Pakistan,IslamandFarhatAbbasShah

(A good news from Pakistan)

By: Huma Price, ( BAR OF ENGLAND & WALES)
UK Times and Pakistan Youth Foundation organised a special event today at the House of Lords in honour of visiting poet Farhat Abbas Shah with Lord Nazir Ahmad as the chief guest. Whilst I have attended the House of Lords for many political and academic events in the past, it was the first time ever that I attended a Mushaira at the House!! And people say that Urdu is under threat! In fact this event is living proof that Urdu is there in some of the most powerful places in the world. But my write up today is not about Urdu or even shairi. Its about Pakistan, Islam and Farhat Abbas Shah. We live in a time when three types of bad news comes from Pakistan regularly: corrupt politicians ruining the country gradual shift towards fanaticism amongst the ordinary public one natural disaster after another. And Islam in our times has become associated only with ignorance, orthodoxy and terror with Muslims made out to be a group of barbaric people out to get revenge/liberation for Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq and Afghanistan through violent means only. Many people dont understand that its not only Muslims but ALL right thinking people in the world who want to end terror by the state in the name of war as well as by individuals in the name of religion. The two million Londoners who demonstrated on the streets of London against war only had a minority of Muslims and the majority came from all other races and religions. Yet this aspect of unity amongst the world population against terror by their leaders whether political or religious leaders - is deliberately kept quiet by those who want to divide and rule ordinary people. So its always only Muslims who are highlighted as the disgruntled ones. Against this depressing background comes a man as a breath of fresh air a man who is Pakistani by birth and nationality, Muslim by birth as well as through choice as his work is based on researched Muslim principles rather than propaganda by those who exploit the name of Islam for their own political benefit. Through his Farz Foundation Farhat Abbas Shah gives a very simple message make a poor person self sufficient by providing means of producing a livelihood rather than make him dependent on your charity. Empower the bottom 10 15% poor people then watch how they bring up the whole economy worldwide. He offers an attractive and simple solution to the financial crisis facing our economies worldwide. I learnt a lot more about him thanks to Mr Mubarak Siddiqui who gave a short introduction at the House. I knew he had started the Farz foundation but I didnt know that it was because he saw some very poor people in a very destitute state and it moved him so much that he decided to sell his house and start

something that gives those less fortunate than him a shelter and food to eat. I found it difficult to believe that a man who comes across so calm and gentle is actually a black belt holder in Martial Arts!! Not only that he also writes and recites poetry and sings beautifully. This gives a very pleasant message to other Muslims who are confused by the very strict and formidable stance taken by the newly selfappointed custodians of Islam that all singing and other artistic activity is anti-Islam. This is despite the fact that Muslims throughout history have always been highly refined and sophisticated people who enjoyed and are renowned for their contribution to the arts, literature and poetry. And he mixes freely with veiled and unveiled women and respects both because his Islam teaches him to respect ALL women unconditionally. And his conduct shows that he understands the underlying meaning of the concept of Hijaab and that it is for both men and women both must show it in their demeanour and interaction with each other. He treats everyone with respect and consideration. I thought he had written 17 books and when I said this casually in front of him, he didnt correct me. It was only when Mubarak mentioned it that I realised that Mr Shah has written 68 books in total!!! He is obviously a brain box yet so simple in appearance. There is a humility about him which is not rehearsed but genuine. My Naani used to say that about humble people jis perr par sab se zyaada phal hota hai wo sab se zyaada jhuka hua hota hai After meeting Mr Shah I know what she meant!! Farhat Abbas Shah is good news that has come from Pakistan. He is a wonderful role-model for Muslims. He is someone who challenges all the stereotypes about Muslims and Pakistanis and forces you to wonder whether they are even true. It makes one wonder whether he is properly representative of many other Muslims rather than the lunatics we are told about every day who represent the new Muslim. And God knows we need some positive role models like him to come forward from the Muslim and Pakistani world. At the end of the event even the great Lord Ahmad, quite a role-model himself went out of his way to present him with more than just biscuits (which he kindly and generously presents to a lot of people) from the House of Lords which shows that even the good Lord Sahib was genuinely impressed by his very demure personality. So it was really wonderful to see Farhat Abbas Shah in the House of Lords he really deserves the honours that have been bestowed upon him.