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By Sumeha Khalid
E
id ul Azha is the time of sacrifice. It is also an occasion to feast and have fun with your loved ones. This bakra Eid we decided to we decided to ask some prominent personalities about their fondest memories, their views on the spirit of sacrifice and how they like to spend this festive occasion. Happy Eid!
Q: What’s a typical Eid day for you like?
Q: What’s your favourite meal on Eid?
A: I always look forward to Eid day; real fun is in being able to share and to be as generous towards the less privileged as possible. I get a lot of peace and inner satisfaction on Eid.
A: My favourite snack even on Eid ul Azha is “Sheer Khorma”.
Q: Any fond memories of Eid ul Azha?
A: The true interpretation of sacrifice would be to practice the teachings of our great faith by giving up on our own luxury and happiness for others which in actual essence is the meaning of life!
A: My fondest memories are of celebrating Eid with my entire family, with my siblings and parents - especially my late father - in our family house in Islamabad. It feels like a distant dream now.
Q: Your comments on the spirit of sacrifice?
Q: What’s a typical Eid day for you like?
Q: What’s your favourite meal on Eid?
A: Eid for me is meeting family and friends as our life has become so busy these days that you rarely get time to socialize. I look forward to such occasions when the entire family comes together and celebrate.
A: BBQ of course! Especially on Eid ul Azha when all day we eat succulent kababs and other meaty delights. Other wise I have a sweet tooth and love to polish off all the sawayan and mithai.
Q: Any fond memories of Eid ul Azha? A: All my lovely childhood memories of Eid are associated with my father, who made each day of my life memorable.
Q: Your comments on the spirit of sacrifice? A: I feel satisfied and content after distributing meat among the poor people. The look on their faces is heart breaking… the idea that a small act on our part can give them so much joy!
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Q: What’s a typical Eid day for you like?
Q: Any fond memories of Eid ul Azha?
A: Eid used to be spent at my grandmother’s place – it would be a big family lunch. Although now that she’s not with us anymore, it’s a family day at my parent’s house.
A: Eid is spent with family and good friends. Most Eids are spent happily and full of joy, although when one was younger Eidi would make our day. Now its the get-togethers that do.
Q: What’s your favourite meal on Eid? A: Best part of Eid is the Sheer Khorma!
Q: Your comments on the spirit of sacrifice? A: I’m not so sure about taking another life for the betterment of one’s own but I do believe my religion is extremely virtuous and therefore the idea of sacrifice. Be it in terms of monetary charity to help the poor or even a helping hand in other ways is the spirit of humanity and must always be practised.
Q: What’s a typical Eid day for you like?
Q: What’s your favourite meal on Eid?
A: I am basically a homebody and love spending time with family. After my hectic work routine, I really look forward to the Eid break. A typical Eid day for me is a day full of fun socializing with relatives, arranging BBQ dinners and lots more.
A: Spicy kaleji (liver) and vermicelli!!
Q: Any fond memories of Eid ul Azha? A: Eid ul Azha spent with my fatherin-law will always be memorable – the way he used to personally take care of the goats and cows. Qurbani was always carried out in his presence – later he would have portions made for distribution. He will be missed dearly.
Q: Your comments on the spirit of sacrifice? A: Eid ul Azha comes every year, and it’s great to see how people have proper mandis to sell cows n goat. People of all ages go with their families to buy there animal with love to sacrifice.
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Q: What’s a typical Eid day for you like?
Q: What’s your favourite meal on Eid?
A: A typical Eid day for me is all about family. In the morning we get visitors but lunch is always at my mother’s place.
A: I don’t mind the usual savories being prepared on Eid, but my favourite remains steak! Love the idea of having steaks and BBQ stuff on Eid ul Azha.
Q: Any fond memories of Eid ul Azha? A: None that I can think of at the moment. Eid ul Azha is usually a low key affair; unlike the excitement that one feels on Eid ul Fitr.
Q: What’s a typical Eid day for you like?
Q: What’s your favourite meal on Eid?
A: It’s like any Sunday except there’s either a big family lunch or dinner.
A: Eid is probably the only time I don’t really crave meat!
Q: Any fond memories of Eid ul Azha?
Q: Your comments on the spirit of sacrifice?
A: I still remember that Eid was the one rare occasion when my mom would let me wear make-up as a little girl. And when we made the rounds to our relatives’, I wouldn’t eat or drink a thing lest my lipstick came off!
A: I think that the symbolism of sacrifice is that of mind, spirit and deeds. And that is what counts. I’m not a fan of the actual animal sacrifice at all.
Q: What’s a typical Eid day for you like? A: A typical Eid day for me heralds going through the motions of Qurbani followed by lots of cooking later shared with family and friends. The first day of Eid is spent at our place with family.
Q: Any fond memories of Eid ul Azha? A: When we were young we used to live in apartments. I remember once my grandmother had bought a cow for sacrifice. I still vividly recall that when the cow was half slaughtered, the Islamic way, the butcher untied
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Q: Your comments on the spirit of sacrifice? A: Sacrifice is an act acknowledging and thanking Allah for all His blessings.
its feet. As soon as he had done that, the cow jumped up and started running around like mad. It was sight that will always stay with me.
Q: What’s your favourite meal on Eid? A: I cook for others keeping in mind what they would like. Eid is not about what I would like to eat.
Q: Your comments on the spirit of sacrifice? A: I totally believe that sacrifice is a must. I am not of view that we should keep children away from the act of sacrifice. It is important for them to understand what sacrifice is all about and its importance in our religion.
It’s a compliment we hear all the time, and one that is often repeated especially when it pertains to young girls and women. Pretty as Pink can refer to the shade of an outfit, the mood of an outfit or even the glow on someone’s face: in this exclusive article, we talk to top designers of Pakistan about their opinion on the color pink.
By Sidra Najam Umar Sayeed: “I love the color pink and definitely think that hues of pink suit almost every woman and are a perfect canvas for semi formal and formal collections. The color pink is refreshing, fresh and often a breath of fresh air.” Ayesha Khurram: “Pink is definitely a nice color, but I am not sure if I would say it’s my all-time favorite. I am the kind of designer who enjoys working with stark combinations such as black, white and blue. But yes, pink is a fresh color and is perfect for summer time.” Aisha Alam: “Pink is one of my favorites especially because there are so many ways we can play with this color, and it comes in so many hues and shades. It’s the kind of color which comes to life with almost minimal or no embellishments. It’s also a color which jumps out with simple accents such as trimmings and edgings.” Afsheen Mehboob: “Pink is easily and definitely one of my favorite colors. It’s a color which comes to life when put against red or black, and truly jumps out with even slight embellishments.” Saira Rizwan: “I like some shades of pink while some I find truly horrible,” said the Lahore-based designer who has created waves due to her extremely well received collections at Bridal Couture Week. “The chai pink shade is my personal favorite and one I like playing with almost all the time.” Nosheen and Shabnam Rana: “I am a big fan of the color pink and like using it in its simplest and purest form. Pink truly carries the essence of the rose with it, and is the perfect option for a fresh and pure feel to an outfit.” Nida Ali: “I like pink and it’s definitely a color which often plays into my designs but I think it’s the kind of color which requires some sprucing up and some jazzing up. This is why I like using pink with a contrasting shade such as black or grey.”
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AHAN’s
ode to heritage By Rubia Moghees
P
akistan’s cultural heritage is something to be proud of, for it offers unique craftsmanship, eye-catching hues incorporated in handmade embroideries, ceramic products, handloom fabrics, beaded jewelry and carpets. These and many other treasures deserve appropriate projection. The recent showcasing of AHAN (Aik Hunar Aik Nagar) fashion show held at
Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design was basically the promotion of handmade products of the country. About 2,000 artisans belonging to Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran and Muzaffargarh were trained in hand-embroidery skills to develop their capacity to produce high-end quality contemporary products, said Sameena Khawar Hayat, heading AHAN – an organization being run
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in collaboration with Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF). A small collection featuring designers such as Sahar Atif, Shaiyanne Malik and Turquoise took part in the show that was held in anticipation of bridging the gap and exposing the artisans with highend consumers. Sahar Atif has always received critical acclaim on her presentations but this time her collection was a disappointment and failed to reflect
the distinctive touch that she as a designer possesses. Her designs lacked originality and looked out of place only because she was not able to merge the traditional style of embroidery with western cuts. Her strong expertise has been the eastern designs and developments of fabric somehow halter necks and spaghetti straps clashed with the whole purpose of the show. A hurriedly put up collection was below at par with the exception of the finale that
pompoms, tassles, gotta baalay and anklets. The ‘shararas’ have made a comeback this year which has given the wardrobe a new lease of life for its fresh appeal and Turquoise made full use of the idea. The designs drew direct inspiration from the traditions which are age-old while maintaining the essence and vibrancy of our customs and norms. This time Shaiyanne Malik’s, Saman Zaar ensembles brought the revival of crafts like mukaish,
more on the exclusive bridal wear. Heavily worked upon boleros, palazzo pants and shararas teamed up with mukaish dopattas did the job for her. ‘My collection has been meticulously researched and we have incorporated crochets work and cross-stitch which is in demand these days to give it newness,’ gushed Shaiyanne. ‘AHAN takes various initiatives for rural micro and small enterprise modernization leading to creation
had the models sashaying on the ramp in body-hugging Capri’s and tunics in addition to an underneath hand-woven fabric for a more contemporary look. The second presentation of the evening won accolades from everyone; it was an effective showcasing of ‘Turquoise’ brainchild of Fauzia Bokhari and Nuzhat Kamran. The intricate use of mirror, gotta and shadow work done exquisitely on flowy kurtas and kaftans in black and red made a mark with the audience. The integration of different combinations jelled well with the accessories such as
zardozi and gota work. Samanzar Earth is an ode to the rural woman of southern Punjab. Their beautiful embroidery in her collection is kamdani – an ancient craft which has been practised for centuries , but with very little remuneration for the skilled artisans who literally weave “the stars of their dreams into the fabric of their reality”. With this collection Shaiyanne is committed to generating increased income and jobs for women and enhancing their power and decision making in their own lives. Shaiyanne offered a formal line in design and styling and concentrated
and diversification of sustainable income earning opportunities,’ explained Sameena Khawar Hayat. AHAN’s in house design team was the last to show at the venue and produced wearable outfits in eyecatching silhouettes and colors. The look revolved around long apparels in asymmetrical cuts with traditional embroidery coupled with churidaar tights. Super model/ host Natasha Hussain was the show stopper who came out in a dazzling mustard and burnt orange tail gown embellished with fuchsia thread work and bits of mukaish to make it a more glitzy affair.
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Books
An Undisputed Icon
Tragedy in Isolation By Agha Ghazanfar Hussain
T
he most arduous task is always related to answer established inquires springing from historical and cultural perspectives. Same gestures arise while studying the book, The Blood of Husayn by Muhammad Reza Kazmi. The author divides his thesis into two halves- the first explores historical seams whereas the latter portion encompasses ideology and literature, doctrines and rituals, and architecture and art. The research removes the mist from biased think tanks and pens as Imam Hussain (a.s) was nurtured by our last Prophet (pbuh) to change the course of history. The book provides several references based on conversation or dialogue of Hussain (a.s) in which he relies on Quranic decrees which proves that he held unwavering knowledge and understanding of the Quran and its commandments. Contrarily, nothing of the same sort is available while reading the snippets of Yazid. The difference in script of speech and idiosyncrasies spreads light on grooming of Hussain (a.s) – representing the progeny of our Prophet (saw) and Yazid- an imperialist. Mr. Kazmi answers centuries
old question as to why Hussain (a.s) responded to the call of Kufans despite a fact that his well-wishers’ advice was other wise. An extract from the conversation of Amr Bin Abdur Rehman is extended to portray the sensibility of Kufans: “ T h e y (Kufans) are slaves of gold and silver…” Y e t Hussain (a.s) appears firm in his words. Here he resembles c l o s e l y with his grandfather, H a z r a t Muhammad
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The Blood of Husayn By Muhammad Reza Kazmi Pages: 226 Price: Rs 600/Published By: Literama Press
(SAW) who guided even those who ridiculed him. Hussain (a.s) knew that he was a mentor to mankind so he readily risked his life. The book uncovers the name of tyrants who brought misery to Hussain (a.s) during his stay in the holy city of Makah, e.g. Yahya Bin Saeed drove hard to bring Hussain (a.s) forcibly back to Makah. All such facts entice a reader as it further adds authenticity to the narrative. Hussain (a.s) did not seek false support from any social quarter. He had no lust for worldly gains. Besides, similar to Hazrat Ali (a.s) he did not prefer to push people towards death which makes him a savior of mankind. It should be noticed that Hussain (a.s) chose Karbala as his abodea barren desert, isolated in habitation and destitute prevailed in vicinity. We do not find any war ambition amongst the Hussaini caravan rather Hussain (a.s) withdrew his allegiance even from his own followers. However, the stooges of Yazid acted as demons and evil incarnate that lacked civility and devoid of a sense humanism and humility. The author quotes several precepts or extracts of dialogue that took place between Hussain (a.s) and Ibne Saad but it is noticed that there was neither fear nor chaos nor even procrastination could be sensed in him. He emerges as an embodiment of virtue and commitment. Yes Hussain (a.s) avoided war and bloodshed till the time even a murky ray of character building faded away. He placed an open option to every individual of Yazid’s army to ponder and avail the righteous path. His sermons are replete with Quranic references and Ahadees. He strove hard to hammer the stone-hearted opponents but nothing changed their fate. The chapter Re-Alignment invokes pain and heart sinking effect on a reader as Hussain (a.s)
raises prayers in the following words: Almighty! In every trial, my reliance is on You. In every severity, I have hopes only of You… Self-reliance, trust in Divinity and self- consciousness are the most striking attributes of Hussain (a.s). Hence the book will be a rich reference material for Muslim researchers and orators who contribute in the Muharram rituals. The author exposes the relentlessness of oppressors like Shamir Dhil-Jaushan, Ibne Saad, Ibne Zayad and Azra bin Oays. The companions of Hussain
years to see chaos in the general administrative division of the empire. The death of Yazid is also portrayed with dexterity by a poet, Irada; Death came to him (Yazid) when by his bed lay wine cups and flagons… The impact of the tragedy of Hussain (a.s) invokes a deep impact on the intellectual growth of poets of both Arabic and Urdu language. Ubaydullah Bin Hur is one of those poets who composed the earliest elegy while making his way to Karbala. Doctrines and Rituals, chapter 17 uncovers the traces of the Muharram traditions of Indian Muslims. The religious structure of Deccan and Awadh is discussed to compile the preliminary trends of azadari. Furthermore the beginning of Majlis-i-Sham-iGhariban is also unearthed. It started in 1924 in Lucknow. The width of the author’s wide canvas is exhibited as he sums up the violence on Shias’ Arab community by a U.S diplomat, Madeline Albright, “The Shi’tes hoped to build power legitimately through elections, while counting on U.S…” The book also deals in architectural development seen so far in the realm of azadari of the sub-continent. Quite a detailed amount of review is available about Imambarghs of Deccan and Awadh. To conclude The Blood of Husayn by M. R Kazmi contains both literary eloquence and intellectual elegance. He strives with clarity of vision about a fact that no one, except his grandfather, Muhammad (SAW) the Messenger of Allah, has had a pervasive and profound influence on Islamic civilization, as has Hussain bin Ali (a.s).
The author quotes several precepts or extracts of dialogue that took place between Hussain (a.s) and Ibne Saad but it is noticed that there was neither fear nor chaos nor even procrastination could be sensed in him. He emerges as an embodiment of virtue and commitment. (a.s) embrace death slowly but each one was sure of the bounties of Paradise. The forces of Ibne Zayad, however, had worldly leanings, i.e. death, slaughtering of holy blood of Hussain (a.s) and his family, plundering of belongings of the caravan which suffered from thirst and hunger. All this took place on 10th Muharram 61 Hijrah. The debacle of empire of Yazid is also suggestive. It hardly took two
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