Moments of Reverence
By Shumaila Munib Shumail
Introduction:
Major General Muhammad Ashhad Chaudhry
Major General Muhammad Ashhad Chaudhry is a retired officer of the Pakistan Army, recognized for both his distinguished military career and his contributions to Islamic literature. His writing reflects a blend of discipline and spirituality, derived from his experiences in the armed forces and his deep devotion to Islamic teachings.
Mr. Arshad Chaudhury’s work is often based on themes of reverence, humility, and faith, particularly focusing on the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad. Through his books, he tries to instill a spirit of devotion to the prophet and awaken Islamic values in the modern world.
Moment of Reverence:
Arshad Chaudhry’s first book was published in 1991 as ”Autumn ‘s leaves”(Khizan Ke Patty), in which his personal experiences and national problems were accompanied by the rays of light of the love of the Prophet (peace be upon him), which was later reflected in his book “Moment of Reverence.” They have come before us as towers.
Arshad Chaudhry’s book “Moment of Reverence” is unique and sets a standard. The love and devotion with which he has shed light on all aspects of the Prophet’s life is admirable. Almost all the 50 biographical of prophets (PBUH) themes in his poetry are as follows:
1. Moments of Reverence
2. Moment of Truth
3. Shadows Mammoth and Engulfing
4. The Message
5. Prayer at Mid Night
6. Acme of Belonging
7. The Intercessor
8. The Day of Judgement
9. Kaaba The House of God
10. Year of the Elephant
11. Birth of the Prophet
12. Amina and Abdullah
13. Grand Father and Uncle
14. Relocation of the Black Stone
15. The Cosy Cave
16. The Great Revelation
17. Spirit of Quran
18. Characteristics of the Holy Prophet
19. Teachings of the Holy Prophet
20. Wonderment and Hope
21. Early Reaction to Islam
22. Persecution and Struggle
23. Years of Sadness
24. Arrival of Omar
25. Journey to Taif.
26. Ascent to the Heavens-1
27. Ascent to the Heavens-2
28. Hijra.
29. Welcome to Yathrib
30. Madina The City of Lights
31. Noble Names 1
32. Change of Qibla
33. Battle of Badr
34. Noble Names – 2
35. The Battle of Uhad
36. Noble Names – 3
37. Need of Miracles
38. Battle of Ditch
39. Tabuk
40. The Hudaibiya
41. The Conquest of Mecca
42. The Last Pilgrimage
43. A Humble Effort
44. Bilal and Call for Prayer
45. Hypocrites
46. Salman, The Persian
47. The Prophet’s Wives
48. The Prophet’s Companions
49. Departure from this World
50. Remembering Visit to Madina
I believe that love for the Prophet (PBUH) is an essential part of faith, and Naat is its complete expression. Naat is to praise the Prophet (PBUH), which is incomplete without describing his life.
His poetry has the quality of imagination through which the reader also feels the same atmosphere. Read his poem:“The Year of the Elephant”
The world saw a darkening sky.
The struggling sun, though it did try
Then the whirling sound, as of a storm.
An army of birds raised an alarm.
The poet has very beautifully illustrated this topic as well in his poems.It is worthy of appreciation, and it is a testimony of Arshad Sahib’s poetic abilities; he narrates all events in poetry. The poet has very clearly celebrated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He says,
Birth of the Prophet:
The world was doomed by murky weather. But Mecca was destined to receive another feather. Descent of angels in full bloom Awaiting the final end of gloom
The house of Amina was the blessed place where the angels descended at the end of their race to celebrate the arrival of the Lord’s greatest gift. Joyful and delighted, at last, we came face to face.
The powers of evil are in complete disarray. Darkness in desperation overcome by light. Trembling idols in Kaaba shook to their feet, unsure and weakened, drained of their might.
The tremors were felt in India and Iran. Jolts to infidelity and the world of Pagans Shaking hands let down the crown. Stunned were the faces which used to frown.
Congratulating the earth on the honour great. The angels were eager to see the latest state. Sprawling lights were seen everywhere. The two worlds rejoice at seeing the earth’s fate, P.15
The status of your parents of the Prophet (PBUH) is very high in the hearts of Muslims. Very few poets have written about your parents. Arshad Sahib also wrote about your parents in a very good way. See his poems.
Amina and Abdullah
Abu Muttalib, Abdullah, was a favorite son in Mecca. At twenty-four, he was a unique one. Quraish rejoiced at the occasion of the marriage. Who knew that their son would be equaled by one-favorite?
For three years they lived together, shifting to Mecca in extreme hot weather. Soon came his usual trip Business to Gaza was back in his grip.
There was to be no return of his sickness. He felt the vearn of a dear white, waiting in hope. Without him, how would she cope?
News of his death was a great shock to Abu Mutlib, whose courage was like a rock. Voices were far and near sounding arrival of the unique and dear
Lord of the people in her humble home Taking the newborn to Abu Muttalib Raising the Prophet to the doors of Kaaba. A unique name of Mohammad was chosen.
It was not to be that his father would see. The one he waited for God had taken him away and far. p.16
His poetry and style are impressive and is full of the love of the Prophet (PBUH). He also mentioned all Ghazwah in his poetry. He says about Ghazwah-e “Tabuk.”
Tabuk:
The Arabian Peninsula was now in the Muslim grip. To the North, the Prophet needed to take a trip The Romans were active again. Their earlier efforts had gone in vain.
As news of preparation filtered to Madina, the Prophet gave a call for Jihad. The eager tribes concentrated with speed. Soon thirty thousand Mujahids were on the march.
Muslims stood as one in spite of the activities of the Hypocrites as the Army camped at Tabuk. The instigating Romans were in panic.
Preferring to pay war indemnity, the Romans extended a hand of friendship. The Prophet of peace responded while Khalid rounded out the rebels.
Tabuk was a campaign of unique consequences. The submission of the Romans without a drop of blood confirmed the moral superiority of the Muslims as God’s selected religion once and for all. A fresh entry into Mecca Tabuk, a culmination of a nine-year effort in Madina, P,62
Chudhry encapsulates the core of the Prophet’s life in elegant and poignant words, emphasizing his qualities of justice, humility, and compassion. The book is an inspirational and life-changing experience that allows readers to fully engage with the Prophet’s profound teachings and spiritual legacy.
Conclusion:
Overall, Mr. Arshad has captured the essence of the Prophet’s life through his poetry and emphasized his qualities of mercy, justice, and humility. His narrative provides an interpretation of the biography that provides readers with a sense of spiritual connection with the Prophet (peace be upon him). Chaudhry’s poetic style provides a poetic perspective on biography.
Reference:
Moments of Reverence, SERVICES BOOK CLUB ,1993, Pap-Board Printer (Pvt) Ltd. 277 Peshawar Road, Rawalpindi
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