Kalash

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The Kalash are an ancient pagan tribe living in three valleys of Chitral namely Bamburate, Birir and Rumbur. The Kalash religion is based on myths and superstitions that relates to the relationship between the human, soul and the universe. The relationship, according to Kalash mythology, needs its manifestation in music and dance, which also contribute to the pleasure of god and goddesses.

“Most anthropologists consider the Kalash religion to be polytheistic, because it has many deities.” Their major deities are:

• Sajigor
• Mahandeo
• Balumain
• Dezalik
• Ingaw
• Jestak

There are two types of religious events in Kalash society. The first kind may be considered as having a religious ceremony as well as festivities while other events are only religious in nature, without dancing and singing. The Kalash observe many festivals in a year, their major festivals are:

Joshi or Chilim Jusht: the spring festival is celebrated every year in May. The festival seeks the blessings of gods and goddesses for the safety of the herds and crops of the Kalash community.

Utchal: the summer festival is celebrated every year in August. The festival commemorates the summer season and the abundance of dairy products in the summer pastures.

Phoo: the autumn festival is celebrated every year around mid October.  Also celebrates the return of livestock herds from the summer pastures.

Chaumos or Chitirmas: the winter festival is celebrated every year in December. This is the most important Kalash festival. New clothes are arranged for each family member on the eve of the festival.

Kalash-Muslim coexistence signifies religious harmony

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Not a single complaint about forced conversion of Kalash has ever been reported in Chitral, says DPO Mansoor Aman

https://www.dawn.com/news/1384288

historical Chitral

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Chitral Fort

Situated on the main Crossroad to central Asia, Chitral has a long and fascinating history. in fact, it is this strategic location that compelled invaders to capture it before any other area in the region. The recorded history of Chitral begins with the Tibetans invading Yasin in early 8th century AD, followed by the Chinese I 750 AD and the Buddhists in 900 AD. Later, the Kalash also ruled Chitral for decades.

Chitral Fort

In the 14th century, Chitral became a unified independent kingdom under the rule of Shah Nasir Rais. In 1570, the Rais dynasty was replaced by the Katoor Dynasty. The famous Mehtar of Chitral Aman-ul-Mulk ruled from 1857 to 1892. In 1895, the siege of Chitral Fort took place and lasted a month, after which Chitral remained an independent state under British rule. Finally, in 1969 it was merged into Pakistan. 

Ayun valley

Today, Chitral hosts ancient Chitrali Tribes as well as nomads who were invited by the Mehtars to settled in the state. Chitral is also home to the ancient pagan tribe of the Kalash who are now confined to the three valleys of Bamburate, Rumbur and Birir. the original of Chitral covered a greater area, with its border reaching as far as Badakhshan and Bashgal in the north-west and Kunar Valley in the south (these areas are now part of Afghanistan). In addition, this extended to Sherqilla on its north-eastern front and which lies in Gilgit today.

Chitral Valley

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Under the shadow of Tirichmir in the Hindukush mountain range, the valley of Chitral in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan is a fascinating combination of scenic beauty and cultural diversity. It is the land of apples, apricots, pears and pomegranates. The area is bordered by Afghanistan in the north and west, with the narrow Afghan Wakhan corridor separating it from Tajikistan, Dir Kohistan in the south and Gilgit  in the east. Chitral can be accessed via several mountain passes, the most famous is Lowari Top approximately crossing the Hindu Raj (a spur of the higher Hindukush) in the south and the Shandur Pass forming the eastern gateway from Gilgit. Other passes include the Dorah Pass and Broghil but they are not much in use today.

Chitral is also one of Pakistan’s most historical cities and a tourist hub. The valley is famous for mountaineering, trekking, fishing and hiking in addition to a number of beautiful tourist spots. The best time to visit is from July to September, because it can get very hot during May and June. Known for hospitality, it is a common practice for tourists to stay with a traditional Chitrali family during their visit where they can experience everything from the culture to the food to the dressing.

Fatwa for women: Labor pain

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Fatwa: a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority.

Q: Am I permitted to pray while having labor pain?

A: A woman must observe Salat as long as she is not in a postnatal condition or a menstrual period, but if she notices some blood a day or so before delivery, such is considered to be in a postnatal condition; in that case she should not observe Salat. Otherwise, she must continue praying even while having labor pains just as a sick person prays while suffering pain, for pain does not justify stopping Salat.                                                                            (Shaikh bin Jibreen)


From the book Selected Fatwa for Women
By: Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Musnad

Fatwa for women: Position of hands during Salat

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Fatwa: a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority.

Q: Where should the hands be placed (during Qiyam) in Salat?

A: It is the Sunnah to place the right hand on the left wrist and arms on the chest, while in the standing position. Wa'il bin Hujr reported: "I saw the Prophet PBUH standing in Salat with his right hand placed on the back of his left wrist and arms on his chest." - (Shaikh bin Baz)


From the book Selected Fatwa for Women
By: Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Musnad

Fatwa for women: Inability to control urine

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Fatwa: a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority.

Q: A woman in her ninth month of pregnancy was suffering from an inability to control her urine, as a result, she stopped performing salat in the last month of her pregnancy. Would she be considered as negligent of her Salat? What should she do?

A: She should not have stopped performing Salat; rather, she should have continued observing Salat, and performed Wudu for every salat. Her case is similar to the Mustahadah who is required to pad herself well and to perform Salat on time. She may also combine prayers (i.e., to pray Zuhr and
Asr together, and Maghrib and Isha together). Allah says:

     "So fear Allah as best as you can." (V. 64:16)

As for the prayers which she has missed, she must make them up, and repent to Allah regretting her sin with the determination of never stopping Salat again under the same circumstances. Allah says:

"And repent to Allah all together, O believers, that you may prosper." (V.24:31)
                                                                   - Shaikh bin Baz


From the book Selected Fatwa for Women
By: Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Musnad

Happy 2019!!

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I know I know I'm late but many things happened in my life in the first week of the year but here I am wohooooo. 

I wish you all a great 2019. God bless us all!!

Aloo (potato) pakora recipe

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Aloo Pakora 

Ingredients:

6 large potatoes
2 cups besan (chickpea flour)
1 cup water
4 cups oil
2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp mango powder
salt to taste

Cooking instructions:

Wash potatoes and cut it into thin slices. Add water to besan and make a batter of thick consistency.
Add red chilli powder, mango powder. Blend it well. Heat the oil. Dip each piece of potato in batter.
Fry these potato pieces one by one until they turn golden brown.
Serve hot Aloo pakora with tomato sauce.


DesiChef.com

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Fatwa for women: Doubts during prayer

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Fatwa: a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority.

Q: I am a woman who performs what Allah has obligated on me concerning the ritual acts of worship. However, while in prayer, I often forget what I have prayed. I also think about what has occurred to me during that day. I do not think og those things except when I begin the prayer and I cannot seem to free myself from these thoughts unless I recite aloud. What do you advise me to do?

A: This matter that you complain about is something that many of those who pray also complain about. Satan has the door of whispering open to him during the prayer. Perhaps the person finishes without knowing what he has said in his prayer. However, the Prophet PBUH has guided us to the cure for that. The person should blow out on his left side three times and say: A udhu billahi min-Ash-Shaitan nir-Rajim "I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan." If the person does that, his problem will come to an end, Allah willing. When the person enters the prayer, he must firmly believe that he is standing in front of Allah. He is in private conversation with Allah. He should get closer to Allah by his stating Allahu Akbar, his glorification of Allah, and his recitation of Allah's Word. Also, he should get closer to Allah by means of the places of supplication in the prayer. If a person has this feeling and consciousness in him, he will approach his Lord with humility and submission to Him. He will love what Allah has of good and fear from His punishment if he fails in what Allah has obliged him to do. (Shaikh bin Uthaimin)


From the book Selected Fatwa for Women
By: Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Musnad

Fatwa for women: women calling for prayer at Female congregations

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Fatwa: a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority.

Q: There is a mosque in the girls college in which students perform the Zuhr prayer. There is a girl who calls out the Adhan and the Iqamah. Is it permissible for women to call out the Adhan and the Iqamah?

A: It is not permissible for women to call the Adhan or the Iqamah, for such is restricted to men only. (Shaikh bin Baz)



From the book Selected Fatwa for Women
By: Muhammad bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Musnad