Ahkam e Mayyat | (احکام میت) | Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi

Ahkam e Mayyat (احکام میت) by Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi
A Comprehensive Guide to Islamic Rulings on Death, Funeral, and Burial

Introduction

• Author: Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi, a modern Hanafi scholar based in Pakistan.
• Focus: In-depth fiqh rulings (ahkam) concerning death, funeral practices (janazah), burial procedures, and mourning customs in Islam.
• Language: Written in Urdu, the text is presented in a clear and scholarly manner, incorporating references from the Quran, Hadith, and traditional Hanafi literature.

Main Topics Addressed

Pre-Death Preparations

• Rights of the dying individual (e.g., talqeen/shahadah reminders, settling of debts).
• Medical considerations (e.g., Do Not Resuscitate orders, organ donation).

After Death

• Ghusl (ritual washing), kafan (shrouding), and janazah (funeral prayer).
• Guidelines for men and women involved in washing the deceased.

Burial (Dafan)

• Specifications for grave dimensions, body positioning, and Quranic recitations.
• Acceptability of grave markers and tombstones.

Mourning & Condolence (Azadari wa Ta'ziyat)

• Duration of iddah for widows and proper mourning etiquette.
• Practices to avoid (bid'ah), such as lavish gatherings.

Inheritance (Mirath)

• Fundamental distribution principles (farāʾiḍ) as outlined in Surah An-Nisa.

Contemporary Issues

• Topics such as autopsies, cremation, cryonics, and death occurring abroad.

Significance of This Book

• Authentic Hanafi Rulings: Based on classical texts like Al-Hidayah, Fath al-Qadir, and Radd al-Muhtar.
• Relevance to Modern Context: Tackles 21st-century challenges (e.g., embalming, repatriation).
• Practical Guidance: Useful for imams, mourners, and healthcare professionals.

Comparison with Similar Books
Book	Author	Focus
Ahkam e Mayyat	Dr. M.A. Hai Arifi	Hanafi fiqh + modern issues
Pardah aur Janazah	Mufti Taqi Usmani	Gender-specific funeral rules
Al-Jana'iz	Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya	Salafi perspective on death

 Target Audience

• Family members who are anticipating the passing of a loved one.
• Imams and volunteers involved in organizing funeral services.
• Healthcare professionals caring for Muslim patients.

Suggested Usage

Utilize as a reference throughout the funeral planning process.
Engage with local scholars to understand customs specific to your region (e.g., South Asian versus Arab traditions).

Final Assessment

An essential guide for Muslims that merges traditional scholarship with contemporary significance. Perfect for:

• Providing practical advice on funerals.
• Preventing innovations (bid'ah).
• Addressing medico-legal inquiries.
  

Uswa e Rasool e Akram S.A.W.W. | (اسوۂ رسول اکرم ﷺ) | Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi

Uswa e Rasool e Akram S.A.W.W. by Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi
A Thorough Examination of the Life, Character, and Teachings of the Prophet ﷺ

Introduction

• Author: Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hai Arifi, a distinguished contemporary Islamic scholar from Pakistan.
• Focus: An in-depth analysis of the exemplary life (Seerah), moral character (Akhlaq), and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, grounded in authentic references.
• Language: Urdu, presented in a scholarly yet approachable manner.

Main Topics Addressed

Prophetic Biography (Seerah)

• Details of his birth, early years, prophethood, and migration (Hijrah).
• Significant events including battles (Ghazawat) and treaties.

Moral & Spiritual Character (Akhlaq)

• The Prophet’s ﷺ attributes of kindness, patience, humility, and justice.
• His interactions with family, companions, and adversaries.

Worship & Devotion

• The Prophet’s ﷺ practices of prayer, fasting, and night worship (Tahajjud).
• His deep affection for the Quran and remembrance of Allah (Dhikr).

Social & Political Leadership

• Principles of governance such as justice and consultation (Shura).
• Economic teachings regarding trade, charity, and the prohibition of interest (Riba).

Modern Relevance

• Application of the Prophet’s ﷺ Sunnah in contemporary society.
• Addressing current challenges through his exemplary model.

Significance of This Book

• Authentic References: Based on the Quran, Hadith (Bukhari, Muslim), and classical Seerah literature (Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Hisham).
• Practical Insights: Provides guidance on how to incorporate the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings into everyday life.
• Clarification of Misconceptions: Addresses and corrects distorted narratives surrounding the Prophet ﷺ.

Comparison with Similar Books
Book	Author	Focus
Uswa e Rasool e Akram ﷺ	Dr. M.A. Hai Arifi	Comprehensive Seerah + Akhlaq
Ar-Raheeq al-Makhtum	Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri	Classic Seerah (English/Urdu)
Shama'il al-Muhammadiyah	Imam al-Tirmidhi	Prophet’s ﷺ physical & moral traits

Target Audience

• Muslims who wish to enhance their affection for the Prophet ﷺ.
• Individuals engaged in the study of Seerah and Islamic history.
• Dawah practitioners who are introducing Islam to non-Muslims.

Suggested Study Approaches

• Participate in a Seerah study group (for instance, discussing weekly chapters).
• Contemplate one Sunnah each day to incorporate into daily life.

Conclusion

This work is both inspiring and informative, making it ideal for:

• Gaining an in-depth understanding of the Prophet’s ﷺ life.
• Revitalizing his Sunnah in contemporary society.
• Educating children and new Muslims.
  

Ibn-ul-Hawas | ابن الہوس (The Son of Desire) | Mirza Amjad Baig – A Provocative Masterpiece of Urdu Fiction

Introduction to Ibn-ul-Hawas

Ibn-ul-Hawas (ابن الہوس), meaning "Child of Desire" or "Son of Passion," ranks among Mirza Amjad Baig's most contentious and psychologically profound pieces. This Urdu novel plunges into the intricacies of the human mind, examining the detrimental effects of unbridled desires while providing deep reflections on spiritual salvation.
The title itself is rich in symbolism, signifying both the main character's bondage to his urges and the collective human experience of being "children of desire. " Baig constructs a tale that serves as both a warning and a spiritual expedition, set against a vividly portrayed contemporary South Asian landscape.

About the Author: Mirza Amjad Baig

Mirza Amjad Baig has made his mark as the most audacious commentator on the human experience within Urdu literature, recognized for:

• Unwavering psychological authenticity
• Integrating Eastern spiritual elements with Western storytelling methods
• Crafting morally intricate and unforgettable characters
• Challenging the limits of Urdu literary norms

Ibn-ul-Hawas showcases Baig at his most daring, fusing intense emotional resonance with profound philosophical reflection.

Key Themes Explored

1. The Anatomy of Desire

• Sensual lust contrasted with spiritual yearning
• Addiction viewed as contemporary idolatry
• The desire paradox – satisfaction leads to heightened desire

2. Spiritual Bankruptcy in Modernity

• Materialism as an illusion of deliverance
• Urban solitude and estrangement
• The contemporary faith dilemma

3. The Path to Redemption

• Sufi philosophies of repentance (tawba)
• Divine compassion versus human judgment
• The transformative effect of suffering

4. Societal Hypocrisy

• Discrepancy between public ethics and private vices
• Class disparities in ethical standards
• The commercialization of relationships

Narrative Structure & Style

• Innovative Storytelling Techniques
• Stream-of-consciousness segments
• Non-linear narrative mirroring a fragmented psyche
• Allusions to Islamic theological writings
• Variable narrative viewpoints

Why Ibn-ul-Hawas Matters Today

• Relevance to Contemporary Readers
• Addresses the current addiction crisis
• Engages with spiritual dilemmas of the digital era
• Investigates the psychology behind compulsive actions
• Offers a pathway to redemption

Critical Reception

Ibn-ul-Hawas has elicited a mix of debate and praise for:

• Its psychological credibility
• Its philosophical richness
• Literary bravery
• Spiritual understanding

Final Evaluation

Ibn-ul-Hawas marks a significant point in modern Urdu literature, presenting:

• Unyielding psychological authenticity
• Deep spiritual insights
• Narrative creativity
• Culturally specific content with universal significance
  

Husan Girafta | حسن گرفتہ (The Captivated) | Mirza Amjad Baig – A Masterpiece of Contemporary Urdu Fiction

Introduction to Husan Girafta

Husan Girafta (حسن گرفتہ), meaning "The Captivated" or "Enchanted by Beauty," is one of the most poetically rich and philosophically significant works by Mirza Amjad Baig. This Urdu novel intricately interlinks themes of aesthetic obsession, spiritual yearning, and the transformative essence of beauty through a narrative that intertwines reality and mystical perception.
The title itself evokes profound imagery, indicating both a condition of being entranced by beauty (husn) and the spiritual experience of being "seized" or "taken" (girafta) by divine grace. Baig skillfully constructs a tale that functions simultaneously as a love narrative, a philosophical exploration, and a Sufi allegorical representation.

About the Author: Mirza Amjad Baig

Mirza Amjad Baig has established himself as a unique voice in contemporary Urdu literature, characterized by:

• The fusion of classical Islamic literary elements with modernist approaches
• The creation of psychologically intricate characters
• The investigation of spiritual themes within modern narratives
• The development of exquisite Urdu prose bridging classical and contemporary styles

Husan Girafta marks a development in Baig's distinctive style, intertwining his philosophical insights with a newfound narrative finesse.

Key Themes Explored

1. The Power and Peril of Beauty

• Physical beauty perceived as both a gift and a burden
• The transformative potential of aesthetic experiences
• Beauty as a means to access the divine versus a diversion from spiritual pursuits

2. Love in Its Many Dimensions

• Earthly romantic affection
• The idealization of platonic love
• Divine love (ishq-e-haqiqi)
• The anguish of yearning for the unattainable

3. The Seeker's Journey

• The protagonist’s spiritual and psychological growth
• Sufi ideas of fana (annihilation) and baqa (subsistence)
• The symbolism of mirrors in Islamic mysticism

4. Reality and Perception

• Blurred lines between dreams and reality
• Unreliable narration alongside changing perspectives
• The constructed essence of experiences

Why Husan Girafta Matters Today

• Relevance to Contemporary Readers
• Confronts universal human desires for transcendence
• Delves into modern spiritual dilemmas
• Speaks to creative and intellectual circles
• Provides a culturally grounded yet globally appealing narrative

Reading Recommendations

Perfect For Readers Who Enjoy:

• Philosophical fiction
• Mystical literature
• Deep psychological character exploration
• Narratives rich in cultural nuance

Final Assessment

Husan Girafta stands as a pinnacle in modern Urdu literature, providing readers with:

• A complex narrative journey
• Deep philosophical and spiritual reflections
• A connection to classical cultural traditions
• Exceptional literary artistry