Life is a constant journey where we all are gypsies, traveling here and there in search of one destination; Peace of mind. We all are seeking the contentment of heart and spiritual awakening so that we could see the unseen, witness the miracles and create wonderful things. On this spiritual journey, we are bound to move forward with the caravan or else we get lost into the darkest woods; unreachable. Those who stick together tend to see the breath-taking starry nights and conquer the mountains. This is society, and this is how it works. We all need someone special or a bunch of sweethearts to make our journey a worth-while experience. 

Someone to toast in the moments of glee, lend a shoulder for shedding tears and hands to keep yours warm in the frosty nights. We all are different and sometimes we feel destitute and abandoned by society, however, there is always that someone special that is meant to be yours. The one who will own your flaws and accept you as it is, will bring the best version out of yourself and make you believe in your dreams. Even if a huge crowd is not your type, you have to stay put and stand tall. Make moves, speak to strangers, smile back and start conversations. 

In our society, a vivacious diversity of natures could be seen. We are introverts, extroverts, neuters, soft-spoken, and chatterboxes. On this scale of variety, it is as great to have them all around us as an exotic collection of birds inside a cage. For instance, if I look at the people surrounding me, I can see numerous types of students. There are a lot of students who are not good speakers because they are introverts. Similarly, some cannot write efficiently because they are amazing spokespersons. Nonetheless, both are the refined form of their own identity. The students that are shrewd are bloomed with talent that need not be wasted by being monotonous, in fact, they can turn out to be amazing critics and philosophers if polished accordingly. 

Next time, if you find people who differ from you in any way, talk to them. Ask them to tell you something about them, something new and interesting. What their perception about life is and what inspires them to be who they are. Most of us spend our lives contained in the shell of our own perceptions, thoughts, and beliefs. We absolutely neglect what we can do better and that is the reason why most of us fail to reckon the true purpose of our lives and expertise. 

Last night was darker than usual. Devouring my heart, it pierced all of my energy into pieces as I stood in the window of my kitchen, after washing all the dishes and drying the washbasin. I have no clue for how many minutes did I stand there wondering if something is wrong with me or is it really a depressing night. When I turned back to enter the dining room, something pulled me back and I glanced at the window once again. My heart was beating faster than normal so I turned on the light that lit up my balcony but that light highlighted the darkness in the street even more. The main reason for turning on the light was to make sure the passers-by might be able to see the path in darkness. Like people, all the lamp posts were in deep slumber thus making it very dark for the people to walk carefully in the street at night. There is also a possibility of the porcupine or pigs movement in our streets which could be quite a dangerous experience.

The night brought upon me sheer gloominess and hit me hard like anesthesia of depression. I prayed silently for all the poor people in this world. All the families and lonesome kids, naked infants, and jobless adults. Every night, when we follow our skincare routine or are even brushing our teeth with a minty toothpaste, many young girls are being raped in the darkness, many kids are being killed by their own parents just because they can’t feed them. So many men cry while looking at their adorable infants starving for a drop of milk. 

Many beautiful girls stand by the road-side to get a rich-bait so that they can eat bread in the morning.

This world is a beautiful place to live in, but a gruesome nightmare at the same time. Most of us are able to protect ourselves from the harsh side of this cruel world by surrounding ourselves with four walls, a roof, and a neverending warmth and love of our parents. Our fathers, however feeble or old, are that lock on the door that nobody can ever break open. Our mothers are that blanket of warmth that can never let us catch a cold. Our siblings are that painting on the wall that always brightens up our day even if the sky is grey. We have no clue how lucky we are and how many blessings God showers upon us. It is not that we God loves us more and less to them, but because he chose us for a mission. A mission to make this world a better place. Be the light in somebody’s darkest night because God could have made you from one of them.

Hello beautiful souls! I am almost drowned in the flood of final exams as they are at the head. Nonetheless, I waited too long to publish this blog just to acquaint you guys with the Holy month of Ramadan, which Muslims celebrate with great pleasure and passion every year.

A month when the doors of heaven are opened, and of the hell closed. A month where all the devils are chained up and only goodness prevails and exists in its refined form.

So this is a very important month for the Muslims where there is legitly magic in the air kind of vibes, and they start feeling close to God and prostrate more at nights and in days. They have a spiritual attachment with this month and feel very much closer to God and their reality.  First of all, I will tell you some characteristics of Ramadan, after which I will tell you guys about the rule book of Ramadan that could be followed in order to extract the maximum blessings out of this Holy month (In the next blog).

Significance of Ramadan Kareem for the Muslims:

What is Ramadan?

The word “Ramadan” comes from the root of the Arabic word for “parched thirst” and “sun-baked ground.” Ramadan is by definition a time of sacrifice, where Muslims fast during the daylight hours all month, abstaining from all food and drink and other such practices. It’s a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on what’s important, and practice self-discipline. Unlike many other holidays, where people indulge, Ramadan is a time to show restraint.

Why do Muslims fast?

During the month of Ramadan, as a Muslim person deals with hunger and thirst while fasting, he or she is reminded of the daily suffering of those who are less fortunate and can further appreciate his or her blessings. Muslims use this time to reflect on their lives and how they can cultivate healthy habits throughout the rest of the year, and do away with any bad habits.

Ramadan is also a time for increased charitable giving and participating in family and community gatherings to strengthen bonds. Aid organizations, charities, and mosques often offer free meals to the public during non-fasting hours.

For Muslims, Ramadan fasting is not solely physical but involves emotional and spiritual aspects as well. Even if you aren’t observing Ramadan yourself, the month of Ramadan might be a good time to think about those less fortunate and have gratitude for the blessings you have in your life. 

What do Muslims do in Ramadan?

1 — SIGHTING THE NEW MOON OF THE LUNAR MONTH

Muslims sight the new moon with much eager and compassion when it comes to the Holy month of Ramadan Kareem. They climb up their roofs and search for the moon with a particular supplication, that they believe will lead to a prosperous month ahead.

2 — MUSLIMS WAKE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO EAT

The morning meal before sunrise is called Suhoor. I’ve learned over the years that there are three types of people when it comes to having Suhoor:

1. those that eat breakfast items (usually some cereal)
2. those that have a full-on dinner, and
3. those that just sleep right through the opportunity to eat.

Many families that don’t have time to eat breakfast together throughout the year gather around the table as early as 4:30 to 5:00 a.m. to share a meal and get ready for their fast for the day.

3 — EVERY YEAR, THE MONTH OF RAMADAN FALLS ON DIFFERENT DATES

The lunar calendar is used to determine the exact start and end dates of Ramadan each year. Every year, Ramadan starts a few days earlier than the year before. This also affects the length of the fast and will mean a lot shorter fasts when Ramadan falls in the winter months.

4 — BYE-BYE TO THE LAZINESS, WORSHIP MORE TO EARN MAXIMUM POINTS:

Muslims recite the Holy Quran as much as they can and along with their regular prayers, they offer extra prayers to get the maximum blessings of God by pleasing him. The best part is that their sleep is also counted in worship. 

5 — NOT ALL MUSLIMS HAVE TO FAST DURING RAMADAN

Children and those that are ill, elderly or pregnant are exempt from fasting. Instead, they either make up the fasts at a later time or donate a meal per day they miss to those less fortunate. Children sometimes partake in mock half-day fasts and join in on the delicious meals. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and isn’t meant to inflict hardship on those unable to fast. Muslims will often tell you that they look forward to this time of year; in fact, children can’t wait until they can join in on the fasting fun!

6 — THE DOORS OF HEAVEN ARE OPENED, AND THE DOORS OF HELL ARE CLOSED

Prophet Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, once said: “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the heaven are opened; the gates of Hell-fire are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Sahih Bukhari 1800) 

Ramadan, the month of fasting is no different than any other month as far as crimes are concerned. Sins and crime continue to take place in this month all around the world. Does this hadith mean the deviations in this month would not count? Does it mean that every sin in this month would be forgiven or does it mean that people cannot commit sin in this month?

I believe this hadith explains some key concepts of Ramadan in an allegorical manner. If we consider the language as symbolic, the hadith offers a logical and viable rationale for developing a strong conviction and appreciation of the Prophetic wisdom.

We can infer from the opening of the gates of heavens to mean that God makes our journey to the heavenly state of utmost peace and happiness effortless and accessible under His divine grace in the month of Ramadan. During this month believers have a month-long opportunity to change their lifestyle and environment to attain a higher state of self-consciousness. Such a journey would help them enjoy every moment of the month and qualify for uninterrupted mercy and blessings of the Divine in this life and the hereafter.

Closing the gates of heavens means that the Creator is eager and ready to forgive every sin committed by anyone if sincere repentance is sought. The month invites us to self-evaluation and identifying weaknesses in character followed by actions to better ourselves. In other words, forgiveness is the divine offering for this month. However, one must realize that repentance and forgiveness have to be done in a manner that is genuine. It means a person is conscious of wrong actions and is willing to change the lifestyle and never to repeat it. God says in the Quran:

 “Except those who repent, make amends, and declare the truth. I will certainly accept their repentance: I am the Ever Relenting, the Most Merciful. 2:160

Chaining the devils means that God makes it easier in this month for people to control their behavior in the wake of all temptations, physical, social and spiritual. In a moment of high self-consciousness, an individual would ensure that he or she does not commit any act that would either defy the divine or reject his mercy. In other words, each believing person has to have a personal battle with one’s own ego, the biggest satanic whisper that sits in the sub-consciousness of each one of us.

Thus this month provides opportunities to earn the boundless bounties, limitless forgiveness and reigning one’s own ego. The more intense a person becomes in seeking these goals, the more beneficial the month becomes to him or her. 

7 — FASTS ARE OPENED WITH DATES

At the exact moment of sunset, dates are the traditional choice to open the fast, followed by a spread of foods that often varies by culture. This meal is called Iftar. While some plain Medjool dates are perfectly fine on most days, those hosting Iftar parties may want to get creative with the presentation of their dates, which features a luscious mixture of mascarpone cheese and whipping cream. 

8 — GRAND IFTAARS

Muslims break their fast by a magnificent Iftaar (the event of breaking the fast) which includes a wide range of food items, and sherbets (drinks) to quench their thirst and fulfill their all-day long hunger. Iftaar is considered to be the worldly present for them from God, while the bigger one will be given on the day of judgment.

 

9 — STREETS, HOMES, AND MOSQUES ARE DECORATED WITH LANTERNS AND BUNTINGS

Muslims decorate their streets and mosques with sparkling rainbow buntings and glittering lanterns that cast magic in the night. They do it as a gesture of welcome and affection for this Holy Month and to celebrate the happiness that God is distributing among them.

10 — HOME DECORATIONS IN RAMADAN

People decorate their homes with various sparkling decorations, lamps, lights, lanterns, candles, and buntings just like Christians decorate their fore places, walls, and homes with Christmas trees and stockings.

11 — THE MONTH OF RAMADAN CONCLUDES WITH A CELEBRATION CALLED EID

After 30 days of fasting, Muslims from around the world celebrate Eid. The day starts off with morning prayers and the celebration continues with friends, family and lots of food. Traditional foods vary by culture on Eid, but usually always include a delectable dessert.

 

Islam is a peaceful religion that teaches us love, tolerance, patience, and unity but sadly due to some filthy humans who are disguising themselves as one, its reputation is being stained. I know and wish that more and more people might come to get aware of this fact and respect every religion just like theirs. No religion teaches hatred, oppression, jobbery, superiority, and radicalism. Religions are all about love, and so we are!

Peace and love,

xoxo.

There are stars inside you that makes you beautiful with what you have and who you are. Re discover your own stars rather than stealing others’s.

This is survival of the fittest. No matter how good a moment seems to be, we are going to be ungrateful for the things we have got and cry over the things that could have been done. We all have got our own charm and potentials and it is absolutely okay if anybody is better than you in any aspect of life. Maybe he can’t do what you are capable of doing. Discover your charm and reflect the shine and spark!

Let me tell you a story, Samantha was a gorgeous lady who lived a lavish life with her handsome husband. She had everything we can ever dream of. She used to go shopping with her friends and did many world tours throughout her life. One day she bought brand new Bugatti Chiron that worth $ 2.7 million. Later that night she opened up her Instagram account and saw her friend Louis’s story in which he was flashing his Limited Edition Bugatti Veyron by Masonry Vivere worth $3.4 million. Samantha threw her phone on the bed and said in anger “People are never going to let me live peacefully.”

Samantha bought flight tickets for vacations in Maldives Island but when she saw Eleanore’s story about her bachelor’s party in Dubai, this stressed-out Samantha even more. She canceled the plan of visiting the Maldives and booked a flight to Dubai instead. Samantha bought a box of chocolate worth $500 as a gift for Eleanore while Diana brought a lavish bottle of red wine worth $1000. This made everyone’s jaw dropped. Samantha drank the whole night in despair and anger until she had a mouthful of vomit at the end. Samantha became a depression patient and died out of high alcohol dosage one night in her luxury residence at the beach.

This is not about Samantha, we all are Samantha in one way or another. In this article, I am going to discuss some evil traits that destroy our internal beauty and the stars we possess one by one without we even knowing it.

 

Envy and Jealousy steal your stars:

 

 

Envy and jealousy are two major factors that lead us to the destruction of our happiness and satisfaction stars. These emotions lead us to frustration and hypocrisy. Jealousy is when you are fiercely protective and possessive about your own belongings while envy is getting aroused by someone else’s possession. Them both makes us ugly as we care less about our success and happiness while dwelling more about others. We are less ourselves and more others. Your originality ends where envy and jealousy starts. These both connotations are very evil and we should try as much as possible to stay away from them. Envy and jealousy lead us to crime, thoughts of defaming and harming the other person.

Everyone is beautiful in his and her own way. I don’t have to be YOU in order to be perfect. I am supposed to be me because if I were to be you, God would have never created me who I am in the first place.

Many reported cases show that jealousy and envy had lead to more crime and murders in teens. Either it is upon youth, physique, intelligence, relationships, wealth, health, beauty or EX, below are some crime reports that represent the true devastation of human lives out of envy and jealousy.

 

Envy:

1. In one of the most disturbing murder cases ever, now infamous Gertrude Baniszewski, alongside her teenage children, viciously tortured and murdered 16-year-old Sylvia Liken in 1965. Liken and her sister was placed under Baniszewski’s care by their parents, who worked in a carnival, for several months.

During this time, Baniszewski repeatedly “punished” Sylvia Liken for prostitution and pregnancy, though she was actually a virgin while delivering bizarre sermons about the filthiness of women. She encouraged her children to torture Liken as well, including pushing her down the stairs and making her eat human faeces until Liken finally died of brain haemorrhage and shock.

Baniszewski later claimed she was on drugs the entire time, but it’s been theorized she was jealous of Liken’s beauty and youth, while Baniszewski herself had been marred by many troubled relationships in her past. She was let out on parole after just twenty years in prison. (source: https://www.ranker.com/list/jealous-killers/elle-tharp)

 

Jealousy:

2. When 60-year-old business woman Sadie Hartley got back together with her old boyfriend Ian Johnston, she had no idea the jealous rivalry she ignited. Sarah Williams, 35, had slept with Johnston while he was single and seemingly became obsessed. The pair continued to communicate through occasional sexting once he was back together with Hartley.

But Williams saw one roadblock, and that roadblock was Hartley. So she enlisted her longtime friend, Katrina “Kitt” Walsh, to plan the perfect murder. The two women spent a year plotting up ways to kill Hartley, which Walsh documented meticulously in her diary. In January 2016, after enacting a “dry run” of the crime with a fake flower delivery, Williams entered Hartley’s home, used a stun gun on her, and stabbed her to death. Despite all their planning, the two were apprehended not long afterwards, and both were found guilty of murder. (source: https://www.ranker.com/list/jealous-killers/elle-tharp)

 

How well do you remember the first fight with your beloved cousins over your boyfriend or girlfriend? Yes, we all cherish our childhood with our cousins and friends whereas, a single person appears out of nowhere and suddenly steals your heart. You become so possessive about him that even a word against him is a matter of life and death for you. Remember! a true love makes you feel free rather than caging you in the shackles of insecurities, doubts, and confusions. Jealousy is an indicator that either you don’t trust your partner or your partner is not worth to be trusted. In both the cases, you are living a life of dishonesty with yourself and with your partner. It could be well explained by this saying:

The person who is meant to be yours will never give up on you and if that person leaves, he had never been yours 🙂

Live a life of freedom and love wildly! Love is free of bounds and constraints. Love is for everyone and no matter how hard you might try, you can never stop anyone from loving anyone. Love is blind and deaf. Envy is as if you are trying to copy Donald Trump while you yourself look like Rihanna. You are you! Own yourself and your belongings and love yourself more than anyone else could ever do. If you would not make your worth, nobody is gonna recognize your value.

 

Stop Imitating and comparing yourself:

 

Everything in this world is not meant to be yours. You will not get everything you wish for. Your dream might be a nightmare for someone else. This is what makes us unique and different from each other.

Back in 2017, I tried to copy a beautiful hairstyle of Zooey Deschanel. I cut down some bangs and thought that I would transform into a beautiful diva 😀 Whereas, I ended up looking like an absolute jerk! So I took this weird picture down below in the honor of my stupid most decision. 😀 It’s good to TRY and LEARN new things but the craving and passion for transforming yourself completely or trying and be someone else are useless as well as painful. I destroyed my hair and still, I can’t style my hair because of them rotten bangs I once dreamed of having. Even if I would have gone to a saloon for this haircut, let me mention you here that my hair texture does not support bangs at all. 🙁

See, everything is not meant to be yours and you have your own style and look. Own that and rock it! If I am Zarbakht, I have to make my own style and identity rather than to start writing my blogs as Angeline Jolie to get more followers 😀

Now, what should I do? Shall I start crying the hell out of me because I can never look like Zoee? Shall I get myself bald just because my hair is useless and I can’t ever have them sexy bangs? No, instead I made my own style, I keep my flicks long now and hair curled up as they naturally are. And I guess people like them the way they are because at times people ask me “how do you manage to curl your hair every morning?” Ha-ha, I think I look much better this way.

 

Now I am going to show you some people who tried to transform themselves into famous celebrities through plastic surgeries and laser treatments. They ended up ruining their pretty faces even after going through pain and trouble.

I feel pity for her, just look at her before and after transformation. She was such a cutie but she didn’t own her identity and lost her originality as well.

Look at this diva, Shauna Sand is yet another plastic surgery obsessed quasi-celebrity who is famous for all the wrong reasons. She transformed herself into some celebrity and ended up looking like this. To be honest, I envy how beautiful she used to be before. Just Kidding! But she was really very pretty before. Wasn’t she? 

There are many more such cases in which people ruined their faces and lost their originality in order to look like some other person. See, we might not like ourselves the way we are, but somewhere, someone is also copying us because we can’t often see the real stars we have inside us that others can clearly see. Just find your own beauty and enhance it. Rather than losing your identity. This is mere envy and one should keep away from it. You are beautiful just the way you are 🙂

Just because you’re not thin does not mean you’re ugly. You are beautiful because of the light you carry inside you. You are beautiful because you say you are, and you hold yourself that way.

-Mary Lambert

Back in 2017, when I was very vigorous with changing my looks, Auburn hair dye was very trending then. I bought a pack for me and dyed my hair Auburn. Thinking that this colour is going to suit me a lot and my skin tone will go exactly with it, I forgot to bleach my already jet black hair. Well, when I washed my hair, my mother and sister criticized me a lot. They said that I am giving a straight outta gutter look and also, you look like a filthy beggar who had never washed his hair since forever. This was terrible! 😀 But I coped up with all the harsh comments and was very confident about that horrible look of mine. 😀 See, I had no choice than to accept my fault and learn from it. So I embraced that very look as my punishment. And trust me, it doesn’t make any difference. It doesn’t make any difference either my hair was black or brown. People didn’t notice at all because it was just a minor brown shade that my black hair picked up from that loaded bag of hair dye. I was happy because I knew that this color is going to fade away eventually so it’s not a biggie. But think about those girls who changed their looks permanently. It is true that with envy comes greater problems.

 

Stop hunting for more and more and own your stars:

We see a lot of fresh faces entering our media and with an interval of time, we see a sudden maturity on their once a cute face. Maturity is good if developed with time. These actresses turn themselves into mature ladies and when they actually get mature, they start undergoing surgeries to look younger and fresh. This is just like a hunt. You start with fish and a time comes when you aren’t satisfied with the number of lions you hunt every day.

There is no room for a complainer in a universe of law, and worry is soul-suicide. By your very attitude of mind you are strengthening the chains which bind you, and are drawing about you the darkness by which you are enveloped, Alter your outlook upon life, and your outward life will alter.

Build yourself up in the faith and knowledge, and make yourself worthy of better surroundings and wider opportunities. Be sure, first of all, that you are making the best of what you have.

Do not delude yourself into supposing that you can step into greater advantages whilst overlooking smaller ones, for if you could, the advantage would be impermanent and you would quickly fall back again in order to learn the lesson which you had neglected.

-James Allen

James Allen, a British philosophical writer explained it beautifully that you cannot ask for more and more until and unless you excel and master in what you already have and what you already possess. Love yourself and own your possessions, only then, nature will grant you this right to have more and better. If we aren’t happy with what we are today, trust me tomorrow can never earn us satisfaction and content because people who are greedy for more have no tomorrow and no best. Be thankful for what you have and love yourself whilst struggling for the betterment of your future. History had witnessed many Kings and Queens who tried to get more while they already had more than enough, they always ended up with bloodshed and brutality.

 

As the child at school must master one standard before passing onto the next, so, before you can have that greater good which you so desire, must you faithfully employ that which you already possess.

The parable of the talents is a beautiful story illustrative of this truth, for does it not plainly show that if we misuse, neglect, or degrade that which we possess, be it ever so mean and insignificant, even that little will be taken from us, for, by our conduct we show that we are unworthy of it.

Perhaps you are living in a small cottage, and are surrounded by unhealthy and vicious influences.

You desire a larger and more sanitary residence. Then you must fit yourself for such a residence by first of all making your cottage as far as possible a little paradise.

Keep it spotlessly clean. Make it look as pretty and sweet as your limited means will allow. Cook your plain food with all care, and arrange your humble table as tastefully as you possibly can.

If you cannot afford a carpet, let your rooms be carpeted with smiles and welcomes, fastened down with the nails of kind words driven in with the hammer of patience. Such a carpet will not fade in the sun, and constant use will never wear it away.

By so ennobling your present surroundings you will rise above them, and above the need of them, and at the right time you will pass on into the better house and surroundings which have all along been waiting for you, and which you have fitted yourself to occupy.

Perhaps you desire more time for thought and effort, and feel that your hours of labor are too hard and long. Then see to it that you are utilizing to the fullest possible extent what little spare time you have.

It is useless to desire more time, if you are already wasting what little you have; for you would only grow more indolent and indifferent.

-James Allen

 

Let’s find the stars inside us:

You know there are stars inside you and every time you look at yourself and smile with content and thankfulness that you have a sound face, healthy body and a brilliant mind, you give birth to a shining star inside your soul. When you compliment random people on the way to school about how fresh they look and how beautiful they are, another star is born with flying colors. Many children are born with disabilities or mental disorders. My own brother died a day after his birth when doctors claimed that if he somehow manages to survive, he will be a special child. He might be mentally retarded or deaf. My brother died right after a day because he wasn’t able to make it into this world. Doctors also warned my mother that she might not be able to have a normal baby ever again. My mother was devastated but she never gave up. Our willpower and optimism beat the weak obstinacies of life. My mother gave birth to me and later after, she had four more beautiful daughters. We have a perfect family and all the credit goes to my mother. She could have gone into the depression upon this news of not having a normal baby again. She could have given up on trying due to this fear of losing another beautiful baby. It wasn’t easy for her but she did it! Just because she never gave up, she was able to raise us well and good. We never had the slightest hint of any dismay or depression from her side which resulted in a happy family we have today. If we imagine a vice-versa situation, we would be having a depressed mother who fights on and off with our dad thus leading into a terrible atmosphere of our home. Our decisions not only affect ourselves but also the ones we love. We all are beautiful with shining stars of good moral values, uniqueness, happiness, strength and originality within us. Don’t let those sparkling stars fade away into the dark holes of envy, jealousy, imitation, comparisons, torturing yourself with useless predictions, self-shaming, and pessimism. Own yourself and let those stars reflect the inner light of yourself. Remember yourself as a kid; your purity and innocence.

We have long forgotten the stars inside us into the dusty racks of our artificial beliefs and sky-high set of expectations, perfectionism, and fierce obsessions. Stop with what you are trying to be and find who you are. Rediscover the magic you possess and let the cauldron of your true-self, your original identity and self-esteem bubble and bubble and bubble!

 

Here, I found a relatable song as well. Happy reading sugar cakes and don’t forget to love yourself. You are beautiful just the way you are. Just keep this in mind, there are stars inside us. Don’t waste your divinity!

 

 

I am not a Jew:

I am not a Jew, yet I am fascinated by the Jewish synagogues. I love all the Jews because I don’t see any difference between me and them. Am I an angel or are they the filthy demons? I think we are all humans and we all deserve same kind treatment and equal rights. Jewish community have same beautiful women as I have in my vicinity. They have equally humble and kind men as I see around me. They have beautiful children that are born in the same way as we give birth to kids. Whats the difference then? What is all this hate for? Is the reason that Israel is attacking Palestine mainly due to the dominance of a terrorist group known as Hamas? Even if Israel is also attacking the innocent Palestinians, and is wrong in that, still then, shall we start killing the innocent civilians in Israel?

1. Cedar, Jerusalem stone, and bronze Torah ark for Lincoln Square Synagogue, New York City (2013), by the artist David Ascalon:

3. Torah Ark:

4. Abuhav synagogue, Israel:

5. Ark decorated for Shavuot, Encino, California, United States:

 7. Novi Sad, Serbia:

 

9. Dome of the Rock

Look at the notes stuck in this wall. Maybe some of these notes have this secret wish of revival of peace and love among mankind? Did you ever think that way?

 

I am not a Christian:

I am not a Christian but I have a strong respect for them and I feel them as a sacred creation as I feel about myself. They all have two eyes, one nose, pretty lips, two legs, a pair of hands and a sound body like us. Can I hate them just because they believe in Jesus? And just because they have a different dress code than the one that I wear? Can I hate them just because they go to church for their prayers and not to any other holy place? And Is just a colour difference enough for spreading hate and intolerance that we have for each other when it comes to white vs black racist attitude?

THE CATHOLIC SAINT ANNE’S CHURCH AND THE POOL OF BETHESDA

THE CHURCH OF ALEXANDER NEVSKY

THE CONVENT OF THE SISTERS OF ZION- THE ECCE HOMO CONVENT

SAINT JACOBS CATHEDRAL (THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JAMES)

THE ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE (THE ARMENIAN QUARTER) AND SAINT JACOBS CATHEDRAL

THE GREEK CATHOLIC PATRIARCHATE

THE CENACLE – ROOM OF THE LAST SUPPER

TERRA SANCTA MUSEUM – VIA DOLOROSA MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCE

Cathedral of Córdoba

 

I am not a Muslim:

I am not a Muslim still I have no bad intention of hurting or shaming a Muslim just because there are many false analogies that are being made about them by people from all around the world without any research and actual fact and figures. And just because their women prefer to cover them up as per their religious beliefs, Shall I start hating them? Shall I start hating Muslims just because terrorists have also adopted their get up and claim to be Muslims whereas Muslims themselves are at the top of the hit list of terrorists? Shall I start hating Muslims because they believe in Allah and the divine book that is being humiliated by terrorists? We can never hurt anyone just because they think differently than what we perceive to be right. If something is right for us, it might be wrong for someone else. Change in point of views and beliefs is not a justification of hate and humiliation. 

AL HARAM MOSQUE, MECCA

AL NABAWI MOSQUE, MEDINA, SAUDI ARABIA

AL AQSA MOSQUE, JERUSALEM

THE BLUE MOSQUE, ISTANBUL

Cologne Central Mosque, Germany

HASSAN II MOSQUE, CASABLANCA

QOLSARIF MOSQUE, RUSSIA

THE GREAT MOSQUE OF XI’AN, CHINA

CRYSTAL MOSQUE, MALAYSIA

Nasir ol Molk mosque in Shiraz, Iran.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei:

 

I am not a Hindu or a Buddhist:

I am not a Hindu or a Buddhist and I love how beautiful and loving they are. They are just like any other human being existing on this earth. Mere clash in thoughts, religion and beliefs, politics and countries can never stop us from loving each other. I have many followers from India and I never faced any hatred from their side. Why is that? Because we are all same and that love is for love as hate is for hate. We can live peacefully yet we choose to live a life of conflict and criticism. Can I hate a Hindu or a Buddhist just because they go to temples and just because their homeland is rated the number 1 country that is the most dangerous place for women? Can I hate a Hindu just because some filthy people from their country are raping and beheading women? Shall I start hating all the innocent and lovely Hindu people just because of some rotten eggs that we all have in our own countries, in our own states, in our own homes and even inside ourselves? Think about that!

Dwarka, Gujarat:

Badrinath Temple, Badrinath – Uttarakhand:

 

Haridwar – Uttarakhand:

 

Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir:

 

 

 

Lotus Temple:

Borobudur, Indonesia:

 

Wat Rong Khun – Chiang Rai:

 

Holy sites-The Places of Sanctity:

I am just amazed by what I just saw. How beautiful these holy buildings are! They all left me totally spellbound. While searching for religious sites of each religion, my eyes welled up many times by looking at the people and their love for the holy places. Why? Is there anything bad about any of the above buildings? Did you spot any demon in any one of them? NO! And you never can as these places are made to get sanctity and righteousness. For your information, no religion teaches you about humiliation and brutality, hate and feudalism. Every religion teaches us about love and serving the humanity. We all go to our religious places to get sanctification and to be a better person. If being a better person is a bad thing from your perspective, then I can’t comment about it.

Why do we avoid religious conversations?

Let me tell you why. Because we are all narcissists about our religion and beliefs. We think that only we are right and rest of the religions are of no good. How can you say that when you don’t have any knowledge of what their religion is all about? See, we all have our own beliefs and ideologies. Even Atheists have their own beliefs. Nobody is asking you to accept and validate other religions. But at least we have no right to judge, criticise, humiliate and exploit other religions. There is no justification for making fun of other religions or superimposing your religion upon others. You don’t have to go and learn about other religious books and do research on them to avoid religious awkwardness. In fact, just as we explore other people, we explore other places, there is no biggie in hearing another person for a few minutes talking about his or her beliefs without being judgmental or critical. Include their religious beliefs in the category of “freedom of expression” as well and just listen with love, care and respect. This will work wonders for you. 

 

Every religion is beautiful as it teaches us about love and humanity. There is no such religion who teach its followers about brutality and warfare. It is just some evil people, who reflect false impression of their religion.

 

How to shatter this Religion barrier:

Hey! Are you a Christian? Well, I am an Atheist. It would be a pleasure to learn about your religion as every religion is beautiful. This world is beautiful. Lets spread love and sprinkle the positivity. Love is all we need to save the day and love is the secret potion to end this filthy spell of racism, religion-barriers and hatred among us. Learn about other people. Even if you don’t want to learn about other religions and beliefs, don’t hate people on this base. It doesn’t matter if I am a Muslim, a Christian, Jew, Buddhist, Hindu, Zoroastrian or an Atheist, we are all going to die one day and be a part of this soil again. We are going to fade away eventually. So why this hype for? Why all this hate for? Think about it and you will feel these tiny gaps that are taking us miles and miles apart from each other. Just feel okay to talk about other people’s aspects and give respect to them just as you want from them. Embrace each other and let this religious biases stay away from your daily life dealings and you will see how beautiful this world will become.

We are all like beautiful roses in a big garden. Now it’s our decision, if even one of us ignites the fire of hatred, the whole garden is going to burn and we all are going to die in despair. 

 

I met a Korean girl in metro one day and we immediately became friends. One day, she came to my university and we had a lunch together. I asked her where she is from and what is her religion. She told me that I am a Christian. I asked her eagerly if she could tell me something about her religion and beliefs and that I always wanted to know about the beautiful religion of Christianity. She was so happy and we talked for about 3 hours or so and the results were amazing. Not only did she tell me about her religion, she also asked my opinion on it and asked me to tell her about mine. She listened to me attentively and with the same respect that I gave to her opinions. There was no conflict between us. There were no harsh exchanges, no taunts or judgements. 

Now imagine a vice-versa situation. When she told me that I am a Christian, I might have given her a cunning smile and could have said some harsh words like let’s not talk about your religion. I don’t believe in it. Let me tell you about my religion that is the one and only true religion in this world. She would have never given me any respect at all if I would have treated her with this unethical approach. 

 

Reasons for Religion-Barrier:

One of the main reason why the seeds of hate bloom in our heart is our upbringing. Our ancestors portray other religions in a different way that we start assuming that we are the only superior tribe whereas other people are just wasting their time. Our ancestors are usually very sentimental about their religion and even talking or discussing other religions give them insecurities. Whereas all the learned scholars either they are Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews or Buddhists, they are learning and doing PhDs in other religious books. They are exploring other religions as well as their own religion. There is nothing bad about it people!

The second major reason is the political and social barrier. Our politics and rulers are quite responsible for what we think about the other religions and nations. Our country will definitely hide their flaws and throw all the blame on others thus restoring their angelic image in front of their people. We should be well aware of the lies that our government and media tell us on the daily basis. Media is playing a major role in creating nation barriers. It is an era of technology, always check the authenticity of a news or criticism before falling into the debate. 

Me and one of my friend started arguing about the conflict of Afia Siddiqui. I had all those home discussions and local news in mind. We argued a lot and finally, that argument ended up into my friend blocking me from his Whatsapp account 😀 I opened up google, read all the published articles and news, I consulted the whole history and cases from Wikipedia and at the end, I felt like a jackass. Because, despite being an educated citizen, I was living a life of ignorance, a life where we don’t do any research before and abruptly fall into an argument that is merely based upon emotions, irrational and illogical comments. Trust me, from that day onwards, I made this habit of mine to do a proper research on latest conflicts and worldwide controversial issues so that even if I fall into an argument, it could be a positive discussion rather than blind criticism.

 

What does each religion say about love and humanity?

 

Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

-Bible.

The Bible has a lot to say about the bonds of love and devotion. Bible verses about love speak of the perfect love that everyone should have toward their friends, family and mankind, not to mention the Lord. However, Bible verses about love also offer a revealing look at the strength and hope that romantic love can provide. 

“We have appointed a law and a practice for every one of you. Had God willed, He would have made you a single community, but He wanted to test you regarding what has come to you. So compete with each other in doing good. Every one of you will return to God and He will inform you regarding the things about which you differed.” (Surat al-Ma’ida, 48)

-Al-Quran.

In acknowledgement of this fact, Muslims have an inner love and compassion for people of all faiths, races and nations, for they consider them as the manifestations of God in this world and treat them with an heartfelt respect and love. This is the very basis of communities administered by Islamic morality. 

“A soul enters this world for seventy or eighty years just to do a favor for another” 

—the Baal Shem Tov.

Perhaps nothing has been as detrimental to the Jewish people as the modern idea that Judaism is just a religion. We are much more than a religion; we are a single soul radiating into many bodies, bonding them as one. A healthy body is one where every part works in harmony, So is this society.

Veda says ‘Dhanena Tyage nyke…’ which means that sacrifice of money proves the real love.

Veda explains that Service is the proof of the real love. Service means a sacrifice of work and sacrifice of fruit of work. The mother serves her child by the sacrifice of work like giving the bath, dressing etc., for years together continuously. The father serves the child by the sacrifice of fruit of his entire hard work. It is a clear practical point that the proof of the real love is the only service. If you serve your family, you love your family. If you serve the entire world, you love the creation. If you serve the God, you love the God and this is only devotion.

“One is not called noble who harms living beings. By not harming living beings one is called noble.”

-The Buddha

In Buddhism, humans are just one type of sentient being, that is a being with a mindstream. In Buddhism, humans have a very special status: only a human can attain enlightenment as a fully enlightened Buddha. Enlightenment as an arhat can be attained from the realms of the Śuddhāvāsa deities.

Meditate continually on the Name of the Lord within your heart. Thus you shall save all your companions and associates. (1)
My Guru is always with me, near at hand. Meditating, meditating in remembrance on Him, I cherish Him forever. ((1)(Pause))
Your actions seem so sweet to me. Nanak begs for the treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord. ((2)(42)(93))

-aasaa ghar 7 mehalaa 5 ॥.

Sikhs believe that God can’t be understood properly by human beings, but he can be experienced through love, worship, and contemplation. Sikhs look for God both inside themselves and in the world around them. They do this to help themselves achieve liberation and union with God.

 

Who am I?

I am not a Muslim, I am not a Jew, I am not a Christian, I am not a Hindu, I am not a Sikh, I am not a Zoroastrian, I ain’t an Atheist. Who am I? What is my religion? 

My religion is Humanity and there’s no sacred religion than that. This humanity deserves equal rights regardless of our beliefs and religion.

At the end I want to ask you this very important question:

If all religions teach peace, then why can’t all religions achieve it? 

Is it the difference between our point of views and perceptions? 

Dear Sugar cakes, Let’s embrace each other and never let this religion barrier come in between us. Let’s show love and respect for each other as we should be doing. I love you all regardless of your religion and faith. All I know is that you people are amazing and that nothing can make us spread the sunshine of love and positivity in this world! #Together we stand!

 

Note: All the religious references are taken from Google websites. In case of any wrong information or mistake, you can always guide me. Thank you so much for all the love and support <3