Shakil hasan
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The watcher in the room217
It began with a phone call. Detective Clara Reed was just finishing her second cup of bitter station coffee when the phone on her desk rang. She answered, half expecting another petty theft case. Instead, it was the manager of the old Wescott Hotel, a place with more stories than guests these days.
By Shakil hasan8 months ago in Horror
The last letter
It was a quiet Tuesday morning when Emma found the letter. She had been clearing out the attic of her grandmother’s house, dust swirling in the air like ghosts of memories long forgotten. Her grandmother, Eleanor Whitmore, had passed away just a week ago at the age of 87, leaving Emma as the sole heir to the century-old family home tucked away in the village of Alderfield.
By Shakil hasan8 months ago in BookClub
History of islam
History of IslamThe history of Islam spans over 1,400 years, originating in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE and growing into a global religion with over 1.9 billion adherents today. This narrative explores its origins, spread, key developments, and cultural and political impact, structured chronologically and thematically to provide a comprehensive overview.Origins of Islam (610–632 CE)Islam began in Mecca, a bustling trade hub in western Arabia, around 610 CE. Muhammad ibn Abdullah, a merchant born around 570 CE, received his first revelation from God (Allah in Arabic) through the angel Gabriel while meditating in the Cave of Hira. These revelations, which continued over 23 years, were later compiled into the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book. The Qur’an emphasized monotheism, social justice, and submission to God’s will, challenging the polytheistic and tribal norms of Meccan society.Muhammad’s preaching initially attracted a small following, including his wife Khadija, cousin Ali, and friend Abu Bakr. However, his message threatened Mecca’s elite, who profited from pilgrimage to the Kaaba, a polytheistic shrine. Persecution forced Muhammad and his followers to migrate to Medina in 622 CE, an event called the Hijra, marking the start of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad established a community (ummah) governed by Islamic principles, uniting diverse tribes through a constitution that balanced religious and civic duties.From Medina, Muhammad faced conflicts with Mecca, including battles like Badr (624 CE) and Uhud (625 CE). By 630 CE, he peacefully conquered Mecca, cleansing the Kaaba of idols and dedicating it to Allah. By his death in 632 CE, most of Arabia was unified under Islam, with Muhammad as both a spiritual and political leader.The Rashidun Caliphate (632–661 CE)After Muhammad’s death, leadership passed to the caliphs, or successors. The first four, known as the Rashidun (rightly guided) caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—oversaw rapid expansion. Abu Bakr (632–634 CE) quelled tribal rebellions in the Ridda Wars, consolidating Muslim rule in Arabia. Under Umar (634–644 CE), Muslim armies defeated the Byzantine and Sassanid empires, conquering Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and Persia. This expansion was driven by religious zeal, weak opponents, and effective military strategies.Uthman (644–656 CE) standardized the Qur’an’s text, ensuring uniformity, but faced accusations of nepotism, leading to his assassination. Ali (656–661 CE), Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, became caliph amid civil strife. His reign saw the First Fitna, a civil war sparked by disputes over leadership legitimacy. Ali’s assassination in 661 CE marked the end of the Rashidun era and the rise of the Umayyad dynasty.The Umayyad and Abbasid Dynasties (661–1258 CE)The Umayyads (661–750 CE), based in Damascus, expanded the empire to North Africa, Spain, and Central Asia. They established Arabic as the administrative language and built iconic structures like the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. However, their rule faced criticism for favoring Arab elites, leading to revolts. The Abbasids overthrew them in 750 CE, shifting the capital to Baghdad.The Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE) marked Islam’s “Golden Age.” Baghdad became a global center of learning, with the House of Wisdom fostering advances in science, philosophy, medicine, and mathematics. Scholars like Al-Khwārizmī (algebra) and Ibn Sina (medicine) flourished. The Abbasids promoted a cosmopolitan empire, integrating Persian, Greek, and Indian knowledge. However, political fragmentation grew, with regional dynasties like the Fatimids in North Africa and the Seljuks in Persia asserting autonomy.The Mongol invasion in 1258 CE sacked Baghdad, ending Abbasid rule, though a symbolic caliphate persisted in Cairo until 1517. This period also saw the Crusades (1095–1291 CE), a series of European campaigns to reclaim Jerusalem, which had limited long-term impact on Muslim territories but fostered cultural exchanges.The Spread of Islam and Cultural FlourishingIslam spread through conquest, trade, and missionary activity. By the 8th century, it reached Spain (Al-Andalus), where Cordoba became a cultural hub under Muslim rule. In South Asia, Islam arrived via traders and later through conquests by the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE). In Southeast Asia, Islam spread peacefully through trade, establishing roots in Indonesia and Malaysia by the 13th century.Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, played a key role in spreading the faith. Sufi missionaries, emphasizing personal devotion, attracted converts in Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, Islamic scholarship thrived, with madrasas (schools) teaching theology, law, and sciences. The Sharia, a legal framework derived from the Qur’an and Hadith (Prophet’s sayings), guided governance and personal conduct across diverse Muslim societies.The Gunpowder Empires and Beyond (1453–1924 CE)From the 15th century, three major Muslim empires emerged: the Ottoman Empire (1299–1922), the Safavid Empire (1501–1736), and the Mughal Empire (1526–1857). The Ottomans, based in Istanbul after conquering Constantinople in 1453, controlled the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Europe. They reached their peak under Suleiman the Magnificent (1520–1566), blending Byzantine and Islamic traditions.The Safavids in Persia established Twelver Shia Islam as the state religion, distinguishing themselves from the Sunni Ottomans. The Mughals in India, under rulers like Akbar (1556–1605), fostered a syncretic culture, blending Islamic and Hindu elements. These empires excelled in architecture, with landmarks like Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia (converted into a mosque), Isfahan’s Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and India’s Taj Mahal.By the 18th century, these empires faced decline due to internal corruption, European colonialism, and economic stagnation. The Ottoman Empire, dubbed the “sick man of Europe,” lost territories to European powers. The Mughal Empire fell to British rule by 1857, and the Safavids succumbed to Afghan invasions. The abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 by Turkey’s Mustafa Kemal Atatürk marked the end of the caliphal system.Modern Islam (20th Century–Present)The 20th century saw the Muslim world grappling with colonialism, nationalism, and modernization. Post-World War I, European powers carved up the Middle East, creating new nation-states like Iraq and Syria. Independence movements, such as those in Algeria and Indonesia, often drew on Islamic identity to resist colonial rule.The discovery of oil in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, transformed economies and geopolitics. Wahhabism, a puritanical Sunni movement, gained influence in Saudi Arabia, promoting strict interpretations of Islam. Meanwhile, reformist movements like the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt (founded 1928) sought to blend Islamic principles with modern governance.The 1979 Iranian Revolution, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, established a Shia theocracy, challenging both Western influence and Sunni dominance. This period also saw the rise of political Islam, with groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS advocating violent jihad, though condemned by mainstream Muslims.Today, Islam is the second-largest religion globally, with diverse expressions across Sunni, Shia, and smaller sects like Ahmadiyya. Muslim-majority countries range from secular Turkey to theocratic Saudi Arabia. Challenges include sectarian tensions, modernization debates, and Islamophobia in the West. Yet, Islam continues to shape global culture, politics, and spirituality, with vibrant communities contributing to science, art, and interfaith dialogue.ConclusionThe history of Islam reflects a dynamic interplay of faith, conquest, and cultural exchange. From its origins in Mecca to its global presence, Islam has adapted to diverse contexts while maintaining core beliefs in monotheism and submission to God. Its legacy includes profound contributions to knowledge, governance, and art, alongside ongoing debates about its role in the modern world. This rich history underscores Islam’s enduring influence and adaptability.
By Shakil hasan8 months ago in History
Tourists Flee Jammu and Kashmir After Deadly Terror Attack in Pahalgam
Tourists Flee Jammu and Kashmir After Deadly Terror Attack in PahalgamOn April 22, 2025, the serene meadows of Baisaran in Pahalgam, often dubbed "Mini Switzerland" for its breathtaking landscapes, became the site of one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. The attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured 17 others, has shattered the region's burgeoning tourism industry and triggered a mass exodus of visitors. The incident, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has not only sparked fear among tourists but also reignited geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. This tragic event has cast a long shadow over the region's fragile peace and its aspirations to become a global tourism hotspot.The Attack: A Shocking Blow to Kashmir’s Tourism RevivalPahalgam, nestled in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, has long been a favorite destination for honeymooners, families, and adventure seekers. Its rolling meadows, snow-capped peaks, and tranquil rivers draw millions annually, with 2024 seeing a record 3.5 million visitors. The region’s tourism sector had been on an upward trajectory since the Indian government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, a move that Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed brought stability and development. The relative calm in recent years had fueled optimism, with new resorts and infrastructure projects signaling a bright future.However, the attack on April 22 abruptly ended this narrative of progress. Gunmen, emerging from a nearby forest, opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran meadow, targeting men specifically after segregating them from women and children. The victims included 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with some reports indicating two foreign nationals among the deceased. The brutality of the attack, described by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as a "senseless and shocking act of violence," sent shockwaves across India and the world. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with India and mourning the loss of "newlyweds, children, and families simply seeking joy."The Exodus: A Tourism Industry in CrisisThe immediate aftermath of the attack saw Pahalgam transform from a bustling tourist hub into a ghost town. Over 90% of the region’s 20,000 hotel rooms emptied within 24 hours, with cancellations flooding in at an unprecedented rate. Tour operators reported an 80% drop in bookings, and airlines scrambled to organize additional flights to accommodate the fleeing visitors. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the exodus as "heartbreaking," acknowledging the fear driving tourists away while emphasizing efforts to ensure their safe departure. The Ministry of Civil Aviation worked to prevent surge pricing, and the National Highway-44 between Srinagar and Jammu was reconfigured to facilitate outbound traffic.Tourists, many of whom had come to escape the sweltering heat of India’s plains, were seen cramming into buses and taxis, their plans cut short by the tragedy. "I decided to cut short my 10-day trip after the attack," said Sachin Khandelwal, a tourist quoted by The Hindu. At Srinagar airport, scenes of chaos unfolded as visitors waited anxiously for flights, their bags packed with belongings and memories tainted by fear. Hoteliers, like Abdul Salam of Hotel Mount View in Pahalgam, lamented the sudden collapse of business, noting that bookings had been sold out for months prior to the attack. "This tragedy will paralyze business in Kashmir," Salam told AFP.Geopolitical Fallout: India-Pakistan Tensions EscalateThe attack has also intensified diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, both of whom claim Kashmir and administer separate parts of the disputed region. India swiftly downgraded ties with Pakistan, closing the main border crossing and expelling Pakistani diplomats. The Indian government summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’affaires in Delhi, handing over a note declaring military diplomats Persona Non Grata. Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, signaling a robust response to what India views as Pakistan-backed terrorism.Pakistan, while condemning the loss of lives, denied accusations of supporting militant violence, asserting that it only provides moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri insurgency. The Resistance Front’s claim of responsibility, however, has fueled India’s narrative that Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba are orchestrating attacks to destabilize the region. The TRF, formed in 2019 after the revocation of Article 370, has been designated a terrorist organization by India for its role in recruitment, weapons smuggling, and attacks on civilians and security forces.The Human Toll and Global CondemnationThe human cost of the attack is staggering. Families of the victims, many of whom were tourists from states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, received the bodies in Srinagar amidst scenes of profound grief. The attack’s timing, during the peak tourist season, amplified its impact, targeting a region that had begun to symbolize hope and normalcy. Global leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Israel’s Saar, condemned the attack, with the US issuing a travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, urging its citizens to avoid the region.Despite the fear, some tourists displayed resilience. Two women from Maharashtra, quoted by NDTV, refused to leave Kashmir, citing the hospitality of local residents. "We trust the local residents here. They have earned our trust," one said, highlighting the complex relationship between Kashmiris and the tourism industry, which many locals rely on for their livelihoods.The Road Ahead: Challenges for Kashmir’s TourismThe Pahalgam attack has dealt a severe blow to Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry, which had been a cornerstone of the region’s economy. Experts warn that the incident could derail investment momentum and deter visitors for months, if not years. The upcoming Amarnath Yatra, a major Hindu pilgrimage, faces uncertainty, with the All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association predicting adverse impacts. Security forces have launched a manhunt for the attackers, with military helicopters scouring the region’s forested hills, but the psychological scars left by the attack will take far longer to heal.For now, Kashmir’s tourism industry faces an uphill battle to restore confidence. The region’s history of hospitality, as local lawmaker Sajjad Lone noted, is at odds with the actions of "cowardly terrorists" seeking to disrupt its progress. As the world watches, the resilience of Kashmiris and the response of the Indian government will determine whether this Himalayan paradise can reclaim its status as a haven for travelers.
By Shakil hasan8 months ago in Lifehack
