Friday, September 11, 2009

Pride of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Dr Syed Amjad Hussain
Khalid Hasan of Washington, DC

Dr. Syed Amjad Hussain

Dr Amjad Hussain left Peshawar more than thirty years ago but as Manto said of Bombay after he bade it goodbye, “ Mein chalta phirta Bombaii hoon. “ So is the doctor: a roving, wandering Peshawar.

Some years ago, he reproduced from memory a map of the city as it used to be. He also wrote its history, in English and Urdu. Ahmed Faraz, another of Peshawar’s sons and lovers, and an incomparable wit, once said, “It is Amjad who left Peshawar, not Peshawar that left him, so the city bears no blame.”

Amjad lives in Toledo in the Midwestern state of Ohio, where a couple of years ago, I went to see him. It was like walking with him in the Qissa Khwani or sipping green tea at a stall in Dabgari. I had to remind myself now and then that I was actually in Toledo, thousands of miles from Peshawar. Nostalgia is perhaps the most powerful of human emotions. Amjad is nostalgia incarnate, the city of Peshawar’s separated but intensely loving son, who has missed no year when he has not gone to breathe its air and stand under its sky. But as Ahmed Faraz wrote, he goes only to leave again.

Amjad has traversed the entire course of the great Indus river, from its source down to the Arabian Sea. Anyone who has anything the matter with his ticker will be in good hands were he to repair to Toledo because Dr Amjad Hussain is not a doctor like Dr Wazir Agha but a celebrated heart surgeon. He laid down his carving knives a couple of years ago but would cut anyone up for old times’ sake and with great dexterity too.

He may never have left Peshawar but for the fact that when he returned with an advanced medical degree after spending six years in America, he was first told that there was no suitable position and then given one that made no use of his surgical skills. After a time he was told that since his wife was a foreigner - he got hitched in America - he was in violation of government rules. Not taken into account was the fact that he had got married when he was not in the service of the government. In the end, he returned to America where he built a successful and rewarding professional career. But his heart did not leave with him; it stayed in Peshawar.

Amjad retired from full-time work as a surgeon a couple of years ago but still teaches and I am sure when his fingers get itchy, he fixes a game heart or two. He has just published an account of his life and the schools and colleges he went to. His recall of the past is amazing and he brings back the city of Peshawar and its way of life that no longer exists. His book - Dar-e-Maktib - is actually a book about his teachers, from the time he was four, to his professors in Peshawar and the hospitals of Ohio and Michigan.

The book is dedicated to his blind religion teacher Abdul Qadoon Hafizji at the Machhi Hatta primary school, Peshawar, who made him memorize, often with a slap across the wrists, passages from the Qur’an that he still remembers sixty-two years later. The Machhi Hatta school no longer exists, having made way for a market, but it lives in Amjad’s memory and in the pages of his book. Hafizji would come to the school every morning, being led by a niece. Before starting the lesson, he would test his pupils over the previous day’s lesson and anyone who faltered was asked to come up to him and receive a slap. Amjad writes in his dedication that whenever he stands up to pray, he remembers that it was Hafizji who taught him namaz . He also recalls Lal Shah Jigar Kazmi who taught Urdu to the first grade at Machhi Hata. To him, Amjad owes the neat calligraphic Urdu hand he writes, which distinguishes him from doctors who are known the world over for their illegible handwriting.

Muhammad Ali, one of the teachers he writes about, was known for his vile temper. So terrified were the boys of his fisticuffs that one day a group of them went to the mausoleum of Shah Noor Pir in the city to pray and promise that if Master Muhammad Ali died, they would return to make an offering. So confident were they that the saint would take immediate action that they were quite surprised when Muhammad Ali remained alive and kicking. Another teacher at the school was known as Abdul Ali ‘bone-breaker.’ In the classroom alcove, he kept a collection of canes for the ‘benefit’ of his students.

Amjad writes with particular affection about his English teacher at Islamia College, Peshawar, Professor Hubert M Close, who spent his entire life in Peshawar. He would dress like a Pathan, went around on a bicycle and spoke fluent Pushto. He came to India from Cambridge in 1937 to teach English at St Stephen’s College, New Delhi, joined the army when the war broke out and fought in North Africa, where he commanded a company of Pathan soldiers. After the war, though he returned to Delhi, he began to go to Peshawar every year to look up the men who had served under him. It was on his 1946 visit that Governor Sir Olaf Caroe offered him a post at Islamia College. He never left Peshawar till his last breath. After he retired from Islamia College, he began to teach English classes at the Peshawar University and Edwards College. He was given an OBE by the British and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by Pakistan. When the medal was being pinned on him by Gen Zia-ul-Haq, he reminded him that he had been the professor’s student at St Stephen’s in 1946. The great Pakistani English poet, the late Daud Kamal, was one of Prof Close’s students.

Amjad graduated in medicine from the Khyber Medical College, worked at the Lady Reading Hospital and first left Peshawar in 1963, but in a way he never left it. His book ends on a wistful but eloquent note. “Time is like a river that keeps flowing. No one can block its flow. As I find myself walking along its running waters towards sunset, I turn around and see faint footprints that I recognize as mine. I also see faces that I know. Among them are my kind (and some not-so-kind) teachers, the schools and colleges through which I passed, places where I spent the days of my youth.

All those faces, those institutions, those teachers are like pillars of light that showed me the way to my future, and whose light never abandoned me. In fact, my life has been nothing but a borrowing from those kindly men and places. My book is a small tribute to them.”

Dr. Hussain has taken on leadership roles in numerous organizations in the greater Toledo area. Among them, he has served as president of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, the Toledo Surgical Society, and the Academy of Medicine of Toledo. On a national level he has served as president of the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America and Khyber Medical College Alumni Association of North America. In 1994 he endowed a visiting professorship for his alma mater Khyber Medical College at the University of Toledo College of Medicine.

Science is behind Quran

Cover Story

Science and God:

Do you believe?



By Maha Shafique

Human lives are full of miracles, of mysteries, of questions, of challenges, of external forces and of faith. Ever since man has set foot on Earth, he has struggled to find answers to his questions and tried to explain the natural phenomena around him. He has ventured to discover secrets, and to progress. He has toiled to find the purpose of his existence.

Some people believe that religion is merely a figment of the imagination of mortal men, and the world came into existence by chance; that the formation of the world just involved a bunch of complex processes and accidents. Such people believe that in order to explain the world around them and their own existence, men have found solace in religion. Some opt for philosophy.

Each race has modified its beliefs according to the changing times and older religions have failed to keep pace with it. This has led to birth of new beliefs and religions.

The main cause for concern for many has been the illogical nature of many religious scriptures. Despite the existence of religions, man has still been found grappling with questions. Science and religion have always been found warring with one another. Hardly any common ground has been found between them.

But, in reality, science is merely a window to God. The more you delve into the world around you, the surer you are of a greater entity behind it and the more qualified you become to look closely within yourself and into those tiny, dancing atoms around you. Let us venture into some science discoveries and see for ourselves the miracles that enshroud us.

The Big Bang!

The Big Bang theory, first proposed in 1950, holds that the universe in the beginning was concentrated as one unit in the form of condensed matter and energy. The original condensed matter arose from an empty space.

He comprehended in His design the heaven when it was (only a smoke). (Fussilat, 41:11)

Some fifteen million years ago, there was a Big Bang, when within 10 minus 32 of a second, the universe expanded to 10 to 30 of its initial size.

The heavens and the earth were joined together, then, we parted them. (Al-Anbiya, 21:30)

Our scripture explains all three things. Firstly, the universe was one piece. Secondly, it was parted, and thirdly, the time span of the Big Bang was equal to the twinkling of the eye.

And our command is but, like the twinkling of the eye. (Al-Qamar, 54:50)

Expansion of universe

With power did we construct the heaven, verily; we are (continuously) expanding it. (Az-Zariat, 51:47)

The Hubbell Constant theory was presented after the development of radio telescope, in 1937, to gauge the rate at which the universe is expanding. Evidence has now been provided that space is expanding at nearly the speed of light! The Quran states this fact much before without the use of radio telescopes and hints at the eventual destruction of the universe.

Existence of seven heavens

Have you not regarded how Allah created seven heavens, one above the other (in harmony). (An-Naba, 78:12)

The phrase seven heavens always confused me. I could never understand how there could be seven heavens or skies above us and how we could draw a line between them. Dr. Haluk Nur Baki has recently explained this verse on the basis of recent advancements in astrophysics by showing that the space surrounding our earth consists of seven distinct, concentric magnetic layers. These layers involve unimaginable distances. The first is 6.5 trillion km in thickness, the sixth at a distance of 20 billion light years and the seventh beyond infinity. Do you believe?

Spherical shape of earth

Then He (Allah) gave the earth an oval form. (Al-Naaze'at, 79:30)

To describe the Earths shape, the Quran uses the word 'dahaha' which is derived from the word 'daha', meaning an ostrich egg. Earth's true shape is geodic which resembles a pear. The equatorial radius and polar radius of earth are different, giving it an oval shape. The verse also states that earth was not in this form at the time of its origin and assumed this shape later on. Astrophysics has proven that earth was without a form when it was first created and gained its shape over the course of time.

Activation of life on

earth by rain

Allah sends down from the sky water in due measure: we revive therewith a land that was dead; even so shall you be brought forth. (Al-Zukhruf, 43:11)

The basic chemical substance of living organism is the bridge of hydrogen called the hydrogen bond. This hydrogen can be replaced only by ionisation of water. This makes water indispensable for life. A dehydrated organism is like a frozen skeleton even if it preserves its DNA with its genetic code as it can neither reproduce nor grow.

About 100 years ago, it was discovered that soil consists of micro organisms while 40 years back, it was discovered that 80 per cent of soil organisms are bacteria. As soon as they receive the hydrogen bond from rain water, they are activated and they begin to reproduce.

Approximately 10 billion human beings have lived on Earth since Hazrat Adam. The size of each individual's genetic code is one micron. All genetic codes combined would not even fill a coffee cup! All of these are preserved under the soil. It is obvious that when Allah can revive the dead land by sprinkle of a drop, he has the power to provide a simple hydrogen bond to these genetic codes. All human beings will hence, rise on the Day of Judgement.

Shape of earth on the Day of Judgement

When the (shape of the) Earth is flattened out and it casts forth what is within it and becomes empty. (Al-Inshiqaq, 84:3-4)

Here, two things are clearly revealed: firstly, that the Earth is not flat. And secondly, that it will assume a flat shape on the Day of Judgment. It was not until the 16th century thatthe idea came forward that Earth is not flat. So unbelievable was this idea that scientists who disclosed this remarkable discovery were initially imprisoned or awarded death. Allah revealed this centuries ago. This is why Earth can never enjoy daytime as a whole at any given time. On the Day of Judgment, the whole earth will have day at the same time, as the Earth's shape would change from round to flat.

Decrease of land

See they not that We (Allah) gradually reduce the land from its outlying borders? (Ar-Ra'd, 13:41)

Science has now discovered that since polar ice caps are melting, the sea level is rising; hence more land area is getting covered. The outlying borders in this verse refer to the sea shores. With time, more sea shores are being covered by water. How could anyone have perceived this fact when the Arabian Peninsula was merely a desert land deprived of seas?

Different natures of

sun and moon

The Quran says several verses in this regard:

We have built above you seven strong (heavens) and placed therein a blazing lamp. (An-Naba, 78:12)

By the sun and its light, and the moon when it reflects it. (Ash-Shams, 91:1-2)

And made a moon a light in their midst, and made the sun a lamp. (Nuh, 71:16)

First thing to be noticed is that the Sun is the only source of light for our solar system while the moon merely reflects light from the sun.

The Quran uses two distinct words for the light of the sun (zia, a shining object) and moon (noor, light). Secondly, the Quran uses the term Misbah for the sun which is translated as lamp. A lamp contains some fuel that burns which gives both heat and light. The Quran thus states that the sun is not merely a source of light but also a source of heat.

Presence of sub-atomic particles

Not an atom's weight, or less than or greater (than atom), escapes Him in the heavens and or in the earth. (Saba, 34:3)

The word zarrah is used in the Quran which is translated as atom. At the time the verse was revealed, atom was the smallest particle known to man. The Quran indicates the presence of even smaller particles than an atom 1400 years before science could discover it.

Existence of

gender in plants

With it have We produced diverse pairs of plants, each separate from the other. (Taha, 20:53)

Botanists discovered the presence of genders in plants around 100 years ago. The above mentioned verse indicates the presence of pairs i.e. genders in plants. The presence of genders allows for plants to reproduce and ensure their survival.

Movement of the sun

Our galaxy consists of a number of stars clustered in the form of a disc. The sun occupies a position in this galaxy far from the centre of the disc. As the galaxy rotates around its axis, the sun revolves around the same centre. While the galaxy takes 250 million years to complete one revolution, the sun is travelling at roughly 150 miles per second.

Allah's words are in complete agreement with this remarkable fact.

The sun runs on its fixed course for a term (appointed); that is the decree of the All-Mighty, the All- Knowing. (Yaseen, 36:38)

Sequence of development of human organs

It is He who created for you (faculties of) hearing and sight, feeling and understanding, (yet) little thanks you give (to Allah). (Al Mu'minun, 23:78)

These verses describe three importance faculties of hearing, sight and feeling given to mankind. The order in which these faculties are mentioned is usually overlooked. But, it is not random. It has been discovered that during embryonic development, the internal ears appear first, followed by eyes and then the brain, the centre of feeling and understanding. The Quran, thus, correctly describes the sequence of development of human faculties.

Do you believe?

These are only a few amazing examples that reiterate the existence of the entity we identify as Allah. It can be said without any doubt that the more we discover the world around us, the more we shall discover God in every particle we identify. From galaxies, suns and moons to sub-atomic particles, microorganisms and embryos, Allah has an explanation for everything. Science does not negate religion. Neither does religion negate science. They are meant to coexist.

We may continue giving complicated names to these phenomena, or venture to seek explanations for them. We may try to emulate Gods creations or find substitutes for them. We may win a Nobel Prize or two along the way. But the best thing to do would be to just sit back and appreciate them, to enjoy them and marvel at them, and to appreciate the Being that adorned the world with these tiny neutrons and protons or those overly large galaxies that we try with all our might to conquer. Here, I'd like to mention a beautiful verse of poetry.

Jalwon hee ki kasrat say jo parday may chupaa hai

Youn pardah nasheen ho kay bhi to jalwah numaa hai

The question I now ask is: Do you believe?

Information taken from 160 Miracles and Mysteries of Quran by Mazhar Kazi

Saturday, May 5, 2007

General Keramat (Retired) Speaks out!!!

"General Karamat urges checks on Military role" published in Dawn, May 5, 2007.

Its about time someone from inside the Army spoke military over burden role in the affairs of the country. Reminding people of the military governement which ushered in for a period of three years mandated by the superior courts of the country has already overstayed.

This current judicial crisis in the country is the right opportunity to put a leash on the army junta which has now corporate interests in all the spheres---wherever there is a buck to made.

Providing infratructure for our increasing population, human resource development, the gap between economic performance and poverty alleviation, civil-military relations, governance, and extremisim, are some of the issues he very rightly pointed out are the fruits of the existing setup!

Not to mentioned the miserable failures of our law enforcing and intelligence agencies to take care of the extremism hatchet unattended only points fingers at the state showing its lethargy in managing the issues or just puting a blind eye on it.

Military is power hungry and has corporate interests. But it should not affect the stability of our country at the expense of what? Lets all the stakeholders decide once for all to keep a bone for our military junta in the power sharing in such a way that it does not destabilize our country.

This by keeping the presence of military in Supreme Security Council along with politicans in power as well as opposition leaders in both the houses.

Monday, April 30, 2007

Come on people

Lets have our views posted here!

Are we so insensitive?

Suicide bombing and killing innocent people has become a routine in our country. Despite the presence of over a dozen or so intelligence agencies these terrorist groups are continuing their operations unabated.

Our Government is only interested in keeping a grip on the power but seems helpless in maintaining law and order situation.

In a country with ocean of uneducated masses its hard to control tendencies of hopeless youths joining the folds of extremist groups. Thats the kind of escape a confused mind would resort to.

Friday, April 13, 2007


A Graveyard of Intellectuals, Scientists, Scholars, Commerners....but

Pakistan is being blessed with all kind of resources but sane ruling class which only has time for plundering public wealth and taxpayers money to meet their selfish goals.

Its Military used to be professional but I really wonder if they had won any wars against enemies but always try to conquer their own masses.

Beauracracy is corrupt and ineeficient to the bones and is habitual in plundering public exchequer by getting huge commissions in executing developmental projects. They lack professionalism and consider common citizen as their slaves and subservient.

Politicians are the same and are really good in breaking promises and deceiving their vote bank.

I invite all the Citizens and outsider to express and pour their heart out in this blog. I will wait and see when I'll dispear and get killed by the infamous agencies famous for making people disappear.