tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48920833562023772042024-03-05T09:02:19.958+05:00AKz ArchivesAyesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-19465750683877180552013-05-10T23:31:00.001+05:002013-05-10T23:31:13.939+05:00AKz Archives: Election 2013 - There Is NO Fate but What We MAKE<a href="http://akzarchives.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-am-writing-on-my-blog-after-long-time.html">AKz Archives: Election 2013 - There Is NO Fate but What We MAKE</a>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-48197720556532188972013-05-10T23:21:00.000+05:002013-05-10T23:56:21.181+05:00Election 2013 - There Is NO Fate but What We MAKE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img height="312" src="http://www.thenewstribe.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Vote-2.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am writing on my blog after a long time.... I think if today we didn't decide some of the important things as a nation then we are never going to do so again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We've been hearing that this election will be the greatest elections ever in the history of Pakistan. And I want to make my contribution, even it be a meagre one :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We talk of change a new Pakistan, what is the new Pakistan going to be? Will we return to our lives once the election fever is cooled, will it only be an event like 14th August or 23 March? Will we fall back into the slumber and then curse our government again? Why so, because we brought them to power in the first place?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lets start the change from our homes. Instead of throwing away the wrapper carelessly keep it inside your pocket, instead of getting favors for ourselves lets do things as per the way they should be done. Lets not call the might right, but speak out. Treat those below and above you with hte same level of respect. In short, be the person you want your leader to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The LDA building burns up, it swallows 22 people, Fire rescue was as efficient as usual, not even a single private helicopter was sent to rescue the lives of innocent burning people.... I think all the major political parties could have done this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Just think on this that why the President has to go to Dubai to get a medical check up, why can't the ex-Prime Minister's son be safe in his own constituency, why can't the political parties get security for their campaigns in their own sectors? Why don't the children of our highest government officials study in government? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Because if they would have cared for the public and would have established an infrastructure for good governance, enforced law and order and would have made education their first priority things would have been different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Their time is up, now the choice is yours. Use it well. For you and your future.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't regret what happened in the last term, you don't have to give the old faces another chance. When they couldn't deliver in the 5 years, what good they will do in the next term? We faced the hell this last term, let us use our vote and tell the leaders that we have rejected their candidates, we know our rights we know our power... We'll elect for our future not for their coffers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Every party has an excellent manifesto, all of them has a great vision, don't just vote for the vision...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You see, in human body the signal come from the brain.. if any organ is not working correctly the brain directs it and make it function properly. If a party has a strong leader. a strong brain, then he can educate and control its candidate. The captain steers the ship and guide the crew...</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.98611068725586px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So see your leader, if he has the guts to do what they have promised, they will not forget you in their grand palaces. They will not let the bad faces in their party fill their bags, they can take a stand for their nation. Vote for a credible candidate, vote for a credible captain of the team. And be aware of the power you hold in controlling your leader. Reminding him of the promises he made with you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Am signing off, with the hope that we change ourselves and will not be the puppet in the hands of those we given our fates in the past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember there is no fate but what we make... Good Luck Pakistan :)</span><br />
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Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-74769110604312714992012-12-02T00:39:00.001+05:002012-12-02T00:39:12.095+05:00Belief<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nostalgia. Yes that's what it feels like, being back here at AKz Archives.<br />
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Without thinking I looked up the word's meaning. It comes from Greek, and means a state of homesickness - and a pain, an ache a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to past associated with happy memories. I heaved a sigh. Yeah, that's right.<br />
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Memories, feelings, stray thoughts just everything comes gushing in, and this time I neither barricaded myself from them or sank into the usual sadness. I just accepted them, rather welcomed them. Because I knew that sooner or later the time to move on will come and I will have to move on.<br />
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I have to make the decision and this can be the first step to start the journey back to being myself. I have taken long and now I have to move forward.<br />
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I've lost count of the number of times I thought about taking up writing again, forming words, weaving ideas. Sometimes out of pain and hurt and sometimes out of hope and love. Nothing has been strong enough to ignite the spark and arouse my brain. I wanted to write with all my heart, I wanted complete peace of mind, no interruptions, I wanted to mute all the noise around me and concentrate. But I failed it, like so many other tests. I've always had the luxury of being able to trace my thoughts in words fluently. But the long gap of bitterness, agony, disappointments and abandonment have shaken my confidence here too, and left me struggling with words.<br />
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This wasn't how I imagined it will work because until this minute I was still unsure. And then like a piece of jigsaw puzzle fitting in its place I realize that I will not overcome my weakness until I will not make myself to write this time. Not just write but take it to the end, complete this post and publish it!<br />
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And now when I write, I write for myself. I write because I still feel am not a lost cause. I hope, oh yes I am hoping, that the odds will be in my favor. I need the leap of faith and I am willing to take it. I know that I can take a lifetime and wait for the right moment or I can make my moment. I chose the latter.<br />
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Its tough getting up from a high fall. It tougher to climb up again, but giving up isn't the option now.<br />
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Have a great day my readers.<br />
See you soon with something better and interesting the next time. This was just a little message for you and myself.<br />
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Belief.<br />
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Its AK signing off.<br />
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Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-19856327138472132882012-01-10T16:44:00.002+05:002012-01-10T17:19:55.990+05:00The Things Unsaid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5LDIRjyviT-Z3uuTOzICjmxlWlk0SUGE5NpZ8bDV14QsDArY1EpX4KtBY88yGzW9-MTjDPlMmHpOTiN4x_et8x_HZ7nF7KcIqKME8stzcvG2pfYAB0bHGPo8YjGA9h-yJXsHN9T6pk4/s1600/memories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5LDIRjyviT-Z3uuTOzICjmxlWlk0SUGE5NpZ8bDV14QsDArY1EpX4KtBY88yGzW9-MTjDPlMmHpOTiN4x_et8x_HZ7nF7KcIqKME8stzcvG2pfYAB0bHGPo8YjGA9h-yJXsHN9T6pk4/s400/memories.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Hi dear readers and friends!<br />
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Hope you all had a great start to the new year and may it proves wonderful and constructive one. Yeah I know you all are expecting the new year resolutions post!! :) Well it wasn't that work kept me away from blogging. I was trying to find out my new year resolutions, to gauge if I have the right amount of virtue to follow them without being astray, and recommend them to my dear readers! :)<br />
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Well I started building up my resolutions and to note them down here in my editor, waiting for the right time to complete and publish them. It was as usual that I opened up 'Edit Posts' link from my Blogger's dashboard and glanced upon the post titles, there were all my published post and more than those were my unfinished, non published work! The things that were unsaid, they have not lost their significance, but the time to say them have passed. Leaving them faded and old, like the pages of a book, unread and frail, remaining untouched over the years.<br />
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So don't let time build webs over your thoughts and bury them deep inside and further into the deepest corner of your mind. Someday long afterwards you'll find them among the pile of old forgotten items. Say it at the right time. :)<br />
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Catch you guys soon, as I hope my application servers restart, I am on a 10 mins break from work!<br />
Take Care. Adios!</div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-45154496865370973282011-12-27T03:28:00.001+05:002011-12-27T03:29:55.677+05:00A glance back in our memory archives..<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41069000/jpg/_41069872_llandafffields416300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41069000/jpg/_41069872_llandafffields416300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Asalam O Alikum and greetings Dear Readers,<br />
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Hope you all are doing great with the grace of Allah, in all that you do and where ever you are. :)<br />
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I peeped in to say a cheerful hello and to prepare you for the next post, that will be, New Year Resolutions! Oh yeah, its been a tradition I never keep up each year. But I don't like giving up and that to without a good fight, so here I found myself a couple of week back making resolutions. But from the past I have learnt to keep my expectations to a minimum and make reality the ground on which i'll base up my resolutions.<br />
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Whats the point in sharing them with you all. Well of course number 1 is that I want to bring the good in the life of others that i find for myself, and number 2 is obvious, I need you as a witness to them, to remind me in case, you know ;)<br />
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So lets keep the rest to later while you all take care, give it a rest, its been a year and you too need a lil time off. Take a seat, enjoy life and glance back and reflect.<br />
Today I am thinking tolerance is a gift more precious than silver or gold. You guys think on it too.<br />
While I take my leave with a promise to catch up with you all soon!!<br />
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Fiaman Allah!<br />
Ayesha.</div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-28024614182127837152011-12-27T01:36:00.002+05:002011-12-29T00:37:29.530+05:00Aunts Like You Are Precious & Few!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.myheritage.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/1221258221F3Les7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://blog.myheritage.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/1221258221F3Les7b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am some of the lucky people who from the time they open up their eyes are surrounded by affections and love, everyone feels a duty to carry them, to pamper them, and sing them lullaby to take loads of their pics and bring them every gift they ever wished for! Ah alhamdulilah those were the glorious days <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There were many special people who made my childhood a bright colourful rainbow, and who still make my life special and who will always make it special in my memories, forever. Among them are my parents, sibs, aunts, uncles, relatives, teachers and many other special people. Today I write for my aunts! Those special fairies who made my world magical in the true sense!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Allah blessed me with a sweet lil angel niece 2.5 months back and the pull of the relationship, even before her birth, was great, simply an awesome feeling, a relation that cannot be described in mere words. I haven’t yet touched her, took her in my arms or kissed and cuddled her but I can imagine as if she is here in my arms. And after I tasted the delight of being an aunt, I think I can never ever repay the love and care I received from my aunts. They had been like a mom to me. All I have is gratitude and love for them in return. And the hope and desire to love them more and to be there for them always.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To my sweetest Nuni, I sometimes call her ammi in my excitement or in the flow of conversation. Nuni, who know me by heart and with whom I can’t lie. Who had been everything from a friend, a playmate, our staunchest supporter even when the government (nani maa) was in an angry mood with us. With whom we had all our adventures and mischief, and still have them, who had been for us always, even now when we are old girls!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To my iffu, who had been my inspiration on how to talk, to take on airs and act old Shakespearean acts, we used to listen with awe to Huck Finn and other classics she read us, who played the airhostess with us, plucked flowers and taught us many many things, and who had been quite frightening when there used to be a book and pen between us! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The nights when we used to listen to all the wonderful-land stories again and again and so many time that you and Nuni used to be exhausted and our demands never ceased! Oh my fairy godmothers I love you! You had been and are my heroines! Oh, I can write a whole book recalling all those times. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">To my Bari khala, who nursed and pampered me when I was a toddler, who cared for me and who taught me, who had always been the counsellor and a very good advisor, and an everlasting motivation. To my tanu, my friend, my aunt, my lil girl, eventhough she’s the elder one. With whom there was a sisterly bond. The gossips we used to have. The movies we used to watch together. The lectures we used to give to all the rest! :D The captivated audience I used to be when I saw her paint so beautifully. She was the best artist in the whole world to me, which I used to boast among my friends! I miss you so much Tanu.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To my beautiful ladies I owe you so much. I owe you my happiness, my dreams, the rich gifts of trust, care, confidence, self esteem, and precious memories to cherish you gave me are the best I have ever received from any one. Thank you so much my honies, I love you all a LOT!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Truly, only an Aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister and share love like a friend! <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hey, this doesn’t means uncles aren’t great I have awesome uncles, but this post is written by a khala for her khalas <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I’ll take over the role of an uncle someday and you’ll surely have an insider’s account on it too! Till then So Long! Take care and enjoy the storming winter and here have hot cocoa, that Wk made specially for me. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqbYxFLU5EIj5S8zuI_IMPcy3glrVPjzIgy1CKU8t1EhkbtrZafiJahhsfSyEVqW3tHISPYyyUCcJksVU6GVsHDygvDvne-fskTomoVNp6EjBD4spFZgQH4G9eV0GvWCk6ePQZjPcMbI/s1600/mother-and-daughter.png.pagespeed.ce.JsVKjapPFP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqbYxFLU5EIj5S8zuI_IMPcy3glrVPjzIgy1CKU8t1EhkbtrZafiJahhsfSyEVqW3tHISPYyyUCcJksVU6GVsHDygvDvne-fskTomoVNp6EjBD4spFZgQH4G9eV0GvWCk6ePQZjPcMbI/s320/mother-and-daughter.png.pagespeed.ce.JsVKjapPFP.png" width="224" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></div></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-49862679690205890172011-12-22T00:54:00.004+05:002011-12-27T01:48:28.117+05:00Back after so long...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stephenhudson.net/Pics/Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://www.stephenhudson.net/Pics/Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Hi </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">dear followers and readers!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I am back after a big, quite some unintentionally long break. A lot happened, a lot is happening, that I will share with you all in the coming days, InshaAllah! Let’s start with today's tale, it was the reason that charged me up to greet you all again and share it here, something which I had been longing for. Today's moral is to look for the lil buds that sprout amid the rocks! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">But before I start, I want to say that I've missed you all a lot and its great to be back! :) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Thank you so much to all my avid readers, esp Nuni, Maria and Salman for always asking from time to time and motivating me :)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The past few months had been very hectic at workplace, it left me tired and over stressed. Today was no different I was feeling very blue. We left late, as per the ritual and on the way back I was thinking how fast the week has flown and how much I have to achieve yet. The strands of thought lead me astray and I lost track being bitter. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I was gazing listlessly outside the window when I saw a cripple sitting in the middle with two guys on a motor bike and carrying crutches in his right hand. The sight stirred me. Here I was sitting comfortably and warm, blessed with health and youth and there was he, uncomfortable and broken. I was ashamed and the guilt had not left me when I received a call from my dad's cell. I picked it up uncertainly, as it had been long since Baba called me. He had been very ill the past few weeks and very weak. I was so heartened to hear the tone of his voice for it sounded fresh! Alhamdulillah!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">As we travelled further and I was the only one left in van I missed the company I seek the most. I was in thoughts when the coughing of our van driver revived me to the present. The driver waits for us downstairs in the cold daily while we sit late hours in office. At this I felt the guilt again, along with my colleagues I am also responsible and accountable for all those who serve me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The feelings for the ordeal of our fellow beings' made me sad and grateful at the same time. A few moments ago I had been so ungrateful. I thanked Almighty from my heart for showing me His signs. This has always been His way with me, to let the beads of His wisdom fall my way one by one. I am not capable enough to comprehend His wisdom and blessings but I always realize the error in my ways by picking them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When I entered the doorway, a surprise awaited me. Amma, my mommy, was cooking my especial favorite!! :) As the wafting aroma left a smile on my lips I thanked Allah almighty for all His blessing. And oh I also felt a pang somewhere in my stomach urging me to fresh up and be seated at the table soon! But that's of not much importance now as I am properly fed!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I reflected upon my journey, it hasn't only been a journey I covered in distance, from office to home. It has been a journey of thoughts, a changed state of mind and soul that left me contemplating. And then something, rather an expecting sms, brought a smile and satisfaction to me, oh yes because it inspired me to share it with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When we have the chance to count all our blessings and be grateful, why is that we chose to be the ungrateful lot. Why we chose to displease our Lord, when we have the choice to please Him. And yet we complain, and complain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The choice is simple. The choice is in your hands. Be grateful and please Allah, please Allah and gain more of His favors! Subhan Allah! Be ungrateful and the rest you can figure out!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So all my dear friends, it's a simple matter of changing our minds, feel pleasure in what Allah has blessed you with, and you will be happy and live your life to the fullest. Believe me you will find happiness and gratitude, inner peace and satisfaction, something which is one of the most prized blessings that are sought after.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Take good care of yourselves and care for others, it’s the best gift you can give to anyone, and in return win their hearts!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Catch you soon with lots and lots more!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Sweet dreams :)</span></div></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-75088360430287452312011-08-14T21:33:00.000+05:002011-08-14T21:33:58.085+05:00Mera Pakistan... Zindabad Paindabad!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgDxwXjH78_woa2PTLqsQS4tiU3g4fPveuTdLDwfQ9IVaqHkpSVIGh3m1ORm0BS2I5nNQePK2r5556u8a1QCmCVLDvrp3TmWgUgK8HElUpo-bBfIc52IMwIS7kCJDiIcuFAwBX87L6o4/s1600/Pakistan_flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgDxwXjH78_woa2PTLqsQS4tiU3g4fPveuTdLDwfQ9IVaqHkpSVIGh3m1ORm0BS2I5nNQePK2r5556u8a1QCmCVLDvrp3TmWgUgK8HElUpo-bBfIc52IMwIS7kCJDiIcuFAwBX87L6o4/s400/Pakistan_flag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the past few days I had little time for the current affairs and what’s been happening around. That’s quite a statement for someone living in Karachi where every second person is talking about what’s going on in and outside the city!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I heard about the tragic incident involving a mob burning a mini bus with passengers in it! It was horrible, shocking and terribly saddening. I was speechless. Are we human anymore? I questioned myself. I thought it bears similarity to incidents at the time of partition in 1947, that shamed humanity. The only difference this time was, that both the victim and the predators were of the same nationality... This situation is indeed shameful. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Some decades back, we fought for this land, which meant the world to us, and now we are fighting over this land. Killing and terrorizing our own people.<span> </span>Morbid isn’t it? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Its past midnight and I can hear the firearms, crackers and fireworks still going on in the background, their sounds muffled with the patter of rain. I wonder if 14<sup>th</sup> august is just to be celebrated with a weeklong decorations, emptying the guns, colourful TV shows, singing the national anthem followed by a two minute silence when more than half of the nation is already mute sleeping. And the patriotism ends here, to be revived next year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We need a lot of change, a colossal change to bring our country out of this chaos; a 360 degree turn. I thought to myself, it’s unattainable. I must confess I lost hope, thinking on it. Just when all seemed gloomy and dark, like the scene outside my window, a little flame of hope erupted within me. Darkness precedes light! Yes it does. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are a very fertile nation, be it in any area we need to explore this fertility. The same carries for our youth, the fruit of our forbearance. The only hope in this hour of need it seems!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All is not lost yet. Indeed it’s a huge task but I am not asking for more, let’s start at the basics. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead of raising our fingers and voices pointing and exposing the faults in others, in our system, lets start with ourselves. </div><div class="MsoNormal">How selfish we have been to the country which is providing us, to this immense blessing of Allah SWT. How ungrateful we are and have been. Let’s begin by tolerating each other, treating each other like how we want to be treated. Love and patience is what we require with the zeal to improve ourselves and improve our nation. We must be an example, a lead whom the rest should take inspiration from and follow.!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We will have to do it, for ourselves and for our future generations, so that time may remember us as those who took one step forward and contributed towards saving Pakistan, when it needed our help the most!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I see Google, adorned in green twinkling with stars, the crescent and Minar-e-Pakistan representing the G and L in it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is always hope, a lot of horizons are waiting to be explored, challenges to overcome and goals to achieve. Lets take up the challenge and Insha’Allah we will succeed in delivering the results, the dreams we hope. If we truly believe in ourselves and our capabilities, if we want a positive change, we will have to change ourselves and influence others for good as well! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pakistan Zindabad!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweDuQFvIpWd6Evjen_QoLes1ahUzLf-m0cGfep9xmaRdWACeDFZWG9jllltVJsjQE4FyTmbN-XpmMGRTEboRyhUWJXal4PI0NUwbLvx8ZEFRmduTjjqu4HoeoFeb8gH6vbg-qMsWflsA/s400/google-pakisan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweDuQFvIpWd6Evjen_QoLes1ahUzLf-m0cGfep9xmaRdWACeDFZWG9jllltVJsjQE4FyTmbN-XpmMGRTEboRyhUWJXal4PI0NUwbLvx8ZEFRmduTjjqu4HoeoFeb8gH6vbg-qMsWflsA/s320/google-pakisan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-86414278655253581492011-08-10T22:17:00.000+05:002011-08-10T22:17:20.322+05:00For a very Special Sis...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pamelabrandao.com/recipes/wp-content/uploads//strawberry-cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.pamelabrandao.com/recipes/wp-content/uploads//strawberry-cake.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dearest Appi,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wanted to write you a letter on your birthday, to make up for my absence by your side, on your special day for the first time. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wanted to wish you the perfect way, I wanted to be there with you, to be able to hug and kiss you, to have fun secretly wrapping up your gift and baking a devils chocolate cake for you and, to surprise you with a big 'happy birthday Appi'!!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So here goes the unfinished letter, the half wrapped gift, the greeting i wanted to surprise you with...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A special greeting for my beloved childhood companion, my dear counselor, my all time best friend.. I'm missing your laughter, your mischievousness, I am missing the skirmishes i had with you and then making up with you after all the fights. I'm missing you sweetheart, like i miss the chocolate chips in my cookie! :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wish you lots and lots of love and happiness, and pray your life be filled with it. I wish you peace n joy and make a prayer that may Allah SWT increases His blessings on you and your family. May you always blossom, healthy and cheerful, may the shadows of worry and miseries stay away from you, may you be successful in both worlds, may He fill your life with loving and caring people and may He fulfill all your wishes and dreams... ameen suma ameen. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With all the evergreen memories, freshly fragrant with me, I wish you a Very Happy Birthday Dearest BK! :) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many happy returns of the day!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lots and lots of love, hugs and kisses!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">from yours ever, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Baji</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/mXdpxX2MTsfXuUZZ-vCnaaaq61*TAzagTJ52Y*umX-1cR5nrfomh7G1T0gNdK-0M4Y-hoy2mNvYML5E1Fgrf4xfNxD4TB7ny/friendship_quotes_graphics_01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://api.ning.com/files/mXdpxX2MTsfXuUZZ-vCnaaaq61*TAzagTJ52Y*umX-1cR5nrfomh7G1T0gNdK-0M4Y-hoy2mNvYML5E1Fgrf4xfNxD4TB7ny/friendship_quotes_graphics_01.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</i></span></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-40151785876338036092011-06-17T10:12:00.002+05:002011-06-17T11:16:08.911+05:00Put the Glass Down...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHFYXBIvDLghFv5hir-wLRk37zzWs0fMhfyfz1JVq-0WbE9SImXOgJcyvJbQLgJnuWYuVKH6oK7W8iVXXupYiyLo5EGbKzIPKVGJcvUMuOJ8eoH8dQhmv0KNqEnFf_9QOAzcVFP8yGbM/s1600/image006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHFYXBIvDLghFv5hir-wLRk37zzWs0fMhfyfz1JVq-0WbE9SImXOgJcyvJbQLgJnuWYuVKH6oK7W8iVXXupYiyLo5EGbKzIPKVGJcvUMuOJ8eoH8dQhmv0KNqEnFf_9QOAzcVFP8yGbM/s320/image006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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A chemistry professor decided to teach his students a different lesson one day. Holding a glass of water in his hand, he asked the students, “How much do you think this glass of water weighs?” “500 grams!” came a voice from the back. “600,” said another student. “I don’t really know!” said the professor, holding the glass up to make sure everyone could see it. “And unless we weigh it, we won’t know.” With the glass still in his outstretched hand, the professor continued, “What will happen if I hold it like this for a few minutes?”<br />
<br />
“Nothing!” came the reply. “Right, and if I hold it for an hour like this, what might happen?” “Your hand will begin to hurt,” said a student. “Indeed. And what would happen if I held the glass in my hand like this for 24 hours?”<br />
“You would be in tremendous pain,” said one student. “Your hand will probably go numb,” said another. “Your arm will be paralysed and we’ll need to rush you to the hospital!” said a student on the last bench.<br />
“True,” said the professor. “But notice that through all this, the weight of the glass did not change. What then causes the pain?”<br />
The class went quiet. The students seemed puzzled.“What should I do to avoid the pain?” asked the professor. “Put the glass down!” said a student.<br />
<br />
“Well said!” exclaimed the professor. “And that’s a lesson I want you to remember. The problems and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. But think about it a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralysed – incapable of doing anything. It’s important to remember to let go of your problems. Remember to put the glass down!”<br />
<br />
We may not have been in that classroom that day, but it’s a lesson we would all do well to remember. Put the glass down! Always. It’s not just problems and worries. Sometimes, we feel hurt and betrayed by a friend. And we carry that grudge through our lives. It grows and causes us anguish and pain. Learning to forgive – and forget – is not just good for the other people, it’s great for you. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail and when he was finally freed, you can understand how angry and vengeful he must have felt. But guess what? When he became President, he invited his jailers to be present at the inauguration – in the VIP seats! If he could forgive after 27 years of suffering, surely we can too.<br />
<br />
It is the same with our fears too. A failure or an incident in early childhood becomes a deeply entrenched fear over time. Fear of public speaking, fear of Maths, fear of rejection. You name it, and chances are, we have it. Someone gave us that glass to hold when we were little kids – ‘you are clumsy, you are no good, you can’t do it’ - and we have faithfully held on to it all our lives. ‘I can’t’ - becomes a thought that stays in our mind and grows – leading us to complete paralysis. Time to put the glass down!<br />
<br />
The story goes that there was a hardworking man who lived a contented life with his wife and children. Every evening when he returned from work, he’d follow a ritual. Outside the door to his house were three nails. On the first one, he’d put his hat. On the second he’d hang his coat. And on the third nail, he’d unwrap an imaginary turban from his head and ‘put’ it there. A friend happened to see this and enquired what he was putting on the third nail every day.<br />
<br />
“Those are my problems, my worries and my anger,” said the man. “I have lots of that at work, but when I come home, I remember to take it off – and leave them outside. I don’t take them home with me.” Maybe you should learn to do that too. Starting today. Put the glass down. And see the difference!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Courtesy Nuni!</div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-48219261469010883812011-05-06T09:55:00.003+05:002011-05-06T10:02:08.468+05:00How to Keep Going With Your Ideas After the Excitement is Over<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fatburningtips4women.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://fatburningtips4women.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/goal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
At many points in our life, we are possessed with ideas, we think, we aspire, we plan. And we achieve their transformations as well. We work hard and put all our best efforts in the attainment of our goals, we go to the limits and do all in our power to make them come true and reach our destiny. <br />
<br />
Although, it’s not always as it seems, there are phases when we lack the vigour to proceed, when we are disheartened, or nothing seems to work in our favour. In these types of situations we need motivation and inspiration to keep us going, driving us forward with the same intensity of hope, courage, zeal and enthusiasm towards the accomplishment of our ideas.<br />
<br />
So let’s take a look at how to overcome our fears and apprehensions and uplift our dampened spirits, by taking into account the positive side of the turn of events, so as to stimulate a progressive energy within us that will channel us towards our goal.<br />
<br />
1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Be Realistic in Your Approach – There is a Big Difference Between Aims and Wishes: </b><br />
When you plan, involve both your mind and heart. Be realistic about your idea and aims. Plan what you can achieve keeping in mind your capabilities and strengths. A task well planned is a task half done. Keeping your goals within your reach and setting practical deadlines will help you in taking things one by one and to effectively deal with the challenges that come in your way.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Imagine the Final Moment of Rapture of the Materialization of Your Idea:</b><br />
You should never stop dreaming! Visualize the moment when you will fulfil the potential in your idea and turn it into reality. Imagine the sense of euphoria, the utter joy and pride you’ll feel at that particular moment. The sensation will give you a lot of motivation and positive energy that will always steer you towards your destiny and the realization of your dream with fresh dedication and passion.<br />
<br />
3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Set Reminders Where You Will be Able to See Them Regularly:</b><br />
Human nature is prone to laziness. In order to remind yourself that you have a goal to reach, keep physical and tangible reminders, other than your deadlines or milestones. For example you dream to be a famous painter someday and recreate a special place or scenery. Keep a photograph of that place where you can see it daily or from time to time, it will keep you focused on your idea.<br />
<br />
4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Spare Time Reading:</b><br />
Utilize your spare time in reading stuff and knowing more about the idea that you are planning. Staying well informed about the idea will increase your interest and will keep you well prepared.<br />
<br />
5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Self Confidence:</b><br />
Seek your ideas with a true and devoted heart. Always hope for the best and have complete faith in your abilities. Self confidence and a positive attitude are your firm support on the ladder to success. When you can dream it, you can achieve it!<br />
<br />
6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Remember the Past as its Remembrance Gives You Joy:</b><br />
Everything happens for a reason, the hardships and unfruitful attempts come in your way to strengthen, prepare and polish you. So don’t be discouraged or abandon your ideas. Gather along your experiences, either good or bad, learn from them and cherish them. The toils you take in bearing your failures lead you to success.<br />
<br />
<i>As related by Abu Huraira RA, “Allah’s Apostle (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials’." </i><br />
[Translation of Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 70, Number 548]<br />
<br />
<br />
7.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Treat Yourself at Every Step You Climb Towards Success:</b><br />
Every step towards your goal counts. Enjoy each and every successful attempt towards the fulfilment of your idea, truly and wholly. These moments of joy will act as stimulant when you are low and will drive you forward.<br />
<br />
8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Seek Help and Guidance from Allah:</b><br />
Allah is our best hope and guide. Put your trust in Allah, be grateful to Him and ask from Him for His favour and help. Praying consistently for success will keep you determined. You have to do your best with complete faith in Allah; He listens to our prayers and has power over all things.<br />
<br />
<i>When you have taken a decision trust in Allah. Verily Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). If Allah helps you none can overpower you, if He forsakes you who is there, after that who can help you. And upon Allah let the believers rely. </i><br />
<i>Al Quran [3:159,160] </i><br />
<br />
In the end let me share with you two thoughts I found very motivating and encouraging.<br />
<br />
The question was once asked of a highly successful businessman: “How have you done so much in your lifetime?”<br />
He replied, “I have dreamed. I have turned my mind loose to imagine what I wanted to do. Then I have gone to bed and thought about my dreams. In the night I dreamt about my dreams. And when I awoke in the morning, I saw the way to make my dreams real. While other people were saying, ‘You can’t do that, it isn’t possible,’ I was well on my way to achieving what I wanted.”<br />
<br />
As Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the U.S., said: “We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nourish them through bad days until they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.”<br />
<br />
Be a Productive Muslim, keep working towards your goals with zeal and have faith in yourself. Don’t let any obstacle in your path divert you from realizing your idea! Insha’Allah success will be yours.<br />
<br />
Good Luck!<br />
<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://callmeshree.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/goal-setting3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://callmeshree.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/goal-setting3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-4916900940950588572011-03-30T01:50:00.003+05:002011-03-30T01:58:26.964+05:00Through March 1940 to March 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N17CIYN5RtrZcpmn-YCLvlZirkviGIia9cmDkZ-8voi6X5Y0dWsEVs3aULwFxjCp9r5-huTvFZeHnLbhdIWro9zJTp_XYQfymF4-WfpJKIYMj6dh0cA6I6HERtDcf_UKbEQGL0M8Mbg/s1600/3112807-Minar_e_Pakistan-Lahore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N17CIYN5RtrZcpmn-YCLvlZirkviGIia9cmDkZ-8voi6X5Y0dWsEVs3aULwFxjCp9r5-huTvFZeHnLbhdIWro9zJTp_XYQfymF4-WfpJKIYMj6dh0cA6I6HERtDcf_UKbEQGL0M8Mbg/s400/3112807-Minar_e_Pakistan-Lahore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">23 March 1940: Pakistan Day, the day when the existence of Pakistan was first demanded. The dream of a nation was said out loud and formed up in black and white. The flight of Iqbal’s falcon was the flight of the mind and souls of masses. A dream materialized into passion. A passion so fierce that it united the Muslims all over the subcontinent to write a new chapter in the book of history. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">23 March 2011: Pakistani cricket fans all over the world were rejoicing Pakistan’s excellent performance in the World Cup. Every individual from the youngest to the oldest was excited at the prospect of Pakistan’s encounter with West Indies in the Quarter Final. People were glued to their television screens and cheering every falling wicket. Every Pakistani wanted their team to win, the team that had been scorned and mocked a few months ago was everyone’s hero now. Whether an avid cricket fan or not, we all wanted the 'Men in Green' to leave the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium victorious. And the 'green caps' never failed our expectations, not even for a single over. It was a dedicated team play, the unity, determination, the cool and composure of our team that showed brilliantly throughout the tournament was the reason we achieved such a superb win. In the presentation ceremony jubilant Shahid Afridi gifted the Green Cap triumph to the Nation on Pakistan Day doubling the reason to celebrate....</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Back in 1940 the nation that was struggling for a Free Muslim state, was basking in the glory, standing together as a united front, supporting their champions in the World Cup uplifting the green and white crescent and star emblem flag. That day we were one, just like the Pakistani team, strong and connected. We weren’t people divided into 5 provinces, we had the same interest, one hope, one desire. A single soul, our hearts beating together, pumping up joyfully, we were one, cheering our super eleven, forgetting all resentment towards each other. Yes, we were a nation in the true sense then.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At that moment I felt that we started strong and have grown weak in the middle, it’s time to put our differences behind our back and to face the challenges that comes our way. Challenges that have tried us severely and have left us broken. Remember 1940, we fought for identity, sovereignty and rights, we fought for Pakistan. Now we are fighting over Pakistan. The identity we proudly upheld once is lost somewhere over the decades, the values we treasure seemed stolen, the courage and valor, that honesty and faith nurtures in a nation are extinct. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><br />
I felt that Pakistani nation is like Pakistani cricket team, its a cornered tiger, which when once roused, can shatter its enemy into oblivion. Just like Rameez Raja wrote about Team Pakistan:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">"This team </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">doesn't</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b><i> stop to amaze me. A knockout game was supposed to rattle the nerves and test the temperament. It not only passed the mental test without a fuss but laid to rest any suspicion of its class. It was a devastating win that punched the West Indies into oblivion and pushed Pakistan closer to greatness.</i></b><b style="font-size: 14px; font-style: italic;">"</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Similar are we, its the need to rise up, to once again spread our wings and fly, the flight of falcon. To stand up to the wrong and injustice and not allow ourselves to act as a toy and play into the hands of our enemies. Lets match our forefathers in character and grit, difficult as it may be, and make our nation a 'Nation' in true sense. Rise and live like a nation that is alive, thriving and cultivated. That can fight for its rights not over its rights. Don't let this feeling of helplessness and deprivation overwhelm you. Because our land needs a change! A better and independent Pakistan!<br />
<br />
I'll end here wishing all the best of luck and vigour to our youth and people, and similarly to our team. May Allah bless us with success on all fronts and protect Pakistan and give us strength to deliver the lost sovereignty to our nation and country. Ameen<br />
<br />
Good Luck Pakistan and Team Pakistan!<br />
<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-f5nzGiJ8xldTzqzR7zQDvwKgfHwHxQOjGA-t6Wj6Q8HJvoQWf5JCEQ2peHCw5uTtW38U8y7GkYFbNevHOAbn8GFLtV1J1BpJvIeBtaRRTh2vqlf0_YBvCszqkhg4o1-03wPd6q7s7Sw/s1600/Pakistan-cricket-team-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-f5nzGiJ8xldTzqzR7zQDvwKgfHwHxQOjGA-t6Wj6Q8HJvoQWf5JCEQ2peHCw5uTtW38U8y7GkYFbNevHOAbn8GFLtV1J1BpJvIeBtaRRTh2vqlf0_YBvCszqkhg4o1-03wPd6q7s7Sw/s320/Pakistan-cricket-team-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></strong></span></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-15232555918636611082011-01-30T21:22:00.004+05:002011-02-11T19:41:34.415+05:00There is always a Silver Lining to the Blues...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26jP_TIPFWU3KgmEjFtpsNSzJncMC8VlA0ARyUHSRLRvlmyzwAdop1RdeRABwjZjDtrWO02dGTCcvAM6VaZsHpxQBuImpd7wsAJP4t3LaQXSuJo_MvFh9Dy_2By9UOCUUiwb-CbUVjzA/s1600/silver-lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26jP_TIPFWU3KgmEjFtpsNSzJncMC8VlA0ARyUHSRLRvlmyzwAdop1RdeRABwjZjDtrWO02dGTCcvAM6VaZsHpxQBuImpd7wsAJP4t3LaQXSuJo_MvFh9Dy_2By9UOCUUiwb-CbUVjzA/s400/silver-lining.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Sometimes its just a stray thought, a daily happening, a word we overhear or any little thing that plunges us into the blues and we feel desolated from our surroundings, separated from the rest of the people around us. As if we are marked out to be tried again and again.... At such times it’s hard to disguise the sadness within and laugh and joke with the rest. We may wonder, why it has to be me? At those time the river deep within just wants to gush out, tearing down all the barriers that have been blocking it for so long....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Some days ago I felt deeply afflicted and in my distress the cheerful side of my disposition took over and I started wondering if there could be a way to find out the secret of happiness somehow? To capture and learn it, so that I may be able to thwart the sorrow and despair that affects me. I directed my thoughts so as to break away from the glum mood, to live my life! And comprehension suddenly dawned, as my thoughts whispered out the secret to me, and do you know what it was? I realized that I, hold the key to my happiness!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">The choice of being bitter or better lies with me, and it is my decision that affects my happiness. It’s my outlook towards life that makes it beneficial or sore, for me and others around me. I know that life isn’t all smooth and pretty, it maintains equilibrium, because too much sweet is spoiling, isn’t it? The good times and the hard times just balance it out perfectly for me. Without the hardships and trials, I wondered, how will I learn to value the reward and happiness that I reap, and be grateful for it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Sometimes only a little good news tells us that there is happiness and goodness around. That is exactly what happened with me. As I was on my way back to home, I got a message from a friend, informing about the birth of a girl to a close friend of mine... This news just changed my mood completely! Just like the shining sun that emerges from behind the clouds after a dark storm, rejuvenating the beings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I realized that in my dissatisfaction and grumblings, I have forgotten how rich I am in the countless blessings Allah has bestowed upon me! What an ingrate I had been to weep a tear and never comprehending what damage I was doing to myself, because of my bitter thoughts!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">My stranded and tangled thoughts connected together, showing that a clear road lies ahead. I understood that in the remembrance of Allah, in seeking help from Him, believing that you will always be helped, there lies all the success and peace!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Relief, swept over me, wave over wave, as I realized that Allah has guided me to khair again, that He has not deserted me! That beautiful feeling strengthen my faith, I came to know deep within my heart that these tough experiences are to train me strong, rather than breaking me apart. It is to bring me closer to my Lord, rather than distancing me away from Him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Remember, there’s always a silver lining to the darkest cloud, I didn't understand it when Iffu first told me the meaning of this idiom, but now I know it means that there is always hope to look forward to!. Listen to the voice that speaks softly in the times of despair and be grateful to Allah for all His countless blessings and favors! Because Allah grants more to those who are thankful for what they have got and bear with patience what that has been taken away from them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">It was on this journey that I grasped in truth , “worry ends when faith begins”!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">It was only yesterday when upon reading this Hadith, that I decided to share my journey with you, hoping that may be in any modest way it'll help you to strengthen that perpetual connection with Al Rehman...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Narrated Abu Huraira:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Allah's Apostle(Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Translation of Sahih Bukhari</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Volume 7, Book 70, Number 548:</div></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-78843976849872425732010-12-08T00:12:00.002+05:002010-12-08T11:09:45.862+05:00Life Returns...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF_ChnqVYUkuj0rBOl5-OeMhQ_s6TwkDrR6ZVNAijoeKI9QW-8932t7X-KBUM0YrTnr112x0hFk0oCaVHyyoVyqD-pRnX_BZXzr6nqsARRd6hjxkJaHc-nKztzk07F8UZTMqQq3mHyyk/s1600/1152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF_ChnqVYUkuj0rBOl5-OeMhQ_s6TwkDrR6ZVNAijoeKI9QW-8932t7X-KBUM0YrTnr112x0hFk0oCaVHyyoVyqD-pRnX_BZXzr6nqsARRd6hjxkJaHc-nKztzk07F8UZTMqQq3mHyyk/s400/1152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the way back from office, I was listening to some nasheeds.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was randomly picking up my playlist when I came across 'Life Returns', a nasheed by Dawud Wharnsby, and was completely overwhelmed by it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">Here's the<a href="http://www.vidsurf.net/watch/RiGL4cca9EY/Life_Returns_Dawud_Wharnsby_Lyrics.html"> link </a>to it, do listen, its simply wonderful. Although I have heard it a couple of times before but the feeling i experienced that time, cannot be put into words...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 24px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">And among His Signs in this: thou seest the earth barren and desolate; but when We send down rain to it, it is stirred to life and yields increase. Truly, He Who gives life to the (dead) earth can surely give life to (men) who are dead. For He has power over all things. [Al Quran 41:39]</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">The earth is hard,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Soil is cracked,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">bleached and blistered.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Trees bend, withered and weary.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Ground gasps, dusty and dry.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Allah hears and the rain comes</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">wetting and washing the world,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Flushing and flooding the clay,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Spilling and splashing,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Life returns.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Allahu Akbar! (Allah is great!)</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">We are the cracked earth,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">The thirsty, dirty spirit of man.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">If we gasp, we will be heard.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Forgiveness falls like rain on our hands.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Allah hears and the rain comes</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Wetting and washing the world,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Flushing and flooding the clay,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Spilling and splashing,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;"><br />
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Life returns.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Allahu Akbar! (Allah is great!)</span></i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><br />
</i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><br />
</i></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">What else can be a better new year resolution... a better incentive... A Return To Life. Journey of our dusty, tired parched and thirsty souls, towards salvation,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">peace</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and harmony..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">A Very Happy New Year to All....</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">Have a blessed year and life ahead, may Allah guide all of us to Hidayat. ameen.</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-71244525431143488072010-11-21T23:53:00.001+05:002010-11-25T09:53:38.968+05:00Moon, Dreams and Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XWV1frGsPYBj3DLdUAHSeKFT95S1vxc_GKovB9m_4aiCBvJgcCdVQu-6RfkXG7W-shU1UJmNMKbyq96J58J6jj5K7fw9dsOI2U53xekNKo-e_0WUUJLGQLYCsw0goxfU_9q0sSB6q9g/s1600/2008-07-Vacation-287x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XWV1frGsPYBj3DLdUAHSeKFT95S1vxc_GKovB9m_4aiCBvJgcCdVQu-6RfkXG7W-shU1UJmNMKbyq96J58J6jj5K7fw9dsOI2U53xekNKo-e_0WUUJLGQLYCsw0goxfU_9q0sSB6q9g/s400/2008-07-Vacation-287x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A stroll under a starry sky with the full moon gliding beside the clouds, in a chilly night is one of the most beautiful and aesthetic experiences ..<br />
It has been a busy day. I had to complete my packing for my upcoming flight, had to do some last minute shopping while trying to cope up with a sudden flu and above all was consistently trying to bear the din that my siblings were making (they were a ‘little’ hyper, enjoying five holidays in a row because of Eid). Naturally, all this exertion was too much and resulted in a ‘slight’ headache!<br />
<br />
I decided to escape from the entire hustle bustle downstairs and headed to our rooftop to say hello to my dear friend, the splendid full moon, and to greet its devoted companions, the shinning plasma balls, the stars...<br />
<br />
Whenever I observe the full moon, its splendour and solitude always impress me into a peaceful and contented silence, to marvel the beauty of this universe and everything in it. Silence which gives me the time to reassemble my scattered thoughts, to reflect on most of the things that I’ve forgotten and have pushed deeper inside my mind... It brings alive all those fantasies that my mechanical routine had sent to a slumber! It mesmerizes me almost every time. I think I can never explain my joy in words here...<br />
<br />
This time, however, it wasn’t the moon that probed my thoughts. It was the recitation that I was listening to, while walking in the moonlight, which made me grab my notebook and write down this piece.<br />
<br />
'And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them.' Al Quran (14:34) <br />
<br />
<br />
When I was a little girl, I always used to dream of a cosy little home with a lovely garden having a couple of trees and some beautiful flowers. A room where the window opens towards east, from where the rising sun greets you with a good morning and the moon to bade you adieu in the night while you snuggle in your bed...<br />
<br />
As I was standing leaning on the roof’s wall, looking over the topmost branches of the mango tree that were at level with my face, watching a cat smuggling into the garden, that my childish fantasy came to my mind. <br />
<br />
I realized that Allah has fulfilled my dream long ago! He has blessed me with a home I dreamt of, with a perfect and loving family. And as I started pondering, many things dawned at me. I became aware how very ungrateful I've been!<br />
<br />
I had been busy in keeping up with the pace of the outside world, and in doing so, I isolated myself from the little joys and wishes that I used to cheer. In looking for bigger dreams, I let go of the little pleasures that came my way...<br />
<br />
Life doesn’t spare you a moment to turn back the wheels of time, be grateful enjoy what you've got and make the most of your little achievements and dreams! Live them fully and find a reason to be happy, to stay happy and to flourish happiness amongst those around you and your loved ones. <br />
Because happiness is always around us, it’s we who turn away from little joys in life, seeking and running after others (the big ones), missing what that comes in our way. <br />
<br />
Whatever you do, remain grateful to Allah, for His numerous blessings that you observe and for all those that you can never comprehend!<br />
<br />
Take Care, and have fun!Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-41028833768583366122010-09-19T18:17:00.003+05:002010-10-16T16:04:24.885+05:00Sisters at Heart!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX28Fn3z8ka9hG52qnsWNjeq6ugDdIOtZkoPVnQGYPY16HFrlkpgAQyx4UoZIyd9qfMyhoHVLlAiPkgofStLZt2zJ63EzOkWq06t-LJ4RQh2n0czNauMDPadQX-QkTESK5Oe6XzihJcA/s1600/SistersByHeart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX28Fn3z8ka9hG52qnsWNjeq6ugDdIOtZkoPVnQGYPY16HFrlkpgAQyx4UoZIyd9qfMyhoHVLlAiPkgofStLZt2zJ63EzOkWq06t-LJ4RQh2n0czNauMDPadQX-QkTESK5Oe6XzihJcA/s1600/SistersByHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
I had been very busy for the past few days, it was Ramadan first and then Eid, then the encumbering and hectic routine at office with quite some late sittings, and to add to it was a parting, a parting from a beloved friend, who was going to a far off place...<br />
<br />
It was the parting of ways which was the most difficult for me. Sometimes we love someone so much that they become an inseparable part of ourselves and our lives. We can’t imagine any joy or celebration without them, and we can never ever spare a single thought to what we would do without them! Sisters are surely such cherished friends!<br />
<br />
Yes, the friend I am talking about is no other than my sister...<br />
<br />
I don’t have the perfection and control over my words, or the gift to convey my emotions and thoughts in prose or poetry; I wonder how amazing poets are, to do so...!<br />
But I can try to write all that I’ve felt and missed, to let it be an adios till we meet again! Insha’Allah!(I’ve started looking forward to it already!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sisters are special, and mine is no exception. She’s only a year younger than me and there is more than companionship between us! We are counsellor to each other, secret keepers (wow that was the most ‘interesting part’), school mates, quarrellers (we had our fair share of fights too), buddies and everything, every relationship that can be thought off!<br />
<br />
I remember all those adventures we’ve had together, all the fun, the merriment, the play and enjoyment, the long talks late in night, the fights over who is going to sleep on which side of bed, the skirmishes on cleaning the room/wardrobe considering she’s very organized (meekly confessing!), getting ready for school together, doing our hair simultaneously in the same mirror, the bickering on the way to van, the cards that she always used to place under my pillow on my birthdays, and so many more... All those gestures and lovely memories... <br />
<br />
I recalled how we learned everything together from skating to driving, how she used to put up when I used to study late for my University exams, keeping the light on till late night. How I used to dread getting her into temper and how restless I used to get when we use to stop talking to each other after quaralling! And oh we used to address each other as ‘Aap’, and avoid eye contact! It was mostly me who used to patch up being the eldest (ahem ahem, I’m always a peacemaker), but I remembered that it was she who made it up the last time, we quarrelled (after a long time on a very silly thing), and then after two days she came over and hugged me apologizing, and I couldn’t help hugging her back. Her smile her mischievous ways, the spirit and energy in her, the boldness and daring nature, I couldn't ignore my little sis, everything was forgotten and forgiven long ago!<br />
How proud and glad I used to be of her, and I still am!<br />
<br />
I’ll miss her calls at office now, just when I used to be in the middle of something critical or tense and at that particular moment, a message, a call used to be a rejuvenating breath of fresh air to me, the sweet voice in which she used to ask, ‘Aapi kaisi ho, lunch ker lia..?’ and i used to say, ‘nahi yaar Appi(that is what I used to call her just like my other sibs!), abhe aik kam me houn, will do it after some time’. And then I used to distractedly listen to her and finish up hurriedly. Afterwards realizing that what a word of love and comfort means!<br />
<br />
It was still the same when I talked to her yesterday, the same sweet voice saying ‘Aapi kaisi ho... ‘. Telling me enthusiastically about her family, about her new routine, asking after me and telling me to take care of myself and everyone at home, I just wished I could fly and reach her!<br />
<br />
Sometimes I used to think why life is so unfair, why do girls have to leave their families, and why don’t boys?<br />
A counter thought readily came to me here, I’ve seen many parents who send their boys to far off places for studies or for employments, then they settle down there. Come to their parents and families seldom, that too in long years, they don’t even have the time to ask after their loved ones.<br />
<br />
Its right that girls settle down, leaving behind their families and parents, but they have got their blessings, they keep in touch, they nurture new relationships, new families, the love keeps on growing!<br />
<br />
It’s Life, and Life is change, but we sometimes are reluctant to accept it at first, because we are unaware that Allah plans the best for us! And now that I have realized it, I remember a long forgotten verse from Shakespere, <i>"Presence Strengthen Love, but Absence Sharpen It!"</i>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://media.fastclick.net/w/click.here?sid=4617&amp;amp;amp;amp;m=6&amp;amp;amp;amp;c=1" target="_blank"&amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;lt;img src="http://media.fastclick.net/w/get.media?sid=4617&amp;amp;amp;amp;m=6&amp;amp;amp;amp;tp=8&amp;amp;amp;amp;d=s&amp;amp;amp;amp;c=1" width=300 height=250 border=1&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript> <br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><b><br />
</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; <br />
the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear. <br />
<span class="second_indent">--William Shakespeare</span></i></b></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
And I guess my heart understood it better than me, as I hugged her close for the last time at the airport, our hearts beating together, my eyes never cried, but i prayed and prayed with all might! <br />
<br />
<i>May Allah bless you with the best of everything my dearest sis! May He fill your life with Love, Happiness, Peace and Prosperity and accept all your prayers and wishes. And keep you and your family in His protection always. Ameen!</i><br />
<br />
And as we parted, I was satisfied at the new beginning, glad to know that open arms will welcome her there, and she'll be at last with her family!<br />
<br />
May Allah bless you forever my dearest!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
from your aapi!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/William-Adolphe_Bouguereau_%281825-1905%29_-_Two_Sisters_%281901%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/William-Adolphe_Bouguereau_%281825-1905%29_-_Two_Sisters_%281901%29.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-16420527780520968872010-08-23T09:40:00.004+05:002010-08-23T11:51:34.155+05:00Goodbye Saleem!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn00cuTCWJafLgAF6cddqUuf8_z68vfx9G6uZC_zeJCJD7rnWkGWQdWPj-7KSccwdtHaJfGYd_cqEZdeX3o0z0AETshlNCiD2cf-hH5sKihdKW1GVUdXc_-5s3kWMJW-AGhQM7ScEfBVs/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn00cuTCWJafLgAF6cddqUuf8_z68vfx9G6uZC_zeJCJD7rnWkGWQdWPj-7KSccwdtHaJfGYd_cqEZdeX3o0z0AETshlNCiD2cf-hH5sKihdKW1GVUdXc_-5s3kWMJW-AGhQM7ScEfBVs/s320/IMG_0493.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saleem cutting his last birthday cake with us!</td></tr>
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<m:smallfrac m:val="off"><m:dispdef><m:lmargin m:val="0"><m:rmargin m:val="0"><m:defjc m:val="centerGroup">I will always remember <span style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">22</span> December 2008; it was the day when I first met Saleem Mirza. <br />
It was nearly 2 pm as I was waiting at the reception to be interviewed by the Karachi Office’s Director. Just when I was beginning to get impatient a man entered the reception area and asked for me. He was of a tall stature, wearing glasses and a courteous countenance, as I observed. I stood up as he introduced himself as Saleem Mirza, the director of Techlogix Karachi Office, and lead me to his room for the interview. He opened the door and entered after me, took his chair after I had taken mine and apologized for keeping me waiting! He asked if I would like to have some coffee or tea, and inquired if I would not mind waiting a few more minutes, so that he could finish writing an important email! <br />
I was very astonished at the gracious manners of the Director, towards a fresh graduate, who came for an interview! </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
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</m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac>It was almost 2 hours later that I left Saleem’s room; it was a thoroughly unique experience for me. I came to know that Saleem was not only modest and frank but exceptionally intelligent and a cool minded person, having a ‘Nothing-is-Impossible’ attitude towards his profession. He had the ability to course a constructive discussion on any topic be it technicalities or education, hobbies or politics, with an ease that speaks plainly of the vast scope of his intellect. A very rare person who makes you comfortable the instance he starts talking with you!<br />
<br />
This was the first impression that I had of Saleem, an impression which never left me and will always stay with me whenever I’ll think of him!<br />
<br />
From my very first day at Techlogix, Saleem was very helpful and genial. Be it the Employee Handbook, health insurance forms or the bank account opening, he explained everything to me in detail. During lunch he used to discuss any topic at hand, be it current affairs, games or our hobbies, and his demeanor always encouraged us to speak up our minds and share our ideas. I will remember all those lunches, events and TRF when he used to share his experiences of traveling or people, when he used to say something witty and laugh at it along us. He was not only cheerful and friendly at his verbal communication but also in his written communication. His emails addressed to Karachi office always used to start with ‘Folks’ and end with ‘Cheers!’.<m:smallfrac m:val="off"><m:dispdef><m:lmargin m:val="0"><m:rmargin m:val="0"><m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8pjmK2N3pb_tzX_hb3awsZ-L0sTTI__FByBoFW2tDbS-dKawn_IRfpidLOybar0nJSvbqL1uey3wkg6xuEPmr7a_2dmkqDqzIKqZkrqePdUZEqCtOHrrMFfwre90jKLvt2mIX6pwL_0/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8pjmK2N3pb_tzX_hb3awsZ-L0sTTI__FByBoFW2tDbS-dKawn_IRfpidLOybar0nJSvbqL1uey3wkg6xuEPmr7a_2dmkqDqzIKqZkrqePdUZEqCtOHrrMFfwre90jKLvt2mIX6pwL_0/s320/IMG_0486.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saleem extreme right on his birthday celebrations!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><m:smallfrac m:val="off"><m:dispdef><m:lmargin m:val="0"><m:rmargin m:val="0"><m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac>Reminiscences of Saleem would be incomplete without mentioning Table Tennis! He was a champion when it comes to TT tournaments, always the best at everything, how Saleem could have been any different at TT! He was a player all others used to awe and dread, especially his classic smashes and serve! We used to wonder how come Saleem played so extraordinary without any practice!<br />
<br />
Whenever I had a concern or a complaint, I used to consult Saleem without any hesitation. I always found him attentive and hospitable, assuring and helpful. I will never forget the concern and kindness with which he used to inquire in detail after my father’s health, at the time when my father was seriously ill and undergoing medical treatments, he was always assuring and benign.<br />
<br />
My work experience with Saleem was no different either. It was challenging because there wasn’t any area and technology that Saleem didn't knew. He always used to be well prepared for all the meetings, well informed regarding the project(s) and the task at hand. Always eager to explain and help with the learning of new tools and technologies. He was involved deeply in nearly every project going on in Karachi office, a living FS and Design Guidebook of all those projects!<br />
<br />
I remember all the long project discussions we used to had, and me coming out of his room with my mind full of things, wondering with awe how did Saleem knew such a lot! He was a perfectionist when it comes to work, very committed and dedicated. He used to read our minds, I remember those times when I used to show my disapproval of the minute change requests sent by the clients, and taking in my expressions he used to put in a funny comment so abruptly that I had to stop myself with difficulty from laughing hard! He always used to give credit with such enthusiasm and generosity that the next time you wanted to work harder to please him!<br />
<br />
There was no haughtiness or pride in Saleem; he always treated all of us on an equal footing. I noticed after joining Techlogix, that everybody called him Saleem. Our seniors used to say that he had asked them not to call him by anything, but his name. It had been just a month working with him on a project, when one day after the meeting he called me back and said, 'Jinaab, there is no need to call me Sir! Bas Saleem bola kerain'!<br />
<br />
There is so much more that I wanted to write and say. I want to pour out all the recollections and to keep on writing. But I must stop, because there are memories etched deep in my mind, memories which I will keep cherishing and remembering!<br />
<br />
The 17<sup>th</sup> of August was a heartbreaking day when I read about Saleem’s death just after the Mo’azan finished the call to Fajr prayer. I was frozen with shock, when I got the SMS telling that we have lost Saleem forever, it was incomprehensible, meaningless, and I keep repeating to myself that it can’t be true! Until the news was confirmed, I hoped dreadfully to let it be a mistake please, don’t let it be true. It was just the same with everyone else I contacted to confirm or inform about Saleem! We all didn’t want to believe that Saleem is gone!<br />
<br />
Inna Lil Lahi Wa Inna Elaihi Ra’jioun!<br />
<br />
All that day memories kept flashing at me, at times making me cry and sometimes making me smile in spite of myself. The happy face of Saleem, his ways and his jokes, all the events we had with him, the ice skating and bowling at Arena, the dinners and lunches. All the project status meetings with him, the late sittings for the releases, the CBD QA fixes on Saturday at which he was present to give us support, all those kept coming back to me.<br />
<br />
All of a sudden it dawned on me that the contact ‘Saleem Mirza’ will never again blink on my screen, there won’t be any new emails in the folder ‘Saleem Mirza’, the first line of the attendance register won’t say anymore that Saleem reached office at 8:30 am, not anymore would he peep from his office’s doorway and beckon me in, saying, ‘Jinaab aik cheez discuss kerni hai, agar time ho tou ajain!’. I remembered our last meeting, our last goodbye, our last lunch and our last TRF with Saleem. Not for a second have we dreamt that we would never ever see him again!<br />
<br />
I wanted to say so many things to him; it was only after he left for the US, that I realized I will miss him very much. It was then, that I felt his special qualities and virtues most deeply. I wanted to apologize and thank him for many things, but that moment never came!<br />
<br />
Saleem have parted with us forever, and the only memories he left behind are good and beautiful! There are very few blessed people who leave behind them only good feelings and recollections. It’s with tears and sting that I will say goodbye to Saleem. The void his absence has created in Karachi office and Techlogix could never be filled in! We all simply can’t imagine a Karachi office without Saleem!<br />
<br />
O Allah, bestow your mercy and peace upon the gentle soul that has left us! Bless him with high honors in Janaat-ul-Firdous(the most esteemed Garden of the Heaven)! And give strength and peace to the hearts of those he left behind him especially his Family. (Ameen)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saleem(extreme left first row) with Khi office after the cricket match </td></tr>
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</m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-88894517857997809232010-08-13T11:03:00.000+05:002010-08-13T13:24:56.653+05:00The True Love!<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link> <m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeubSh6lGGwC7W2U7PzWRTpJJsuDbYZtsNj7EmLkLPCmBQkdPdUsfsmYKW5jhUurQjmVc2PpDfTeyZ3KIvpoI48dLafbpiSemgIkqL2j0NUGMIELgGLY8HmVZ20RQ3b9CJD4-SW07hvE/s1600/allah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeubSh6lGGwC7W2U7PzWRTpJJsuDbYZtsNj7EmLkLPCmBQkdPdUsfsmYKW5jhUurQjmVc2PpDfTeyZ3KIvpoI48dLafbpiSemgIkqL2j0NUGMIELgGLY8HmVZ20RQ3b9CJD4-SW07hvE/s400/allah.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><span lang="EN-GB">12 August::</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB">A day ago I read this verse from Surah Al-Baqarah inscribed upon the calendar for the 11<sup>th </sup>of the month :</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">"I complain to Allah alone of my sorrow and grief."</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 3.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB">Al Yusuf[12:86]</span></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">And below it was inscribed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB"> “Rest assured that He is full of pity and mercy for mankind.”</span></div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB"> Al Baqarah[2:143]</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">It was the second verse that kept coming back to me that day time after time. And made me write and share my feelings with you all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">After reading it, I couldn’t help pondering upon the mercy and love of Allah for all of His creatures, especially for the offspring of His beloved Aadam(AS) and the Ummah of His most beloved prophet Muhammad(SAW)!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The more I thought, the more </span><span lang="EN-GB">I came to see</span><span lang="EN-GB"> the signs of His love and mercy all around me. While watching the birds pirouette gracefully in the sky above, while passing</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">by</span> <span lang="EN-GB">the towering leafy trees</span><span lang="EN-GB">, </span><span lang="EN-GB">extending out green cool canopies as far as their branches could stretch , while looking at a mother's care and love for her children. In short, in every little thing that was a part of my daily routine, I saw His love and mercy for His creatures. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">Everything keeps reminding me, O mankind come to your Creator, He loves and care for you more than anyone else put together!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Have a look around yourself. You are bound to notice and comprehend these signs too. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB">Have you ever thought how your mind and body relaxes with the zikr of Allah? Have you ever noticed that you feel at peace with the world, with everything around you, just by calling Allah from the depths of your heart and pouring out all your troubles to Him? Have you ever experienced the feeling of ecstasy and deliverance while you praise Him and prostrate in front of Him during Salat?</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">Its because Allah is most closest to you, as He himself says in Surah Al-Qaf:</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">"And indeed We have created man, and We know whatever thoughts his inner self develops, and We are closer to him than (his) jugular vein."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB"> Al Qaf [50:16]</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">That is the bond of closeness between Allah, the all-Encompassing and completely Knowledgeable, and us!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">Then why do we neglect this bond? Why do we seek earthly benefactors and supporters? Why not seek Allah, who is the closest to you. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">Allah, the most Compassionate (Ar Rehman), the Forgiver (Al Ghaffar), the Concealer[of our faults] (Al Sattar), the Bestower of honor (Al Mu'izz) , the Granter of prayers (Al Mujeeb), the Gentle One (Al Latif), the all Powerful (Al Qadir).... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB">Allah the Greatest(Al Akbar)!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><span lang="EN-GB">Look towards Him with hope, for His forgiveness of our faults and seek His guidance, pity and mercy. "Call your Lord with fear and with Hope..." [Al Araf 56:7]. He gives us chances, shows us His signs so that we may return to Him with hope of being spared, to seek His blessings and love.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Rasool Allah (SAW) said, Allah </span>سبحانه وتعالى <span lang="EN-GB">says to His servants: </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">"If you come to Me walking, I will come to you running.</span></i><span lang="EN-GB">" [Hadith-e-Qudsi].</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"> Just imagine the love of the Omnipotent, the Compassionate! Moreover Rasool Allah(SAW) said, Allah </span>سبحانه وتعالى<span lang="EN-GB"> says," </span><i>My servant keeps coming closer to Me with more volunteer deeds, until I love him</i><span lang="EN-GB">" [Bukhari].</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">Get closer to Allah, you don't have to be a sufi or a darwaish to be His friend. Because Allah </span>سبحانه وتعالى<span lang="EN-GB"> lives in your heart and soul!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB">I'll end with this prayer...</span><br />
<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link> <m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"></span></i></div><span lang="EN-GB"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">Oh Allah, the almighty, </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">Protect me and guide me, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">Through your love and mercy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">Ya Allah don’t deprive me, </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">From beholding your beauty.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB">O my Lord accept this plea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;">Hasbi rabbi jallallah [My Lord is enough for me, Glory be to Allah]</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Ma fi qalbi ghayrullah [There is nothing in my heart except Allah]</div><br />
[excerpt from Sami Yousuf's hamd 'Hasbi Rabbi']<br />
<br />
<i>Have a blessed Ramadan! </i><br />
<i>Ramadan Mabrook.</i><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-74109503018681044592010-08-10T18:25:00.001+05:002010-08-11T12:11:02.160+05:00Great Job Absher!A friend of mine send me a <a href="http://jehanara.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/abshar-rashid-solves-a-problem-on-innocentive/">link</a> on msn today from Jehan Ara's <a href="http://jehanara.wordpress.com/">blog</a>.<br />
<br />
The caption read, "Abshar Rashid solves a problem on Innocentive" <br />
"<b>Abshar Rashid, </b><b>Bachelors of Computer Systems Engineering </b>(2008) from <b>NED University</b>, has solved a problem posted on the <a href="https://www2.innocentive.com/" target="_blank">InnoCentive</a> website. His solution was accepted from hundreds of solutions submitted online from across the globe.....".<br />
<br />
The article gave me immense pleasure and joy! Just when it seemed that there was only despair and tension in news, this piece seemed like a breath of fresh air! <br />
<br />
Absher was my batch mate during BE at NED. Besides being a friend, he is an intellectual individual (read a philosophical thinker!), a very good problem solver having the potential to stand out among masses(that's what he recently proved), not to mention a very good editor as well! <br />
<br />
<br />
This news is indeed a ray of hope for Pakistanis, it shows that besides being intelligent and smart, our youth knows how to channel their abilities positively. As Jehan Ara rightly commented in her blog:<br />
<i>"Way to go Abshar! You have proven that there is indeed tremendous talent in this country. All we have to do is go look for it, nurture it and provide it with the right environment in which to flourish."</i><br />
<br />
We need a youth who have the ability to take their ideology forward, nourish their talents, explore and conquer emerging vistas<i> </i>and<i> </i>motivating others along the way!<br />
<br />
With the youth day just days away(12th August) all I have to say is: <br />
There is just the need to follow your heart and mind, to focus on your goals.Let go the fear of failure, that daunts you. Work with zeal and commitment toward the achievement of your aim, and have firm faith in God. <br />
Success will surely be yours.<br />
You must understand that success is not only about winning, its the experience you gain on the way. The transformation from well to good, good to better and better to best!<br />
<br />
Happy Youth Day & Good luck!Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-72564248223506177822010-08-04T11:36:00.006+05:002010-08-09T18:01:43.486+05:00United we Stand...<div style="font-family: inherit;"><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link> <span style="font-size: small;"><m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent><style>
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</style> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNUVmj9MyzKaRECpLAu15VUZyAcxpHeAZHp2HCDNO581YPUyJad4MYRI2DTkj-5EGyv7ELW4eC6cOkA6Yhdb3whRcSiV0Ug_GDiZ9LaW_bDXHJqkxipUMUOAxmaRivAtoiTSkdtKlgpU/s1600/helicopter-hovers-over-plumes-smoke-rising-from-the-wreckage-airblue-plane-crash-islamabad-margalla-hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNUVmj9MyzKaRECpLAu15VUZyAcxpHeAZHp2HCDNO581YPUyJad4MYRI2DTkj-5EGyv7ELW4eC6cOkA6Yhdb3whRcSiV0Ug_GDiZ9LaW_bDXHJqkxipUMUOAxmaRivAtoiTSkdtKlgpU/s320/helicopter-hovers-over-plumes-smoke-rising-from-the-wreckage-airblue-plane-crash-islamabad-margalla-hills.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">In less than a week, from the 28<sup>th</sup> of July to the 3<sup>rd</sup> of August, perhaps time, has given us many reasons to mourn and grief the destruction. Whether it was the devastation caused by the Margala crash, then the havoc and chaos because of the recent floods and then the Karachi horror. We’ve seen and heard everything from death, violence, helplessness, famine, and much worst the dark side of human nature…., taking advantage of the adversity of your own brethren!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">How come life saving items, food and eatables and sheltering necessities are short in the market at the time of any crisis? Why is it that the price of everything of need is increased as soon as we hear of a calamity in neighborhood? Why do media channels gloat their efficient services by exploiting situations rather than causing awareness and urging people to help, why do government officials assume themselves freed of their duty to the nation by mere air visits, when those who are going through the ordeal are least interested in it?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P_jzBO2gpE88aiGF0_7a9TvHzzFyLta1rqdCa7L5MyidaAmeuOErXtXJ_wfbGpdWw1EYEIMVBbDUls2fYS4pMIgbZghOQ6XQ9ceJzPpDZMK5g003wa-pbPEtHljW4-G63j2u8aKQt3k/s1600/target-608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P_jzBO2gpE88aiGF0_7a9TvHzzFyLta1rqdCa7L5MyidaAmeuOErXtXJ_wfbGpdWw1EYEIMVBbDUls2fYS4pMIgbZghOQ6XQ9ceJzPpDZMK5g003wa-pbPEtHljW4-G63j2u8aKQt3k/s320/target-608.JPG" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;">The need, is being united as a nation, especially in these trying times. United we stand, divided we fall. With the entire nation gripped in natural crisis and devastation we don’t want any more trouble. We had already buried many whom nature had taken from us; we don’t have the strength to burry those who are being snatched away at the hands of culprits causing terror, culprits feeding on our differences and divides. We want a solution, an ending to all this violence, we need to control our anger and forget the animosity to bring peace among the conflicting groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">We need people to come forward and make their contributions, whatever they might be, in helping the millions of displaced and surviving victims. It could be anything from consolation and words of hope, which will help them bear their loss, to, provide the homeless with shelter, food, medicines and relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKTsSy3v1IERHOhfW857T4WDCs1jUSXYaY_IUUJ3QyFzoHnzBdbGvgplU7LA2ZESHQtBSVSG7brWyesEn5_-QwKuHh00pVkhujTZBdXYuAS8Ai8hFwGHwv7FNzi5s-RHDw-KtrEHL1k0/s1600/relief-woman-608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKTsSy3v1IERHOhfW857T4WDCs1jUSXYaY_IUUJ3QyFzoHnzBdbGvgplU7LA2ZESHQtBSVSG7brWyesEn5_-QwKuHh00pVkhujTZBdXYuAS8Ai8hFwGHwv7FNzi5s-RHDw-KtrEHL1k0/s320/relief-woman-608.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let’s make a start by contributing in Pakistan Army’s or any reliable fund so that those waiting for our help wouldn’t be disappointed. Just think how much we spend on a single shopping spree, a favorite branded shoe or on a dine out with friends. Letting go of such small pleasures for the greater good will not only leave you satisfied but happy as well. Besides monetary help we can try creating awareness in our social circle, urge people to come forward for our own country and play their part. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's time that politicians should also take the responsibility entrusted upon them; play their role and prove their mantle by insisting peaceful demonstrations to condemn the violence that took place on the 2<sup>nd</sup> of August in Karachi. Taking justice in our hands is not the solution but the cause of further clashes. Rather than venting out energies on spite and hatred we should use them collectively to bring about a positive change. The millions of people who now stand homeless were the ones who voted these 'leaders' to power; they should not let them down this time!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1xGstoQLx5g5EiFwE3JcJmvZiMZiWC3g6bAu80GO9KyWY0PgBDqFDpDpwGUdX-KbVBj5rStTc_xZ3CKg6OJmuqUFqZbaV-EYAYvid4oXZsOOiL0DTaCXMEKo0jqyRB1_GAvjn75iRKk/s1600/bridge-316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1xGstoQLx5g5EiFwE3JcJmvZiMZiWC3g6bAu80GO9KyWY0PgBDqFDpDpwGUdX-KbVBj5rStTc_xZ3CKg6OJmuqUFqZbaV-EYAYvid4oXZsOOiL0DTaCXMEKo0jqyRB1_GAvjn75iRKk/s320/bridge-316.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;">Come ahead to serve our nation so that history will bear witness that the youth and people of Pakistan didn’t sit back fighting amongst themselves when they were needed most. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remember patriotism isn’t only about singing national songs, waving a flag on the 14<sup>th</sup> of august and making emotional speeches. Patriotism is simply loyalty to your country; there is no gauge to measure it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your country comes before all your social divides. It is patriotism when you keep the crumpled gum wrapper in your pocket rather than throwing it on the road while travelling, or when you give your savings, time and love for those who need it more than you do. Becasue,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your country needs you. Your people need you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-14973917313173787592010-08-02T15:22:00.001+05:002010-08-06T17:40:50.389+05:00Beauty is in the Eyes of Beholder!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlTldkX2QW95jU2Lvs91E81-0cLB_t2YV-yrFz9pgz5NVhfPE1IMD8AgfuLwpBNA-jd1T2CBBblx0_awtowk9ZO_5VKL3unVrxVtS2AMZfHBx4IA5KBWSghIsS3JpWIiRO6LaZmxBdp4/s1600/pebbles-on-beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlTldkX2QW95jU2Lvs91E81-0cLB_t2YV-yrFz9pgz5NVhfPE1IMD8AgfuLwpBNA-jd1T2CBBblx0_awtowk9ZO_5VKL3unVrxVtS2AMZfHBx4IA5KBWSghIsS3JpWIiRO6LaZmxBdp4/s320/pebbles-on-beach.jpg" /></a></div><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CTECHLO%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link> <m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent><style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span lang="EN-GB">I simply love walking at the shore. I love the waves as they fall back touching my bare feet, the calm of the shore, the song the wind plays along with the sea, the endless blue sea stretching from left to right, the soft wet sand more beautiful and softer than any carpet hands could ever weave, looking back at the footprints that I left in my wake, watching them being swept away or fade by the waves. All of It soothes my soul, my mind and always gives me a lot to think about (well I said sooth not rest ;))</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I also love collecting pebbles and shells that interest me during these walks, shells because they are pretty and pebbles... Well it all began when I spotted a beautifully round, smoothed pebble on one of these walks, it was a hue of different colours - blue, brown, white- all blended artistically with so much beauty that I couldn’t help marvelling at the grace of almighty and pocketed it up.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"> Yesterday was no exception. I gathered as many pebbles and shells as my hands could carry before leaving the shore. On my way back as I looked at the pebbles, smoothed and curved by the ageless waves that keeps washing the shore, pebbles of all colours (yellowish brown, greenish blue, a marble textured one maroon, a dim purplish and all sorts!) and shapes, I couldn’t help wondering why is a stone portrayed only as a symbol of cold heartedness, selfishness, difficulty and misery in poetry and literature.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Why a poet compares the heart of an uncaring sweetheart to a stone, why it’s said that all a person have gathered in their lap are stones, when talking about the hard share of fate. I agree stones are hurtled at someone to cause pain but we overlook the action of the person in causing pain and characterize the stone with pain.... stone might be hard but it’s beautiful as well, stone might look ugly and cold but in it home many of creatures of land and water, to moss and fungi and much more. Rocks and stones also live with time as does the trees and the seas. When a sea can be beautiful and lovely in spite of being ruthless, I feel a stone has every right to be so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I'm not advocating the cause of stones and pebbles here;) I am merely comparing our perception of stones with our attitude towards people we met and see. How prejudices of color, cast ,creed and appearances makes difference in our thinking. We are reluctant to befriend a simple person, a quite or shy fellow, or a person observing different religion. How easily we tend to neglect those who fail our glittering criteria of cool friends and company or how we don't feel the need to make friends at all, or sometimes we only socialize for incentives.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We </span><span lang="EN-GB">judge and evaluate people on their outlook</span><span lang="EN-GB"> and don't bother </span><span lang="EN-GB"> look into the person, the heart and soul</span><span lang="EN-GB"> behind the cover . And in doing so, we sometimes miss the beautiful people, some true and everlasting friendships and relationships we could have earned rather than gathering fake jewels that fade with time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">So I think it all comes to your love of nature, how you look at it. And I thank God for helping me stay away from this shell of prejudice we have cast around our minds....</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Because its not wrong when we say that "Beauty is in the eyes of beholder". </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Shakespere must have thought the same</span><span lang="EN-GB"> when he said in </span><span lang="EN-GB">Love's Labours Lost :</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Good Lord Boyet, my beauty, though but mean,<br />
Needs not the painted flourish of your praise:<br />
Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye,<br />
Not utter'd by base sale of chapmen's tongues<span lang="EN-GB"></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-48172431491959460852010-08-01T13:00:00.000+05:002010-08-04T13:01:45.724+05:00Margalla Crash -- A tragic injury28th July 2010 was the day when the deadliest air disaster of the nation became inevitable. The Margalla plane crash brought tears to many eyes and grieved many hearts across the nation.<br />
I was at office when I heard the news from a colleague of mine. I hurriedly connected to a local news website to check the news myself.<br />
What I learned was no good, it was shocking! It was all flames, smoke, fog and wreckage.<br />
<br />
It only was a month ago that my father went to Islamabad with my sister. It was the same ill fated plane ED202 that they boarded, unaware that shortly they were going to hear about the terrible loss of 152 lives in the crash! The pilot and some of the crew were also the same they had during their flight. My father was ill when he went to Islamabad. The crew was very helpful and caring, they took all possible measure to ensure that his journey should be a comfortable one. We all felt deeply for the tragic loss, for the loss of all those who cared and were cared for.<br />
<br />
All the news channels were debating probable causes of the crash. Boasting that they were the first to give a full coverage. Allowing rumors and speculations to spread. Causing hope to burn by saying that there are survivors left and extinguishing it the next moment. Please stop humiliating ourselves as a nation further, rise from the stooping fall we are going to land in. Stop the race for brand for once and mourn and help those in suffering rather than wasting resources making 3D videos showing the crash. The need is not to place the blame but to put balm on the burning scars of those who've lost their everything in these catastrophes.<br />
<br />
In all this time if I find something commendable, it was the unwavering spirit and support and help the locals gave to the rescue teams throughout their operation. We are proud of you all who rushed to aid the victims and extended their help. God bless you.<br />
<br />
May the souls of the departed rest in peace for eternity and their loved ones have the strength to bear the loss and carry on. Ameen.Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-76623177480031322122010-07-21T18:05:00.000+05:002010-07-22T10:16:00.968+05:00Haste Makes Waste!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8J8Kp9-66ofN2BbBfE7bytejunLHxkRW3B2EnYoZaQm6HCqU_SVH3ePejjbRvbOezQ9zwcd6QR7Aq3U0tCIN6S-q7kUiDhFfiYQu929iJdT6SxwQmc-ycFKTPfHTjaI7bP75poWSKvs/s1600/SPM_A0326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8J8Kp9-66ofN2BbBfE7bytejunLHxkRW3B2EnYoZaQm6HCqU_SVH3ePejjbRvbOezQ9zwcd6QR7Aq3U0tCIN6S-q7kUiDhFfiYQu929iJdT6SxwQmc-ycFKTPfHTjaI7bP75poWSKvs/s320/SPM_A0326.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"></span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes in haste we tend to make ridiculous mistakes, a similar thing happened to me today.( Well actually they do happen often with me...)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have resolved an issue that was reported to me yesterday and was mailing the client so that they can verify and check it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Before mailing the client I tried to call the IT person there, to discuss a few details regarding the resolution.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After several tries with the numbers I was successfully transferred to the operator. With a lot of difficulty I made the operator understand the extension and the person I wanted to talk to, when he finally understood me, he transferred my call to the required extension. I was glad that at last its over and pulled my notebook towards me to note down any important point that may come along during the call.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But I was wrong in thinking that my trial was over, there was yet more to happen!</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After waiting a long time for someone to pick up the call, I was going to hang it up when finally a curt male voice came through the receiver, "Hello Sir". I thought maybe he might be expecting someone else and asked for the desired person. Without reply my call was transferred again. (I thought may be the operator didn't got the ext. after all and hoped that I'll reach my client this time, I was beginning to get impatient).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Again I had to wait patiently for a long time and when my patience was going to break off (with a loud snap) I heard the same curt voice again, "Hello Sir" (phew not again!).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I gave my name and was stating why I had called but before I could finish, he head me off by saying in an irritated tone, "Tut! Aik mint!" (Tut! One minute).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I felt simply outrageous! I was the one who's call was being transferred here and there and this man was getting annoyed at me!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In about two to three secs (instead of the "Aik mint") I heard a recording in a cool voice ...."Sorry but we are not available this time. Please record your name and message after the beep so that we can contact you. Thank you." (Ah 'that' was the right extension in the end!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I grudgingly recorded my message and put down the receiver with a clank( read it loud CLANK!) and started typing an email. what i wrote in my hurry was,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>" ....As per your query I have changed the status of Receipts # 123-456 to Success...."</i>(I gave a few more details here they aren't relevant for you :)). <i><br />
<br />
I was trying to reach you through land line a little while ago but your ext. was unavailable. Please check and verify them and let me know."</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Did you noticed?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I added the last sentence at the wrong place! Instead of asking the client to verify the resolution, i asked them to verify their land line and let me know!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Gosh! What a big blunder I made! I kept fuming quite some time (at myself of course) and when I cooled down I pinned a message on my cubicle's soft board to remind and refrain me from getting in haste unnecessarily. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Are you a victim of "<i>Hastiness</i>" as well.....? Because hastiness ain't good. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Well I know my clients aren't because as expected I haven't received any reply yet. Oh, I hope they aren't checking and verifying their Telephone System!! Phew! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Anyways catch you later till then <i>Adios</i>!</span>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-15376159472031020092010-06-18T17:31:00.000+05:002010-07-22T10:17:06.726+05:00Lean on Me...<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtC8Hyw7otgZbPAd4cE0p1aXabQyhKF4pm4P-zbfMmxLo8VoZjprLJ9qbHNa18Xzf0ayjpxPv_c9QYDkjcXcMgMG-hNQrk57Z2gW4dr6SGCHb5K2DXcNDpB5uAAy_wpMio5GQdGEL45I/s1600/friendship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtC8Hyw7otgZbPAd4cE0p1aXabQyhKF4pm4P-zbfMmxLo8VoZjprLJ9qbHNa18Xzf0ayjpxPv_c9QYDkjcXcMgMG-hNQrk57Z2gW4dr6SGCHb5K2DXcNDpB5uAAy_wpMio5GQdGEL45I/s320/friendship.jpg" /></a></div>This is one of my favorite songs from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bolton">Micheal Bolton</a>, its called "Lean On Me". i feel so much like sharing it today. I dedicate it to all my friends, on whom I've leaned on and for whom I am always here!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here it goes...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes in our lives </div><div style="text-align: center;">We all have pain</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all have sorrow</div><div style="text-align: center;">But if we are wise</div><div style="text-align: center;">We know that there's </div><div style="text-align: center;">Always tomorrow...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lean on me, </div><div style="text-align: center;">when you're not strong I'll be your friend</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll help you carry on</div><div style="text-align: center;">For, it won't be long</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Til I'm gonna need</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somebody to lean on</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please swallow your pride</div><div style="text-align: center;">If I have things you need to borrow</div><div style="text-align: center;">For, no one can fill those of your needs</div><div style="text-align: center;">That you won't let show..<br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So just call on me brother, when you need a hand</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all need somebody to lean on</div><div style="text-align: center;">I just might have a problem that you'd understand</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all need somebody to lean on</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lean on me, when you're not strong</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be your friend</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll help you carry on</div><div style="text-align: center;">For, it won't be long</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Til I'm gonna need</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somebody to lean on</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So just call on me brother, when you need a hand</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all need somebody to lean on</div><div style="text-align: center;">I just might have a problem that you'd understand</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all need somebody to lean on</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If there is a load you have to bear</div><div style="text-align: center;">That you can't carry on</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm right up the road</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll share your load</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you just call me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Call me, call me call me...</div><div style="text-align: center;">if you need a friend</div><div style="text-align: center;">Call me, call me call me...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lean on me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When you're not strong</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on</div><div style="text-align: center;">For, it won't be long</div><div style="text-align: center;">Till I'm gonna need</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somebody to lean on</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lean no, Oh yeah, Lean on me... </div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4892083356202377204.post-33706025469910152942010-06-01T16:09:00.000+05:002010-07-22T10:21:26.613+05:00Of Dreams, Love and Sacrifice...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s-TAJD0j_nQzJf7R1rft4OFzzNWNANqIhFhgrLMkWFgjMVWBoUNscgA5pRIdcL1v_IjzNFun1FXk18fCyD4RY8LlI-_ocDaH64cUJ9AN73Adf7nNUa2aE6T0uAdbIjwCBN-ETX3qbn0/s1600/dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s-TAJD0j_nQzJf7R1rft4OFzzNWNANqIhFhgrLMkWFgjMVWBoUNscgA5pRIdcL1v_IjzNFun1FXk18fCyD4RY8LlI-_ocDaH64cUJ9AN73Adf7nNUa2aE6T0uAdbIjwCBN-ETX3qbn0/s400/dawn.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>Some time ago a friend share a <a href="http://paulocoelhoblog.com/2010/04/25/10-sec-read-angels-talk-en-pt-es-fr/">story</a> on Facebook from Paulo Coelho's blog about a dream of a traveler.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Abd Mubarak was on his way to Mecca. One night he dreamt a conversation between two angles, that goes as follows....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">" <b><i>“How many pilgrims came to the holy city this year?” one of them asked.<br />
“Six hundred thousand”, answered the other.<br />
“And how many of them had their pilgrimage accepted?”<br />
“None of them. However, in Baghdad there is a shoemaker called Ali Mufiq who did not make the pilgrimage, but did have his pilgrimage accepted, and his graces benefited the 600,000 pilgrims”.<br />
When he woke up, Abd Mubarak went to Mufiq’s shoe shop and told him his dream.<a name='more'></a><br />
“At great cost and much sacrifice, I finally managed to get 350 coins together”, the shoemaker said in tears. “But then, when I was ready t</i></b><b><i>o go to Mecca I discovered that my neighbors were hungry, so I distributed the money among them and gave up my pilgrimage”</i></b>."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hajj the most sacred pilgrim in Islam, the journey to the Land of Mecca to Visit the Holy and most Sacred house of Allah, a burning and cherished passion in the hearts of its followers. Mufiq gave up this dream, this burning desire, to help his starving neighbours, his brethern in Islam!<br />
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What we learn from Mufiq's story is....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Its the <i>intention </i>behind every act that matters most to God, the purpose of our prayes is to please God and gain His blessings...<br />
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God is everywhere around us, to have His eternal love and blessings we have to look around ourselves first, rather than seeking far away, as the saying goes,<i> "your treasure is where your home is..." </i><br />
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And last of all, <i>Sacrifice</i>. Sacrificing our dreams and passions for a greater cause never goes unrewarded, its not only the satisfaction of doing the right thing, but also the firm believe and faith that this sacrifice will never go wasted, because of the purity of heart with which it was rendered!<br />
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</div>Ayesha Khalidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04682165500674640146noreply@blogger.com2