Free Online Materials
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Online Books
1. Bilcans Student Introduction to Grammar (Syed M. Waqas)
A complete handbook on English grammar, particularly for the students using English as a foreign language. The book also contains a good deal of assistance on English composition. It addresses every major or minor subject of the world of English grammar briefly. Bilcans Student Introduction to Grammar is indeed a valuable addition in the existing collection of books on English grammar.
Bilcans Student Introduction to Grammar MS Word.doc | |
File Size: | 2656 kb |
File Type: | doc |
2. The Grammar Valley (Syed M. Waqas)
Being an advanced study in English grammar, this grammar book serves as a structural and pedagogical grammar. Most of the books available in the market on English grammar are traditional academic grammars, which not only contain a number of self-contradicting grammatical laws, but also leave certain grammatical issues unexplained. Keeping this deficiency in view, The Grammar Valley has been designed as an analysis-book on the structure and teaching-methods of English rather than as a traditional grammar. The book does not contain any sections on "composition". For any assistance on English composition, therefore, visitors should check through Bilcans Student Introduction to Grammar.
The Grammar Valley (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 1118 kb |
File Type: |
4. Article & Essay (Syed M. Waqas)
"Article & Essay" is a compilation of the articles and essays written by the BIRF Director General, Syed Muhammad Waqas, on different occasions. These articles and essays, which address various topics, have been compiled in a single book for the convenience of the readers.
Article & Essay (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 1472 kb |
File Type: |
5. 21 December 2012: Dunia Qiyaamat Ki Dehleez Par? (Sahibzada Muhammad Abdur Rasheed)
It is the first ever book written on "Doomsday 2012" in Urdu, the national bestseller for 2010 (BBC Urdu). "Dunia Qiyaamat Ki Dehleez Par?" reveals shocking truths about the Mayan prophecy of the end of the world on Friday, 21 December, 2012 (Winter Solstice). Read through the book and learn the truth about Doomsday 2012 phenomenon for yourself. This book also includes an Islamic, Judo-Christian, and Indian Religions' viewpoint on the End-Times.
Dunia Qiyaamat Ki Dehleez Par (Urdu).pdf | |
File Size: | 2417 kb |
File Type: |
Kaaynat Qiamat Ki Dehleez Par.pdf | |
File Size: | 3810 kb |
File Type: |
6. Muslims and Christians Talking Together (Prof. Donald S. Tingle)
Muslims and Christians Talking Together is a small, fine piece of religious writing from the pen of Prof. Donald Stanley Tingle, Associate Professor Islamic Studies, Cincinnati Christian University, Ohio (USA). Prof. Tingle has made an exceptional contribution through this booklet in addition to his other research treatises in bringing closer the two largest religions of the world, Islam and Christianity.
Muslims and Christians Talking Together (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 262 kb |
File Type: |
7. An Introduction of Christianity for Muslims (Syed M. Waqas)
An Introduction of Christianity for Muslims allows the readers of Muslim background a good deal of insight into Christian religion. As it is generally misunderstood by the Muslims that Christianity is a polytheistic religion, this book attempts to bridge the gap between Muslims and Christians by unearthing the common origins, beliefs and practices of the two brotherly faiths. The book also briefly sheds light on the mighty structure of Christian theological system with cross references to Islamic theological system.
An Introduction of Christianity for Muslims (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 2992 kb |
File Type: |
8. Mirza Qadiyyani aur Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyyah ka Nafsiyati Jaa'iza (Syed M. Waqas)
This Urdu booklet addresses the burning subject of Qadiyyanism in Islam. The booklet presents our stance on the subject in question. It is a psychological study of the series of claims laid by the founder of the cult known as "Qadiyyanism" (Urdu Qadiyyaniat) among the Muslims. We have adopted a very rational approach by examining the claims against the touchstones of science, history and Islamic teachings.
Mirza Qadiyyani aur Jama'at-e-Ahmadiyyah ka Nafsiyati Jaa'iza (Urdu).pdf | |
File Size: | 1071 kb |
File Type: |
9. Mahdi, Dajjal aur Qurb-e-Qiyamat (Syed M. Waqas)
This research booklet, written in Urdu language, presents BIRF's standpoint on the End-Times Islamic Savior-figure "Al-Mahdi". Mahdi, "the Divinely Guided Being", is popularly known among the Muslims as "Imam Mahdi". This booklet seeks to investigate the historical authenticity of the concept in question in the light of Quran, Hadith, Judo-Christian traditions, and history.
Mahdi, Dajjal aur Qurb-e-Qiyamat (Urdu).pdf | |
File Size: | 1115 kb |
File Type: |
10. Greek Foundations of Western Civilization and the Muslim Dilemma (Syed M. Waqas)
As a research essay, this small treatise traces the roots of the problems faced by the modern world. The essay has a recourse to the famous thesis namely "Clash of Civilizations"; however, the doctrine of clash has been investigated and presented in a different angle. The writer emphasizes that the seeds of dichotomy do not lie in the present structure of the Western and Muslim civilizations, but much deeper the surface into the times and psychology of the ancient.
Greek Foundations of Western Civilization & the Muslim Dilemma (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 372 kb |
File Type: |
11. Psychology of the Shia Cult (Syed M. Waqas)
This short article explains the origin, historical development and modern form of one of the two major factions of Islam called Mazhab-e-Shia, "Shia Cult". The article is a brief polemical study of the cult and the author has attempted to unearth the grounds responsible for the emergence of Shia doctrine with a special reference to its mystcal-cum-apocalyptic nature.
Psychology of the Shia Cult (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 130 kb |
File Type: |
12. Semitic Religious Heritage (Syed M. Waqas)
This comprehensive essay attempts to discover the common religious features of the thee Abrahamic religions. It tends to provide a common platform to the adherents of the three religions to understand one another's viewpoint more appropriately.
Semitic Religious Heritage (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 118 kb |
File Type: |
13. A Critique of Hadith (Syed M. Waqas)
This research paper gets into a critical analysis of the "Hadith" rationale of Islam. It sheds light on every crucial aspect of the Science of Hadith, 'Ilm-al-Hadith, in the light of historical evidence. Moreover, the paper also includes cross-references to other Semitic religious traditions in addition to frequent allusions to the foreign influence on Hadith and the development of Hadith methodology.
A Critique of Hadith (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 785 kb |
File Type: |
14. Historiography and SĪrah Methodology (Syed M. Waqas)
15. Jannah and Jahannam, The Concept of Heaven and Hell in Islam
Jannah and Jahannam (English).pdf | |
File Size: | 4225 kb |
File Type: |
Important Notes
A Critical Study and Question-Answer Notes for the English Syllabus of the Bachelor of Arts (Punjab University, Lahore) are available below here.
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A Critical Study of the Novel "The Old Man and the Sea" (Paper A)
The Old Man and the Sea (Novel).pdf | |
File Size: | 296 kb |
File Type: |
A Concise Question-Answer Study of the Short Stories and One Act Plays (Paper A)
Short Stories & One Act Plays Notes.pdf | |
File Size: | 376 kb |
File Type: |
Tips on the Improvement of Essay Writing Skill (Paper B)
Essay Writing Skill Development.pdf | |
File Size: | 319 kb |
File Type: |
A COLLECTION OF SACRED TEXTS OF WORLD RELIGIONS
CHRISTIANITY
Christianity (from the Ancient Greek word Χριστός, Khristos, "Christ", literally "anointed one") is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings. Adherents of the Christian faith are known as Christians.
Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, God having become human and the savior of humanity. Because of this, Christians commonly refer to Jesus as Christ or Messiah. The three largest groups in the world of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the various churches of Protestantism. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox patriarchates split from one another in the East-West Schism of 1054 AD, and Protestantism came into existence during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, splitting from the Roman Catholic Church.
The word Christianity is the label that has been widely accepted by the secular and church-world to describe the practice of faith by the followers or disciples of Jesus Christ.
As of the early 21st century, Christianity has around 2.2 billion adherents. Christianity represents about a quarter to a third of the world's population and is the world's largest religion. Christianity is the state religion of several countries. (Wikipedia)
Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, God having become human and the savior of humanity. Because of this, Christians commonly refer to Jesus as Christ or Messiah. The three largest groups in the world of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the various churches of Protestantism. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox patriarchates split from one another in the East-West Schism of 1054 AD, and Protestantism came into existence during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, splitting from the Roman Catholic Church.
The word Christianity is the label that has been widely accepted by the secular and church-world to describe the practice of faith by the followers or disciples of Jesus Christ.
As of the early 21st century, Christianity has around 2.2 billion adherents. Christianity represents about a quarter to a third of the world's population and is the world's largest religion. Christianity is the state religion of several countries. (Wikipedia)
Sacred Texts of Christianity
Holy Bible (King James Version).zip | |
File Size: | 1355 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Holy Bible (New International Version).zip | |
File Size: | 5224 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Holy Bible (American Standard Version).zip | |
File Size: | 4760 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Translation of Latin Vulgate.zip | |
File Size: | 3711 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Biblical Apocrypha.zip | |
File Size: | 273 kb |
File Type: | zip |
ISLAM
Islam (Arabic: الإسلام al-’islām) is the monotheistic religion articulated by the Qur’an, a text considered by its adherents to be the verbatim word of God (Arabic: Allah), and the teachings and normative example of Muhammad, often considered as the last Prophet of Islam. In addition to referring to the religion itself, the word "Islam" means 'submission to God', 'peace', and 'way to peace'. An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim.
Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable. Muslims also believe that Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed at many times and places before, including through the prophets Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muslims maintain that previous messages and revelations have been partially changed or corrupted over time, but consider the Qur'an to be both unaltered and the final revelation from God. Religious concepts and practices include the five pillars of Islam, which are basic concepts and obligatory acts of worship, and following Islamic law, which touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, encompassing everything from banking and welfare, to warfare and the environment.
Most Muslims belong to one of two denominations; with 80-90% being Sunni and 10-20% being Shia. About 13% of Muslims live in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, 25% in South Asia, 20% in the Middle East, 2% in Central Asia, 4% in the remaining South East Asian countries, and 15% in Sub-saharan Africa. Sizable communities are also found in China and Russia, and parts of the Caribbean. Converts and immigrant communities are found in almost every part of the world. With about 1.41-1.57 billion Muslims, comprising about 21-23% of the world's population (see Islam by country), Islam is the second-largest religion and one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. (Wikipedia)
Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable. Muslims also believe that Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed at many times and places before, including through the prophets Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muslims maintain that previous messages and revelations have been partially changed or corrupted over time, but consider the Qur'an to be both unaltered and the final revelation from God. Religious concepts and practices include the five pillars of Islam, which are basic concepts and obligatory acts of worship, and following Islamic law, which touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, encompassing everything from banking and welfare, to warfare and the environment.
Most Muslims belong to one of two denominations; with 80-90% being Sunni and 10-20% being Shia. About 13% of Muslims live in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, 25% in South Asia, 20% in the Middle East, 2% in Central Asia, 4% in the remaining South East Asian countries, and 15% in Sub-saharan Africa. Sizable communities are also found in China and Russia, and parts of the Caribbean. Converts and immigrant communities are found in almost every part of the world. With about 1.41-1.57 billion Muslims, comprising about 21-23% of the world's population (see Islam by country), Islam is the second-largest religion and one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. (Wikipedia)
Sacred Text of Islam
Holy Quran English Translation (Palmer).zip | |
File Size: | 573 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Holy Quran English Translation (Abdullah Yusuf Ali).zip | |
File Size: | 2111 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Holy Quran English Translation (Shakir).zip | |
File Size: | 519 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Holy Quran English Translation (Pickthal).zip | |
File Size: | 522 kb |
File Type: | zip |
HINDUISM
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious traditionof the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is often referred to as Sanātana Dharma (a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law") by its adherents. Generic "types" of Hinduism that attempt to accommodate a variety of complex views span folk and Vedic Hinduism to bhakti tradition, as in Vaishnavism. Hinduism also includes yogic traditions and a wide spectrum of "daily morality" based on the notion of karma and societal norms such as Hindu marriage customs.
Hinduism is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder. Among its roots is the historical Vedic religion of Iron Age India, and as such Hinduism is often called the "oldest living religion" or the "oldest living major religion".
Demographically, Hinduism is the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam, with more than a billion adherents, of whom approximately 1 billion live in India. Other significant populations are found in Nepal (23 million), Bangladesh (14 million) and the Indonesian island of Bali (3.3 million). (Wikipedia)
Hinduism is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder. Among its roots is the historical Vedic religion of Iron Age India, and as such Hinduism is often called the "oldest living religion" or the "oldest living major religion".
Demographically, Hinduism is the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam, with more than a billion adherents, of whom approximately 1 billion live in India. Other significant populations are found in Nepal (23 million), Bangladesh (14 million) and the Indonesian island of Bali (3.3 million). (Wikipedia)
Sacred Texts of Hinduism
Holy Vedas.zip | |
File Size: | 4348 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Holy Upanishads.zip | |
File Size: | 1527 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Bhagavad Gita.zip | |
File Size: | 196 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Ramayana.zip | |
File Size: | 308 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Mahabharata.zip | |
File Size: | 714 kb |
File Type: | zip |
CONFUCIANISM
Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (Kǒng Fūzǐ, or K'ung-fu-tzu, lit. "Master Kong", 551–478 BC). It is a complex system of moral, social, political, philosophical, and quasi-religious thought that influenced the culture and history of East Asia. It might be considered a state religion of some East Asian countries, because of state promotion of Confucian philosophies.
Cultures and countries strongly influenced by Confucianism include mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Vietnam, as well as various territories settled predominantly by Chinese people, such as Singapore.
In Confucianism, human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavour especially including self-cultivation and self-creation. A main idea of Confucianism is the cultivation of virtue and the development of moral perfection. Confucianism holds that one should give up one's life, if necessary, either passively or actively, for the sake of upholding the cardinal moral values of ren and yi. (Wikipedia)
Cultures and countries strongly influenced by Confucianism include mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Vietnam, as well as various territories settled predominantly by Chinese people, such as Singapore.
In Confucianism, human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavour especially including self-cultivation and self-creation. A main idea of Confucianism is the cultivation of virtue and the development of moral perfection. Confucianism holds that one should give up one's life, if necessary, either passively or actively, for the sake of upholding the cardinal moral values of ren and yi. (Wikipedia)
Sacred Text of Confucianism
Holy Confucian Analects.zip | |
File Size: | 225 kb |
File Type: | zip |
ZOROASTRIANISM
Zoroastrianism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra, in Avestan) and was formerly among the world's largest religions. It was probably founded some time before the 6th century BCE in Persia (Iran). The term Zoroastrianism is, in general usage, essentially synonymous with Mazdaism (the worship of Ahura Mazda, exalted by Zoroaster as the supreme divine authority).
In Zoroastrianism, the Creator Ahura Mazda is all good, and no evil originates from Him. Thus, in Zoroastrianism good and evil have distinct sources, with evil (druj) trying to destroy the creation of Mazda (asha), and good trying to sustain it. Mazda is not immanent in the world, and His creation is represented by the Amesha Spentas and the host of other Yazatas, through whom the works of God are evident to humanity, and through whom worship of Mazda is ultimately directed. The most important texts of the religion are those of the Avesta, of which a significant portion has been lost, and mostly only the liturgies of which have survived. The lost portions are known of only through references and brief quotations in the later works, primarily from the 9th to 11th centuries. (Wikipedia)
In Zoroastrianism, the Creator Ahura Mazda is all good, and no evil originates from Him. Thus, in Zoroastrianism good and evil have distinct sources, with evil (druj) trying to destroy the creation of Mazda (asha), and good trying to sustain it. Mazda is not immanent in the world, and His creation is represented by the Amesha Spentas and the host of other Yazatas, through whom the works of God are evident to humanity, and through whom worship of Mazda is ultimately directed. The most important texts of the religion are those of the Avesta, of which a significant portion has been lost, and mostly only the liturgies of which have survived. The lost portions are known of only through references and brief quotations in the later works, primarily from the 9th to 11th centuries. (Wikipedia)
Sacred Text of Zoroastrianism
Holy Zend Avesta.zip | |
File Size: | 1327 kb |
File Type: | zip |
BUDDHISM
Buddhism (Pali/Sanskrit: Buddha Dharma) is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha (Pāli/Sanskrit "the awakened one"). The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end suffering (or dukkha), achieve nirvana, and escape what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth.
Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Theravada—the oldest surviving branch—has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Mahayana is found throughout East Asia and includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, Tendai and Shinnyo-en. In some classifications Vajrayana—a subcategory of Mahayana practiced in Tibet and Mongolia—is recognized as a third branch. While Buddhism remains most popular within Asia, both branches are now found throughout the world. Estimates of Buddhists worldwide vary significantly depending on the way Buddhist adherence is defined. Lower estimates are between 350–500 million. (Wikipedia)
Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Theravada—the oldest surviving branch—has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Mahayana is found throughout East Asia and includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, Tendai and Shinnyo-en. In some classifications Vajrayana—a subcategory of Mahayana practiced in Tibet and Mongolia—is recognized as a third branch. While Buddhism remains most popular within Asia, both branches are now found throughout the world. Estimates of Buddhists worldwide vary significantly depending on the way Buddhist adherence is defined. Lower estimates are between 350–500 million. (Wikipedia)
Sacred Texts of Buddhism
Dhammapada.zip | |
File Size: | 826 kb |
File Type: | zip |
The Word of Buddha.zip | |
File Size: | 299 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Holy Mahayana Texts.zip | |
File Size: | 215 kb |
File Type: | zip |
BAHAISM
The Bahá'í Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in nineteenth-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated five to six million Bahá'ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories.
In the Bahá'í Faith, religious history is seen to have unfolded through a series of divine messengers, each of whom established a religion that was suited to the needs of the time and the capacity of the people. These messengers have included Abraham, the Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and others, and most recently the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. In Bahá'í belief, each consecutive messenger prophesied of messengers to follow, and Bahá'u'lláh's life and teachings fulfilled the end-time promises of previous scriptures. Humanity is understood to be in a process of collective evolution, and the need of the present time is for the gradual establishment of peace, justice and unity on a global scale.(Wikipedia)
In the Bahá'í Faith, religious history is seen to have unfolded through a series of divine messengers, each of whom established a religion that was suited to the needs of the time and the capacity of the people. These messengers have included Abraham, the Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and others, and most recently the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. In Bahá'í belief, each consecutive messenger prophesied of messengers to follow, and Bahá'u'lláh's life and teachings fulfilled the end-time promises of previous scriptures. Humanity is understood to be in a process of collective evolution, and the need of the present time is for the gradual establishment of peace, justice and unity on a global scale.(Wikipedia)
Sacred Text of Bahaism
Bahaullah Prayers Meditations.zip | |
File Size: | 344 kb |
File Type: | zip |
Holy Kitab-e-Iqan.zip | |
File Size: | 279 kb |
File Type: | zip |
TAOISM
Taoism (also spelled Daoism) refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions that have influenced Eastern Asia for more than two millennia. They also notably influenced the Western world, particularly since the 19th century. The word 道, Tao (or Dao), roughly translates as "path" or "way". It carries more abstract, spiritual meanings in folk religion and Chinese philosophy.
Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao: compassion, moderation, and humility, while Taoist thought generally focuses on nature, the relationship between humanity and the cosmos; health and longevity; and wu wei (action through inaction). Harmony with the Universe, or the source thereof (Tao), is the intended result of many Taoist rules and practices.
Reverence for ancestor spirits and immortals is common in popular Taoism. Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some professional Taoists (Dàoshi) view as debased. Chinese alchemy (including Neidan), astrology, cuisine, Zen Buddhism, several Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, feng shui, and many styles of qigong have been intertwined with Taoism throughout history. (Wikipedia)
Taoist propriety and ethics emphasize the Three Jewels of the Tao: compassion, moderation, and humility, while Taoist thought generally focuses on nature, the relationship between humanity and the cosmos; health and longevity; and wu wei (action through inaction). Harmony with the Universe, or the source thereof (Tao), is the intended result of many Taoist rules and practices.
Reverence for ancestor spirits and immortals is common in popular Taoism. Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some professional Taoists (Dàoshi) view as debased. Chinese alchemy (including Neidan), astrology, cuisine, Zen Buddhism, several Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine, feng shui, and many styles of qigong have been intertwined with Taoism throughout history. (Wikipedia)
Sacred Text of Taoism
Holy Tao Te Ching.zip | |
File Size: | 150 kb |
File Type: | zip |