Dr. Ghulam Hussain Zulfiqar Research Centre, Lahore
© Author(s). This article is published as Open Access under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Contemporary Urdu Novel Across the Border (In the Context of Selected Novels)
In the contemporary era, the Urdu novel has not only flourished in Pakistan but has also encompassed diverse themes across the border. Along with thematic richness, successful experiments have been carried out in language, expression, and narrative techniques. Undoubtedly, writers from across the border have played a significant role in enriching the Urdu novel in this period. In this paper, selected novels are analyzed in the context of cross-border Urdu fiction to examine in which ways these works have contributed to the development and expansion of Urdu literature.
Urdu novel, Urdu fiction, Urdu literature, Pakistan, Narrative techniques
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr.Muhammad Abu Bakar Faruqi, Ambreen Amjad, Zainab Fatima (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Poverty Alleviation and Non-Muslim Economists: A Research Review of Capitalism, Socialism, and Welfare State Concepts
This research paper provides a comprehensive analytical review of poverty alleviation theories as propounded by prominent non-Muslim economists, spanning from the classical era to contemporary developmental discourse. The study systematically examines the evolution of economic thought, beginning with Adam Smith’s "Invisible Hand" and the mechanics of free-market capitalism, moving through Karl Marx’s critique of structural exploitation and surplus value. It further explores the 20th-century paradigm shifts, specifically John Maynard Keynes’s advocacy for state interventionism during economic stagnations and Milton Friedman’s neoliberal counter-arguments emphasizing individual economic freedom and monetary stability. The second phase of the research focuses on modern human-centric models, critically evaluating Amartya Sen’s "Capability Approach," which redefines poverty as a deprivation of basic freedoms, and Jeffrey Sachs’s strategic roadmap for clinical economics and global partnership. Through a comparative lens, the paper argues that while these diverse intellectual traditions offer significant material and institutional frameworks for mitigating destitution, they often grapple with a persistent "moral vacuum." The study concludes that the absence of a transcendent ethical foundation in these secular models frequently results in the concentration of wealth and systemic inequalities, necessitating a synthesized approach that balances material mechanisms with holistic social justice.
Capitalism | Socialism | Monetarism | Marxism | Keynesianism | Capabilities | Neoliberalism | Infrastructure | Inequality | Empowerment
Copyright (c) 2026 Amir ul Islam, Dr. Sohail Anwar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An analysis of Prayer (ṣalāh) and its related contemporary juristic issues in the light of Tafsīr Burhān al-Qur’ān
This article critically examines contemporary juristic issues related to Ṣalāh (prayer) in light of Qur’ānic guidance and classical Islamic jurisprudence, with particular reference to the exegesis Burhān al-Qur’ān by Qārī Muḥammad Ṭayyib Naqshbandī. As a central pillar of Islam, prayer not only establishes a direct relationship between the believer and Allah but also plays a vital role in shaping a disciplined and cohesive Muslim society. However, modern developments such as advanced modes of travel, changing social conditions, and medical complexities have given rise to new questions regarding the performance of prayer. The study explores key issues including the permissibility of offering prayer while traveling in contemporary means of transport such as airplanes, trains, and buses; the legal rulings and wisdom behind Ṣalāt al-Qaṣr (shortened prayer) and Ṣalāt al-Khawf (prayer in conditions of fear); and the application of Tayammum (dry ablution) in cases of illness or unavailability of water. It also highlights the importance of congregational prayer and the conditions related to imamate, as discussed in classical and contemporary juristic discourse. Employing an analytical and comparative methodology, the article evaluates the arguments presented by the author, examines his juristic approach, and compares his views with established positions of classical jurists, particularly within the Ḥanafī school. The study further emphasizes the adaptability and flexibility of Islamic law in addressing emerging challenges without compromising its foundational principles. The findings suggest that Islamic jurisprudence provides comprehensive guidance for maintaining the continuity of prayer under all circumstances, offering both ease and discipline. The article concludes that a balanced application of juristic principles, rooted in the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and sound reasoning, is essential for addressing contemporary issues related to worship in a rapidly changing world.
Ṣalāh (Prayer), Tayammum (Dry Ablution), Ṣalāt al-Qaṣr (Shortened Prayer), Ṣalāt al-Khawf (Prayer in Fear), Contemporary Fiqh Issues
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Ismail Khan, Dr. Manzoor Ahmad, Dr. Muhammad Altaf Hussain (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Methodology of Imam Bukhari in Narration and Shia Narrators: An Analytical Study of Al-Jami‘ al-Sahih
This study examines Imam al-Bukhari’s methodology in narration, with a special focus on his treatment of Shia narrators in Sahih al-Bukhari. This study also analyzes the principles and criteria employed by Imam al-Bukhari in selecting, verifying, and authenticating narrators, emphasizing the distinction he maintained between reliability, piety, and doctrinal adherence. By reviewing classical biographical sources (rijal) and cross-referencing narrations within Sahih al-Bukhari, the present study investigates how narrators with Shia affiliations were handled, including cases of weak or controversial transmitters. It also highlights Imam al-Bukhari’s scholarly rigor, objectivity, and adherence to the standards of criticism on hadith along with provision of insights into his critical evaluation process. Furthermore, it also contributes to a deeper understanding of Sahih al-Bukhari’s methodology and the nuanced approach toward narrators of different sectarian backgrounds.
Imam al-Bukhari’s, Hadith Methodology, Shia narrators
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Ali Hameed, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hussain Azad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
War, Empire, and Ideology: Linlithgow’s Policies and the Leftist Response in Colonial India
This paper presents a historical assessment of the role of leftist parties during the Second World War, seeking to critically analyze their influence on the country’s social, economic, and political development. Key Findings and Contributions: Lord Linlithgow’s approach towards the left-wing parties during the Second World War engaged directly with leftist ideology. However, these parties failed to exhibit unity in mounting a strong resistance due to a combination of internal and external factors, most notably the Soviet Union’s entry into the war against the Axis powers. Limitations and Evaluation: The analysis further indicates that Leftist politics in India during the Second World War experienced a significant ideological shift, moving from firm anti-imperialist opposition to active support for the British war effort under the influence of international developments in the Soviet-led communist camp. During this time, the Communist Party of India (“CPI”) adopted a position that diverged from the broader stance of the Indian National Congress, creating notable tensions within the anti-colonial movement.
Linlithgow, Left politics, World War II, Congress, Muslim League
Copyright (c) 2026 Moazzam Wasti, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chawla (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Symbolism in Punjabi Literature: An Exploration of Cultural and Spiritual Dimensions
Symbols serve as powerful literary tools, allowing objects, actions, or ideas to carry meanings that extend far beyond their surface-level significance. Through symbolism, writers infuse texts with emotional, philosophical, and cultural layers, linking the physical world to abstract concepts. This paper examines the concept and historical development of symbolism, tracing its presence across global traditions before focusing on its expressions in Asian, South Asian, and particularly Punjabi literature. Special attention is given to the distinctive symbolic patterns in Punjabi works, revealing their deep ties to the region's spiritual, agrarian, and historical identity.
symbolism, Punjabi literature, charkha, doli, rivers (Chenab, Sutlej, Ravi), peepal tree, tiger, moon, banyan tree, flute, field (khet), lamp (chirag), anklets (jhanjhar), sword/khanda, Sufi poetry, folk narratives, ishq, qissas, Partition, agrarian life, cultural fusion, diaspora, resistance, spiritual awakening, love, separation, identity
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Shabnam Ishaq, Prof. Dr. Nabila Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Iqbal and the Philosophy of Fresh Thought
This research explains the central and basic role of “fresh ideas” in the rise and fall of great civilizations, with primary focus on Allama Iqbal’s philosophy. History reminds that great nations do not achieve greatness by just wealth, architecture, or power, but through modern and innovative thinking and higher intellect. The example of Baghdad’s Bayt al-Hikmah shows how the translation of Greek philosophy, Indian mathematics, Persian medicine, and Roman engineering developed a new world of wisdom and knowledge. Yet, when intellect vanished, the city’s enormous buildings and libraries could not protect it from the undoubted decline. The fall of Baghdad symbolized how the loss of productive and creative thoughts leads to collapse of civilization. In his poetry, Iqbal explains this historical fact by highlighting the idea that "a new world emerges from fresh thoughts." He contends that countries bind themselves not just by losing wars but also—and perhaps more dangerously—by becoming intellectually and spiritually hopeless. According to Iqbal, the biggest kind of slavery is when individuals blindly trust material powers and give up on God. Both faith and action are weakened by such an attitude. Iqbal's ideology encourages having enough courage to challenge conventional wisdom, question established norms, and turn ideas into action. He emphasizes that ongoing struggle, intellectual regeneration, and spiritual fortitude are necessary for true advancement. His perspective blends responsibility and hope: if nations rediscover their identity and creative spirit, any collapse can serve as the foundation for new development. The analysis comes to the conclusion that Iqbal's teachings are still very applicable today. Muslim societies are unable to rely on their past greatness or outside assistance in a world that is changing quickly due to technology. Regaining intellectual freedom, reviving creative thought, and fostering faith in divine direction are all necessary for a true rebirth. New concepts continue to be the cornerstone of vibrant nations because they stimulate both personal growth and group change.
Allama Iqbal, Fresh ideas, Bayt al-Hikmah, Mulim Societies
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Khizra Tabassum (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Review of some Urdu Masnavis` manuscripts from Sherani`s Collection
A manuscript is an important historic at document and a primary source of research. In libraries worldwide, countless manuscripts from different periods are preserved in book form, serving as memorials of times when printing had not yet been invented. In those days, to produce any written work by hand, one would obtain paper and ink or seek the services of a skilled calligrapher. Although every handwritten text may be called a manuscript, although greater importance is attached to those manuscripts that were compiled in book form and became a means for the promotion and dissemination of knowledge. A renowned research scholar of Urdu Hafiz Mahmood Shirani, traced many such manuscripts which were important with respect to Urdu Language and Literature. Once their authenticity was established, he included them in the Zakhira-e-Shirani (Shirani Collection). Hafiz Mahmood Shirani possessed exceptional expertise in manuscript studies. For this reason, the manuscripts in the Shirani Collection are considered original and reliable. This article discusses and offers a review of a few worth-mentioning poetic manuscripts from the Shirani Collection that is still preserved in the Oriental Section of the library at University of the Punjab (Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore.
Manuscript, Source of research, Document, Calligraphy, Urdu language and literature, Dissemination of knowledge, Authenticity, Shwrani`collection.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Ayub Nadeem, Sabir Ali Rizwi, Saman Abbas (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Critical Analysis of No Funeral for Nazia from the Perspective of Kachru’s Three-Circle Model of World Englishes
The study focuses on how colonial history and regional socioeconomic circumstances have affected English's institutional and widespread use in Pakistan. This study uses Kachru's (1985) Outer Circle model of World Englishes to analyze the Pakistani English novel, No Funeral for Nazia. The study demonstrates how Pakistani English operates as a norm-developing variety with its own linguistic and cultural characteristics through an examination of narrative language, conversation, and cultural allusions in the book. Examples of code-switching and localized phrases that represent Pakistani identity, culture, and societal values are also examined in the study. The research makes the case that the novel portrays English as a meaningful and localized medium of expression rather than just a language used by native speakers by utilizing Kachru's Outer Circle framework. The results highlight the acceptance of Pakistani English as a valid variation and demonstrate how Kachru's paradigm may be used for the analysis of modern Pakistani English fiction.
Language and identity, Pakistani English, Braj Kachru Model Outer Circle, Postcolonial English, No Funeral for Nazia, World Englishes
Copyright (c) 2026 Basirullah, Hina Gul, Dr. Aziz Ahmad (Corresponding Author) (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Metaphor and Identity: An analysis of modern English and Urdu Poetry
This paper discovers the relevance between identity and metaphor in modern English and Urdu poetry by using Preludes of T.S. Eliot and Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabat Mere Mehbob Na Mang of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Early twentieth century poetry shows the complexities of individual and social identity shaped by society, politics, and culture. So, in these poems metaphor not only serve as a stylistic device but also as a strong strategy for shaping and indicating broken, unclear, and emerging identities. Alternatively Faiz express tension between personal love and social constraints by changing romantic metaphors in to a device for political awakening. In comparing the two poems and by adopting a qualitative textual analysis approach the researcher analyzes both shared designs, themes, and cultural differences to show how identity is shaped by using metaphors in poetry. After carefully analyzing the poems and by coding the data in the themes, the study declares that metaphor plays a central function in building identity in modern poetry. Moreover, it also hints towards the social and historical context of both poems.
Identity, metaphor, political awareness, modern poetry, urban isolation, industrialization, fragmentation, decay, injustice, despair, Urdu poetry, and English poetry
Copyright (c) 2026 Najla Mubeen Butt, Sehrish Khalil, Dr. Muhammad Sabbor Hussain (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Historical, Geographical and Cultural Significance of the Prominent Cities of Bilad al-Sham: A Research Study
The prominent cities of the Levant have long been recognized as historical, geographical, and cultural centers of the Middle East. Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, having been under Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic rule, and it became a major center for Islamic sciences, arts, and culture. Aleppo gained fame for its commercial and military significance, strategically located between the Euphrates River and the Mediterranean, making it a crossroads for trade routes. Homs, situated in central Syria, served as both a military and commercial hub due to its position connecting northern and southern regions, while its Islamic architecture and historical sites reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. Tartus, located on the Mediterranean coast, was an important port city used as a military center during the Crusader era, and its ancient fortifications and port structures highlight its historical and strategic importance. The cities of Jordan historically lay at the crossroads of trade routes, with their archaeological sites, forts, and towns enhancing their significance, while Lebanese cities were renowned as Mediterranean trade hubs, with ancient forts, markets, and religious buildings reflecting their cultural and economic importance. Overall, the cities of the Levant have not only played a crucial role in regional politics and economy but have also contributed significantly to the development of Islamic and Arab culture. Their ancient buildings, forts, mosques, and markets provide a vivid illustration of their historical, geographical, and cultural significance.
Levant, Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Tartus, historical significance, Geographical importance, Cultural heritage, Trade center
Copyright (c) 2026 Razia Sultana, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Arshad Habib (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Psychological Analysis of the Characters in the Short Story "Kenizo" by Moniro Ravanipour
Contemporary literature has undergone an unparalleled transformation with the emergence of female story writers who possess remarkable literary genius. In the meantime, a writer has emerged who has created a significant transformation in short story literature: Muniro Ravanipour. She has benefited from the school of realism as well as feminism in her works, and through her writing she has addressed various social issues. In this research, the short story “Kanizo” by Moniro Ravanipour has been selected for the analysis of its psychological characters. The study of this story shows that the author, in creating her work, addresses the social and feminist issues of the everyday lives of people in southern Iran. By using local language and cultural elements, she vividly portrays the life of the region. Moreover, reading this story creates a tangible image of the people of southern Iran and their lives in the reader’s mind. This study discusses how the patriarchy prevailing in society, along with oppressive social traditions, ridicules and humiliates women who lack autonomy. Economic factors are also among the elements that negatively affect women’s mental and emotional well-being. In the present research, the psychoanalytic analysis of the characters in the short story “Kanizo” will be conducted using analytical and descriptive methods. In this research, the psychoanalytic analysis of the characters in the short story “Kanizo” by Moniro Ravanipour will be examined using both analytical and descriptive methods.
Muniro Ravanipur, kanizo, psychological personality, economic poverty, patriarchy, feminism
Copyright (c) 2026 Nazia Kauser, Dr. Amber Yasmin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Concept of Welfare and Analytical study of Contemporary Literature
The Glorious Quran and Sunnah is the center/hub/axis and basis/ foundations of the religion Islam. The complete and practical guidance about the significance and motivation regarding social welfare and mutual assistance have been highlighted in the light of these two basic sources. Meanings and definitions, analytical comparison of this topic have been elaborated in this article being studied. In this research, admitted research principles, contemporary literature and basic and relevant resources of abstracted references have been presented. Mutual assistance has multiple scope and spheres. For every individual and family, society and state; even every person's support and welfare; protection and provision of opportunities to progress and to be prosperous is extremely essential. These principles are directly or indirectly applicable and concerned to the term mutual assistance. Islam is the only universal and perpetual religion world over. The Noble Quran is the only comprehensive and Universal Book and our Beloved Holy Prophet: being the blessing for all the creatures; human beings and humanity. Therefore, the Muslim Ummah is the universal Ummah (Community). That's why, the range of concepts about mutual assistance encompasses Allah's all creatures and all the human beings. In this article, by keeping in view; the meanings of mutual assistance in the light of the Holy Quran and Sunnah; the Holy Prophet's (Hazrat Muhammad, PBUH) companion’s life and insightful scholars' opinions the practical examples pertaining to the topic have been included. In the end, the introduction of important books related to the topic has been presented in accordance with analytical Characteristics.
Hazrat Muhammad, PBUH, Islam, Quran and Sunnah, Social welfare, Ummah (Community),
Copyright (c) 2025 Syed Muhammad Najam-ul-Qosain, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hassan Mahmood (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ambiguity in Twilight in Delhi by Ahmad Ali: A Pragmatic Study of Lexical and Semantic Ambiguity in Postcolonial Discourse
In this research paper, we explored how Ahmad Ali used lexical and semantic ambiguity in Twilight in Delhi, focusing closely on how ambiguity functions as an intentional stylistic and communicative strategy within a postcolonial context to show life under British rule. The novel portrays Indo-Muslim society during the decline of Mughal influence and the rise of British colonial rule. We found that, by blending English narration with Urdu vocabulary rooted in local culture, hybrid expressions, and symbolic imagery, the text generates multiple layers of meaning. We adopted a qualitative research design to analyse textual excerpts from selected dialogues and narrative descriptions closely. The theoretical framework is based on H. P. Grice's Cooperative Principle, particularly the Maxim of Manner, which emphasizes clarity and the avoidance of ambiguity. The analysis shows that the novel often flouts this maxim through indirect phrases, culturally rich terms, and figurative narration. Our findings revealed that lexical ambiguity arises mainly from untranslated Urdu terms and localised English expressions, whereas semantic ambiguity arises through metaphorical descriptions and narrative breaks. Our research paper concludes that ambiguity in Twilight in Delhi is a purposeful narrative device that reflects cultural hybridity, identity shifts, and resistance to colonial influence, and we request readers to draw on contextual inference and cultural knowledge for a deeper understanding.
Lexical ambiguity; semantic ambiguity; postcolonial literature; linguistic hybridity; pragmatic analysis; Twilight in Delhi.
Copyright (c) 2023 Noor Muqadus Imran, Jaweria Rasool, Muhammad Sabboor Hussain (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Analytical Study of Khizar Noshahi's Contributions in Editing of Faqir Qadir Bakhsh Bedil’ Literary Works
Khizar Noshahi is among the renowned scholars of Persian studies in Pakistan. A major milestone in his long research career is the editing of the three “Diwans” of Faqir Qadir Bakhsh Bedil. Study of those Diwans offers us a rich encounter with the poet while also demonstrating Noshahi’s painstaking effort and mastery of textual editing and research. The valuable services, he rendered in establishing the text, arranging punctuation, and recovering the oldest available manuscripts, are acknowledged in this article.
Khizar Noshahi, Faqeer Qadir Bakhsh Bedil, Persian Poetry, Diwan
Copyright (c) 2025 Naveed Ahmad, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Shahid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Leadership Vision of Qusayy ibn Kilab in the Institutional Reorganization of Meccan Society: An Analytical Study of Its Social and Welfare Dimensions
This article analyzes the socio-political and economic leadership of Qusayy ibn Kilab (RA) and his transformative role in reorganizing pre-Islamic Meccan society. It argues that Qusayy unified the dispersed clans of Quraysh, centralized authority around the Kaʿbah, and established institutional structures such as Dār al-Nadwah, along with organized religious offices including ḥijābah, siqāyah, and rifādah. These reforms marked the transition of Mecca from tribal fragmentation to structured civic order. The study further highlights his economic and welfare initiatives, including urban settlement planning, management of water resources, collective financial support for pilgrims, and the foundations of commercial alliances later reflected in the Qur’ānic concept of īlāf. Collectively, these measures fostered socio-economic stability and prepared the institutional groundwork that later supported the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Qusayy ibn Kilab, Quraysh, Pre-Islamic Mecca, Socio-Economic Reforms
Copyright (c) 2025 Saira Batool, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hussain Azad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Visual Hybridity and Cultural Resistance: The Interplay of Colonialism and Indigenous Art Forms
This review article considers visual hybridity as a cultural form of resistance in colonial and post-colonial contexts. It considers how indigenous performance has been impacted by, and responded to, colonial aesthetics and representation. It draws on important theoretical engagements with visual hybridity, focusing particularly on Homi K. Bhabha’s concepts of mimicry, ambivalence, and the third space. It argues that hybridity was never simply the outcome of colonial impacts, but rather a deliberate site for negotiation, subversion and identity-making. Through a series of historical and contemporary case studies, beginning with the case of Indo-Portuguese Christian art on the Malabar Coast, to Latin American “Indochristian” art, to folk/popular traditions like Kalighat painting and Pattachitra, as well as recent diasporic art-making practices like Yinka Shonibare, and Nina Mangalanayagam, this review considers how hybrid visual practices have functioned both as meaningful tactics of survival, critique and self-assertion. The study suggests that hybridity provides an opportunity to subvert colonial authority: by reworking colonial motifs into locally determined forms and materials, the artists destabilize the symbolic hierarchies of colonial powers and call into question their claims to cultural superiority. Simultaneously, the forms provide reclamation of agency for indigenous people by inserting native symbolic systems into frameworks that have been imposed on them. In religious domains, syncretic acts permitted the ongoing existence of indigenous spiritual traditions while colonialism silenced them. Hybridity also plays a pivotal role in identity negotiation, especially for diasporic and mixed-heritage people. Through hybrid visual languages, artists demonstrate their complex in-between selves and challenge the notion of fixed cultural binaries. Furthermore, hybrid art often serves as political commentary, utilizing satire, symbolism and digestible visual language to critique social and colonial hierarchies. The debate surrounding authenticity demonstrates that hybrid pieces of art, at their worst, may not be authentic or pure; The commodification of hybrid art also can neutralize the subversive or artistic intentions of hybrid art and those analyzing it thereby emphasizing the aesthetic, marketability, and commercial appeal of hybrid forms, which does not recognize nor appreciate their deeper meanings and significance. Ultimately, this paper suggests that visual hybridity is a valuable analytical tool for analyzing art and a living and evolving method for creating and experiencing art, with ramifications for decolonial futures. Furthermore, viewing hybrid art as an opportunity to create resistance, identity formation, and dialogue, scholars and practitioners alike can better recognize the lasting effects of colonization on Indigenous cultures, honor the strength of these cultures, and support the creative and political rebirth and revitalization of Indigenous ways of being in the world. The paper ultimately stresses the significance of using contextualized and community-sensitive applications of hybrid forms, as they should be viewed as aesthetic and embodied histories that are political and provide a forum or pathway for collective transformation.
visual hybridity, cultural resistance, postcolonial theory, indigenous art, syncretism, mimicry, colonialism, identity, decolonial art
Copyright (c) 2026 Shoaib Mehmood, Dr. Aqsa Malik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Representation of the “Initiation Ritual” in Rostam’s Seven Labors: A Mythological and Phenomenological Reading Based on Mircea Eliade’s Theories
This study, drawing on Mircea Eliade’s mythological and phenomenological theories, examines the initiation ritual in Rostam’s Seven Labors in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. According to Eliade’s mythological patterns, the Seven Labors of Rostam go beyond a mere sequence of heroic battles and can be seen as the representation of an archetypal mythological model. The aim of this article is to decode the structure and mythological foundations of the Seven Labors within the framework of the initiation ritual, and to explain how Rostam, by passing through difficult trials, attains the status of a sacred hero and a bearer of cosmic order and mysteries. Since Eliade considers the initiation ritual as a form of sacred and religious transition and a means of discovering a people’s religious and mythological secrets, this article analyzes the stages of the Seven Labors in light of the ontological and mythological teachings of Zoroastrianism, in order to interpret the symbols and concepts confronted by the hero. The findings reveal that Eliade’s elements and patterns of the “initiation ritual” are clearly observable in the story of the Seven Labors: patterns such as separation from the mother as a symbolic departure from the profane world, the undertaking of arduous trials and the manifestation of the sacred, and finally entering the cave of the White Demon as a return to the womb and a rebirth, completing Rostam’s process of initiation. Moreover, the results indicate that the Seven Labors serve as a symbolic system for the hero’s acquaintance with cosmogony and the forces of good and evil in the Zoroastrian tradition, and therefore go beyond a merely heroic narrative.
Mircea Eliade, Initiation Ritual, Symbolic Death, the Sacred, Decoding
Copyright (c) 2025 Fadhl Mahmood Wali, Prof. Dr. Jihad Shukri Rashid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Research on motivational factors for journalists to work in adverse circumstances
This study investigates the motivational factors within Pakistani journalists. That keep them committed to their profession despite the problems they face such as job insecurity, low wages, psychological stress, and the personal safety threats. Qualitative approach was taken out as a research design; eight semi-structured interviews were conducted within journalist form electronic and print media. Thematically analyzing the interviews, the study revealed that intrinsic motivations such as passion for truth, desire to create social change and idealism helped them sustain their professional dedication. Some other non-monetary benefits which includes public recognition, access to decision-makers and also sense of power associated with journalism emerged as a significant motivator. Although there was some dissatisfaction among the participants because of irregular salaries, lack of organizational support, their professional identity and commitment to informing the public outweighed financial disincentives. The findings suggest that intrinsic and social motivations play a larger role than extrinsic rewards in driving persistence. The study recommends that media managers provide greater financial and institutional support to enhance journalists’ organizational loyalty and well-being, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more responsible media landscape.
Journalistic Motivation; McClelland’s Theory of Needs; Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation; Occupational Stress; Media Ethics; Organizational Commitment; Qualitative Thematic Analysis; Adverse Working Conditions; Pakistani Journalism; Freedom of Expression
Copyright (c) 2026 Waleed Wajid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Iqbal’s travelogue in the light of his letters
The letters of Allama Muhammad Iqbal written to contemporary religious scholars, literary figures and political leaders form an important part of his intellectual and literary legacy. These letters are unique in style and rich in thought, reflecting his deep engagement with the religious, cultural and political issues of his time. During his travels to different countries for the pursuit of knowledge and to deliver lectures, Iqbal continued to express his ideas through correspondence. These letters provide a broad view of the political conditions of the Indian sub-continent and the socio-cultural environment of various Muslim societies. They also reveal his personal connections with spiritual and religious circles, showing the close link between his beliefs and his public life. Although, written in prose, the language of these letters often carries a poetic tone, which adds to their literary value. This study examines Iqbal’s correspondence as both historical evidence and literary expression, highlighting its importance for understanding his thought and personality more fully.
Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Letters, Travelogue, Muslim society, political thought, Intellectual history.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Abeera Ahmad, Muhammad Hammad Niazi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Qateel was a promenent grammarian, poet & prosodist. Daryā-e-Latāfat is a great joint work by him and Insha Allah Khan, which deals with Urdu grammar and rhetoric. In the early period, beginner poets and students faced major issues such as prosodic complexity & inconsistency; therefore, prosody was included in this book in that context. In this same framework, Qateel made an initial effort to harmonize prosody with the linguistic structure of Urdu and local temperament and to make it more engaging. However, Qateel devised neither a new metrical system parallel to that of Khalil nor introduced any fundamental reform in prosody. Like other prosodists, he followed only the classical Aruz. Nevertheless, alongside the conventional prosodic feet, he attempted some innovation by proposing alternative terminology, but this effort did not prove successful. The objective reality is that, compared to the first part of Daryā-e-Latāfat, its second part is neither reliable nor technically sound and authoritative. Its status in the book is secondary. Urdu critics have regarded the prosodic discussions of Daryā-e-Latāfat, in comparison with its morphological and syntactic discussions, as superficial and unproductive. However, Qateel’s arguments regarding Sabab-e-saqeel and Fawasil are certainly thought-provoking for scholars & students of prosody; therefore, they deserve careful reflection. Similarly, his practice of classifying the modified metrical forms and rhythms of the basic metres under a single pattern also reflects his prosodic sense. These very prosodic issues have been discussed in this article.
Khalil, Aruz, Qateel, Prosody, Poetic metres, Urdu, Fawasil.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdul Shakoor Shakir, Dr. Arifa Iqbal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Scholarly Investigation of Ahl al-Bayt al-At-har: Meaning, Identifiers, and the Perspective of Ahl al-Sunnah
This research article presents a comprehensive linguistic and semantic analysis of the Arabic terms Al (آل) and Ahl (أهل) , which have been subject to scholarly debate regarding their derivation and meaning. Classical lexicographers and grammarians, including Khalil ibn Ahmad, Ibn Faris, Ibn al-Jawzi, and Al-Fayruzabadi, have offered differing views: some trace Al to the root ’awala (to return), while others connect it to Ahl (family or kin). The study examines these derivations, the transformation of letters through linguistic processes, and the distinctions between Al and Ahl in grammatical usage and semantic scope. Furthermore, the article explores the semantic implications of these terms, especially in the context of the Quran and Hadith, highlighting that Al generally refers to those closely related to a person either by lineage or association, including followers, whereas Ahl has a broader usage encompassing family and dependents. The research also addresses the specific usage of Ahl al-Bayt (the People of the Household) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, distinguishing between its general and specific meanings. Through Quranic verses and authentic Hadiths, it is established that Ahl al-Bayt includes the Prophet’s close relatives, his wives, and his offspring, who are exempt from receiving Zakat, as supported by narrations from Zayd ibn Arqam, Abdullah ibn Harith ibn Nufayl, and others. The study concludes with an integrated understanding of linguistic derivation, semantic nuance, and jurisprudential implications concerning Al, Ahl, and Ahl al-Bayt in Islamic tradition.
Al, Ahl, Linguistic Analysis, Semantic Study, Quranic Terminology, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Lineage, Household
Copyright (c) 2025 Moeena Sarwat, Dr. Zahida Bilqees Bukhari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The tax system established by Hazrat Umar (RA); (An Analytical Study of the Four Schools of Jurisprudence)
In Islam, taxes were first collected in the form of customs duties and it was Farooq Azam who first ordered the collection of this customs duty in an organized manner. Those taxes should also be collected from their traders in the same manner as customs duties are collected from our traders in non-Muslim states. The reasoning of the four juristic schools regarding customs duty was also investigated. The four Imams agree on its collection. Imam Abu Yusuf states that if Dhimmi(ذمی) goods are transported from Muslim countries to Dara al-Harb, then customs duty should be collected every time they pass through. Imam Shafi'i, Imam Malik, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal state that only one bar of customs duty should be collected per year. Regarding the amount of customs duty, Imam Abu Yusuf says that if goods worth two hundred dirhams or twenty shekels(مثقال) are carried, one fortieth of it should be collected from Muslims, one twentieth from dhimmis, and one tenth from the Harbiyyah. Imam Shafi'i says that it should be collected as Farooq al-A'zam said, that is, one-fourth of the tithe should be collected from the Muslims, half a tithe from the Dhimmis, and one-tenth from the Ahl al-Harb. Imam Malik says about this issue that one-tenth should be collected from the Ahl al-Harb merchants, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal says that one-tenth was collected from the Banu Taghlib. While determining the status of customs duty, Imam Abu Yusuf (may Allah have mercy on him) and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal are of the same opinion. They call customs duty a tribute, while Imam Shafi'i and Imam Malik call customs duty a Jizya. The analysis of the article will be presented in the form of a summary at the end of the article.
Hazrat Umar, Imam Shafi'i, Amount, Collected, Customs Duty, Four Juristic, Traders, Jizya
Copyright (c) 2025 Syed Ashfaq Ahmad, Dr.Hafiz Muhammad Arshad Habib (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analysis of Qawaid-e-Ali Sheri by Muhayy-ud-Din Bin Nizam
Qwaed-e Alisheri is annotation of sikandar Nama by” nizami ganjavi the great story teller in mathnavi genre. He wrote khamsa (five treasures) which was welcomed not only in Iran but in subcontinent too. It left deep impact on Persian literature of subcontinent .Amir khusrau the great poet and musicologist wrote khamsa in of Nizami. Sikandernama consists of two parts and in this annotation both parts has been explained in easy and beautiful way. Language of this annotation is very easy as muhayy ud din bin Nizam ud din to convey the inner and original meanings of verses in sikandernameh. Symbolically used words have also been discussed and elaborated beautifully. Literary features of this annotations have been enhanced the beauty of classical writing. A great personality named “Laad Dehlavi (in Mughal emperor Humayon era used to elaborate sikandernameh in court(majalis) and another person named muhayud din bin Nizam ud din used to note down all these explanations on request of Main Alisheri. .
Qwaed e Alisheri, Iran, Subcontinent, Khamsa, Nizam ud din
Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Hussain, Dr. Uzma Zareen Nazia (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Identification of Nafs and Its Training: A Comparative Study of Mevlana Rumi and Hadrat Sultan Bahu’s Sayings
Sufism has been a path of peace in every age. This is because Sufism is founded on the training and purification of the self (nafs). A Sufi is one who, after passing through the stages of recognizing and disciplining the self, gains control over it. Therefore, the understanding and training of the self (nafs) has always been among the most important subjects of Sufism, and Sufi masters in every era have emphasized this teaching. Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi (RA) and Hadrat Sultan Bahu (RA) are two great names in the world of Sufism. Both saints rendered their services in their respective times and regions, and compiled poetic and prose works to guide seekers of truth. The present article offers a brief comparative study of the ideas of these two spirituals masters with reference to the recognition and training of the “nafs”.
Sufism, Self (Nafs), Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, Hadrat Sultan Bahu
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Naseem Ur Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Islamic Spiritual Practices and Mental Health: A Neurotheological Approach to Sufism
The intersection of spirituality and neuroscience leads to the emergence of neurotheology, a field dedicated to exploring how spiritual practices influence the brain and mental well-being. Despite the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges globally, culturally sensitive frameworks for addressing these issues, particularly within Muslim communities, remain underexplored. This raises critical questions: How do Islamic spiritual practices, particularly those in Sufism, impact brain function and mental health? Existing literature highlights the psychological and emotional advantages of mindfulness and meditation, yet the transformative potential of Sufi rituals like Dhikr (remembrance of God) and muraqabah (meditation) remains largely untapped in contemporary therapeutic models. By analyzing Sufi practices through the lens of neurotheology, this study underscores the universal applicability of these spiritual traditions in fostering emotional resilience, alleviating anxiety, and enhancing social cohesion. The scope of this research extends beyond individual mental health to addressing cultural sensitivities, promoting interfaith dialogue, and integrating faith-based approaches into global mental health strategies. The objective is to integrate Islamic spiritual traditions with contemporary neuroscientific research, providing evidence-based insights for mental health professionals, researchers, and faith leaders. This exploration holds profound importance for contemporary society, offering a culturally inclusive approach to mental health that can benefit diverse populations. By validating the therapeutic potential of Sufi practices, this study not only enriches our understanding of spirituality and the brain but also contributes to holistic healing and the global discourse on mental well-being.
Neuroscience, Spirituality, Meditation, Sufi practices, Dhikr
Copyright (c) 2025 Fazeel Eayaz, Thameem Ushama, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Sharif (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The literature of Nama Sahit and traditional Punjabi dress
This study examines various literary works known as clothing namas that reflect the social and cultural aura of British India, considering various articles related to clothing, these writings express profound concerns regarding gender roles, ethical values, class tensions and changing cultural values. The BURQA NAMA for example reveals the contradiction experienced by a woman who intends to wear burqa but restriction imposed on her by her husband to not wear it. KHADDAR NAMA reflects the spirits of swadeshi movement which not only encourages the use of local fabric but also reject to foreign imports. Moreover, the GHAGRI NAMA criticize the moral downfall related to the arrival of modern government facilities such as electricity and water taps. The DHOTI NAMA express the loss of traditional culture as people adopt new fashions morally out of imitation. Finally, the SARHI NAMA focuses the class-based aspiration specifically the lower-class woman wishing to ambulate the dressing style of wealthy woman. Inclusively, these namas show that clothing is not merely a collection of fabric. It is a deeper cultural symbol to which society express issues of identify modernity, cultural ethics and social standards.
British, India, Burqa Nama, Khaddar Nama, Ghagri Nama
Copyright (c) 2025 Fozia Kausar, Dr. Aasma Qadri (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Study on Majam-al-Fawaid by Ghulam Hamdani Mushafi
Ghulam Ali Hamdani Mushafi was a classical and ancient Urdu and Persian poet and writer. He was born in 1748AD in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh and died in 1824 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. After Mir Taqi Mir, Mushafi is the highest in Urdu poetry as a whole. In his poetry, vitality, youth, color, and form are described in a perfect way. Mushafi gained the power to describe chaos and disorder, suffering, pain, love, and especially the diversity and experiences of love in his poetry. All this background becomes clear in his speech. Mushafi's poetry has depicted the chaos and sufferings of his era in essays, poems, ghazals, and other genres. Majma-al-Fawaid is a very beautiful manuscript of Ghulam Ali Hamdani Mushafi, consisting of Persian and Arabic poetry and prose, which is available in the Punjab University Central Library, Lahore. There is only one manuscript of Majma-al-Fawaid and the importance of this manuscript is that it gives us an insight into the life of Mushafi, which is not available anywhere else. Mushafi has collected all that was left of his poetry and named it Majma-al-Fawaid. Colorful topics can be seen in Majma-al-Fawaid. It also includes a few of Magazines of Mushafi. By reading it, we can get an idea of ​​Mushafi's ability in Persian language, how Mushafi has written on various topics in simple and easy words, and Mushafi's temperament can also be gauged from it, and this book also reveals his knowledge and grace.
Mushafi Hamdani, Majma-ul-Fawaid, Amroha, Dehli, Urdu and Persian Literature, Arabic Prosody, Punjab University
Copyright (c) 2025 Iqra Saleem, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sabir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analytical Study of the Themes of Khazana-e-Jawahar-e-Jalali
Makhdoom Jahanian Jahan Gasht Sheikh Jalal al-Din Bukhari (707–785 AH), is counted among the great Sufis and great scholars of the subcontinent. He not only dedicated himself to the propagation of Islam but also took up the task of spiritual and moral education and training of the common people. He is a renowned saint of the Suhrawardiya and Chishtia lineages. He pledged allegiance to Sheikh Ruknuddin Abu al-Fath in the Suhrawardiyya order and received favor from Sheikh Nasiruddin Mahmud in the Chishtiyya order. One of the important collections of Jalaluddin Bukhari's works is the Khazana Jawahar Jalaliyya. It was compiled by his disciple Fazlullah Abbasi in (781 AH).Khazana Jawahar Jalaliyya is not just a repository of mystical teachings and moral points. It is also an invaluable literary and historical source of the intellectual, cultural and religious milieu of the 8th century AH. As such, it is also an important source of Sufi thought and the socio-cultural events of the Muslim world in the subcontinent.
Makhdum Jahanian Jahangasht; Malfuzat; Khazanat al-Jawahar al-Jalali; Sufism in South Asia; Fazl Allah ibn Ziya al-‘Abbasi
Copyright (c) 2025 Zeeshan Javid, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Class, Inequality, and Ideology: A Marxist Comparative Study of The Sweepress and Ghost Kitchen
This study examines how class inequality, economic exploitation, and ideological control shape the lives of marginalized workers in Tariq Rahman’s The Sweepress and Ross Raisin’s Ghost Kitchen. Using a qualitative approach rooted in Marxist literary criticism and supported by Althusser’s theory of ideology, the research investigates how the poor are made invisible, undervalued, and socially restricted in both Pakistani and British societies. The analysis shows that although the two stories belong to different cultural backgrounds, both reveal how economic systems shape human experience and limit social mobility. The study addresses a gap in comparative literature by analyzing a South Asian servant-class narrative alongside a modern Western gig‑economy narrative, demonstrating that exploitation is universal across cultures. The findings highlight that literature works as a mirror of society, revealing how labour, class, and ideology shape the daily lives of ordinary people, while also encouraging readers to question the structures that normalize injustice.
Class, Inequality, Ideological control, Marxist literary criticism
Copyright (c) 2025 Tooba Batool, Wareesha Israr, Suliman Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0