Every year, on December 25th, Bazm-e-Ahbab-e-Pakistan, a social organization for Pakistanis in Norway, celebrates the birth of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Here, the general secretary, Muhammad Anwar Soofi, is watching a video being projected on the wall of the basement-hall rented for the evening.
On this eve of another new year, I offer my best wishes to you. May the coming year bring you joy and happiness, and success and prosperity.
Life is full of ups and downs, and never seizes to surprise. May the surprises be joyful, and nudge you closer to fulfillment of your dreams.
Some things will change and some will stay the same. May you have the strength to face the changes, and to make the changes that you wish!
There will be moments of decision, and there will always be choices. May you have the foresight to make the right ones, and to be a model for others.
There will be good moments and bad. May you stay safe and healthy through them all, and always stay in good spirits.
May you wish the best for others, and be a source of continuous joy and enlightenment for those around you.
Our time is precious and passes increasingly fast. May you stay close and spend yours with those you love the most.
You always wear a mask, because if removed, people will see you as a monster. You know you stand out when you hide your face like that, but it is still better than to be hunted for who you are. A small mistake, and you will discover that the road from love to hate is swift and paved with excruciating pain.
But tonight you will take it off. Tonight you will be yourself, and still blend in. Just a few hours away, you can almost taste the dry autumn breeze, nipping at your tongue as you stick it out.
Tonight no one will judge you. Tonight you will be invisible. It is your one night of true freedom. Ah, what a feeling that will be!
On May 17th, Norway celebrates the 200th anniversary of its constitution, and, as usual, the children’s parades form the central elements of the national celebration all around the country. In the capital Oslo, the children are in for a treat as according to tradition, all the city’s elementary schools parade past the King’s palace, where they get to greet the royal family, and the King himself!
I pray that when you read this, you are safely on the other side of the ocean.
It was good to have you here as always. Remember that I will always be eagerly awaiting your next visit, in whichever season it may be. And always receive you with a big smile.
Take with you all the good memories, leave behind any sad and awkward moments. Take with you the strength you gained, and keep with you the support you always have from this side of the ocean.
Remember that I am closer than your own heart. Closer than the distance between you and sadness. Closer than the time it takes for a tear to slide down your cheek.
Forgive me for all my shortcomings and mistakes. For my childish behaviour and immature nature. Look past my weaknesses and you will see goodness and friendship, and deep and genuine care. Look beyond it all and you will see yourself living in my heart.
Your carefree smile,
your tears of frustration.
Your playful laughter,
your heart-rending cries.
Your repertoire of sounds,
your unambiguous communication.
Your drive to explore,
your fear of the unknown.
Your boldness and trust in your abilities,
your confidence in me.
Your defiance and determination,
your obedience and cooperation.
Your anger and resilience,
your unconditional love.
In everything you do and everything you are, I see perfection.
You are honour, fame, power. You are Izza, and this will always be your day.
Happy birthday!
At school, it is just another October day. With reading, maths, and those tiring group work sessions. Back home there is homework to be done, and as the application requesting dismissal of today’s chores is denied, there is no other way than to make them a quick affair. Hoping that their quality is maintained within acceptable limits.
Then dinner awaits. A few vegetables to be consumed as a starter for tonight’s feast on this, the sweetest of all the evenings.
Finally, outfit secured, candy bag ready, ready to step out into the October darkness, a short breather while waiting for the sister to get ready. It is going to be a hectic evening!
About Eid, the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, `They are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of God.´
(Reported by Bukhari in his Sahih, an authoritative collection of the sayings of the Prophet)
I wish all Muslims a happy and blessed Eid!
Believers! Fasting is enjoined upon you, as it was enjoined upon those before you, that you become God-fearing.
(Qur’an 2:183, Dr. Zafar Ishaq Ansari’s translation of Syed Abul A’ala Maududi’s Tafhim Al Qur’an)
With these words from the Qur’an, I wish the Muslims of the world Ramadan Mubarak!
It’s not that I don’t cherish every moment we’re together. It’s not that I am not thankful for your every breath. It’s not that my heart doesn’t melt every time your eyes meet mine.
But it’s when I cradle you in my arms like this, that magic happens. The world is blocked out. Time comes to a standstill. And when our eyes meet in that fleeting moment that seems to linger for a lifetime, we are one.
You and me.