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 k paty), 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 first book was published in 1991 as ”Autumn ‘s leaves”(khizan k paty), 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 Prophet’s life is admirable. Almost all of the 50 biographical of prophet (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 of 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 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).

Birth of the Prophet:

The world was doomed in 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 came face to face. The powers of evil are in complete disarray. Darkness in desperation overcome by light. Trembling idols in the Kaaba shook to their feet. Unsure and weakened, drained of their might. The country of Persia was on fire. Stunned were the faces that used to frown. Congratulating the earth on the great honor. The two worlds rejoiced on seeing the earth’s fate, P.15
The status of your parents of 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

Abdullah was a favorite son of Abu Mutlib. In Mecca, at twenty four, he was a unique one Quraish rejoiced at the occasion of the marriage. Who knew that their son will be equaled by none for three years they lived together Shifting to Mecca in extreme hot weather Soon came his usual trip. In his sickness, he felt the yearning of a dear wife waiting in hope.
News of his death was a great shock. To Abu Mutlib whose courage was like a rock.His sounding the arrival of the unique and dear Lord of the people in his humble home he take the newborn to Abu Mutlib raising the Prophet to the doors of the Kaaba the unique name of Mohammad was chose.
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, which is full of the love of the Prophet (PBUH). He also mentioned all Gazwah in his poetry.He says about Gazwah-e “Tabuk.”

Tabuk:

The Arabian Peninsula was now in 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. Romans extended a hand of friendship. The Prophet of Peace responded while Khalid rounded the rebels. Tabuk was a campaign of unique consequences. The submission of Romans without a drop of blood confirms the moral superiority of the Muslims as God’s selected religion once and for all. At the and fresh entry of people into Mecca Tabuk, A culmination of nine years of effort in Madina has been finished, P. 62
Chaudhry 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 (PBUH). 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