Someone once said, “Each person who delivers kindness stays with us forever.” This post of mine echoes that theme.

Friends, one of the comments on my last blog, "Essence of Being Truly Alive," was profoundly nostalgic and transported me back five decades in time.

At the Pakistan Military Academy, just a week before Passing Out, I was caught by the Duty Officer returning to campus around 2 a.m. after an unauthorized outing. The next day, as I was about to sign my final report, my Platoon Commander looked up and asked, "Were you checked last night?" "Yes, sir," I replied. He then said, "You shall not sign your report. Your case is under consideration. You may be withdrawn or relegated. I shall let you know."

I was crestfallen but continued with my duties, practicing for the ceremonial parade and attending to other necessary tasks. There was no further communication between the Platoon Commander and me.

Then came the night when we were to become juniors (a long-standing tradition) and were at the disposal of our juniors for whatever way they wanted to rag us. Past midnight, a gentleman from the third term took me to his room and said, "Sir, why are you enduring all this ragging when you don't even know what might become of you?"

Early in the morning, the Platoon Commander wanted me to see him in his office, but I was nowhere to be found. My friends mounted a frantic search and tracked me down. I hurriedly got ready and rushed to the office compound, barging straight in. The gentleman looked up and said, "Is this the way to come into the Platoon Commander's office? Go out and ask for permission to come in." I did.

The immediate question was, "ARE YOU GETTING COMMISSION?" (I remember every word spoken in that meeting). I said, "I don't know, sir. You said you would let me know." All hell broke loose. "You are one of the most indifferent men I have ever come across. Your life, career, everything you aspired for is at stake, and you didn't even bother to check back. You don't know how I convinced the Duty Officer to shelve the report of your offence. You also don't understand how we identify ourselves with our students, how we work, wish, and long for your success.

This was all done with the purpose of teaching you that the VIOLATION OF DISCIPLINE CAN GET YOU KILLED.

Hope you didn't inform your family.
Today is off for you.
Prepare to receive your family and participate in the Passing Out Parade tomorrow. GOOD LUCK."

I graduated, went my way, and he went his. We both did the very best we could in the best profession there is—the profession of arms.

I cannot say whether I truly learned the lesson, but what I have learned, seen, done, or been doing for the last five decades is that his love and kindness stand out as a prime factor. Truly, he was a rainbow in my cloud.

I have been writing and talking for a long time and have received sweet, sour, rave, embarrassing, and reinvigorating reviews. My Platoon Commander's (I never knew that he still was following and looking after me) following lines elevate me and my views to the celestial sphere:

"I am a keen follower of your posts. I am proud of your achievements as an intellectual. May you progress in your intellectual pursuits. When you visit Lahore, give me a chance to meet you. Thanks."

Profound gratitude and best wishes for perpetual Divine Grace for my Rainbow ...

To be truly ALIVE is to live with a purpose greater than oneself. It is to embrace TRUTH even when it is inconvenient, to act with INTEGRITY even when it is challenging, and to show HUMILITY even when it is tempting to boast. Such individuals leave behind a Legacy of Goodness, inspiring those who come after them. Their lives are testimonies to the power of living authentically and selflessly. 

There have been/are/shall be millions who lived/live/shall ... conscientiously. Conscientious living is about being aware of the impact of our actions on others and the world around us. It means making choices that are Ethical and Just, considering not only our own needs but also the needs of others. It involves a commitment to Fairness, Justice, Empathy, and Respect. Conscientious individuals are aware of the interconnectedness of all life and strive to contribute positively to the collective well-being.

Conscientious living entails Honesty and Humility. These traits are the twin pillars of a life well-lived. Honesty ensures that our actions are transparent and trustworthy, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Humility keeps us grounded, reminding us that we are part of a LARGER WHOLE and that our successes are often the result of COLLECTIVE EFFORT and DIVINE GRACE. Together, these qualities enable us to navigate life with Grace and Dignity, earning the respect and admiration of others.

Those on the other side of the fence; their legacy  ???  History is replete with answers ... Their lives are nothing but the  Illusion of Life in Deceit and Greed ... and ... those who live by deceit and greed may appear to be alive, but they are merely existing. Their lives are characterized by a relentless pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others. They manipulate, exploit, and betray, leaving a trail of Harm, Distrust and Destruction. Such lives are marked by an inner emptiness, a void that no amount of material wealth or power can fill. These individuals are, as Khalil Gibran noted, DEAD IN SPIRIT LONG BEFORE THEIR PHYSICAL BODIES CEASE TO FUNCTION.

The Call ... The Choice ... Every day, we are presented with choices that determine whether we are truly ALIVE or merely existing. Choosing life means embracing values that uplift and sustain, seeking to make a positive difference in the world. It means striving to be honest, humble, and conscientious in all our dealings. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a Legacy of Goodness that transcends our Physical Existence.

It must be understood that the measure of our lives is not in the Wealth we Accumulate or the Power we Wield, but in the Integrity of our Actions and the Love we Share. So to be truly ALIVE is to Live with Purpose, to Act with Integrity, and to Leave a Legacy of Goodness. Let us strive to be among those who are truly ALIVE, whose spirits shine brightly even after their biological life has ended. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that our true legacy lies in the Fairness, Truth, Respect, Honesty, Humility, and Conscientiousness with which we live.

Akhtar N Janjua

The society needs to speak for the victim asking for justice comprehending the fact that tha justice in the case of murder is not merely about punishment; it is about restoring balance and reaffirming societal values. When society seeks atonement for the victim, it is not just acting on behalf of the deceased but also reinforcing the principle that life is sacred. This pursuit of justice is essential for maintaining trust in social institutions and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

It must be understood that the impact of murder extends far beyond the immediate act. It causes fear, grief, and a sense of vulnerability within the community. It challenges our sense of security and the belief that we live in a just and orderly world. The communal grief and the collective demand for justice shall highlight our interconnectedness and shared responsibility to uphold human dignity and justice.

Preventing murder requires more than just legal measures; it demands a societal commitment to fostering environments of respect, empathy, and conflict resolution. Education, community support systems, mental health resources, and proactive security measures are all crucial components in the effort to prevent such heinous acts. By addressing the root causes of violence and promoting a culture of peace and respect, we can work towards a society where the sanctity of life is upheld.

The Quran's teaching that the murder of one innocent person is akin to killing all humanity serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of life and our collective responsibility to protect it. Murder is not just an individual transgression but a societal affront that demands our collective response. By recognizing the profound impact of this crime and committing ourselves to justice, empathy, and prevention, we honour the intrinsic worth of every human life and strengthen the bonds that hold our society together.

Let us remember that each life is a unique thread in the intricate tapestry of humanity. When one thread is violently cut, the entire tapestry is weakened. It is our duty, therefore, to uphold the sanctity of life and to ensure that justice, tolerance, compassion, veracity and respect become the cornerstones of our society.

AKHTAR N JANJUA

 عید الاضحی مبارک ۔۔۔

احباب کو، اقربا کو، اہلِ وفا کو، فلسطین و کشمیر اور دنیا بھر میں کہیں بھی مبتلاءِ  بلا کو۔ 

فریضہِ حج ادا کرنے والے لاکھوں مسلمین و مسلمات کو بھی دلی مبارک اس دعا کے ساتھ کہ اللہ 

کریم  اُن کے حج  کو،عبادات کو، مجاہدات کو، سعیات و حسنات کو قبول فرماے۔

کل خطبہ حج  میں فلسطینی مظلوموں کے لیے دعا کی گئی اس مدعا کے ساتھ کہ ہم دو ارب کے قریب مجبور و 

مقہورعملآ ان کے لیے کچھ نہیں کر سکتے  کیوں کہ  اے تمام جہانوں کے خدا، ہمیں تم سے زیادہ اپنے زمینی خداوں کا

 خوف ہے اوران کی خوشنودی بھی بہت عزیز ہے۔ 

س لیے ہماری یہ منافقانہ دعائیں اگر قبول فرمانی ہیں تو

 تُو قادر ہے قبول فرما لے  ۔۔۔ نہیں تو ہمیں معاف فرما ۔۔۔ 

کیوں کہ ہم تو مظلوموں کا نام لینے سے بھی قاصر ہیں۔ 

آج سے ایامِ نحر شروع ہیں۔ سُنت ابراہیم علیہ السلام کی پیروی میں کروڑوں قربانیاں ہوں گی ان ایام میں۔ 

میں تھوڑا سا الجھن میں ہوں فرق سمجھنے میں کہ “قربانی کرنی چاہیے یا قربانی دینی چاہییے” ۔

تاریخِ عالم بھری ہڑی ہے تسلیم و رضا کی انمٹ داستانوں سے ۔۔۔ لیکن ایمانِ ابراہیم، ایقانِ اسمعیل اور   ایثارِ اماں  ہاجرہ  امر ہیں،  ارفع ہیں اور قیامت تک بے مثل رہیں گے۔ 

قربانی نام ہے رضاے الہی، منشاے خداوندی پر سرِ تسلیم خم کرنے کا  ذات سے بلند ہونے کا، شیاطین کو شکست دینے کا، حق پر ڈٹ جانے کا، ۔۔۔

کل ہم لوگ بھی بڑی بڑی قربانیاں کریں گے  ۔۔۔ لیکن قربانی دینے والا کوی خال خال ہی ہو گا ۔۔۔ بڑے بڑے لوگ بڑی  بڑی قربانیاں کرنے کے ساتھ اگر قربانیاں دینے کا فیصلہ کر لیں ۔۔۔

 (ویسے بھی کسی کے پاس کچھ بھی اپنا نہیں، یا عطای ہے، یا لُوٹا ہوا ہے، یا چھینا ہوا ہے، یا ناحق ہے)  ۔۔۔ 

جھوٹی انا  کی، تعصباتی نفرتوں کی، فانی  طاقتوں کی، پرانی  دشمنیوں کی،  بیگانی مجبوریوں کی،  غلامانہ  معذوریوں کی،   ابلیسانہ ہوس کی، حریصانہ خواہشات کی، بدمعاشانہ خرافات کی ۔۔۔۔ تو پاکستان پاکیزہ استھان  بن جاے۔   فائلر اور نان فائلر (جو کہ ملک کی ایک بڑی اکثریت ہیں  ۔۔۔ موے ہوے کو مارے شاہ مدار ۔۔ ۔)   ایک صف میں  کھڑے ہو جائیں۔ 

آخر میں ایک حکیم کا حکمت بھرا نعرہ ۔۔۔

بارہوں صدی عیسوی کے مشہور اسلامی مفکر ابوبکر محمد ابنِ طفیل (جن کی کتابیں اور ملفوظات آج بھی مشرق و مغرب میں زیر تحقیق و تشریح  ہیں) نے ایک دن انتہای سرشاری سے لوگوں کو پکار کر کہا :

"لوگو آج  میں  نے  وہ  راز پا لیا جسے اپنا کر انسانی معاشرہ ہمیشہ کے لئے خوش و خرم رہ سکتا ہے اور وہ    ہے”۔ 

'سب کچھ دوسروں کے لئے' 

کیونکہ کائنات کی ہر چیز  دوسروں کے لئے ہے ۔۔

درخت اپنا پھل خود نہیں کھاتا۔

دریا اپنا پانی خود نہیں  پیتا ۔

بہاریں دوسروں کا دل لبھاتی ہیں۔

برساتیں دوسروں کو سیراب کرتی ہیں ۔

ذات کے چنگل سے باہر نکل لو تو امن ہی امن ، خوشیاں ہی خوشیاں"۔

اللہ کریم “قربانی دینے” کی توفیق عطا فرماے ۔

آمین

بجاہِ سیدنا ابراہیم و اسمعیل و سیدہ ہاجرہ علیما السلام ۔۔

اختر جنجوعہ