mprfctlyimprfct

m just perfectly imperfect…

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

Light pierces Darkness not vice versa. No gadget emits darkness. Darkness is there till you light a torch. Do you have one and use it too?

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

Animals do not make promises so they can’t break them too. Only human beings make pledges and many of them break them. But those who break them are worse than animals. Mind if you have made any pledge with God or any fellow human being.

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

FAST OR FEAST?

As Ramadan begins, Muslims exchange greetings, celebrating it as a month of blessings. At least, that is what I once believed.

However, witnessing their practices and routines during this sacred month challenges that assumption.

For most, Ramadan has become more of a festival than a time of spiritual devotion. In Muslim neighborhoods, nights come alive with bustling crowds—youth and even elders flock to vendors and restaurants with special Ramadan cuisine, loiter in groups, or engage in idle chatter until Suhoor (Sahri).
Instead of a time for reflection and worship, the nights turn into a social pastime.

Moreover, the unhealthy indulgence in Iftar meals often counteracts the physical benefits of fasting. Laden with deep-fried and fatty foods, these feasts harm rather than heal. Right from the word go at the sunset, they fall at the extravagant spreads, seldom pausing to reflect on the millions who struggle for a single meal—many of whom suffer from chronic hunger, and some even die of starvation.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) did indeed greet his companions upon sighting the Ramadan moon, but for a different reason:
"The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said, greeting his companions, 'The month of Ramadan has come to you, a blessed month. Allah has enjoined fasting upon you. In it, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. In it is a night that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.’" (Musnad Ahmad 8991)

Ramadan is a time to strengthen our connection with Allah. Instead of turning it into a nightly feast on the streets, it should be a period of self-discipline, deepening our understanding of the Qur’an, and perfecting our Salah. It is a month to cultivate empathy for the poor and needy.

"The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel would meet him every night of Ramadan and study the Qur’an with him. The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) was more generous in bringing good to people (in this month) than the blowing wind." (Bukhari 6)

Will Muslims pause to reflect on these truths?

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

"The Qur'an teaches us that our words should be based on reason and evidence, but our tone and manner should be such that the listener finds them pleasant—not just ourselves."

Excerpt from Allama's speech.
Refer Qur'an (16:125)

Scripted by Sumu Tariq.
#QuranicWisdom #WORKforCompassion

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

Announcement: First Day of Ramadan Fasting

Insha’Allah, Ramadan fasting will commence on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

The new moon will not be visible anywhere in the Indian subcontinent on Friday, February 28, 2025. However, it will be clearly visible across India on Saturday, March 1, 2025, wherever the weather is clear. Consequently, Tarawih Salah will begin on the

Don’t Miss the Tarawih Congregation Without a Valid Excuse

While some mistakenly consider Tarawih to be Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an emphasized Sunnah), those who neglect this congregational performance are truly missing out on a tremendous blessing.

The month of Ramadan is deeply connected with the Qur’an, as it was revealed in this sacred month. Traditionally, the entire Qur’an is recited in Tarawih prayers wherever organized. A Hafiz leads the prayer, while another Hafiz ensures the accuracy of the recitation.

Since the time of Hazrat Umar (RA), Tarawih has been an essential means for Huffaz (memorizers of the Qur’an) to maintain and verify their memorization with precision. While written and digital copies of the Qur’an can be vulnerable to unintentional errors, the tradition of Tarawih, with continuous scrutiny by Huffaz, remains the most reliable way to preserve the Qur’an’s accuracy and authenticity.

By participating in Tarawih, you become a part of this sacred tradition of safeguarding the Qur’an—an honor exclusive to Ramadan.

Important Guidelines for Tarawih Congregation

1. Choose a Properly Conducted Tarawih

* Avoid praying behind an Imam who recites too fast.
* The Qur’an explicitly warns against hasty recitation.
* The permissible speed is where every word is clearly distinguishable by non-Hafiz followers.
* If the recitation is too fast, it is better to skip that congregation than to stand behind a disobedient Imam.

2. Avoid Undesirable Debates About 8 or 20 Rak‘ahs

* Engaging in arguments over whether Tarawih should be 8 or 20 Rak‘ahs is a form of transgression.
* The Prophet (SAW) prayed 8, 12, 20, and even more Rak'ahs on different occasions.
* If you prefer 8 Rak‘ahs, join a congregation that follows this practice.
* If attending a 20 Rak‘ah congregation, avoid leaving after only 8 Rak‘ahs.

3. Use a Small Qur’an or a Qur’an App During Tarawih

* It is essential to stay focused and attentive during Salah.
* Tarawih is longer than regular prayers, making it easier to get distracted.
* The Qur’an commands us to listen attentively when it is recited.
To maintain concentration, you may follow along by holding:
- A small printed Qur’an
- A Qur’an app on your mobile device

* This helps maintain focus, prevents distractions, and enhances engagement with the recitation—making Tarawih feel shorter and more fulfilling.

4. Join Tarawih Online If Unable to Attend in Person

* Women or men with valid reasons may join Tarawih online.
* Tarawih will be streamed live on the following YouTube channel:
👉 https://t.co/QfHtKvmS0S

⏰ Timings: (Insha’Allah)
* Isha Salah: 8:00 PM IST
* Tarawih Salah: 8:15 PM IST

For any queries, contact us via WhatsApp: [phone]

May Allah bless us all with a spiritually enriching Ramadhan and accept our prayers, fasting, and devotion.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan.

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

'Saum' is the only pillar of Islam that has a unique status that all the ayaat related to it are gathered in one place in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (183-187).

But then, a doubt arises…

Ayah 186 seems different from the rest:

وَإِذَا سَاَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)

At first glance, it may seem like a mismatch—why is this ayah about Allah’s closeness placed in the middle of the fasting ayaat?

But can anything in the word of Allah ﷻ be abrupt or out of context? Never.

This placement holds a profound message related to Ramadan.
Watch this Khutbah to uncover its wisdom:
https://t.co/ZF5l14UNtc

Let this month be a journey of spiritual closeness.
Ramadan Mubarak to Everyone
#Ramadan #Quran #Spirituality

(Scripted by Sumu Tariq)

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

This Ramadan, make a firm Resolution.
Let not your Salah be a mere Regulation.
Let it evolve into a true Connection.

Watch this video to discover what ‘Connection during Salah’ truly means:
🌐 https://t.co/M8UNtj0QTb

The holy Christ said:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

And the Qur’an assures:
"As for those who strive in Us, We shall surely guide them to Our ways.” (29:69)

If you’ve tried before and struggled, do not be disheartened. True steadfastness (Sab’r) is about enduring with faith—and the greatest reward of patience is Allah Himself.

“Surely, Allah is with those who patiently persevere (Sabireen).” (2:153)

Be resolute. Strive with perseverance. You will, by His grace, experience at least partly, that divine connection in Salah.
experience,
And who knows? You may be among the truly blessed who attain complete success.

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

THE KUMBH — APPRECIATION AND CONCERNS

The #KumbhMela2025, spanning 45 days, was undoubtedly the largest gathering of its kind in the world. The smooth execution of such a massive event is commendable, and the Uttar Pradesh government deserves credit for its successful organization. While a few casualties occurred in some areas of the Kumbh site and at New Delhi railway station, these were minimal given the immense crowd.

However, was the claimed figure of 65 crore devotees taking a holy dip accurate? I have my doubts.

India has approximately 111 crore Hindus today. Excluding around 11 crore comprising most of the tribal groups, Lingayats, non-religious individuals, or followers of many sects like the Brahma Kumaris—who do not practice the ritual of the holy dip—the number of believers in this tradition reduces to 100 crore.

Further adjustments must be made. Nearly 25% of this population comprises children below 14, and another 0.85% are elderly individuals above 80. Realistically, at least 90% of these age groups would be unable to attend such a crowded event, reducing the number of potential devotees to around 87 crore.

If 65 crore people truly took the holy dip, roughly 3 out of every 4 eligible Hindus would have done so. Ask your Hindu acquaintances — did 75% of them attend the Kumbh? Obviously, the media has dramatically overstated this statistic unnecessarily and without justification. Even if no lies were circulated, the Kumbh Mela would continue to be the world's greatest gathering, and its organizers would merit recognition.

What troubles me is the overall deception and spectacle surrounding the event. The claim that this was a once-in-144-years occurrence is baseless—neither historical records nor religious texts support it. The term "Maha Kumbh" was only introduced in 2001, and the event has traditionally been held every 12 years.

Furthermore, several high-ranking politicians and celebrities visited purely for PR purposes. According to YouTube videos, some people did not fully immerse themselves, while others did so only partially and some only stood in water without even taking a partial dip. According to Hindu tradition, a real holy dip necessitates complete immersion in the sacred river.

Finally, those sincere and learned Hindu reformists who emphasize the true spiritual importance of the symbolic plunge have been overlooked in favor of blind faith, which reduces it to a mere ritual.

As someone who envisions Bharat as the #VishwaGuru when #Satyuga rises from India, I'm disheartened to witness such pervasive fallacies on a national scale. How can we aspire to spiritual leadership when so much deceit pervades our collective consciousness? #manipulation

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

NEWS AND VIEWS

The shrewd and sometimes misleading marketing techniques of international allopathic drug manufacturers have often been exposed.

News:

Baba Ramdev, in promoting Patanjali’s products, has come up with a unique stunt. In a viral video, he races against a horse, overtakes it, and declares:

"Ghode ki tarah tez daudne ki taakat, strong immunity, anti-aging aur power chahiye toh Swarna Shilajit avam Immunogrit Gold khaaiye."

(If you want the speed of a horse, strong immunity, anti-aging, and power, then consume Swarna Shilajit and Immunogrit Gold.)
https://t.co/yLPi0tjDwq

Views:

While video editing can enhance speed, a still frame reveals that the horse was trotting and the ‘Trot’ of a horse has a speed range of 10–19 km/h with an average speed of 15 km/h. Additionally, Ramdev ran for just 14 seconds before stopping. A healthy 59-year-old running at 20 km/h for such a short duration is not an extraordinary feat.

The benefits of the herbs he promotes are well known. However, instead of being swayed by marketing gimmicks, consumers should rely on genuine user reviews when deciding whether to purchase such products.
#falseadvertising #herbs

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

Contacting you after three days. I was in Mumbai for two days with two engagements on Saturday, Oct. 22, and one on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Maharashtra head, Br. Awais Ansari, received me at the airport at 7:45 a.m. and we reached Heritage Hotel. His wife and little Kulsoom accompanied him. As we had to wait an hour for the room, Awais suggested I have the complimentary breakfast while they waited. I felt ashamed leaving baby Kulsoom as I ate.

At 3:00 p.m., we headed to Phoenix Paragon Plaza in Kurla for a podcast, delayed 15 minutes by Mumbai traffic. I had never met or spoken to the host, Zeeshan Sheikh, who has 4.3 million followers on his main channel. Like most Muslims, he had little knowledge of Islam, but his curiosity set him apart. Our brief pre-podcast chat revealed his rational, absorbing nature.

Initially, he intended to discuss Islam’s stance on the ‘Law of Attraction’ and ‘Manifestation.’ However, our earlier conversation shifted his focus to the true spirit behind Islamic practices, particularly Namaz (Salah), often reduced to rituals. His popularity is linked to the ‘Law of Attraction,’ and I am glad that it wasn’t brought up as addressing it honestly, might have cost him followers. While some of the Theory’s aspects like positivity are in common with Islam, its core philosophy is self-centered and focused on worldly success. In contrast, Islam prioritizes the life hereafter and encourages selflessness and charity.

The podcast went well—at one point, I saw tears in Zeeshan’s eyes, which moved me too. It was a first for me in an interview.

From there, we proceeded to Alma Latifi Hall, Sabu Siddique College, Byculla, for a talk on ‘The Role of Muslims in Promoting Peace and Understanding.’ Traffic delayed us an hour. The turnout was slightly below expectations, but the audience was deeply engaged. I poured my heart out and they seemed to absorb it all. The Pune team and some in Mumbai, including Br. Nadeem Quraishi, worked hard for this event. Thanks to Mr. Mushtaq Sb., a longtime supporter of WORK, we got the venue free of charge. Dr. Zaheer I. Kazi, secretary of the Anjuman, managing the college, presided, and other Anjuman office bearers attended.

On Nov. 23, we had a scheduled meeting with all the WORkers who had traveled to Mumbai. It was heartening to see participation not just from Mumbai and Pune but also from Nasik, Jalgaon, Latur, Sholapur, Ahmad Nagar, Gujarat, and even Karnataka and Dubai!

The three-and-a-half-hour meeting, including a quick lunch, flew by as if it were three-and-a-half minutes and then I had to depart.

One day, I will part from all the WORKers, and our time together will seem short. That is life, but the WORK will continue and proceed on and on, Insha’Allah.

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

रमज़ान तुम में तक़वा जगाने में असफल है तो अल्लाह का यह नुस्ख़ा तुम्हारे लिये नहीं है। 'अल्-हकीम' को छोड़ कर किसी और को तलाशो। हाँ कहीं और भटकने से पहले एक बार यह try भी करलो! हर रोज़े के बी�� स्वयं को कई बार याद दिलाओ कि तुम ने रोज़ा केवल अल्लाह की रज़ा के लिये रखा है। Good Luck!

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

जब अल्लाह का अज़ाब आता है तो सिर्फ़ उन्हीं लोगों को बचाया जाता है जो उस बस्ती के सब इंसानों को अच्छाई की तरफ़ बुलाते हैं और बुराईयों से रोकते हैं।

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

टेंशन का इलाज न सकारात्मक सोच के नाम पर समस्याओं से आँख मूंदना है और न कोई नशा। बहादुरी से ज़िन्दगी की चुनौतियों का सामना करना ही सकारात्मक सोच है। परीक्षा से भागने वालों के लिये मदद नहीं उतरती। समस्याएं चाहे अंत तक रहें, उन्हें अपने ऊपर सवार न होने दें तो टेंशन क़रीब नहीं आएगी।

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

COMPASSIONATE GOD OR ANGRY GOD?

Mel (@Villgecrazylady) posted the following on X yesterday:
“This story is so disturbing. A Jewish man in Miami saw two other Jewish men driving and, assuming they were Palestinians, opened fire, unloading 17 rounds into their car. Then, while recovering in the hospital, the victims posted about the attack on social media—ending their post with ‘De*th to Arabs.’”

For more details, read thIs news story:
https://t.co/j60mb2d3YC

The Growing Hatred
Hatred continues to divide communities across the world:
* Many Hindus and Jews harbor resentment toward Muslims.
* Many Muslims and Christians hold animosity toward Jews.
* Yet, all believe in the same One God.

Some of the historical grievances fueling these divisions include:
* Hindus blaming Muslims for the partition of India.
* Jews resenting Muslims for occupying parts of their ancestral land.
* Muslims resenting Jews for displacing them and threatening their remaining presence in the "Promised Land."
* Christians blaming Jews for the crucifixion of Jesus.

Ironically, each religious community envisions God as compassionate toward themselves but wrathful toward others.

Can We Choose Peace Instead?
Isn’t it time to bury the past and abandon hatred? Revenge generates vengeance. An eye for an eye and the whole world would be blind.

The Earth is vast enough to accommodate all of humanity. Why not be content where we are instead of seeking to displace others?

God’s compassion extends to all His creation. Let us unite in His name, fostering peace through dialogue based on the original Words of God.

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

THE FUTILE UNITY CALLS WITH INSINCERE MOTIVES

Although the Zaidiyyas and Ismailis had differed from other Shias of their time over religious leadership much earlier, the first major ideological split among Muslims, resulting in the formation of two distinct sects, occurred after 329 AH with the declaration that the 12th Shia Imam had gone into the state of being ‘Unseen’, only to appear in an unknown future. Since then, the divisions between Shias and Sunnis have never ceased, giving rise to numerous sects within Islam.

A striking aspect of these divisions is that no faction of a split group has ever reunited with its original counterpart. This pattern is not unique to Islam; throughout history, no major religious sect—whether Hindu, Christian, or from any other faith—has ever merged back into its parent tradition.

This underscores a fundamental reality:
The emergence of new sects is driven not by divine will, but by the ambitions of leadership. Calls for unity within religious communities often appear self-serving, as they rarely advocate for the unity of all humankind. True unity can only be achieved by returning to the original revelations of God, untainted by sectarian traditions.

Muslims too are unlikely to unite:
For Muslims, the Qur’an—preserved in its original form—offers the potential for unity. However, this can only happen if every group abandons traditions that contradict its Muhkam (unambiguous) Ayahs. Yet, as long as religious leaders cling to their egos and insist, “We alone are on the true path,” any call for unity will remain futile. And, realistically, such a change is highly improbable.

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

सफलता का शिखर!

अपनी आंतरिक प्रकृति में बुराई के मुक़ाबले, भलाई चुनलो, तुम्हारा विकास होगा।

अपने बाहर इसी चयन यानि प्रकृति के नियमों के पालन से जीवन में सुकून आएगा।

अपने मालिक की तरफ़ से आने वाले signals से अपनी ��यन-शक्ति को चार्ज होने देना। सदा की कामयाबी का शिखर तुम्हारा है।

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

The Muslim community faces increasing marginalization worldwide, especially in India.
In the past, divine support often came from unexpected sources.
Has God changed, or have His principles and policies shifted?
I invite readers to reflect on this profound question.

[Syed Abdullah Tariq @TariqSyedA]

Social media aware Muslim children, the world over, know more about the mostly imaginary life of #Ertugrul than of #Prophet #Muhammad (S.A.W.) I wonder if they practically adore him more than the beloved Prophet of #Islam!