Pen and Paper

When the World Refuses to See Your Goodness There are moments when you stand firm in truth, yet the world turns its back on you. You try to live with honesty, kindness, and fairness, but instead of appreciation, you face judgment, misunderstanding, and silence. And in that silence, a heavy question arises: “If no one sees my goodness, does my existence have meaning?” This is a painful place to be. To feel unseen is to feel invisible. To be unrecognized is to feel unworthy. But remember existence is not given value by the eyes of others. Your worth does not shrink because someone is blind to it. Goodness is not a performance for applause. It is the quiet strength of your soul. The sun does not stop shining when clouds hide it. The ocean does not lose its depth when no one measures it. In the same way, your existence is vast and radiant, even if the world refuses to see. You Are Not Wrong When people dismiss you, you may question yourself: Am I on the right path? Should I change to be ac...

The Loneliest Moment: When Silence Speaks Louder Than Chaos There are moments in life when words fail, when no comfort seems enough, and when even tears refuse to fall. F. Scott Fitzgerald captured this experience with piercing clarity: “The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.” At first glance, it may seem like chaos—the crumbling of dreams, the collapse of relationships, or the shattering of hopes—that defines our loneliness. But in truth, the most haunting part is not the chaos itself. It is the silence that follows. The Stillness After the Storm When everything falls apart, there is often a rush of emotions fear, grief, anger, despair. Yet, eventually, all of it quiets down. What remains is a silence that is almost unbearable. It is the sound of helplessness, of watching time pass without being able to change what has already broken. That silence is the loneliest companion of all. It i...

 Rumi’s Masnavi: The Deep Love for Shams of Tabriz When we speak of Rumi , the world-renowned Sufi poet, we often think of his words on love, longing, and union with the Divine. But behind those verses lies a story of an extraordinary bond — the bond between Rumi and Shams of Tabriz . Their companionship was not a worldly romance, but a spiritual love so intense that it changed Rumi forever, birthing the masterpiece we know today as the Masnavi . The Heart of Sufism: Love as the Path to God Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, teaches that love is the highest form of worship. Through love, the soul is purified, the ego dissolves, and the seeker draws closer to God. For Rumi, Shams became the mirror of God’s light . Their companionship was a form of sohbet (sacred conversation) — dialogues that stripped away illusion and awakened Rumi to the burning truth of Divine Love. Shams: The Sun of Rumi’s Soul In the Masnavi , Rumi often uses images of light, sun, and fire . To hi...

The Timeless Story of Rumi and Shams of Tabriz Few friendships in history have left such an eternal mark on the human heart as the one between Jalaluddin Rumi and Shams of Tabriz . It is not just the story of two men meeting it is the story of how love, friendship, and spirituality can transform the very soul of a human being. Who Was Shams of Tabriz? Shamsuddin Tabrizi (1185–1248?) was a wandering dervish, a mystic who lived outside the boundaries of tradition. Known for his fiery temperament, uncompromising honesty, and deep spirituality, he wandered from city to city in search of a true companion someone who could understand the mysteries of divine love. For years, Shams prayed for such a soul, and according to legend, God whispered to him: “The one you seek is in Konya.”  Who Was Rumi Before Shams? Jalaluddin Muhammad Rumi (1207–1273) was already a respected Islamic scholar, jurist, and preacher living in Konya (present-day Turkey). He was admired for his vast knowledge of...

  Are We Truly Free? – A Reflection on the Illusion of Freedom Freedom is a word that resonates deeply in the hearts of nations and individuals alike. It is celebrated with flags waving in the wind, national anthems echoing in stadiums, and speeches glorifying the sacrifices of those who fought for it. Yet, as the poem in the image questions,  “Hum azaad hokar bhi yahan azaad nahi”    are we truly free, or is our freedom just a ceremonial illusion? The Paradox of Independence Political independence is often mistaken for complete freedom. A country may have its own flag, constitution, and government, yet its people may still live in the chains of corruption, inequality, and injustice. The poem speaks of grand claims “behfizul daawey” but the absence of true justice. Public shaming, dishonor, and injustice prevail, often ignored by society and protected by flawed legal systems. Justice Without Fairness A society cannot claim to be free if its justice system serves...

Mastering Your Mind: The First Step to Mastering Your Life In the fast-paced, distraction-filled world we live in, it’s easy to feel like life is something that just happens to us. We rush from one task to another, our minds flooded with a constant stream of thoughts—some productive, many not. But there’s a profound truth hidden in the chaos: if you learn to control your thoughts, you can transform your entire life . The highlighted quote says it beautifully: When you control your thoughts, you control your mind. When you control your mind, you control your life. And once you reach the stage of being in total control of your life, you become the master of your destiny. Let’s break down what this really means and more importantly, how to live it. 1. Thoughts Are Seeds Every action, habit, and result in your life begins with a thought. Think of your mind as fertile soil. Whatever seeds you plant—whether positive or negative—will eventually grow into the reality you experience. ...

In recent years, the world has witnessed one of the largest movements of displaced people since World War II. Wars, political persecution, climate disasters, and economic collapse have forced millions to leave their homes in search of safety. But while the humanitarian need is massive, the global response has been mixed—ranging from acts of solidarity to walls and barbed wire. The Scale of the Crisis According to UNHCR, over 117 million people were forcibly displaced by mid-2024. These include refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons. Countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar remain key sources of displacement, while climate change is creating “climate refugees” in vulnerable nations like Bangladesh, Somalia, and the Pacific Islands. Global Humanitarian Response 1. United Nations & NGOs Agencies like UNHCR, the Red Cross, and Médecins Sans Frontières are providing shelter, food, and medical aid. Initiatives like the Global Compact on Refuge...