I am carrying the sea and burnt the boat within me
My boat was burning
There on the sands of seashore
Since then with the every tide
Sea attempts to put out the fire and
Wash off my burnt boat
Even for the high tide, it’s not possible to do so
My heart is burning in separation of my beloved
It’s pangs are too intensive
My blanket cannot properly cover my body
To extinguish the fire
The sea is nothing but my vast body
My toes are touching the sea bed
My boat is my heart within – the Sun on the sky
Smokes come out all over in my mind
My hairs turned into ashes grey
By the heat of my burning heart
It seems, my heart can’t meet;
Can’t make reunion with my beloved
Till the sea of my body gets dried out
O, my Lord!
How long I will have to wait
To show you my burning heart
Alas…!
WOMAN, BEYOND THE INDEX OF BODY
Lake like eyes/ Scarlet coral-like lips/ Curly-curvy hairs
Attraction all four directions
These are mazes
Face and physical charms are curtains, indeed
A weapon to keep off you from the desired abode
A true woman lives in somewhere else
Beyond the index of her body
Sitting crouch like a recluse
Just like an abstract thing
Like a dream of snow-white clouds
Sometimes, similar to the moonless dark night
Dormant lightening, full of its potency
Extremely tough meditation is needed
To open her inner layers of heart,
Love is considered to be the genuine pearl of a woman
This can discover by proceeding beyond her body
Otherwise, nothing lies in the whirlpool of body
Man wants to overpower
The screaming body of a woman
But the body is a dune of sands/ a fair of desires
There is only mirage and mirage
Woman uses to be hidden,
Somewhere in her inner self,
Instead of, being found in her apparent body
Which is like an epic center of a live volcano
A man in his entire life
Uses to run after fascinating faces
Like those idiot men
Who on the surface of the water
Often, stare at diving and floating waves
With their curious eyes
Use to play, the whole day, with shells lying on beaches
Perhaps, they do not know
That the true pearls are senselessly lying
In the depth of a sea,
Where the breathes not much support the divers
To achieve such unknown pearls in the deep sea
Needed to wait till the lips of shell get opened
To get the original element of a woman
You will have to raise the curtain of deceitful face
You will have to step down
In to the concealed room of her heart
You will have to knock and knock again
At the tightly closed window of her soul
A woman is not a thing of luxury
Not a commodity of marketing
Not even a body of only bone and flesh
The true name of a woman is ——
Love, love, and only love!
Dr. Perwaiz Shaharyar is a Consultant Editor (Urdu) in National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Ministry of Education, Government of India. He had been Principal Publication Officer in National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language in 2007. He has been, a member of Advisory Board of National Book Trust India.
He is a Multilingual (English, Hindi and Urdu) famous poet, short story writer and critic from India. He is Graduate with English Honours from Ranchi University. He has topped Jawaharlal Nehru University in Masters with Literature. He was awarded Doctor of Philosophy for his Research Work from University of Delhi. He is Post Graduate Diploma holder in Calligraphy, Mass Media and in Book Publishing with Specialization in Editing.
Dr. Perwaiz Shaharyar began writing his poems in English since lockdown in the period of Pandemic COVID-19. He has written more than 100 poems, participated in many worldwide webinars and published in various international anthologies, so far. His as many as 25 poems have been translated by many award-winning litterateurs into Polish, Indonesian, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Bengali, Hindi, Portuguese, Italian, Korean, and Albanian languages. His poems are being published in several anthologies within the country and abroad. He has 20 published books of literature in his credentials, so far. He has won many awards and accolades for his outstanding intellectual and literary contributions. His poem ‘The Burning Boat’ contains mystic (Sufism) and metaphysical elements.
In the display of the chain, the rules of the chain,
The stars are also expanded in the thought,
In the description of magnanimous generosity,
In destiny in the inflamed shrimp,
In setting the example in infinity.
The family exemplifies the “Noble Family”,
In the mutual respect of each member of the family It will be possible.
Noble mentality, noble presentation,
Noble dedication,
Noble expression should create noble looking.
Noble’s touch in Smartness,
To handle yourself at the noble.
To keep yourself wrapped in the noble,
whole life lives in noble
Amb. Dr. Priyanka Neogi from Coochbehar. She is an administrative Controller of the United Nations PAF, librarian, CEO of Lio Messi International Property & land Consultancy, international literacy worker, sports & peace promoter, dancer, singer, reciter, live telecaster, writer, editor, researcher, Literary journalist, host, beauty queen, international Co-ordinator of Vijay Mission of Community Welfare Foundation of India.
With the prevalence of social media and growing societal expectations, it has become increasingly common for individuals to voice their frustrations and opinions online, particularly in technologically advanced societies. While there are valid reasons for expressing dissatisfaction on such platforms, I strongly assert that this trend has both harmful consequences and meaningful benefits. On the one hand, it may increase negativity and affect mental health; on the other, it can raise public awareness and lead to quicker solutions for social problems.
One of the major consequences of this trend is the spread of negativity online, which can significantly impact individuals’ mental well-being. As more people share complaints and disappointments about their lives, it creates a cycle of emotional dissatisfaction that others are exposed to daily. This constant exposure can lead users to feel more anxious, discontent, or even inferior, especially when comparing their own lives to what they see online. Over time, such emotional stress can damage people’s mental health and reduce the overall positivity of online spaces.
Despite these downsides, public complaints on social media also offer a significant benefit: they can serve as a catalyst for change. By bringing issues such as poor infrastructure, low-quality services, or political concerns into the public eye, individuals can draw attention from government bodies, service providers, and the media. For example, in Uzbekistan, citizens often highlight poor road conditions via social platforms. In many cases, these posts go viral and prompt authorities to respond quickly. In this way, social media empowers ordinary people to contribute to community development and hold institutions accountable.
In conclusion, although venting frustrations on social media can negatively affect users’ mental health by spreading pessimism and stress, it also allows people to highlight societal problems and demand immediate action. Thus, while the trend may carry emotional risks, it plays a vital role in raising awareness and pushing for positive change.
My name is Rashidova Jasmina, daughter of Bahodir. I was born on November 23rd, 2008, in Shakhrisabz district, located in the Kashkadarya Region of Uzbekistan. I am currently a 10th-grade student at School No. 74.
Throughout my academic journey, I have proudly taken part in numerous educational grants, national seminars, and academic meetings. I am a winner of several contests and competitions dedicated to education and innovation. Notably, I was a finalist in both the “BBG” and “FO” programs, which further motivated my passion for leadership and community development.
One of my most prestigious achievements includes being awarded the “Katta Liderlar” grant, which recognizes young emerging leaders in Uzbekistan. I also had the honor of participating as a delegate representing Switzerland in a Model United Nations (MUN) conference, where I strengthened my skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and global issues.
In addition to my academic accomplishments, I run my own educational channel, where I teach and mentor students in various subjects. I am also the founder and instructor of a Pixel Art course, where I combine creativity with digital skills to inspire others in the field of design and technology.
Christopher Bernard celebrates the photography of urban chronicler Vivian Maier and the recent rediscovery of her work.
Gopal Lahiri’s poetry looks over varied landscapes – aging city infrastructure, a painted teatime scene, a rainstorm – with a painter’s thoughtful eye.
Wazed Abdullah draws on soft, childlike language to elegantly portray a monsoon rain in Bangladesh. Don Bormon writes in a similar style of the rain’s return in the region after a hot sunny summer. Tamoghna Dey speaks to the strength and flexibility of water as a metaphor.
Eva Petropoulou Lianou finds union with nature on her daily walk, taking inspiration from its diversity and authenticity. David Sapp’s poetry highlights our human connection to the rest of nature through musings on barns, fields, and a dead cat.
Chimezie Ihekuna revels in the beauty of nature and the intricate ways in which its systems work and creatures survive, but warns of its destruction. Graciela Noemi Villaverde also urges care for the natural world and highlights how natural systems can self-heal and regenerate.
Sayani Mukherjee revels in the passage of seasons in nature as Kylian Cubilla Gomez explores the hidden world of snails, centering the small mollusk in his photos. Sara Hunt-Flores reflects on the sun lighting her path, helping her distinguish illusion from reality.
Svetlana Rostova uses nature metaphors to convey the breadth and intensity of her past experiences. Mahbub Alam compares falling in love to the wonder of seeing a firefly. Shamsiya Khudoynazarova Turumnova illuminates the way love can revive a person and rejuvenate their life. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Dalai evokes memory and the ecstasy of falling in love. Mesfakus Salahin pleads with a lover to take him back as a response to his enduring feelings.
Stephen Jarrell Williams reflects on the poignancy and power of stories: those in books and those of family love and passing generations. Kassandra Aguilera’s poetry expresses love that remains despite troubled parental relationships. Bill Tope’s short story addresses a platonic and artistic friendship between a man and a woman and the tragic social disapproval that drives them apart.
Scott C. Holstad probes various sorts of physical and emotional desire. Duane Vorhees speaks to birth and death, love and war, then turns to a personal blues poem about feeling disillusioned by faith.
Gordana Saric offers up a prayer for personal compassion and global peace. Brian Barbeito shares daily musings on meaning and ethics and and speculates on our individual lives’ effects on the universe. Inayatullah encourages us all to look inward and heal our inner wounds and forgive each other in order to change the world on a larger scale.
Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa shares the hope and strength and healing she finds through her faith. K. Sayyid Mubashir Hadhi explicates the spiritual and cultural significance of Eid Al-Adha. Timothee Bordenave’s old-style pieces express his spiritual faith and desire for universal oneness. Bruce Mundhenke expresses how faith and wisdom can outlast our technologies and our inhumanity to each other. R.K. Singh calls us to ethnic and religious tolerance based on the world’s complex history and celebrates physical and spiritual love.
Dr. Jernail Singh speculates on how literature and drama, religious or not, can inspire moral development as well as catharsis, when villainy and evil are stopped. Matthew Kinlin interviews Kenneth M. Cale about the inspirations and creative process behind his book Midnight Double Feature: Director’s Cut, a stand against the growing darkness he sees in the world.
Lidia Popa describes the power of writing to transmute ideas and feelings into a mode of communication from one soul to another. Haroon Rashid outlines the role of silence, observation, and empty space for thoughtful writing in his ars poetica.
Xadjiyeva Nodira studies idioms and whether the phrases can take on different meanings within the same language. Kaljanova Gulmira’s paper outlines the benefits of having a language learner “shadow” a native speaker. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva’s essay explicates the complex task of translation and how, as of now, translation requires a human being with cultural awareness.
Isabel Gomes de Diego’s photography celebrates human and natural creativity in various forms: origami, sewing, typing. Bahora Mansurova turns to the craft of medicine, discussing ways to treat periodontal diseases. Linda S. Gunther reviews Kristina McMorris’ suspense novel of the newsroom, Sold on a Monday.
Nozima Gofurova describes an educational visit to Tashkent’s Mirzo Hotel, where she learned about Central Asian art and history. Joseph Ogbonna highlights the majesty and historical influence of ancient Egyptian civilization. Maja Milojkovic’s ekphrastic work draws inspiration from the strength of ancient Herakles.
Z.I. Mahmud explores feminist speculative literature in India and the works of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossein. Bhagirath Choudhary, in a piece translated by Eva Petropoulou Lianou, advocates for respect for women and for society to celebrate positive traits traditionally associated with the nurturing feminine.
Eva Petropoulou Lianou speaks of her intimate and demanding relationship with her female poetic muse. Isaac Dominion Aju reflects on the artistic inspiration he received from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose work helped him to find his own voice. Donna Dallas’ poetic speakers find writing inspiration from a quiet morning, a busy urban city full of desire, and the throes of drug addiction. Hauwa’u Naseer Mukhtar evokes the peace and creative source of solitude as Chloe Schoenfeld resolutely affirms her claim to her own soul.
Kelly Moyer’s asemic poetry invites us to the experience of appreciating writing and art, even without literal meaning. Ric Carfagna’s poetry touches on perception, how we experience and make sense of our world.
Loki Nounou reflects on life’s unpredictability, as S. Afrose exposes existence’s slippery nature, complex and hard to pin down and define. Utso Bhattacharyya’s short story involves an ordinary man’s visit to a surreal reality existing alongside and within our own.
Alex S. Johnson’s horror tale probes the insidious way oppression works not only through violence, but also through individual and social gaslighting. Mark Young’s poetry crafts off-kilter scenes where people and other creatures adjust to their settings.
J.J. Campbell turns to poignant nostalgia while experiencing slow trauma. John Angelo Camomot’s verse speaks to the grief of losing a loved one and the comfort of memories.
Sean Meggeson’s humorous tales probe our relationships with authority and failures of communication. On the theme of authority, Taylor Dibbert observes wryly that leaders who are least affected by policies are often the first to advocate for them.
Mykyta Ryzhykh’s short story depicts war as an unwelcome trespasser, refusing to communicate its intentions or ask permission to occupy someone’s basement. Ahmed Miqdad laments the suffering of civilians in Gaza while expressing hope for the region. Combat veteran Steven Croft speculates on goals for a possible return to United States military intervention in Afghanistan and hopes they will finally get girls back to school.
Islam prescribes two major festivals each year as obligatory celebrations for the faithful. These are not mere social events, but golden opportunities granted by the Almighty Allah to attain divine blessings through prescribed acts of worship. The human spirit naturally longs for celebration, yet life’s responsibilities and hardships often make it difficult to indulge in joy without reason. In His mercy, Almighty Allah has granted us these special days, allowing moments of joy even amidst life’s trials.
A true believer should be able to draw spiritual nourishment from these occasions, no matter the stage or state of life they are in. One does not need to engage in risky comparisons to understand how Islamic festivals differ from other celebrations. The distinction is clear, and it is precisely this uniqueness that gives Eid its spiritual vitality. The Islamic festivals are deeply rooted in a spiritual context that continues to inspire and ignite the hearts of believers across generations. Rooted in spiritual consciousness, Eid also embraces the human inclination toward beauty and celebration, offering a framework where aesthetics and adornment are refined within the limits of faith.
Eid al-Fitr is a celebration that marks the successful completion of a month-long act of profound worship: fasting during Ramadan. After thirty days of abstaining from food, drink, and other comforts during daylight hours, and engaging in increased acts of charity and devotion, Eid arrives as a moment of divine reward. The fast was not just a physical restriction, but a temporary pause on many permissible things, undertaken solely for the sake of Allah. Eid, then, becomes a moment of release—a transition from restraint to a graceful return to what is allowed, now enriched with gratitude and renewed faith. Interestingly, actions that were prohibited during fasting hours become not only permitted but even rewarded during Eid. For this reason, fasting on the day of Eid is itself forbidden; it is a day meant to enjoy the blessings granted.
Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is likewise deeply connected to a significant form of worship. Unlike fasting, however, not everyone is able to perform this act—it is tied to the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj. Yet even for those who are not on pilgrimage, Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of devotion, sacrifice, and submission to Allah’s command.
Pilgrims from across the world converge in the sacred land to perform one of the most profound rites of Hajj: standing at Arafat. This moment, known as the Day of Arafah, is a pinnacle of spiritual elevation. As the pilgrims gather in humility and devotion, Muslims around the globe join in spirit by fasting on this blessed day—a fast known to carry immense reward.
Those who stand in the plains of Arafat are immersed in a unique atmosphere of deep spirituality. The sheer intensity of the experience makes it difficult for them to transition suddenly into outward celebration. Their hearts remain steeped in remembrance and surrender, gaining spiritual rewards rather than engaging in festive scenes. This is why Islamic teachings do not prescribe celebratory rituals for pilgrims on Eid in the same way as for others.
However, there is one exception—the act of sacrifice. Even this, though, is not just symbolic for pilgrims; they are granted the rare honor of performing it at the very place where the history of sacrifice was first etched in faith. It is an extraordinary opportunity to relive the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) right at its geographical and spiritual origin.
After uniting with the pilgrims through the shared act of fasting on the Day of Arafah, the global Muslim community transitions into the observance of Eid al-Adha. In contrast to Eid al-Fitr, which is preceded by a month of personal spiritual striving through fasting, Eid al-Adha is marked more by symbolism and collective unity. Its essence is not tied to any individual achievement, but rather to a shared remembrance—a historical and spiritual bond with a family whose unwavering submission to Allah shaped the very spirit of sacrifice.
The soul of Eid al-Adha is deeply connected to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), his son Ismail (peace be upon him), and their ultimate act of devotion. Each year, Muslims remember and relive that legacy, not merely by performing rituals, but by awakening the spirit of submission and trust that defined that family’s life. This remembrance breathes life into the celebration, giving it a depth that transcends time and geography.
The spiritual energy of Eid does not isolate—it envelops. It reaches the poor and the wealthy, the sorrowful and the joyful, the sick and the healthy, men and women alike. No personal hardship, grief, or struggle can stand in the way of partaking in the blessings of Eid. For the rituals of Eid are not restricted by worldly circumstances; they are acts of the heart, accessible to all who carry faith.
The takbeerat (glorifications of Allah) and the Eid prayers performed on this day are acts of worship that any believer, regardless of sorrow or circumstance, can fulfill and earn reward through. Yet, it is not uncommon to see people who, faced with grief or hardship, withdraw from celebration altogether. Some even question: “What Eid? What celebration?” and choose to isolate themselves from the occasion.
But a believer must never take such a stance. Observing the prescribed acts of Eid, to the extent one is able, is an expression of obedience, not merely a matter of mood. Eid is not about doing something to mark the day—it is about attaining something through those actions. Those who emerge from the Eid prayer are not just part of a communal gathering; they are recipients of divine mercy and forgiveness.
To deny oneself these blessings solely due to sorrow is to risk missing out on a moment of grace that may never return. In Islam, mourning practices are limited, especially when it comes to public expressions of grief. Only a widow is permitted an extended mourning period. The believer’s path is one of patience and resilience.
One of the most beautiful features of Eid is how it elevates certain allowable practices to the level of spiritual significance without compromising the spiritual essence. Things commonly seen in celebrations—such as good food, fine clothing, and beauty—take on a dignified, purposeful form in Islam. To wear clean, fresh clothes, to prepare and enjoy good meals, to apply pleasant fragrances, and to bring joy to children—these are not indulgences, but acts of reward when done within the framework of gratitude and moderation.
However, one must always remember: nothing that is forbidden becomes permissible in the name of Eid. The joy of Eid must always be aligned with the values of faith.
As previously emphasized, our actions must serve to amplify goodness and make it more meaningful and impactful. When that is achieved, even the simplest acts become vessels of Eid’s spiritual energy. On no other day of the year does a believer’s clothing or meal attain the same spiritual merit as on Eid. The blessings of Eid are unique to Eid.
Today, fine clothing and abundant food have become common in many parts of the world, and their availability may seem ordinary compared to the past. But this should never become a reason to dismiss the significance of Eid. The day retains its sanctity not because of what we wear or eat, but because of the meaning we attach to those acts when they are done in gratitude, humility, and obedience.
On this special day, a believer should wear garments that are both beautiful and appropriate—not simply for fashion, but as an act of devotion. The act of dressing well on Eid is itself a form of worship. The same applies to food. Streets and restaurants may be beautifully decorated, offering exquisite dishes, but that alone does not define Eid. What matters is the intention behind our preparation and consumption.
Eid meals should not be neglected or reduced to routine. They should reflect care, abundance, and gratitude, prepared with the body, mind, and soul in harmony. Eid is not just about what we do, but how we do it and why. When these elements come together, Eid becomes not only a celebration but also a deeply spiritual renewal.
It is deeply saddening to witness a growing trend that celebrates Eid without truly understanding its spiritual essence. In many places, even the core rituals of Eid are being drawn into a culture of commercialization and, at times, questionable practices. The congregational prayer—intended as a solemn act of devotion—is sometimes reduced to mere crowd-gathering events, devoid of the structure and sanctity it deserves. Similarly, the charitable obligations of Zakat and the sacred act of sacrifice (Qurbani) are increasingly treated as logistical burdens to be “risk-managed” through impersonal and careless distributions, stripping these acts of their profound spiritual and communal impact.
Islam does not merely command actions; it provides clear guidance on how those actions are to be performed. The method is as important as the deed itself. Each ritual in Islam is not just a ceremony but a conscious act of worship. Therefore, it must be carried out with precision, sincerity, and alignment with the Prophetic example.
Another key Sunnah related to the Eid al-Adha celebration is Uloohiyyah (Qurbani), which emphasizes the centrality of Allah’s exclusive worship. This, like other religious acts, follows a prescribed method laid out by Islamic jurisprudence. However, out of convenience, certain practices risk deviating from these prescribed methods, which can be spiritually problematic. It is crucial to handle such rituals with care and precision. The act of sacrifice should be carried out exactly as directed. While the convenience of the giver or the receiver may be considered, it should not compromise the sanctity of the ritual. Often, obligatory or voluntary charity is reduced to a mere exchange, missing the deeper spiritual significance. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and mindful in our actions.
The wearing and gifting of clothes during Eid is another well-known practice. The dress should not only be beautiful, but also modest and appropriate as part of the spiritual value of Eid. Organizing and preparing for such occasions should be done in accordance with Islamic principles, avoiding any practices that contradict these values. For instance, promoting immodest fashion in the name of Eid contradicts its true spirit. Eid is an opportunity for both guests and hosts to earn reward by showing hospitality, but that reward can be lost if boundaries are crossed.
There is a growing trend to overindulge in the freedoms that Eid offers, which leads to excessive and inappropriate behavior. This trend should be carefully avoided, especially within our families. The joy of Eid must not become a pretext for indulging in harmful practices.
Eid should be a day for spiritual nourishment, and we should express gratitude to Allah by celebrating in a manner that honors the essence of the day. If we treat it as a mere excuse for indulgence, it loses its value and becomes something trivial. The heart of a believer should remain open to goodness and free from negative emotions during these times. Our celebrations should reflect this purity of spirit, ensuring that we do not allow uncontrolled behaviors to mar the sanctity of the day.
On the night of Eid and in the days leading up to it, the act of Takbeer (the glorification of Allah) strengthens the faith of the believer. Although the Takbeer was once resonantly recited by small groups of children in the mosque, it should now be practiced with greater intention—both within the mosque and at home. This should not be limited to small, isolated recitations but should be a family-wide activity, involving both adults and children together. By doing this, we can transform the entire night into an uplifting experience of praise without any distractions. This practice has immense spiritual benefits.
Every Eid should be a time for us to increase goodness, love, and harmony. Let us focus on saying Takbeer with enthusiasm, wearing new clothes with spiritual intent, ensuring modesty over fashion, and carrying out the ritual acts such as prayer and charity properly. For men, prayers in the mosque, and for women, prayers at home, should be performed with devotion. Cooking and sharing food, using fragrance in accordance with the Sunnah, visiting family and friends, and exchanging Eid greetings—all these actions make up the holistic celebration of Eid, ensuring that it remains a day of spiritual richness for us.
Scott C. Holstad has authored 60+ books & has appeared in the Minnesota Review, Exquisite Corpse, Pacific Review, Santa Clara Review, Chiron Review, Palo Alto Review, Southern Review, Poetry Ireland Review, Libre, PULP, WIREWORM, Hidden Peak Press, Misfit, Blood+Honey, dadakuku, A Sufferer’s Digest, Horror Sleaze Trash, Synchronized Chaos & Bristol Noir. He’s moved 35+ times & now lives near Gettysburg PA.
