে মনে হয় দুৎ ছাই, গুল্লি মারি সব কিছুরে - কি দরকার উটকো ঝামেলা স্বাধ করে ঘাড়ে চাপানোর?

২.
আমার দুটো সোনার হরিণ ছিল। টুকটুকে সোনালি, দেখতে স্বর্গীয়। কিন্তু ভারি অভিমানি, যত্ন আত্বির একটু অভাব হলেই কষ্ট পেত ভীষণ। যদিও মুখ ফোটে কিছুই বলতনা, িকন্তু দুঃখ ভরা দীঘল কালো চোখ দুটো তো আর লুকানো যায়না।
সময়ের সাথে পাল্লা দিয়ে বাড়তে থাকে আমার হরিণের সংখ্যা - নতুন নতুন সব হরিণ, নানা রঙের, নানা ঢংয়ের। আর ফিকে হয়ে আসে সোনার হরিণের প্রিয়ত্ব।

নতুনের রঙের মোহে আটকে পরা এই আমি টেরও পেলাম না কবে যে সেই পুরোনো প্রিয় সোনার হরিণ দুটো নতুনের মিছিলে ঠিকতে না পেরে একদিন পালিয়েই গেল গহীন জঙ্গলে।
তারও অনেক পরে, নতুনের ধুসর হয়ে আসা রঙ দেখে মোহভঙ্গ হয় আমার, বুঝতে পারি ওল্ড ইজ গোল্ড। অনেক খঁুজাখুঁজির পর অবশেষে আমি জানতে পারলাম পালিয়েছে তারা ভবিষ্যতে, ভবিষ্যতের রঙীন স্বপ্নের কোলে।।

আর তাই আমিও আটকা পরি ভবিষ্যতের ঘুর্ণিপাকে।।

Bangladesh: a call for optimism and team Playing

2008-11-19T02:47:00.004+06:00

came across a great article on bangladesh by a great man. its somewhat long, so i will just post the gist.

he calls us to unite and work towards building a better future by working together on things we agree; and respect each others opinion on issues on which we disagree. another important pre-requisite for better tomorrow is according to him: "generation of dedicated, creative and forward looking action team whose love for the country is beyond their personal and group interests."

finally dr abdul bari ends with a list of to dos for us to work upon. these are:

1) Each of us has to create our own personal vision of life, what we want to be and what we want to achieve, for ourselves and for our country. We need to increase our horizon. Sky is the limit!

2) We need to be steely in determination. Imam Kurtubi said long ago, ‘first class brain with second class determination loses out with first class determination and second class brain’.

3) Surely, we need basic amenities in life to live in dignity. But how does one measure it? Greed is in human nature. But it destroys individuals and nations. It appears that the current consternation in capitalistic economy is due to uncontrolled greed. The question all of us should ask ourselves is how much we need in our life before entering into our grave.

4) We must learn how to ‘think outside the box’ and be creative and imaginative. The world is for those who are entrepreneurial and have the courage to take measured risk. Someone recently wrote in an article that as long as America would be able to produce Microsoft and Google it will have its edge over others, even though its economy is faltering now.

5) While politics is a noble profession and good politics is the only route to sustainable success of any country, we must keep away from Bangladesh’s polarised politics which has become toxic with its party politics. National interests must come first. For that to happen we need to broaden our mind and lengthen our sight.

6) We have to come out of the habit of being passive or starting a good initiative only to falter within a short span of time. Stamina and consistency in anything we do are fundamental for our existence, let alone success.

7) We must practise how to work in a team so that we collectively flourish. Nation building is like team playing, there is no room for solo playing with envy dominating each other’s life.

8) We need to learn the art of introspection, self-questioning and self-responsibility. For too long we have pointed our fingers at others. We have to remember that for one finger pointing to others three fingers are pointed inward to ourselves.

let us step on that journey of rising above our self and living for others.

full article

back to books

2008-11-04T03:05:00.002+06:00

been doing some reading lately. after a long while. finished two books back to back. wish they were from my studies, that would hv bn of much help. but then, thats why they are study books (meant to take a whole lot longer to finish even parts of it).

a friend suggested i read famed polish journalist late mr. ryszard kapuściński. the first of his books i could get my hands on is titled 'the emperor - downfall of an autocrat'. divided into three chapters, it accounts the majestic pompousness and luxurious lifestyle of late emperor haile selassie of etiopia and his downfall.

found a very well written review of the book here, so i am not going to reinvent the wheel.

while reading the book, i was constantly being surprised at how the emeperors court half a century back closely resembles the court of our own very own emperors here in bangladesh. tweak the facts a little here and there and replace the emperors enormous court with equally enormous prime ministers/chief advisors office, and voila, one could easily pass that off as stories from right here in 21st century bangladesh. be it hasina, khaleda or the latest addition dr. fakhruddin ahmed at the helm, it has always been the same story of bartering our motherland and all that she stand for in exchange of a place in the good book of mr big. i wonder when would we, yes myself included, learn to take the lessons history is desperately trying to teach us?

latest read is GIRLS OF RIYADH. everyone who lives on the internet must hv heard of it when it was first published in arabic in 2005. the english translation was published in 2007 by penguin. dint expect much from it from the beginning, but still wanted to read it, more out of temptation to have an insiders view of womens life in ultra conservative saudi society.

finished it at 3 in the morning, but didnt find it as captivating as that sounds though. in fact, at times i had to force myself to continue reading. nonetheless got at least some of what i had expected. the story is about four girls from the elite (and of course extra rich) saudi society, and how they juggle between the reality of their ultra conservative society and their aspirations in life, which is much influenced by their close interaction with western society (e.g. one of them is half american). the story revolves around these girls little adventures for finding love - such as flirting in shopping centres, dating at friends place or even driving around dressed as a young man.

all in all, i must appreciate the authors courage for writing on a topic such as this, especially considering the fact that it was much more closer to reality than most of the hyped up super duper bestsellers about muslim / islam / women in islam etc (such as brick lane - which i think was a real crap). furthermore i found her style (each chapter was in the form of an email she sends out every friday afternoon) unique and interesting.

next on my to read list is Rachel Corries journal, let me stand alone

বলেও তো যেতে পারতি

2008-10-23T02:44:00.004+06:00

তুই চলে গেলি
এভাবে নিরবে, না বলে কয়ে?
কেমন ছিলি তাও ভুলে গেছি
হতেও পারো দেখিনি কখনো তোকে।
তবুও তুই আজ আমার সুহৃদ,
আত্মার আত্মীয়।
আশা - ভরসা - ভালোবাসা : স্বপ্নের মিতািল।।

তবে ভাবিসনে দোস্ত,
নেই হওয়া মানেই নাই হওয়া নয়।
আমরা তো আর তোর মত নই -
শক্তিশালি কঁাধ, দৃঢ় মনোবল, বিশাল হৃদয়।
তবুও তোর ফেলে যাওয়া অস্ত্র আমরা কঁাধে তুলে নেবই।
তোর অসমাপ্ত যুদ্ধ জীবনবাজি রেখে লড়বই।
িবচরণ করব তোর আকাশছঁোয়া স্বপ্নরাজ্যে।

হয়তোবা তোর মত করে লড়তে জানিনা, কিন্তু
লড়াই আমাদের চলবেই। তোর মত আকাশছঁোয়া
হয়তো হবেনা, কিন্তু স্বপ্ন আমরা দেখবই।
নিঃস্বার্থ - হৃদয় উজাড় করা না হোক
ভালো আমরা বাসবই। বাসবই।।

20.10.08

Conversation

The wound is still wet, scars yet to dry
vivid in our mind, memories of your smile
and cry.
but with time all will dry,
and you will just be a was
in the mind of few of us.

That's okay, remember me not
matters not a lot
for I am doing just fine up here with God.

My only plead
that you lead
the battles I had left un-won

...
So who is there?
With might and dare?
To keep my plead-
And take the lead?

Many words are said
Many prayers prayed

Thanks, but that's not all dear,
I am doin' fine over here

So, I ask again, anyone there?
With might and dare?
To keep my plead
To take the lead-
THAT'S ALL WE NEED

(from the ... onward (last four para) was written by someone else)

Photo credit: Art hit gallery

www.couchsurfing.com

2008-10-20T04:22:00.004+06:00

its one of those late nights again. seems like blogging is keeping me up late.

couch surfing is about traveling, meeting ppl and sharing cultures. been a member for a while, but its only recently that i got active. two weeks back i hosted captain Tomasz (the captain part added by one of his friend) from Poland. with a guitar in his hand, a tent in the packback and some euros in his pocket, he is out on a year long trip around part of the world. at 21, he has already traveled quite a few places and knows a lot of things about ppl and life. this time around, starting from Norway, he plans to travel to finland, russia and then all over asia (including bangladesh) till august next year, when he has to return home to attend his sisters wedding. couch surfing, hitchhiking and camping all the way. hats off to his spirit and desire for adventure.
after he left i found myself questioning me whether i would be able to that. even when it comes to things that mattered much to me, things that i believed in, things i say i would do anything for; let alone travels.

a week after that i had an austrian girl surfing with me. she is a doctor who will soon start her specialization. medicine studies here is not at all similar to that in bangladesh. after school, they study six years to become a doctor, which is nothing but the title. then just to be a GP they need another 4 years of further studies (internship is in parts throughout the study years). otocho amader deshe mutamuti medicaler corridor diye bar koyek hata chola korle, ar khade apron o golai stethoscope julalei daktar hoya jai. manushe jibon niye chinimini khelte o amader pathure hridoye bajena!!
but what surprised me most is their trust. how much a girl traveling all alone have trust to spend a night at a completely stranger's place? some may say these europeans dont really care about physical relations, but i dont buy that. i think no matter what, most women are concerned about it to certain extent.

how much would i trust a bangladeshi stranger in bangladehsh? or a muslim stranger??

random rumbling at 0113

2008-10-15T05:13:00.008+06:00

its 1.13 AM. up so late (or is it so early) after a very long time. usually i switch to staying up at night and sleeping through part of the day in summer, when the night is too short to sleep through. earlier today went for karate classes for the first time since leaving melaka. thus was planning on sleeping early, but here i am listening to 70's music, and blogging, and thinking what am i doing? at 0119 hrs.

last month i was in cannes. my first attendance to a major conference. met a few old friends from aalborg, and realized conferences are more than just just conference. there is also a socializing, making contacts and traveling aspect to it.

traveling with my colleagues, one other thing i realized is how alcohol became the number 1 industry in the world. we usually had dinner together, followed by the gang going for a drink at a cafe/pub. a few casual drinks and each of them were counting like 30-50€, excluding the wine at dinner. i even saw a wine that costs over 500€ a bottle (75 cl).

but that was last month. now i am back in trondheim, my adopted hometown for the next three/four years, spending dreadful days with all sorts of theories (matrix theory, information theory, communication theory) for breakfast, lunch and dinner. [sometimes i really ask myself - how on earth did i end up being a researcher!!!]

okay, i guess thats enough rumbling to make a post. (thus i can continue claiming to be a blogger;)

its me again

2008-08-04T04:28:00.007+06:00

thats the usual me. absent for a long time, once again.
wats happened in all this while???

well, first of all i (sort of you can say) recovering from a long negative peak in my efforts at trying to be who i am. the thing is i am sort of lost as to what it really means to be who you are. i wont really say confused. its that i more or less know what it is (theoretically speaking), but trying to put that into perspective of everyday life as a practicing and God fearing Muslim (alhamdulillah).

there is a hadith stating that our heart is like a white sheet to begin with. as time goes on, and we start sinning, black dots appear on this sheet one by one, until one day no traces of the original while remains. by definition, Islam is the deen-fitrah (the natural life style), which means being who you are should really go hand in hand with being a Muslim. but by now my heart is pretty black (may God help me) and which sort of made things complicated.

thats one good reason. but i guess there are more. i thing that i can think of the society i come from. back home you are born with a pack of expectations. become successful in life (ans success means being an engineer or doctor or such - and get a white collar job), get a beautiful wife and bla bla bla. i have been living abroad on and off for some time now, and i have come across many people who are really following their heart when it comes to doing something with their life. so i am sort of caught between two boats..... of course the "financial safety net factor" has a big role to play, but then again - where there is a will, there is a way.

life isnt really meant to be "and they are living happily forever ..." - and there is no fun to it. so i have no complaints.

the quest for survival goes on, and he laughs best who laughs last. i have my fingers crossed.

[photo credit: my dear friend shabbir ahmed the chemist]

slap the weakling as you wish

2008-05-25T11:15:00.003+06:00

some emergency repair work is going on at meghna gomti bridge on dhaka chittagong highway, and so this bridge is now a one way street. the work which started on may 15 is planned to last 44 days. and that means we, the frequent travelers between dhaka and chittagong, have to face untold sufferings and long hours in queue to get across. newspaper reports say the queue itself was as long as 18 hours couple of days back.

bus owners took this opportunity slap us, the helpless passengers, with yet another blow - an unauthorized 10% fare hike. a timely slap when we are most vulnerable.

so now a bus trip between dhaka and chittagong is not only going to take longer, but also cost more. what a way to treat one's customers!!!

p.s. i heard even flight operators took benefit of this long jam, and hiked up their fares.

now you know how all those mercedes and bmw's plying the posh streets of bangladesh are financed.

Bangladeshi potographer wins yet again

2008-05-25T10:54:00.002+06:00

G.M.B. Akash a student from Pathshala's first batch wins first prize for his photo titled "passenger without ticket" in the prestigious gordon parks photography competition.

more of his work

lets talk about human rights

2008-05-06T09:40:00.003+06:00

along with most of the civilized world, I protested much about the world-touring olypmic torch over concern for china's human rights violation in tibet and elsewhere.

pondering back, i wonder whether my conscience is similarly pricked when scores of civilians, men, women and children, are killed everyday and thousands more deprived of their basic rights in palestine. or when the recently released aljazeera cameraman sami al haj was detained in the u.s.-run guantanamo bay detention center since 2001. needless to say without trial and on the vague allegation that he was a courier for an unspecified militant muslim organization.

almost every single person in the world have their basic human rights violated in one way or another. for some it is in direct form, as in tibet, palestine, cuba, africa and many other places.

but for most others its in a form altogether different. are most people in the west presented with the right information? or are they fed with information someone wants them to hear, with opinions and understanding tactically engineered? isnt that a form of human rights violation too?

how would you term depriving millions of people from food so that we can a have a guzzling supply of bio-fuel for our suvs and hummers? or supporting autocratic, authoritarian and anti-people regime just to ensure the interest of elite few is served?

i just wish my children will not have to be blogging about this topic in the same way. let our actions direct toward that.

destination Sundarban (part 2 of 2)

2008-04-20T16:38:00.002+06:00

continuing from part 1
---------------------

we begin day two early in morning exploring the nearby coastal area. after an hour of walking around in mud covered mangrove forest (avoiding the the pneumatophores - root-like structures which stick up out of the soil like straws for breathing - was a tough call), the letka kichuri (a not-so-wet porridge type traditional meal) breakfast awaiting us on board is indeed a welcoming retreat. after the hefty meal, we are all set for the only remaining agenda of day two - jungle trekking and island exploration.

once again it is 50 people jam-packed in that same 20ft life boat. and this time, none of us are wearing life jackets. the 30 minute ride to destination island covers the junction point where the river meets the sea. even a mild sea wave caressing the boat makes her swing left and right, and our hearts jump in fear; though for faruk vai and his crew this is mere child's play. some try to beat the fear with laughters and click-clock off their digital cameras, while others i am sure are silently engaged in prayer. to make things worse, a huge fishing net is caught on the propeller of our boat making the propeller stuck and leaving all of stranded in the 'mild waves' just meters away from shore. after what seems like ages, we are finally towed on shore by a group of fishing fishermen.

first thing first. right after setting foot on shore, everyone gathers for a group photo before setting out on the eight km trekking trail through mangrove forest, a 'mini desert', katka beach (where we make a two hour swimming stop) and tiger point, a huge open field where tigers hunt for deers. one of us, a doctor, finds a pair of deer horns, a tigers skull (claims faruk vai) and a man's left hip bone (she is damn confident about that). i guess bones are naturally attracted to doctors !!! (probably we would have 'discovered' it if an antique antenna was to be found).

by the time we are back on board and relaxed after filling our burning stomachs, it is almost evening. the eight km trek is too much to take for us dhakaians, and we spent the rest of day 2 sleeping and or lazing away. refreshed by an untimely evening nap, i am on deck dating stars and the sky at midnight. experiencing the moon slowly climb over my head, i realize Sundarbans is not the place for a three day getaway. even after weeks exploring, i dont think one can fully devour her majestic beauty and vast wilderness.

the next morning while on the upstream journey back from serenity and peace of nature to chaos of civilization, i make a firm resolution of returning to the Sundarbans. i can clearly foresee myself laying helpless in her arms, like a child to his mother! and probably catch glimpse of a royal bengal tiger !!!

more photos, courtesy of chandan

on women empowerment and equal rights

2008-04-19T13:50:00.004+06:00

yes we badly need women empowerment for the country to move forward. after all, you cannot expect a nation to progress with more than half of its people falling behind. but equal rights mean buying a toy car for your child son, and a doll for the daughter; not the same toy for both.

in a society not everyone is a doctor or an engineer or teacher. everyone has their own role to play. empowerment should be preparation for fulfilling one's role in the best way. it is historically proven that it takes an 'empowered' woman to build an healthy family. and only a healthy families build a prosperous society.

destination Sundarban

2008-04-10T15:52:00.006+06:00

national holidays this year has so far been very conveniently placed - either adjacent to the weekend or a day away from it. including the holiday of 26th march (our national and independence day), which converts into a 4 day break by taking a day off in between. the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of dhaka, thought I. 'lets head for the sundarbans', suggests a friend; the idea gets immediate acceptance and 'so let it be', we echo in joining voice with him.

what was initially planned as a trip for a few turns out to be 'le tour de sundarbans' with a whole contingent of colleagues and families and friends - our five year old warrior Maisha and a forty one strong team of up to third degree friends.

as usual i am just in time (arrived at 10.29) to catch our 10.30 bus to khulna, from where we will board the launch that we have booked. we reach khulna three hours behind schedule at 8.30 in the morning. hopping off the bus and hopping on to our the launch, is all what we manage to see of khulna in this leg.

faruk vai, MD of royal hotel, and the organizer of this tour, warmly welcome us on board his vessel. we quickly settle in and then move out to invade the deck and enjoy mother nature's magnificent extravaganza on the banks left and right. ten hours of upstream ride bring us to our docking place close to the bay of bengal, the katka point. thanks to our delay earlier, its nightfall by the time we reach. i am somewhat half hearted to find we have wait so many more hours before we can set foot on the sundarbans and immerse ourselves in her arms.

after filling ourselves with dinner the contingent is scattered around on deck in groups - some chitchatting, others playing cards or counting stars, while the couples among us romanticizing. its 11 when to our great surprise, faruk vai announces he has arranged a surprise boat excursion for us. its agenda: 1) experience the moon rise and 2) ride into a channel and sit in complete silence to listen to jungle's voice in the middle night. with almost fifty people cramped in a 20ft life boat, keeping silence is no easy task. nonetheless we did witness the moon rise (at quarter to twelve) and heard some roars and cries (or at least imagined so) from deep within the thick mangrove forest.

early next morning while waiting for the sun to rise, i get my first clear view of the majestic forest on both banks of the channel. it is only then that i fully grasp the impact of cyclone SIDR on these poor trees. four months has since passed, but the trees were still barren and twisted and broken. instead of standing tall proudly with her arms stretched to the full and green branched housing wild colored birds, every single tree i could see was lying defeated with head her bowed to the ground in shame. just imagine what would have happened to the coastal areas had this 2400 sq mile forest not exist?

suddenly the sense of our incapability and powerless-ness overcomes me. how little we indeed are? how powerless? what if it was i facing this SIDR in place of these trees? would even a single cell in me exist? yet we dare to deny Him, Almighty. dare to disobey Him. dare to boast of our prowess. Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny? (Quran: Ar Rahman, 55:13)
---------------------
-> part 2 of 2

visit Bangladesh year 2008 (part 3 of 3)

2008-03-18T18:45:00.007+06:00

continuing from part 2

---------------------
some distant church bell lazily announces that it is an hour to midnight. for dinajpur, that deep dead into the night. at around half past eight, i was out for pre-dinner walk around town cum window shopping. but surprisingly, not only were the shops closed, even the roads were almost deserted apart from a astray dogs playing around and health conscious elderly people walking a mile after dinner.

its been a long day for us. earlier in the morning, after two bus changes (including an hour-long ride standing) and two hours of bore-some waiting, we finally reach dinajpur at an hour before dawn. the morning azan (call for prayer) is still due, yet shops and restaurants are lighting on their bulbs and opening up for another day of business. later in the evening, i discover dinajpurians are not only early to rise, but early to bed too.

having failed to find ourselves a hotel room, we decide to set out exploring the place right away. driving out in our rented 1962 model series 60 nissan patrol, I can sense adventure pulsating up in myself. we are in a old four wheeler passing through an old little town, and our destination is the three hundred years old kantanagar temple. it felt like we had traveled back a few decades in time.

completed in 1752, this hindu temple - a magnificent exhibit of the exuberant terracota art - took thirty years to built. the temple was greatly damaged in a devastating earthquake in 1897, but substantially restored in early 20th century by the then maharaja. sadly, much of the beautiful artwork adorning its walls is slowly getting damaged due to lack of the proper attention and delicate care that this kind of antiquities require. (more about the temple)

next point of interest is the huge man-created tank ramsagar dated back to around the same time as kantanagar temple. i say created because this 1000 m-by-300 m lake was actually dug by people, 1.5 Mil of them. legends say the then ruler ordered digging of this huge water tank to supply drinking water for the drought-hit locality. initially no water rose in the tank. a priest prescribed sacrificing the young prince ram and throwing him into the tank to remedy the situation. hence the tank was called ram-sagar (sagar means sea in bengali). the water now is no longer drink-able, but ofcourse bath-able, so without a second thought we opt to enjoy the tank from within.

kanta nagar and ram-sagar sips away the little energy we had left after our long and tiring journey last night, and by the time we step into our hotel rooms, the welcoming bed is all what we can see.

we will return to dhaka tomorrow after visiting shwapnapuri, a theme park cum shooting spot (shwapnapuri literally means dreamland, which is rightly reflected in the theme park's eye-catching design). the direct train to dhaka was sold out, so we will instead be taking the night bus from rangpur, the neighboring town which is two hours journey from here.

visit Bangladesh year 2008 (part 2)

2008-03-11T18:41:00.010+06:00

continuing from part 1

my scenic Bangladesh

yes, the bus ride to kushtia is grueling and tiring, but no way near boring. in a country of poets and music-lovers, you can well expect to find a good number of them in a group of sixty. throughout the ride, we are showered with live in-house entertainment of songs, poem recitations (including self composed), and jokes among many others. we have a historian on board, so we are even lucky enough to have lectures briefing us on the historical heritage of every area we are passing through. this includes the famous 'chalan bil', the largest wetland of the country, which cover 368 sqkm continuous sheet of water in the rainy season. other notable points of interest on the way are the jamuna bridge and the picturesque natore countryside, home to the famous banalata sen of poet Jibonanda Das.

laloner majar and robindronather kutibari

lalon's majar (tomb) is on the way to our lunch-place, so we decide to drop in. baul is a type of traditional folk music with a spiritual touch, and lalon to baul is as elvis presley to pop. the place is not just a simple tomb as the name suggest, rather i find there a huge complex housing a music (baul) school, an impressive auditorium, and home to well decorated graves of many of his companions and followers, including his wife. there are also many souvenir shops outside selling all sorts of stuffs (including pipes for smoking pot - which often goes hand in hand with baul music). a local proverb says 'even sweet words sound bitter when the stomach is empty'. so i am not too sad spending merely 15 minutes at a place like this, where otherwise i would probably laze a whole evening away.

our last point of interest in kushtia is tagore's kutibari (resthouse) in the banks of river padma. the resthouse itself is now a mini bungalow-turned-into a very poorly maintained museum. yet it surely is the biggest attraction of kushtia, as i see hundreds of tourist and picnic-goers hanging around. people are gathered here and there in groups and i find last breath of smoke from make-shift stoves and maids lazily cleaning dishes. there are even a few small cottages up for rent around the place. with a tight schedule to meet, we are brisked away back into the bus before we get to absorb the air and dissolve ourselves into the atmosphere. but then something is always better than nothing.

this is the end of the study tour, but two other friends, myself and a stranger decide to spend the next two days exploring dinajpur in northern part of bangladesh. we bid farewell to the rest and separate ways at nine pm, which is dead night for this remote part of highway from where we are to catch the next bus.

[to be continued]

the equation of general Moeen's extraordinary visit

2008-02-27T15:07:00.010+06:00

left hand side: what we get

a state premier's welcome for our one and only general,

two stallions and four mares which will "form a strong breeding germ-plasm for production of quality horses for Bangladesh Army" (handed over the general himself in a spectacular presentation ceremony), and

four dead bodies (killed bt bsf on 24th feb at Thakurgaon Satkhira borders)

===
right hand side: what they get

direct train service from dhaka to delhi (and state-of-the-art security cage at the border),

air cargo transit that badly compromises our national interest and security, and

rice export facility at exorbitant price

[photo credit: daily star, www.leatherwoodstud.com, weneedafence.com]

visit bangladesh year 2008

2008-02-25T18:30:00.005+06:00

though i hardly ever manage to stick to the resolutions i make beginning of each year, i am very ritualistic about making them. this time around, the new year just passed by silently and it was only recently that resolution-making popped up in my mind. while pondering what can be an achievable resolution, i thought why not let 2008 be my 'visit Bangladesh year'. why not spend my precious few remaining months of freedom (ahem!!) traveling across BD as much as i can?

jei kotha shei kaj (let it be so). i took the next available opportunity, the long weekend of ekushey february (21st feb, which is international mother language day), to seek out exploring my motherland.

destination Kushtia

some people i know planned a study tour on the 21st feb, and i decide to join in along with a few friends. kushtia, once a centre of art and culture in undivided Bangal, is a natural choice for this group of mostly intellectuals (or atleast wannabees). 'we are starting at seven sharp', i was told; but by the time we manage to get ourselves moving, it's just about eight. not bad i reckon, considering the cold lazy morning it is, and the almost sixty of us taking part.

the best mishti doi (sweetened youghurt) i ever had

we arrive in the town of kushtia more than just hungry and tired, after a gruelling five hour trip in a forty four sitter bus. a sumptuous eight dish lunch arranged by some local friends is eagerly waiting for us (i wonder who is more eager, the lunch or us) , but that is a further 8 kms away. our voluntary guide, a professor from kushtia, is wise enough make a famous local restaurant the first stop in our trip, where we are treated to the local delicacy of chira doi (sweetend youghurt with puffed rice). i could hav at least had five more servings of that, if only time was on my side. i guess that explains the quality.

[to be cont'd...]

tadaru' : humility and humbleness before Allah

2008-02-20T17:43:00.005+06:00

[note: this is an abridged version of the first in a series of articles by Amr Khaled on Islamic Qualities]

Law Number One: We must always humble ourselves towards Allah

Tadaru' is a term that means exaggerated humility and humbleness caused by despair and is expressed when a person reached his final resort.

Allah teaches us in the Quran that tadaru' is a form of worship a believer uses during emergencies and crises. It requires a person to remove the veils of arrogance and ego covering his or her heart. It implies sincere begging to the Lord of the Worlds. It demonstrates that a person has realized how weak he is and how Powerful our Lord is, and that he is nothing whatsoever in front of Allah (swt).

We need to approach Allah being aware of the fact that He is our last and only resort for help. It is Him and only Him who can rescue us from the calamities we are facing and the hardship we are going through, both as individuals and as a community.

Sometimes when Allah sees that we have strayed from the Straight Path, He puts us in a severe situation so that we realize our weakness and run back to Allah for protection. We must be intelligent enough to understand these messages and act according to them. Allah does this for our benefit, because we need to maintain a close relationship with Him. We must not make the mistake of closing our eyes and hearts in front of Allah's call to humbleness and humility to Him.

Going back to tadaru’:

1. Understand, accept and acknowledge that there is no one to help you apart from Allah (swt), the only One worthy of worshipping, glorified and exalted be He.
2. Realize and confess in front of Allah that you have wronged yourself.
3. Engage in sincere supplication to Allah with utmost humility and humbleness.

Our prayers are bound to be answered if we are sincere enough in our and aware of our status of being His slave. Tadaru' .... that's the first thing we should go back to. We need to achieve tadaru' so that Allah may change our situation, because...

"Verily Allah will never change the condition of a people until they change themselves"(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

inertia

2008-02-19T17:27:00.003+06:00
inertia. i was first introduced to this term of physics in high school back in the mid nintys. it applies to object's reluctance to change from their current state.

this is a term that very much describes a lot about me. i hav a high inertia, especially when it comes to climbing out of those lows that everyone falls into (which in my case more often than not). ever since returning home mid last year, i have more or less been doing nothing meaningful. just laying back and letting time fly me away. guess its like wat happens when u suddenly find urself wit loads of money, and are totally at wit's end on wat to do with it.

it took me great few months to realize this. not lets see how long it takes me to make it happen.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

2008-01-23T20:02:00.001+06:00

(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

life

2008-01-21T13:36:00.000+06:00

life is like a wheel moving forward
each point returns to kiss the ground
but its a different ground at each kiss
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

and life goes on

2007-12-04T15:17:00.000+06:00
no posts in a lloonngg while. over five months to be exact. reflection of how my life had been over these times: these busy times, these lazy times.

moved back to bangladesh in july, and been trying to settle back into the old life since then. spent a few months with parents in chittagong, where i realized how many years separation had unknowingly crept in between myself and them.

aint sure whether i re-joined my old workplace, or they took me back in; but thats why i am here struggling to settle in this un settling dhaka.

we hv an interim government ruling the country. but it seems the whole country is going through an interim period. everyone is living on with their lives, yet everyone seems to be in a transition; waiting for something to happen.

well, life itself is all about living in transition, isnt it? i remember someone genuinely defined life as the 'transition stage between birth and death'.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

series 1.2 - success vs happiness

2007-07-02T14:33:00.000+06:00
[two weeks just passed like that since the previous post. time DOES fly]

how does success interact with happiness? are they contradictory or supplementary? can one be happy and successful at the same time?

well, i see it this way. happiness doesn't necessary mean success, for one can be happy without being successful, in the sense we usually know. but it surely is a criteria of success. could we say one is successful when he has all other than happiness?

then again, these are two different criteria. happiness, on one hand, is generally accepted as a state of contentment and ease of mind, whereas success is a very relative term and depends on the individual and how she/he gives importance to different aspects of life, and to what extent.

thats bring us back to the question of success and its measure. is there any universal measure of success? something bigger than life to measure success by? a criteria that takes into consideration all that we take at face value - our wealth, status and others; as well those that are hidden behind our carefully orchestrated outlook - our happiness, sorrows, pleasures and the likes.

is there?

[-> series 1.3]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

i realize...

2007-06-24T13:27:00.000+06:00

its finally over. alhmadulillah. now i can append msc.ee to my name :)

someone once said - 'there is nothing called genius. its 99% hard work and 1% luck'. couldnt agree more. realized it the hard way.

just pray i do not forget to make use of the lesson learned.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

series 1.1 - success story

2007-06-15T04:12:00.000+06:00

in bangla, we have a saying 'gari, nari, bari' (literally car, woman, home) to roughly denote the so called criteria of success. are these all that there is to success? or does success have other scales and units? other meanings?

fame and power are usually counted among the scales of success as well. and thats why people who has it all yet goes for powerful positions or at least ceremonial post of honour.

man is mortal. yet we go at great length to make sure our legacy lives on. thats human nature. the best way someone lives on is through his/her progeny, the offspring. thats why we take pride in the achievements of our little ones, and are hurt at their stumbling.

like living beyond life, being respected is another of mans greatest yearnings. but unlike the former - over which one has little control, someone can earn well respect through his/her personality and positive actions.

so i would put these two, progeny and respect, as two other measures of personal success. and probably the two that matters most. after all, one may be rich and powerful, but whats the point if he/she is scorned at and despised behind the back; or has none to survive him/her.

[-> series 1.2]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

bash out, ash in

2007-06-05T14:37:00.000+06:00
so finally its over!!

the agony of watching bashar's uncreative and way too defensive captaincy has rightfully come to an end. ashraful is the new man on the job. not that i really look up to his once in a blue moon performance, but lets at least hope this young blood ushers in some positive dynamism.

his idol captains are flemming and ponting, for their aggressiveness! time will tell how well he can translate this admiration into action.

till then, i will wait with fingers crossed.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

thank you siniora, thank you condi, thank you bush

2007-05-26T16:01:00.000+06:00
"And I would like to thank Prime Minister Siniora, and say thanks - really thanks - very much to George Bush and to Condoleezza Rice. I really want to thank them for these shells and these wounds we are suffering. And if Rice really wants to send more material to the Lebanese Army, she had better hurry up. There is a woman still in the camp who is very pregnant and the child in her womb will be born and will grow into a man - and then we'll see!"

- suheila mustafa, sister of 45-year-old samia, who was terribly wounded by lebanese army shellfire in nahr el-bared refugee camp to crush fatah al-islam once and for all

[source - independent uk]

[related news : us sends arms to lebanese troops]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

business = busy-ness?

2007-05-19T20:28:00.001+06:00

weeks away to closing another chapter of my life. these last few days is supposed to be busy. damn busy. but i dont feel pressured and am acting nothing short of a free bird last couple of days.

wonder what awaits ahead?

btw, is business = busy-ness?

[image: The Eye of Surrealist Time by Salvador Dali, 1971]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

i kill, you kill, he kill; and we all die

2007-05-19T19:56:00.000+06:00
news: "One Palestinian was killed and five people were wounded in an Israeli air attack on the town of Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday.
"The death took to at least 18 the number of Palestinians killed in eight deadly Israeli air strikes which Israel says are aimed at stopping Palestinian rocket attacks." [1]

news: "Rival Palestinian factions have agreed a new truce after days of deadly clashes in the Gaza Strip." (the fifth in as many weeks) [2]

news: "At least 49 people have died in Hamas-Fatah fighting that erupted last week, some of them unarmed civilians." [1]

probably fatah is testing their newly acquired $50M weapon stocks; and hamas their ability to retaliate. with hundred of thousands of helpless gazans caught in between.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

wind of change

2007-05-14T19:29:00.000+06:00

argentinean president nestor kirchner, venezuela’s socialist president Hugo Chavez and four of their south american counterparts (bolivia, ecuador, brazil and paraguay) are joining forces to launch the "bank of the south" (banco del sur) within months. it is part of the push, led by Venezuela, for latin American integration to challenge US corporate domination. reports state a number of asian countries have shown their interest as well. chavez is promoting the bank as a source of cheap credit for countries in the region and a non-exploitative alternative to the first world-controlled IMF and WB. banco del sur already secured $7 billion in paid-in capital from the member countries.

read further:
green left
wiki
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

of fools and failures

2007-05-09T23:04:00.000+06:00

fool is not he who fails,
but he who fails to learn from his failures.

sometimes you need to go back one step to take a leap forward.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

the islamic threat to europe

2007-05-06T00:02:00.000+06:00
recently europol, the european police office produced a report titled 'EU TERRORISM SITUATION AND TREND REPORT 2007'.

here is a snapshot from it:

quoting from kristoffer larsson's comment on this report in counterpunch.org:

"How about the Islamic terrorists then? Considering the perpetual warnings in our daily papers, the findings in the Europol report is, to say the least, surprising. The truth is that Islamists only carried out one out of the 498 terrorist attacks in the European Union in 2006.

"If we look at the people arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, the figures are rather disproportionate; about half of them arrested were Muslim. In plain English: Muslims are a group causing very little terrorism in Europe, while at the same time much more likely to be arrested on suspicion of it. The constant media coverage of Muslims being arrested creates the false image of a serious threat in order to benefit the imperialist world-view Washington wants us to adopt."

[inspired by shapps vai]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

lets talk democracy

2007-04-19T06:10:00.000+06:00
most likely hasina apa and khaleda vabi will be out of the country for some time, if not exiled permanently. with the iron ladies out of stage, the to be formed political party will be virtually opposition-less in the upcoming elections supposedly to be held end of next year.

wasnt BAKSAL something like dat?
its funny how history repeats itself.
only if we learnt its lessons!!!
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

tigers or cats?

2007-04-19T06:03:00.000+06:00
statistically bangladesh has a higher chance of winning against WI today, but BD cricket team's performance is as unpredictable as a woman's mind; so, we the fans, can only keep our fingers crossed.
whatever the turn out is, BD will walk away from this tournament with sweet and sour memories, the sourest of all being the dismal and shabby performance of both the captain and the vice captain. looking at the BD line up, it seems everyone but themselves realized this simple fact.
well, anyway, good luck guys.
tigers or cats? thats to be proved today.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

esho he boishak

2007-04-14T13:18:00.000+06:00

shuvo nobo borsho 1414
happy Bangla new year 1414
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

dr. Fakhruddin speaks

2007-04-14T13:06:00.001+06:00
The following were the opening words of Fakhruddin Ahmed's, head of current (unconstitutional) caretaker government in Bangladesh, april 12 2007 address to the Nation.

"My dear countrymen,
Assalamu Alaikum
We all dream of building a beautiful Bangladesh; a Bangladesh which would arouse pride among our present and future generations. We want such a Bangladesh which would allow them to hold their head high at home and abroad and live in peace and happiness. We do not want a Bangladesh where they would bow down to injustices and unfairness...."

I wonder what justifies him to think and dream on our behalf?

nice words though! only that i am sure it would be far from harsh reality.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

just when i thought i had hit the end

2007-04-11T23:54:00.000+06:00

life had been sort of a total mess for the last few weeks or so. personally i have just been through a storm, with way too much of worrying and way too many dilemmas. its true i myself invited some of it, but mind is such a thing, you cant just select wats popping up!
the tons of to dos over this period made things yet more unhandle-able.
add to that bangladesh's on-off superb showing in the ongoing cricket world cup (cricket is the second religion in sub-continent), and the much happening local political scene (of which i am an avid follower), news of which is much much more important and interesting than the matlab simulations or C++ coding.

well, now i am putting an all out effort to get back on track and successfully manage the scores of academic 'to dos' thats have piled higher and deeper over the weeks.

your prayers are much appreciated.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

36 years of gloomy glory

2007-03-27T14:19:00.000+06:00

yesterday, the whole nation of Bangladesh with the 150 million Bangladeshis, celebrated her 36th independence day.
36 years of sovereignty!
36 years of standing headstrong against oppression!!
36 years of sacrificing one's life for the motherland!!!

but what really is independence?
is it just having your own boundary and your own people ruling over you? or is it the nation being ruled for the interest of the people, by people whose interest is to serve the people.
it is only the latter that can bring about true independence.
political, economical, social, cultural independence.
and most importantly independence in thought and sovereignty action.

sadly enough, it is on this 36th years of independence that we are most shackled. shackled by the power-blinded lords of the world, and their despicably shameless local stooges

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY 2007

[photo credit: http://inabangladesh.blogspot.com/]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

and we made it

2007-03-26T23:32:00.000+06:00
congratulations Bangladeshi cricketing tigers for your amazing stand in the world cup cricket 2007. we have faith in your talents and ability raise a few more eyebrows in surprise !!!
bravado young tigers .
bravado old tigers ..
bravado supporter tigers ...

(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

as-sajdah - the prostration

2007-03-19T18:39:00.000+06:00
ever imagined yourself standing in front of a powerful man (say the president of your country)?

what if it was he who invited you to his court, granting you a personal audience. just you and him??

how would you feel...
awed? spellbound?? wary not to make the slightest mistake???

then just imagine how it is to have the Lord of the universe, the All Powerful, All Encompassing, the Most Merciful invite you to His court, grant YOU personal audience. just you and Him.

just imagine the feeling of awe and captivation one experiences at presenting oneself to the Lord Almighty. a poor wretched unworthy and erring soul being given the permission to praise and sanctify Him the Exalted.
or when one is granted the leave to forward himself with his head, the highest and noblest part of his body, on the ground. lying there in humble submission to His will, and declaring his adherence to His Oneness and His all encompassing majesty. declaring 'Glory be to my Lord, the Most High', while thinking of one's lowliness, incapacity, shortcomings and wrongdoings.

this is exactly what every single Muslim encounters in the sajdah (the prostration), an integral part of the five daily prayers.
with the resulting peace and sakina (loosely translated as 'serenity' or 'peace of mind') it brings to one's life.

----------
note: the ideas of this post is borrowed from "Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship" by Imam Ghazali (r). read it here (partially available)
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

my first paper

2007-03-09T15:39:00.000+06:00
9th march was the notification date for a paper we had submitted to a conference. it was our first try at any reputatble international conference, and so we were awaiting the news with excitement.
we did hear from them with a day in hand. but unfortunately the result is REJECTION!!!.

well, not that i (and i guess the rest) have much to grudge about. after all, failure is the key to success. and most importantly we learnt something in the process ...
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

words for the soul

2007-03-09T15:22:00.000+06:00
Is it because of your remembrance of the neighbours of Dhi-salam.
That tears mixed with blood are flowing (from your eyes).
Or is it because of the breeze blowing from Kaazimah.
Or it is the lightning struck in the darkness of the night Idam

What has happened to your eyes, (the more) you tell them to stop, the more they continue flowing.
What is the matter with your heart, (the more) you tell it to come to its senses, (the more it is distracted).

Does the lover think that his love can be concealed?
While his eyes are shedding tears and his heart is glowing.
Had it not been for the love, you would not have shed tears at the ruins (of your beloved).
Nor would you become restless at the remembrance of the cypress (tree) the high mountain.

How do you deny love after the testimony.
Borne against you by (such) reliable witnesses as your eyes and your illness.
Love has ingrained two lines of fear, and withered your face.
On your cheeks like yellow rose and the reddish tree.

Yes! Thoughts of the beloved came to me at night and kept me awake.
And love transforms pleasure into pain.
you who reproach me, regarding my love, excuse me.
From me to you if you do justice, you would not reproach me.

My state (of love) has been expressed to you, (now) my secret is no longer concealed.
From those who malign (me), nor is there (something to) check my agony.

You have sincerely advised me , I did not heed it.
For verily a lover is deaf to those who advise him.
I regarded with suspicion the advice of the elders in reproaching me.
(Wisdom) in the advice of the elders is above suspicion.

-----------------
from the Qasidah Burdah (Poem of the Mantle) by Imam Muhammad bin Hasan Al-Busairi

(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

snow, snow, snow

2007-02-24T21:04:00.000+06:00
after 30 hours of non stop snowing... (it didnt stop there)

lets make a ...

... snowman

and the snow war that followed ...

every single one got snowed all over
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

last weekend

2007-02-21T15:12:00.000+06:00
we at ms@aau had our second qiyam ul layl program last weekend. after many failed attempts, we finally managed to invite Imam Abdul Wahid Pedersen, a danish convert imam, to deliver the talks.
the theme of the day was 'being a Muslim in the danish society'- a very timely and well chosen topic in my view.

the lectures were divided into two sessions. the former touched on the danish society and general state of Muslims in Denmark, while the problems faced by Muslim community, both from within and without, and their probable solutions was the topic of discussion in the latter.

some the points Imam Abdul Wahid made are:

1. we hv to accept the fact that new generation of Muslims are all out danes. thus the community leaders have to address them from their perspective instead of somali, or pakistani, or turkish or ... perspective.

2. we cant and should not control what someone sees and learns. rather we hv to equip people with the right knowledge, understanding and tools to differentiate between right and wrong and accept the right while rejecting the wrong.

3. as Muslims it is not enough for us to only address issues that directly concern us. we hv to remember that we are global citizens as well, and thus global issues such as environmental problems, human rights, animal rights etc. should also be our concern.

well, enough of heavy talk. now follow this link to experience some of the action on that day (courtesy of ailin vabi, as always!!!)
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

just do it

2007-02-19T04:28:00.000+06:00
this is the story of aisha, an old friend of mine.

one fine day she decided she would join the club and don that hijab. 'that was an easy decision', said she, 'but when? - was the million dollar question.' any change as big putting that hijab on is always a mammoth task, and much more so living in the west.

'wat would ppl say?', 'how would my parents take it?', 'in this islamophobic era, wouldnt i hv to face lots of difficulties?', 'what if situation forces me to take it off again?'... these were some of the question bugging her from day one. and the sole reasons behind putting off its materializing to tomorrow.

then one day, a friend suggested - 'dont worry my dear. you may take that big leap at once and start wearing it for good; or take it one step at a time wearing it occassionally (to the juma or to local muslim community programs) at first. whatever it is, just do it. go ahead and take that first step... and everything else will fall in place.'

---

more or less, all of us face this sort of dillemas in life. things we want to do, but just cant get ourselves to do it thinking abt all the what ifs and what nots.

well ... go ahead and just do it. take that first step and everything else will fall in place.

and that goes to you too, mr. procastinX !!!
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

linked

2007-02-18T18:34:00.000+06:00

i came across an interesting analysis of the current political situation in bangladesh in one of the bangladeshi yahoo groups.

the author analysed the buildup to the current interim/caretaker government and the players involved.
according to him, this is not something that just popped up ... it was well planned years back and accordingly games were played to take the country to current situation.

here are some excerpts

"As it was predicted that military-backed so-called national consensus govt is imminent in bangladesh."

"we can divide the ground work and emergence of the present situation into five categories
1.motiur-mahfuz-debpriya axis: intellectual and media related works
2.dr kamal, dr. badruddoza, dr. oli, enu, ershad exis: political whispering
3.media(other than m+m, motiur-mahfuz) and diplomats
4.money men/magic boys: crown prince (tareq), falu, mamun,hawa bhavan etc
5.unbearable failures in some sectors: power, price hike"

"At first, in order to gain quick public support, they may implement some popular agenda
1.total ban on teacher-students politics
2.detain of some corrupt politicians, businessmen
3.improvement of law and order
4.anti-corruptions drive in all sphere
5.control of price hike, supply of essential goods
6.automation of radio-tv etc
7.some small issues like improvement of traffic congestion, illegal eviction etc

... The prime concern of us about the hidden and open secret agenda of this unelected govt....."

read the complete series
Military-backed unconstitutional Caretaker Govt in Bangladesh: Update Version of Pakistan/Musharaf Model-1
Military-backed unconstitutional CG in BD-2: Why?
Military-backed unconstitutional CG in BD-3: Similarities with Pakistan/Musharaf Model-2
Military-backed unconstitutional CG in BD-4:Ground Work
Military-backed unconstitutional CG in BD-5: Popular Agenda

[excerpted and linked with permission]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

i want you ...

2007-02-13T03:57:00.000+06:00

... to write this 100th post for me.

through all the thick and thin, i did finally manage to reach this landmark despite being the procatinating soul i am.

and so to 'celebrate' this milestone, i would like to hear what you hv to say abt this little blog of mine.

in this age of 'freedom of speech' you are free (and welcome) to say whatever you wish. so, go ahead and make your day!!!
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

reflecting the life in prayer

2007-02-11T16:03:00.000+06:00
The Internal states conducive to reflecting the life in prayer (solat) can be well summed in six words:

AWARENESS - the conscious state in which one's mind and feelings are in no way distracted from what one is doing and saying. i.e. the mind remains attentive to what one is doing, and one is whole-heartedly involved.

UNDERSTANDING - awareness that also includes the comprehension of the meaning of one's utterance.

REVERENCE - this is beyond awareness and understanding. a man may address his servant with awareness and full understanding, yet his words are without reverence, for reverence is an additional element.

AWE - it is over and above reverence, and represents a kind of fear that grows out of reverence. this is not the ordinary fear (e.g. of a snake), but the kind of fear we have of a mighty king.

HOPE - alongside fearing His punishment of our faults, we must, in our prayers, hope for the reward of God, Great and Glorious is He.

SHAME - this is something additional to all the rest, for it is based on the realization of one's deficiencies and the apprehension of sin.

----
excerpted from Inner dimensions of Islamic Worship (tr of Ihya UlumudDin) by Abu Hamid Muhammad al Ghazali.
tr. by Muhtar Holland
==============

on a more personal note ... looks like winter is finally here. the temperature had been zero or lower for the most of the past week, and according to the forecast, it is expected to remain for days to come. hmmm, just when we thought (phew, luckily) no winter this year.

and

i am bogged down with lotsss to cover by this week. so do pray for me.

...

photo credits - ekhlas
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

an EHM* in my backyard

2007-02-07T21:35:00.000+06:00
unlike most of my friends, i somehow am not so upbeat about the new caretake government that has taken over the helm of bangladesh.

since fakhruddin and co. have come to power, everything seems to be going right in this otherwise 'lawless' state. dhaka streets without traffic jam, corrupt politicians being nabbed, no more road blockades and paltan maidan (hyde park of bangladesh) assemblies. its almost like the 'fairies at work with their magic wands'.

but thats what worries me most. experiences of life taught me that no drastic change is good for the health. it will either cause a reaction (often of greater force), or there are much more to it than what we normally see. lets see which of these happens in this case...

******************************************

EHM stands for Economic Hit Man, a term coined by John Perkins in his autobiographical book 'The confession of an Economin Hit Man'. According to him,
Economic hit men (EHMs) are highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. They funnel money from the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other foreign "aid" organizations into the coffers of huge corporations and the pockets of a few wealthy families who control the planet's natural resources. Their tools included fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion, sex, and murder. They play a game as old as empire, but one that has taken on new and terrifying dimensions during this time of globalization.

by the way, the head of current caretaker government in bangladesh was once a world bank executive. (dunno if that is supposed to mean anything!)
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

blog tagged

2007-02-05T10:03:00.000+06:00
some weeks back, i received a mail with the same subject as the title of this blog. opened the mail expecting to be yet another of those casual (and annoying) mail-tags, instead found it was a rather new concept called blog tag.

here is how it works: it started where Jeff Pulver wrote five things about himself and he tagged five people telling them to do the same. the chain, having travelled through numerous blogs was handed over to me by lu. all i have to do now is write five things about myself which people may not have known, and then tell another five people to do the same.

i will do it a little differently though. my five things will b the following five important lessons of life i learnt through personal experience last year:

1. when working towards a goal, sometimes i tend to over-emphasise on the mean to the extent of loosing focus from the goal itself.

2. everything has its rightly stated time. so neither should i want something badly, nor push aside whatever (be it opportunities or responsibilities) that comes my way.

3. Allah is interested in the inner beauty of the heart, not outer beauty of the self.

4. honesty and frankness is still the best policy. when doing things with others it is important to clarify one's position / intentions / preferences. this avoids any sort of misuderstanding and confusion*.

5. 'there is nothing called genius. its 99% hard work coupled with 1% luck'**.

and, i am passing this onto : tanim, afie, shisha man shapps, nikonian, and weatherman

* learnt this bit from euro trip last summer. i guess someone DO deserve a piece of apology... for all the 'natok's... so here it is bro.

** einstein (or someone as famous) said this. until last year, i really didnt think it was true
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

pursuit of happyness

2007-02-05T05:23:00.000+06:00

" ... (he) must have known well enough that you can never attain happiness, you can only pursue it. no wonder the "unalienable rights" rights of a man are "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" and not "life, liberty, and happiness" itself ... "
- will smith (quoted with slight modification from his latest movie, pursuit of happyness)
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

as life goes on

2007-01-31T04:46:00.000+06:00

life(1:end) = MATLAB;

.......

and today Imad vai turns 31. years do fly, huh! he is one of the most amazing man i have personally known; and of his many rare qualities i am most touched by his selfless helping of others, simplicity and devoted patience. (his wife, our dearest
Ailin vabi, is no less... and i do hope to come to that some other time)

(p.s. imad vai, if by any chance you are reading this, its not flattering!! and happy birthday once again)
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

SLOW DANCE

2007-01-28T22:24:00.000+06:00
--by : David L. Weatherford

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
or listened to rain slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,
or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly,
when you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,
with the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow,
and in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,
'cause you never had time to call and say hi?

You better slow down, don't dance so fast,
time is short, the music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,
you miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
it's like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life isn't a race, so take it slower,
hear the music before your song is over.
_______________
01/04/2006
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

happy new hijri year 1428

2007-01-20T16:05:00.000+06:00

praying for every one to hv peace, fulfilment, blessings and happines in this upcoming hijri new year and years to come.

salam mmal hijrah 1428

[photo credit]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

25 - 26 / 2006 - 2007

2007-01-19T18:07:00.000+06:00

for those of who dont know, my birthday almost coincides with the new year. so every time the year turns over a new leaf, so do I. with surprise parties (hav had that a number of times), gifts and cakes, it had always been a happy experience; and to be frank, an experience i had begun looking forward to.

going through the last hours of my prime youth, of the golden age of 25 (and waiting for the 'surprise' - i did 'sniff' beforehand, something in the making) i was taken back by a new sort of feeling this time around. a sense of despair, a feeling of loss.

with each step in my life reaching toward the inevitable but unknown end, i realized that i was letting the opportunities pass by. 25 years of my life had gone by, and what had i achieved? ofcourse if you count my worldly achievements, i must admit its atleast worth mentioning, if not anything more than that (All praises and thanks to God Almighty).

but what abt my capital for that journey, the journey to reality. the awakening from the dream we are living? how much hav i prepared for that ultimate goal, the day of reckoning!!

and wat abt my responsibility in this world? being born with at least a silver spoon (if not gold) in my mouth in one of the most impoverished countries of this world surely comes with its share of responsibilites!!

with every breath of air i take, seconds are slipping away. this i can never stop. but what i CAN do is maximize the utility of those remaining minutes still at hand. the time i am yet to loose.

and let that be my resolution for both this new years.

[photo credit - http://serenity.man4.home.att.net/slow_dance.html]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

revisiting history

2007-01-19T17:11:00.000+06:00

today is the last day of dhul hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and what really singles out this month from the other 11 is her first ten days, and especially the day of Arafah, ninth of this month. It is on this day that the 5-day Hajj celebration or pilgrimage starts, the festival where more than 3 million faithful slaves of God gathers around Mecca answering to the call of Lord Almighty.

history of hajj is rooted three thousand years deep, dating back to the time of prophet Abraham (upon him be peace). history has it that the first inhabitants of the place which is now known as Mecca were Ishmael, the son of Abraham and his mother Hager (upon them be peace).

Abraham, being true to his covenant and sincere in his faith upon Allah, left his one and only child and his mother in a deserted place; a place with the barren earth as floor covered only by the vast open sky. they had neither food nor drink to sustain them and all three of them knew well enough that the only way these two 'exiled' would survive is if God Himself intervened.

God in turn, being Pleased with His sincere slave and friend's reliance on Him turned this 'expatriation' into an example for mankind, an example to be followed til the end of times. and it is this example of these three faithful servant of God Almighty which has been emulated in the ritual of pilgrimage, a annual ritual that has been sincerely followed since then without fail.

did any of those three, or first generation of Meccans ever imagine that this barren land of sand and desert, a land of exile would turn out to be centre of the world in years to come?

...

and i? a thousand careful consideartions of 'what ifs' and 'if nots' precede before taking even the simplest of decision, decision that dont even risk the loss of a single hair.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

recapping... recapulating

2007-01-08T01:57:00.000+06:00

most of last couple of months passed in a blitz. myself was darn busy with studies and a little of few other stuffs.

but that dusnt mean other aspects of my life was on hold. much hv bn happening, much had happened; some of which i would like share with the world out there... through a series of upcoming backdated posts
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

mystifying, mesmerizing muzik

2006-12-06T22:41:00.000+06:00

(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

sunday, 26th november 2006

2006-11-29T04:22:00.000+06:00
(around) 2:00 AM
----------------

slowly i open my eyes as i place my mobile right in front of my face. is it a call or an sms? or is it the alarm? my mind tries to figure out as it reluctantly drifts into reality from deep slumber. years of familiarity makes me press the 'reply' button while my mind is still deducing whats all the ringing for.

'hello' my spontaneous response to the call.
[the other person:] 'hello f... '

by now, i am much more awake and clearly recognize my elder brother's voice.

'boro vaiya, assalamualaikum' (salam brother) a long distance call at this odd hour is not something normal. i feel my thoughts setting off into action as i reply him.
'unn, adha gonta agey annana mara giye....' (listen, our grandpa passed away half an hour back)

...

it is 02:11 AM, i notice.
within a minute i am back in bed. its only now i slowly start feeling the news absorbing into myself. all sorts of thoughts come flying across the head.

how is he doing now? will i meet him again in hereafter?

where is he now? where will i reach when its my time to depart.

85 (or so) years of living and all it takes is a single breath to reduce it to memory.

=== this is another incident, totally unrelated to the previous ===

(around) 2:00 PM
----------------

i look back to see him lying on the road.
just moments ago, we two were cycling down hill, when i suddenly saw ourselves heading into each other. in desperate attempt to avoid him crashing into me, i managed to turn away; only to hear him crashing onto a pole a split second later.

i am relieved to find myself unscratched. rushing to him, i see blood gushing out of his nose; and immediately i know something is seriously wrong.

a minute later i notice he hit his head quite hard. 'is his memory alright?' - the first thing i think of. (all those sleepless nights watching movies finally paid off !)
'wats my name?'
'where are we?'
'what day is it today?'
- 'give me some time' he repliesto this. he answered the prev two correctly.
sensing danger, i call for help, and in ten minutes we are heading for the hospital.

we continue with his interrogation, while we wait his turn to be attended to. (p.s. hospital service here is damn slow. in fact damn bloody slow!) it turns out he only has memory of a minute or so. (its called brain concussion.) there is a spitting pot next to him and everytime he spits, he asks if the pot is for spitting. its just like watching a one minute video in continous loop.

as i watch him, my head questions : 'how weak and vulnerable we human are?'
a simple hit on the head and you are no longer yourself.
it could hav easily happened that his 29 years of learning, knowledge and experience - all gone just like that. vanished. obliterated. completely wiped out. all those memory, things he had known since the crawling childhood, or those complex mathematical and engineering equations that took years to be ingrained into the brain. every single thing reformatted with a wink.
.
.
.
what if that happens ... to me? or to you?
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

death

2006-11-23T17:33:00.000+06:00

death is number one on the list of things encircling my head lately. it all started with youtubing around. this brought me to the video of Feher's death on field (that fateful football player who died on the field in 2004). since then the thought of death has been playing in the background of my mind, as i continue to travel day to day through this temporal life. i know well enough, one day i would also hv to go. leaving this abode for another world, a world unknown to any of us.

believers in faith believe in hereafter while some others say that everything stops with the last breath. whatever it is, the reality is that everything we are striving for with all our energy and time will be reduced to nothing but a few pieces of inanimate material. all efforts and endeavours to reach newer heights everyday, professionally and personally, will just become dust in a moment of few minutes!!!

sometimes i think, whats the point behind all these. all the struggle to earn a better (more valuable) degree, to reach higher positions, to get a fatter paycheck? the striving for a beautiful wife, nice house, shiny car?? at the end of the day i would be no different from the rickshaw puller who carries me home from work, or the lady who works in my house (5 hrs a day, 30 days a month for a mere 500 taka/less than 10 usd).

there has to be something else! some higher goals to strive for rather than just life !! life itself has to be something more than just eating, sleeping and beeing merry !!! otherwise its an equation all gone wrong. an equation way too imabalanced for any student of science to accept.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

rusted raster

2006-11-21T14:31:00.000+06:00
after a two month long absence from the labyrinth of blogging, this is yet another comeback for me. i am nt sure how justified am i in using the term comeback, for i had never intended to leave in the first place. it was merely circumstance that kept me away. that was a change from the somewhat 'heavy duty' blogging in last summer, a change that i hope is for the better.

its for others to judge, but i feel i hv trasformed much in this short span of two months. these days, i am at school 9-9 (more or less) most of the time. now thats a mammoth change for someone like me (who had no relation with books until two weeks prior to exams). (p.s. NO! i hv nt fallen in love! [in case you are wondering]).

so here am i, welcoming myself back to the blogging duniya. in the meantime here are some youtubies i had been obsessed with recently. take a peek, if u care.

(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

back to school

2006-09-02T16:06:00.000+06:00

its more than a week i am back in good old aalborg, my hometown for this phase of my life. little bit of procastination, little bit of busi-ness and much of (supposed) post traveling recovery (excuses... thats one of my 'expertise'); all that together kept me away from blogosphere all this while.

well its back to school from next week which means long spates of non blogging would be nothing but expected. so, i am sort of getting myself used to that too... (excuses again...)

i did promise family and friends to come up with stories ASAP, but they say 'picture speaks a thousand words'. so rather than reading the story, experience it yourself here.

happy viewing fellas!
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

hello from granada

2006-08-17T00:25:00.000+06:00

in case you had been wondering, why am i off for a while...
this should explain it.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

ladies and gentleman, welcome to Air Torture

2006-08-04T23:23:00.000+06:00

republished from lulando
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

inconveniences of a marriage of convenience - part III

2006-08-01T14:29:00.001+06:00

[part I, part II]

so, where does islam come into the picture?

well, after 200 yrs of hibernation, twentieth century witnessed the awakening of islam. organizations like muslim brotherhood and jamate-islami have taken political islam to newer heights as evident by the huge success of islamists all over the muslim world.
islam is not merely a religion, but a way of life, and it calls for respect, equality and justice for all. thus islamists rising to power in the middle east would bring an end to the puppet-leaders and the illegitimate privilege imperialist forces enjoy.
similarly a self reliant middle east will surely make things much harder for israels 'holy land' policy, considering the fact that despite having the strongest military power in middle east, israel is far well out-sized and out numbered.

and where does the solution lie?

i would say first of all we need a coalition against war. we need an alliance of all peace loving people around the world, an alliance of civilization and culture. an alliance of humanity.
one of the main reasons behind the aggression to continue is people's ignorance. this must be fought. those who knows and who thinks should do all they can to bring forward the facts. to educate people, and to highlight the threat 'war on terror' poses to humanity itself.
as for the muslims, i think we need to get back to our roots, to our deen. history tells us that never have humanity in general and the ummah in particular suffered so much, as long as muslims held the quran and the sunnah superior to everything else.
(being a muslim, i can only talk for them... but i believe if we all give god a little more importance in our hearts, things would be much much different)
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

inconveniences of a marriage of convenience - part II

2006-08-01T14:23:00.001+06:00

[part I]

to better appreciate the recent happenings, it is important for us to understand the background of this war:

israel's going to bed with the anglo american alliance is a marriage of convenience. zionist israel wants to be the super power in middle east, with full control over the so called 'holy land'; while the imperial america dreams of world dominion, for which full oil control is the first precondition. tony blair is nothing but the stooge here... and likely to be 'discarded away' like a toilet paper after use.
but of course, israel is the husband here, and wouldn't at all mind meeting his needs at the expense of the wife's interest.

another interesting fact is the neo-con right wingers, who support israel from a religious point of view. according to the bible, the 'holy land' has to belong to the jews for jesus to return, and so by helping the israelis, they are merely facilitating jesus' return (at the expense of hundreds of innocent children's life)

-------------
[part III]

photo credits : israel national news
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

inconveniences of a marriage of convenience - part I

2006-08-01T14:17:00.001+06:00

the ongoing lebanon war has so far claimed 600 plus lives, and the toll is still counting. none one knows where it will end, and how long it will take to reach that end, nor which direction the solution lies. many in the muslim world are seeing this as another battle in the war on terror @ war against islam, and have reiterated their calls for islamic unity.

analysing the build-up so far, my humble opinion begs to differ. to me this is neither a war against islam or muslims per se, nor does solution lie in the so called islamic unity.

in this war, we have the israeli zionist regime, with support and encouragement from the anglo-american alliance against the people of lebanon & palestine and the whole of middle east and world opinion.

before moving on, lets take a look at the so called islamic unity and why, according to me, such a unity is not the solution:

first – the very term islamic unity is quite ambiguous.... does it mean unity of muslim countries, or is it unity of islamic countries. if its the former, then we already have our stooges named oic (oh i see), arab league and world muslim league. however, if its the latter, then sad enough, there are no true islamic countries in the very first place. unless of course one would considers saudi kingdom and pakistani dictatordom in the rank. alternatively it could mean unity of islamic organizations, which i highly suspect will be readily linked to obl and terrorism.

second – such a call for islamic unity gives the hard-line right wingers a stronger voice.
it gives them the chance to play with religious emotions... and the sentiment attached to it, and say -'look i told you, their agenda is islamization of the world.'

third – the ongoing war against war on terror is fought by human right activists around the world who are mostly non-muslims themselves. such call for islamic unity would surely alienate the muslims from them and implant a negative impression about islam and muslims.

----------
[part II, part III]

photo credit - The Guardian
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

eyes wide shut

2006-07-30T15:59:00.000+06:00
Like most Harvard business school graduate, my life was focused on making my first million by 30, and having everything that came with it. Everything i did was entered around that... flying up the corporate ladder... making the right contact. Life had always been too busy for me to think anything outside my job and myself. Once in a while, news of AIDS in Africa or hunger in Asia caught my eyes, but the remote control was quick in bringing me back to my diet of 'sex and the city', and 'who wants to be a millionaire?'

life was speeding away without glitches, Until i met Stella at a party one evening. I must admit, she was neither an eye catching beauty nor a sexy blonde. Probably, We wouldn't even have had met, were it not for my clumsy hands dropping a wine glass. She was standing close by and spontaneously joined in to help me clean up.

In six months, we came a long way as friends. She was very different from other women i had known so far. To me she was a mystery, always unpredictable, and very unconventional. Usual girl talk of who did what or i want to be this and i want to be that wasn't her soup. She storied about her life in Kenya, where she spent three teenage years. She would talk about the friendly people, their simple living and their humble aspirations in life. It was then that i first realized there exists a world outside my knowledge. That was also the first time, i noticed that not everything is as nice as here... suffering, disaster, war... such words exist beyond the realm of dictionary.

It was her who taught me to think. To question myself, to ponder over life. 'Is life all about making money, owning the best house, and driving the best car? Is it about having the most beautiful wife, and having famous ppl as friends? Is reaching newer heights all that matter?' she once asked. 'Or is life about being content? Having that feeling of goodness after feeding a hungry stomach or helping a needy hand? Knowing you have helped improve someone's life?'.

Since then my life has changed dramatically, and i have come a long way. Not towards that coveted dream of making the million, and owning the mansion... but a towards a new dream. The true American dream of peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

'Why didn't i think of this earlier? Why didn't the cries ever touch my heart?' I questioned myself. 'Well its because someone didn't want you to. Someone wanted to stop thinking, stop asking questions. Someone wanted you to be too engrossed in life to ever think about it, to ever have time to appreciate it', answered my mind.

Will you too continue to live in defiance, like i once did? Or start thinking and be the true self you are born to be? The choice is yours!

[cross posted at bloggers against torture as part of blogathon2006]
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

its blogging time

2006-07-30T13:34:00.000+06:00
the day has finally arrived for the much anticipated blogathon.
we at bloggersagainsttorture, along with scores of other bloggers are going to blog non-stop one whole day from july 29, 1400 gmt, with a post every half an hour. thats 48 posts in total; all in a day's work.

for those of you dont know, blogathon or bolg marathon, is a fund raising activity. there are three parties to it
1. the participating blogger
2. the charity he/she/they are blogging for.
3. the sponsors.
this is how it works... the sponsors pledge to sponsor a certain amount for any blog participating in the blogathon. if the participants successfully complete the marathon (i.e. posts 48 times in 24 hours), all pledged amount goes to his/her nominated charity.

we are blogging for amnesty international US, and so far have a pledge of over a thousand USD.

if you are interested, you may donate here. donation will be accepted until two days after the event, so be known you are not too late...

otherwise, please do pay us a visit here. you may also like to visit other blogathonners here.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

120 lives and a destroyed city. who gains?

2006-07-26T12:57:00.000+06:00
it seems hamas leadership have finally agreed to creasefire and the release of captured israeli army cpl in a peace deal brokered by palestinian president mr mahmoud abbas, in exchange of palestinian prisoners at some point in the future.

cpl gilad shalit was captured on june 25 and israel immediately responded by completely devastating what was left of the already shattered gaza. israeli air raids and ground attacks destroyed bridges, infrastructre and the only power plant there, plunging the city into (almost) complete darkness. in the process more than 120 palestinian lives, of them 26 children, were lost along with the death of A israeli soldier.

the end result: cpl gilad shalit is being released and so are the demanded palestinian prisoners in exchange (though israel prefers to describe it as goodwill gesture and not direct exchange).

isnt that what both parties were demanding from day one? so why couldnt they settle on it then? why did 120 innocent ppl hav to die? why was a demolished city further destroyed? how did the inhumane sufferings of thousand gazans and the uncertainty of some israelis benefit both parties?

one thing i know for sure, at least bloggers like me had something to rant about for a while :)
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

where does it end?

2006-07-21T11:42:00.000+06:00
here is an article by Uri Avnery, an Israeli journalist, writer and peace activist on the solution to the decades of mid-east conflict.

(i am posting the summary here for those short of time!)

"Stop that shit!"

Lebanese children, covered with wounds, in Beirut hospitals. The funeral of the victims of a missile in Haifa. The ruins of a whole devastated quarter in Beirut. Inhabitants of the north of Israel fleeing south from the Katyushas. Inhabitants of the south of Lebanon fleeing north from the Israeli air force. Death, destruction and unimaginable human sufferings everywhere.

What was Hassan Nasrallah thinking of, when he decided to cross the border and carry out the guerrilla action that started the current Witches' Sabbath? And why at this time? Knwoing that the Israeli government was waiting for a pretext to attack Lebanon with full force. Why?

The reason that strongly convinced him to enter upon such an adventure at precisely this time was infact Palestine. Two weeks before, the Israeli government used the captured soldier as pretext to shatter the Palestinians' will to resist and to destroy the newly-elected Palestinian government, dominated by Hamas. And, of course, to stop the Qassams.

One thing is clear: Nasrallah would not have started this vicious circle of violence, if the Palestinians had not called for help. Either from cool calculation, or from true moral outrage, or from both - Nasrallah rushed to the rescue of beleaguered Palestine.

But where does all this lead to?

At most, another delicate armistice, with the Israeli government claiming victory and Nasrallah (or his successors) taking pride in satanding up to one of the mightiest military machines in the world.

No real solution will be achieved, because there is no treatment of the root of the matter: the Palestinian problem. Whoever longs for a solution must know: there is no solution without settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And there is no solution to the Palestinian problem without negotiations with their elected leadership, the government headed by Hamas.

If one wants to finish, once and for all, with this shit - as Bush so delicately put it - that is the only way.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

see no evil, hear no evil

2006-07-17T17:22:00.000+06:00
as the destruction continues and suffering starts piling up in Lebanon, president bush remains defiant on his support for the murderous state of israel. "As a sovereign nation, Israel has every right to defend itself against terrorist activity," he said, though this time he added "... be mindful of the consequences. And so we've urged restraint."

in the meantime, latest attacks claimed yet another 23 lives. active southern lebanon doesnt mean a quiter gaza. its war on both front, and dead bodies continues to pile there too. '... (israeli) ongoing offensive against the impoverished Gaza Strip, killed at least six Palestinians on Sunday, July 16.'

so, what can we do?
well, here are something that you can do... remember every little bit counts.
1. sign Save the Lebanese Civilians Petition
2. donate. (i am not sure if it is limited to residents of the UAE or not) an initiative called "Ma3ak ya Lebnan" (with you oh lebanon) has been taken by the Lebanese Embassy. Send your donations to: All branches of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Account # 20000488.

And this is from Beirut Spring:

3. cnn is taking a vote on whether the Israeli response is justified. show your opposition to it by taking the quick vote.
Look for the QUICKVOTE box to the right of the news in the page.
4. pray for them. whatever your faith, whichever GOD you turn... spend two minutes to say a prayer for them. ask for GOD's help.
5. lastly, create awreness and spread the message....

here are some lebanese related blogs, if you are looking for fresh info, you will surely not be turned down.
Beirut Spring - Mustapha is blogging straight from Beirut
Lebanese Blogger Forum - updates every hour from inside the mayhem
The Lebanese Bloggers - asking angrily the right questions
Blogging Beirut - life goes on and he is showing everybody how
David Bau - a big list of links to people blogging from inside Beirut right now
(thanks to safia for the links)

btw, israel has rejected UN calls to deploy peace monitors in the region. "I don't think we're at that stage yet," said an Israeli government spokeswoman.

----------

while the world (those rare few who prefers to hear of news around the world over what paris hilton is wearing today) has its focus on israel - lebanon - gaza, the deadly sectarian violence continues to thrive with full force in iraq. up to 55 people have been killed and 58 wounded in an attack on a market outside Baghdad.

by the way, why should i be worried abt wats hapening half the globe away? isnt it too far away from me. just turn off the tv, and i 'see no evil, hear no evil' any longer.
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com

vicious cycle of violence

2006-07-15T14:29:00.000+06:00

israel's gaza offensive has so far (as of friday) claimed 82 mostly civilian lives in the past 12 days, of them 22 children. this incursion was in response to palestinian home made rockets and their freedom fighters' kidnapping of a teenage soldier.

israel says this is deserved response to acts of terror by the (almost powerless) palestinian freedom fighters. palestinians, on the other hand, have vowed not to let in to pressure and says will duly retaliliate.

its the same story in southern lebanon, where hezbollah guerillas captured 2 israeli soldiers and killed a few others in an attack claimed to have taken five months in planning. israel's immediate attempts to free the capture soldiers, hawkish as ever, claimed 73 lives so far, nearly all civilian (as usual). hezbollah chief responded with a declaration of war. "You wanted an open war and we are ready for an open war", said he with full defiance, shortly after surviving an assassination attempt.

it well seems things are much deeper than just hamas and hezbollah's deadly brawl with israel. syria, iran, iraq, lord USA ... all these names comes in naturally.

looks like middle east is in for some deeeeep sXXt.
the worst part : its the innocent civilians who are suffering and will suffer the most....

i wonder whether any mortal knows where, when or how will this vicious cycle end? or, will it not??

----------

you may read this comment on the guardian
(c) bodda 2008 | durerkontoshor at gmail dot com