Sarfraz Hussain Naqvi says...

CHAPTER ONE

POINTS FOR CONTEMPLATION AT A GLANCE

SECTION ONE

PRAISE BE TO ALLAH

1. These eighteen verses (1:2; 6:1-3; 18:1-2; 28:70; 29:63; 31:25; 34:1-2; 35:1-2; 37:180-182; 45:36-37 and 64:1) contained in 11 Surahs of the Qur’an communicate that all praise is for Allah All Mighty as:-

a. He (s.w.t) is the loving and caring supporter of all the worlds including their constituents.

b. He (s.w.t) created the heavens and the earth out of nothing and adds to the creation as He (s.w.t) pleases.

c. He (s.w.t) initiated creation of the humans from clay, has allowed a fixed term for them in this world and is going to have another sure term for all of them in the life hereafter.

d. He (s.w.t) is the Most Merciful, the Oft-Forgiving.

e. He (s.w.t) sends down rain, gives life and is The Maker of the darkness and the light.

f. He (s.w.t) revealed the Qur’an containing plain warning of terrible punishment to the evildoers and giving glad tidings to those who do good.

g. He (s.w.t) is the Lord of Honour and Power.

h. Praise and Glory is His (s.w.t) domain.

i. He (s.w.t) owns all that is in the heavens and on the earth.

j. He (s.w.t) is The All Mighty Allah in the heavens and on the earth, Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom and knowing everything.

k. He (s.w.t) has the knowledge of all that the humans hide/reveal and earn through their deeds.

l. He (s.w.t) made the angels as His (s.w.t) message bearers and allowed them enormous power to move around.

2. Contemplation on the above quoted verses and the above mentioned 12 conclusions does suggest to every thinking reader that there has to be no doubt about our Creator Lord’s power and mercy.

3. Verses 6:42-45 communicate History of the past nations that bears witness to the fact that Allah (s.w.t) made them suffer and then also enjoy His (s.w.t) gifts. The object of afflicting humans with sufferings and adversity was (and is) to make them learn humbleness so that their hearts soften to the teachings of their Creator Lord and they learn to be affectionate to others. By doing so they would not only avoid their losses in this world but also become eligible for the rewards in the life hereafter. These verses further elaborate that those who do not pay attention to the warnings of good behaviour and better conduct conveyed to them by All Mighty Allah’s messengers (p.b.u.t) are, sometimes, provided in abundance and then left to enjoy the good things of this world for a short span of time. Such people are ultimately taken to account for their misdoings ensuring their complete annihilation. This should explain to the logical thinkers the object of leading life in this world with all the restraints and restrictions imposed by their Creator Lord. It is worth pondering that, in effect, these restraints and restrictions are for the good of all humans residing on this globe. These considerations do motivate a fair thinker to praise Allah All Mighty.

4. These six verses, (7:42-43; 10:9-10 and 35:34-35) spread in three different chapters of the Qur’an, elaborate the ultimate state of living a goodly rewarded life in the world hereafter. Those believers that performed righteous deeds in this life will surely be made to reside in the gardens with rivers flowing underneath. They will dwell therein forever. Peace will be their greeting over there. Allah (s.w.t) will remove from their hearts any sense of injury and sorrow owing to anything in their life in the earthly world. It is such people who will utter “Glory to Thee” and “Praise be to Allah (s.w.t)”.

5. Verses (14:39; 23:28 and 27:15) communicate that it is a way of the messengers (p.b.u.t) of Allah All Mighty to say “Praise is to Allah” on learning that their prayers have been granted, on being bestowed knowledge and on having been saved from the people who do wrong. Following them we need to pursue this practice in our life in order to be eligible for His (s.w.t) rewards not only in this world but also in the life hereafter. All this should serve as a guide to lead a successful life in this world. According to these the central theme of our lives in this world should be acquiring knowledge, remaining in constant touch with our Creator Lord and undertaking measures and manoeuvres to ensure safety especially from the wrong doers.

6. Verses (16:75 and 39:29) are teaching the importance of independence of thought and action. This further guide to be subservient only to our Creator Lord. This is essential to lead a successful life in this world and have a rewarding living in the life hereafter. Those belonging entirely to one master and bestowed with All Mighty Allah’s favours, enjoying the advantage of spending openly and also secretly out of that their Lord has given them, commit to saying “Praise be to Allah [s.w.t]”.

7. Verses (17:111; 27:59 and 93) communicate that those who understand the glorious greatness of Allah (s.w.t) say, “Praise is to Allah [s.w.t]”. This is a result of performing good deeds, disassociating from the false gods and ciphering various incidents including learning from all that is spread around us in this universe. Servants of Allah All Mighty follow His (s.w.t) messengers (p.b.u.t), remain careful in their day to day activities and constantly learn through careful observation of what happens around them.

8. These three Verses (39:74-75 and 40:65) let us know that prayers to Allah [s.w.t] begin with His (s.w.t) Praise. Those who perform good deeds are rewarded in the life hereafter with the living in the Gardens. They along with the angels surrounding the Throne will repeat “Praise is to Allah [s.w.t]”. “Praise is to Allah [s.w.t]” is a melodious uttering by the successful servants of Allah (s.w.t).

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SUMMARY

“Praise is to Allah [s.w.t]”

Allah (s.w.t) is the creator, the all powerful, the cherisher and sustainer of the worlds. He (s.w.t) fulfils all requirements of His (s.w.t) creation. Angels are His (s.w.t) agents with enormous power to move around.

“Praise is to Allah [s.w.t]” is a melodious uttering of His (s.w.t) servants. They followed His (s.w.t) messengers (p.b.u.t), remained careful in their day to day activities and constantly learnt through watchful observation of what was happening around them. Independence of thought and action with total subservience to the Creator Lord was their usual behaviour. They stand rewarded a permanent life in the heavens with no sense of injury and sorrow owing to anything that they encountered in the earthly world.

Spending in His (s.w.t) cause, acquiring knowledge, remaining in constant touch with their Creator Lord and undertaking measures and manoeuvres to ensure safety especially from the wrong doers was a central theme of their lives in this world. Humbleness was their hallmark and they spent their entire life within the prescribed bounds performing righteous deeds.

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1. These verses (17:49-53) of Surah Al-Israa mention the viewpoint of non believers in quite some detail about life after death. Their doubts about rebirth and return to the Creator Lord in order to account for all their doings are elaborated and well answered. On the Day of Judgment, Allah All Mighty will summon all human beings and each one will answer the call praising Him (s.w.t) even if it had turned in to stones or iron or anything harder than that.

2. Creating and then working actively for spreading dissensions among humans is the most favourite way of Satan. Employing this methodology he aims at putting the people on the route of doing wrong. In order to avoid this trap of our declared enemy, we must always communicate with the fellow humans in the best possible manner and using the most befitting words. It will ensure that there is no room left for dissenting aiming at creating divisions. 3. These verses inspire the human mind for studying fossil world. This study is the doorway to new avenues of learning about life and living in the past.

THE QURA’NIC INTRODUCTION

THE QUR’AN

1. The Qur’an is an expression from the Lord of the Worlds containing confirmation and clarification of the revelation to earlier prophets. This type of work is just not possible by anyone other than Almighty Allah. With the knowledge contained in the Qur’an one can work miracles like moving the mountains; splitting apart the earth and making the dead speak. It must, however be remembered that Command of everything is with Almighty Allah. It should also be ensured that before one begins to study the Qur’an one prays for protection of Almighty Allah from Satan the Rejected. Readers are advised to go through this book (the Qur’an) with care and remember that it has no inconsistency like other works that either becomes redundant with the passage of time or a number of divergences surface. Recitation and reading of the Qur’an deserves complete attention in order to grasp its message. This would earn the readers and the listeners’ compassion from their Creator Lord.

2. Believers know that guidance is not forced on the people. Rather it is for those who desire to be guided. It is certainly not for those who stick to their belief based on untruth. These people will however not face immediate disaster for their ill conduct because the Creator Lord has promised a fair chance to everyone to prove their guilt or otherwise. The guidance contained in the Qur’an is of utmost perfection and the recipient performs excellent deeds based on piety. Superb reward awaits such a person.

3. The subject matter of the Qur’an is compassionately curative but the unreasonable earn compounded loss. The Qur’an explains its subject matter in varied manner with the sole aim of cautioning its readers. However the haughty ones only learn derisive and divisive lessons. Like of the Qur’an cannot be created even by the combined efforts of the entire lot of humans and jinns. It contains explanation in the best manner of all that a human needs to know to be a human; even so, ironically, it is not accepted by a large portion of mankind.

4. The Qur’an elucidates most of the issues that are a bone of contention amongst the children of Israel and the other people. Surely it is a sympathetic guide for its believers. It contains every kind of parable but those who do not believe in the signs of Almighty Allah invariably term His messengers as tricksters. Those who do not possess knowledge and are devoid of understanding behave as if their hearts are sealed. The Qur’an is a consistent lecture in the most eloquent Arabic language. It gives Allah’s word of reward to the God fearing having softened hearts. It also threatens of ultimate dire punishment to those who ignore its teachings. Verses of the Qur’an revealed by Allah Almighty are explained in detail in the Book. These are exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad [p.b.u.h] and contain good news and also warning for the people that understand. However, it is a fact that majority of the people turn away from it as if they have heard nothing.

5. A company of Jinns listened silently to the Qur’an being recited by Prophet Muhammad [p.b.u.h] and on returning to their people told them that they have heard from a Book revealed after Prophet Moses [p.b.u.h] that confirms earlier revelations and guides to the Truth and a Straight Path. They further told their people to hear the Prophet keenly and believe in him as he invites to Almighty Allah. They assured them of forgiveness of their slipups and deliverance from dreadful consequence. The Qur’an is easy to understand and remember, therefore, its recipients should comprehend the warnings and mend their lives accordingly. But why is it that the people do not seriously look for understanding the Qur’an? Is it that they have locked up their hearts? Almighty Allah knows what such people say. The job of the Prophet is to caution only those who are prepared to fear His Warning. The Qur’an contains such knowledge that can humble even the mountains crumbling owing to the fear of Almighty Allah. He desires that the readers of the Qur’an ponder over the stories mentioned in it so that they may learn to be unassuming and replicating its teachings in their lives.

ALMIGHTY ALLAH

SUMMARY

(Al-Baqarah)

1. Allah is the Creator of all humans and He arranges for living of every one on this planet. In return, humans are only required to be righteous and set up no rival (s) with Him after having known the truth. 2:21-22

2. Allah’s Signs are spread around in the universe and humans are required to use their intellect and understand the marvels of their Creator. In so doing, they must shun speculation suiting their ill desires. Instead, they must give way in their lives to learning and accomplishment in the scenario that Almighty Allah knows all that they do. 2:72-78

3. Allah has provided all the means of Guidance to all including those who reject the Truth having comprehended the same and indulge in ill doings. Such people are well known to Allah and He declares them as His enemy. 2:91-98

4. Rejection of truth and embracing infidelity by the wrongdoers has some chances of correction employing rationale and call to common sense backed by the best conduct and exemplary behaviour. Corrective mechanism, in contrast to this, is futile. 2:91-98

5. All good is from Allah who has power over all things. The Righteous humans can possibly have NO patron or helper besides Him. His rule is noticeable in the heavens and on the earth to all sensible. 2:105-107

6. Allah will decide the fate of all those people on the Day of Judgment that endeavour to attain supremacy over other humans through self-coined ideas and self-centered actions. The oppressors and the oppressed ones are free for action until then. 2:113

7. For worship, all directions belong to Allah. He can be found whenever and where ever one turns to Him. Places of Allah’s worship are not worthy of occupation by such persons or groups that work for their persons in defiance of their Creator’s desire. In this are a direction of action and a message of struggle for all those that are walking the right path. 2:114-117

8. Allah’s Signs have been made amply clear by His messengers and perfectly demonstrated by the Last of the prophets Muhammad [PBUH]. Believers are only required to follow firmly these teachings to earn the Favours and Blessings of Allah Almighty. 2:118-121

9. Followers of Muhammad [PBUH] must bear in mind that their actions are to be witnessed before Allah by the Prophet and that they are required to work as a justly balanced nation for the rest of the world. The guiding formula of dealing with all other humans should be based on kindness and mercy of the highest order. 2:143

10. Final destination of each individual and of each nation is at Allah’s Will and Mercy based on the good deeds undertaken individually and collectively. It must be remembered that the good deeds have the inherent strength to unite them all irrespective of the colour, cast or creed and the place they belong to. Turning towards the central authority in all walks of human life i.e. the system espoused by Allah through His messengers that is symbolized by the Sacred Mosque, has the potential of settling all disputes amongst humans and ensuring complete favours from Allah with the Divine Guidance except for those that are bent on wickedness. 2:148-150

11. Allah’s Blessings, His Mercy and the Guidance are for those who take to action with patient perseverance collectively and do not hesitate from sacrificing what all they possess including their lives. 2:153-157

12. Doing more than the minimum required in matters of prescribed good will earn no sin in case it is recognized by Allah but concealing something out of that will surely be rewarded by His curse and the curse of those that are entitled to curse. Exception to this rule, in the scenario of His being Oft Returning and Most Merciful, is only for those that repent, make amends and openly declare the Truth. 2:158-160

13. A bird’s eye view of the universe and a cursory glance of the systems operating therein only suggest and prove that all bow to none but Allah Almighty. Those who do not follow this could only be waiting to see for their selves the strong enforcement of the stern Punishment from their Creator Lord. 2:164-165

14. There exists a possibility that Allah will forgive our transgressing the bounds set by Him in the sphere of human sustenance and survival depending on our intentions and the circumstances we are in at that particular moment. But there can be and there is NO way out in case of willful, bold and constant defiance of His Commands. In such eventuality ultimate ruin and utter humiliation is the only lot of all those that aim at split amongst the believers through seeking dispute in the Book. 2:173-176

15. To be the people of truth and the God-fearing implies that you be true to Allah and His creation including yourself in all matters and under all conditions. All religious rituals must be supported by the true faith that encourages spending all that one has for the other humans. 2:177

16. Allah Almighty requires of the God-fearing to make a gift to parents and next of kin, according to the reasonable practice, in the goods left behind at the time of death. This aspect is to be looked in to through a will by the deceased itself and by those who survive the deceased ensuring that none of the heirs is unduly harmed. 2:180-182

17. Glorifying Allah’s name, being grateful to Him, seeking guidance and learning judgment can all be attained through Fasting during the month of Ramadan and understanding the Qur’an. 2:185

18. Allah has defined limits for the believers in all matters of their life that must be respected and obeyed earnestly to become skilled at self-restraint. 2:187

19. Allah has created this universe including the heavenly bodies (like the moon) to serve the humans. He has also ordained the right rules of conduct to be followed within and amongst all humans and in all walks of their lives including the religious rituals like the pilgrimage only to facilitate their peaceful and purposeful living. Failing that, a strict punishment awaits the culprits and the wrongdoers not only in this world but also in the life hereafter. 2:189-196

20. Allah aims at peace and good conduct by all humans so that they are able to earn good in this world and in the Hereafter in the scenario of forgiveness and mercy. Those that get involved in crime owing to egotism will, however be rewarded with the stringent punishment. 2:197-211

21. Life of this world is a temporary but trial phase wherein Allah has arranged for guidance to the Truth and the Straight Path through the revealed scriptures and the personal example of His Messengers. Human share in the worldly gains and the guidance is directly proportional to the earnest efforts that they put in to acquire them. In this whole scenario, Allah knows and helps such of His devotees that care to seek His help and keep spending for the parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers from whatever good they have. 2:212-215

22. Allah ordains to resort to killing for putting an end to turmoil and oppression, in the scenario of power and wisdom. Equally important are to observe righteousness, abstain from wine and gambling and keep spending for the unprivileged from what is beyond your needs in the setting of love and affection for all. 2:216-220

23. Belief in Allah must form the basis for marriage and other enduring bonds amongst all humans. Connubial relations between husband and wife should be in the scenario of hygiene and purity aiming at Allah’s love. 2:221-223.

24. In the fields of doing well to others, acting rightly and making peace between persons, (even) Allah’s name should not come in your way. Your operations in these fields must cater for the scenario that Allah Almighty hears all, knows all, and is Oft-Forgiving and Most Forbearing. 2:224-225

25. Fear of Allah, belief in the Last Day, complete mutual information and the power or authority employed with wisdom in the scenario forgiveness and mercy must form the basis of relations between husband and wife. 2:226-233.

26. Matters concerning marriage and divorce are not to become a hurdle in respectable happy life instead these must be resolved in the scenario of honour and respect and forbearing and forgiveness with wisdom. Widows must have a respectable status in the society. 2:234-237

27. Allah’s worship, in the manner prescribed by Him and as taught and demonstrated by the Messenger, is a prelude to understanding His Signs and learning wisdom. Looking after widows and divorcees in a reasonable manner as ordained by Him is a duty of the righteous. 2:238-242

28. Allah gives Life and no human can run away from death. All should be grateful to Allah for this. Want or Plenty in the life are also from Him. Life and/or whatever else is spent by the humans in Allah’s Way are considered as a beautiful loan by Him that is promised to be returned multiplied many times. 2:243-245

29. It is only those that are appointed by Allah that should lead believers to fight against those that do not follow Allah’s Way rather reject the Truth and actively involve in spreading mischief on earth. Only those should be taken to fight that truly obey Allah’s appointee. 2:246-253

30. Allah’s authority extends constantly and consistently over the entire universe in the highest possible manner and being supreme in nature. In the scenario of Truth standing out clearly from Error one is free to follow the way of life that has been shown by Allah or the one promulgated by the Evil Ones. 2:255-259

31. It is the desire of our Creator that we earn with our physical and mental efforts only that is pure and then that too is spent along with that that we obtain from land (without our much physical and mental efforts) for earning 700 times reward to self and affording benefits to others as well. Spending in Allah’s Way must be undertaken for the entitled ones in the best possible manner. Not resorting to spending is an unseemly conduct and would result in poverty. Economists of today have a lesson in it. 2:261-274

32. Allah Almighty prohibits usury, permits doing business and encourages deeds of charity. 2:275-281

33. All transactions amongst believers must be based on Faith in Allah and those involving future obligations must be reduced to writing and witnessed as required by the law. 2:282-283

34. Every human is required to profess and perform belief in Allah, His angels, His Books and His Messengers. Humans are to account to their Almighty Creator Lord for what all they do and what all they think openly or secretly to qualify for His forgiveness or His punishment. They must resort to consistent remembrance of Allah and continuous praying to Him for His forgiveness, His Mercy and His protection against those who stand against Faith. 2:284-286

ALLAH ALMIGHTY

Following is the gist of the 149 Qura’nic verses of Al-Baqarah that help grasping the meanings and the understanding of ALLAH the personal name of our Creator Lord:-

Allah arranges living for all on this planet and is the Creator of all humans. Want or Plenty in the life are from Allah. He considers life and/or whatever else we spend in His Way as a beautiful loan promised with multiplied return. All religious rituals must be supported by the true faith that encourages spending all that one has for other humans. It is the desire of our Creator that we earn with our physical and mental efforts only that is pure and then spend that too for earning 700 times and more rewards. Spending in Allah’s Way must be undertaken for the entitled ones in the best possible manner while not spending is an unseemly conduct and would result in poverty. Human share in the worldly gains and the guidance is directly proportional to the earnest efforts that they put in to acquire them. In this scenario, Allah knows and helps such of His devotees that care to seek His help and keep spending for the parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for the wayfarers from whatever good they have. In the fields of doing well to others, acting rightly and making peace between persons, (even) Allah’s name should not come in your way. Your operations in these fields must cater for the scenario that Allah Almighty hears all, knows all, and is Oft-Forgiving and Most Forbearing. Equally important are to observe righteousness, abstain from wine and gambling and keep spending for the unprivileged from what is beyond our needs with love and affection for all. Economists of today have a lesson in it.

Allah has provided all the means of Guidance. His rule is noticeable in the heavens and on the earth to all sensible. Allah’s Blessings, His Mercy and the Guidance are for those who take to action with patient perseverance collectively and do not hesitate from sacrificing what all they possess including their lives. For worship, all directions belong to Allah. He is there whenever and where ever one turns to Him. All good is from Allah who has power over all things. The Righteous humans can possibly have NO patron or helper besides Him. Allah will decide the fate of all on the Day of Judgment and punish those that endeavour to attain supremacy over other humans through self-coined ideas and self-centered actions.

Allah’s worship, in the manner prescribed by Him and as taught and demonstrated by the Messenger, is a prelude to understanding His Signs and learning wisdom. Allah’s Signs are everywhere and humans are required to use their intellect to understand the marvels of their Creator. Allah’s Messengers have clarified and perfectly demonstrated His Signs. Believers are only required to follow firmly these teachings to earn the Favours and Blessings of Allah Almighty. Followers of Muhammad [PBUH] must bear in mind that the Prophet will witness their actions before Allah and that they are required to work in all walks of human life as a justly balanced nation for the rest of the world. The guiding formula of dealing with all other humans is the demonstrated display of benevolence. Final destination of each individual and of each nation is at Allah’s Will and Mercy based on the good deeds undertaken individually and collectively.

A bird’s eye view of the universe and a cursory glance of the systems operating therein suggest that all bow to Allah Almighty. Those who do not follow this could only be waiting for the strong enforcement of the stern Punishment from their Creator Lord. There is a possibility that Allah will forgive our transgressing the bounds set by Him in the sphere of human sustenance and survival depending on our intentions and the circumstances we are in at that particular moment. However, there is NO way out in case of willful, bold and constant defiance of His Commands. In such eventuality ultimate ruin and utter humiliation is awaiting those that aim at split amongst the believers.

Allah Almighty has defined limits in all matters of life that all must respect and obey earnestly to become skilled at self-restraint. He has created this universe to serve the humans. He has also ordained the right rules of conduct in all occupations to facilitate peaceful and purposeful living. Failing that, a strict punishment awaits the culprits not only in this world but also in the life hereafter. Allah aims at peace and good conduct by all humans so that they are able to earn good in the scenario of forgiveness and mercy. Those that get involved in crime owing to egotism will face the stringent punishment. Life of this world is a temporary but trial phase.

Belief in Allah must form the basis for marriage and other enduring bonds amongst all humans. Matrimonial relations between husband and wife should be in the scenario of hygiene and purity aiming at Allah’s love. Fear of Allah, belief in the Last Day, complete mutual information and the authority employed with wisdom in the scenario of forgiveness and mercy are the basis of good relations between husband and wife. Matters concerning marriage and divorce are not to become a hurdle in the respectable and happy life. These must be resolved in the scenario of honour and respect and forbearing and forgiveness with wisdom. Widows must have a respectable status in the society. Looking after widows and divorcees in a reasonable manner as ordained by Him is a duty of the righteous.

Allah’s authority extends constantly and consistently over the entire universe in the highest possible manner. In the scenario of Truth standing out clearly from Error one is free to follow the way of life that has been shown by Allah or the one promulgated by the Evil Ones. Every human is required to profess and perform belief in Allah, His angels, His Books and His Messengers. Humans are to account to their Almighty Creator Lord for what all they do and what all they think openly or secretly to qualify for His forgiveness or His punishment. They must resort to consistent remembrance of Allah and continuous praying to Him for His forgiveness, His Mercy and His protection against those who stand against Faith.

Allah gives life and humans cannot run away from death. Allah ordains killing of those that bring turmoil and perpetuate oppression on earth. Those appointed by Allah, should lead believers to fight against those that do not follow Allah’s

PERCEPTION AND REALITY

Truth enfolds a fact based on its legitimacy, precision, exactness, genuineness that makes it take the shape of certainty. It often surfaces as a reality that may not necessarily be accepted as such by the masses or those in authority owing to their myopic or distorted vision. Reality derives its veracity from such realism that is actually authentic and based on conviction. Illogical and arrogant people are often seen denying and at times making fun of it. Perception, however, is a view discerned through an observation or an opinion that has its roots embedded in just around the corner, in acuity and in sensitizes awareness. It may be noted that an extremely thin line distinguishes reality and truth from a perception and opinion. Majority is often seen swayed by perceptions as against truth and reality. Some say that within the human domain this world is operating mostly on perceptions while it is known that entire activities of the life hereafter would work (or do work) on truth and reality.

Human activities in this world are so intricate and intertwined that most of the times it becomes extremely difficult for a common person to discern reality from the fog of perception. The latter under these circumstances is consciously considered a reality and vehemently argued too about its veracity in accordance with the understanding of each person. In some cases misconstrued perceptions are formed because of vested interests mostly knowingly and sometimes even unknowingly. In such cases it is all the more difficult to see and to show the straight path. In yet another case people start following the advocates of perceptions out of sheer ignorance. It is a difficult situation and in such cases it becomes even more difficult when misplaced reverence for the proponents of perceptions also joins the scenario.

Different views of a reality or truth perceived by different people may work positively as long as positivity remains the desired objective. It enhances the understanding and opens further avenues of knowledge for the humanity. However, when negativity creeps in and/or becomes the sole objective then it only strengthens the perception based band wagon and also adds to the miseries and misfortunes of common human beings.

In the above circumstances a spokesperson and a reformer of truth and reality is more often distracted and often obstructed and dismayed by the followers of perceptions. His pious energies are eaten away and mostly blunted by this trend thus rendering the task so tough, very tedious and extremely tiresome that he is forced to miss his mark. This situation further helps the proponents of perceptions to boost their desires and the dangerous designs.

Availability and enormous use of the modern tools of mass communication by the perception mongers is compounding the odds of the seekers and followers of truth. It may be noted that in spreading their view point the vigor and vitality of the calmness of truth and its lovers has always been a shade lower than the jittery proponents of perceptions. Hence the humans have landed in the present state of affairs where major human effort is directed at pursuing the perception based belief as the only way out of moving forward.

Talking of truth and reality in a primarily perception based world seems ostensibly misplaced. However, correcting the misperceptions and introducing people to the truth and reality are ostensibly gigantic yet pursuable goals. It is surely not a onetime task but a continuing responsibility of all those who like and love truth and reality. Developing a mechanism that supports and preserves the gains of one generation is yet another trying task that must seek due priority lest we keep taking fresh starts with every new generation and thus end up at square one after regular intervals of human history.

Resolving the delicate crises at hand are possible only through concerted efforts of spreading the truth based knowledge and information extensively and thus kindling the dormant flame of true wisdom in masses. It must be done in the simplest language. This process has to go on unchecked and with fresh vigor on every ostensible success of perception mongers. Reality lovers have to unite both in thought and action to thwart the evil designs of those working for evil perceptions. The success is destined to be of truth howsoever difficult it may appear because it is reality while the perception mongers are doomed to ultimate despair as they follow what is unreal.

Lt Col Sarfraz Hussain (TIM)

REDOING OUR JUDICIARY

Anything assigned the stature of being supreme does invite scathing criticism even on sitting on the fence before crumbling under its own weight. Majority of the humans too tend to belittle or undermine instinctively something that claims its existence in superlative category and in this scenario they have not spared (although incorrectly) even their Creator Lord.

In the backdrop of above mentioned aspects and of the on-going politico-judicial mêlée it is fairly pertinent to suggest that we debate to dismember and reconstruct our judicial system from its debris. I am not talking about the sharp edged building of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the otherwise serene environs of Islamabad, the beautiful. I am talking about the piercing political mindset of our political leadership, important but cunning bureaucracy and the lord judges in the backdrop of the non delivering nature of our politico-judicial system mired due to corruption and corrupt practices.

Every functioning/nonfunctioning day of each court costs billions to this nation. This becomes awfully painful when the result of that hugely costly day is simple zero. This aspect alone demands and justifies a surgical strike on our judiciary to make it a cost effective and delivering institution. So, dear countrymen! Let us redo instead of undoing our judiciary.

A national commission composed of suitable persons may be given this gigantic task under the chairmanship of the Chairman Senate by appointment. This commission formed as an act of Parliament should function till the completion of its task including corrective overseeing of the performance of new system for at least seven years. The commission may follow the under mentioned guidelines:-

1. Judiciary functions as an autonomous body. Judicial system is home grown, suiting our basic religious teachings, blending with the prevailing social environments and providing justice at the door steps of every complainant without many frills.

2. Judiciary may be five tiered corresponding with administrative functioning (i.e. village/town, Tehsil, district, province and center). The first tier should be elaborate and strong to take the maximum work load.

3. The new judicial system may have a central police force tasked only to make the accused and the witnesses available in the court. The role of lawyers could be investigative and integral to the system aiming at facilitating the provision of speedy and inexpensive justice as against pleading their clients in private capacity.

4. The aura of lordship is replaced with the sense of service to the citizens. The complainant and the accused must be heard by the judge in person. Piety as against pillage must form the central pillar of judicial functioning and the role/conduct of its functionaries.

5. Every case must be decided within a maximum of five hearings. There may only be ONE right of appeal that should get satisfied in a maximum of two hearings.

6. Record keeping should cater for modern available tools. National data base is linked with every court room.

7. Enforcement of final judicial decisions may rest with the concerned state departments. Head of every concerned state department must report implementation to the state judicial system in person.

Above may be aired to the public for initial debate and input for subsequent deliberations. The proposed national commission may give wide publicity to its ponderings and keep the public suggestions in sharp focus for subsequent redress. The new system and any subsequent alterations in it may be approved as an amendment to the constitution.

Syed Sarfraz Hussain Naqvi

Sadaat House, Mal Pur, Islamabad

0332-5148200