No faith better then Love

Should religion break hearts or fill them with love and affection for others?We seem to have moulded laws only for narrow interests. We use religion to propagate hatred against the very human beings for whom these laws were framed. We manipulate situations.We polarise human sentiments to divide people. Really, religion seems to be a tool of destruction. But our own age teaches us wisdom, if we would only learn it.An Englishmen came to Gandhiji and said, I read the Bhagvad Gita and I liked it. Gandhiji replied that he liked it, too and read it daily. The man then said, “But I found it better than the Bible.” Gandhiji answered: “But I read the Bible also and I like it too.” The man said: “I find the Gita is better and want to switch my faith to Hinduism.” Gandhiji said: “I think you haven’t read the Bible properly. You are not yet a good Christian, how can you become a good Hindu? You better go back and try to be a good Christian. The day you do it successfully you will be a good human being, too. And that day the religious wall within your heart will begin to shrink and you will not only be a good Christian but also a good Hindu, a good Muslim, and a good Jew too.”So the difference is only within our heart. Otherwise, we are one species, defined by the common term “humanity”. The proof of this is the feeling that rises in our heart whenever we find any disaster or calamity has hurt human beings in any part of the world. We shouldn’t lose our faith. But blind faith is disastrous, so let us be rational and not lend our ear to demagogues or religious contractors. They take us away from faith in God and love for each other to irrational and illogical hatred and make us encroach unjustly on the faith of our fellow human beings.

The bargain for Paradise

Religion is not about empty ritual but about faith. Nor can it be a compulsion on any one. But it’s curious how true devotion always seems to pay you back. One of my favourite stories about this concerns Bahlol of Baghdad, known as Bahlol Diwana.One day Bahlol was by the riverside making a sandcastle, like children do. Zubaiyda, wife of Caliph Haroon-al-Rashid happened to pass by. She was kind hearted enough to ask, "Bahlol! What are you doing?""Constructing a home for Paradise," replied Bahlol."Please would you sell this house to me?""Yes, I can, but for 100 dinars."Since Zubaiyda wanted to help Bahlol in any way she could, she immediately paid him the amount.Bahlol asked, "Don't you need a receipt?"“Just write it up and send it to me later,” replied Zubaiyda.When the Caliph came to know about it, he laughed at his wife. Meanwhile Bahlol distributed that money among the poor as he usually did.That very night Zubaiyda had a dream. She saw a big garden, the like of which she had never seen before. In it was a splendid palace, rich with jewels and decorated sumptuously A river flowed by, its banks blooming with flowers. Zubaiyda was given a receipt, written in gold, and was told that this was the Garden that she had bought from Bahlol. Zubaiyda woke up and told Haroon about it. Early in the morning, Haroon summoned Bahlol and asked to buy a house, too. Bahlol laughed aloud. “Sorry, they are out of stock now. And even if I had one, I regret to say that I may not have given it to you, because Zubaiyda bought it without seeing (the reward). Whereas, you want to buy one now because you see gain in it.” Haroon felt ashamed but now it was too late.It can be said that real rewards come through faith, not greed. God seems to best admire those services rendered without any motive but goodwill.

Almighty loves the act of Sacrifice


Almighty says; submit yourself to the welfare of the mankind. Almighty loves the submission of will and to sacrifice all that a person loves without any condition.
In a dream Abraham saw himself sacrificing his son. It was mere a dream but Abraham considered it a command from his lord. Although Ismail was replaced by a sheep but his devotion was considered of a high degree. So high that it is declared a Sunnat and is to be replicated till the day of judgement.
We people often claim about day to day donations and so called charity. In reality what we do? Donate our useless things or the petty amounts! For a naked poor we have the useless clothes. Even for a hungry fellow we have a food that have been kept for our pets or to throw it away. So it is ridiculous to say; Almighty is not showering the blessings although we are generous.
Hazrat Ali, the Muslim caliph was sitting by Fatima on her death bed. Fatima you have never asked for anything in your life said Ali. At least provide me an opportunity to serve you once in a life. Can you bring me a pomegranate said Fatima.
Ali left the home and stiff search he managed to get a piece of pomegranate from a fruit seller. On his way back home he saw an ailing person. Ali stopped for a while and asked for his wish.He too made the same wish.Ali parted the piece and served him the one. Finishing it the fellow asked for a more. Ali again made two pieces and served the one to the sick fellow but he wasn't satisfied yet. In the end Ali returned home empty handed but he had no sign of failure on his face. It was the only wish Fatima had made to him and it was he who had forced her to ask for a boon. He had failed to fulfill his own words but he was satisfied. For him the poor sick fellow was in more need for pomegranate as he had never tasted it. So was Ali and his acts raised him to the highest place of humanity.

The point to say is that a the best sacrifice is one that you love the most. Almighty is pleased when the most valuable or important thing is given away in the way of Allah.Condition is that the submission or the donation should be generous and there shall be no intention of rewards. Almighty is there to look after. He know all your needs so never expect any quick gains. Once you are in a real need you will accordingly be rewarded.

The Grace of Mercy

Showing mercy towards others is one of the acts that Allah like the most. After all, human is destined to err and their faults should be forgiven with ease. Fault doesn't lye in erring but in repeating it. Those who err are human and those who repeat are fools but those who forgive generously are the greats.

There are many instances in the history of mankind where we find that the worst enemies have been forgiven. Who can forget the mercy shown by victorious Prophet Muhammad against the pagans of Mecca, even though they had forced him to live his home and live in exile.
There is another story related to one of the member of Prophet's Family. One dark night Imam Zainul Abidin, found a person in refuge behind the shrubs. By appearance he seemed to be a person deserted from the battlefield. Who is there, asked the Imam. Without waiting for a response he offered the man with water and food, which he carried with him. Come to my place dear and take rest, as you seem to be tired. In the morning we will meet again and then we will talk about your miseries. The men silently followed him. Imam welcomed him with courtesy and offered him the clothes to change and a bed to sleep.
The man could not sleep the whole night. In the morning he tried to escape the place unnoticed. He failed as he saw Imam was already awakened and was completing his morning prayers. Where are you going Sanaan, asked the Imam? The man fell to his feet. O Maula! You recognized this betrayer and the man of sins, asked Sanaan. Yes, last night only, replied the Imam. Sanaan I know you are the one who had killed my brother Akbar at the battlefield of Karbela. I also recognize as one of the worst enemy for the day of Ashoura. Then why didn't you kill me, asked Sanaan ibn Anas. You were in trouble Sanaan and I found you in my refuge so how can I kill you? Moreover Sanaan I have been taught to be kind towards the human. You were my enemy in Karbela and now I find no reason to kill a person who himself seem to be ailing of his sins, addeda the Imam.

Sanaan you can leave after having a breakfast with me. For your crime it is Allah who has to decide now. I may have forgiven had the crime was committed against me. Your victim is not in this world so let Allah judge your acts. Don't you remember the words of holy Prophet about showing mercy? He used to say that forgiving a person for his sins has thousand rewards in the form of grace from Allah, said the Imam.
The following citation may be the best example of forgiving and having mercy towards human being, even though he is your enemy.

Helping others in Need...


Benevolence and charity are the pillars of humanity. Eternally men are social and It is the duty of every human to take care of the other. Through this mutual cooperation the human race can achieve perfection. The Holy Scriptures says that the share of poor and needy persons has been fixed in the wealth of riches. This just due should be transferred without any hesitation otherwise the system will fail and result in hindrances in the way of overall human development.
Once a person said to Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad; that what a good there is in giving to person who is not of worth. Benevolence is like a torrential rain which showers on fields as well as the wasteland without any discrimination, replied Imam Hussein. So why should we make such differences. If a person is in need he should be helped even though he may be your worst enemy, he added.
Prophet Muhammad used to say that there is no worship greater then charity and benevolence. And if we have no time asked one of his companions, he replied; At least one can pick the stones from the public streets so that they may not get hurt.

Saf'wan reports that he was accompanying Imam Hussein when a person came to him. He was in some sort of problem and Hussein ordered me to solve it. I left with him and returned after some time. Allah had made it all right I said. By offering your little time you have earned the benefit of more then thousand prayers said the Imam to me says Saf'wan.
There is another instance when a person went to Imam Hasan for a help who readily agreed for. On the way he found his elder brother Hussein and enquired the person for not asking help from him. He was in I'tikaf (a prayer in which person affray himself from the social life for a limited period), so I thought it better not to disturb him. By God he may have not found a better opportunity to help you said Imam Hasan. For, he thinks that helping a needy person worthy then in I'tikaf for hundred days.
By the following citations one can understand that an act of benevolence is better than thousand worships. Even Allah loves such attitude of human beings.

Why we respect Salaar Masood Ghazi?


There should be tolerance for other religions and there is no place for communal drifts in the religious practices.There are two type of people in this world; first those who believe in God and second the non believers.Second community comprise of unsocial and anti human elements.Specially when it come to religion. No religion permits attack on religious sentiments of others.Let me describe a historical facts in this regard.Prophet Muhammad(s.a) always prohibited his men to encroach the religious liberties of others. It can be noted when we see that he never tried to convert the Nasranees after the battle of Khyber; instead of their defeat they were allowed to cohabit with fellow Muslims. I also remember the story of Syed Salaar Masood Ghazi in this context.He was the the nephew of most notorious Mahmoud of Ghazni.On a call for help from a Syed of Sambhal to save his daughter from prince Jai Singh Chauhan;who forcibly wanted to marry Syed's beautiful daughter, Salaar Masood invaded India.After his victory over Kathers in the battle of Meerut he found some people weeping, gathered near a broken structure.What's the matter he asked? His men replied; this was a place of worship for them and was damaged during the war.He was annoyed to know this. He said we were here to save our pride not to demolish any one's religious sentiments, said Salaar.He ordered to rebuilt the temple. Ironically his maternal uncle Mahmoud is one of the most hated men among Hindus of India. Despite of his relation with Mahmoud, Hindus bow there head in the name of Salar Masood alias Bale Mian ( as he died unmarried at the battle of Behraich later). Mela Nauchandi at Meerut, neza fares at Sambhal and Pooranpur(Amroha),and Urs at his mazar in Behraich are organised to commemorate him. Hindus pray at his memorial at Nauchndi ground in Meerut and when his Urs is organised at Behraich, more Hindu devotees attend the place. Salaar Masood lost his life in India during his expedition but he won the hearts of lot of Indian Hindus and till date his is centre of there devotion.
People doesn't bow to a tyrant but towards the kind victorious commander. This is the power of love. The man who may have been one of the most hated figures in Indian history is one of the most beloved. He is often treated as the lovable Sufi Saints who brought the message of love and peace to India.

Religion is for Peace


People frequently ask me about the views of religion towards tolerance, specially about Islam.There is a misconception that one religion has no place for others faith in its heart.Basic problem lies in the fact that we follow the religion what has been told to us.we live with it but don't try to understand the basic facts about it.Let me try to resolve it in simple words.Hindu belief is that God is in our hearts itself and so is of Islam."Parmeshwar" is universal and has something to deal with humanity not with Hindus alone."Krishna" says, I am lord of all. There is no word used in Gita which refer any of it's part to Hindus alone."Allah" in Quran is not mentioned for Muslims alone.Allah is "Rabbul Aalemeen" i.e Lord of Universe not a"Rabbul Muslemeen'.Allah is 'Rahmat ul Aalemeen'.His blessings are for all as in Aalam, there aren't Muslims alone but there are Hindus, Jews,Christians and even the non believers also.
For God there are only two communities.One is of believers and other is of non-believers
There may be a different criteria in dealing with believers and non believers but there is a guarantee of livelihood in this word on Gods behalf.Some say that even I am following the religion yet I am being ignored.It is not a fact.God never ignores anyone.You can compare non-believers with the rusticated student of any college.Exams are always for the students enrolled not for kicked out students.So keep faith in religion and try to get higher and higher degrees by passing out the current one.Try to be humane.As Almighty has grace and blessings for all try to be good with all.even with non-believers.Who know one day they will be back to the rolls as our god is Rahmatul Aalemeen.Live the religion of humanity.Live the religion of rationality not of Priests and you will find that religion is showing you the path of tolerance.

A Path Towards "GREATNESS"


All man are born just rational, equal in all aspects and free of all evils. With the passage of time majority of them lose their way to worldly desires. Some fell prey to struggle of livelihood, still there are some who find their way in leading the humanity towards greater heights. Leaders are not born but leadership comes through self realisation, struggle and sacrifice and the basic intention behind the work. It is sacrifice that transforms a common man to the great leader. The universal elements in all great men have a big share of sacrifice in their life. Gandhi may have been a successful barrister or a fashionable son of supporting father but he chose the different way. Once he sacrificed his comfortable life and chose the thorny path of struggle he was the different man. May not have become 'Rashtrapati', the president he is now a 'Rashtrapita', the father of the nation and the universal leader. There are more examples to quote such as of Imam Hussein who sacrificed his family, friends even his life for the struggle against evil tyranny now rules the hearts across the universe.Once Gautam Siddhartha decided to leave the palace and the kingdom he was reborn as Lord Buddha.Similarly Abraham decided to sacrifice his son in the way of God his intention was accepted and was set as an example for entire humanity by Lord. As soon as Asoka decided to sacrifice his worldly desires and the lust for an empire history recognised him as Asoka the great. To gain something one has to lose much but in order to attain the greatness one has to lose everything. Even then great people are hardly recognised during their lifetime. They make grand sacrifices without recognition and without any such intention. It is an eternal law that sacrifice is to be recognised someday and when the day comes everyone remembers it. The other path is of struggle. Sacrifice alone does not work but the intention behind it makes the work great. So try to keep your intentions clear, set up your goals, struggle hard and forget the results. Who know one day you will be recognised 'Great'.

Love Your Parents


There is a substitute for every thing in this world except parents. Especially a mother's love and a love for mother have no alternative. Even the best of worships have been placed well below the service of a mother. There is no mercy from Allah if one fails to do so.
A man came to Prophet Muhammad and asked, O you holy soul what is the least one should do to attain the paradise?
Nothing else, but serve your parents specially your mother he replied. Almighty has created everything in this universe for the mankind. In turn God wants nothing but love for himself and your parents he added. Allah wants you to be a servant at his service but all the prayers are to make sure that you feel yourself a human. But there is a service compulsory and that is of your parents. Allah loves this service as much that He placed paradise under the feet of a mother.
Jesus was always courteous to be in the services of his mother. Ailing Mary was well attended by his son. One day she requested to change the place as she felt uncomfortable in that locality. This is not a good place to live as the locals are not well behaved she told him. Jesus carried her to a lonely mountain top and fulfilled her every single wish. Jesus often forced her to make some wish but usually had none. One day she asked for some vegetable. Jesus climbed down the mountain and while he returned Jesus was called back to the heavens by Almighty. Messenger of death asked her to accompany him.
After his return Jesus was the most unfortunate person. He cried hard and such loud were his cries that even the people nearby the mountain rushed to him. Seeing him crying they said, O Jesus! You are the Messiah. You are the healer of all the wounds and killer of all the sorrows. Is it looking nice to see you crying they asked?
But I am also a son he replied. I have never been alone without my mother. Alas I will live without her he added. Then he said, Listen O you people. One who has no love for his mother cannot love anyone and who is not loved by his mother will not be loved even by the God.
Also the religious scriptures suggest that Mothers's love accompany showers of graces from heaven. Although she may never curse her children but every single disappointments caused to her by the children bring sorrows to their life.

There is no substitute for Love


Love has no substitute. If swords suppress the Nations, love win the nationals. It is above all the political boundaries, religious obligations and sectarian drifts. Similar is the Lord Krishna, an Indian Deity loved by all;Not for his bravery but for the message of love he spread all around.
A foreigner on his first visit to India was so much amused to see the people following a number of Deities. How many Gods you follow he asked someone? In India we have so many religions to follow. Every family has its own Deity and moreover many people prey multiple God and Goddesses at a same time. And what about you he asked. I also prey at least a dozen of them. I am so much confused but I want to make just one of them as my lord he said. Which one should I follow he enquired. Here are several photographs just make your choice said the Indian.
After lot of reshuffling he made a choice and Lord Krishna was on the card. When he was questioned about his choice he said; All of them look good but this one is best as I smelled the fragrance of from this very picture. Just see, in every photo you will find one or the other arm in their hands. All of them are the replica of gallantry and are in offensive mode. But this God has a flute and the environment surrounding him suggests that he is a God of love.
Every one has his own angle of observing the things. In some drawing rooms we may found Krishna in a battle field. But Krishna can best be seen through the eyes of Radha or Meera. Try to see him through the eyes of Soordas who was blind but his love for his Deity made him immortal. The point is that the problem of our nation has the solution in those who love others and spread the message humanity. For ages our Identity as a nation has been the worshippers of love with few exceptions. Majority is kind hearted and loving and the time has come when these people should come forward in advocacy of humanism and love so that we may preserve our traditional identity.

The Power of Will and Determination


The brilliant achievement of world, historic men as well as the amazing progress made by humanity in all the various technological, economic and social fields , have all been achieved through self-reliance and perseverance. Human civilization may not have achieved such a great height had man lacked will, determination and a power to conquer the fear.
Similarly, steadfastness and struggle in the face of problems are the means of achieving perfection and the prelude to prosperity. If there had been no difficulties, no motive for struggle and endeavor against unfavorable factors, the human progress and the advancement would have come in standstill. Accordingly, the pinch of difficulty and failure is not only not harmful, it bring dormant capacities into action and completes man's moral character and makeup, sometimes becoming the biggest source of his strength.
Napoleon wanted to take his heavily armed forces across the Pass of St. Bernard through Alps to reach Messina, where his men were struggling for survival and were in need of a quick rescue. He was adversely advised by his consultants as it was of a great risk and no one had attempted it earlier. It would have sustained heavy loss of men and machines. But he decided to go by his decision. His aides and opponents criticized him in same voice and call a decision of madness and recklessness. To their utter surprise Napoleon reached Messina well in time almost two months earlier. Some of napoleons critics say that nothing is great in this act and Pass of St. Bernard may have been conquered had earlier been attempted. May be; but Napoleon's greatness lie in his initiative and strength of his will and determination.
Fear is one of the basic instincts of every living creature. Insecurity and the fear of unseen have always created trouble and anxiety for human life, when confronted with some kind of danger although this also provides him the power to survive and to search alternatives. Misfortunes multiply as a result of inert will and neither talent nor genius can be a substitute for a powerful will. Those who initiate and show determination, victory podium always wait for them. Even luck favors the determined and courageous people.