Zeeshan Rasool Khan

A MAN OF PURPOSE (Dr. Muhammad Sameer Siddiqui) Becoming a Da'ee and contributing to the spread of Islam is obligatory for Muslims. The majority of Muslims aspire to evolve as Da'ee, but it is a matter of fortune. Truly, those who achieve this goal are fortunate. However, more blessed are those who abide by the principles of the 'Dawah' by strictly adhering to knowledge, wisdom, morality, politeness, kindness, generosity, hospitability, tolerance, etc. Throughout the world, there are many such daees (preachers) who are heard, followed, and adored globally. Our valley has witnessed great Da'ees and scholars; whose eloquence, expertise, acceptance, and efficacy influenced the people regardless of their faith and religious sects. But, with heightened sectarianism, intolerance, and takfiri extremism, the number of such scholars has dwindled with time. Notwithstanding, there are some active preachers and scholars in Kashmir who imitate the latter. Like their predecessors...

  Zeeshan Rasool Khan The 1 st of October is globally celebrated as the International day of older people. In 1990, UNGA decided to devote this day to the old-aged to draw public attention to the problems that they are facing. People celebrate this day with great enthusiasm, organize seminars and conferences, and post relevant content on social media to make an impression, as if the whole world is concerned about older people and only a meager population exists that needs to be enlightened. However, the ground reality is contradictory. We see there has been a mushrooming of old-age homes everywhere. The idea of old-age homes is not bad. They protect a vulnerable group of elderly people, particularly those who remain single without marriage, and those who have no one to take care of. But, the swell in the number of old-age homes unveils another grim reality that the rights of old-age people are being trampled on. Because not all the elders enrolled in OAHs are, single or do not...

  Aamir Liaquat Hussain’s sudden demise shocked everyone. As a journalist, social activist, TV personality, politician, and Islamic speaker, he became a household name in Pakistan. He was admired throughout the world. The admiration, his inclusion in the list of 500 most influential Muslim personalities, and his other achievements were purely the result of his caliber. No one can disagree with the fact that he rose in popularity as an influential TV host, scholar, and intellectual and reached to corridors of power by dint of his hard work and charisma. However, it is said that ‘every rise has a fall’. The Aamir Liaquat became a prominent example of this adage. The most coveted TV personality regularly fell into controversies. His careless attitude on the screen, political somersaulting, along with marital issues provided ammo to his critics without a break. His behavior even incited others as well to cast aspersions on him and time and again, he was discussed negatively. And whe...

  Among all Islamic months, Ramadan is special. It is characterized by fasting- which is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month, Muslims observe fast, eat before sunrise and after sunset- not in between. Allah (swt) mentions the purpose of fasting in the Quran and says – Lailakum Tataqun (so that you attain taqwa - that means the consciousness of Allah that can lead to His true obedience and His Messenger (pbuh). The food that Muslims consume during the month of Ramadan also makes this month unique. Depending upon the financial strength, every family ensures that varieties of dishes are cooked and served; however, one thing remains constant in each house, which is the use of ‘dates’. Almost every family breaks the fast with Dates. In Arabic, the date-palm tree is called ‘ Nakhla’ , and the fruit (date) is called ‘Tamr’ . In Turkish and Urdu languages, it is called Hurma and Khajoor respectively. Botanically, it belongs to the family Arecaceae, genus- Phoenix , a...

  Allah created all creatures in pairs – Male and Female. Both genders in any species have significance. This significance is indeed much greater in human beings. Man cannot exist without women and women cannot survive without men. In absence of any one of them, we cannot think of a family, society, or nation. However, women are treated as weaker than men. Physically and emotionally, they are not considered as brave as men are. Nowhere in the world are women and men sharing equal powers. And in most countries, women have accepted this as the norm and live their lives accordingly. But, despite that, they continue to face discrimination of various kinds, cruelty, and violence. Globally, women are suffering. In many places, patriarchy is turning out to be a bane for them. It has produced a sense of fear and insecurity among them all over the world. Such happenings in any part of the world bring the men’s conscience into question. However, in Muslim-dominated regions, these deplorable ...

  Zeeshan Rasool Khan Years ago, Molana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan Sahb gifted me a book ’ Moie Muqaddas Ki Azmat ’ – the grandeur of Prophet’s (Pbuh) sacred hair’ to read. The language, presentation, the art of explaining intricate things lucidly, and frequent mention of Quranic verses and Ahadith to authenticate every point impressed me profoundly. I became eager to know more about its writer – Molana Engineer Nazir Ahmad Pampori Sahb . On the next meet with Molana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan Sahb, I managed to ask him about Er Nazir Sahib. As I uttered Nazir Sahb’s name, Molana was all praises for him. A few years later, when Molana Mushtaq Sahb fell ill, I had the privilege to meet Er. Nazir Sahib at former’s home. However, the meeting was confined just to greetings. Months after that, on instructions of Molana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a seminar ‘Niyamat’e Uzma (Pbuh) Conference’ was organized in Kulgam and Er. Nazir Sahib graced the event with his presence as a guest speaker. That time I not on...

  ZEESHAN RASOOL KHAN History is rife with instances of blasphemy that were aimed at disrespecting Islam, its founder, and other holy personalities. Through statements, drawing cartoons, and writing books, anti-Islamists have always attempted to demonize Islam and there is no end in sight to this mindless exercise. To counter such acts within its country, the State of Pakistan with approximately 96% Muslims introduced anti-blasphemy laws in its constitution. Historically, the blasphemy laws were enacted by British colonial authorities and Pakistan continued these after its creation. With the purpose to ‘Islamicise’ Pakistan, as is believed, General Zia-ul-Haq supervised the addition of many clauses to these laws and made them stringent. The religious scholars and a large section of society support these laws and consider them as derivatives of Quranic ordains. These laws meant to rein in blasphemy, however, have always been on the radar of Human Right Organizations and analysts, ...