عصر حاضر کے نوجوان طلبا میں مذہب سے دوری کے اسباب اور اثرات کا جائزہ
It is an undeniable fact that religious clerics failing in providing
solutions to modern day problems in the light of Quran and
Sunnah and not portraying Islam as a religion of all times and
places has had its fair share in distancing modern day youth from
religion. Globalization, evolution of Social Media, technological
advancement and modernism also have had their toll on the moral
compass of the youth already striving to find a workable solution
to maintaining a balance between their religious and modern
values. Bearing in mind the role a productive and pro-active youth
plays in a nation’s progress, the research explores social, cultural,
academic, and religious domains of our youth’s dilemma and
concludes that all the stock holders of the society are to blame for
the adversity. The research recommends that in order to make our
youth strong and skillful and thus enabling it to tackle the
challenges of modern-day advancement, all the stake holders of
the society i.e. individuals and organizations need to collaborate.
Recommended measures include the basics such educating
parents, teachers and youth about the technological advancement,
its pros and cons. as well as the advanced measures like revising
the curriculum, etc. Research makes the concluding note that if
the matter not taken seriously now, will yield outcomes that
would be not be acceptable to anyone and also that if our young
population is let on its own, we will be shrunken to a lost chapter
among many in the history scrolls.
Key words: Islam, globalization, social media, troubled youth, moral compass
بچوں کی جنسی ہراسانی اور پاکستانی قوانین ( اسلامی تعلیمات کی روشنی میں جائزہ )
The article discusses the issue of child sexual harassment and sexual abuse
and also describes the various forms of sexual harassment and sexual abuse
and its causes, as well as the punishments in light of Islamic teachings and
Pakistani laws. I have mentioned that child sexual offenders should be
found, as well as issues that hinder the punishment of perpetrators of sexual
abuse Statistics on child sexual abuse in Pakistan and the impact of child
sexual abuse on children and other members of society are mentioned in
some detail, as well as the last chapter on child sexual abuse. The issue of
how remediation and prevention are possible is expressed in the light of
Sharia teachings and social teachings and mentions all the factors that can be
followed to protect children from sexual abuse. Along with Finally, Sharia,
legal and social proposals for the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual
abuse were mentioned, which, if implemented, could eliminate this fistula
from society
بیع استصناع کے فقہی اصول اور عصری مسائل میں اس کی تطبیق ( شریعت اسلامیہ کی روشنی میں تجزیاتی مطالعہ )
This study deals with very important and distinguished
contract termed as Bai ul Istisna (Manufacturing Contract). Bai
ul Istisna has a great interaction with the contemporary finance,
modern trade, and projects. In the modern era, the B.O.T
contract (build, operate and transfer) is jurisprudentially adopted
as Bai ul Istisna. So, there is a dire need for a comprehensive
analytical study of this matter in Shariah perspective in the light
of Shariah injunctions and contemporary jurists.
The method of this research is based on analytical study and
library research. In this work, reliance has been made primarily
on the original sources of Shariah and secondarily, on the
contemporary jurists in subject matter.
The research discusses the Shariah injunctions regarding the
Istisna sale, this work analyses the exact work also examines the
possible and modern aspects of Istisna.The research critically
analysis the projects of house financing and construction
financing. This work concludes that Bai ul Istisna is permissible
and valid contract in the light of Shariah. After complete
deliberation of Bai ul Istisna in the perspective of modern
application it is concluded that the classical concept of Bai ul
Istisna is applicable in BOT contracts and modern financing
schemes, projects and the risk management might be adopted in
Bai ul Istisna by takaful model which is Waqaf (trust) based.
The research also strongly recommends special legislation by
Parliament regarding Bai ul Istisna and training for judges to
resolve the dispute in these matters.
آن لائن مالی معاملات شریعت اسلامیہ کی روشنی میں ( تجزیاتی مطالعہ)
Financial transactions are an important necessity of human kind. They have been
mentioned in Holy Quran by Allah Almighty in different ways. For awareness about
those transactions, this topic has been discussed under the light of Quran, Hadith and
opinions of previous and present scholars. In online transactions, there are some
elements like Ittehad-e-majlis (session of contract), options and risks which are
considered essential for correct transactions.
In present era, online transactions are often more practiced and it is considered
a safer way too. Therefore, it is needed to explain the juristic teachings about them.
Objectives of the research are gaining awareness about different kinds of
online transactions, pointing out different problems pertaining to session of contract,
risks and options and examining different online transaction in light of Quran, Sunnah
and Islamic jurisprudence.
In the first chapter, teachings extracted from Quran and Hadith about financial
transactions have been mentioned. Furthermore, online financial transactions have
been discussed i-e history of e-commerce, procedure, merits and demerits.
In the second chapter, session of contract is discussed which includes Islamic
concept and definition of session of contract. In addition to, different financial
transactions have been discussed in the light of Islamic jurisprudence.
In the third chapter, options in financial transactions have been discussed i-e
their definition, concept and kinds. Furthermore, opinions of different Islamic jurists,
options in online financial transactions are described specifically options of session
and limited time offer.
In the fourth chapter, risk has been discussed which includes definitions,
concept, kinds and conditions of risks as well as it is discussed that who will be
responsible in case of any damage.
The method of this research is based on analytical study and library research.
In this work, original sources of Sharia have been relied on primarily.
The research concludes that any kind of resources, whether new or old, as far
as they are not against the text of Quran and Sunnah, can be used for trade. In addition
to, one session of contract means oneness of time not the place. When there is no
doubt between the both parties, transaction made by audio/video call or voice note
will be permissible. Time limit should be adhered in limited time offer. Consent of
both parties should not be against Islamic jurisprudence. There is a possibility of
promotion of prohibited things in result of online trading.
The research recommends that public should be given awareness about the
juristic aspects of online trading. A law should be made to avoid any kind of deceive
in online trading. Books about online trading should be included in syllabus of
schools, colleges and madrassahs.
دعوت و تبلیغ کے جدید وسائل اور ان کا استعمال (تجزیاتی مطالعہ)
This thesis has been written as the modern resources of Dawah and their
use.
It was inevitable to write on this topic due to transition in the age,
revolution in communication and discrepancy strategy. Dawah is the
common mission and purpose of all prophets. Keeping in view the said
priorities, this thesis was arranged. This thesis encircles the need and
importance of Dawah, its conditions and elements.
The scope of modern means of preaching and their role have also been
highlighted.
Modern means have facilitated the field of preaching. The information and
messages can be sent to any corner of the world easily.
Everything has its merits and demerits. One negative aspect of these
modern means is that good and bad things are intermixed.
So, the need is that the preachers should be familiar with the modern means
of preaching especially the use of social media & internet so that these
means should be availed.
The method of this research is that every topic is defined in the light of
Quran and Sunnah with its Islamic status. Discussing on its merits and
demerits. profitable method of usage is devised. References are given at
different places and analytical approach is used. Regarding Dawah Masjid,
Madrasa and other religious institutes are mentioned.
Ancient and traditional means of preaching are Masajids,teaching spots,
Questions & answers sessions, Universities & Madaris.
Struggle has been made to satisfy the reader, but nobody can encircle all
aspects of a topic like this. So, it is direly needed that the government
should officially tell the public about the scope of Dawah on Social Media
through Modern means and prove it practically. Parents should tell the true
stories of the prophets so that they may create a fondness for Islam. To
propagate the preaching of the prophets, books regarding Dawah should be
included in the curriculum.
Challenges of Contemporary thought to Muslim women and remedies from Fiqh Al-Sīrah: (A case study of Pakistan)
Challenges of Contemporary Thought to Muslim Women and Remedies from
Fiqh Al-Sīrah: A case study of Pakistan
The debate over women's rights instigated the contemporary feminist discourses
in the West, and globalisation enabled this contemporary thought to permeate into
Pakistani society, impacting Muslim women. Thus, Muslim scholars are obliged to
respond to this situation in light of core Islamic values and principles. The research
aims to identify the challenges posed to Pakistani Muslim women because of
contemporary thought and propose guidelines based on Fiqh al Sīrah. The thesis
investigates the genesis and the outreach of contemporary thought that shapes the
notion of women's emancipation within the social milieu afforded to Muslim women in
Pakistan. The research, using the triangulation method, analyses emerging challenges
for Pakistani Muslim women because of contemporary thought and offers a response
from Fiqh al Sīrah. The analysis of available literature uncovered evidence of
contemporary thought's influence on Muslim women, manifested in a number of ways
and by a variety of means. Later, these perceptions were tested by a closed-ended
survey, with the data analysed using SPSS. The findings suggested that contemporary
thought has a noticeable influence on Pakistani females, implying a long-term threat to
society in psychological, socioeconomic, socio-religious, and cultural contexts. The
interviews with selected experts, through a semi-structured questionnaire, validated the
findings of the survey and demonstrated support for indigenous solutions. Finally,
contextual examination of Sīrah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلمin relation to women and the
examples of Ummahāt ul Mominīn ( رضیااللہاعنھنProphet's صلى الله عليه وسلمwives) led to establishing
guidelines to encounter contemporary challenges. The research provides guidance in
all spheres of life considering the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وسلمSīrah, therefore bridging gaps in women's
comprehension of Islam and eliminating its margins. This research would benefit
Muslims and non-Muslims alike, particularly the social scientists.
Keywords: Muslim women, thought, Islamic thought, Fiqh al Sīrah, contemporary
thought, feminism.
Muslim-Sikh Relations: A Review in Historical and
Contemporary Perspective
This Thesis Discusses Muslim-Sikh Relations with reference to Kartarpur
Cooridor in contemporary ages. Islam promotes intefaitrh harmony, peace and peaceful
coexistence with other religions and all over the globe. Non-believers have always been
treated with respect in Islam, and if any non-Muslim wishes to remain in an Islamic state,
it is binding on Muslims to protect them.
The blending of Islam and Hinduism in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries
created a number of new religious sects. One of them is Sikhism, which was founded by
Baba Guru Nanak. Historically, when Raja Ranjeet Singh ruled over the whole Punjab,
Muslim-Sikh relations were at their lowest. There was the armed struggle against each
other. The Sikhs fought alongside the Hindus & Muslims against the British in the War
of Independence. After the partition of United India, the vast majority of them fled from
west Punjab to Indian Punjab and other regions. However, Pakistan’s Punjab is home to
the most important sacred sites. Sikhs have a similar relationship with Muslims as they
have with Hindus because of their monotheistic as well as polytheistic beliefs. Partition
has severed the Muslim-Sikh relations because a lot of innocent blood was spilt on both
sides. Along with this, Pakistan has always protected Sikh holy places and welcomed
them ardently.
In the contemporary world, Muslim-Sikh relations have taken a renewed pleasant
turn when Pakistan announced the opening of the Kartarpur corridor with east Punjab.
Kartarpur is the most sacred place for Sikh pilgrims from all over the world. In this
Research, an attempt has been made to examine the Muslim-Sikh relations in the
historical context of the Indian subcontinent and to describe the religious, cultural and
social relations of the Muslim-Sikh community since the establishment of Pakistan. Also,
the impact of the Kartarpur Corridor on Pakistani Society has been evaluated. For this
research, I have used Analytical and historical research methodology. Pakistan Sikh
Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) (Sikh temples Managing Committee) was
constituted by the Government of Pakistan to protect the holy places of Sikhs. There is a
need to promote religious tourism in Pakistan, in particular, more steps should be taken to
promote trade and commerce between East and West Punjab. It will cultivate a cordial
relationship with neighboring regions and promote peace and harmony.
Keywords: Muslim-Sikh Relations, Historical, Contemporary, Analysis, Pakistan,
Kartarpur Corridor, Interfaith harmony.
مَردوں کی جسمانی زیب وزینت کے اسلامی آداب اور معاصر رجحانات کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ
Islam is a complete code of conduct and one of its major features is
that it commands moderation in all matters. On the contrary, it is
undesirable in the eyes of Shari'ah to go beyond the limits of moderation.
Cleanliness and beautification are integral part of human nature.
Beautification is an important aspect of life. Islam has also given such
comprehensive instructions regarding this aspect. Every Man wants to
look good in every aspect and he has tried for this in every era but most
people either exceed or fall behind the set limits of Islam. Islam is the
religion of nature, so in the matter of beautification, Islam has guided the
people in the right way, keeping in mind the natural taste and beauty of
man. Islam has also pointed out significant boundaries according to the
role of Muslims in real beauty life. Islam has made and beautified the
concept of beauty by removing the predominant contamination so that
beauty can be expressed in the realm of virtue free from stupidity and
shamelessness without being injured by masculine distinctions and
perfections. Also, that the one who adopts beauty should not be exposed
to the misconceptions or suspicions that are forbidden by Allah Almighty
or that spoil the creation. It is obvious that the one who crosses the set
boundaries among man and woman regarding beautification is
undesirable in Islam.
Different aspects in terms of personal beautification and makeup
The first aspect of beauty in which man tries to get rid of stench,
filth and dirt because these impurities are against the human nature. Man
can not only attain cleanliness by removing filth from himself and
attaining cleanliness, but people also seem to forget the natural form
bestowed by Allah Almighty. Achieving this aspect of beauty is a must.
There are many rules in Islam which are based on inside-out cleanliness
such as cutting nails, removing unnecessary hair, bathing and ablution
rules etc. The second aspect of beautification in which man regularly
adapts. Such as the beauty of clothing, hair styling, make-up on the face
and other exposed parts, etc. The third aspect of beautification is that in
which a person becomes engrossed in makeover of himself. And to try to
make oneself attractive all the time apart from every work or to try to
become beautiful by changing the nature made features of man etc.
pulchritude.vii
Attempts have been made to solve these questions regarding the physical
beautification of men. What is the importance of beautification of men?
What are the Islamic etiquettes of men's physical beautification? What
are the contemporary trends in men's physical beautification?
Beautification is how you make it whereas physical attractiveness is how
you were created. The Qur'an and Sunnah recommends and encourages
the adoption of ways to look attractive & beautiful. In adopting physical
beautification, it is necessary to adopt the path of moderation and to avoid
arrogance, extravagance, change in the attributes of creation, and artificial
deception. It has a profound effect on heart and body. The purpose of
avoiding the use of gold, silver and silk is to evade arrogance and
extravagance. It is advisable to avoid any beautification which is a waste
of time and money.
Quranic concept of personality Development: A critical study with reference to five factor model of Personality
Quranic concept of Personality Development: A critical study
with reference to Five Factor Model of Personality
“Trait Theory of Personality” is used to study and evaluate human personality.
Theorists who study traits are mainly interested in assessing traits that are habitual
behavioral tendencies, thoughts, and emotions. Presently, the most firm and wellvalidated
framework of traits of human personality is The “Big Five” framework.
The framework comprises of five global dimensions: Openness to Experience,
Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism. Five factor
model of personality explores relationships between personality and many other
behaviour indicators. From an Islamic perspective, the concept of personality is
derived from human nature which is expressed as Nafs in Quran. Muslim scholars
have discussed stages of Nafs in Quran as Nafs-e-Ammârah, Nafs lawwâmah, and
Nafs Mutma’innah, the final stage of soul. Revolving around these stages of soul,
Quran mentions the traits of balanced personality which do not limit personality of
a man to only Big 5 dimensions but describes man’s personality in close relation
with Creator of universe. The research investigates how Quran demonstrates
personality development and its growth in various traits? How “Big Five” model
elaborates human personality into traits? How Quranic concept about personality
development rationalizes Big 5 personality traits? How Quran depicts balanced
personality of man? Thus, analyzing all these research questions in Quranic
perspective, balanced personality traits in Quran are formulated. Descriptive and
analytical research techniques are applied in this regard. It is concluded that Five
Factor Model of Personality does not address to key dimension of personality that
function above the level of traits. It is also founded that five dimension of
personality lack relationship of man with his Sole Creator. Religion exists nowhere
in description of traits of human personality whereas, Quran illustrates a strong
connection between the human soul and knowledge of Allah. When man believes
in Allah, submits himself completely to Him, only then he adheres balanced
personality traits. It is necessary to include religion as a crucial factor in the Five
Factor Model of Personality since devotion to a Deity is innate in human.
Keywords: Five Factor Model of Personality, Balanced personality trait, Nafs,
Religion, Quranic concept of personality
غزوات وسرایا میں مباحثِ فقہیہ؛اصح السیر کا اختصاصی مطالعہ
The second major source of Jurisprudence is Sira-e-Taiba. The inference of jurisprudential
rules from Sira is known as Fiqh-us-Sira. Among the old historians, only Ghazwat and Sarai
were included in the Sira. While the later ones have included in the Sira the acts of worship,
morals and other aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
There is a large collection of books written on the subject of Fiqh- us-Sira. However, in this
research, a special study has been made of the jurisprudential discourses of Assahul-Siyyar by
Maulana Abdul Rauf Dana Puri.He was born in Danapur in 1856, had a deep interest in
knowledge. Since his father was a high-ranking religious scholar, he got a religious and
scholarly environment from the very beginning. He devoted his entire life for educational
services. Though, he wrote different books but the status of “Assahul-Siyyar “written on Sirae-
Taiba is higher than all his other writings. He passed away in 1948.
Therefore, in this thesis, the rules and issues of jurisprudence, war Injunctions and principles
are discussed. So that with the study of Sira-e-Taiba, one can get acquainted with the rules and
issues of jurisprudence and the rules and regulations of war, which is the main purpose of
writing of this thesis.
This thesis consists of three chapters, findings, recommendations. Chapter No. 1 describes the
background, author, style and method of the book and its characteristics in the light of the
jurisprudential rulings of Ghazwat and Saraya. Chapter 2 deals with the general issues and
rulings inferred from Ghazwat and Saraya. Chapter 3 describes the principles and rules of war
derived from Ghazwat and Saraya and their use in modern times.
بابا فریدؒ اورمولانا رومؒ کی تعلیماتِ امن و رواداری اور اس کی عصری معنویت(تجزیاتی مطالعہ)
Islam is derived from Arabic word “ ”سلامةwhich means “Peace”, so Islam is a
religion of peace, harmony, tranquility, and patience. There is no space of
oppression and violence in Islam. Many esteemed Muslim mystics always
promoted peacefulness of Islam in the society by their modest characters,
sincere efforts, humble services and attractive behavior. It was result of their
countless efforts that establish peace in the society as well as in the entire world.
Consequently, there is a great need in the current era to follow the characters of
these esteemed mystics. In this research, the researcher will discuss an
analytical study of Bābā Farīd and Mawlānā Rūmī teachings on peace and
tolerance as well as its contemporary significance.
This study is divided into three chapters and every chapter has three
sections. Chapter No.1 is about the introduction of Bābā Farīd and Mawlānā
Rūmī and social milieu in that era, Chapter No. 2 discuss the meaning of peace
and tolerance in Islam with its limitations and restrictions and analysis the
impacts of Bābā Farīd and Mawlānā Rūmī teachings on peace and tolerance and
last Chapter spread lights on Contemporary implications about teachings of
Bābā Farīd and Mawlānā Rūmī.
The conclusion of thesis can be summarized as follows; in modern era,
materialism is spread everywhere, and the society has suffered from different
issues such as sectarianism, violence and hypocrisy. So, the teachings of
harmony, peace and patience need to be spread around the world to make this
world a better place. In this context, we should also examine our role, how far
we have strayed from the true teachings of Islam. It is necessity of time, that we
also feed the hungry by adopting the life of the ṣūfiyyah. Become a feeder for
hungry people to create a society based on love.
Keywords: Contemporary Effectiveness, Maulana Rum, Baba Farid, Teachings
of peace, Tolerance, Mystics, spread of Islam.
برصغیر میں مطالعہ یہودیت کی مسلم روایت: بیسوی صدی کے منتخب علماء کی آراء کا تجزیہ
Judaism is one of the divine religions. In the Qur’an, the beliefs and ideologies of the
Jews, their distortions and their infallibility of the Prophets are explained in detail. He, together
with the polytheists of Makkah, dared to do great harm to Islam.
From the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphate until the twentieth century, they allied
themselves with the Crusaders and sometimes involved the Muslims in the Crusades and
sometime tried to defeat the Muslim ideologically with ideologies such as socialism and
communism. After the French Revolution, Jewish recapture of Jerusalem increased.
With the rise of the Zionist movement in the twentieth century, the two great wars, the
end of the Islamic caliphate and the establishment of Israel, the Muslim world faced various
challenges and colonial domination. The scholars used all their resources to awaken the
sleeping Ummah through their efforts. The western world, especially the Jewish religion and
mentality, began a serious of researches and writing to understand them so that the ummah
could understand them. The scholars of the subcontinent are second to none in this regard.
This thesis looks at the study of Judaism by the selected scholars of the subcontinent
Molana Syed Abu A’ala Mududi, Dr.Israr Ahmad, Yousaf Zafar and Razziuddin Syed. The
issue of Pakistan’s relations with Israel is religious and diplomatic. The result it that the Jews
are a corrupt nation and their goal is to establish a world Jewish government. The issue of
relations with Pakistan is neither religious nor diplomatic.
Keywords: Muslim Tradition, Study of Judaism, Subcontinent,Muslim Scholarship,
Views,Zionist Movement, Establishment of Israel
معاہدات نبوی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے سماجی اثرات اور عصری معنویت ( تجزیاتی مطالعہ)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) established bilateral relations with
different Arab tribes as the first step right after laying the foundation of
an Islamic state. Some treaties were made with several tribes. As a result
of these agreements, Islam flourished and spread in a better way. On the
other hand, state administration and mutual connectivity of tribes also
emerged. Islam commands gratifying agreements, along it dislikes
breaches of agreements.
In all agreements, it is very prominent that the Holy Prophet took
good care of human rights agreements. The agreements also gave
fundamental and religious rights to the citizens of each region. However,
freedom of belief is maintained in all treaties. No citizen was forced to
leave his religion and convert to Islam. Freedom of worship was granted,
and it proved that the places of worship of non-Muslims living under the
shadow of Islam are completely protected.
For the importance of the topic, I classified the topic into three
chapters.
Chapter 1: The Historical Background of the Prophetic covenants.
Chapter 2: The social impact of the prophetic Agreements.
Chapter 3: The contemporary spirituality of the Prophetic Covenants.
In the present age, we can say that it is imperative that whenever a treaty
is made nationally or internationally adherence to that treaty is a real
success. In the end, the modern principles used from the Prophet's
agreements have been mentioned, as Pakistan is an Islamic country, so
these principles are important in the social system of Pakistan.
Keywords: tribes, agreements, social impact, human right
علامہ اقبال کے اردو کلام میں تذکار اصحابِ رسول رضوان اللہ علیہم اجمعین: تجزیاتی مطالعہ
An Analyticel Study about the Memoir of the Companions of The Holy
Prophet (PBUH) in Urdu Poetry of Allama Iqbal
The poetry of Allama Sir. Muhammad Iqbal is of great importance to Muslims
all around the world for its representation and interpretation of Islamic literature.
Iqbal has done a tremendous job in emphasizing and highlighting the importance
of the Quran, the Hadith of the prophet (s.a.w), the character and life of the
prophet (s.a.w), the prestige of the Caliphs, the Ahl al-Bayt (family members
and people from the house of the prophet), and the preaching of Islamic values
After the divine prophets, the most eminent personalities in the world were the
companions of the prophet (s.a.w) (may Allaah be pleased with them) whom
Allaah chose for the love of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w). Through the efforts
of the Sahaba, Islam was able to spread across the world far and wide. In his
poems, Iqbal highlighted various aspects of the life of the Companions in order
to invite the Muslims of his time to make the Companions of the prophet (s.a.w)
the standard of their own thoughts and actions. That is why when the poetry of
Iqbal is thoroughly studied, it becomes clear that in Allama's poetry, apart from
Tawheed, Prophethood, Companions of the Prophet, saints, and Sufis, other
subjects are also a part of his poetry but the aim of every subject is to access and
get closer to Islam.
My thesis consists of four chapters with each chapter having two subchapters.
The first chapter is based on the love of Iqbal for the companions of the prophet
(s.a.w). In the second chapter, I have discussed Iqbal's words that relate to the
rightly guided Caliphs. The third chapter covers the mention of Ahl-e-Bayt (may
Allah be pleased with him) in Iqbal's Urdu Kalam. In the fourth and last chapter,
there is a discussion about the companions of the Prophet (Sahaba) according to
the style of Iqbal and its authenticity of that time period. Iqbal has discussed in
this Urdu poetry regarding companions of the prophet (s.a.w) (may Allah be
pleased with them) so that today's Muslims and the younger generation are
enlightened with the beacon of their way of life.