raveling abroad has become a popular hobby among the Pakistani students, youth and adults. They are curious to study, and learn about history, cultures and foods. Pakistanis are considered one of the most intelligent nations. Studying abroad and traveling through different cultures enhance their intelligence, and boost their confidence and knowledge.
Pakistanis Studying Abroad: It is encouraging to note that thousands of Pakistani students are studying at foreign universities where they are not only exceling in studies but also taking part in innovative scientific activities. They are in Europe, America, China, Australia, Russia and Central Asia. There are around 30,000 students studying in China, 11,000 in Australia, 10,000 in the UK, 5,000 in the USA, 2,000 in Kyrgyzstan, 1,000 each in Cuba, Germany and Portugal, 100 in Singapore, 100 each in Turkey, Middle East and Bangladesh.
Studying abroad had been a dominant trend during the British rule. Prominent Pakistani leaders like Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Khan Liaquat Ali Khan, Chaudhry Rehmat Ali, etc., studied in England.
Pakistani World Tourists: Many people dream of travelling around the world. A large number of Pakistanis has shifted to other countries for the sake of earning their livelihoods, while others have made it a hobby to travel various destinations as tourists. Mustansar Hussain Tarar is one of the few authors who not only travelled through various countries and cultures, but also have written the travelogues.
“Safar waseela e zafar” is a famous proverb in Urdu, which means travelling is always a mean to victory. See, how it’s important and what benefits of travelling are, in accordance with the Quran, and Sunnah:
Learning from History: The Quran encourages exploration and reflection on the world as a means of understanding Allah’s creation and wisdom. Exploring the world helps believers appreciate the diversity and beauty of Allah’s creation. It creates gratitude and faith. Allah says: “Travel through the land and observe how He began creation” (Quran 29:20) The Quran often gives reference to past civilizations and their fates, and urges people to travel and learn from historical ruins and stories. “Have they not traveled through the land and observed how was the end of those before them?” (30:9)
Seeking Knowledge: Traveling is seen as a way to gain knowledge and wisdom, which is highly valued in Islam. “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Quran 39:9) This actually helps in strengthening the faith in God. It gives us opportunity to witness the diversity of cultures and natural wonders that deepen our understanding of Allah's power and mercy.
The Prophet’s Sayings: The Prophet (PBUH) is said to have greatly emphasized on seeking knowledge even if one has to travel as far or beyond. “Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China, for seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim.” The Prophet said: “If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge.”
Conclusion: Traveling allows us to experience different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. We get a broader worldview and greater empathy. It also helps in building connections with people from different backgrounds, which can be good for personal and professional growth. Traveling abroad can be a life changer. It gives us information and memories to hold on to and cherish them forever. So, it is important to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) for the sake of knowledge and wisdom.
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