Begin with the Name of Allah the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful: The Life Story of an Orphan with Excellent Achievements

By Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad

The Life Story of an Orphan who achieved excellent achievements in his life. It is the story based on the conviction that God (Allah) helps those who help themselves with consistent hard work, patience and perseverance and unwavering faith in God. God has created mankind and sent him to earth for the noble purpose of serving the humanity with love, mutual respect and peace.

He has briefly described the events of his life from sufferings of utter poverty to comforts of academic successes of his life with full belief in Gods support and help. The book has been devoted to the most respected and beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who was born after the death of his father and to orphans who lost their father during very early period of their lives. To provide them the support and incentive to have faith in the mercy and blessings of God that God helps orphans provided they have faith in His help and support that they work hard with patience, consistence and perseverance to achieve their goals of life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781514474792

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Copyright © 2017 by Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad.

Library of Congress Control Number:           2016904157

ISBN:                   Hardcover                           978-1-5144-7478-5

                            Softcover                             978-1-5144-7480-8

                            eBook                                  978-1-5144-7479-2

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The interested readers are advised to see these pictures, if they want to, by Googling the topics of the text.

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Rev. date: 11/29/2016

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CONTENTS

The Prologue

The Majesty

Introduction

My Father’s family

Chapter – 1

Chapter – 2

Chapter - 3

Chapter - 4

Chapter - 5

Chapter - 6

Allah the Matser and Lord of the Universirse

is the Light of The Heavons and the Earth

Alqur’an Message for all Human Beings

By the Time (which is passing)

human beings are in great loss.

Except those who have faith and do righteous deeds and

Join to gather, the mutual enjoying of Truth with

Patience and Consistency

(Alqur’an: 103: 1-3)

The Memoirs of a Poor Orphan Child

Who Achieved His Ambitions due to his conviction?

That Allah (God) helps those who work hard with fair means

and with Persistence and Patience

THE PROLOGUE

All praises are due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek for His assistance and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Him from the evils of our own souls and from misdeeds. No one can mislead whomever Allah guides and no one can guide whomever Allah (swt) causes to go astray.

I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He is the One and He has no partners. I also testify that Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) is His Slave and Messenger. Allah sent him with religion of guidance so that it may prevail over all other religions even if the disbelievers dislike that.

THE MAJESTY

But the face of your Lord, full of majesty and nobility shall abide (Alqur’an: Chapter Al-Rahman, 55:27- 54). Blessed be the name of your Lord, full of majesty and splendor. Jalal which is translated as the The Majesty is an attributing name of Allah (SWT). It is greatly known that Allah has ninety-nine names or attributes. These describe the immense powers. His personal name is Allah which is not the name of anything or person in the whole universe. If all the trees and their branches are turned into pens, all oceans into ink, and twice over, the words of attributes of Allah cannot be completed. His Majesty is not in the least unjust or violent. He is only violent where some one having known the right path, acts in a wrongful manner. He is outraged when someone treats His servants unjustly or oppresses them. His Majesty is akin to mercy. An example of this is seen in our life. A child soils himself and his mother cleans him by washing and rubbing with soap. The child cries and deems the mother being harsh in her treatment. This is done for the good of the child. Likewise Allah who loves His servants more than seventy times over mothers, is violent to us for our own benefit. Majesty of our Lord keeps evil under control.

Jalal means majesty and nobility. All his names are beautiful. Qur’an uses His attributing names repeatedly.This assures us that our Lord is so full of grace and dignity. Allah’s personality as we mortal being know, is unique. He is unlike everything which is in our knowledge and understanding. Likewise His attributes are also unique. His majesty demands that no other being can even think of being a partner with Him in these attributes. Alqur’an, Chapter Al-Shura Nothing is onto Him (Shura’, 42:11). We believe that Allah is the one and only. That being so, it follows and emerges that attributes are given for ‘Him’ in the Qur’an are not shared by others. This is very delicate matter. Other religions theoretically also believe in the unity of Allah but in practice they have made many partners with Him. They pray to these false gods and ask them for their needs. In Bhagwat Gita (Holy book of Hinduism)it is said "anyone who prays to me and asks for his needs, I will answer all his prayers and fulfill all his needs. Those who are also praying to‘ME’ but with a mistaken approach as I am the only ‘Lord and provider in the whole universe’.

Hindus pray to idols. Christians made a colossal mistake. They called Jesus Christ son of God and pray before his idol and his mother Mary. They believe that God is one of three. Jews made faces and figures on the tombs of their prophets and converted them into synagogues which is their prayer place.Gotam Budh was against idol worship. He advised that after his death his ashes may not be used as a symbol of prayer. His followers do not follow his advice and made his statues which are placed in all their temples. Allah’s attribute is Majesty. The nobility and splendor is only for Him. After Him our prophet has majesty, but we donot pray to him. (Irshad Ahmad, published in Urdu Times, Chicago, Thursday, March 26, 2015

INTRODUCTION

When I reflect upon my life span of more than seventy years then my conscience i.e. inner self tells me Mushtaq Ahmad in spite of belief in Islam, better treatment with people and excellent academic successes in your life you are not a very pious person according to dictates of Islam. You have committed some very serious sins knowingly or unknowingly. There were some very good periods in your life when you were on the right path according to the teachings of Islam. But there were also some short periods of time when you under influence of the Satan (the Devil) were misled from the right path of Islamic way of life. However, Allah, with all the knowledge about all of His creations including human being and out of compassion, mercy and forgiveness tells human being in the Holy Qur’an that no matter how many sins you have committed, if you show repentance and ask for forgiveness with utmost sincerity to reform yourself during the remaining life that you will try your best and seek help from Allah to comeback to right life style, then Allah says that I love forgiveness and I am the most forgiving, will accept the humble request of forgiveness from my servants.

It has been my long life desire and sincere wish that the Allah Almighty, all Knowledgeable and all Seeing may give me the intellectual wisdom, strength and stamina that I write the life story of my life and dedicate it to the most respected and most loving human being Prophet Muhammad- May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. Who was born an orphan child.His father had died before his birth and his mother died when he was only six years old.

I also dedicate the book to all the orphan children particularly those whose parents died during their early childhood. I am an orphan myself. My father died when I was less than two year’s age.

Although I have seen and passed many events of deprivation due to utter poverty and helplessness during my childhood as an orphan, I would like to share a few incidents of my deprivations, neglect and the feelings of not having all those amenities and comforts of a child who are brought under the care and protection of father as a family head and also both the parents. This will to some extent reveal deprivations of childhood life which most of the orphan children of poor families face and suffer during the early period of their childhood. However, I will also like to share my excellent academic and other achievements, successes and prosperity which Allah (swt) blessed me. These disappointments had left a great positive impact upon me during my prosperous life of helping the poor, the needy and, in particular, the orphan children. Allah has given me due to His mercy and blessings astonishing achievements in my life in general and in my academic and professional life, in particular, to the extent that I could not imagine in my teenage and as a young man. When I now reflect back and ponder about my life achievements then the noble and good feelings of happiness, sincerity and humbleness come to my mind that all these successes of an orphan’s who went through very tough times of poverty and disappointments could not happen with the especial help, guidance and mercy of the Most kind and Most gracious Allah. A few of these events could be enough to imagine the level of poverty and deprivations that my mother, my elder brother went through.Some of these are as follows:

1. I used to see other children getting love, protection, and rewards form their fathers and used to get sad and gloomy, when I did not have this love and care.

2. Our mother used to get sad when she did not have enough money to buy good clothes for us on religious occasions, and other functions i.e, marraiges.

3. Sometimes I wanted to have some new books, toys and did not have money to buy.

4. Sometimes I did not have money to go to School/College arranged tours since my mother did not have enough money to give me.

MY FATHER’S FAMILY

Our mother told us that our father was a very gentle, quiet and friendly person, he was about ten years older than our mother and during childhold we used to play together with other boys and girls in the neighborhood. Sometimes he would carry our mother as piggyback on his back and run. Being very shy girl, our mother will keep shouting, please put me down! Please put me down, I am very scared. Our father was an artisian who used to design and make Persian/Arabian oriental design vessels made of copper. He used to engrave very beautiful designs, Arabian designs with hammer and thistle. These copper made vessels of beautiful engraved designs were very famous in those days. One such vessel used to be made in several days and even a week, since all the work had to be carried out by hand and not by any kind of machine.

Our father died when he was only 35 years old. One evening he came home with severe fever. Fever did not get better for several days, my mother took him to the physician, he prescribed some medicines, but the fever did not get normal and he died. He was in business partnership with another person who was also his friend. Our mother told us that after some days his death a rumor was circulated that he was poisoned by one his friends, but after sometime the rumor died down . Our maternal grand father being a honest religious person did not belived in the rumors.

According to our mother, on coming home in the evenings, I would grab him by his legs and insist to take me to the sweetmeat shop to buy me Burfi (A kind of sweet made of milk just like milky chocolate). He will take me on his shoulders to buy me Burfi. I still have some feelings of the event in my imagination. Being only two years old child I do not remember anything else about of my father. Our mother was still going to school when she got married. It is a tradition in Asian countries that marriages used to be arranged by parents and also marriages used to take place in early ages of 12-25 years. Thus after marriage our father told our mother that she can join school again to complete her Matric High School education. He also told her as a passing remark that who knows that in future the High School education may be of great help for you and source of job. This was like a prophecy., since after the death of our father, she went back to school and completed her high school education, received teachers training certificate and served as girls school teacher for rest of her life. She later on also opened a private primary girl’s school in her father’s house.

Our mother became widow at the early age of 22 years. My brother Muhammad Naeem was four years and I was around two years old. Our maternal grandfather Fazal Din took the responsibility of our upbringing and provided us the family protection, including all the necessary living resources. Our grandmother name was Fatima Begum, she was a very kind, caring, loving and protecting lady. She took very good care of us especially at time of providing us all the three meals i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner. She used to see that we are fed and clothed well.

Since our father had died after six years of marriage, and our maternal grandfather Sheikh Fazal Din, took us to his home to take care of us. He himself did not go to school at all, but most of his friends were educated and he used to enjoy their company. He being fond of education, allowed our mother to join the Missionary School in Mardan, NWFP, Pakistan. I still remember that I and my mother used to go to school by Tonga (A horse driven carriage) with other school girls. This was as early as 1945’s. Thus our mother played the role of Malala Yousif Zai of that period when girls’ education was not much popular/appreciated during the period of 1940-1960s in Pakistan.

This was the time when we were living in our maternal grandfather’s family house (Mian Jee). It was during 1950s, during this period there was a prolonged period of drought in Pakistan, due to which a very severe shortage of wheat occurred. The government of the time announced that only two breads per person will be sold at the Tandoors i.e. wheat bread making bakeries. The wheat flour was supplied by the US government under US Aid 480 with trestriction that price of wheat will be accepted in PAK Rupees and it will be spent by US Embassy in Pakistan for its employee’s expenses. The quality of the wheat was so poor that it could only be used as animal’s and chicken’s feed. I and my brother and other members of the family would buy the two loves of rottees (breads) at the tandoor. Sometimes the rotties were not enough. Amma Jee (our maternal grandmother) would place all the rotties in front of family with curry to eat. When she will not eat with the rest of the family. I observed that she will not keep bread for herself. Thus, I, my mother and rest of the family members will leave a piece of bread pretending that they have eaten as far as they can eat. This was a great concern shown by our grandmother for us. Sometimes we will have to eat the left over bread or very little food. Sometimes our good neighbors will send some food and we have to live on it.

My mother used to give me two pennies for lunch during the break. I became very sad when I did not find the pennies. I looked towards the sky, closed my eyes and wished to find some money. Then I looked around the place and saw something shinning faraway. I walked there and to my astonishment found a coin of four pennies. I thanked Allah (swt) and went out to buy myself lunch. My happiness did not have any bound at that time, as if I have found Karoon’s Khazana. Karoon (Al-Qasas, 76-83). Karoon used to be a filthy rich person during Moses’s time, so rich that His wealth of gold and silver were used to be carried on the backs of forty camels during His journeys from one place to another place. Thus I went out of school. Mr. Maqsood was enjoying Cholae with tandoori bread. I also sat beside him on a small seat and ordered Cholae and half loaf of bread Mr. Masood, was my very kind and generous friend, he belonged to a well to do Lawyer family of Pir Buksh Khan of Peshawar City. Sometimes he will buy me half loaf of bread to eat with Cholae.When he saw that I have problem of long distance sight. He bought me glasses.

I also have belief and conviction that Allah extends his guidance, protection and facilitates, in general, the efforts taken by an individual during the life in this world, in particular, for the orphan children to achieve their dreams and wishes in a befitting manner. Provided they keep on working with utmost sincerity, steadfastness, patience and try their best to pray to Allah, the Most kind, the Most loving and the one who accepts, an individual’s good wishes at appropriate time: I through out all my life sincerely and humbly prayed through suplications to Allah for successes in academic, dailylife and professional life. Most of the Muslims believe that suplications to AllAh (swt) have great power. There are few verses in suartul Baqara of which have the following meanings:

Allah addressing his beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) says O’ Prophet Muhammad, when a human being asks you about me then tell him that I am nearer to them and I also give response to their requests/wishes, Alqur’an, Albaqa:2,

At another place in the Holly Qur’an Allah says that O’ human being I am nearer to your jugulars vein. I just remembered some pearls of wisdom about men’s struggles in this world: (Allah narrates in the Holy Qur’an, Baqara:2)" O! human being When you call me, I listen to all of your supplications. And I also respond to your wishes. These supplications can be categorized into four types.

1. Type one are those which are very right and are accepted right away by Allah (swt)

2. Second are of such type, which are genuine, but the time is not suitable and they will be accepted at the suitable time.

3. These requests are also good for you, but circumstances for their acceptance has not yet arrived and they will be accepted at some time in future or in life hereafter.

4. These requests are not acceptable due to the fact that Allah (swt) is the Most Gracious and Most Merciful and He is also very kind and do not want to do injustice to any body Thus, do not be kidding with Allah.

The following narration is very appropriate about many human wishes and desires in this world:

Money: Says: Have me as much as you can

Forget everything.

Time says: follow ME

Forget everything else.

FUTURE Says STRUGGLE FOR ME

God (Allah) simply says: just remember me

I will give you everything.

CHAPTER – 1

The One Who is the Source of Blessings for the Whole Mankind:

W hile studying the history of humanity on the planet earth, one will come to the conclusion that the appearance of sydena Prophet Muhmamad on the planet earth was the greatest blessing by the Almighty and all knowledgeable Allah. His presence on earth was a source of light and noble guidance in every aspect of life. His life story is the most excellent road model for the humanity on the planet earth. Some of his character’s excellent aspects are narrated here. Prophet Muhammad was the best husband for his wives as far as his love, respect and treatment is concerned. A companion of Prophet Muhammad asked his wife Ayesha, that we observe and know the different aspects of life of Prophet Muhammad when he is among us. However, his life aspect when he spends time inside the houses of his wives is completely hidden from us. Ayesha responded very beautifully and candidly that Prophet Muhammad had the best of the character which a human being can have and it was based on the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. He was the most beloved and kind father to his children and also other children. He was the best speaker during his sermons during the Friday prayers and as a teacher to his companions. He was the best negotiator while discussing different aspects of Islam with the delegations from Saudi Arabia and other countries, reaching understanding and completion of treaties with them. He will not leave the Mosque till he has convinced them and agreed on reaching the memorandum of understanding with them. He was the best general for organizing Muslim army, giving them instructions for important matters of war and battles with the Non-Muslim armies. He was the first human being who defined the Human Rights during the times of peace and wars. He laid down clear directions for his soldiers, how to treat the prisoners of war and so on. All these have been narrated in great detail in thousands of books on the subject of life stories, biographies, research articles and publications written by the scholars and writers, in almost all the major languages of the world. The Muslim and Non Muslim’s historians, religious scholar’s and literature experts have paid their tributes to him as the best and complete human being as regards every aspect of life, in their books, articles and critical studies. I have tried, in a very brief manner, to express my feelings about the best individual among mankind, as a tribute before further proceeding.

During one of the Ghazwa (Battle in which Prophet Muhammad took part himself), it was reported to him that dead bodies of enemy’s ladies and children were lying in the battle field. He himself went to the battle field and found it correct. He called a meeting with his soldiers and instructed them that from now on killings of enemy’s ladies and minor children is forbidden and all of you should better take care of it.

My Paternal Grandfather’s Family

My paternal grandfather name was Muhammad Yasin and my maternal grandfather name was Shaikh Fazal Din and they were brothers in relation. Thus my mother; Iqbal Begum was married to her first cousin; Muhammad Azim. I was told by my grandfather; Fazal Din that their grand grandfather and near relatives migrated from Ghazni Herat (a province of Afghanistan) long before (probably during eighteen century) and settled in Peshawar City for work and business. My maternal grandfather had also a business of copper utensils in the famous and historical bazar of Kissa Khuwani. Kissa Khuwani (Persian word which means place of story tellers). Peshawar used to be and is a great city at distance of about 40 KM from the historical Khyber Pass in the mountainous region between Afghanistan and the Indian