The soil of Multan is fertile with spirituality. This city is recognized in the world, because of saints and their mausoleums; which serve as hub for keeping the cultural traditions alive. One such practice, still embraced with full piquancy by the natives, is of arranging 'qawwalis'. (For the information of those, who are not aware of this term: it is a devotional sufi song with music, performed by multiple singers at a time).
Doctor Munir Hussain is a handsome young man, whose charismatic healing powers are believed to be more than ordinary medical practitioners. Many of his patients associate stories of the miraculous treatment he provided, which revived their lives back. The reason commonly believed is that, he is a 'Syed' by origin (an ancient lineage, directly associated by the lady Fatima, the beloved daughter of the last prophet of Islam, Hazrat Mohammed, peace be upon him). Also, the descendant of 'Pir Sheedi Lal': a famous saint of Multan; Munir Hussain Shah, now holds his seat as the 'sajjaada nasheen'. So, Munir is a 'pir' as well.
A 'pir' with saintly powers, qualified as a medical doctor; a combination of divinity and medicine is what distinguishes Dr. Munir Hussain Shah, among doctors and 'pirs' of this land.
Being an amiable personality, Munir is quite a charmer on the social scene as well. And never allows an opportunity to pass, when it comes to socialization. He has set a tradition of holding 'iftaar parties' every year in the holy month of 'Ramadan'. This year, his 'iftaar party' was in honour of the newly married couple of Mamoona Bossan (daughter of Mr. Shoaib & Rabia Bossan) & Mr. Qasim Khwaja (son of Mr. Khwaja Ilyas & Mrs. Farrah Ilyas).
And Munir thought of the perfect entertainment for the occasion, 'a qawwali show'.
Beautiful lawn, lit with fairy lights, the venue was his own residence, 'Al-Makhdoom'. A soulful evening with, 'iftaar', 'namaz-e-maghrib' and a scrumptious, sumptuous dinner. Along with excellent performance by the qawals.
And among all this, the host of the evening totally forgot that the day he had arranged his magnificent party: Sunday 5th August; was also his birthday. But his friends and family had not forgotten it & did shower him, with prayers, blessings, good wishes and gifts, to remind him; how much they love & admire him.
Happy birthday to Dr. Munir Hussain Shah & Congratulations!! This is the 1st event, arranged by a gentleman to embrace this blog. Now, the critics, who believe that this blog is female dominant can take a break for a while.
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Dr. Munir Hussain Shah. |
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The qawwali. |
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Mrs. Farrah Ilyas & Rabia Bossan. |
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Lady of the evening, Mamoona . |
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Namaz-e-Maghrib. |
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Mrs. Fouzia Anjum. |
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Brigadier Anjum Irshaad with Qaisar Khan Pitafi. |
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Dr. Munir Hussain Shah with Mr. Shoaib Bossan & Brigadier Anjum, next to him. |
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Pir Syed Nazir Hussain Shah with Qaisar Khan Pitafi. |
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Dr. Ismail Bashir among the audience. |
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The devout listeners of qawwalis, Mr. Khwaja Qasim & Mr. Khwaja Ilyas |
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Filza Akbar. |
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Saima Faisal. |
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Fariha Ismail Bashir. |
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Rabia Shoaib Bossan |
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Bassit Bossan with his cousins. |
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The beautifully lit garden. |
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A sparkling corner. |
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The tables being laid, stage being set. |
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Freeha Ismail, Filza & Saima. |
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Dr. Ismail Bashir. |
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The mesmerised audience. |
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The ladies' side. |
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The audience. |
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Mrs. Fouzia Anjum & Mr. Anjum Irshaad. |
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Dinner time. |
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Zahra Bassat. |
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