I fell in love with the work of Nasim Hijazi right from the time when I read one of his books for the first time. Now before I start reading any of his books, I find myself in an ocean of expectations. And never has his work failed to meet all of them, thus making me more proud that there is such a Pakistani, and more so, such a devot Muslim, who brings to us stories from the past so that we can relate to them rather than relating to Western Flicks.
When I started reading this book I had the same expectations even though I knew that it was a safar nama relating to the current times more than history. But I was wrong in thinking like that. He starts his journey from the times when he so anxiously tries to complete and secure his travel documents. In a short time he had loads of work to complete, but as he rightly points out, Allah has beckoned so everything was to be completed in time.
It was the time of Ayub Khan and he was supposed to be travelling with his entourage. His writing abilities are such that I fell in love with the people who received Ayub Khan and his entourage with warmth and love. It tells that at that time, how much love the Muslim world had for Pakistan. This was not just the surface diplomatic ties which was being shown but the pure love that people had in their hearts for Pakistanis when they came out of their homes and received the President of Pakistan the country made in the name of Islam.
He travels of Iran, Beirut, Turkey and then finally Hijaz. He writes with such fondness that one wishes to visit these countries and especially the places which he has mentioned in his book. He tells of the 'Moderation and Enlightened' movement going on in Turkey at that time, and I was almost surprised with the similarities with what is going on in Pakistan today.
Old habits die hard and Nasim Sahab, doesn't miss the opportunity to raise the Emaan and 'Josh' of the Muslim youth by telling a tale of how a Muslim fleet captured an impenetrable fort, when he visits the fort.
Finally he comes to Hijaz and takes us to the various places there. He rightly mentions that its impossible for him to write his experience and his feelings, as only the one who is been there can understand.
I think today Muslims, especially the Muslim youth must go through all of Nasim Hijazi's books and learn as much from them as is possible.
When I started reading this book I had the same expectations even though I knew that it was a safar nama relating to the current times more than history. But I was wrong in thinking like that. He starts his journey from the times when he so anxiously tries to complete and secure his travel documents. In a short time he had loads of work to complete, but as he rightly points out, Allah has beckoned so everything was to be completed in time.
It was the time of Ayub Khan and he was supposed to be travelling with his entourage. His writing abilities are such that I fell in love with the people who received Ayub Khan and his entourage with warmth and love. It tells that at that time, how much love the Muslim world had for Pakistan. This was not just the surface diplomatic ties which was being shown but the pure love that people had in their hearts for Pakistanis when they came out of their homes and received the President of Pakistan the country made in the name of Islam.
He travels of Iran, Beirut, Turkey and then finally Hijaz. He writes with such fondness that one wishes to visit these countries and especially the places which he has mentioned in his book. He tells of the 'Moderation and Enlightened' movement going on in Turkey at that time, and I was almost surprised with the similarities with what is going on in Pakistan today.
Old habits die hard and Nasim Sahab, doesn't miss the opportunity to raise the Emaan and 'Josh' of the Muslim youth by telling a tale of how a Muslim fleet captured an impenetrable fort, when he visits the fort.
Finally he comes to Hijaz and takes us to the various places there. He rightly mentions that its impossible for him to write his experience and his feelings, as only the one who is been there can understand.
I think today Muslims, especially the Muslim youth must go through all of Nasim Hijazi's books and learn as much from them as is possible.
