Experience-Lesson a proximity

There are exceptional moments in one’s life which can never obliterate from a person’s mind. Specifically speaking, moments of joy from childhood, that of teenage games and sports and other extracurricular activities as a youth are few moments to cherish in every one’s life. And the interesting part, that enthusiasm dose not repeat itself later. While doomed by few momentarily unimportant realities I flip pages of my diary and encounter one piece of writing which was written keeping a specific topic in consideration that goes like…

Unforgettable moment of my life

In reference to the given topic, people may present an account of a special occasion or a day that appeals to them too much. But, rather than a particular occasion or a day, I have chosen an extended two months period i.e. April and May, of each year 2004 and 2005 of my life to be an unforgettable moment. During the year 2004-05, I was doing my secondary education from AKHSS Gilgit and at the same time I was a resident of Shah Karim Hostel, adjacent to the school. These were the months when we were given self-study break for our final examination and, it was the routine during the vacation which made the whole span an unforgettable moment of my life. Firstly, I used to get up when the Azan for Fajr was called. After offering my prayers in the prayer hall, I would go to the woods at the back of the hostel, with my Islamiat course book. For 1 hour I memorized verses from the Holy Quran. Secondly, I usually did my breakfast on my way back to my room from the woods at 6:45 am. Then, my next spot happened to be the bank of Gilgit River, which passes along my school and hostel campus. There I sat under the shad of a shawl (which I made to avoid direct sun light) and studied my course books. Time and again I used to place my foot in the flowing water to get rid of boredom or, I simply stood on the giant stones by the river from where the beauty of the city could be seen. I could see sitting there people playing and swimming at the other side of the river. Furthermore, having achieved my targets by 2:00pm I would take lunch. Afterwards, I rested for at least an hour and 30mins. By 5pm I preferred either to play cricket or go to the old gymnasium for exercise. After 6pm I used to offer my evening prayers and have dinner. During the night I studied till 12:00am and finally rested peacefully for having a contented day. This routine repeated it self and, it gave me a feeling that I never found anywhere. Thus, became my unforgettable moment of life.

The question is why not now? For a mature person things should be easier as compared to his/her childhood. Sometimes childhood offers great lessons.

The Demise but hope survives...

The disastrous effect of January 4^th 2010 of Attabad land sliding continued and it continues. Now almost 5 months since it took place and the chain nature kept submerging almost every thing in its way, villages, lands, roads, homes, schools and the Jamat Khanas (worship place of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims). Today I was mournful than I had been on any other day. After reaching my room my brother, Sabir Shah informed me about the shocking news of dismantling the Jamat Khana of muhalla Goze.

Everyday I talked to people there and even after hearing the destruction in my village I kept hopes high and encouraged my family, friends, relatives and everyone to pray... … every one said things will get better soon. Everyday I made myself and my brother determined to go back and help in any capacity possible. I had to tell my brother to concentrate on his papers and I had to manage my papers too. Every news regarding dismantling of someone’s house sent shiver through my body and it seemed as if my own hose is being ruined again and again. Yet hopes were high and tears didn’t roll down. Not for our lands, not for the many houses of our villagers, which were our own.

But, today’s news was so piercing that we both could not withstand it. The place of spiritual asylum, the place of guidance, the place of knowledge, unity and peace, the place which makes an individual face the world and hereafter, the place where the Noor (light/guidance) of the Prophet (SAW), Imam(AS) and Allah Almighty is available was being dismantled.

On hearing the news sorrow struck us and tears of pain rolled down our cheeks… we both were silent for long time, and I could see in Sabir’s eyes that he is missing the pious place. His pain could tell the time he has spent there day and night with his friends to study, to serve, to learn spiritually and worldly. I could see the pain which reflected the skill he has acquired from there; the engineering skill of dealing with electrical appliances. And I could say nothing but try to show him the rays of hope.

And, I on the other hand remembered the days, those of my childhood, when the place once made my internal self clean as a pearl. It made me learn to respect and serve others. It made me what I am today, able to face the world.

O Allah the Merciful save us from the disaster… Give us strength to recover from any such crisis… Help us through such times as You have always helped us O Lord… O Allah guide us and keep us on the right path.  Ameen.