PakiFollowing the footsteps

On the streets of Makkah a  foreigner found wandering here and there in search of  the most wanted person of that time. There he heard  some sobs, as if someone is crying . Who is crying then he saw a boy, asked  him, what happened to you why are you in such a state?

A man appeared from nowhere with a whip in his hand, he was  growling at him and repeatedly saying that he is my slave and started lashing the boy with the whip. Soon the stranger interrupted and stopped him. He paid for  his freedom and ordered the strong man with mustache to prepare the documents for the boys freedom. Now the was free but no where to live.

The stranger took his way but the boy  did not stop following him. The man forbid him from chasing,  but the boy was adamant and refused to go. The stranger whose name was  Jandd Ghaffari said I would keep you on one condition if you could help me find a man I am looking for!

The boy inquired who do you want to see? He said I want to see Mohammad bin Abdullah, I have heard he is claiming that he is the messenger of Allah. The boy knew him and helped him find Mohammad (peace be upon him).The man  had a meeting with the Prophet  pbuh , and embraced Islam  Mohammad pbuh named him Zerr, his full name was  changed  and now he was called Abu Zerr Ghaffari the fifth person who joined the league of Islam.

The boy before the meeting was sent to Damascus where he could join his mother. Abu Zerr Gaffari  escorted him with  the caravan on a trade mission from Makkah to Syria.

The courage to be disliked, in readers eyes

 "The Courage to Be Disliked"

About the Authors

Ichiro Kishimi, an Adlerian psychologist, and Fumitake Koga, a writer and philosopher, bring their expertise to the book, creating a comprehensive and engaging guide to personal growth and happiness ¹.

 is a thought-provoking self-help book that challenges conventional wisdom on happiness and self-fulfillment. Written by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, 

Salient feattures

- *Embracing Disapproval*:

 The book encourages readers to find the courage to be disliked, arguing that this freedom is essential to living authentically and making choices that align with individuals  values.

'Self-Acceptance vs. orhers Validation*:

 The Authors stress that seeking external validation can stifle personal growth, and instead, advocate for self-acceptance and inner happiness.

- *Breaking Free from Past Traumas*: The authors provide guidance on how to overcome past traumas and focus on the present, allowing readers to unlock their full potential.

Why Read This Book?

- *Practical Guidance*

: The book offers practical advice on self-forgiveness, self-care, and mind decluttering, making it a valuable resource for those seeking personal growth.

- *Philosophical Insights*

: The authors' exploration of Adlerian theory and Stoic philosophy provides a rich and thought-provoking context for understanding human behavior and happiness.

- *Inspiring and Thought-Provoking*: Readers have praised the book for its inspiring and thought-provoking content, which challenges them to rethink their approach to happiness and self-fulfillment ¹ ² ³.

This Japanese bestseller offers a unique perspective on personal growth and freedom I would recommend it to the readers who have been waiting any good read for ages.

In pursuit of the promised land

In pursuit of the promised land.

ChatGPT said:

The Middle East is experiencing a surge in conflicts and geopolitical tensions as of early April 2025.

Israel-Gaza Conflict Escalation

On April 2, 2025, Israel's Defense Minister announced a military occupation of the Gaza Strip, aiming to dismantle Hamas's infrastructure and establish security zones dividing the territory. This decision follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement brokered in January, leading to renewed hostilities and significant casualties. Over 50,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, with extensive displacement of civilians. ​AP News+2The Guardian+2Security Council Report+2

In parallel, Israel has initiated a ground offensive into the Shuja'iyya neighborhood of Gaza City as part of its renewed military operations. This marks the third invasion of the area during the ongoing conflict. ​Wikipedia+1Al Jazeera+1

US-Israel Diplomatic Engagement

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to meet on April 7, 2025, at the White House. Their discussions will address the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, escalating tariffs, Israel-Turkey relations, the perceived Iranian threat, and Israel’s legal challenges with the International Criminal Court. This meeting occurs amid intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza and mounting domestic pressure on Netanyahu. ​AP News

US-Lebanon Relations and Hezbollah

Deputy U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, visited Beirut on April 5, 2025, to urge Lebanese officials to curb Hezbollah’s influence and strengthen the Lebanese army’s control over national territory. Discussions focused on enforcing U.N. Resolution 1701, preventing arms smuggling, and addressing border tensions with Syria. This visit highlights U.S. concerns over Hezbollah's armed presence and its impact on regional stability. ​AP News+1Jerusalem Post+1

Iran's Shift in Support for Houthi Rebels

In response to escalating tensions with the United States, Iran has withdrawn its military support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This decision follows intense U.S. military strikes on Houthi positions after repeated attacks on American naval vessels in the Red Sea. Iran is redirecting focus toward safeguarding domestic interests amid threats of U.S. military action. ​The Scottish Sun

Israel-Turkey Tensions in Syria

Israel has stated that it does not seek conflict with Turkey in Syria, following rising tensions and Israeli strikes on military sites in Syria. A senior Israeli official emphasized that Israel aims to avoid escalation with Turkey in the region. ​Reuters

Humanitarian Concerns

The recent escalation has led to severe humanitarian crises, particularly in Gaza. Reports indicate significant civilian casualties, including the deaths of paramedics and aid workers. The international community has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. ​The Guardian

Hashtags and Resources

For ongoing updates and discussions, the following hashtags and resources are recommended:

• Hashtags: #MiddleEastConflict, #IsraelGaza, #Hezbollah, #Iran, #HouthiRebels, #HumanitarianCrisis​

• Resources:

  • AP News: US envoy visits Beirut amid pressure to control Hezbollah

  • The Guardian: Israel has chosen military occupation over a ceasefire in Gaza

  • Reuters: Israel is not looking for conflict with Turkey in Syria

  • Al Jazeera: Updates: Israel kills dozens in Gaza

These developments underscore the complex and volatile nature of the current Middle East situation, with significant implications for regional and global stability.​

Gaza a living hell

 

History will be written that Egypt had the Nile River and Gaza died of thirst. 😢

History will be written that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had seas of oil, while Gaza had no fuel for hospitals and ambulances. 😢

History will be written that Muslims had more than 5 million soldiers: Egypt, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan had warships and missiles, but they could not send any soldiers to Gaza or stop the massacre and genocide in Gaza. 😢

History will be written that Saudi Arabia spent billions of dollars on dance parties, but there was no bread or water in Gaza. 😢

And history will be written that Pakistan was founded in the name of Islam in 1947, but it did nothing to help its Islamic sisters and brothers in Gaza. 😢

And history will be written that Iran and Turkey used the name of Islam a lot, but did not take a single step to stop the massacre in Gaza, while participating in the massacre of Muslims. I have done a lot. 😢

History will be written that the Muslim nation kept blaming its rulers but could not stop drinking Pepsi, Coke, Sprite and Sting, nor could it stop eating McDonald's and KFC burgers, nor could it stop buying and selling other Jewish and Christian products😢

History will be written that in the West, people continued to take to the streets against Israeli destruction, but in Muslim countries, people remained at home.😥

“On the Day of Judgment, everyone will be held accountable,

but the resurrection will tell who won and who lost!”

O Allah, help the people of Palestine and Gaza. Amen, O Lord of the Worlds

.https://www.palestinechronicle.com/ground-incursion-expands-in-gaza-amid-deadly-israeli-airstrikes-blockade/

Self assessment and self accountability

 Session one  notes .

**Tazkiya Nafs* 

This is the central concept in Islam. It means  self restraint . The opposite  is fujoor as Allah mentions in Surah Al-Shams , the Surah in which Allah takes the oath more than any chapter of the Quran.

Tazkiya, refers to the purification  of heart and how to  get rid of one's spiritual ills .

This enables us  to  guard ourselves and to refine  our  soul .

Tazkiya Nafs is a deep and ongoing process of Self-reflection i.e by  Recognizing and acknowledging one's flaws and weaknesses.

Seeking Allahs forgiveness  by repenting   the  mistakes  and  sins  of the past. and by not repeating  it in future. 

To  improve ourselves by

Shunning the bad habits like  Namima, gossiping , lying and belittling others.And by   cultivating positive attributes such as compassion,

 humility, and gratitude. 

To have  a deeper connection with Allah through additional prayers, zikr, salwat remembrance, and contemplation.

To remain patient in the Face of trial and tribulation.For this is the way our sins get washed. Allah wants His slaves to come back to the promised home i.e  Jannah. Furthermore these trials  are blessings  in disguise  they help us to  maximise our real potential and eventually become a  tool of  our tarbiyatu Nafs. 

We have examples from  Prophets  life. They were the ones who suffered  and tested the most . As Allah says in the Qur'an  'indeed after every difficulty there is  ease'.

We need not to get disappointed and depressed when we encounter any of the tests. But remember Allah as He says I'm the Qur'an .

Wastaeenoo bissabre wassalat

Indeed Allah is with the patient's '

The ultimate goal of Tazkiya Nafs is to attain a state of spiritual purity, where one's thoughts, feelings, and actions are aligned with the values and principles of Islam.

Tazkiya Nafs is a lifelong journey, requiring effort, dedication, and patience. It leads to  self-awareness, spiritual growth, and closeness to Allah.

May we all be able to attain such level of purification of soul .

Ameen.