The Kite Runner

 

“Life’s goes on, unmindful of beginning, end… crisis or catharsis, moving forward like a slow, dusty caravan of kochis (nomads)”

An emotional and unforgettable story of friendship, brotherhood, betrayal and redemption. It tells the story of two friends Amir and Hassan, who were closest as brothers and they were expert in kite flying too. But things got changed when war hit Aghanistan in late 70’s.

One of the most emotional book I’ve ever read. I cried on so many pages… I cried when Amir’s baba died, I cried when I got to know Hassan’s identity. When Talib abused Sohrab, and when Amir ran after kite which brings smile on Sohrab’s face..

It is about the class difference, power of reading, sect and racism, the act of betrayal and then redemption, about trust and lies, the lies which were buried deep under the sack of trust.

Story about family and friendship against the war zone; a country which is devastating by herds of jerks and making it extremely dangerous place on the world map. Through out the book story kept me engaged and hardly ever dull.

Khalid Hossaini never disappoint his readers when it comes to story and plot. It was balanced and yet powerful read with twists. At the end, the moral or message of the story  may differ for every read however through my view it offers a ray of hope for future.

Totally recommended to fiction readers

Happy reading!

 

B.L.A.C.K

Why are they wearing Black? Why are their faces sullen suddenly? Why aren’t the going out for hangouts how they do on a usual basis? What is a Majlis?

These are the questions I have grown up with, hearing them as every year the moon of Moharram is sighted. It saddens me to see many people who are not aware of what had happened, of the true history and significance of the battle of Karbala. And hey its not ‘Shia’ thing. Was Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) not all of ours? Did the Prophet’s family not hold any importance to the entire ummah? Or they are just Shia’s property. That is what Moharram is about. It is reanimation and reviving the greatest sacrifice made for Islam by the Prophet’s grandson Imam Hussain and his entire family, all women and children and their companion. How can the Muslim ummah not mourn the tragedy of the Prophet’s family? Now many of them say to me, we do respect Moharram, but these Majalis which are done by “that sect” are wrong. Why is it wrong? What exactly majlis is? Here’s what happens in Majalis; the Zikar(Dikhr – Rehearse) of Allah, of the Prophet and his companions and the Ahlul-Bayt, the Prophet’s beloved family.

The retelling to the Battle of Karbala and the traumatic events that took place which the Prophet’s family encountered after Battle of Karbala.

The retelling of how Imam Hussain had only 72 people who supported him on the journey from Madina to Karbala, while his battle was to be against thousands and thousands of wrong-doers (Yazid and his army).

The retelling of how Imam Hussain wanted to resolve matters with the wicked ruler Yazeed by word and when that hadn’t worked, Jihad was the only solution to save the true meaning of Islam.
Those of really think Imam Hussain took off His journey for battle, they should know, no one bring their families ladies and children at battlefield.

The retelling of water banned for the Prophet’s family on the land of Karbala and the echoes of ALLATASH (O thirst) of the children coming from their tents claiming their thirst admist the desert.

The retelling of how on the 9th of Moharram Imam Hussain gave all his companions the choice by turning of his lamp, to leave his side if they did not want to fight the battle.
The turning off of lamp was meant so no one can see who left the battle.

The retelling of on the 10th Moharram how the age of 82 to the 6 months, youngest of children of the Prophet’s family were slaughtered on the battle field in the name of Islam.

The retelling of Imam Hussain bringing the martyrs bodies from the battle field back to their camp at the old age of 60, where one of the many dead bodies of his beloved family was of his 18 year old son. A father who sacrificed his cherished son in the name of his grandfather’s preached religion.

The retelling of the only time Imam Hussain asked the troops of the evil ruler Yazid for a few drops of water for his 6 month old infant son who squealed with thirst that and lasted for days, and in response the the troops slaughtering the infant with an arrow used to slaughter camels to show their power in Arab.

The retelling of how after the battle with all the men martyred, the Women of the Prophet’s family were looted of their belongings and specially their Ridaa (Scarfs) and held captives, mocked and taken to the wicked ruler’s Kingdom in Syria as prisoners.

Scholarly books of Shias or Sunnis summarized events above can be found in any historical record. That is Moharram. That is why each year the remembrance of the battle of Karbla causes the heart to be heavy and mourn the Prophet’s family and revive their unshakable Iman and exemplary character which followed nothing other than the Sunnah.

Do not believe all that you hear about a particular sect and do not base judgements of what you’ve been told. Go out there and research on Islam, get your answers from authentic books and reliable scholars. Perhaps it is then that the misconceptions birthing our sectarian divide would if not resolve, at least teach us to be respectful and tolerable.

I personally invite all those who has questions about Majalis and Moharram to join us on Imam Bargah and witness what exactly Majalis is, why tears fell down from eyes, why we wear BLACK.

-Sahar

Feminism!

Feminism is a very sensitive topic now a days, everyone is discussing what and how a feminine life could and should be. Social media, debates, television programs even our drawing room gossips are very much into this topic.

I’ve selected a very delicate topic to write for, though I’m too witless for this issue plus being a female many of people will judge me as non liberal writer about this topic but I’m going to say what I feel and I see in my society. Whether it is true or false.

There was the time in Arab, when poor little girls was buried alive in sand just because they are girls. At time, they do not bury a girl they bury souls they bury a complete nation. Despite this there were few female rulers, like ancient Egypt’s Cleopatra. But the rate of these ladies is very low, we can easily count them on our finger count. Because the people in history was more likely having thoughts of Arab. China, foot binding is know as a very prestige Chinese civilization. They use to bind girls foot so it can not grow more then 4 inch, which was a symbol of beauty. But in actual they do not want those ladies to participate in certain activities in which men are involved. And there was a time not so old, when females were not allowed to do outdoor activities like theater and plays. Even if they has to play a female role they dress teenage boys in such a way. But again, despite this controversial civilization their were ladies who people praise as their goddess. In Greek, there were number of goddess and still their names are embossed on hearts.

Beside this controversial history of women impowerment, if I go through current status of femininism we are into the state of bewilderedness. We, ourselves, don’t know if we allow woman to stand equal against man or we should demoralized her efforts and skills.

Why this femininism topic got so viral now a days? Because rape or sexual assault’s statistics is growing day by day? Or because girl are finding their way to show and prove themselves to the outer world?

Well, according to my research the rape and sexually assault case are more likely to happen in urban areas than rural. And the reason behind this rate of sexual violence against women is, that, women set herself for a mission, like they go out for studies, they engaged themselves in various jobs and outdoor activities. May be men do not like women to stand against him so sexual harassment is kind of anger they express.

But it is not justice to be judgemental on such issue without proper analysis on both side. If girls become a victim of sexual violence just because they stand against men and they work with them with same pace or may be with more skills in same field, that definitely offend men gender.

But still I feel girls, of our society, do not basically emphasis on the actual meaning of women empowerment. To be very straightforward, ladies now a days raise their voices again women equality and empowerment. But by this, they means freedom, freedom of everything. If women use abusive language it’s freedom of speech if a boys use bad slang language he is male chauvinist. If a man is sitting on ladies reserved seat it’s lack of respect but if a lady is sitting on senior citizen’s seat it is convenience. If a girl has choice of having sex outside marriage is freedom but if boy choose it for himself it’s sexist and infidelity.
There we make a mistake, a mistake in understanding the actual meaning of freedom, respect, and women empowerment. Women rights are not about feeling ourself having more freedom than men or having more powers. It’s about equality.
There were number of great female legends who worked for women empowerment, like Mother Teresa, like Fatimah Jinnah, they led their lives for women rights but none among them raise their voices for sex outside the marriage, for being dominant upon men and etc.

If the reason for girls being raped, is men’s bad nature or any kind of men’s wrong virtue then somehow girls are also responsible for this mishap. Like if they know that their short skirts or deep necks can catch evil eyes of evil doers they should avoid wearing it. Girls can use alternative clothes. I’m not being conservative but I’m finding a way out for girls to save theirselves.

At the end, I apologize if I get rude at any point or my thoughts are conservative but that’s all my view points. Point me out if I’m wrong.
-Sahar ❤

Perk of getting married

Yeah I’m getting married by the mid of coming winters. I’m graduate now and quite old enough to get married. And wohoo very much excited.
Getting married on right time is just so amaze feeling and with the one whom you loved and who loved you back even more is just like a Cadbury frosting on your chocolate cake.

Number 1 excitement of getting married is; I supposedly became the most important member of my family, though I was important before but now it’s more then that. Everyone behaves like I’m just a sweet little baby and they want to make me happy in any case and it seems like they want turn out these moments into a tender memory.
The other exciting aspect of getting married is; shopping. Yes shopping, craze and happiness of every feminine. All the time I use to make lists of what I have to buy and I keep myself busy in rearranging these lists. This is bit headache but I enjoy doing it.
Perk number 3 is, as I’m going too far from my family after I get married. So we celebrate each and every event heart-out. Like we just have to live this moment. I capture every single inch of our happiness and togetherness, so I keep them close to my heart.

Soon I’m going to leave this family and this house. And be a part of someone else’s family. But we will still be a family we will still have bonds by heart. Although I’m very much excited and happy but somewhere inside my heart I’m nervous. I’m sad, I’m glum. How will I leave my family; my papa, who I not just a father but a mentor, a hero, a leader of our small family, a supportive subject to my world, more then a friend. In my whole life till now I’d never get separated from my family for like more then 72 hours or so. I’m just a papa’s little princess and I use to be homesick whenever I go out for stay. I’m gonna miss my family. My mama; a great teacher, a support, help and almost whole world for me. My siblings; with whom I spent the most precious time of my life, my childhood, I’m gonna miss them both.

Sahar ❤

Peshawar Attack – Aj ki Karbala

Karbala aj bhi jarri
Aj bhi Akbar ne barchi khayi
Aj bhi Qasim k tukray hue
Aj bhi Asghar hurmala ka nishana bana
Baap ki qamar tut gayi
Maa ki goud ujar gayi!!

Shaheed ho gaye kuch ore tere Laal Hussain (A.S)

-Syeda Sahar Abbas
Dec 16, 2014

Humanity ‘December 16,2014’

Dear 2014, What a beautiful gift you have given to us before leaving.
Those little angels, those colorful smiles, those fresh faces which we will never see again. They are resting in peace now with their friends leaving behind their parents mourning. My words can not express such grieve.

I’ve never seen such slaughter in my life. I don’t know who are they and what they want but killing little kids like wild beasts is not humanity. This is not matter of religion, this is not matter of nationality this is the matter of humanity. What kind of world is this where human is not secure by his human fellow. If those Taliban didn’t demand for anything and they had no points for hostaging students and teachers then what is the difference between them and a walker (Zombies)?

At the end of the day all I observe is that we are still unite. No matter what ever is going on in Pakistan; political issues, still we are one. We are united. We has hope we still waiting for a light and a bright future. Beside this the corner shown by other countries,  Muslim Non-Muslims, this is chuffed. I myself, personally thanks to all of them for showing such concern and celebrating black day for solidarity with victims of school.

TTP- Tehreek Taliban Pakistan, do you ever know the meaning of Taliban? Those were the Talibans the one you slaughtered yesterday. You are barbarians you are wild beasts. You are not Taliban. If you want to take revenge of mission Zarb-e-azab then fight like a men.

This is the War Of Terror we are fighting since last 13 year. Every single day we woke up and leave home for school/work with a chance of never coming back. This is the War Of Terror our kids, our youth our men are fighting. And don’t how much more we have to suffer how much more we have to shed our blood for peace.

December 16,2014 terrorists attack on Army Public School and College at Warsak road Peshawar Pakistan.
This is not 9/11 this worst than 9/11. We lost 149 students and teachers.

Rang laye ga lahu tera, ay Shaheed.

-Sahar

I – Profession

In childhood, everyone wants to become something bigger in profession. Some wants to become Pilot, few wants to become Doctor and lot other mores. I always wanted to fly high, above the sky so no one can touch me and the blow of air strike my face real hard and I can feel the freshness of this world. So keeping this wish I thought my profession to be a pilot. So I can fly high. But as a grow up I find no interest in flying planes because it do not satisfied by wish. My father is an engineer and he is good in maths so do I. So without any personal thoughts I aimed to be an engineer. Honestly,  I had no idea what engineers do, what is this profession for. But then I started searching for it and finally I came up with a decision that this is the perfect profession for me. I started studying hard and had good grades in school and high school. Then entrance test preparation, I didn’t guided by anyone and I took it so light so as in result I didn’t get admission in some well known universities then I started my journey of bachelors from a private university. Four years of continuous struggle ended up by getting an engineering degree with good grades. But that’s not it ends here.. Here it starts a new miserable life. In the very start I got selected for an internship in a consultant company, yes it’s very considerable. I had good experience there. Internship time period ended after 3 months and I’m jobless then.. After 2,3 months of complete rest (Meanwhile I started by masters with specialization in telecom)  I got opportunity to work in a telecommunication company as a trainee engineer and it is very exciting for me to work there. But after 4 months the timeperiod is again over. Having a hope to get permanent here. But it was of no use. So the time period of joblessness started from here. As per my thinking it’s not the matter of being a girl. Or getting a degree from a private university or even not having enough experience in your relevant field. If we have given an opportunity I’m pretty sure we can do something big we can bring a positive change in the development of industry plus other sectors too.. But the issue is that we are afraid of freshers we have no trust on experiments. We are pessimist we always find the dark side in ourselves and others. I’m very much determine if we give a chance to ourselves we will build a legendary statues.

Garlic

The chemicals in garlic are so potent that you can suffer second or even third degree burns if left on the skin long enough to require skin grafting.

Chicken cheese balls

Ingredients:

1. One large bread (sliced)

2. 1Kg boneless chicken

3. 1 tablespoon Vinegar

4. 2 teaspoon black pepper

5. ! tablespoon soya sauce

6. Salt to taste

7. Bread crumbs (For covering)

8. Egg (For covering)

9. Oil (For fry)

Method:

1. Boil boneless chicken and mince in blender after boiling.

2. Marinate it into vinegar, salt, black pepper, soya sauce for 20 minutes.

3. Take a bread slice put chicken mixture in the center and carefully make it round to make a ball.

4. Dip the ball into egg and then roll it into bread crumbs.

5. Fry it and serve with ketchup.

Easiest appetizer one can ever cook 🙂

Love

Sahar ❤

Shab Degh

Ingredients:

1. Half chicken

2. 1 cup Yogurt

3. 1 cup cream

4. 2 table spoon Ginger garlic paste

5. 1 table spoon Black Paper

6. Salt to taste

7. 2 table spoon Butter

8. 1/2 cup Cooking oil

SHAB DEGH

Method:

1. Stir fry chicken in butter and oil.

2. Add ginger garlic paste and keep on frying.

3. Add yogurt and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Add black pepper and salt.

5. Add cream and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

6. Serve well

This simple dish is Asian and delicious

Sahar ❤