News Kashmir Magazine

4 January,2021 Issue

ReADING CULTURE HAS GONE

Syed Mustafa Ahmad
Reading books is an attribute of the civilized nations. Since a long time, it is the book that has been with those who want to progress in the real sense. The developed personalities have the virtue of reading books. They know this fact that behind anyone’s victory, the books have played the greatest role. If they become the richest persons in the world, they never leave the bond of books.  William Bill Gates has one of the best libraries at his home. He always likes the company of books. So, it becomes clear that it is necessary for every person to like books as they like air, water, clothes and food. But in the present times, this is not the case.  The already crumbled system of reading culture, has become the target of new threats like internet. Internet is the hub of libraries. However, internet is full of distractions that makes it possible to get deviated quite often. Apart from Internet, there are many  causes that has made it possible to abhor reading books. In this article, let us try to know some of the causes.     First is that we don’t know our purpose of living. We have no aim. Our only concern is to fill our bellies, have bank balances, rituals and customs, etc. When this is the condition of any country, nation or state, they  automatically have no liking for learning. However, if they learn, their learning is be of no value. Their only  concern is paper degrees. They get these by hook or by crook. They won’t think of learning beyond the academic books. It is a pity that they  don’t even learn their academic books; but go on rote learning the things so that they pass the examination. An Israeli student reads 40 books in a year. In Jammu and Kashmir, this trend will take years. Hence, we lag behind.      Second is educational system is not compatible with learning. Here, donkeys rule the roost. Intellectualism has lost its way in the dreary desert of dead habitation. People hate those persons who buy and sell books. They call it madness to read books. They, instead, want to follow materialism. Big houses, cars, colourful clothes, etc., are the main motives of life. Reading a book is not their in their domain. They don’t have time for this. They want to spend their precious time in useless talks and chats but never bother to open a book and read some pages interest.      Third is internet. The world is at finger tips. Why to carry a load of books instead of keeping it in a single device? Internet promised us that every kind of knowledge is there. Indeed, it is. But the poison it has brought with it is overlapping its benefits. There are millions of libraries on the internet but more than this there are the things that divert a person’s mind. Games, apps like Tik Tok, gambling, video making, etc. reduce the chances of learning anything new. It has also affected our health. Suicides have increased. Mental depression is on rise. Social distancing has increased. Alienation is the order of the day. Imitation is on rise. Money earning has become the newest trend. Craziness is the art of everyone. So, it has marred our society.      Fourth is the lenient approach of the government. They themselves are ignorant and uneducated. They can’t do anything in this regard. They need power, money and fame. Their only concern is promises that are to be broken. They know that politics is about coming and going. Why should I use my mind in this hectic job of inculcating the spirit of reading culture? It is better to enjoy the years that are in my luck. Why to take this extra responsibility? But they don’t know that it is their main responsibility to acquaint the masses about the world and themselves. But they will waste money and time in futile pursuits; rather than in this good endeavor. It means that we have not still produced the ideal statesmen. Statesmen like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Voltaire etc are rarely found. They were, are and will be voracious readers. They left, leave and will leave a long last effect on the masses.       Fifth and last is that we themselves are not interested. We hate books. We are impatient. We become bored when reading a book. We want something delightful. We want something charming. We want something attractive. We want something colourful. But it is deception. The charm lies in reading and imitating the best minds of the world. Steve Jobs, William Bill Gates, Jeff Bezoz, etc., share their experiences of lives and make us aware about the real motive  of the temporary life.      In the backdrop of the above lines, it becomes clear that in order to progress in this world, reading culture should be our first preference. Other things should follow it. From home to the market, every one should be awaken that reading culture is as important as oxygen. A labor should be in a position to read a book.  All great authors should be read at the earliest. The need of the hour is to leave leniency and embark on the path of reading culture. Reading rooms should be available at in nook and corner of  country. Then, there are the chances that we may go forward in this endeavor. Hope good sense prevails!
By : Syed Mustafa Ahmad.Syedmustafaahmad9@gmail.com

“Lesson from the life of Musa Alihisalam”By Suhaib Ashraf Bhat

Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, “Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us.” So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, “Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people.” (Al-Quran 28:25).Why did Allah swt mention the way she walked?The sense of shyness and humility we get from this woman is something for the Muslim to reflect on. In an era where such shyness or introversion is seen in some quarters as a possible manifestation of anxiety, lack of self-confidence, or even a social disorder, taking a moment to reflect on why Allah swt chose to mention this noteworthy trait of these women is of great benefit. A simple “Google” search reveals the characteristic of shyness being associated with apprehension, awkwardness, low self-esteem and so on; characteristics that any individual of integrity would want to avoid. But as Muslims, do we see shyness in the same way? If Allah swt chose this word to describe this woman as she walked towards Musa (Alihisalam), did He mean it in a complimentary or blameworthy manner? Is it bad to be shy?! A saying of the Prophet Muhammad Salalahualihiwasalam sheds light on the matter, where we are told that “shyness does not bring anything except Good.“ Elsewhere we are told even more emphatically that “shyness is a branch of faith!” Furthermore, we hear that the exalted character of the beloved Prophet Salalahualihiwasalam was described to be “more shy than a virgin in seclusion.” In an age where arrogance, immodesty, brashness and sometimes outright disrespect can be often looked upon fondly by some, the sincere Muslim remains firm in the knowledge of what characteristics please his creator. The young Muslim boy who emulates his favourite footballer’s ‘cocky’ traits, or the young Muslim girl who sees the ‘prettiest’ women on TV as those who wear very little and show far too much, or even the highly qualified Muslim academic who holds an esteemed position, or the affluent and successful Muslim businessman who is blessed with great riches and wealth, must remember that modesty and humility is an honour for the true slave of Allah swt. Never should a Muslim feel that being humble will hamper their progress in this pretentious world. Rather our focus is on our hereafter, attributing importance to that which will lead us to gardens of bliss and delight. Social vices such as outlandish dress sense, vulgar language and sexual openness and obscenity unbecoming of human beings, all combine to make that ‘shy’ trait even more difficult to hold on to. Very rarely does the media present to us a humble role-model for us to look up to and learn from. Shyness is slowly unfortunately becoming that ‘black sheep’ characteristic. Amongst all of these tribulations, the Muslim holds firm to his faith, and the characteristics it brings with it. The Muslim is humble yet firm, concise yet polite, modest yet confident, and shy yet totally and utterly content. As related to us by the best of all creation, Prophet Muhammad Salalahualihiwaslam “if you do not have any shame, do as you wish.” Look at your heart. As related by Ibn al Qayyim (Rahimullah) “the strength of one’s modesty and shyness relies on the strength of one’s heart.”May Allah swt grant us the blessing of embodying these beautiful traits and save us from that which incurs his wrath upon us. Aameen.Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com