Fresh and Alive Anonymous

     Fresh and alive I feel
     Like a bird full of zeal
     Rich, sweet in the reel
     Fair and hold in the deal.
                                              Fears of others I relieve
                                              Like a grief I grieve
                                              Agony of life I retrieve
                                              Glory of honour I achieve.
     Away from evils I stay
     Feelings and passions I sway
     For blessings of God I pray
     Fresh and alive all the day.

Paraphrase
     I feel fresh and alive like a bird full of zeal. I am rich and sweet in my life. I am fair and bold in my dealings.
     I relieve the fears of other and share their griefs. I set right the troubles of life and in way I have achieved respect and honour.
     I keep myself away from the evils and control my feelings and passions. I pray for the blessings of God and with his grace I remain fresh and alive all the day long.

Information My City Lahore of Pakistan

     My city is Lahore. It is the heart of Punjab. Its people are hearty and hospitable. They are friendly and peace loving.
     The history of my city is very old. It is not known for certain when this city was built. However, it is said that about two thousand years ago the city was founded by Loh, son of Rama, the hero of Ramayana. This city gained prominence during the Mughal regime. The Mughal emperors constructed beautiful buildings and gardens. Akbar, the great Mughal emperor laid the foundation of Lahore fort, and made the city the capital of his empire for four years. Emperor Jahangir loved this city. He and his queen died in Lahore. They are buried in Shahdara. Shah Jahan built Shalimar Gardens. Aurangzeb Alamgir constructed the most beautiful Masjid of the subcontinent, the Badshahi Masjid.
     The city is both ancient and modern in outlook. The walled city, with its old Havelis like Kabli Mal, Fakir Khana and Mubarak Haveli, gives you a glimpse of our rich cultural heritage. The new colonies, Gulberg, Shadman, Garden Town, Model Town Defence Housing Authority are examples of modern architecture and town planning. The shopping malls and super markets of these areas can be matched with those of the most modern European or the American shopping centres. The addition of food street and tourist street has made Lahore more attractive for tourists.
     The city is also called the city of colleges. There are many universities too, where most modern subjects are taught. Lahore is a city that must be seen. "One who has not seen Lahore yet must visit it to see its glory."

Masajid of Pakistan

     We all know that a masjid is the house of Allah. All the Muslims gather here to pray. It is, therefore, very sacred for all of us. In this Lesson we are going tell you about the famous masajid of Pakistan.
     Badshahi Masjid  Lahore is one the greatest art of the Mughal architecture. This masjid is ten-feet high from the plinth. It is made of red stone. There is a platform of twenty steps high before the main gate. The great Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir built it. It is one of the great wonders of the Mughals.
     The biggest masjid of the world is Faisal Masjid Islamabad. One lac  'namazi' can say their prayers fifteen thousand under the dome and the rest in the courtyard. It was designed by a Turkish architect. It was completed in three years and opened for public in 1988. Shah Faisal of Saudi Arabia bore the expenses of it.       It has four minarets which are ninety meters high. Faisal Masjid is a great blend of modern grandeur and solemnity. An International Islamic University is also working in its premises.
     One of the most beautiful masajid of Pakistan is 'Bhong Masjid'. This masjid is nearly thirty four kilometers from Sadiqabad. A rich and noble man of Bhong, Rais Ghazi Muhammad started its construction. After his death his son completed it. It was completed in fifteen years. It has been constructed on a platform which is twenty feet high. Under a big dome of the masjid only women say their prayers. The most costly stone of the best quality was used in its construction. Quranic verses are engraved on the walls of the masjid. On the main gate "Aital Kursi" is carved with shells. All the gates have been decorated with ivory.
     Another modern masjid is Masjid-e-Tubi in Karachi. Its construction began in 1966 and was completed in 1969. The strange thing about this masjid is that in the radius of 236 feet there is no pillar. One of its minarets is seventy feet high. All these masajid show the love of man with Allah.

Man of Paradise

     Do you know that the Negroes are a black rack? They Were not treated well before the advent of Islam. They used to work hard but were beaten harshly. They were even put to chains.
     Islam taught all people are equal before God. It  was for the first time that the Negroes were treated kindly. They were given due respect and equal rights by Islam when they became Muslims. The history of Islam is full of such people.
     The story of Hazrat Bilal (R.A.) is the story of a Negro slave. He (R.A.) was born in Makkah. He (R.A.) was the son of a slve named Rabah. Hazrat Bilal (R.A.) was punished several time by his master on embracing Islam. He (R.A.) continued repeating 'Ahad, Ahad' (One god, One God).
     Later, Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) bought Hazrat Bilal (R.A.) was taken before Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). The Holy Prophet (PBUH) looked at him and was moved to tears. He (PBUH) said, "This man has pleased Heaven." When the Muslims built the Masjid, Hazrat Bilal (R.A.) was asked to call the people for prayers. Thus, he (R.A.) became the first Muazzin of Islam.
     Hazrat Bilal's love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was great. He (R.A.) spent twenty two years with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He (R.A.) woke up the Holy Prophet (PBUH) every morning. When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) passed away' he (R.A.) was badly shocked. He (R.A.) did not have the courage to call for the prayers again. However, he (r.A.) did so only two occasions. Once, on the request of Hazrat Umar (R.A.) he (R.A.) made the call in Jerusalem. On the other occasion, he (R.A.) so on the request of the grandchildren of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
     Hazrat Bilal (R.A.) was a true follower of Islam. He (R.A.) was the model of sacrifice and selflessness. He (R.A.) faced many hardships in life. Nothing could shake his faith. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) called him 'A Man of Paradise'.

A Visit to Chitral of Pakistan

     Chitral is a beautiful valley away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. It takes almost twelve hours drive to reach Chitral from Islamabad. Its natural beauty fascinates the visitors. It is not thickly populated. The people are friendly. Their way of living is simple. Their features resemble with those living in the rural areas of Peshawar. They have rosy cheeks, ruby lips, and black and blue eyes.
     The main attraction of Chitral is its people the Kalash. They live at some distance away from the main Chitral town. Kalash women do not observe purdah. They wear an extraordinary large head dress decorated with buttons and shells. They wear strings of beads of different colours. They wear black dress. Kalash means black. That is why they are called Kalash after their black dress.
     The Kalash do not follow any particular religion but make offerings to several gods. Each god protects different aspects of life such as livelihood, crops, fruit, animals and family.
     Their houses are built of stones and mud. In summer their women sit in the verandah of the first floor where they cook, spin and weave. In winter they come down to the ground floor where they cook and do other jobs.
     The Kalash are fond of music and dance. They perform different dances for their different festivals. Their rhythmic movements enchant the visitors. The people of Chitral and the Kalash people are a great attraction for tourists.

Rain in Summer H. W. Longfellow

     How beautiful is the rain!
     After the dust and heat,
     In the broad and fiery street,
     In the narrow lane,
     How beautiful is the rain!

     How it clatters along the roofs,
     Like the tramp of hoofs!
     How it gushes and struggles out
     From the throat of the overflowing spout!

     Across the window pane
     It pours and pours;
     And swift and wide,
     With a muddy tide,
     Like a river down the gutter roars
     The rain, the welcome rain!

Paraphrase
        On dusty hot day in summer the rain looks very beautiful. The broad and hot streets and narrow lanes all become charming in rain.
        The fall of rain on the iron roofs gives the impression of the sound of heavy hoofs of horses. The water as it rushes out suddenly with great force through the pipes makes a roaring sound.
        The rain looks beautiful. It drives away dust and heat. It is welcomed every where.
        Rain pours across the window panes for a long time. Then it turns in a muddy tide and rushes through the streets. It looks as river is over flowing. The rain in summer is pleasing in all respects. I welcome the rain.

Hobbies

      Hobbies are the activities, which we do in our spare time for the recreation of mind and body. The hobbies differ much according to the character of the person himself. There are many kinds of hobbies such as stamp collecting, coin collecting,painting, Photography, book reading and gardening.
      Gardening is a very interesting hobby. Some people do gardening in their spare time. It is a cheap and useful hobby. You can grow flowers and plants in your home garden or lawn. The beautiful hobby. It is also a source of great pleasure.
      Stamp collecting is another interesting hobby. Stamps tell us a lot about the history and culture of a country.
      Hobbies are a source of great pleasure. Some people love to study books, newspapers and magazines. Their hobby is reading. They also visit the libraries to read good books. They enhance their knowledge and broaden their vision. The students benefit from book reading. They get ideas and views to improve their various skills dealing with the problems of future life.
      Travelling is also a good hobby for the students. They can see their friends and relatives and new places of interest. It refines their mind and personality.
      Students should select good hobbies, which are affordable and useful for them. Expensive hobbies are a burden on their parents. Painting and flower making are popular hobbies with girls.
      You can get the addresses of pen friends from internet and magazines. You can write to them and exchange your views and ideas. In this way you can get information about the cultures of other people.
      Poultry and fishery as hobbies are also good and profitable. If you keep a notebook to record the information and experiences you can use them for writing a book. Therfore, writing a diary every day is helpful. It also makes you a good writer.
     

Jandiala Sher Khan Pakistan

      Jandiala Sher Khan is a small but famous town. It is situated at about sixty Kilometers from Lahore in the district of Sheikhupura. It is about six hundred years old. Before the arrival of Mughals in the subcontinent was a small village.
      About four hundred years ago, Sher Khan came to Punjab from Afghanistan. Emperor Akbar employed him. Once he passed by this village. He liked it very much. He decided to settle down there.
      Sher Khan met a darvesh here. His name was Syed Ahmad Ghaznavi. He informed Sher Khan about the lack of water there. Sher Khan ordered the construction of a large well here. This well is still present.It is known as 'Baoli Sher Khan'. Baoli is a large well into which people get down by stairs to fetch water.
      During Sikh period this place was occupied by Sardar Mehtab Singh and Sardar Mahan Singh. Later on it became a place of the Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. Jandiala Sher Khan is more famous for the works of the Punjabi Saint and Poet, Waris Shah. He wrote legendary tale of Heer Ranjha. He lies buried here. A vault on the grave of Waris Shah has been constructed by the Punjab Government. Its construction is a blend of Mughal and modern architecture. The two graves, on the right and lift of Waris Shah are of his brothers.
      An annual fair is held  at the tomb of Waris Shah. People from far off places come here, on this occasion, to pay homage to this sufi poet. The buildings of two degree colleges, one for girls and the other for boys, have added to the beauty and prestige of the town. Facility of a rest house is also available for touristy. The universal theme of the poetry of Waris Shah has made this town a place of world fame.

Islamic Etiquettes Information

         Etiquette means the rules of correct behaviour in a society. Every society has its own etiquettes. Islamic culture is different from other cultures and so are its etiquettes.
         Whenever you meet someone say Assalam-o-Alaikum. These are the best words for greeting. It you greet someone, who is not a Muslim,say, good morning.
         When someone elderly enters the place, stand up if you are sitting as a mark of respect for him. Always talk softly and politely to all. When you are sitting in a group don't whisper or make gestures. Don't state at others. These are bad manners. Avoid scratching your skin before others. Don't put your fingers in your nostrils to clean your nose. It is a bad habit.
         Etiquettes of eating or table manners are very important. Your personality is judged by the way you eat and drink. Before you sit down to eat your meals, Wash your hands. Always say 'Bismillah' before you begin to eat. Sit well poised (in a good way) on the table. Take as much quantity of food as you can eat easily. Do not overstuff your stomach.
         In weddings or functions some people fill their plates in such a way that the food piles up, as if a hill of food is piling on their plates. This gives a bad impression. Other persons think, either you are eating for the first or the last time. Keep your mouth closed while eating. No sound should come out of it. Always eat with your right hand. Eat slowly and not hurriedly. Clean your hands with a towel. Hold the glass of water in your right hand. Sit down while drinking. Pay gratitude to God after eating. Wash your hands and use a towel after finishing your meals.

Information Environment in Pakistan

          The surrounding in which person lives creates an environment around him. If we live in a clean surrounding our environment will be good. We will enjoy good health and good life. Islam lays great stress on cleanliness. It has been made part of the faith. Dirty surrounding cause pollution. The environment is also polluted by smoke and filth, which cause serious diseases.
          Over the last few years pollution had increased a lot. In big cities, like Lahore, Gujranwala, Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi it is still increasing. The urban areas are the most affected ones. Everyday smoke pollutes the air and makes it injurious to health.
          Lack of education, unhygienic condition, smoke, dirt, foul smell and noise are responsible for the pollution of environment. If we become conscious of keeping our homes and streets clean, the environment can improve a lot. It will also improve the life style. We should all help to keep our classrooms and our schools neat and clean to create a healthy environment.
          The factories working in the urban areas should be shifted outside the cities. We should grow more trees and plants in our houses, lawns and other places where plants can grow. We should not cut down trees. We should grow trees and plants in our schools.
          The impact of various pollutants on air, water, soil and food has greatly affected the health. Traffic is one of the causes of pollution in big cities. Good climate has healthy effects on human life.
          We can control the pollution in our houses by using in place of petrol and oil. We should also grow more and more trees. Cutting of trees should not be allowed. Throwing of waste in the rivers should be checked by the health department. The World Environment day is observed on 5th of june every year throughout the world. We, as a Muslim, should keep every corner of our houses, streets and neighoourhood clean and tidy.

A Day in the Life of a Student

          Aslam is a good student. He gets up early in the morning. He says his prayers and recites the Holy Quran. Then he goes to the park for a morning walk. There he takes some exercise which keeps him fit. He also meets some of his friends.
          The cool breeze is good for health. He takes deep breath to fill his lungs with air. In the garden he sees birds flying and singing sweet songs. He comes back home to get ready for school. Then he takes his breakfast, which is prepared for him by his mother. He takes his bicycle and reaches school in time.
          At school he attends the morning assembly. He is attentive in his studies. He shows good performance. He does not waste his time. He works whole heartedly. His friends like him, are very hard working. There is a healthy competition among them both in sports and studies. After school is over he comes back home and has his lunch. Then he takes some rest. After Asar prayers he goes to a nearby park, to play with his friends.
          In the evening he goes to the Masjid for his evening prayers. Then he does his homework.  His father helps him in his lessons for the next day. He watches current news and sports on the TV before going to bod. He goes to bed early so that he can rise early in the morning. He takes care of his studies more than his play. In his spare time he reads newspapers magazines and textbooks.
          Sports and games keep him physically fit to excel in studies. He knows that studies refine the mind and personality. Games improve the health.

Independence Day of Pakistan

             The fourteenth of August is an important day in our national history. Pakistan emerged as an independent Muslim state on the map of the world. It was the greatest event for the Muslims of the subcontinent. They won their homeland to live life according to the teachings of Islam.
          The Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is the founder of Pakistan. He was a great Muslim leader. He was born in Karachi. He had a great love for Islam and Muslims.
          The 14th August is an important day for us. We celebrate this day every year. There is a public holiday on this day. The day is celebrated with great fervour. The whole nation stands still at the time of the recitation of national anthem. The occasion is marked with military parades and display of weapons, tanks and missiles. The air show of the Pakistan Air Force boosts the morale of the People. Homage is paid the Martyrs of freedom.
           National songs are sung by children and adults. Homage is paid to the Quaid. Special functions are held in schools and colleges.
           The national flag is hoisted on houses. and buildings  on this occasion, and resolutions for the solidarity of the country are passed. Radio and TV telecast special programmes to create awareness of the purpose for which Pakistan was created.
           Dear Children, Pakistan is our country. We have to be honest in our work and word. We must make each and every corner of our country a peaceful place.
           We should learn to behave well and show tolerance. We should use things made in our own country by our own people. Let's make a strong resolution to be Pakistan and buy Pakistan.
           Pakistan is my Country. I love Pakistan. I pray for my Country and the people of my country.
           Long live Pakistan.

The Bee and the Dove

         There were many green trees near the river, which flowed by the village. A dove had built a nest in a tree. A bee also lived near the nest. They used to meet each other every day. Soon they become good friends.
         Once, on a very hot mid day the bee felt very thirsty. She went to the river to drink some water. While she was drinking water she slipped and fell into the river and became helpless. She was in danger of drowning. The dove wad watching all this from her nest. The dove was a very kind bird. It immediately flew from her nest to save the bee. The dove plucked a leaf of a tree and dropped it near the bee. The bee got on to it. It stayed there for some time until its wings dried up. It then flew away to its hive. The bee was happy because it was due to the kindness of the dove that its life was saved. The bee thanked the dove.
          After a few weeks a hunter came there for hunting. He had a gun in his hand. When he saw the dove he become very happy. The hunter loaded his gun and took aim at the bird. The bee saw all this. When the hunter was about to shoot the dove, the bee flew towards the hunter and stung on his hand. The gun fell down. The hunter missed the aim and the dove flew away. She was thankful to the bee for saving her life.

Moral:
                Do good have good.
                Kindness is always rewarded.
                A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Mass Communication

        The word 'mass' means a large quantity. Communication transmission or exchange of ideas and information. Every day we come across newspapers' magazines and books. We read them to get new information and ideas. These things enable us to think, plan and make improvements in our lives. They provide all sorts of information relating to social, cultural and political aspects. Since ancient times written words have been the best source of exchanging ideas and information. We used to write letters in past and we do so even today.
       The newspapers and magazines be read by literate people. The other means of communication are radio and television. People are given all sorts of information, news and even entertainment.
       The other means of communication had been the telegram. It had continued for a long time until wireless or cable took its place. Then came the teleprinter and the telex. After this, came the revolution of fax (short for facsimilie from Latin, facsimile, to make a similar copy) over the telephone network by which copies of documents are sent at any distance instantly. For some time it was considered to be the fastest way of documental communication until E-mail, electronic document transfer, was introduced. It is virtually pager free, instant and almost free. The only cost is the cost of getting connected with the Internet. Yet the fastest ans informal way of communication is chat online. Chat on telephone has become quite less expensive and easier, but chat online through internet is becoming more popular. With this you can talk to someone sitting thousands of miles away through typing on your computer and transferring it at the same time to the other person's computer screen. A few common applications for this method of communication are MSN Messenger, Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger. With this, after a bit of change, you can even transfer still pictures as well as live happenings to any place in this global village - the world. This method is being used the T.V. channels these days.
      Newer still is the mobile phone technology. You can talk to anyone anywhere in the world on a tiny, little and handy instrument. You not only can talk but also see the picture of the person you are talking to on the screen. The other person can see your picture. Isn't it wonderful?

A Useful Invention

          The twentieth century has been a century of great inventions.The best and the most useful of them is the computer. Take any field of life, you will find the application of computer there. The best products of computer  are E-mail and Internet.
           E-mail, in fact, is the electronic mail. It is a message or information sent from one computer to the other with the help of Internet. A person who uses a computer can get an E-mail address by signing up an E-mail account. E-mail facility is used by individuals and the businessmen alike. Internet connects people in different parts of the world.
           The E-mail goes from the sender's computer through a modem. It is a device thar changes computer date to electric signals that can travel over telephone lines. A modem at the receiving computer translates the telephone signals back into the computer date.
           Every computer user can receive his E-mail messages by opening his inbox. To read the messages the user opens the file from the inbox. It is very easy to copy and send E-mail messages to several addresses. You can make large mailing list of the electronic address of your friends. You can send an E-mail to one or many at the same time. You can also send pictures and photographs through E-mail.
           Internet is a common word these days. With is help you can search sources ranging from vast database to small electronic "bulletin boards" where you can form discussion groups on common interests. In 1960 Internet was used for keeping military database in the USA. Later on many universities and institutions developed their own computer networks.