Million Years Old Sinner, by Pharan Tanveer

The portrait of this old man, a grave worshiper, is an example of those who totally got deviated from Islam. This old man was attending in an annual ritual at the shrine of a local saint. If you ask them, they will say, “we only coming to the shrine of holy person, so that they may bring us closer to Allah.” Quran mentioned these people, and even says what they will say – “We only worship them so that they may bring us closer to Allah.” ( Chapter 39:3). This is an act of Shirk – the act of worshiping of anyone or anything other than the singular God, which Quran mentioning it clearly, “Most of them claim belief in Allah, while committing shirk.” ( Chapter 12: 106).

Million Years Old Sinner, by Pharan Tanveer

These people are not only ignorant, but also committing the highest form of sin. Ibn Mas‘oud reported that the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, “The most evil of mankind are those who will be alive when the Last Day arrives, and those who take graves as places of worship.” Jundub ibn ‘Abdillaah reported that five days before the Prophet’s Mohammad (PBUH) death he heard him say, “Those before you took the graves of their prophets as places of worship. Do not take graves as places of worship for verily I forbid you to do so.” (Sahih Muslim, Vol.1, no 1083)

Looking at the photograph, you can also notice, the old man is so far away from the teaching of Islam, that he was intoxicated himself with marijuana and tobacco. Though the photograph was taken in Lahore, Pakistan, but this is a very common scene also in India, and other South Asian countries. Being ignorant, a vast number of people form the West, think this as part of religion, where as ornate tombs and decorated graves, along with festivals of commemoration and adoration has led to great misguidance in religion.

Technical Info: Canon EOS 10D | ISO 100 | Exposure 1/50sec at f/2.4 | Pentax 67 105mm f2.4
Award Winner: Photo of the Day | February 27
Title of the photograph: Million Years Old Sin
Photo of the Day Award Category: Portraiture Photography
Photograph Location: Lahore | Pakistan

Photographer: Pharan Tanveer (Lahore, Pakistan) Registered
Pharan Tanveer is a student of bachelor at Lahore University of Management Sciences, but does photography more than he visits classes or read books. He has spent most of his time to strengthen his grip on this passion of his, which to some extent is like a fuel that keeps him running. Photography is something that he inherited from his father, Tanveer Ahmad, who has always been a benchmark for him.

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pharan/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dr.pharan