Introduction:

    First and foremost, allow me to provide a brief introduction of myself, encompassing my ancestral lineage. My full name is Syed Mansoor Rizvi, hailing from a lineage deeply rooted in the Arab region, historically known as Hijaz, now part of Saudi Arabia. Our tribal name, Rizvi, is directly associated with the 8th successor, Imam Ali Ibn e Moosa Radha, who belonged to the Tribe of Hashim, a prominent sub-branch of the Quraish Tribe. This lineage traces back to Prophet Ismail PBUH, the son of Prophet Ibrahim PBUH, distinguishing itself from the lineage of Prophet Isaac PBUH, from which most major Prophets emerged, except Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

    In the historical narrative of Islam, there were 11 successors to Prophet Muhammad PBUH, with the first being Saint Ali Ibn e Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet. Subsequently, the succeeding 11 leaders descended from Saint Ali PBUH and his wife, Saint Fatima PBUH, all collectively referred to as Hashimi due to their lineage. Over time, the Tribe of Hashim diverged into several branches, including Abidi, Zaidi, Jaffiri, Kazimi, Rizvi, Taqwi, Naqwi, Askari, and Gilani, each deriving its surname from its respective ancestor, yet all maintaining their Hashimi heritage.

    A similar lineage pattern is observable in the Holy Quran, which acknowledges 12 successors from the nation of Prophet Mooses PBUH. However, the continuity of their generations remains uncertain, as historical records indicate the dispersal of followers across different faiths over time, with Islam being the culmination of prophetic messages.

    Exploration of previous civilizations unveils diverse cultural expressions, often manifested through art, reflecting societal ideologies, rituals, and religious beliefs. From the rock shelters of the Paleolithic age to the modern era, human history unfolds as a continuum of social evolution, marked by the dissemination of religious doctrines and their artistic interpretations.

    Religion, being intrinsic to human civilization, has historically served as a guiding framework for moral conduct and societal organization. While the precise epochs of religious eras are challenging to delineate, the advent of Prophet Muhammad PBUH signifies a pivotal juncture, as does the era of Jesus Christ preceding it. Nevertheless, the antiquity of religions such as Hinduism and Jainism predates recorded history, with their origins tracing back millennia, influencing spiritual consciousness and societal norms.

    The history of Buddhism, rooted in the teachings of Gautama Buddha, emerged from the ancient civilization of Gandhara, now encompassed within modern-day Pakistan. Buddha's teachings, encapsulated in the Seven Noble Truths, offer fundamental principles guiding the lives of Buddhist adherents, dating back to around 300 BC.

    Time inexorably propels humanity forward, shrouded in uncertainty, yet laden with opportunities for introspection and enlightenment. Embracing realism enables individuals to navigate life's complexities with clarity and purpose, anchoring themselves in the profound truths that underpin existence.