Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Book Launch of Psycho Mansion at PMA House

 Are you suffering from depression, pessimism and dark thoughts about the future of your society and humanity in general? Get better by paying a visit to Psycho Mansion, where such mental diseases are treated (hence the name).
In the works of Ibne Safi (1928-1980), Psycho Mansion is a building that appears to be a mental hospital but where, under cover, the protagonist meets his team for cracking jokes and making plans to fight social evils. This is the name given to the first annotated anthology of the writings of Ibne Safi, since it is believed by some of the presenters of this book that modern education and literary trends of our times are inducing madness, and we need Ibne Safi for restoring our sanity.

How does Ibne Safi do that? Find out for yourself by reading the first anthology of the writings of the most popular fiction-writer of Urdu. It has been promised in good faith that unlike much other fiction, this book will not depress you nor bruise your soul, no matter how realistic the content.

The launching ceremony is being held at Pakistan Medical Association House (PMA House) by Dr. Sher Shah Syed, who can be reached at (0213) 2231534 for RSVP. Speakers include Dr. Sahar Ansari, Humayun Iqbal ("H. Iqbal"), Shakeel Adilzadah, Asif Farrukhi, Ahmad Safi and myself.

Come, if you are interested in the works of Ibne Safi, or generally in literature which aims at fighting pessimism and negativity.

Saturday, February 26, 2011
5: 00 pm
PMA House, Garden Road
(behind Nishat Cinema),
Karachi.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Psycho Mansion - Ibne Safi

New Publication: “Psycho Mansion – Ibne Safi”


A discussion session on Khurram Ali Shafique’s new book “Psycho Mansion” which is based on excerpts from the renowned Urdu mystery writer Ibne Safi, will be held on Sunday 13thFebruary at Ahsan Memorial Library (201/O Block 2, PECHS near Ghausia Masjid.) Excerpts from Ibne Safi’s books would be presented in support of the fact that he was a “Consensus Writer” – Consensus Literature is a term introduced by Khurram Shafique. Besides Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Allama Iqbal, he counts Ibne Safi as one of the Consensus writers as well. A rare opportunity towards understanding the mysteries and messages hidden in the novels of Ibne Safi.



i2L Academy, Ahsan Memorial, 201-O, Block 2 (Opposite Ghausia Mosque), P.E.C.H.Society, Karachi.

Contact: Dr. Irfan Haider, hyder@pafkiet.edu.pk

For Directions: Mr. Waqar, 0346 321 6009

  1. Driving on Tariq Road, if you are going from the liberty signal towards Allah Walla Chowk, take third left, and then take fourth right. Masjid Ghausia would be on your left (if you don’t see the Masjid, you are lost; ask for it). I2L Academy (201/O) is right in front of the shops in the Mosque adjacent to International School.
  2. From Allah Walla Chowk if you are on Shahrahe Quaideen, going towards nursery, take left on the road just after McDonalds. Then, take fifth right. On your left would be Imperial Court (Chinese Restaurant). Go down and then take 3rd right. Masjid Ghausia and its shops would be on your left. (if you don’t see the Masjid, you are lost; ask for it). I2L Academy (201/O) is right in front of the shops in the Mosque adjacent to International school.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Workshop on Waheed Murad‏

i2L Academy presents

in collaboration with
Society of Iqbal Studies (SOIS)

Waheed Murad: a Spiritual Journey
3-Hour Workshop by Khurram Ali Shafique

Waheed Murad (1938-1983) was more than the greatest screen idol of our cinema. He was a producer, director and writer dedicated to promoting hope, patriotism and moral values through his work. This is a three-hour interactive session on key issues raised in Ishara (1969), a film that was written, produced and directed by Waheed Murad (and the only Pakistan film to experiment in the stream of consciousness). The session has been extremely popular in universities in Pakistan and abroad, and on the Internet, and is being repeated here on popular demand.

Saturday, September 25, 2010
3:30 pm to 6:30 pm


i2L Academy, Ahsan Memorial, 201-O, Block 2 (Opposite Ghausia Mosque), P.E.C.H.Society, Karachi.

Contact: Dr. Irfan Haider, hyder@pafkiet.edu.pk

For Directions: Mr. Waqar, 0346 321 6009

Driving on Tariq Road, if you are going from the liberty signal towards Allah Walla Chowk, take third left, and then take fourth right. Masjid Ghausia would be on your left (if you don't see the Masjid, you are lost; ask for it). I2L Academy (201/O) is right in front of the shops in the Mosque adjacent to International School.
From Allah Walla Chowk if you are on Shahrahe Quaideen, going towards nursery, take left on the road just after McDonalds. Then, take fifth right. On your left would be Imperial Court (Chinese Restaurant). Go down and then take 3rd right. Masjid Ghausia and its shops would be on your left. (if you don't see the Masjid, you are lost; ask for it). I2L Academy (201/O) is right in front of the shops in the Mosque adjacent to International school.

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Friday, September 17, 2010

Ibne Safi: the untold story

i2L Academy presents
in collaboration with
Society of Iqbal Studies (SOIS)
Ibne Safi: the untold story
3-Hour Workshop by Ahmad Safi & Rashid Ashraf

More than being a writer, Ibne Safi (1928-1980) was a phenomenon that shaped the minds, souls and hearts of the first generation of Pakistanis and continues to influence us even today. In his own times, he was read by rulers of states, homemakers, professors, students and drivers of trucks and rickshaws – and those who were illiterate would get his books read out to them. By failing to pay any serious attention at understanding the deeper layers of meanings in the writings of such an influential writer we have failed to understand so much about ourselves. This three-hour session offers a proper introduction to Ibne Safi for those of the new generation who may have very little knowledge of him, and a few new insights that might be new even for the most ardent fans. A special focus of the session is the connection between Ibne Safi and the kind of literature which Allama Iqbal wanted to promote. The session will be conducted by the author’s son Ahmad Safi and the young researcher Rashid Ashraf, a well-known figure of our cyberspace.

Saturday, September 18, 2010
4 pm to 7 pm
i2L Academy, Ahsan Memorial, 201-O, Block 2 (Opposite Ghausia Mosque), P.E.C.H.Society, Karachi.

Contact: Dr. Irfan Haider, hyder@pafkiet.edu.pk

For Directions: Mr. Waqar, 0346 321 6009

1. Driving on Tariq Road, if you are going from the liberty signal towards Allah Walla Chowk, take third left, and then take fourth right. Masjid Ghausia would be on your left (if you don’t see the Masjid, you are lost; ask for it). I2L Academy (201/O) is right in front of the shops in the Mosque adjacent to International School.

2. From Allah Walla Chowk if you are on Shahrahe Quaideen, going towards nursery, take left on the road just after McDonalds. Then, take fifth right. On your left would be Imperial Court (Chinese Restaurant). Go down and then take 3rd right. Masjid Ghausia and its shops would be on your left. (if you don’t see the Masjid, you are lost; ask for it). I2L Academy (201/O) is right in front of the shops in the Mosque adjacent to International school.

Friday, July 30, 2010

The Power of Consensus

How are our personal opinions related to the opinions of the society, and do we lose or win by respecting this connection? What are the types of consensus and how we recognize them? Why do we need to recognize them? Are there existing sources of moral power which we have failed to utilize? How can we empower ourselves with least effort?

These are some of the core issues of Iqbal Studies that will be addressed in a two-hour session conducted by Khurram Ali Shafique, Research Consultant, Iqbal Academy Pakistan.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

4 pm to 6 pm


I2L Academy, 201-O, Block 2 (Opposite Ghausia Mosque), P.E.C.H.Society, Karachi.
Contact: Dr. Irfan Haider, hyder@pafkiet.edu.pk

For Directions: Mr. Waqar, 0346 321 6009

1. Driving on Tariq Road, if you are going from the liberty signal towards Allah Walla Chowk, take third left, and then take fourth right. Masjid Ghausia would be on your left (if you don’t see the Masjid, you are lost; ask for it). I2L Academy (201/O) is right in front of the shops in the Mosque adjacent to International School.

2. From Allah Walla Chowk if you are on Shahrahe Quaideen, going towards nursery, take left on the road just after McDonalds. Then, take fifth right. On your left would be Imperial Court (Chinese Restaurant). Go down and then take 3rd right. Masjid Ghausia and its shops would be on your left. (if you don’t see the Masjid, you are lost; ask for it). I2L Academy (201/O) is right in front of the shops in the Mosque adjacent to International school.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

POST BY UROOJ MALIK

"What is that part which is greater than its whole? What is the way to find that part?"


Heart is the smaller part of our body in comparison to different other parts, but it has some surprising dimensions.



When embryo starts to develop and finally a human baby gets its shape, the first sign of life in the baby is the heartbeat that occurs at very start of development, breathing with every other organ working starts in the later phase. Similarly, death of a person could never be declared until and unless heart stops working, there are other artificial breathing systems which are used to keep the person alive until the last heart beat terminates. I think its because heart does not only gives the nourishment to the body but it is also responsible to connect the soul to the body and to make these two....The One.


So for a pure and beautiful life its necessary that our heart should be very pure, fresh, living and awakened. Any impurity of lust and greed, dishonesty, untruthfulness and arrogance can make it diseased and unhealthy for both body and soul.


I have an idea to protect the heart from these enemies. Let give it to somebody else, Somebody who really deserves it, and feel free of worry of the heart's protection. One who will get your heart and Love inside it, will definitely protect it more than us.


" In the Muslim's heart is the home of Muhammad, Eternity is less than a moment of his time, and receives increase from his essence. He chose the nightly solitude of Mount Hira and yet founded a state and laws and government. When he prayed for Divine help, his sword answered Amen and extirpated the race of kings. With the key of religion he opened the door of this world. In his sight high and low were one. He sat with his slave at one table." [Republic of Rumi]


Do you like my idea?

Friday, May 28, 2010

POST BY RIZWAN MEMON

"I loved my place. I made great friends over there, learned about so many things. Among all other places and homes, it was the only one which gave me a sense of unity and collectivism. The right to say and share anything with my friends was so beautiful that I urged my other friends to come to my home and enjoy lives collectively.... What I really liked about my home was the religion-less boundaries, anyone at anytime, from any religion and belief could come and share his feelings with me and others....

But things have changed now


We all are living in this digital era, in which every person has a virtual home. People live there, enjoy their time, talk with other friends, play games, check about the latest happenings etc. Facebook served its purpose of creating this whole world a single home to connect with everyone without any problems. Now Facebook is a country(homepage) of millions of people (citizens).

From many days, I was thinking about the thing which made Facebook so popular. Collectivism made it popular! Whether you belong to East or West, Asia or America, Islam or Christianity, you can join this ONE home!

Now, when Facebook has started to show disrespect to Islam and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), by promoting an event on this huge platform (just imagine a group of people are holding banners and cartoons and propagandizing this "Draw cartoons" thing on streets while YOU look out of your home's window), it has decided to finish itself!

Not even Muslims, but people from other religion and countries are quitting facebook as well and they have decided to celebrate "Quit Facebook Day" on 31st May. Their reasons to quit facebook are different (Releasing user data, unfair trade compliant, difficult profile lock-down method etc), but result and final decision is the same! The counter at "quitfacebookday" site shows 13968 quitters right now, including me as well and I will encourage you to add your vote as well.

And people who think that it's just about one page, users will again start using facebook and blah blah... Please go to wikipedia and search about this "Proper Annual Event of drawing cartoons" So NO we Muslims will face this crappy group of Facebook again and again, every year!

I have left my home! Just like the grand day of Hijrat, when enemies hit Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to the extreme. So He was ordered to migrate from His hometown to the city of Medina along with the true believers.

Just waiting for my home to open so that I can pack my furniture (pics, videos and other stuff) and lock it down forever (delete my account) with the key (disable account button).