Banday Abid Shafi Misbahi
Lockdown following the outbreak of Pandemic COVID-19 has badly affected the life of a common man. The whole universe is following the lockdown guidelines issued by respective Governments, because it is the only way to break the chain of spread. The graph of positive cases continue to rise with each passing day, and has crossed 2 Million mark worldwide which is worrisome. Many countries are facing economic crises and it is expected that there will be huge economic crises throughout the globe post COVID-19. As of now when the whole world is under strict curfew, the life of a common man is witnessing the harsh days .There are thousands of people who die because of starvation and lack of medical facilities worldwide. During this lockdown when there is no access to external market places the poor people who were daily workers are suffering badly and passing through crucial stage. They don’t have bread and butter to feed their children, they don’t have essential medicines to treat the chronic patients. At this stage there is a dire need of Charity and doing well for these unserved people. The people who have been blessed by Almighty Allah in terms of money and power should come forward for this noble mission and should take each and every possible step to reach out to these family who need our assistance. Humble, modest and loving, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was known for his generosity. As ‘the most generous of all the people…’ (Bukhari), the Prophet (SAW) continuously encouraged his followers to help others, calling upon Muslims to support their families, neighbours, communities and the wider ummah. Emphasising the importance of charity, the Prophet (saw) said: ‘Generosity is near to Allah, near to Paradise, near to the people, and far from the Hellfire…’ (Tirmidhi).
A little help with a little smile gives meaning to human life.
To become closer to Allah (SWT), we look to Prophet Muhammad (saw) as a guide, teacher and example of what a good Muslim should be. So, on our path towards Allah, let us look at the final Messenger of Allah for inspiration on how to help our brothers and sisters in need worldwide. If we go through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW, the charity should be given should given clandestinely “Ek hath se do ar dusry hath ko pata na chaly”. But this noble cause of charity has succumbed to selfies. Now people are helping needy and poor just to show case their contribution lacking sincerity, and love towards their work. The selfies have ruined the very noble cause of Charity and Donation nowadays. Now the time has come when there are number of people who are ready to help and support these downtrodden people but the scare of selfies have caused a gap between these two sects. The needy people get afraid of accepting anything from these NGOs, Social Activists or Civil Society workers because of these photo shoots and posting these pictures on social media platforms. The need of the hour is that we refrain from these foolish practices and understand the real aim of Helping Poor and Needy people in these crucial times. May Almighty Allah protect us all from these Pandemics and bless all with happy and prosperous life. May Almighty Allah alleviate our sufferings and forgive our sins. Aameen!
Maligning the Institution of Marriage: let’s Focus on Positives
I have witnessed some agonizing tales of marriage for the last few days. There is this group on a social media platform with around 30,000 female members. They share their agonies, seek some suggestions and vent out their frustration. It is painful to see women suffering and facing suffocation, torture and deceit. What concerns me is the amount of distrust and fear that has crept in the institution of marriage and maligned its basic essence. It is very painful to live a life of hatred, oblivion, criticism and deceit. Unfortunately this is an ugly reality of the society we live in. Everyday suggestions are seeked by ladies on that platform to make their husbands, relatives and kids happy and still fear is looming large in their lives. My inexperienced eye devours the destiny of these ladies in gulps and leaves me shattered. Who is to be blamed? Who is at fault? The answers to all these questions are confusing at times. This may come as a shock, but happiness is not the only ingredient for successful marriage, respect is. In a marriage, realizing the value of your spouse is pivotal, going into the details of the likes and dislikes of a partner is what helps marriages survive the test of time. We do not get to choose our parents or siblings but spouses we do. While choosing a person, the most important thing that has to be kept in the mind is the compatibility. Marriage is a pious relationship that gives new dimension to our existence. There are some core values that have to be kept in mind while you tie the nuptial knot; the most important thing is always put your partner first, regardless of all the negativities, tiffs, trials and tribulation, your partner should be your go to person, your closest ally and your greatest companion. Barnett R. Brickner has rightly pointed that “success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but being the right mate”.
A dependent relationship is not a healthy one, you can have different tastes, dreams and aspirations and still be a perfect pair, the rule is to respect the space of your partner and support him for the same.
I understand it is difficult to live with a person of mean mentality and mercurial temper, but we are humans, the most civilized race on earth, when we can tame wild animals why not humans? No one is perfect, every person has his share of shortcomings and flaws, but in marriage we agree to disagree and focus on the positives rather than the negatives. Patience and forgiveness is what keeps the spark alive in an otherwise crumbling relationship. Successful marriages are built on the edifice of unending patience and forgiveness not to forget loyalty. One of the most common reasons for divorce apart from infidelity is lack of individual equality. A dependent relationship is not a healthy one, you can have different tastes, dreams and aspirations and still be a perfect pair, the rule is to respect the space of your partner and support him for the same. Instead of blaming, complaining, punishing or nagging your significant other, you should talk, share, discuss and deliberate on the issues that are otherwise sweeped under the carpet and building up the negativity in our lives. You cannot set unrealistic expectations and wait for your partner to fulfill them, this is sheer stupidity, being a prudent woman you should respect his finances and set realistic demands that are easily met by him.
( The is Nursing Research Scholar. Views are his own, [email protected])