“Pak Sar Zameen Shad Baad” (Blessed be the Sacred Land of Pakistan) is how the national anthem of Pakistan begins. Here, the term “Pak” refers to Pakistan, which is often shortened to “Pak” in common usage. In Arabic, this word becomes “Tayyiba.” Imam Ahmad bin Shu’aib al-Nasai (may Allah have mercy on him) recorded a Hadith in his book Sunan al-Nasai.

Hazrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “On the night of Mi’raj, I mounted the Buraq (a heavenly steed), and Jibreel (Gabriel) was with me. We set off (from Makkah), and along the way, Jibreel said to me, ‘Dismount and offer a prayer of gratitude.’ I offered the prayer, and then Jibreel asked, ‘Do you know where you prayed?’ Before I could answer, he told me, ‘You have prayed in Tayyiba (the pure land), and you will migrate to this (pure land of Madinah).'” (Sunan al-Nasai: 451)

Dear readers, according to the researchers at the internationally renowned institution Darussalam, led by Maulana Abdul Malik Mujahid, this narration has a “Hasan” (good) chain of transmission. Some scholars have questioned its authenticity, but the reality is that the chain is indeed Hasan. The initial part of the Mi’raj journey, also called Isra (the night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem), is a miracle of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Along the way, Hazrat Jibreel stopped the Buraq, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) offered a prayer of gratitude, as this was a sign that the days of hardship in Makkah were coming to an end. Once the blessed feet of the Prophet (peace be upon him) would touch the land of Yathrib, it would become Tayyiba – “Madinat al-Rasul” (the City of the Prophet) – transforming into a sacred land.

People, it is this very blessed connection that marks the opening of our national anthem: “Pak Sar Zameen Shad Baad.” On the blessed day of 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal, an event celebrating the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is held in the city of Peshawar, with the Chief Minister of the province also in attendance. Afghanistan’s Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Mohibullah Shakir, and his colleagues are also invited. As the national anthem begins, everyone respectfully stands up. With the beautiful melody, the line “Pak Sar Zameen Shad Baad” overflows the hearts with love for Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). However, a few individuals, who are religious and diplomats, remain seated.

The name “Shakir” in the title of the Charge d’Affaires is an Arabic word meaning “one who shows gratitude.” I found myself pondering how Mohibullah Shakir showed disrespect toward the people of Pakistan and our sacred homeland. We have hosted them with hospitality for forty years and continue to do so, yet this is how they treat us? We taught them the game of cricket, and when they travel to countries like India, Europe, or the U.S., they stand in respect for their national anthems. Why, then, did they not show respect for the anthem of my beloved homeland? Islamic neighborliness, diplomatic decorum, and the ethics of being a guest demanded that they show gratitude to their hosts, but instead, they shattered our hearts in public. Why?

The last line of our national anthem is “Saya-e-Khuda-e-Zuljalal” (Shade of Almighty God). This means that wherever the anthem is being recited, the shade of God’s mercy and grace is upon all present. This phrase embodies Islamic unity and is in the Persian language. Persian is spoken in Kabul, where both Pashto and Persian are official languages. Our national language is Urdu, and we have crafted an anthem that resonates with the official languages of our neighbors, Iran and Afghanistan. The anthem begins with a reference to Tayyiba and ends with the majestic attribute of God, Zuljalal. The purpose of the event should have been to promote Islamic strength and unity. The one who strengthens us is the Lord, Zuljalal, who brought His beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Tayyiba and bestowed upon him the medal of divine strength.

Dear Mohibullah Shakir, please take a moment to reflect. Have you, perhaps unintentionally, tried to fracture the unity between Pakistan and Afghanistan? Have you insulted your hosts? Please, think deeply about this.

The noble, merciful, and exemplary character of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is what brought you to this event. His conduct is such that, at Hudaybiyyah, he erased the words “Messenger of Allah” from the peace treaty at the pagans’ request because peace was more important at that moment, knowing that soon the reality of “Messenger of Allah” would become clear. And it did, when Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) called the adhan from atop the Kaaba. Yes, this is the exemplary character of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He was full of mercy and had the highest standard of moral conduct.

When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wrote a letter to the Roman Emperor Heraclius, he addressed him by his title: “From Muhammad, the servant and messenger of Allah, to Heraclius, the ruler of the Romans.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 7). Yes, he even acknowledged the title of Heraclius. Such is the blessed example of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who also taught us the proper etiquette in international relations, including how to show respect and maintain diplomatic manners. Alas! The message of the Prophet’s noble character was disregarded during the event held in his honor. What message did you send to the world?

People, on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, electronic pagers used for communication were bombed in Lebanon and Syria. Doctors in hospitals use pagers in operation theaters where mobile phones don’t work due to signal jammers. Many doctors, professors, and scholars were killed. Dozens were martyred, and thousands were injured. The next day, walkie-talkies were bombed. This shows how the enemy has turned common means of communication into deadly weapons. It is heartbreaking that, in 1996, Israel assassinated a Palestinian commander in a similar manner. When Commander Yahya Ayyash answered a call on his mobile phone, Israel, using its advanced technology, caused the phone’s battery to heat up, turning it into a bomb. The explosion decapitated Yahya, and he was martyred on the spot. Thirty years have passed since that event. What have we learned? We still carry mobile phones close to our hearts, thinking we are leaders. If it explodes in your pocket, your heart will go. If it explodes by your ear, your brain will go. This is our reality, yet our boasts and slogans seem to be deafening.

A few years ago, I witnessed a mobile phone battery explode while lying on the ground before my eyes. The battery swelled up and caught fire, burning the phone completely. I am just a humble person, and great people face greater dangers. Recently, Ismail Haniyeh and in Lebanon, Fuad Shukr, were martyred through mobile phones. Oh, instead of developing our technology, we are only indulging in trivial matters. Oh Allah, Zuljalal, have mercy on us and guide us. Pak Sar Zameen Shad Baad, Saya-e-Khuda-e-Zuljalal!“

Written By: Moulana Ameer Hamza