May 20, 2011
Posted by arif in Reviews | 0 comments
The ipod in my car is continually dishing out some advice or the other. I am really fortunate to come across some soul-lifting, practical, enriching lectures.
Ted Talk by Rick Warren on Purpose Driven Life
This is a lovely little talk by the author of an immensely successful Spiritual Classic. He offers great pointers on determining your self-worth and how to discover your purpose in life. Nothing radically new. Yet great to hear.
Ted Talk by Martin Seligman on Positive Psychology
Another 18 minute gem. What I loved about the talk is how Martin breaks down happiness, into three different types.
1. The immediate happiness we feel on say having chocolate or having a good time with friends.
2. The Flow State of happiness that we experience when we are truly engaged in something. You know, when time stops for us. For me, that happens when I’m blogging or drawing.
3. The Meaningful happiness when we are involved with a purpose that is greater than ourselves.
Hence to live a Full, Happy and Meaningful life is to maximise the opportunities for the three circumstances to take place. Here the talk, there may be other nuggets that you can pick up.
Suze Orman at Google. How to make the most of your money
Here’s a talk by another best selling author. Although lot of the advice is very American specific, yet I walked away with principles and tips that I could implement.
Where Love is God is by Leo Tolstoy
A very touching story by the great Russian author on how a humble cobbler yearns to meet Jesus Christ. Unfortunately I couldn’t find the reading of this story online anymore. But do subscribe to the Classic Tales Podcast by B J Harrison. Ever so often I come across a story that I feel like sharing with all. But unfortunately that story is taken down before I can write about it. If you are subscribed to The Classic Tales Podcast, when I let you know of the story, you can then go back to the archives and hear it.
May 18, 2011
Posted by Mohammed Ali in General, Sufi Comics | 2 comments
In the last few month, the 40 Sufi Comics book was reviewed in the Media (Newspapers & Blogs). Thank you to all of you who took out the time! If any of you would like to write a review of the book on your Website or Print Media, get in touch with us with your address and we’ll ship you a free copy of the book anywhere in the World.
Television
IBN-TV, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania did a talkshow on Sufi Comics
Print Media
Marathi Newspaper Mumbai
Hindustan Times – Mumbai
DNA – Mumbai
Mid-day – Mumbai
http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2011/oct/181011-Mumbai-guide-Life-in-a-comic-book.htm
The Hindu (Using Comics to explain Islam)
The Indian Express (Breaking the ice through comics)
Islamic Voice (Sufi Wisdom served with great elan)
Deccan Chronicle (Dervish duo’s comic relief)
Hindustan Times (Sufi stories in comic format)
Online Media
“Comics and graphic novels have come a long way. Once seen in India as a clever ploy to make children read history and mythology, it is now viewed as one of the coolest literary forms there is, with a steady following amongst the old and the young. Taking the form a step ahead, Bangalore based brothers Mohammed Ali Vakil and Mohammed Arif Vakil have complied 40 comic strips, titled 40 Sufi Comics, in the form of a book that visually depicts the teachings of Islam.” Sufi Comics trying to help people understand Islam by Shweta Sharma
“Graphic novels have a cult-like following from the very young, to the academically wise. Who knew they could teach you spiritual, or Islamic life lessons?” Muslimness.com: Behind 40 Sufi Comics – India’s Muslim Blogging Brothers by Zaufishan Iqbal
“The art was beautiful, so the teachings. Each story taught a moral value, and had verses from the Qur’an and traditions with special notes from the artist. 40 Sufi Comics is actually a collection of illustrated eternal truths of life.” - Comic Addicts: Sufi Comics by Nishkarsh Chugh
“One of the great beauties of this work is its suitability for all audiences and ages. An 8-year-old child, a 55-year-old adult, or an open-minded non-Muslim – indeed almost anyone – will enjoy and benefit from this material.” - Islamic Insights: Sufi Comics Book Review by Diana Beatty
“The subjects that they have chosen include Love, Knowledge, Ethics, Spirituality, Mother, Prayer, God et al. Alongside, there are translations of relevant verses from the Quran and quotes from the Prophet and other teachers.” - Citizen News: Philosophy can be fun by Pushpa Achanta
“A short comic is a preferable medium these days for many to read and assimilate new subjects. One can go back to it as often as one wants because they are not boring, They convey esoteric philosophy in simple language and cartoons without compromising on content or quality.” - ChummaChumma: 40 Sufi Comics by Gopal S.
Apr 16, 2011
Posted by arif in Spirituality | 1 comment
A wise man once sat in the audience & cracked a joke.
All laughed like crazy. After a moment he cracked the same joke again and a little less people laughed this time.
He cracked the same joke again & again, When there was no laughter in the crowd,
he smiled and said
“When u can’t laugh on the same joke again & again, then why do u keep crying over the same thing over and over again.”
Arif’s comment: Thanks for this email forward Hina :-)
Apr 12, 2011
Posted by Mohammed Ali in Sufi Comics | 6 comments
Sufi Comics - Why doesnt God do something
This is our first comic after publishing 40 Sufi Comics (Volume 1). Inshallah this comic will be part of 40 Sufi Comics (Volume 2) :)
The comic above is one of my favourite parables, and has had a profound effect on me. We often complain that why doesn’t God do something about the poor in the world (ie the beggar), or the oppressed, eg the Palestinans (ie the beaten) or the crippled. Well He did do something. He created me and you. All of us put together have sufficient resources to make a significant difference in the world. We should now talk the talk less and walk the walk more.
“Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition” – Quran (13:11)
Have We not given him two eyes,
And a tongue and two lips,
And pointed out to him the two conspicuous ways?
But he would not attempt the uphill road,
And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is?
(It is) the setting free of a slave,
Or the giving of food in a day of hunger
To an orphan, having relationship,
Or to the poor man lying in the dust.
Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion. – Quran (90:8-17)
“We are the luckiest people that ever lived; we have abundantly and manifestly the capacity to address human problems if we care. It is a matter of vision and courage and compassion.” -RAMSEY CLARK
Apr 9, 2011
Posted by arif in Personal | 10 comments
While the adrenalin is still pumping, here are a few thoughts and memories of the last few days.
Background:
There are many issues in Indian Civil Society that bug the hell out of me. Corruption ranks high on that list, with Poverty and Uncleanliness. I had never heard of Anna Hazare before. Nor of the Lok Janpal Bill. When I read headlines a couple of days back how he was going on an indefinite fast for the passing of the Jan Lokpal bill. I was in awe. I asked around and was explained what an icon that man is. Built not of skin and bones, this man is made of Principles and Values.
There had to be something that I can do to support his movement. I was smsed the following day by Dr. Mateen that there is a meeting of India Against Corruption at new park, Freedom Park. Freedom Park? Where’s that. No one has heard of Freedom Park. Well, pretty soon, the World got to know about it. The Old Central Jail in Bangalore, was where Freedom Fighters were jailed during the British Occupation. Keeping a lot of the same infrastructure, the jail is now converted to Freedom Park.
Me and Ali headed to Freedom Park on Wednesday evening. There I saw a handful of individuals sitting on stage, who have taken the pledge to fast indefinitely till the Jan Lokpal be passed. Who were these people. Gandhi is a simple Yoga Teacher. A couple are the regular Bangalore Techies. Yet another an entrepreneur. Here were people with regular jobs and families, and were willing to put it all aside. Why? So that justice takes place. Gosh this is what the Quran has been teaching me for the last 1,400 years!
Quran about Bribery and Justice
2:188 And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].
5:8 O you who believe! Be upright for Allah,bearers of witness with justice,
4:75 [Shakir 4:75] And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and of the weak among the men and the women and the children, (of) those who say: Our Lord! cause us to go forth from this town, whose people are oppressors, and give us from Thee a guardian and give us from Thee a helper.
Corruption and it’s Victims
God, is asking me “Arif, what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah (SWT).” Fight against who? Against oppressors. Those who are usurping the rights of the weak. You want to know what Jihad is. This is Jihad. It’s stand in the face of the Oppressor and till him that he is wrong. That he is an oppressor. And we are going to do what it takes to stop him. What is corruption? It’s when those in Position abuse their Power to extort those weaker than them to submit to their demands. Want to know how bad corruption has gotten in India? Here are live cases, people who have told this who have experienced this first-hand or almost first-hand:
- Women who stay in Bangalore Slums, when they have to go have their babies delivered, they have to pay a bribe to the Government Hospitals so that they can give birth. Once the baby is born, they have to pay an additional bribe to see the face of their baby. The bribe is higher, if it’s a boy.
- If your home/office/factory burns down. The fire fighters will take a bribe to prepare a report for you, so then you can claim your insurance. The bribe depends on the insurance value.
- For those who wish to or are forced to have a Post-Mortem. You cannot till you shell out extra dough.
4:75 [Shakir 4:75] And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and of the weak among the men and the women and the children.
Here were people who are living the principles of the same Quran and I wasn’t! I could not live with myself if I did not do the best I could to support this cause. And here enters my most amazing family. I took my brother’s views on joining the hunger-strike and he immediately said, “Go for it.” I asked my wife, she said, “I’m proud of you.” I asked my parents, who said, “Son, do what you feel is best.”
It’s time to go
I packed a change of clothes. My tooth paste, toothbrush, a pillow and a bedsheet and headed to Freedom Park. I didn’t know how long I was going to stay there. All I knew was that I wanted to give my best. And here I met, the most Amazing people in the city of Bangalore. Such wonderful volunteers. Constantly asking if we were drinking enough water to stay hydrated. Is there anything else we needed. Each time I thanked them for anything, they’d snap back and say don’t thank us. You are our Anna Hazare here. One of the volunteers (Rajashekar) saw me offering my namaaz. I was doing so on the grass. He came to me right after my prayers and said that he saw me offering prayers on the grass. He asked me if he could arrange for me a prayer mat or something like that. I was so deeply touched by his concern and empathy. I told him no thanks but I enjoy praying on the grass and under the sky.
Staying at Freedom Park, reminded of a camping trip that I had done eons back. But here I was with nobody that I knew. But all were so strongly connected with a common cause, that it just didn’t matter. The spirit was, what more can we do. How can we increase our support for this cause. How can we make a bigger noise so that this bill is passed. Failure is not an option. I sat and wrote to almost everybody I knew. Most of you must have got my mails. Then I proceeded to live-blog the event there. And when I got tired in between, I napped.
At the end of the second day, I really couldn’t believe it. Rumors were there that the government has unofficially accepted Anna Hazare’s demands. Yet we were not sure. We held back our congratulations. Then we heard from our official connections in Delhi, that although demands have been unofficially accepted, Annaji, will not give up his fast till it’s official. And till then our protest will go on. All night long, patriotic songs were sung. Our favourite “Hum Honge Kamyab”, was repeated again and again. Tired and happy we snored. The mosquitoes managed to wake me up a couple of times, but not for long.
Hum Hogaye Kamyaab!
Next morning the excitement was thick in the air. You could almost touch it. What was determination the day before, was replaced by the Just-Before-Euphoria Feeling. It was as if we knew we had won the cricket match, but the team still has to complete their overs before we could celebrate. The crowd kept accumulating as the hours ticked by. The team worked hard to have a live relay from Delhi. We received the news that the official Gazette has been passed but Annaji was yet to open his fast. We watched eagerly at the flickering scene on the makeshift screen. And finally the words flashed across “Anna Hazare Breaks His Fast”. We howled, We Screamed, We hugged, We cried. For 42 years, the guilty were keeping away the handcuffs and now they had no choice but to accept. And we did it together. Each and everyone’s effort mattered. Every man’s presence made the difference. There was no one hero. That’s why we all became Heroes.
The atmosphere became just crazy. People broke into one patriotic song after another. I wasn’t tired (not to mention smelly and sticky due to no shower for several days) and I had to get back to work. Giving my new friends a tight farewell hug, I bade them goodbye.
Take Away Lessons
- My purpose of sharing this story with you is not to share how great I am. (With all due respect guys, I prefer you please not posting that in the comments. I know my weaknesses and sins that God has kept hidden from your eyes). The idea of sharing this story with you is this. Make the most of life. In this case making the most meant following your conscience. Do so and you’ll live a life of no regrets. Sharing this with you, puts greater pressure on me to do the same. Inshallah I will.
- Before starting I was filled with a gazillion fears. Oh my Gosh, how would I do this. This is so out of my comfort zone. Over the last few years I’ve always been in an AC environment, with soft cushions around me and always someone to serve me. Here I would be open to the elements for an indefinite time with nothing to eat. But it’s remarkable how God gives strength. Not only did I find it mostly easy. Man, I actually had so much Fun!
Allah (SWT) says “Take one step towards Me, I will take ten steps towards you. Walk towards me, I will run towards you.” Hadith Qudsi.
- A Key fear was that I was sure that there is no way my family would agree. I thought my wife would say no. I was certain my parents would. Yet, I asked them anyway. I asked them so then I knew I was giving my best. If they said no, I would try to convince them. But I knew it would be no use. My jaw dropped and my mind spun inside my skull, when they actually said yes. Moral: Do your Best. Be Persistent. Just take the next step. The world will automatically fall into place. At this note, I’d like to say a BIG THANK YOU to my family. There were so many who told me repeatedly how lucky I was. They reminded me time and again that it’s thanks to my family’s support and encouragement I could do this. And they are right.
- i stayed two nights and almost two days at Freedom Park without food. Was I hungry? Not even a bit. It’s amazing how strong your body is, once you make your mind up. I’m serious. And I’m a guy who munches on something or the other every two hours, otherwise I get a smashing headache. Yet, I didn’t feel a thing.
- The Euphoria and Confidence of participating in what you know is right is indescribable. You are provided with a tonne of confidence that when it matters next, you can do the same next time. And the next time. And the time after that. Ad infinitum.
There are probaly more lessons, none that I can recall at the moment. I am so glad I did this. Next time you are overcome by your fears, i hope you will take the step into the unknown. Trust me. It’s worth it!
Here’s a pic of Sreekanth, me and Ali. We’re busy helping with post announcement celebrations.
Apr 8, 2011
Posted by arif in General | 2 comments
9 April 2011, 11:50 AM
OMG! What Euphoria. People were in tears. I was in tears. Was busy helping out so couldn’t manage to take many pics of the celebrations. Thanks to Girish, for coming in the nick of time and helping out with these pics. With this parting shots I am signing out. This is Arif Vakil, having opened my fast, reporting live from Freedom Park, Bangalore India.
Mein Lal is liye pehna hon, kyon kay meri Shaadi hai.
Mein nay Desh say Shaadi ki hai
Hum Honge Kamyaaab…
Well said Girls. Couldn’t have put it better myself.
Balle…Balle..Jai HO!
Bharat Mata ki….
Jai!
That’s me after almost 48 hours of fasting. I have never felt more energised!
9 April 2011, 6:44 AM
Wow! What a marathon. We did it. Late last night, we heard the news that all demands have been accepted and that Annaji shall break his fast next morning. As of now, we’ve all woken up groggy with a hangover from last night’s late-discussion and celebration. Some pics from last night and today morning.
*Yawn* Do I have to get up.
Ashutosh, Indra and Sumit, three who have entered their Fifth Day of Fasting.
“We’re going to open our fast only after Anna Hazare Does.”
News X gets an early interivew, before the official announcement.
Smashing Headlines.
And again and again and again…
Apr 7, 2011
Posted by arif in General | 5 comments
8 April 2011, 8:12 PM
We just had the most amazing Candle light Vigil. Never have so many diverse people been taken to the streets in Bangalore for a common cause. If you ask me, I think we’ve got 5,000 people. The energy, the spirit, it’s…it’s… I don’t know I’m speechless.
A Protestor displaying his placard
Overwhelming crowd! The little lights you see till the end are
candle lights. Yes they do continue all the way to horizon.
India Against Corruptions, youngest supporter
Close up!
Gali Gali mein Shor Hai. Mera Neta Chor Hai!
Yes, But Unity will Kill Corruption!
8 April 2011, 3:18 PM
The crowd has marginally thinned, but the spirit is just as strong. Here are pics of the last few hours
Here are pics of volunteers who are making the show go on 24/7.
We were just loudly and actively joined by the bar association
8 April 2011, 12:24 PM
The very politicians that we are standing up against, have come with their entourage, banners and musclemen. We couldn’t stop them and so they’re having their time in the limelight.
8 April 2011, 11:39 AM
The Crowd has just exploded here. Sitting on the stage, it seems the crowd reaches horizon. Kanada Superstar Upendra just came here.
8 April 2011, 10:14 AM
As of now there are porbably 200 people here now. The car parking lot has been cleared as we expect a large number today. We are sure to touch 10,000 today, it may even reach 50,000. TV reporters have started coming and are now a common sight here at Freedom Park. Some pictures from now
Several have joined the Hunger-strike
A movement supported by all ages and all classes
——————————————————————————————
8 April 2011, 12:05 AM
Yesterday the crowds starting leaving 10 Pm. However volunteers stayed well till 2 AM planning and strategising activities and events for the next day. Today our target is to have 10,000 individuals gathered at Freedom Park. Here are some pics from behind the scenes, after the crowds left.
Volunteers working overtime to design Badges for Supporters to wear
Those on Hunger Strike calling it a night.
Apr 7, 2011
Posted by arif in General | 3 comments
Starting today I have joined the hunger-fast at Freedom Park, Bangalore. I’m doing all that I can to stop corruption in my country. Please join the movement. It’s our movement. Those who’ll benefit will be us and our children. If we don’t, then we have no right to complain. One has to pay a bribe here to get one’s birth certificate, property registered, even to file an FIR with the Police Station. Here’s your chance to do something about it. If you are in Bangalore, just come to Freedom Park today to show your support. If you are in any other city in India, join the support movement there. Jai Hind.
**************************************************
“Inqilaab Zindabad!”
“Pass karo, pass karo, Bill Humara Pass Karo”
“Down Down Corruption!”
‘Bharat Mata ki … Jai”
“Vande Mataram”
The atmosphere is just electric. Slogans of “Inqilaab Zindabaad!”, “Down, Down, Corruption” and my favourite, “Pass, Karo. Pass Karo. Bill Humara, Pass Karo” is echoing through Freedom Park. The movement that Anna Hazare has certainly started crossed it’s tipping point. There is no turning back. The bill will certainly be passed now.
Here is a glimpse of Freedom Park today:
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