Hilal Highlights
We at Hilal Highlights aim to present and understand the vital issues that pertain to our society.
We at Hilal Highlights aim to present and understand the vital issues that pertain to our society.
Hilal Highlights
Beyond Roads and Routines: A Travelogue from Kashmir to the Heart of India
Prologue: Why Travel Matters?
Life is short—indeed, very short. When days pass in the repetition of the same routine, life feels even shorter. Travel breaks this monotony. It introduces new sights, new people, new thoughts, and new realities. Purposeful travel enlarges life. It expands vision, deepens gratitude, and transforms assumptions into understanding.
The Qur’an itself invites mankind to travel through the land—to observe, reflect, and learn. With this intention, our journey began.
Chapter 1: The Departure — Kashmir to Jammu
We, the seven-member group set out from Kashmir with a simple plan: reach Jammu first, and then let the journey unfold. A foggy morning, a hired Maruti Ertiga, and the quiet excitement of travel marked our departure.
At Patan, we stopped for tea at a famous roadside stall—an unspoken ritual for travelers. As the journey continued, stark contrasts appeared. North Kashmir, heavy with snow, lagged in mobility and economic activity. South Kashmir, with less snowfall, appeared more vibrant and accessible.
Crossing Jawahar Tunnel, the temperature rose suddenly. At Sormoli, where we had lunch, the air felt gentler.
Infrastructure improvements since my last visit in 2018 were clearly visible—four-lane roads, tunnels under construction—yet difficult patches remained between Banihal and Ramban.
Entering Jammu, development appeared more pronounced. Proximity to industries, factories, and supply chains explained the contrast with Kashmir, which depends heavily on imported goods and endures harsh winters like Chillai Kalan. Life in Kashmir is resilient, but expensive.
Chapter 2: Night Roads and Arrival in Amritsar
We rested briefly in Jammu, then departed at 11:00 PM, reaching Amritsar at 4:00 AM. Our friend Ashiq Sb was waiting, having already arranged accommodation. His generosity would remain a defining feature of the journey.
Amritsar felt alive even at dawn—rickshaws moving, workers active, life in motion. We offered prayers during the journey and observed cultural contrasts unfamiliar to us, including wedding processions at odd hours.
Rickshaw pulling struck us deeply—human labor stretched to inhuman limits in a technological age. It felt like modern-day exploitation.
Chapter 3: Amritsar — Faith, Borders, and Humanity
The Golden Temple left a lasting impression. Its marble architecture, gold-plated sanctum, spiritual calm, and above all the Langar, serving all without distinction, reflected deep human equality. Though I hesitated to partake, witnessing people eat together as equals was profoundly moving.
Discussions with administrators revealed restrictions around accessing the Guru Granth Sahib, raising questions about knowledge accessibility. Yet the people themselves were warm, non-judgmental, and open.
At Wagah–Attari Border, the ceremonial parade felt exciting yet hollow—aggression masquerading as patriotism, despite long-standing hostility.
Amritsar, with its historic depth and reflective calm, stood apart.
Chapter 4: Anxiety, Compassion, and Leadership
Our onward journey faced an unexpected challenge. Javed Sb, whose initiative had enabled the trip, experienced severe anxiety. Despite sincere efforts—including traveling up to Jalandhar—he could not continue. His distress was genuine, emotional, and deeply human.
Tariq Sb sacrificed his onward journey to escort him back safely. This act of responsibility and compassion defined the spirit of our group. Leadership required balance—between empathy and practicality. The journey continued.
Chapter 5: On Rails — India in Motion
Traveling by Shatabdi Express, we reflected on Indian Railways—a backbone of the nation, carrying over 700 crore passengers annually and generating record revenues. Compartments offered comfort, yet poor sanitation and foul smells remained unresolved issues.
Trains reveal India’s diversity: people from every region, language, and class sharing space. Yet caution is essential—pickpocketing and fraud remain realities.
Chapter 6: Delhi — History, Chaos, and Contrast
Arriving at New Delhi at 4:30 AM, we struggled to find accommodation near Jama Masjid due to heavy crowds. Paharganj became our base. Encounters with fellow Kashmiris, including Advocate Gawhar, brought familiarity and support.
Prayer at Jama Masjid offered spiritual calm, but neglect of heritage sites like Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Qutub Minar raised concerns about preservation.
Delhi overwhelmed the senses—crowded metros, polluted air, relentless motion. It is India’s economic engine, yet urban management struggles to keep pace.
Chapter 7: Red Fort and Qutub Minar — Power in Stone
The Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan, reflected Mughal grandeur—high walls, vast spaces, imperial confidence. Yet poor management and a substandard museum diminished its potential.
At Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, inscriptions, reused materials, and architectural precision told stories of power, faith, and conflict. Contemporary controversies reminded us that history remains alive—and contested.
Chapter 8: Markets, Money, and Wisdom
Shopping in Karol Bagh, Palika Bazaar, and Gaffar Market was not consumption—it was education. Bargaining is a skill, a responsibility.
My mother’s words echoed: “One who doesn’t know how to spend has murdered his earnings.” Spending wisely, negotiating confidently, and staying within one’s means is dignity—not shame.
Chapter 9: Agra — The Silence of Marble
The Taj Mahal was not merely seen—it was felt. Built after Mumtaz Mahal’s death in 1631, it stands as a memorial of grief, devotion, and imperial vision.
Situated by the Yamuna, surrounded by gardens, inscribed with Qur’anic verses, it radiates balance and restraint. Tourists moved quietly, as if history demanded silence.
More than romance, the Taj symbolizes remembrance and human fragility.
Chapter 10: Homeward — Kashmir Calls
Returning via Pathankot to Jammu, we were welcomed by Tariq Sb and his family with unmatched hospitality.
Crossing Banihal again, Kashmir announced itself—cold air, snow-capped mountains, familiar silence. Home embraced us. Sweets from Sarmoli, family reunions, warm hugs—no monument compares to home.
Epilogue: What the Journey Taught Us
Travel is not everyone’s cup of tea. It demands patience, resilience, discomfort, and openness. Yet it transforms.
Comparing Delhi’s visible poverty with Kashmir’s relative stability deepened our gratitude. Kashmiris may have less, but they live with dignity. Yet comfort must not breed stagnation. Skills, learning, and wise spending remain essential.
To those who question travel’s permissibility: the Qur’an commands reflection through movement. “Travel through the land and observe…”
Travel is not against faith—it complements it.
Final Reflection
To remain inside one’s comfort zone is to live in a cocoon.
To travel is to encounter reality.
Journeys do not merely change places—they refine perception.
And when done with intention, travel becomes worship through reflection.
The End
3 months ago | [YT] | 3
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Hilal Highlights
سری نگر بنڈ پر دریائے جہلم کے کنارے واقع مسجدِ بلال—فنِ تعمیر، قدرتی حسن اور روحانی وقار کا حسین امتزاج۔ اینٹوں کی نفیس پرداخت، اندرونِ مسجد لکڑی اور پیپر ماشی پر اللہ تعالیٰ کے اسمائے حسنیٰ اور آیاتِ قرآنی، مسجد کی چھت پر کی گئی نفیس اور دیدہ زیب ختم بندی کی کاریگری، سنگِ مرمر سے مزین راہداریاں، اور پہلو میں کھڑا صدیوں پرانا چنار اس حسن کو چار چاند لگا دیتا ہے۔
البتہ دریائے جہلم کے ساتھ ساتھ اطرافی صفائی پر توجہ کی اشد ضرورت ہے۔
مسجد کی تعمیر اور انتظام پر منتظمین اور معمارانِ مسجد قابلِ تحسین ہیں۔
5 months ago | [YT] | 4
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Hilal Highlights
آج ایک طویل عرصے بعد یونیورسٹی آف کشمیر جانے کا موقع ملا۔ بہت سے پرانے دوستوں سے ملاقات ہوئی اور کئی نئے چہروں سے بھی شرفِ گفتگو حاصل ہوا۔ چند اساتذہ کے ساتھ بھی تبادلۂ خیال کرنے کا موقع ملا۔ لیکن جوں جوں میں مختلف لوگوں سے ملا، ایک بات بڑی شدت سے سامنے آئی کہ ہمارے زمانے میں یونیورسٹی کے اندر جو گہما گہمی، جو سرگرمی، جو علمی چاشنی اور جو طلبہ کی چہل پہل ہوا کرتی تھی، آج اس کا فقدان صاف محسوس ہوتا ہے۔ طلبہ کی حاضری بھی بہت کم محسوس ہوئی۔ ہمارے وقت، جب ہم یونیورسٹی میں زیر تعلیم تھے میں تو ہر سمت طلبہ کی رونق اور گہماگہمی دکھائی دیتی تھی—مختلف مزاج، مختلف نظریات، مختلف رجحانات اور مختلف علاقوں سے آئے ہوئے طلبہ ماحول کو زندگی بخشتے تھے۔ مگر آج وہ مناظر کچھ کمزور پڑ گئے ہیں۔
یونیورسٹیاں دراصل انسانی وسائل کی نرسری ہوتی ہیں، جہاں انسانوں کی نشوونما، تربیت، شخصیت سازی اور فکری پرورش کی جاتی ہے۔ یہی وہ جگہ ہے جہاں سے مستقبل کے لیڈرز، سوشل ریفارمرز، سائنس دان، انجینئر اور باصلاحیت انسان سماج کو آگے بڑھانے کے لیے تیار ہوکر نکلتے ہیں۔ مگر افسوس کے ساتھ کہنا پڑتا ہے کہ کشمیر کی یونیورسٹیاں اس بنیادی مقصد کو پورا کرنے میں خاطر خواہ کردار ادا کرتی نظر نہیں آتیں۔
اس کمی کی ایک اہم وجہ یہ محسوس ہوتی ہے کہ یہاں طلبہ کے لیے وہ مناسب مواقع (opportunities) دستیاب نہیں، جن کی انہیں ضرورت ہے۔ یونیورسٹیاں نرسری ہونے کے ناطے اس بات کی پابند ہوتی ہیں کہ وہ مختلف پس منظر، صلاحیتوں اور مزاج رکھنے والے طلبہ کو مختلف مواقع فراہم کریں، تاکہ ہر بچہ اپنے فطری ٹیلنٹ کے مطابق آگے بڑھ سکے اور سماج کے اندر ایک مثبت اور مؤثر کردار ادا کرسکے۔
اگر یونیورسٹیاں محض اسناد تقسیم کرنے تک محدود رہ جائیں اور طلبہ کو کوئی عملی ہنر، کوئی اضافی قابلیت یا کوئی حقیقی مہارت نہ سکھائیں تو ایسی یونیورسٹیاں اپنے مقصد میں کامیاب نہیں کہلائی جا سکتیں۔ ایک تعلیمی ادارہ تب ہی مضبوط ہوتا ہے جب وہ ڈگری کے ساتھ ساتھ انسان سازی، ہنر مندی اور فکری وسعت بھی عطا کرے۔
6 months ago | [YT] | 3
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Hilal Highlights
With gratitude to the organisers, today I attended the Farewell-cum-Annual Day celebration of Ali Public School (APS) Wawoora, Lolab.
Upon entering the school premises, the vast open landscape stretching down towards the forested hills immediately struck me as the perfect setting for an educational institution. The serene environment, spacious grounds, and natural surroundings create an ideal atmosphere for children to learn and grow.
The school maintains an admirable balance in nurturing students—providing structured discipline while ensuring a harmonious blend of Islamic learning and scientific education. As a boarding school, APS offers complete academic and moral guidance, and it is heartening to note that many students have completed the memorisation of the Holy Qur’an.
In my address to the students, I stressed the importance of observing the world around us and drawing closer to God through reflection. I reminded them that every individual is unique, and each student must introspect to discover where his or her true inclination lies. Parents, too, should avoid forcing their children into predetermined professions. I encouraged the students to dream—to dream big, and to dream differently.
It was a wonderful experience being at the school. The warmth, dedication, and hospitality of the teachers and organisers were truly overwhelming. My sincere thanks to them all.
6 months ago | [YT] | 3
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Hilal Highlights
Today we visited Bangus — the land of meadows.
It was an abrupt plan, but the trip turned out to be quite adventurous. However, the scenery wasn’t as beautiful as it usually is in winter. We were hoping to see thick layers of snow, but unfortunately there was none. The effects of climate change are very clear.
This is the time of year when Bangus normally receives around 10 feet of snow, and even more during the rest of winter. That snow is what later melts and provides water in bulk for irrigation and horticulture. But this year, the snowfall is far from normal — and the valley didn’t look as stunning as it usually does in this month.
It’s a reminder that we need to take better care of our environment before these natural treasures lose their charm and their vital role in our lives.
6 months ago | [YT] | 2
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Hilal Highlights
Today, I had the honour to attend the Annual Day cum Mother’s Day Program at Peak Valley Educational Institute, Kupwara.
In my brief reflections, I shared that Islam has elevated the status of women and especially mothers, yet every elevation comes with responsibility. Allah has not asked women to go out for jihad on the battlefield, but their jihad lies in their constant patience, upbringing of children, and maintaining harmony in family life — a task that is no less in virtue and reward.
I said that we must strive to raise our children as a source of Jannah, for both parents and the community. However, I also reflected on a sad reality — that many women today fall into the habit of backbiting and unnecessary disputes, which have become a major cause of family conflicts and social unrest, both at home and even among families settled in the Gulf.
I recalled the Hadith in which the Prophet ﷺ said that he saw more women among the dwellers of Hell, not because of their gender, but due to thanklessness and misuse of the tongue — a moral reminder for all of us to reflect, reform, and return to gratitude and good speech.
May Allah guide our mothers, sisters, and daughters to be sources of peace and wisdom — and make our homes reflect the light of faith and gratitude.
#MothersDay #Kupwara #PeakValleyInstitute #IslamicReflections #FamilyValues #Gratitude #HilalAhmadTantry #Parenthood #FaithAndSociety
7 months ago | [YT] | 1
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Hilal Highlights
Congratulations to Dawood for initiating the Knowledge Nexus Library at Tarthpora Tehsil— a thoughtful step towards creating an intellectual and peaceful reading space for students and aspirants of this far-flung area.
The library was inaugurated today in a simple, yet impressive function at Tarthpora. It offers individual reading spaces equipped with cooling and heating arrangements, drawers, and internet facilities. Dawood also plans to provide mentorship and counselling services to registered readers.
On the occasion, I referred to the verse from Surah Al-Isra (17:36), where Allah has ordained us not to follow anything without knowledge, for indeed the hearing, sight, and brain will all be held accountable. I emphasized that Muslims across the world must use their intellect and strive to make both this world and the Hereafter better for themselves through learning and reflection.
Students and aspirants from this and adjoining areas are more than welcome to avail this valuable opportunity and benefit from this noble initiative.
7 months ago | [YT] | 1
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Hilal Highlights
At the Edge of Kashmir: The Untold Story of Jumgund
Hilal Ahmad Tantry
Sometimes the most beautiful journeys begin with sudden plans. Our mate Advocate Ishfaq took the lead, and soon we were on our way to the hidden gem of Jumgund — a remote village just 40 km from Kupwara, yet worlds apart in beauty and spirit.
The drive itself is an adventure — climbing 8–9,000 ft above sea level, crossing the legendary Puta Khan Gali (from the Kashmiri poth-khan, meaning “where the water gets away”). The terrain is rugged, the road broken and dangerous, yet it opens the way to valleys that resemble Keran, Karnah, and Machil. The passes here are as testing as Sadhna, Zamindar, and Zojila.
Jumgund sits right on the Line of Control (LOC) — a cluster of valleys with deep gorges, flowing streams, cool fresh air, and greenery everywhere. Around 2,000 people belong to this land, though many have moved to other parts of Kashmir because life here is tough, with little access to facilities. Yet those who remain live simple, dignified lives close to nature.
The people cultivate maize and cereals, their livelihood tied to rainfall. And their warmth is unmatched — special thanks to Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Khatana, whose hospitality touched our hearts.
#Jumgund #KashmirDiaries #Kupwara #KashmirTravel #HiddenKashmir #LOCValleys #KashmirBeauty #MountainLife #KashmirAdventure #UnseenKashmir #KashmirStories #PutaKhanGali #TravelKashmir #ExploreKashmir #NatureVibes
Legend says a thief named Jum once fled from the Kashmir valley and was caught here. He was tied up (“Gund” in Kashmiri) — and thus the place became Jumgund.
Jumgund is not just a destination — it’s a story, an adventure, and a reminder of Kashmir’s hidden wonders. If you ever seek untouched beauty and heartfelt hospitality, this valley is worth every mile.
8 months ago | [YT] | 2
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Hilal Highlights
At Syed Fareed Memorial School, Kunan Kupwara, spoke at the Seerat Conference on the timeless relevance of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the importance of embracing education and scientific values.
8 months ago | [YT] | 4
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Hilal Highlights
Yesterday, I had the chance to visit the beautiful picnic spots of Kokernag and Verinag along with my colleagues. The very first glimpse instantly took me back to my school days, when in 2008–09 I went on a two-day excursion to the same destinations. Memories of friends, teachers, and even that overnight stay at the Higher Secondary School Verinag came rushing back. Back then, these places seemed even more serene and vibrant than they appear today. Like many other picnic spots of our valley, they too have lost some of their charm and now stand somewhat neglected — a silent reminder of how things have changed.
#Kokernag #Verinag #Nostalgia #SchoolDays #ValleyDiaries #PicnicSpots #TravelBack #Memories
8 months ago | [YT] | 2
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