Zubeen 1

ZUBEEN 2023

Cover Page

College Magazine

2023 Issue MOHTARMA BENAZIR BHUTTO SHAHEED MEDICAL COLLEGE MIRPUR AZAD KASHMIR

A project of The Publishing House MBBSMC

Contents INTRODUCTION Principal’s words Foreword by Patron in Chief The Publishing House MBBSMC

ENGLISH POETRY & PROSE

THE BIBLIOPHILE’S HAVEN

URDU SECTION

GUP SHUP - THE INTERVIEWS

PHOTO GALLERY

ART GALLERY

CONTACT MCIANS

FROM THE EDITORS

Prinicipal’s words

Foreword

The Publishing House MBBSMC Meet The people behind the virtual pages!

THE Illustrators

Hunza Hareem

Ayesha Jannat

Bayan Arif

Media Team

Sharoze Mir

Javeria Habib

Arooba Khan

English Editors

Tabinda Mushtaq

Asma Javed

Manal Naveed

Urdu Editors

Maira Asif

Zermina Afzal

Hajra Rehman

William Wordsworth

it’s in the eyes. always in the eyes.

that’s the thing about pain,

it demands to be felt.

John Green

English Poetry & Prose “In the end, we’ll all become stories.”

Margaret Atwood

Mona Tahir M-9

On nights like these, grief pays me a d k, an s h o c in t o a e h to o f t m b le s out o r it u w ay e art cr e w ay f y . n g m s m y h d m ak n g ro o m a g h ti e a n a ll liv i it , fi a s m ile t a a s id k p n o e g t o d sm i l I e. I s y fe rate a n t l e s in s id ly d e c o in s t cate p ie c n tri io n m ill e r m y i ent

stopping by my cottage with candies

He gets up and walks to the door, stops for a moment and

taunts, “have you committed to never stepping outside of this ruin of a town?”

sudden visit like an old lover

in hand and a painfully genuine smile.

The ache that had been buried long ago resurrects and travels through the layers of my soul. It resurfaces in my eyes, screaming out of exhaustion when he looks away; like a loser turning blind to imminent danger.

It comes like an uninvited guest that I have to cook dinner for. It

scratches the wounds I’d been trying to hide ever since we parted ways.

It talks while I nod and smile, and then turns to look me in the eyes like it truly wants to know how I’ve been doing

The grief turns to face me and smirks, a smirk I can’t

make anything out of. It pats me as if lauding me for my resilience for never giving up. Its touch shatters my

He asks me how I have been all these years, sighs at how life here in this small town has changed, complains of how the waves of the river doesn't make him toss and turn in sleep anymore, grieves at how kids don’t play in the streets anymore and exhales nostalgia at how old mud houses have been razed off the ground and rebuilt into fancy pretentious castles.

carefully crafted composure into tiny unrecognizable fragments.

Pure to Im Repurified

I begin by starting with the heart of beginnings For it is the highest and noblest of the beginnings Have courtesy with God, the High and the Majestic, by practicing and modesty and humility dejected out of shame and humility

humbled in awe, imploring Him by giving up your designs for His, emptied of covetousness for what His servants have, by hastening to fulfill his commands, and being wary of the subtle encroachment of bad manners.

If you_the spiritual aspirant _realize your attributes of servitude, you will then be assisted with something of the attributes of the Eternally Besought.

There is no salvation like the heart’s salvation, given that all the limbs respond to its desires

Realize your abject character and impoverishment, and you will gain dignity and wealth from the AllPowerful.

(Poem verses: 1-8 from translation and commentary of Imam Al-Mawlud’s Matharat Al-Qulub by Hamza Yusuf)

pure to d Hearts

We’re all born with a blank slate. Our hearts are as pure as they can be. But over time, as we grow, we start to sin. A little backbiting here, a little dishonesty there, looking at things we’re not supposed to, saying things we’re not supposed to, being lazy with our prayers; over time, our hearts that were once as pure as snow start to drown in the filth of our actions. Adding a hadith here:

"When a believer commits sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents and gives up that sin and seeks forgiveness, his heart will be polished"

And I know purifying our hearts can take time. It’s a rigorous process. But what if I told you that there was a faster way to remove the dirt we’ve allowed our hearts to steep in? What if I told you there’s a life hack mentioned in the Quran? Allah S.W.T says in Surah AL HUD:

"Surely good deeds wipe out evil deeds" so if you and I want to clean our hearts of any filth, fill it with what is good.

Give charity, volunteer, visit the sick, the elderly, be kind, pray on time, plant a tree, be a good neighbor. The list is endless and in time your heart will be cleansed. All these efforts need our attention. To say it louder:

Blessed are those with a pure heart because they are satisfied from within.

Ayesha Iqbal, M11

Imprisoned in your love,

my heart could never be free, Filled with true love,

which you were too blind to see, Imprinted with your image,

Allegience Allegience NOOR UL AIN IMTIAZ - M8

my eyes could never see you again, Through tears they shed agony and pain, Habitual of your words,

my ears love to listen to you, Even if it costs a life, I'll give mine in lieu,

Captivated in your thoughts,

my mind never let anyone reign it,

Between past and present, it wants no hatred split,

Illuminated with your light,

My soul needs your guidance to fight the dark, To search in the mist of the past where our love lost its mark,

Once graced with your presence

my life was possible with you by my side,

For tears to dry, pain to fade and happiness to reside

Is it so hard to say "it's ok to get hurt", rather than "do something to divert your mind"?

Is it so hard to say "I will listen if you are willing to talk", rather than" I suggest you do this" mid-way?

Is it so hard to say "I can stay here with you in silence if you are ok with it", rather than "you need to share it with me no matter what" and then make it worse by cracking jokes?

Is it so hard to say "it's ok if you are happy this way", rather than "why don't you try this"?

Is it so hard to say "I will make it up to you", rather than "I'm sorry, I can't change it"?

Is it so hard to say "I understand you are struggling to fight your demons", rather than "it's nothing to be worried about"?

Is it so hard to say "you have always been there for me, let me do the same for you", rather than "do you need me"?

Is it so hard to say "don't give up,you are almost there", rather than "take a break, it can wait"?

Why is it so hard to give someone the space, comfort, support, and peace they deserve?

ZARMINA AFZAL -

M8

BACKBENCHERS BY: IMAN SHAFIQUE - M8

Introduction:The most notorious students sitting in the last rows of classrooms are called backbenchers.

General Characteristics:They stay awake till late at night. They love to produce weirdsounds resembling frogs, cats and dogs. The boys don't even have time to comb their hair and wash their faces once in a blue moon. On the other hand, the girls come with their faces overwhelmed with makeup.

Useful Effects:They try to entertain the class with their lame jokes (chusses). They are always late for class and don’t even wear proper uniform, so help in providing economic support to the college by paying fines.

Harmful Effects:They give their hundred percent trying to disturb the class with their irrelevant questions and comments.

Reproduction:They transmit their habits to their juniors and the generations continue to grow.

Special Feature:They may be absent in the class but will always be present in the attendance sheet (IfYouKnowYouKnow) But there’s a saying, "The best minds of the nation maybe found on the last of benches of class."

AN ODE TO

THE HILLTOP

BY ASMA JAVED M8

STANDING HIGH IN ALL ITS GLORY, ​ NURTURING COUNTLESS ENDLESS STORIES, ​ A GETAWAY FOR THE BAFFLED SCHOLAR, ​ A RAGGING ZONE FOR THE HAUGHTY BRAWLER, ​ A BRAINSTORMING LOUNGE BEFORE THE SUBSTAGE, ​ A BUNKER’S SANCTUARY UP TILL THIS AGE, ​ YOU’LL FIND HERE TEA, TO SIP; TO SPILL, ​ HOW ABOUT A BOARD GAME UP ON THE HILL? ​ FOR MEETUPS, BIRTHDAYS AND RENDEZVOUS, ​ IT HAS EVERYONE’S FIVE-STAR REVIEWS, ​ MBBS MC’S CREAM OF THE CROP, ​ YOUR FAVORITE, OF COURSE, THE HILLTOP! ​

ILLUSTRATION: HUNZA HAREEM - M8

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"Before you judge someone, step into their shoes and walk the life they are living and if you get as far as they have, just maybe then you will know how life has been to them and why they are the way they manifest now personality wise".

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She had read that somewhere.

It was a foggy night with the least visibility and she liked it that way. The best part about fog was that it silently invaded towns through a slinking motion, and it ultimately created a sense of mystery like her thoughts.

Moving from one corner to the other, her nose became redder and colder but not colder than the judgement of this Dunya. Ah… people of this Dunya! Why were some of their versions so awful?

She lifted her gaze towards the sky and tried to look for the answer from the Lord of the lords, there was nothing but a white blanket of fog and twirls of mist which watered her eyes.

Sinners judging sinners. What gives them the right to make others feel bad!? Leaving one haram thing or sin gives them the courage to degrade others for the same struggle!? Does it mean that they are superior!?

Does their "pious self" give them the right to decide what they were and what they had become now!?

Do they ever sit back and realize what destruction their words have caused!? How many struggling individuals had they demotivated!?

Written By:

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We are told that the best of us are those who pay no attention to things that don't concern us, whose neighbours have no fear of their tongues!

Her neck bent forward in disbelief then stiffened back up. How can she even think that ALLAH SWT has left her alone and confused? “ O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.” – The Holy Quran 49:11* At least she was trying and she acknowledged that.

She knew her pavements of struggle. Slowly releasing a deep breath, she drooped her shoulders.

Sliding from standing to a sitting position, she recited: " And those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our ways."

Then ceasing all moments just not to break the spell.

Light headed. Tears rolled down her face.

Fariha Sattar M8

Ready to collect the shattered pieces of her soul.

Relieved. Indeed every soul has its own journey and is only answerable to Allah.

s

It will be yours, if it’s meant to be, The right time will come and you’ll see, Like it comes for a maggot to turn into a butterfly, Or for the silver moon in the midnight sky, That glimmers the dark coal night with its pale radiance, And lets the sun shine in the next glance,

Or the autumn breeze that blows, A gentle kiss against your cheek, That swiftly steals the summer heat, When it embraces the leaves, rust and gold, Swirling one by one they fall in cold,

They softly whisper a promise in your ear, That the sound of falling snow is near, Under the grey sky the snowflakes whisper again, It’s time for the little buds to blossom again,

So don’t you worry when things fall apart, Just have some courage, faith and that’s all, It doesn’t matter if it’s taking too long, A little patience will do you no wrong.

COMPARISON AIMEN MAQSOOD M8

When emotions overpower, Every reason is justifiable; When uncertainty blurs, Every bit of conscience; Till the last bubble of vibrance, Is effaced from existence; Leaving behind, A broken soul.

With no will to stand back again; A broken soul.

With no motive to live whatsoever.

GOODBYES FATIMA AKRAM M10

Wish I were a better writer, Would have written you poems and sonnets of love

Wish I were a better painter, Would have drawn your deep hazel eyes and looked at them forever Wish I were a better photographer, Would have captured your beautiful smile and crinkling of your nose when you get annoyed

Wish I were a better friend, Would have given my everything just to make you smile Wish I were a better lover, Would have made you fall in love with yourself Wish I were a better person, Would have stayed when you needed me there

Instead, I’m just a messed-up teenager Who hates the world but hates herself more I’m a selfish human who tries to protect what’s remaining of her by running away!

Running away from the world, responsibilities, and people I love!

So, my beloved, you must know I would break my own heart, die in my cov Instead of being with someone I love SHEHAR BANO M10

With the memories fading away, the sky seems to have lost its limit, the sun seems to have lost its lustre Stars don’t seem to shine the way they used to...

The nights grew a little too darker with every passing second, These dreamy eyes of mine, have no longer the worldly shine These lips of mine, have no longer words to say...

What is happening? Why are the colours fading away? Since when did this place become so dark, dark enough to doubt my individuality…

And now when the darkness starts to take over me, I helplessly try to fight back and shout for assistance And I turn around and find u everywhere, All around me, in my head, in my soul but my heart untouched.

I wish it was a cloud rather than my burning soul's smoke…

At last with my heart in my hand and mist in my eyes, I watch u dig my grave somewhere in nowhere And this time, I wouldn’t allow myself to question my existence. Instead, I'll seek an answer!!

Have these thoughts killed me enough or there is more to come?

Am I dying or already dead?

ESHMAL IMRAN M11

NAKYAL NOSHEEN RASHEED - M6

Sitting in the cabin alone, looking outside It's not just a hill station but my hometown A piece of Paradise July is in full bloom With Gloomy clouds touching "The Pir" (Mountain) Tall pine trees with their full might, Standing & mesmerizing me, bright Wherever I go, I come back to this place Where my heart stays All the heat of summer and heat of life is left behind when, One crosses the view point Here, Life is in full bloom It's not just a hill station, It's my Hometown

HOSTEL lIFE In the hostel halls of the university Life is full of hilarity and diversity From the early morning classes to late-night cramming We're all in this together, no one's slamming The rooms are small, but we make them work With bunk beds and desks, we never shirk We learn to live with each other's quirks And find ways to coexist without any smirks The bathrooms are communal, so we share But sometimes we wish we had our own lair Especially when someone takes a shower for an hour And we're left with no hot water, feeling sour There's always someone snoring in the night Or watching TV at full volume, not quite right But we learn to wear earplugs and adapt And find humor in the situations that we've trapped The kitchens are shared, so we cook together Creating meals that we'll cherish forever From ramen noodles to gourmet feasts We learn to cook and share, and that's a treat In the hostel life of university We learn to be independent and free Making friends that will last a lifetime And memories that will be sublime

So embrace the hostel life, it's a blast And remember, it'll be over fast Enjoy the ride, and have some fun Before you know it, the university will be done.

AROOBA KHAN M8

Photography by Rimsha Urooj M-8

Medical exams, oh what a plight Studying day and night, with all our might Books stacked high, notes all around Trying to memorize every little sound

MEDICAL EXAMS

The anatomy is confusing, with so many parts And don't even get me started on the charts There's are the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive too And that's just the beginning, there's so much to do The Pharmacology is like a foreign language Trying to remember all those drug names, it's quite a challenge Is it an agonist or antagonist, I can't recall My brain is fried, I think I'm going to fall The pathology is like a horror movie With all those diseases, it's enough to make you groovy From cancer to infections, it's a scary sight But we must keep studying, with all our might The clinical exams are like a game show In trying to diagnose the patient, we must know From their symptoms to their history We must use our knowledge, with accuracy and clarity But despite all the stress and the strain We'll keep studying, we won't complain For we know that one day, we'll be doctors so fine And we'll look back and laugh, at our medical exam time.

AROOBA KHAN-M8

The money he made Or The house he owned?

The cloth he wore Or The car he drove?

The property he kept Or The gold he left?

Or Maybe The kindness he showed Or The love he gained

Value

Maybe The smiles he witnessed Or The tears he cried Maybe The autumn he withered Or The spring he blossomed Maybe The journeys he took Or The people he met Maybe The warm summer mornings Or The cold winter nights

o f

Life Human

MARYAM MANZOOR - M9

Maybe The laughter with friends Or The giggle with the fam Maybe The handkerchief that the stranger kept Or The tree where the birds’ nest Maybe The eyes that captured his smile Or The heart that remembered his life So, What exactly is the value of human life?

It’s all abstract noun Things that are nothing But things that are Everything.

i’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror -Taylor Swift

Tabinda Mushtaq, M9

Standing in front of a mirror, imagine, what I saw With clumsy gait, a broken lady, and her body being raw Being looking straight, right in my eyes Just that moment, I heard, her loud cries Puzzled with the situation, I tried to pull her out of pain But all my effort, my voice, my noise, all in vain In the blink of an eye, I realized, that was me Perpellexed again, questioning myself, how could it be?

This welcomes a new territory of thoughts in my brain So strong and intense, as if it was a rain Standing hard on myself! How could I not be forgiving?

Why is that, in myself, I am not believing?

Let not the past ruin you, also not the regret She said; be true to yourself, it's all success, I bet Love and respect yourself, be kind to yourself Realizing this whole, by a look into myself

ROMAISHA RASHEED - M8

A young girl in a long kurta, jeans and headscarf, was walking over a bridge with a man who had the most gentle smile on his face. Below them was the sea, calm and still. Everything seemed to have paused, just like her life had in the darkness as she perceived.

“Why me, baba? Everyone is living their dream and here I am, failing every project. I can't get over my repetitive mistakes. Why am I not like everybody else who ace their goals so easily?”

Her father smiled. “I'll answer that but first tell me, why is the sea below the bridge so still and quiet?”

She turned her face down to the sea and thought, "Where were the waves, as if it were paused like my life?"

She moved her gaze up to the sky. The moon was like an old date stalk.

"How did it pull up the waves with its gravity?"

"It is not that time when the gravitational pull raises the spring tides high.

It is not that phase of moon" she answered.

He nodded and recited the verse of Surah Yaseen: 'And the moon, We have determined for its phases, until it returns like an old date stalk.'.

"My dear, today the phase of the moon is determined by your Lord and lord of moon and lord of everything in the heavens and the earth. This phase of the moon doesn't define it. After few days when earth, sun and moon will become parallel with full moon the tides will rise towards it. This shall pass and upcoming phase too shall pass; just wait for your full moon."

"But baba," she interjected, "my wait is long. It is not like the moon that will be completed in a few days, or like other people who get whatever they want in no time."

He said: “You will get your answer in the very next verse, recite it."

She then recalled and recited: It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).

She was just pondering over the message when her father said: "Maybe you have to wait for weeks, months, or years, but what you need to do is to move forward with hope. And just like the moon and sun, move in your own circle, putting your eyes away from the people moving in their own circles. And remember the Ayah in Surah Maryam, recited by Hazrat Zakariyyah (A.S.) while his hair turned white and bones weakened 'but never, Lord, have I been disappointed in my prayer to You', while asking that for his entire life, but Allah knows the best. At that time, Allah blessed him with Hazrat Yahya (A.S.).

So Allah knows when your moon will shine fully, when the tides of your sea will rise. You just have to move forward with hope because you have the same Lord that Hazrat Zakariyyah (A.S.) had! Ask with patience and prayer. And let me give you a task till we cross the bridge: count your blessings and tell me in the number."

"But-" she wanted to say something but trailed off.

Her father tapped on his watch and said, "Countdown, ticktock!"

"Okay," she smiled. All of a sudden, she realized that one of the biggest blessings was walking with her father, and instead of crying over the little insignificant, unfulfilled desires, she had a lot of blessings to be grateful for. She exclaimed, "Oh, my dear Allah! Alhamdulillah for this and that and everything!"

When they had crossed the bridge, he asked how many blessings had she counted.

She had a big smile on her face and a content heart.

Looking at her father, she said: "They are countless, baba!"

And for her awaited prayers, she said with sparkling eyes: "The sky will experience the full moon, tides will rise high and I will get over it soon!"

When people keep poking me to get social, I give it a go every time.

And what do I get?

All the energy being drained from me.

Does that mean I am shy or self-doubting? Definitely no.

I talk for hours with my favourite people, sit in silence listening to them for hours without getting tired. I can constantly argue with them on the same minor thing that we have argued on for months.

I want to ask people, do we introverts force you to get antisocial? Will you follow our advice? Never!

Then why highlight us in every gathering like we are some sort of aliens least interested in the hall of fame?

Is this not enough that we have our own tiny world with our people, having absolutely no concern over whether we fit in your definition of "healthy, socially acceptable, positive people" or not?

If our isolation gives us more energy than any crowd would, then why, OUR DEAR EXTROVERTS, are we constantly judged?

From the diary of an introvert Zarmeena Afzal M-8

ISLAM: A DEEN OR RELIGION? HADI ARIF - M9 In order to understand the proper concept of deen and religion, first we must understand their literary meanings.

Religion, or commonly known as Mazhab in urdu, is a constituent of three basic things: Beliefs, Rituals and Practices. For example: 1)Muslims believe in One God, Christians believe in Trinity and Hindus in million gods .

2) Muslims have their own ways of marriage and funeral, and Hindus and Christians have their own.

This goes on in various practices etc. Whereas Deen which basically means "The System" or the code of life, basically consists of three sub systems: Political system, Economic system and Social system. For example: there were two common systems in the 20th century, that were Capitalism and Communism(which collapsed in 1991 and is no more in its real form). They both had their own sub systems. In Capitalism there was secular democracy, free economy and Liberalism. Whereas in Communism there was dictatorship, controlled economy and atheism. Their basic differences were of economic system and Communism was basically a reaction of Capitalism which I will not discuss now.

These were the definitions of the two words( Religion and Deen).

Now we will discuss the perspective of Quran and Sunnah on this. In Quran the word religion(mazhab) is not used, but always the word Deen is used, which is sometimes synonymous to religion in some contexts. But basically the word Deen Allah is used for Islam meaning the System of Allah. Which gives guidance regarding all the parts of life from Politics, Society to Economy. If we read the Quran and Hadees in depth we will know that Islam is a religion as well as a System(Deen). The religion Islam is the base of Deen Islam. And Deen Islam is the building which gives guidance regarding Politics, Economics and Society.

The reason why Islamic system is different from Capitalism and Communism is because these both are man made, managed by experimentation and have many flaws. While Islamic system is given by Allah and is flawless. Prophet Muhammad PBUH established the Islamic system through a great struggle of 23 years and his Rashidun Caliphs continued it. But gradually it ended due to mistakes by some Muslims. The system was perfect but the Muslims were not perfect. There were many attempts to restore it but unsuccessful. And now we are left with no Islamic system.

Today , due to no Islamic system, not only Muslims but all the humanity is in chaos. They have a lot of complex problems which don't seem to end. There is no real justice in any field of life. Humanity is wandering for a just system, as current systems are not providing it . The need of the hour is that we Muslims should rise up to establish the system of Politico, Socio, Economic Justice(given by Allah and His Prophet) , first in our country and then in the whole world. May Allah help us. Ameen.

PAKISTAN, A FORGOTTEN DREAM HADI ARIF - M9 The creation of Pakistan is a very complex topic with many different and contrasting opinions.

Apparently it was a movement by the Muslims of Indian Subcontinent for a separate country, with a fear that the Hindu majority would exploit them politically, economically and religiously in a United India. Many other factors were also involved. But we would try to present the indepth essence of the whole Pakistani independence movement.

When Muslim League was formed in 1906, it was basically a small communal party working for the safety of some civil rights of the Muslims of India. Everything changed after the Allahbad Address of Allama Iqbal in 1930. This was the first time a demand for a separate Muslim state was put forth. This address instigated a great spirit and passion in the Muslim League and it was pivotal for the Independence movement of Pakistan. But what was the essence of that Address? Allama Iqbal described the need of a Pakistan in following words:

▪️ "I therefore demand the formation of a consolidated Muslim State in the best interests of

India and Islam. For India, it means security and peace resulting from an internal balance of power; for Islam, an opportunity to rid itself of the stamp that Arabian Imperialism (Monarchies of Umayyads, Abbasids etc) was forced to give it, to mobilise its law, its education, its culture, and to bring them into closer contact with its own original spirit and with the spirit of modern times." (Allama Iqbal, Allahbad Address 1930) It was Allama Iqbal who brought Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah back to India from Britain and gave him the leadership of Muslim League with a task to form a separate Muslim State.

Now, anyone can ask , what's the relation between Indian Muslims and the Arab Imperialism. I would like to present the situation through which the Muslim Ummah was going through at that time (1930s,40s) and the context of the statement "Stamp of the Arab Imperialism". Islam had seen a great domination in the era of Rashidun Caliphate, when the Islamic system of Politico, Socio, Economic Justice was working in its purest form for the welfare of the whole humanity. Equality, Fraternity, Accountability and Justice were the prevalent features.

Then Umayyads and Abbasids came with some deviations from Rashiduns, but still the Muslims world was very prosperous. It was a turning point as the gradual Downfall of Islam had started after the end of Rashidun Caliphate, because the ills like Dynastic Monarchy, Arab-Ajam discrimination , exploitation of power etc started to grow in Muslims which created a lot of complexities , but the Muslims world in general was still on a rise. Then Crusaders and Mongols brought havoc to Muslims but they still recovered. Ottomans emerged and became a big military power but their Downfall started after the 1700s, Ummah had been divided into many small fragments. At last, Ottoman empire came to an end because of its many wrong policies and also due to foreign conspiracies. But due to the complexities created after the Rashidun Caliphate, majority of the Muslim world started to ignore the basic principles of Islam regarding the State building. So many Muslim majority countries got independence in the 20th century but unfortunately their basis were Territorial, Linguistic nationalism, and Islamic principles were ignored. Ummah was carved into many even smaller countries or fragments and ultimately it lead to weakening and damage of everyone.

So in such chaotic times, the Idea of Pakistan came in the minds of some loyal Muslim thinkers of Sub Continent. That, first of all an Independent Muslim state should be formed in some part of the world, then an Islamic System should be established in it, by implementing the basic principles of Rashidun Caliphate in the modern world. After that, the whole Ummah should be united again under the banner of Islam. Thus, the concept was to be repeat the process of the First creation of State of Madina by Prophet Muhammad PBUH, then the establishment of the Caliphate and then the rapid expansion of Islam. Main emphasis was on the principles of Rashidun Caliphate so that the problems created by later Dynastic monarchies could be corrected. So this idea is briefly presented in the following statement of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as:

▪️ "On his deathbed, Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah told the doctors around that he hopes that people of Pakistan adopt Khilafat e Rashida as their political system that is the actual Islamic system implemented by the Holy Prophet (SAW) himself and the legacy was continued by the Rightly Guided Caliphs (May Allah be Pleased with Them)."

(Diary of Dr Riaz Ali Shah) A brief explanation in another book : "Pakistan was not simply a vague idea that serendipitously emerged as a nation state but was popularly imagined as a sovereign Islamic State, a new Medina, as some called it. It was envisaged as the harbinger of Islam's renewal and rise in the twentieth century, the new leader and protector of the global community of Muslims, and a worthy successor of the defunct Turkish Caliphate. " (Venkat Dhulipala, Book: Creating a New Medina.)

▪️

The expectation with Pakistan was that it will present to the world the Islamic System of Politico, Socio, Economic Justice, which will solve all the problems and complexities created by Capitalism, Communism, Liberalism, Nationalism etc. And will embody the concept of a real "Islamic Welfare State." Moreover it will also safeguard the rights of the Muslim Minority in India by playing a dominant role in the region. Millions of Muslims migrated and sacrificed their lives just for this Islamic reason. This is compactly presented as:

▪️"Bigger than most European nation states in terms of both territory and population and as

the world’s largest Islamic state, Pakistan was expected to assume leadership of the Islamic world (thus replacing Turkey) and protect the global ummah in a twentieth century dominated by non-Muslim powers. Some with deeper Pan-Islamic convictions dreamed that it would not just significantly enhance the Islamic world’s unity but indeed catalyse its reunification into a single political unit. In the subcontinent itself, Pakistan was expected to not just survive, but to emerge as a far more powerful state than Hindu India that would liberate the majority provinces’ Muslims while at the same time extending a protective umbrella over the Muslim minority who would be left behind in Hindu India.While the nation’s geo-body was to provide Pakistan with material strength, Islam demonstrably constituted its soul and spirit. " (Venkat Dhulipala, Book: Creating a New Medina.)

But unfortunately, all the dreams have been forgotten. Pakistani population has completely ignored the basic principles of Islam regarding the state building. There is no equality and justice, the Capitalist system is strengthening its roots and spreading all its complex manifestations. Territorial Nationalist movements are on a rise. East Pakistan broke away due to such complications and problems. Thus in short, a lot of work and effort is the need of the hour to bring Pakistan back on track. Otherwise eternal destruction will be imminent.

UNITY IN PAKISTAN AND

ISLAMIC NATIONALISM HADI ARIF - M9

How to develop unity in Pakistan? This is one of the most important questions that is in the minds of many people and is usually discussed everywhere. I would try to answer this question.

In every state , unity is brought about by many factors such as Equality, Justice, Development and Education etc. But a very important thing that is the essence of all other things is the sense of Nationalism. It plays a pivotal role in every thing. It influences the people to give rights to others and treat them in the optimum way. So I would discuss about the nationalism in Pakistan.

Every Nationalism has its own basis and origin. So I would present different concepts of nationalism in the world and then compare it with the situation and history of Pakistan. First of all, there is a cultural nationalism that is present in different African countries, but this is not feasible in our country as we have many cultures. Secondly, there is a concept of Racial nationalism as was present in Nazi Germany and Israel now, that one particular race is superior to others and they have more rights than others. This concept cannot be applicable in Pakistan as it has thousands of races.

Thirdly, there is a Linguistic nationalism, which is present in Arab countries which was the basis of their independent states. This nationalism is also present in France and Spain to some extent. This concept is also not right as Pakistan has multiple major languages. Fourthly, there is a concept of Historical nationalism, which was present in Egypt and Iraq and lead to their states. This is also not feasible as Pakistan (territories of Pakistan) have different histories.

Lastly, the concept of Territorial nationalism, which is quite common in most of the world. Its biggest example is India as they say that they are living at this place for thousands of years so it is their mother and we should serve it, irrespective of our religions or any other thing . This idea of Nationalism is totally null and void in Pakistan, as it was built totally against this concept. As the Indian National Congress was presenting this idea, but the Muslim League and Quaid e Azam rejected this idea by stating that we are a separate nation because we are Muslims.

Now come to the conclusion, the creation of Pakistan was basically on the idea of Two Nation Theory. That Muslims and Hindus are two different nations and they can never live together in peace. Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pathans, Kashmiris and Bengalis had nothing in common, their culture, language, customs, terrain, history and all other things were different. They had only one thing in common and that was Islam. Islam was enough alone to unite them into a powerful force and create Pakistan. And this is Islamic Nationalism. That irrespective of your colour, race or culture, you are one because you are a Muslim.

Unfortunately, after the creation of Pakistan, most of us forget this Idea of Islamic Nationalism. We didn't carve our country according to its principles. We didn't establish Islamic system of justice.

This resulted in the demolition of national unity and Pakistan broke into two in 1971. Even now, different provincial national movements are rising in different parts of the country. And it will create a chaos if it is not countered and addressed properly. Unfortunately, our state officials are trying to propogate the idea of Pakistani Nationalism on the basis of "Territory" which is not feasible and counter productive. As it is baseless. And it is not helping Pakistan in any way.

The need of the hour is that we should rise up with the banner of Islamic nationalism and build our country on Islamic principles. National unity in different areas of Pakistan will emerge ultimately.

Now I will try to explain, what is Islamic Nationalism? What are its basis?

Islamic Nationalism is a concept that anyone in this world who believes in Allah and his Prophet PBUH is my brother and all Muslims are one nation. We are one, even if one lives in Morocco and the other lives in Bangladesh. We are one, even if our cultures, languages, terrains and races are different. We are one, even if we are Sunni, Shia, Hanafi, Maliki, Shafai, Hanbali etc.

Now the most important thing, the basis of Islamic nationalism. The basic origin of this concept is Quran and Sunna. I must quote some of the important references.

1. "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah, all together and do not become divided." (Aal Imran:103) 2. "The believers are but brothers, so correct relations between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy." (Hujarat:10) 3. The Prophet saw said: "None of you will have faith till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself" (Bukhari:13) 4. The Prophet said:"The Muslims are like one body of a person, if the eye is sore, the whole body feels ache and if the head aches, the whole body aches." (Muslim: 6589) Then, as a historical evidence Prophet Muhammad PBUH and Rashidun Caliphs established one state and one government for all Muslims. It was later on that Muslim leaders started to divide Muslim Ummah for their personal gains.

These were some important references which lay the foundation of Islamic nationalism.

These are the foundations that encourage us to believe that All Muslims are one nation. That we should help our brethren, in any means necessary. We should feel the pain of the Ummah. Today there are more than 45 Independent Muslim states. And Muslims comprise of 1/4 of the world population. But still we are under a huge crisis. Whoever wants to kill innocent Muslims, kills them without any hesitation. The crisis which the Muslims are facing in Kashmir, Palestine, Bosnia, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Uighur, Burma and Libya are infront of everyone.

The need of the hour is that we should unite the whole Ummah under the banner of Islam. In order to solve all our problems we need to follow the Islamic principles. One Allah, One Rasool, One Kaaba, One Quran, One Ummah. I will end this essay by a famous Urdu verse by Allama Iqbal:

‫ایک ہوں مسلم حرم کی پاسبانی کے لیے‬ ‫نیل کے ساحل سے تابہاِک کاشغر‬ Muslims should be one for the protection of Islam, from the the coast of Nile to the soil of Kashghar

hide in the pages of these frayed books, my love, away from the cruel, cruel world

The Bibliophile's Haven THE BOOK REVIEWS SECTION

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow Zoulfa Katouh

Review 4: by Ushma Niaz M 11

"A breathtaking story of love and loss set amid the Syrian revolution."

It is always difficult to read books based on wars. And most of them are about something that happened a long time ago. So, It's even harder to read about something that's happening at present. Where people are ripped from their homelands in search of a chance at life.

Syria has become just a synonym for refugees but it's important to remember the people who call it home.

Heavy but full of hope. Scars. Scars. Stars. PTSD. Death. Love. Light.

In this harrowing tale of bloodshed and survival, I thank Zoulfa for compelling me to reconsider what I know.

I shed so many tears, both the sorrowful and hopeful kind.

I pray for Syria.

For Ukraine.

For Myanmar.

For Kashmir.

For Palestine.

For all parts of the world living in terror.

I hope all the Salamas and Kenans all over the world can one day reclaim their home.

but why does she not speak?

Euripides, Alcestis

Review 1: by Warah Abbasi About;

Rating:

It is categorized everywhere as a psychological thriller and crime fiction , but it’s more like a character study of the psyches of the protagonist and his patient.

An unsolvable murder, a woman stuck in her own thoughts , and a therapist determined to get her to talk - what’s not to love about Alex Michaelides’ THE SILENT PATIENT? It is immersive and hypnotic—the kind of suspense story that doesn’t need mind-boggling twists to keep you hooked but that delivers an exceptional twist or two anyway

Prose;

guilt

You would be drawn not just by Michaelide’s hypnotic writing but more by the tantalizing promise of peeling back , layer by layer, the deepest darkest secrest of the enigmatic characters . Rather than investigating a crime, this book investigates the mind of a criminal – which is so gripping it will be hard to set this book aside.

obsession Narrative; The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides What A THRILLING ENDING IT HAS! I wouldn't say it adds some value to your personality or you might become a pschyce reading expert after this but it's always nice to read a suspense novel that unveils itself in the last of its chapters. The masked characters are portrayed well!! keeping up with twists and suspense smartly and the best witness to that is i am keeping it down finished and amused right after a day i started it like it's original & unputdownable.

Review 2: by Fariha Sattar THE SILENT PATIENT is a maze-like exploration of the psyches of both a woman convicted of murdering her husband and the therapist determined to treat her.

It’s Theo’s(the therapist ) story that we follow most closely we watch him begin his new job at psychiatric unit in which Alicia(the patient ) resides; we watch as he begins his sessions with Alicia, seeking to break through her silence; At the same time the reader is seeking out a meaningful understanding of Theo’s personal life, who’s secrets are quite hidden from the reader; Michaelides adds yet another layer of mystery here, as the reader is hooked on the gradual unveiling of Theo’s secrets , Alicia’s secrets also come into the light. And when the secrets at the heart of this novel are finally spiller they are guaranteed to make your jaw hit the floor.

Review 3: by Warah Abbasi

Synopsis

A LESSON IN VENGEANCE

After spending a year in mental health facility, Felicity Morrow, returns to her boarding school. Dalloway School is an all girls boarding school started by the daughter of one of the witches burned alive in Salem. This school is rumored to be haunted by the FIVE DALLOWAY GIRLS who were mysteriously murdered.

Felicity is mourning the death of her friend and trying to settle in school when her boarding house is joined by a prodigy , Ellis Haley , a young writer. Now, Ellis and Felicity start investigating the death of Dalloway Five whether it was due to magic gone wrong or the patriarchal society of 1800s by redoing all the deaths and understanding how they happened.

This is helping Ellis complete her novel and claims to help Felicity move on from the death of her friend. During this, more of their boarding housemates end up getting murdered "Are these deaths occurring because of the haunting spirits of Dalloway witches or is someone a psychopath in that boarding house?"

Author: Victoria lee Genre: Thriller, Murder mystery Paranormal fiction , Dark Academia

Review 5: by Eman Khalid M 11

1984 is a book that asks the question, "What if we didn't have free will?" Imagine a world where every action of yours, every habit, every thought is scrutinized by "Thought Police". This is the core theme of this book that I read recently. As we follow our protagonist who secretly harbors dislike and hatred for the system, you hope that he can somehow collapse this system, which is the next-level version of being fed media propaganda. Your whole life becomes propaganda for some Supreme Leader.

The author presents minute details in such a nonchalant way, horrifying us even more to the amount of cruelty and discrimination.

The book left me speechless, and questioning the state of our society because of the way internet controls our thoughts and perceptions of everything. 1984 was written almost a century ago and yet it holds more true than ever. What if the 21st century is the true 1984? I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in mind games and wants some food for thought. Easy 5 stars.

Rating:

couldn’t stop flipping the pages of

was deeply enamored by

finished in one day

found to be eye-opening

My 13-year-old self was completely shaken after finishing this book. want to be turned into a movie

Here’s a book I...

found to be very...effective

found to be life-changing

cried my heart out for stayed up all night for

read whenever I’m lost or sad

Nine years later and I'm still not okay.

An emotionally devastating read and the only book that managed to make me cry my heart out. A book that stays with you for a long, long time.

read whenever I’m lost

want to live in

felt it changed me forever

adore till the very last page

recommend to all my friends

found mind-twisitng

cannot believe how it ended

fell in love with the love interest

want to teleport to

kept me at the edge of my seat

couldn’t get over for a month

MCIANS’ Side Hustles Because We Are More Than Just Doctors! *(also because the Doc thingy ain’t got enough money)

Fariha Muhammad Sattar

-M8 IG: @brownmissmedic_ She may claim to be strong,confident girl who owns her roots & deen but her knees still feel weak in OT. Wearing scars like wings

Huda Mustafa

-M11 IG: @perspectives_by_huda An art account for expressing myself and all the crafts I do. I paint, crochet and embroider to keep myself sane in the hostel. I flex my skills on instagram and make money out of it hehe -

Ushma Niaz

-M11 IG: @bookbug_medic I post poetry, books , my own writeups and at times, intellectual discussions.

Ayesha Iqbal

M11

IG: @quranonline_11 My aim is to spread the knowledge about Quran and ahadees, main emphasis is on "tajweed o tarteel"...I have created it recently after the death of my nana bu as a sadqa e jaria for him.

Amina Maqsood

M11

IG: blogs_by_dr.amina

This account is all about my medical life, the little literary person inside me and my social life.

Danish BIlal -M11

IG: vlogs_bydanish FB: danishbilal.qaisrani I’m all about vlogging and memes

Huda Taj -M8 IG: @the_girlwithspecs romanticizing life

PERSEVERE

3 0 0 - 8 M m e e r a H a z n u H : y b t r A l a ti gi D