Zeeshan Rasool Khan

The Quran began with the word ‘Iqra,’ which means to read . It not only refers to the study of the Quran but everything all around. According to religious scholars, about 750 verses of the Quran are related to nature that calls us for understanding it. At one place Quran says; O Muhammad (SAW), ‘Travel through the land and observe how He began creation (29:20). The Prophet (SAW) said: there is no disease that Allah has created except that He also has created its treatment (Sahih Bukhari). It connotes that every disease is curable but it is essential to look for treatment through ‘research’. Thus, Islam does not tie our hands but asks us to carry out investigative activities and careful studies of nature. In other words, Islam promotes ‘science’, which is the study of the physical and natural world. No one can forget the golden era of Islamic sciences, during which Muslims reached the zenith of science. Information about astronomy, mathematics, medicine, etc was at the fingertips ...

Zeeshan Rasool Khan* Kashmir is famous for being Resh-waer ; meaning the ‘alcove of Sufis and Saints’ .It is considered as the cradle of Sufism and spirituality. In every era, one or the other personality dominated the spiritual landscape of the valley. These people exerted an immense influence upon the masses and became everliving. When the name of these personages comes into mind, no one could pretermit Syed Mirak Shah Kashani (R.a). Kashani, widely known as ‘Faqeer-i-Millat’ was born in Syed Family at Saraf Kadal Srinagar on 6 September 1895. His parents left for heavenly abode during his infancy and he was fostered by his brothers. Formal education started in the local seminary. His elder brother Qadir Sahb entrusted him to a teacher but his studentship did not last long. It is said; Sheikh Saadi’s ‘Bostan’ fascinated him greatly and once he asked his tutor to interpret the following couplet – Jamal-e-Humnasheen dar mann asar kard; Wagarna mann hama khaakam ki hastam (I...

India’s struggle for freedom involved people of every hue. Despite the British divisive policy, people from all sections of society contributed to it. There could be a difference only in the means that the different people adopted. Religion, caste, creed, and color barriers were ineffective in hindering the people’s participation in the independence movement. However, only a few historians have done justice, others have framed the Indian history in a way that we see only a particular community’s contribution. Others have been ignored as if they were British collaborators. At present as well, history is being distorted in the fashion that Heroes are presented as villains and vice-versa. In this situation, the Muslims — who constitute the second largest population of India, are primary victims. Acknowledging their sacrifices is another question; they are yet to be recognized as citizens. Let alone the concession of their role in the freedom struggle, they are looked down upon and are of...

In strife-ridden zones, the education sector is always the casualty, as the conflict itself is biggest disruptor. Kashmir certainly is no exception; here also the education has suffered the worst. After the shutdown of eight months since August 05, 2019, when J&K was divested of its statehood and split into two Union territories, students were now yearning for the smooth academic year. The year 2020 started well. The schools witnessed remarkable attendance. However, then came the Covid-19 pandemic, and everything is back to square one. Already ramshackle education system of the valley has been hit hard by the pandemic and all schools, colleges and universities are closed for more than a month now. Pandemic has brought up the new and modern concept of ‘work from home’. Organizations, institutions, and companies’ world-over have opted for the idea, with people doing their jobs from home. Department of Education in Kashmir has also adopted this medium and teachers have been asked ...

One of the most popular Sufi orders in Kashmir is the Rishi Order. It is the indigenous Sufi order that has originated in Kashmir itself. Many saints belong to this order and all of them are held in high esteem by the people. One among them is Baba Hardi Reshi (R.a) who is adoringly known as ‘Resh Moul’, which means ‘Reshi the Father’ – This title is indicant of his reverence and influence among the masses.   Resh Moul’s date of birth is a dispute . According to some historians, it is 29th Rajab 908 A.H (1501 CE) and to some, it is 909 A.H (1502 CE). However, the former is considered by many writers/historians more accurate. Resh Moul was born in the family of Abdullah at Islamabad Kashmir. History is silent about the parents of Resh Moul, except describing them abstemious characters. Right from Childhood Resh Moul exhibited signs of saintdom. Baba Hyder Tulmullah narrates, Resh Moul told me, “when I was six years old; a saint visited our home and claimed right over ...

On 19th February 2019, a man peerless in every aspect, a flawless son, a wonderful father, a great friend, a compassionate mentor, and above all a man true to himself and to others passed away leaving a void never to be filled. Molana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, born on 19th April 1951 in Seer Hamdan, was known to masses for different reasons. He rose to fame as a religious scholar, an orator, and a poet. But his personal life equally deserves due consideration. He was a perfect example of being a human, holding all the attributes that one ought to hold. His life can serve as a guide for all and any. I had the opportunity to stay alongside for a fairly decent period of time. When seen as a son, we find him dutiful and humble.  As a paterfamilias, he serves as a responsible person who sacrificed his comfort for his family. He never allowed materialistic pursuits to overshadow his conscience but at the same times provided his family everything they needed. As a father, we again find ...

                                                       Let us play our part in the welfare of society By   : Zeeshan Rasool Khan   & Younus Rashid   Months ago, organization namely ‘Who is Husseini’ made an effort under the banner of ‘Wall of Kindness’ to extend helping hand to the needy people. The effort was unique and received acclamation throughout the valley. The entire concept was based on the thought of hanging extra clothes to the wall so that those in need would come and take them without compromising their dignity. This initiative was actually imitated from cold regions of turkey and Iran where people donate excess clothes in this manner. For quite some time it worked well, but later on, w...