Topics
History
of human race on earth reveals that once man had no attributes distinguishing
him from other species. It was merely one of the species inhabiting this planet.
Human consciousness developed with the passage of time and as man's understanding
of things around him acquired depth, human race split into tribes and after
some time, these tribes became nations.
Nations
and tribes developed their own cultures and traditions. These traditions became
their identity. Traditions differ with nations but their presence in human
society, in fact, defines a society.
When
these traditions began to lead man astray from right path as defined by Allah, He
sent 124,000 messengers who told every nation that traditions they had
developed must not degrade man's honour bestowed on him by Allah.
Nations
develop their specific festivals and ways of celebrations. These celebrations
mirror their national identity and conduct. In these celebrations, traditions
and values they inherit from their forefathers are fully reflected. No doubt,
festivals are used to gauge national identity, conduct and values.
What
these festivals and celebrations share is pervasive presence of similar thought
pattern as well as mutual love and affection. If we delve into man's nature, we
come to know that man's practical inheritance is combination of three
dimensions. First dimension underscores man's individual status. Second
dimension is man's specific kind (specie). In this dimension, man's specie is
related to other species. And the third dimension is man's transcendence into a
human kind. This transcendence, in fact, reflects a collective mind in which all
species of the universe are one.
The last
Prophet of Allah (SAW) taught his followers to unshackle themselves from the
bonds of individualism and acquire a collective mind. This thought pattern
could enable human beings to rule the universe.
Collectiveness
is at the core of all the programmes formulated by the Prophet (SAW) for his followers.
It is manifested in daily prayers, Jummah prayers, fasting, Eid prayers and Hajj.
Every nation survives on its past. If there is no past, there is no nation Muslims
also have their past. In order to keep it alive and transfer sentiments of
collectivism to their succeeding generations they celebrate two festivals-Eid
ul Fitr that is celebrated on attaining purity and abstinence and Eid ul Adha.
The
month of Ramadan is a constant practice of denying individualism. Millions of
people begin and end their fast together. Unity (or collectivism) is strength. This
strength leads to rule of this universe.
Allah
says: And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become
divided. (Surah Aal e Imran, Ayat 103)
A
Muslim is a practical manifestation of this verse of the Quran. When this unity
will be striven to with complete sincerity and in accordance with the thought
pattern of the Prophet (SAW).Muslim nation will regain its honour and rightful
place in the community of mankind.
Monthly
Qalandar Shaoor felicitates its readers on Eid ul Fitr and renews its
resolve to fight bigotry. prejudice and discrimination with full determination.
Allah
Hafiz
