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Lessons from Karbala

Karbala is the place where Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussain was killed during what is known as the Battle of Karbala in A.D. 680. According to Shiites, Hussain and his men were martyred in this battle on the Day of Ashura.

Many lessons can be drawn from the events at Karbala for humanity. It is a source of divine illumination and the truest path to humanity’s salvation.

Such lessons, which are neither community nor time-specific, can be learned from the Karbala incident. Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) demonstrated in practise over thirteen centuries ago that the ostensibly western ideals of standing up for what is right, enduring hardship, and sacrificing one’s most precious possessions are universal lessons. These priceless lessons apply to all societies and eras.

Be Righteous:

Even if you are alone, practise righteousness. It is crucial to stand up for what is right, even when you are certain that you will die.

Be Just:

The first universal lesson Karbala imparts to us is to never support oppression and injustice, regardless of how strong the oppressor may be. Never support falsehood and tyranny, regardless of the incentive or threat you may be given. The contrast between good and evil is demonstrated in Karbala.

Be Kind:

Even to your enemies, show kindness. Hur oversaw the opposing army. As he and his soldiers made their way to stop Hussain, they ran out of water. Despite having little water, Hussain served it to them.

Be Patient:

Imam Hussain’s life teaches us to be patient in adverse times. When facing a challenging circumstance or obstacle, one should truly look up to and emulate those who have overcome them. This is because one should never forget that much greater people have overcome much more difficult circumstances while maintaining a strong faith in Allah SWT.

Be Brave:

Even after you have lost everything, show courage. After witnessing the massacre of her family, which included her devoted brothers, her adorable nephews, and her two own sons, Zainab, the brave sister of Hussain and the daughter of Ali, was taken as prisoner. Even though they were all killed in the same day, she didn’t lose sight of her brother’s objective. She spoke out bravely against the oppressive ruler while restrained by ropes right there in his durbar (courtyard).

As a parent, there are many things you need to teach a young boy about the world before he matures.  There are so many preconceived notions that tend to minimize the significance of intentionally and actively teaching our sons about life, with the belief that they’ll eventually figure it out on their own (for example, “boys will be boys”). If our sons are still young, we must teach them:

It’s okay to cry!

Boys tend to suppress their emotions because they are taught that emotions are exclusively the domain of women. It’s best to teach boys that it’s okay to cry because they tend to hide their emotions. They learn how to properly express their emotions when crying is acceptable.

To shed the label of toxic masculinity

Boys experience the same levels of suffering, trauma, and anxiety as other people do. Don’t let social pressures to be a man steal his true self. Teach your boys that it’s acceptable to feel weak, vulnerable, and delicate, and to ask for assistance when needed without feeling bad about it.

Cooking and Cleaning

For the sake of their own independence, parents should teach their sons how to cook and clean. Boys should also be taught that caring for a home and raising children are shared responsibilities, not just their partner’s. 

You don’t have to use violence to prove your manliness

Boys should learn to assert themselves and speak up for the people they care about, but this does not necessarily mean that they should fight to uphold the honour of their family. The manliest action a man can do is to easily silence an oppressor or bully without having to lift a finger.

How to control his temper

Boys acquire their explosive reputations naturally. In all honesty, their testosterone makes them more likely to experience anger problems. Start by explaining to your son that, in the end, he must be in control of his anger and his behaviour. 

In terms of plot and themes, Pakistani English novels are among the most distinctive. Over the years, various themes have been emphasised in these novels. These novels discussed the hidden truths of society.  Here are the top 5 award-winning books written by renowned Pakistani authors that had a significant impact on readers around the world.

Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid

British-Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid’s first book, Moth Smoke, was released in 2000. It tells the story of a banker named Darashikoh Shezad from Lahore, Pakistan who loses his job, falls in love with his best friend’s wife, and then begins a life of crime and drug use.

 Hamid explains the theme of crime and punishment in this novel. This is clear from the fact that the main character has gone beyond his breaking point in love and ends up dealing drugs while losing control.

My Feudal Lord by Tehmina Durrani

Tehmina Durrani is a Pakistani women’s right activist and author. She described her abusive marriage to Ghulam Mustafa Khar. The novel’s main themes centre on sexism and misogyny, the customary silence of women, and how their pride and dignity are dependent on the patriarchy of tribal leaders.

Ice Candy Man by Bapsi Sidhwa

Bapsi Sidhwa in her novel, Ice Candy Man focuses on the theme of partition of India along with several other themes. The brutal partition of India is depicted in the book through the eyes of Lenny Sethi, a young woman.

Sidhwa offers the most astounding perspective on strength, heartache, and terror. The way Partition is portrayed in Ice Candy Man exposes readers to the startling realities of that era’s society.

In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin

In Other Rooms, Other Wonders is a collection of short stories written by Pakistani American author Daniyal Mueenuddin. He has also worked as a journalist, lawyer, and a businessman.

In this book, Mueenuddin focuses on the timeless themes of desire, life, class, culture, and power. The book also examines a mental rivalry between Pakistan’s middle-class and elite social circle.

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

I am Malala is the autobiography of a young woman who defied death and absurd traditions. She became the voice of perpetually silent children, especially the girls of her town.

Her early life is described in the book, along with the ups and downs of the Taliban in Swat Valley and her struggles, hardships, and dangers.

Some couples view marriage as the start of a journey where they will get to know and love one another more deeply every day. Others would rather have a clearer picture of the course they are about to take. Couples should spend some time talking about some fundamental issues that almost all married couples will face. These are some of the more crucial conversations for those getting married.

Family

Every person involved in a marriage usually joins the newly created family. As a result, there are many new relationships to manage as well as potential new obligations. Many people take the idea of combining two members from two different families very lightly. But if it’s not partially addressed before you say I do, it could lead to a lot of strain and stress. The amount of interaction each person expects to have with their own family after the marriage should be discussed by the couple.  After you get married, what role will your family play in your life?  Will you adopt new traditions or carry on those from your ancestors? What part will our family play in our lives and in the choices, we make?

Money and Finances

Divorce is frequently prompted by financial issues. People who are getting married should talk about whether and how they will handle their finances. It is necessary to disclose spending patterns and the presence of current debt. All financial accounts must be disclosed.  Couples should decide whether they will have joint bank accounts and credit cards as well as whether their total income will be combined. 

Personal History

Beginning a marriage while keeping important secrets from your past is a recipe for trouble. It is best to address problems with family, health, prior alcohol or drug use, excessive gambling, or criminal activity before getting married. 

Children

This subject has a lot of significant components that are worth spending time on discussing and sorting out. There is a lot more to family planning before marriage than just daydreaming about baby names. What number of kids do you hope to have? What occurs if you are unable to conceive? What kind of parenting you believe in and how you were raised? 

Household Tasks

Conflicts may occur if one spouse hails from a household where weekly cleaning services were employed, and the other spouse grew up in one where daily cooking and cleaning duties were expected of the kids. Different standards for home cleanliness and organisation can quickly cause conflict that could have been easily avoided with a little conversation.

Religion

As you proceed, it is important to think about and have discussions about your prayer life, religious teachings, and spiritual roles. What percentage of your lives are religious? How will having children with people of different faiths impact you? Will conflict arise because your spouse does not share your religious convictions?

Expectations

Everyone’s definition of marriage is different. Some believe it to be a partnership that almost completely consumes them, while others believe it to be a binding contract. By discussing your expectations, you can ensure that neither of you has any unmet needs or demands, giving you the impression that you are embarking on this new chapter as a team.

Over the past few years, Pakistani dramas have made huge progress, setting new standards for writing excellence, creativity, and realism. Therefore, if you’ve been wanting good television, log on to the internet and watch these programmes.

 Humsafar

Humsafar is the most well-known Pakistani drama based on Farhat Ishtiaq’s novel. Directed by Sarmad Khoosat, story centres on Khirad (Mahira Khan) and Ashar (Fawad Khan) who are forced to get married to satisfy their parents’ wishes. They end up falling in love and developing the loveliest relationship. When her dream of living with Ashar doesn’t materialise, Sara (Naveen Waqar) makes it her top priority to split up the devoted couple.

Zindagi Gulzar Hai

Zindagi Gulzar Hai is a Pakistani television series directed by Sultana Siddiqui. The show initially won over audiences with its good plot and original creative concept. Based on the novel by Umera Ahmad, the narrative focuses on gender bias and the disparity in wealth levels between classes. It was widely watched primarily in Pakistan and throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Shehr-e-Zaat

Based on Umera Ahmad’s novel, Shehr-e-Zaat is a 2012 Pakistani spiritual romantic drama serial. Falak (Mahira Khan) has lived in luxury and has never experienced any deprivation. Salman (Mikaal Zulfiqar), whom she falls in love with, is persuaded to marry her. Salman accepts, but when Falak finds out about Salman’s wrongdoing, her world begins to come crashing down. Falak soon discovers that she has only ever cared for material things, which perfectly illustrates how one’s relationship with a higher power can be captured in the series.

Daastan

Daastan is a Pakistani TV series based on the novel Bano, by Razia Butt. The partition of the Indian Subcontinent and Pakistan’s subsequent independence separates Bano (Sanam Baloch) and Hassan (Fawad Khan), who fall in love. Bano is taken captive by a man in India who she thinks will eventually take her to Pakistan. While they are apart, Hassan proposes to Rabia (Mehreen Raheel). As someone tries to rape Bano when she returns, she is discouraged by Pakistan’s current situation. The tragedy of those who suffered significant losses during the partition is poignantly depicted in the show.

Diyar-e-Dil

This family drama delicately examines the bonds between parents and children while telling the story of a joint family headed by the patriarch Agha Jaan (Abid Ali). It centres on the lives of Wali and Faarah, who were compelled to get married to reunite their family, which had long since disintegrated due to Agha Jaan’s eldest son Behroze, who broke off his lengthy engagement to marry his late-love interest. Due to the preservation of relationships in the story, it was deemed visually appealing for the male audience and received praise for its direction, cinematography, and visual effects.

Udaari

Udaari is an Urdu and Punjabi language social Pakistani television series that was created and co-produced by Momina Duraid with Kashf Foundation for Hum TV. It highlighted deeply ingrained problems like child sexual abuse, sexism, and gender discrimination within these areas and focused on the social and economic marginalisation of citizens in Pakistani rural society.

Hot couple

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck just got hitched and we couldn’t be any happier for them!

Style star

Alisha Adnan knows how to keep it simple yet sassy!

Food

The Jalapeño Pizza by The Pantry by Polo Lounge is our comfort food for sure. It will knock your socks off!

On the playlist

I ain’t worried by OneRepublic is a fun song that lifts up our spirits for sure!

Summer staple

These bright and fun co-ord sets from Inclusivitee Apparel are a must addition to your summer wardrobe. Can be style in so many ways!

Paperazzi Picks

This beautiful pair of polki earrings by Kiren Wahab would add a style statement to any look!

News

Monsoon rain spell has been hitting various parts of Pakistan. All concerned authorities have been warned and asked to take the necessary precautionary measures.

Everyday stress is something that we all experience. Each of us has a different cause of stress and a different method of coping with it. Yoga encourages mental and physical relaxation and it’s a good choice to manage stress.

We are recommending some yoga poses that can make you feel more at ease, less tense and better overall. You’ll be amazed at how much your mood can elevate with just a few minutes of daily self-care.

Balasna (Child’s Pose)

Balasana reduces stress and anxiety and gently stretches your hips, thighs, and ankles. This pose also calms your mind and steadies your breathing.

This asana should be practiced on an empty stomach. Hold the pose for 1 to 3 minutes for best results.

Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Shavasana soothes all your muscles and stimulates blood circulation. This pose gives you a deep and meditative rest.  It requires you to sleep flat on your back and stay immobile like a dead body.

You can practice this beginner level pose any time of the day for 5 to 10 minutes.

Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)

Viparita Karani helps boost blood circulation through your head and upper body, allowing you to feel realigned after hours of sitting or standing. This pose can help alleviate headaches and soothe back pain.

You can either perform this yoga before sleep or after waking up or at least five hours after your meal. Hold it for 5 to 10 minutes.

Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

Sukhasana is the most common calm-inducing posture. This posture simultaneously activates your body’s relaxation response and deactivates your stress response.

For best results experts suggest moving through a breathing pattern consisting of a breath in for four counts and a breath out for six counts.

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Seated Forward Bend is best for calming mind and relieving stress. This pose also helps in stretching your spine, shoulders, and hamstrings. It also stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and can help improve digestion.

If it’s difficult for you to touch your feet, you can modify this pose by using a strap.

Malasana (Garland Pose)

Malasana is the perfect yoga pose for relaxation because it allows to release any tension or stress that has built up in head. As it directs energy downward, this pose is especially beneficial for people who are experiencing anxiety.

This pose also helps to stretch hips, relieves back pain, and promotes relaxation.

There is no denying that Pakistani music is among the best in the world. In 1980s and 1990s, newly popularised rock culture completely revamped the sector. Music scene was revolutionised by rock bands like Vital Signs and Junoon. Growing up in Pakistan, these were the musicians and bands that figuratively defined our childhood.

They experimented with various musical styles, subgenres, and instruments, which altered how music was perceived. Here are just a few of the Pakistani bands that made life a little bit saner for us.

Vital Signs

Vital Signs were a Pakistani pop and rock band formed in Rawalpindi in 1986 by two Peshawar University students. After their formation, they soon became Pakistan’s first and most commercially successful band.

 Dil Dil Pakistan, Hum Tum and Aitebar were some of the top songs produced by band. Vital Signs songs will serve as a constant reminder of the legend we lost, and every song will forever be tainted with a nostalgic feeling.

Aaroh

Aaroh is an alternative rock band from KarachiSindhPakistan, formed in 1998. The band was founded by keyboardist Kamran Khan and lead guitarist Nabeel Nihal.

They quickly gained dedicated fan base in no time. Na Kaho, Jalan, and Jeeyay were hits produced by band and these songs peaked on many regional music charts.

Junoon

A Pakistani Sufi rock group called Junoon was founded in 1990 and hails from the cities of Tappan, New York, and Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Junoon produced many songs that contain originals, renditions, and tributes.

Junoon se, Soyonee and Garaj Baras were some of the most iconic songs this band gave us.

Noori

Noori is a Pakistani rock band from LahorePunjabPakistan, formed in 1996. The group was formed by songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist, Ali Noor, along with his younger brother Ali Hamza, who were soon joined by other members.

The upbeat songs of Noori were heard by every child in the early 2000s. The band represented the optimistic outlook of the youth of the era, and their songs are still fondly recalled today. The band produced songs such as Suno Ke Mein Hoon Jawaan and the epic Manwa Re.

Strings             

Strings was a Pakistani pop/rock formed by Bilal Maqsood, Faisal Kapadia and others. Strings attained international fame and popularity due to their unique music and lyrics.

Yeh Hai Meri Kahani, Durr se koi Aye and Sajni were some of the best songs produced by band with a magnificent melody and rhythm. 

Being a brown girl means that you are always rushing around, simply trying to live up to the absurd standards that society has set for success. For brown girls, life resembles an impossible tunnel from which it is very challenging to escape.

Being a brown girl certainly has its ups and downs. Below we have listed daily struggles faced by a brown girl that will make you feel everything-laughter, tears, and head nods.

Privacy concerns

Being brown indicates that you probably have a large family, and it is more difficult to conceal things in a bigger family. You have no privacy at all, and you’ll always be found out no matter what you do.

Beta, When I was your age…

Growing up in a brown family, you’ll constantly be judged on how smart your parents were when they were kids. Your mothers will mostly tell you Beta, “When I was your age, I was already married.”

When is the baby coming?

Brown parents and aunties are obsessed with babies. Any girl who has been married recently will attest to being ruthlessly confronted with the disturbing inquiry, “Khushkhabri kab milnay wali hai?”

You will not find a groom if you are overaged

The obsession with young brides is high in our culture. In the context of marriage, a man’s age is never a subject of discussion. Only women in brown households are considered to be overaged and they often get to hear, No one would marry an ‘overaged’ girl!

Brown girl curfews

Being a brown girl has its challenges, including unfair judgment from aunts and uncles. Boys and girls have different curfews and every time girls attempt to stay up a little later than their curfew, they get to hear that phrase.

“Beta, it’s not you we don’t trust, it’s people we don’t trust”.

You can continue your studies after marriage

Brown parents consider their daughter’s marriage to be much more important than her academic career. Because of this, they save money for their daughter’s “big day” but not for her education. They even encourage her to think that once she has her “own house,” she can pursue her education if her husband and in-laws have “permitted” her. 

Fair skin obsession

Brown people are obsessed with fair skin and you will often come across a comment from an aunty telling you that “Put on this whitening cream or this home remedy is best to get fair skin.”

As a brown girl, can you relate to these struggles? Tell us in the comments below.

Do you have a hungry chef at home who finds happiness in flouring the entire kitchen? Or your child is a picky eater who needs to be exposed to some new ingredients? Watching cooking shows is a great idea to encourage their enthusiasm and grow their interest.

All these shows are exciting, entertaining, and packed with delectable food. Just be careful not to watch them when you’re hungry, or you might find yourself licking your screen!

Sugar Rush

Sugar Rush, a Netflix baking competition series, has long been a favourite among foodies. Four baking teams compete in the series for a $10,000 prize. Renowned chefs Adriano Zumbo and Candace Nelson are among the judges. Children will be riveted by this fast-paced show.

Zumbo’s Just Desserts

Zumbo’s Just Desserts is an Australian baking reality competition television program hosted by Adriano Zumbo and Rachel Khoo. Australian amateur chefs compete to wow master of patisserie Zumbo with their confections. Those who don’t meet the criteria compete to replicate his distinctive desserts in the “Zumbo test.”

School of Chocolate

School of Chocolate is a game show in which nobody ever loses. School of Chocolate feels more like a masterclass where everyone has the chance to learn and grow rather than following the typical elimination format. Chef and master chocolatier Amaury Guichon teach eight chefs the craft of chocolate and pastry. They receive helpful tips and suggestions, and we get to enjoy admiring their exquisite chocolate creations. 

Chef’s Table

Chef’s Table is a great watch if your child already has a passion for food or if you’re hoping to pique their interest and help develop their palate. It tells the tales of some of the greatest and most renowned chefs in the world, highlighting their passions and detailing each of their individual paths through the culinary world.

Best Leftovers Ever

Best Leftovers Ever is a 2020 streaming television series. The show revolves around home cooks competing to turn leftovers into delectable dishes and finding new uses for them to win a $10,000 prize.

Nadiya Bakes

Nadiya Hussain shares her love of baking with some of her favourite time-saving recipes without sacrificing flavour. This is one of the most entertaining cooking programs on Netflix because all her recipes are made with simplicity in mind, and she has a friendly hosting style. 

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