Self Help

Outline: Introduction the highest virtue its cultivation non-dependence conclusion.

Self-help is the doing of one's own work by oneself and depending entirely upon one's own powers for the performance of any act, without turning to others for help in the matter. Men have been endowed with strength and intelligence by God and it is in the fitness of things that we "should turn these things to good account and utilise them for doing things independently of others. It is a common saying that God helps those who help themselves, and so if we do not exert ourselves we cannot receive any help from God in tiding over our difficulties.

Self-help is one of the highest virtues and upon this depends much of national and individual greatness. The practice of this virtue creates confidence in our own selves and increases our strength, so that, by cultivating this virtue, we can hold our own against all odds. With the increase of mental strength also increases the strength of character, and all these have far-reaching effects. Not only are persons possessing this virtue benefitted them-selves, but they inspire others with confidence, so that the latter place implicit faith in them and turn to them for guidance in times of distress. Next, self-help begets self-respect ^and independence. Unless a person is self-reliant and knows how shameful it. is to look up to others for help in every matter, or the delight of doing things by dint of his own powers, he cannot have any sense of self-respect or the worth of independence.

On account of the importance of this virtue, we should try to cultivate this from our very childhood, for once the habit of relying upon others for doing things which we can do ourselves is formed, it is difficult to shake it off. In all departments, whether in the matter of food and clothing, or in studies, or in play, children should not be given more help than they require and should be made to develop habits of self-help, without which they will never be able to prosper in the world.

Whatever we earn by our own exertions, however little it might be, is sweet. A man who depends for his living upon another cannot derive as much joy as one who secures it by his own labour. Dependence is nothing but a curse and one who has to live upon the charity of others is lost to all sense of self-respect and becomes a cripple,

If the help which he had-so long been getting is with-drawn, the man breaks down and cannot proceed a single step further. The tendency of always relying upon others prevents the latent virtues in a man from displaying themselves and thus a man. who might, if he so willed, have hecome a useful member of society, turns to be a shameless dependant. If the absence of self-help in individuals is bad, the same defect in a whole nation is much more dangerous. Further, the man who is not in the habit of relying upon his own self has to be at the mercy of others who do his work and so he has the misfortune of seeing his work never done to his satisfaction.

Self Control

Outline: Essential element chariot tender plant good character surrounded by temptations.

Self-control is the most essential element of character. Without it, no character is possible. All true growth implies restraint.

In Sanskrit books, the human body is compared to a chariot, the five senses or the horses are not kept under restraint, they will run away with the driver and throw him into a pit. These five senses should, therefore be kept in check. The mind of man is very restless. Unless it is controlled, it will lead him astray. All evil passions, all evil thoughts should be driven out; we should not give a loose rein to our feelings and impulses. We must check and suppress anger, 'count ten," says a proverb.

If a tender plant is not cut and pruned, and protected from all evil influences, it will not grow. Similarly, a young man who is not properly guided, not checked from evil and turned .towards good, and who is allowed to go as he likes, and as his whims lead him, will never develop a good character. It is quite possible that he will mar his life. In future he may get into trouble. That is why, it is very important to have self-control.

Man is surrounded by temptations, and if he has not disciplined himself by patient self-control, he is sure to fall an easy victim to them. Self-control is the only, means of developing and strengthening character. It requires practice, and a young man who neglects this important duty will form loose habits, and will never grow strong and good.

The pages from the history show that the people who had self-control, made their marks and got their aims. For true progress, it is important to have self-control.

Self Sacrifice

Outline: The nobles trait     law of universe-example of seed  in every religion       other's benefit            four kinds of men.

Self-sacrifice is the noblest trait in human character. Giving up of one's own interests for the sake of others exalts man. Parents sacrifice their comforts for the sake of their children, soldiers sacrifice themselves for their country, patriots and reformers sacrifice themselves for freedom and truth. Society is held together only by means of sacrifice. If each member of society were to have his own way. regardless of the comforts and interest of others, there would be utter chaos and endless struggle which would make peace and progress impossible.

Sacrifice is the great law of the universe. One thing is sacrificed for the other, and this other sacrifices itself in its own turn for something else, and thus Nature carries on its work. Sacrifice is the price which must be paid for all progress.

The seed is "sown in the ground, but unless it loses itself, the crop will not grow. From the dead seed grow hundreds of grains, and similarly from one act of sacrifice spring peace, happiness, and plenty. Martyrs suffer for religion and truth, and their blood saves mankind from error.

Sacrifice is enjoined in every religion as an act of great merit, but it has now degenerated into the sacrifice of animals. The real object of sacrifice was to teach men to give up the best things they loved on earth for the sake of God and their fellowman, and instances are on record where noble men have not hesitated to part with everything dear to them wealth, children, and even their own lives for what they thought to be higher objects. Lily, a poor nurse, saved the life of her infant master. (onlinetaleem.blogspot.com) Arnold, son of Walter, by sacrificing that of her own son. Wister sacrificed all he had for truth. The Christians believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for mankind.

A charitable man sacrifices his wealth for the benefit of others, and a gentleman sacrifices his own interests for others. A good man will always do a good turn to his neighboured. Really by helping others we help ourselves.

There are four kinds of men. says a Sanskrit poet:       the noblest are those who sacrifice their own interests for others. Next come those who will serve others only when their own interests do not clash with theirs. The third class are those who injure others for their own selfish ends, but the meanest are those who would inure others, though they themselves gain nothing by it. It is very mean to injure others for our own benefit. There are numerous instances in history, where servants have sacrificed themselves for their masters. Blessed are those who have sacrifices themselves to make the whole world free and happy.

Punctuality

Outline: Definition   best use of time        manifold advantages          wins respect and confidence        It  benefits students     unpunctual never makes progress observed by nature.

The habit of doin^ things at the appointed time is punctuality. Every man is sent out to the world to do his share of work within the limited span of his life. The amount of work to be done in a life time is so great and the time at our disposal so short that we cannot afford to lose time if we mean to something "Time and tide wait for no man," nor can it be kept in store for future use.

So we must always make the best use of time, or, in other words, we must be punctual doing things in their proper time. An opportunity allowed to pass away may never return and the work we hoped to do may remain unfinished. It is the habit of punctuality which enables us to perform the greatest amount of work within the short period of our life on earth.

The advantage which punctuality brings to man is manifold. A punctual man is never in want of time and hence he is never in a hurry. Whatever he does, he can do with perfect calmness and so his work has no defect and is perfect. He is never late in his work or in his appointments and consequently men can safely rely upon his promises and engagements.

Discipline

Outline; What is discipline?           foundation of civilized society       much necessary \for home life, key of happiness and peace         without it life is useless.

By discipline we understand "that training which makes us active in accordance with certain prescribed rules and in implicit obedience to the orders of a superior authority. Complete  obedience, without questioning the propriety or otherwise of the commands of a superior, is thus an essential factor of discipline. Every civilized society rests upon the solid foundation of discipline, for without it there would he no order or regularity but only chaos and disorder. What the rudder is to the ship, the sting is to the bee, ' the horns are to the bull, that is discipline to life, Just as it is impossible for a ship to sail over the sea with safety without a rudder, being entirely at the mercy of the winds and waves, so it is impossible for,-a man to pass through the journey of life with any ... amount of success without being protected by discipline.

It follows, therefore', that discipline is of the utmost importance to us in all spheres of life at home, in school and college and in public life. A child must be taught the value of discipline from the moment his sense is seen to develop. This will contribute to his future greatness, form his character and make him otherwise a useful member of society. A child not subjected to discipline from his early life will acquire the habit of doing what he likes at his own sweet will and, not being mature enough to know what is for his good, will have the tendency of doing things which will be harmful to his interests. (onlinetaleem.blogspot.com) A child, who, for want of discipline, does not obey his parents or superiors, contracts vice, which, when he grows up, will have a firm hold upon him and spoil his whole career, making him unfit to associate with men. A disciplined child, on the other hand, is not a prey to all these evils and becomes a useful man of character.

No home, if it is to be peaceful and happy, can afford to be without discipline. A home in which there is no discipline amongst its members, where everyone acts according to his own whims without paying any heed to the authority of the head of the family, can know no peace. Disorder, confusion and quarrels prevail in such a home and sooner or later such a family is sure to break up.

No less important is discipline in schools and colleges. Students should be subjected to a strict code of - discipline and should be made to obey their teachers and professors implicitly and follow the rules prevailing in their institutions to the letter. Unless they are taught this, education imparted to them cannot be considered to have been complete. For. however much they may  learn, whatever examinations they might pass, they cannot be called men in the true sense of the word.

The Rights of Man

Outline: Introduction           -democracy led us   example of American colonies      French Revolution  conclusion.

What are the fundamental rights which every human being has, and the free exercise of which must be guaranteed to him or her by society ? There was a time when man was supposed to have very few rights, and almost every department of his life was open to check the interference by the State, by the tribal chief or by the priesthood. The result of this was that the individual had no will or choice of his own, and was completely subordinated to the ruling class of the group or society of which he was a member.

But since the rise of democracy there has been a move in the direction of respecting the freedom of the individual, which had not existed before. The liberal thought, which took rise in the eighteenth century in Europe as a result of the thinking and reasoning of men like Voltaire and the French encyclopedists, the unlimited exercise of authority over the individual by Church or State was seriously questioned, and it came to be recognised that some limits should be set to the power of society, and man should be given some rights and a measure of freedom consistent with the well-being of his fellow-citizens and the State of which he was a member.

When the American colonies fought their War of Independence against England, they drew up a document in which the rights of the individual were defined. It was declared that all men were born free, and that no interference with their liberty could be brooked, and the War of Independence was being fought to vindicate this right to liberty.

When the French Revolution came in 1789, it set forth a threefold principle as the basis of the people's struggle against their rulers. This principle was the principle of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Interpreted, this means that all men are free, and no one has the right of undue interference with them in their private life. Secondly, that all men are equal in the eyes of the law and the constitution, and that no one can claim privilege over anyone else on the score of birth, position or for any other reason. Fraternity is an emphasised form of this concept of Equality; it means that all men are like brothers.

Democracy was established in Europe in the nineteenth century, though it has been fully successful only in Great Britain and France in Europe, and in the U.S.A.

Duties of a Citizen

Outline: Introduction           the ambition to sacrifice respect to others           works honestly         defends his country.

A good citizen needs to imbibe many qualities. That he has some duties and responsibilities to bear is true, but at the same time he also enjoys some rights and privileges as a citizen of a free State. While he has every right to participate in the judicial, legal, political religious and social affairs of the nation, he has also some responsibilities. /.e. not to injure the" sentiments of others and to protect the weak against, the strong. To stand by State, under all the conditions, is his first and foremost duty.

A good citizen must be ready to sacrifice his everything for the sake of his motherland. He is also required to be a patriot and nationalist. He should have firm and deep faith in the welfare of his - motherland. He has to observe law and order. But he has also to keep in his heart, the betterment of the country, the welfare of the State, 4he good of society and the interest of the nation and possess a good moral conduct.

A good citizen must respect the cultural heritage of his country, i.e., he will have to respect the heroes, the prophets, the sages and saints of his country. He must respect the race which has given him birth. He must always keep in mind the future of his country. He must raise the standard of living of his country by working honestly.

Obedience to laws is the next important public duty of a citizen. Society can make no progress if the people have no respect for laws. If a citizen finds that a particular law is bad, he should try to get it replaced by constitutional means. He should not unnecessarily resist a law.

Another important duty of a citizen is to pay all taxes levied by the State. The State provides him with the conditions necessary for his life, progress and happiness. It must have at its disposal enormous funds to organise the whole machinery of government and public administration, and to perform welfare functions. It is for this reason that citizens are called upon to pay taxes, and duties etc. In a democracy taxes are determined by the representatives of the people, and it is the duty of every citizen to pay the taxes.

Also at the time of aggression or foreign attacks, he must be ready to shed his blood for the sake of his motherland. Thus, defence of the country is the supreme duty of a good citizen. He must leave no stone unturned for the prosperity and integrity of his motherland.

Duty to Parents

Outline: Introduction           love and obedience—our duty make them happy         example.

It is the paramount duty of children to obey their parents, They are the most experienced guides, and the best well-wishers that children can have. They support them, they sacrifice their own comforts for their sake, they love them as no one else can, and they are the greatest blessing which young people can have. It is their duty, therefore, to revere them, to obey them and to make them happy. They have no object in view in advising us but our own future well-being. When they correct our faults by gentle hints, by persuasion, or even by rebuke or chastisement, they have the best of motives. Being inexperienced, we do not understand the consequences of our actions; we are, therefore, liable to mistakes, and it is only their kind guidance which keeps us on the right path. It beloves young men, therefore, to place implicit faith in their parents, and to obey them in all matters.

It is our duty to revere and please our parents as long as they are spared to us, but a grown up young man, who is able to think for himself, should follow his conscience in matters in which he happens to think differently from them. It must be borne in mind that we can never repay the debt we owe to our parents, and therefore by thought, word or action, we should never cause them any bitterness or disappointment, especially in old age. No sacrifice is too great to secure their happiness.

In Muslim religious literature, there was a person who carried his old and blind parents on his shoulders and served them to the best of his powers, preferring their comfort to his own. He sets an ideal of service to his parents. He kicked away wealth and honour to obey his parents. We are taught to revere our parents, religious preceptor, and God. Blessed are those children who obey and serve their parents.

Religious Instructions

Outline: Introduction           - No foundation without religion - the neutral policy has adopted - different schools of thought - conclusion.

In our schools and colleges, only worldly education is imparted to the youth of the country, and its result is that the intellect is developed, and the more important part of man, the spirit, is neglected. This purely intellectual education makes man an atheist, and his ideas are confined to the material world only. The higher world of the spirit—and there is no doubt even in this materialistic age, that such a world does exist—4s entirely shut to them.

Without religion, there can be no secure foundation for morals, either. Religion raises and ennobles man, and it should form an essential part of a youngman's education. In Pakistan, unfortunately, the circumstances are very peculiar. There are so many religions here that it is not possible to teach them all in our schools.

The government has wisely adopted the policy of non-interference in the religions of the people, and hence it is neutral in the matter of religious instruction. But all the same, the need of religious instruction is being greatly felt. It should go hand in hand with training in material science. Some moral instruction is given in material sciences. Some moral instruction is given in schools by means of readers and lectures, but that is not enough. In order to be of practical use it must be based on religion.

In denominational schools, started and maintained by the various religious communities, the Brelvis, the Shias, the Ahl-i-Hadith, and the Christians, religious education is given according to the tenets of the particular faith of that community which supports it. But this training is unfortunately imparted on narrow sectarian lines, and has not succeeded in its object.

All religious training worth the name must be broad based on a spirit of toleration. The first principle which should be taught to every child is to respect the religious susceptibilities of others, and to honour the prophets of other religions. Mutual toleration and a broad-minded sympathy and respect for other faiths should be an . essential pan of religious instruction. Without it, it will degenerate into narrow sectarianism and foster bitterness and fanaticism. Let us teach youngmen the doctrines and practice of their religion, but let them imbibe the truly religious spirit which inculcates universal love, and removes all hatred and narrow bigotry from the mind.

'Tis religion that can give Sweetest pleasures while we live;

Tis religion must supply Solid comforts when we die.'

Islamic Democracy

Outline: Introduction           a big revolution – equality the sayings of the Holy Prophet - role of money  -  social justice - conclusion.

The modern democratic state is a type of state which came into existence in 19th century largely as an effect of the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution of the absolute nation-state of 16th and the 17th century. But the Islamic state came into existence in the 7th century as an effect of the greatest Revolution of the world which was not only political and economic, but also social and ethical.

Islam revolutionised every aspect of human life. So, Islamic democracy in its connotation is wider than western democracy. It means not only political equality but also social equality. In Islamic society all are equal. There no class-divisions or distinctions of birth and social position. All members of the society enjoy equal status and position^ The only criterion of superiority in Islamic society-is personal ability and character. Allah says: "O mankind! I created you out of a single pair of a male and a female. The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you."

Islamic Culture

Outline: Definition - salient features – development of the whole race - practical religion – rational - a complete social system - conclusion.

Culture means the cultivation and development of human mind. Islamic Culture differs from other Cultures. The aim of other cultures is to cultivate the mind of an individual or some group. Islamic Culture is the kind of Culture prescribed by Islam. It aims at nothing less than the success of mankind as a whole. The origin of Islamic Culture lies in the Holy Quran.

Islamic Culture is very different form other cultures in many ways. The salient features of Islamic Culture are four. Firstly, Islamic Culture is universal in its aim and object. It does not aim at the progress of an individual or a group of individual. Its objective is the development of the whole race intellectually, spiritually, socially and economically. It provides the guidance in both the worlds, material and spiritual.

Secondly, it is a practical religion. The teachings of Islam are practicable. Islam means to surrender to the will of God. It teaches and preaches to us in practical, material, social and spiritual life. Islamic Culture has no place for those who only believe and do not act.

Thirdly, Islamic Culture is rational. It appeals to men to use their reason. It does not prohibit its believers to shun the learning of worldly education. It does not maintain any distinction between the religious education and secular education. In glorious days of Islam, the Muslims learned science subjects side by side with Quran, Hadith and Fiqha.

Fourthly, Islam gives a complete political and social system as alternative to other systems. It promotes brotherhood and equality. There is no priesthood in Islam. Every Muslim man and woman has been urged to learn knowledge. It promises peace and stability in the whdle world.

The Muslims are backward today because they do not follow the principles of Islam, in true spirit. They regain their lost status in the world by following the tenets of Islam. Now they must awake and act upon the principles of Islam.

Status of Women in Islam

Outline: Introduction           - her role in different spheres of life - relation with husband - to bring up the children - equal rights - conclusion.

In Islam women enjoy an exalted and dignified position which can never be found in any other religion of the world. Islam bestows women a very respectable place. Islam is the only religion that recognizes a woman to be a loving daughter of a kind father, a polite wife of a loving husband a kind-hearted mother of a good son and a polite sister ef a livable brother. It recognises the position of women to be the same as that of men. It claims that both come from the same essence.

The position of the mother is very much exalted in Islamic tradition. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has gone so far as to say, "Paradise lies underneath the feet of your mothers." As regards the position of a woman as wife, the saying of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is categorical, "The best among you is the one who is best towards his family." With regards to women as a daughter, the Islamic attitude can be realised from the reproaches which the Holy Quran makes against the pagan pre-Islamic behaviour at the birth of daughters. Islam abolished all types of such disgraces.

Moharrum

Outline: An important festival - story of Yazid - death of Imam Hussain is mourned – Taziahs - conclusion.

The Moharrum is an important and interesting religious festival of the Muslims. It celebrates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.), the grandson of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).

The story is that Yazid, the Caliph of Damascus, was an ambitious man and he did not like to see the direct descendants of the Holy Prophet claiming any rival position to him. He troubled Imam Hussain in many ways, till a war broke out which lasted a long time. Eventually, Imam Hussain died in the field of Karbala. He was kept without food and drink for several days, and this makes the tragedy more painful.

The festival lasts for ten days, in which the death of Imam, the hero, is mourned by pious Muslims. They sing funeral songs, elegies, lamenting the death of Hussain, and spend their time in weeping and wailing. Alms are distributed among the poor, and cold sweetened drinks are specially supplied to the thirsty.

On the tenth day, huge bamboo structures covered with coloured papers of various designs are carried in solemn procession through the town, and buried outside, where a big meal is held. The structures called Taziahs are sometimes made of wood and ivory also, and are very costly. They represent the tomb of Imam Hussain at Karbla.' The procession is composed of mourners, who remembering the martyrdom of the holy hero, are filled with great spiritual anguish. They revere the Taziahs or Taboots. The worshippers follow or precede these Taziahs, repeating in a very excited manner the name of 'Hussain' (A.S).

It is a great pity that on those occasions when there should be peace and good-will among all, riots break out as a result of religious fanaticism. Though the mourning in honour of Imam Hussain is observed by all sections of Muslims, yet the Taziahs are the symbols of worship only among the Shias. Quarrels break out among Shias and Sunnis. and Ahl-i-Hadith, Shias riots, also, occur in some places on those occasions. People should learn religious toleration, and help one another in observing all religious ceremonies. Mutual concord and sympathy are very necessary for our national well-being.

A Mosque

Outline: Introduction - carefully maintained - honest supervisor - picturesque scene on gatherings - conclusion.

It is the common place of worship, open to all. Usually the temple is the most beautiful building in the whole town, and is scrupulously kept clean. It is the centre of attraction for all. It stands for the embodiment of the religious fervour of the people, and hence on such buildings neither money nor attention is spared to make them grand and noble.

The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Outline: Introduction - Hazrat Haleema looked after - a fine man - message of God – preaching - many battles were fought.

Hazrat Muhammad (peace he upon him) was born at Makkah in 571 A.D. His father. Abdullah had died before he was born. He was brought up by his mother Amena. Then he was brought up by his loving grandfather Abdul Muttalib a chief of the Quraish. But when he died after eight years, his uncle. Abu Talib, under took to look after him. He looked after him more lovingly than his own children.