The Holy month of Ramazan is not just about fasting, food, and festivities, but it also helps in making one into a better person. ‘Zindagi Ke Chand Sunehri Usool’ is a book that aims bring a positive change in the readers. It is a collection of excerpts from stories by renowned writer Deputy Nazir Ahmed, in which he addresses issues like saying bad words and fighting, while focusing on respect for elders.

The writer, who also wrote the famous Akbari and Asghari story, usually wrote about social and religious reforms. The famous books he had written are namely Mirat-ul-Uroos, Taubat-un-Nusoo, and Binat-un-Naash, in which he championed the cause of education for girls long before it became a norm. The message from his stories is relevant even today, some consider it as precious as gold.

In the first story taken from the novel Taubat-un-Nusoo, there is a conversation between a father (Nusoo) and his youngest son (Saleem). The dialogue becomes interesting when Saleem comes of age and impresses his father with his knowledge. Nusoo, unable to give time and attention to his children, learns of his mistakes and ends up praising his son for mingling with the right people.

There are three more stories from the novel Mirat-ul-Uroos, one of the most popular Urdu novels. Written some 150 years ago, the novel is about two sisters, Akbari and Asghari, and how education brings difference to their lives. In the book ZKCSU, the third chapter tells us the reason why girls should be educated. Written at the time when Muslims of the subcontinent were passing through a turbulent period, the brief text contains a powerful message — making girls qualified enough to take care of themselves.

The final chapter is a conversation between a housewife and Asghari, who runs a girls’ school. Asghari, the youngest of the two daughters is an ideal woman, who has time for her deen (religion) and dunya (world). The housewife complains about Asghari’s unusual teaching methods and wants her daughter to follow the old routine. Basically, it’s a comparison between the old method and the new thought, where teaching is not done by memorising the text. Asghari’s answer opens the eyes of the reader to the advantages of the new ways of teaching.

Comprising five chapters, the book is spread over just 24 pages. It is more like advice to you, than merely stories joined together and could certainly change a person once he or she is through it. There could be no better time than Ramazan to read and share this book with your friends.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 1st, 2023