From Bukhara to Pokhra

Dubai

It’d be rather wiser this time to set out with zero expectations. Let Time & Space do their interplay without my intellectual foreplay. – posted on 12/10/2014 12:17:32

Meteorologists can measure the speed of cyclone, not pain of its victims. #HudHudCyclone http://t.co/7EeYkNS4Ri – posted on 12/10/2014 12:25:36

Near and dear ones have asked me to bring back a thousand gems of prose and verses from this journey. Let destiny decide for itself. – posted on 12/10/2014 12:29:00

It’s more than just coincidence to receive ‘safety greetings’ SMS from the interior ministry just when I’m about to exit the country. – posted on 12/10/2014 12:35:09

They say Uzkeb’s adventure with Islam dates back to Ummayyid era. – posted on 12/10/2014 13:48:09

It’s an irony how we love to be crowded with our fortified solitude. – posted on 12/10/2014 13:50:15

“Don’t torture your self suffering whole pain of separation in just 1 day. For, there are many more days of pain ahead”- Consoling the beloved – posted on 12/10/2014 13:55:19

Delhi

touchdown Delhi. http://t.co/toZH59IhM1 – posted on 12/10/2014 20:08:50

Delicious #Delhi dhaba. – posted on 12/10/2014 21:10:14

Indians are amongst the most musical and devotional people in the world. Often they mix both from day till night. #indiaisIndia – posted on 13/10/2014 08:20:06

Almost all the countries which jumped on the the Spring lost their nuts and bolts later. #arabspring #Egypt #Libya #Tunisia #Yemen – posted on 13/10/2014 09:10:30

You honour HIM for few decades, HE will raise your dignity infinitely. #hazratnizamuddin – posted on 13/10/2014 10:50:56

Media growth in a community is indirectly proportional to its members’ preoccupation with livelihood. #media – posted on 13/10/2014 19:26:32

Masses need a missionary leader to lead them out of the madness of Past’s horror. http://t.co/P04d4bwMuL – posted on 13/10/2014 21:54:39

Struggling to stay out of touch from the ‘touchscreen dhikr’ habit. – posted on 14/10/2014 09:10:45

All set for to explore – posted on 14/10/2014 08:14:58

Uzbek Airways is filled with South Indian students for medicine studies. – posted on 14/10/2014 09:26:12

What’s the catch : economics or academics ? #gouzbek – posted on 14/10/2014 09:27:27

Imam Bukhari, the intellectual hero known for his unforgiving scrupulousness in recording Prophetic life, was born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan – posted on 14/10/2014 09:43:30

Paradoxically historians still differ Imam Bukhari was ever married or not. Perhaps he never thought it was as imp. as dedication to Hadith – posted on 14/10/2014 09:46:35

The official greeting in #uzbek airways remains ‘Assalamu Alaikum’, though ‘ground’ realities are entirely different, as visitors have noted – posted on 14/10/2014 09:49:00

When Imam Bukhari’s student was asked why he never wrote anything down, he said ‘He goes to Bukhara and writes from memory’ #gouzbek – posted on 14/10/2014 09:53:51

Intellectual champions of the past were known for their ‘midas memory touch’. The present has all learning tools except memory. #gouzbek – posted on 14/10/2014 09:56:07

‘I was with Imam Bukhari @ his home. He woke up from sleep at least 18 times and each time wrote down something he remembered abt hadith’ – posted on 14/10/2014 10:03:12

Imam Bukhari came frm a wealthy family.He spent much wealth in seeking knowledge,& when exhausted, he became v poor to even eat grass once – posted on 14/10/2014 10:13:38

imamBukhari not only authored collection revered next to Quran, but also produced brilliant minds such as Imam Muslim, Tirmidhi & anNasaai – posted on 14/10/2014 15:07:20

Islamic world is infinitely grateful for ‘yellow-haired’ Bukhari for giving them a literary work considered to be most authentic after Quran – posted on 14/10/2014 15:08:26

Tis true that Love could be known only through Separation. But it’s equally true that Separation can be experienced only through Love. #love – posted on 14/10/2014 15:08:41

Ice-crowned mounts seen from Uzbek skies. #gouzbek http://t.co/bb9G8YoIKc – posted on 14/10/2014 15:09:11

Muslim masses should not confuse orators with scholars. Kerala Muslims are apparently in the forefront of this misunderstanding. – posted on 14/10/2014 20:26:56

Tashkent

A cold numb morning. Yet a warm experience with walk holding the slr – posted on 15/10/2014 06:40:47

October 15. Local time 5.30pm. About to board train to Tirmiz. http://t.co/2JVxKqpy6O – posted on 16/10/2014 09:24:01

Train started exactly 6pm. It’s a looooong journey. Each cabin has four people capacity. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:25:08

The two Uzbek men in my cabin speaks purely and only Uzbek. Hence, we didn’t (couldn’t) bore each other. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:37:54

We learn new and unlearn some other old habits. Its actually learning at gunpoint. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:38:21

After a struggling ice breaking session, my co-traveler says his name’s Hasil. When told in indian, he’s excited to talk about @SrBachchan – posted on 16/10/2014 09:38:32

If man can survive in travel with a backpack, it means that is all he needs in life in general as well. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:38:51

At a Madrasa in Tashkent, met with Calligrapher Islam Muhammad who designed calligraphy in a Kerala masjid. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:38:59

The Madrasa authorities first insisted on entrance fee and then waived it after much talk. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:39:31

The co traveller readily corrected me in the Kaaba direction and even gave me a thumbs up for the act. Albeit he didn’t pray himself. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:39:42

Travel is an interesting time to remember and rehearse the praises of Lord. For, Life is a long travel by itself. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:39:49

It’s only 9pm. Battery remains less than half. Surprisingly the Uzbek co-traveler and I have exchanged quiet a few facts with one another. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:40:12

The Sunnah to be practiced while entering and living at home is no less holy than that to be practiced in a masjid. Sallallahualaihiwasallam – posted on 16/10/2014 09:40:20

Tirmiz

Oct 16. Landed in Tirmiz at 930am. A humble town with few trees here and there. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:41:21

Almost all houses here have similar shapes. – posted on 16/10/2014 09:59:33

A short break at Meridian Hotel, Tirmiz – posted on 16/10/2014 11:00:32

Islamic Scholars-saturated Kerala need to export its intelligentsia overseas to lesser-Islamic educated communities such as Uzbek… – posted on 16/10/2014 11:38:53

… This would of be tremendous help not only to these uneducated masses but also to activism-suffocated Kerala society also. – posted on 16/10/2014 11:40:26

Tirmiz starters. http://t.co/yDR4S6ZzV9 – posted on 16/10/2014 12:50:25

Leaving to Imam Tirmidhi tomb. – posted on 16/10/2014 12:52:12

Almost every notable SCHOLAR in Islamic history lived & worked sans any shade of ORGANIZATION umbrella. Kerala Muslims, take note. – posted on 16/10/2014 22:41:17

Thee r 2 scholars with Tirmidhi in their name. Hakim Tirmidhi&other renowned Imam Tirmidhi. (Pic of former’s tomb) http://t.co/IDaoHaeHRu – posted on 16/10/2014 22:43:34

The tombs are clean and well maintained. Architecture is preserved in Madrasa and masjid buildings,despite unfavourable political conditions – posted on 16/10/2014 22:43:43

Sherobod. A modest agricultural countryside. http://t.co/mJ3hezD5vn – posted on 16/10/2014 22:45:28

Finished Imam Tirmidhi’s ziyara. Alhamdulillah. The interior is bathed in white marble. – posted on 16/10/2014 22:45:32

Newly wed couple with relatives seen visiting tombs of both Imams of Tirmidhi. – posted on 16/10/2014 22:45:49

Under the Communist rule, some had to learn teachings of Faith sitting in concealed bunkers under the light of candles. – posted on 16/10/2014 22:46:17

Crossed a border crossing (photography prohibited) which is the access to neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Tajikistan etc. – posted on 16/10/2014 22:46:30

ALLAH is not short of ‘robotic’ worshippers. What HE loves is ‘conscious and self-aware’ Lovers who celebrate His glory & praise. #angels – posted on 16/10/2014 22:47:08

It’s almost 6pm. Night is waiting to embrace these solitary mountains to whisper it’s song of Affinity. – posted on 16/10/2014 22:47:27

The road to Samarkand from Tirmiz is full of mountains, little streams and men with donkeys. http://t.co/zPF5Dnwblb – posted on 16/10/2014 22:47:44

Samarkand

Many saintly Sayyids from #Bukhara came to #Kerala for propagating the Creed. #gouzbek – posted on 16/10/2014 22:48:12

Dinner at Samarkand in the grapevine street. http://t.co/OIsS8Ff9mr – posted on 16/10/2014 22:55:59

Juma at Imam Bukhari masjid. InshaAllah – posted on 17/10/2014 07:37:34

Bukhara

The receptionist at Bukhara hotel says Internet is slow due to politics. 😨 – posted on 17/10/2014 22:25:08

MashaAllah. Just when I thought it ever rains in #Bukhara, the dawn breaks with a benevolent rain. Alhamdulillah – posted on 18/10/2014 05:47:20

There are 300+ madrasah BUILDINGS now in Bukhara. Very few are for learning, most are malls and museums – posted on 18/10/2014 06:01:58

Heading to resting place of Shaykh Bahauddeen, founder of Naqshabandiyya branch of Tasawwuf. – posted on 18/10/2014 08:21:09

October 19. 330am. In Train back to Tashkent from Bukhara. Tears of joy and hope at Shaykh Bahauddeen Naqshabandi. May Allah elevate him – posted on 19/10/2014 06:11:09

Architecture is amazing at Bukhara. But the Present treats its Purpose differently than for what is was built in Past http://t.co/xk6ENLAbML – posted on 19/10/2014 06:12:32

Bukhara is flooded with tourists. But I felt its soul crying of Solitude. It’s pain is the pain of the Ummah. http://t.co/xDVcPSKrEz – posted on 19/10/2014 06:12:55

630am. Reached safely at Tashkent. Alhamdulillah – posted on 19/10/2014 06:14:28

Crowds of birds welcome us with their morning chorus. – posted on 19/10/2014 06:14:33

Getting hold of wifi connection in Uzbekistan is equal to joy of teaching home. – posted on 19/10/2014 06:16:04

When told I’m from India, native Uzbeks exclaim ‘@iamsrk’. – posted on 19/10/2014 08:47:24

Uzbeks recognise Hindustan as the land of their great Baber, who founded the Mughal empire in India. – posted on 19/10/2014 08:48:38

Gold plated tooth is very common in the elders here. #gouzbek – posted on 20/10/2014 03:41:13

Oct 19th. 11.30pm. Touchdown delhi. – posted on 20/10/2014 03:41:51

Leaving Delhi in an hour to Destination N. InshaAllah – posted on 20/10/2014 08:10:29

The meat market in Tashkent. http://t.co/Hv7Bt9HWj1 – posted on 20/10/2014 13:32:14

Roof of museum where blood-stained ancient manuscript of Holy Quran is preserved. (During caliph Usman ra). #gouzbek http://t.co/ei83j4M1A3 – posted on 20/10/2014 13:32:16

Dry fruits market in Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent http://t.co/kb1ma9Y09P – posted on 20/10/2014 13:32:19

NEPAL

Touchdown Kathmandu 130pm. In search of Himalayan grace. – posted on 20/10/2014 13:35:58

The infinite diversity of the Adamic children continue to baffle… – posted on 20/10/2014 13:36:14

Very hardworking lot, Nepalis sweat their soul out to make a living. http://t.co/1EBZGVTUV8 – posted on 20/10/2014 13:36:54

It’s been a longterm dream to visit this nation said to be birthplace of Buddha, a champion of human abstinence in this world of indulgence – posted on 20/10/2014 14:52:24

In the name of MY MERCIFUL HIM. To Him belongs deserts, oceans and mountains. And all that is besides HIM. – posted on 21/10/2014 05:27:05

HE and HIS Mercy exists, else the world would not tolerate so much injustice and inequality – posted on 21/10/2014 05:28:59

Poetry provides the horsepower of Hope for life. Embrace it even if you disagree – posted on 21/10/2014 05:31:32

Every hotel should have a library, even of a single shelf space. At least my Kathmandu residence had one. http://t.co/SenNVCQLQJ – posted on 21/10/2014 05:36:52

A short getaway from the city of Kathmandu http://t.co/4whYOFYmjs – posted on 21/10/2014 06:24:54

Shree Pashupatinath Temple. HQ for the hope-hunting natives of Nepal. Attracts many foreigners. Animals too http://t.co/o8bqhIyCRn – posted on 21/10/2014 06:40:08

Why do masjids, temples, churches and tombs of saints attract birds is a case for a separate study. http://t.co/wvZT5bbgZz – posted on 21/10/2014 06:44:05

The Boudhanath stupa, largest Buddhist monument in Nepal, around which visitors go in clockwise movement. http://t.co/G9gYg0Pjer – posted on 21/10/2014 07:04:59

Circumambulation of holy bldgs is a historic&universal act of worship. In Islam its anti-clockwise walk around Kaaba http://t.co/a8PjwnVfKX – posted on 21/10/2014 07:08:26

Hills. Trees. Trucks. Little streams. The road to #Pokhra is exciting. – posted on 21/10/2014 08:35:15

Roshan, my driver to #Pokhra, so far thought that all Indian Muslims migrated to Pakistan during Partition. – posted on 21/10/2014 09:23:43

Nepalese women are employed in almost all shops and offices. Both men and women work tirelessly – posted on 21/10/2014 09:25:44

What the Hate is wrong with India? Despite glamorising romance in films, a love affair is flaring communal violence? http://t.co/cpS2CyULrs – posted on 21/10/2014 10:03:08

No country is too great nor too small. Else, why would Europeans and Far Easterners flock to a poor underdeveloped country like Nepal? – posted on 21/10/2014 10:09:37

Lunch at hamlet restaurant. Packed with tourists from Europe – posted on 21/10/2014 10:13:19

It’d be crime against humanity to disregard their diversity. – posted on 21/10/2014 10:18:09

Fail to understand what’s stopping #Apple from including the on/off access to net access in the# iOS Control Center http://t.co/zaoFFw90Ut – posted on 21/10/2014 10:23:20

Snowmelt water from mountaintop freely flow down and locals use the cold to refrigerate their goods. What an idea! http://t.co/rnactuMctv – posted on 21/10/2014 11:56:34

Is prayer compulsory during travel also, asked my Hindu driver. Yes, Islam is the ultimate choice for all fans of GOD http://t.co/XEtKESsYqG – posted on 21/10/2014 13:58:57

Pokhra finally. #Pokhra http://t.co/Magj2pjKxm – posted on 21/10/2014 15:05:58

#Pokhra is alive with tourists and travellers. The Fewa lake is dear to locals and foreigners. http://t.co/XRITFpVgFy – posted on 21/10/2014 17:12:55

Many travellers, including those who have been on move since two years, meet their expenses by selling local handicrafts near the Lake – posted on 21/10/2014 17:15:04

From #Bukhara to #Pokhra. Phenomenal Panorama of Human Diversity. Literally. http://t.co/sLFpoU8kqC – posted on 21/10/2014 17:19:16

Perhaps it’s out of mercy for your beloved ones that ALLAH is protecting you. #Alhamdulillah – posted on 22/10/2014 05:28:28

It’s good man didn’t have wings to fly. Else he would have demarcated areas separately for the Rich and Poor. – posted on 22/10/2014 05:56:34

Prayer is the opium of the God-conscious. And service to humanity the wealth. – posted on 22/10/2014 05:59:06

En route to Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, vendors r cleaning deities. Humanity needs is dirt-free Faith in a single GOD. http://t.co/5bVaXPfwwa – posted on 22/10/2014 07:31:57
There’s a temple in between layers of the cave. Photography not allowed around it. A walk up and down this cave will burn several calories – posted on 22/10/2014 07:34:40

Be it Muslim tombs/Hindu temples, you will find the same type of flower and fancies vendors wherever you go in the Indian subcontinent – posted on 22/10/2014 07:57:24

Inside the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. Interplay between Dark rocks and Light Water. http://t.co/sNL1zainFI – posted on 22/10/2014 12:48:00

Mountains and trees on ‘sleep’ mode. And me in flight. – posted on 22/10/2014 16:38:53

Pitch dark all around. Here and there few candle like light from the tribal Homes on mountains. – posted on 22/10/2014 16:40:18

The 6 hour Pokhra – Kathmandu drive is bumpy and jumpy at some places. But ideal time to kindle the minds untouched corners. – posted on 22/10/2014 16:42:53

Life could only be about wife OR wifi. You’ll crash both if you try AND combination. – posted on 22/10/2014 17:49:42

#Bukhara used to be citadel of #Islamic learning. Today those centres are bridal photoshoot destinations at best. http://t.co/hgWF8geKIL – posted on 22/10/2014 18:53:35

1pm. Boarding off Kathmandu. Nepal is all about ceaseless human effort for life. And women here are equal players with men in dis enterprise – posted on 23/10/2014 14:10:00

Germans and Chinese form the largest tourist communities here. Most come to climb icy mounts, Annapoorna mainly. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:11:12

There are hardly any airlines named after a religious legend. #BuddhaAir, parked across the runway now, is a rare exception. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:13:24

Nepal is a melting pot of visitors from across the globe. I just met one from #israel who is currently traveling to India. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:14:21

The Adamic race are, universally speaking, tourists on this planet. Their true abode lies, perhaps, elsewhere. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:24:11

Nepalis give much honour to their womenfolk. There are separate priority queues for Her at all checkup points in airport. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:24:23

Perhaps this kind of status for women is not seen among the modern Arab countries which also attracts considerable number of tourists. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:24:42

The only authentic Quran,which began to b compiled during Abu Bakr’s time&then passed 2 Umar, was preserved @ hands of Hafsa,Umar’s daughter – posted on 23/10/2014 14:25:06

Uthman, the third Caliph, used to seek her permission for referring it during his Caliphate. May Allah be pleased with them all. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:25:26

The first and foremost duty of a woman is the very same as that of man. Servitude to Creator. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:25:39

Moderation is the ultimate Perfection of Islam. It’s beauty and victory too. – posted on 23/10/2014 14:25:49

Stop by Delhi… – posted on 23/10/2014 14:26:12

Diwali fire crackers in Delhi – posted on 23/10/2014 14:54:32

When you feel low, mind and body exhausted, pain engulfs your heart, plugin those earphones and listen to #Quran – posted on 23/10/2014 17:23:35

Everyone prescribed their own formulae. But yet again no successful person has ever followed another’s till date http://t.co/oRNRb1c6xV – posted on 23/10/2014 19:25:37

Just got hold of the book on @satyanadella – The changing face of Microsoft- for flight reading. – posted on 23/10/2014 19:37:54

End of Travel. #Alhamdulillah http://t.co/rI3B0eK0J9 – posted on 23/10/2014 20:03:37