The Atlantic has a great report that summarizes the best stories, news, pictures and art of 2011. Click the image below.
I hope everyone had an amazing and spiritual Ramadan. I know I did. Have an awesome Eid and make the best of it with your family and loved ones. InshAllah we deserved it! Also, please keep making Dua and donations (like you did in Ramadan) for the people of Pakistan, Syria, Libya, Somalia and Kenya (The Horn of Africa Drought).
InshAllah I will be updating this site with new content more regularly now 
I maybe a few days late in posting this, but it is never too late to express one’s love for his or her country. So, to all my fellow Pakistanis, a very warm and heartfelt Jashn-e-Azadi Mubarak (Happy Independence Day).
The last year has been a tragic one for all Pakistanis. It seems as though Pakistan is fighting a never ending war of many battles on my fronts. Marred by government ineptitude, wide scale corruption , ethnic and political tensions, and the growing threat of terrorism and radicalization, Pakistan at times seems as a country on the brink of self destruction. The middle class and lower class grows weaker due to illiteracy, lack of jobs and increasing inflation (the prices of many household commodities such as flour, sugar, produce, gas and electricity have more than doubled in the last few years). I would love to go on a tirade right now about the ineptitude of the government and military, but I will leave that for another day (as much as it boils my blood). But, regardless of all the problems we face as a nation, we must not lose hope and pride in a nation that has given us so much. I know some people that might ask “Like what?”. The answer to that is IDENTITY. Pakistan is our identity. There is no escaping that and because of that, we (Pakistanis abroad and at home) all are responsible for the betterment of our country. After all, “ghar (Pakistan) toh aakhir apna hai”.
mauj barhey ya aandhi aaye, diya jalaye rakhna hai | ghar ki khatir so dukh jhelain, ghar toh aakhir apna hai
The video was made by Adil Najam to raise awareness for flood relief last year, but the message is still powerful and applicable. Take care and Pakistan Zindabad! Also, don’t forget to donate!
It’s been exactly a year since Pakistan faced it’s worst natural disaster. The devastating floods of 2010 left 1/5th of Pakistan submersed, caused upward of 2000 deaths and affected nearly 20 million people. Although the death toll was low compared to other recent natural disasters, the long term effects and the sheer number of people affected was beyond imaginable. The livelihood of hundreds of thousands of ordinary citizens was destroyed as many depended heavily on agriculture and livestock. The floods compounded problems for the people of Pakistan who are already victims of a weak and corrupt government, a faltering economy and the severe threat of extremism.
The response and desire to help I saw last year among Pakistanis (I strictly mean the people of Pakistan, not politicians or corrupt feudal landlords) was amazing. People really went above and beyond to send money, food, supplies and personal help to the affected areas. But as time passed, I and many others forgot that the work remained unfinished and the flood victims still need our help. They still need us. According to a report by Oxfam International, approximately 800,000 people are still without proper shelter and one million people remain in need of food assistance.
With the blessed month of Ramadan upon us, there can be a no better time to give. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
(Ramadan) is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased
[Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
Lets rekindle the spirit of charity and show our support for our fellow Pakistanis. Lets not forget that 14th August is just around the corner also.
Some useful links to the charities and aid organizations are listed below. If you have a charity you prefer or maybe think has a better and more direct effort, please share!
Ramadan Mubarak everyone and a Happy Pakistan Independence Day!
With Iftar and cajun shrimp on my mind, I was reminded of my trip to New Orleans last year. The atmosphere, architecture and obviously the food is amazing and unique, unlike anywhere else in the United States. The picture below is from the French Quarters, Bourbon Street I believe.
New Orleans food is as delicious as the less criminal forms of sin
