Saturday, December 17, 2011

THOUGHTS ON THALI

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/jamie_oliver.html

(copy paste on your browser, if the link fails to open)


This video will surely 'awaken' the fence sitters of our community, who are still mulling about the benefits of the 'Thali' initiative, and at the same time, motivate those who are putting their heart and soul into making it a powerful and health beneficial movement.

How I wish that in near future, some one like Jamie Oliver will show the world, on TED Talk platform, or any other world wide forum, the immense health benefits of the 'Thali' initiative of the Bohra Community.

'THALI' will surely bring about the tangible changes in the way, at present, the Bohra community eats food, and in future, how the world community will eat their food. The real statistics and persuasive talk by Jamie Oliver,is not only relevant to US and UK but the problem of obesity, rising Cancer and Heart related deaths have snowballed to epidemic proportions in India and other developed and third world countries, in all which we have a very sizable population.

Jamie Oliver : ' I believe that the power of food has prime place in our home, that binds us to the best of life'

THALI will surely bind our entire community.

In Kolkata the Barakat of Faizul Mawaid ul Burhaniya is reaching more and more mumineen homes under the kiyadat and guidance of Janab Musta'ali BS Mohiyuddin (DM) and Anjuman e Mohammedi. Sharing with you all the collages of the Thali Barakat in our city, sent by Bhai Abdulkader Kagalwala.




Friday, November 11, 2011

THALI





Cooked food in the Mawaid is just a meal
but when a mumin family partakes it
it becomes a life energizing means
a soul nourishing force
which make the spirit soar

Pray why is it so ? - you ask

The transmutation occurs not in the kitchen
an a'la niyat behind is the real reckoning force


It is simplest of fare, no doubt
but it nourishes the body as well as the soul
Thus in a sense my dear friends
the simple Thali scores head over the rich home cooked fare

The results will show - just wait and watch
the 'baraka'ts' of Jamea Anwar, in a day or month did not unfold
can any one deny now that years have rolled
Aqa Moula oft alludes of it's bounties manifold

Likewise for sure
the 'barak'ats' of this 'mauhim' will surely unfold
Just wait and watch
Just wait and watch !!

END

I penned the aforesaid musings,in a burst of creativity - which I feel needs some expert tinkering - friends, you are free to have your opinion on reading it :))

I was reading the 'MASANAVI' of Rumi ( English translation) on my Kindle, and the following lines inspired me to reflect and write ;

' On the table bread is a mere lifeless thing
When taken in body, it is a life giving spirit'

Every outcome depends ultimately on the NIYAT

I for one firmly believes that the end result will be very different for one
who 'orders' for the THALI as a means of ease , to get some relief from cooking and the other who feels blessed to be part of this 'mauhim' and to share the barakat of 'same food' the 'simple food' the benefits of which, for sure will show in the years to come.

Partaking of simple food is the essence - back to basics - healthy - nourishing food, weaning us away from Passion eating to Intelligent eating.

Friends feel free to correct me, if my thinking is erroneous.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

MEAVI MILAD MUBARKA KITAB





EID UL ADHA MUBARAK MOHANNA
On the Mubarak day of Eid-ul-Adha - 1432H it gives me a great pleasure to upload a free download of a collection of my 100 articles, written on different Miqaats over several years.

THE MEAVI MUBARAKA KITAB can be downloaded from my home page http://www.hikmaah.com

The Kitab is in PDF format, and opens in Acrobat 8, so that readers can navigate easily and read articles of their choice, or if they so desire, take a printout of their articles of choice, to be read and shared at a later date.

As it not covered by any Copy Right, you can make hard copies for distribution as Hadiyah of the entire collection of the 100 articles, or a few that you have liked reading, and feel your family and friends, would love to have a copy of the same. The possibilities are endless - you are your own Publisher and choose the format you think serves your purpose best.

My only request is that, no changes whatsoever should be made in the articles and please do keep me updated by E Mail if you choose to publish any or all of the articles, I can at least remember you in gratitude and in my prayers, for spreading knowledge.

Sharing a few Excerpts from a few of my articles, which will help you in deciding to download the Kitab. Comments and suggestions welcome.

Ashara Mubaraka 1428 H

'So my young friends, next time when you are blessed with an audio/video relay of vaaz, feel the excitations and ripples resulting from the ‘nida’ of YA HUSAIN ! on the sea of energy, which in fact is true valayat and ma’arefat of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) and like teleportation of photons, your souls will be imbued with spiritual bliss, tears will flow to glow in
hereafter, and the love and affection for Aqa Moula (TUS) will bring rich rewards and bounties on the day of Kayamat. You will be ever bound in love and spirit with your Moula (TUS) in spite of the separation and great distances.

In effect, we are not separated from him, we are one with him.'

95th Milad Mubaraka - TAFADI

'TAFADI for mumineen does mean unselfish love and sacrifice for his Moula, but it is as a result of true 'ma'refat' and not under influence of charm and impulse.Romancing has robbed sacrifice of its true meaning,it has got mixed up with with beauty, charm and sensuality.

When a mumin does 'tafadi' for his Moula, it is not merely a flutter of the heart, but it is a commitment, which will be tested time and again, it is commitment where one has to make very difficult choices.

Surrendering your free will is an act of the mind. It is true 'tafadi' when one commits himself to a continued dying to one's self, than to die in one moment. An impulsive dash into the flames of the candle, is easy than what Syedi Sadik Ali Saheb extols to mumineen in his Nashihat'

99th Milad Mubaraka - Mulkul Husain e be'Karbala

'Mulkul Husain e 'be Karbala till the day of Qiyamah was firmly established on the Day of Ashura . The tragedy of Karbala represented around the world the eternal struggle of truth against falsehood, justice against injustice and tyranny, human
dignity against dehumanization'

The Shariat of Nabi (SA) was firmly established. The true meaning of Jihad, which has been maligned by vested interests around the world, is in fact derived from the Arabic trilateral verb - ja - ha - da , which means to strive, struggle and work
hard. Imam Husain (SA) strove and succeeded in establishing truth against falsehood for ever, he struggled to fortify humanity against villainy for ever, and by his azeem shahadat, he established righteousness against evil, till the day of
Qiyamah. These eternal noble traits form an integral part of mulkul Husain.

FAJR SADIQ :

The advent of year 1915 (Hijri 1333) was a watershed in the annals of Fatemi Dawat. Syedna Taher Moula Saifuddin (A.Q.)at the young age of 28 years assumed the august office of Dai-ul- Mutlaq, and since that period Fatemi Dawat has been effused with vitality and radiance. However, at the onset, the young Dai had to face an uphill task, as the community was rife with pseudo intellectuals and moneybags with bloated egos, who straddled the community like pantheons. It was indeed a daunting and herculean task for the young Dai to rein them and their incessant scheming and plotting. Syedna Taher Saifuddin Moula, slowly but surely overcame all the hurdles, with Taeed of Imam-uz-Zaman (S.A.), his profound Ilm and Statesmanship.

THE ISHA'RAATS IN MY MOULA'S KALAM AND SALAAM - BAYANUL IKHTETAM OF AQA MOULA (tus) at the concuding session of Imtehan-us-sanavi 1431H


The noor emanating from Moulana Ali's finger took Jabir to Medina your appearance at the gurfah mubaraka and your salami Moula took me back to the beginning of the time took me back to my fall from grace as I fell from the celestial pleroma engulfed in darkness, murk and gloom as I fell and repented I must have also looked up longingly at Moulana A'shir gazing down at me with wishful eyes myself hurtling down, jostling amongst the fallen souls but all the same looking up longingly at the reassuring and ever radiant gaze of my Moula who with the wave of his hands in salami with no words
uttered but in 'clear writing' for me to understand and feel says: ' I am doing the tadbeer just keep me for ever in your heart and your gaze I will surely bring you to me !!

Barakatul Faizul Mawaid Burhaniyah

A STORY - LUCKY ME


This story is a result of talking with a host of family and friends, not only in my city, but in many other cities and towns, over phone and on chats. There are facts deftly intertwined with imagination - I have tried to answer some of the questions
being raised, the niyat is that it will provide my Readers with valuable insights and at the same time, the joy of reading.

( I am indebted to Badre Muneer for publishing the story in their Zilkadatil Haram 1432H issue)

Free Download 2.65MB at www.hikmaah.com

Sunday, September 4, 2011

MESSI MAGIC - MISHTI DOI - AND MESS MANAGEMENT



(It is half time and SENIOR is getting really annoyed with the JUNIOR as no goals have been scored !! At the dug out at half time, the SENIOR gave his piece of mind, which finally resulted in a pass that lead to a goal !! )



AN INSIGHT REPORT ON THE HISTORIC MATCH AT SALT LAKE STADIUM
BY : Shabbir Lokhandwala who flew in from Pune to watch the Messi Magic


Mesmerizing No. Madness Yes!

“You pay 5 pounds to stand on a lump of concrete
You can’t see anything and it isn’t even safe
And you can’t complain because that would mean you are letting the lads down,
That you didn’t care enough”

That’s what Ruth Gemmel’s character says to Colin Firth’s character in the movie ‘Fever Pitch’ after she watches a football game along with him. She is very upset by the experience and of images of the Hillsbrouh tragedy being played out on the TV, where 96 football fans were crushed to death. The movie scene represented 1989. That was 22 years ago.

22 years later I stood on a lump of concrete, paid around 26 pounds for match tickets and even more for travelling 2020 km from Pune to Kolkatta to witness the first Argentinean friendly match in this country and to watch arguably the best player of our times in flesh and blood. And the experience was physically and mentally tiring. All major sport events in India are.

We stood in line at 5 pm to enter gate 3 of the Yuva Bharati Krirangan or Salt lake stadium as is commonly known. The queue was approximately half a kilometer long and the reason was that all the stands situated along each side line had one entry gate. There are only 5 gates to enter the stadium premises.

A very big anomaly given it is the biggest stadium capacity wise in the country and the second biggest football stadium in the whole world. (Yeah, wiki it, if you don’t believe me)The darn queue didn’t move for nearly an hour. At 6 pm the queue started moving briskly and then the most bizarre thing happens. Everybody just starts running. No queue, it’s a mad rush to get close to the entry gate, with impromptu lines being made now and then to restore some sanity. It was like an intense warm up exercise. Sprint for 100 meters then stop. Form a line and sprint again. The cops were busier manning the stationary traffic bought to a halt by the collective running of football fans. For a moment I was worried of getting crushed if a stampede did occur.

For a moment I was worried of getting crushed if a stampede did occur. I was worrying more about Huzaifa, my 13 year old cousin brother, who was experiencing this madness for the first time.

We finally did make it inside the stadium at 7pm just before the kick off, drenched in sweat and standing on concrete steps. We saw the first half from the lower tier, the second from the upper tier, after illegally jumping through a gap in the fence.

My other grouse was with the spectators. Indian football fans, cricket fans and hockey fans come to watch a player and not the game. They don’t even bother about teams. In cricket Sachin gets the loudest cheers, followed by batsmen after they hit boundaries. Hardly anybody cheers the bowlers in the middle of a good spell. Out here, it was Messi all the way. True his playing in the match built up euphoria and excitement and got people in the stadium. True, I wouldn’t travel all the way to Kolkata, had Messi not being playing. But what happened to appreciating the game. About Mexican waves and a carnival like atmosphere in the stadium. About singing chants and football anthems. About cheering and feeling that we did make a difference to the team’s performance. About being the 12thman. The crowd only cheered when Messi touched the ball, made his weaving runs, won free kicks and took corners. The rest of times, they were silent. We thought about starting a Mexican wave, but the idea got lost somewhere between finding water and Pepsi in the stadium. The problem with Indian stadiums is that by the time you enter them, you are so tired, that there is hardly any cheer left in you. I was told that the Bengali fans are very knowledgeable about football. I don’t think so. The gentleman sitting next to me couldn’t tell the difference between Mascherano and Zabaleta.


But the football fan in me forgave these misgivings and loved the experience. If you can watch a football match of world class quality in this country from the stands, if you can watch Lionel Messi making his trademark weaving runs and strike a shot through the feet of defenders, if free kicks from 30 yards hit the side net and collectively and reflexively make you stand and sit down making a sigh, if you witness some good counter attacking moves and the Argentineans tracking back to defend, if you get marveled by the little deft touches that enable modern football teams to create space where there was none, if you experience butterflies in your stomach when an improbable pass leads to an even more improbable right footed volley towards the top left corner of the goal, only to hit the post and lament on what could have been. If you can watch two Latin American countries play with the world’s best player in one of the teams in a stadium bigger than Camp Nou, then I think it’s really worth it.


It might take another 22 years for us to have great world class stadiums, with enough gates, electronic turnstiles and parking spaces, with proper seats, proper cafeterias, squeaky clean toilets, good public announcement systems, clearer electronic screens, visible clocks and timer and most importantly a great football culture, where teams get cheered on for the entire 90 minutes. Till then I will be happy to stand in serpentine queues and talk with football fans that travelled from all parts of India, bearing testimony to the growing popularity of the sport.


The dialogue continues between Colin Firth and Ruth Gemmel in the movie when Firth says that he can’t visit her due to a football match:

Ruth: yeah, you are sure you will be seeing Arsenal the next season, you can’t be sure if you will be seeing me.
Firth: Look I know where this is going, commitment and the long haul and all that, but if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen because of you not me. 21 years I have been going to Arsenal. 21 years.
Ruth: I don’t know if you have noticed, but Arsenal are a football team.
Firth: So you think there is a difference?
Ruth: Yes, I do.
Firth: Then it shows what you know about it.

MY NOTE: As parents we at times fail to understand the passion of the youths, and many parents confided about the dismay at the madness to see a football match, and that to an Exhibition Match.

To them I have this to say :
Thank Allah your son is mad after Messi and not Madonna !!

Thank You Shabbir for writing a wonderful memorable piece. I am not sure, it was the result of Mishti Doi or Messi Magic !!

Friday, September 2, 2011

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - The distribution of booty at Al-Ji'ranah


AKHBAAR


THE DISTRIBUTION OF BOOTY AT AL-JI’RANAH

Upon returning from the successful mission of lifting the siege in Ta’if Nabi (SA) waited over ten nights at Al-Ji’ranah, in the hope that Hawazin’s delegation (those defeated in Hunain) might arrive and announce their repentance and consequently reclaim their loss.

Seeing that none of them arrived, Nabi (SA) in order to calm down the tribal chiefs and the nobles of Makkah, started to distribute the booty, and the ones who obtained the greatest number of shares, were the people who had recently embraced Islam.
Abu Sufyan bin Harb was given a hundred camels and forty (gold) ounces and yet he said : “ What about my son, Yazeed’s share? So he was given the same quantity for his son as well. But yet he exclaimed : “ And what about the share of Mu’awiyah, my second son ? So Nabi (SA) gave Mu’awiyah as much as he gave his father and brother.

Likewise, Hakim bin Hizam was given a hundred camels , but was given a hundred more when he demanded. Safwan bin Umaiyah was given three hundred camels – a hundred camels at each time. (Ash – Shifa (1/86)

The generosity of Nabi (SA) to the chiefs of Makkah and the newly converts, resulted in a stampede by the Bedouins, so much so, that Nabi (SA) was forced to take refuse against a tree, and they even took away his mantle.

Rehmatul lil A’lameen Nabi (SA) addressed the tumultuous people saying: “O people ! Give me back my mantle. For I swear by the One in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s soul, that if had as many numerous camels as the number of Tihamah trees, I would have distributed them among you… “ Standing by his camel he said : “ O people, I swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also goes back to you”

After he had distributed the booty amongst the new converts, he distributed the remaining amongst the Muslims, and the Ansaars (Helpers – people of Medinah) were disgruntled and not satisfied, with what little they received compared to the booty received by the new converts.

Hunain represented hard times and they were the first to rush and to fight and stand firm with Nabi (SA) when the fighting was intense, whereas new converts like Abu Sufyan and Hakim bin Hizam, who escaped from the battlefield, when the tide turned against the Muslims, received large booty.

When resentment grew amongst the Helpers and ill statements spread, Nabi (SA) summoned Sa’d bin Ubadah and told him to gather all the Ansaars, and gave a very passionate speech, saying that although the Ansaars are not telling him directly, he can read their minds – saying ‘You (Muhammad S.A.) came to us belied and rejected, and we accepted you ; you came to us helpless and we helped you ; you were a fugitive, and we took you in; you were poor and we comforted you’

‘You Ansaars, do you feel anxious for the things of this world. Wherewith I have sought to incline these people unto the Faith in which you are already established ?

Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah (SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Ansaars, their children and their children’s children !

The audience wept till tears rolled down their beards as they said: “Yes we are satisfied, O Prophet of Allah ! with our lot and share”

ANWA’R

As I read the Akhbaar of the distribution of booty at Ji’rannah which had happened in the year 8 AH and that Abu Sufyan bin Harb, from whose loins came Muawiyah and Yezid bin Muawiyah, was given a large share of the booty, a question arose in my mind.
Nabi (SA) who had been blessed with the I’lm of
‘ma kana sayakoon
at the time of Me’raj ( the ascension) the event which occurred at Mecca before the Hijrah, was aware, of all the events that will transpire in the future.

Surah al- Isra (verse 1) Allah shows His ayat – proofs, lessons, signs, evidence etc:
Surah al _Najm (Verses 12 to 18) also narrates the entire Me’raj episode.

In Vaaz we hear frequently of Jibraeel showing Nabi (SA) two ‘haveli mubaraks’ and on being asked, Jibraeel narrates the tragic incidents that will happen, one in Medinah and the other, on the burning sands of Karbala. Nabi (SA) knew, who were the perpetrators of the gruesome crime.

The question than is – Why OH ! Why! when Nabi (SA) knew that Sufyan bin Harb and his family were the perpetrators of crime against Nabi (SA) progeny, did he give out large booty to them, at the cost of earning resentment of the Ansaars, who had fought with valor and risked their very lives in the hard won battle of Hunain ??


I have found this question very perplexing. If any of you readers have an answer, I will be indebted to know.

Here I would request my readers to minimize the window or if you are using hand held device to keep it aside for a while, and try to reflect and answer the question. I would be really indebted for your answers, which may be shared in the comments link.
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On reflection during Sehrullah 1432 H I have tried to understand the historical paradox, in my own humble way, and sharing the same with my readers.

The Anwa’r I see in this Akhbaar is that Nabi (SA) was the epitome and a living example of ‘salama’ which in the primary sense means – to be tranquil, at rest, to be at perfect peace, to be in absolute submission to the Will of Allah.

The last mentioned is the most important, Nabi (SA) was always living in THE NOW - THE PRESENT MOMENT. Nabi (SA) was here to enable the Divine Purpose of the Universe to unfold.

He epitomized the greatest power of the Universe – non resistance and complete submission to TOTALITY - Will Of Allah – saying YES to the PRESENT MOMENT – honoring the PRESENT MOMENT. ( I am indebted to the teaching of Eckhart Tolle)


Even after knowing the future, Nabi (SA) was submitting to THE WILL OF ALLAH, accepting and doing his duty in perfect peace. It was the WILL of ALLAH working through his Nabi (SA) in the NOW – The Present Moment, and Nabi (SA) was fully focused in discharging his obligations, in full compliance with THE WILL OF ALLAH – submitting in humility with grace, knowing ALLAH KNOWS BEST.

A most difficult task for ordinary mortals, knowing if at all the future and still accepting the paradox of the Present.

Now coming to the resentment of the Ansaars, there is so much Anwa’r in the Akhbaar, if one cares to reflect.

Nabi (SA) knows the minds of his followers fully. He well understands and sympathizes fully with the sacrifices made by the Ansaar, and the unequal distribution of the booty. But here again he is simply acting on the Will of Allah.

Nabi (SA) does not desire anything from himself. He articulates forcefully – mark his words :
“ O people, I swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also goes back to you”


However he fully understand human nature, and his sole mission is to make those who really love him, to unshackle themselves from gross materialism, to become farishta shifat in this world, and how true and meaningful are his words :

‘Are you not satisfied, O group of Ansaars that the people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah (SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Ansaars, their children and their children’s children !


There is a great lesson for us to be learnt from this Akhbaar. Many a times in our worldly journey, we are assailed with doubts, as to the happenings around us. When we see around us people, who do not deserve, who show merely outward profession of faith, their actions do not reflect their speech, getting rewarded with worldly goods, when we stand at such cross road in life, utterly confused and perplexed, we should be of firm faith and ask ourselves the question.
Do I want the world or my MOULA ?


Be honest with your self – what you want in this life. Moula knows what is best for you, so accept in humility, be at peace with your self. This is ‘salama’ – Islam.

There are many best selling books in the market, showing you ways and means to achieve what you desire – the question is what is your desire, what is the focus in your life. I am not saying you do not desire worldly comforts, or it is not good to aspire for high standard of living – what I am saying is to ACCEPT WHAT IS.

The doa Mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) barakAllaho does not only mean palatial bungalows, pricey cars, luxurious living, it depending upon what is good for you – Moula knows – it may mean, rise in the spiritual station, nearness to Moula, Ma’ad at jet speed after death etc:

In his Book ‘ The New Earth’ Eckhart Tolle gives a good example of a sapling to a question put forward to him. He says the sapling does not want anything – if it withers and dies, so be it. If it grows into a big tree – so be it. The reason is, it is one with the Will of Allah – with the Totality of the Universe, it has completely surrendered.

In a National Geographic documentary I was amazed to see the animals standing in lashing rain storm with their heads bowed, completely at ease, till heavy rains subsided.

A lesson to be learnt from the plants and animals. Accepting WHAT IS.

I am not advocating passivity, we are here to strive and achieve the best for ourselves and our family. But at times, we have to become still have firm faith in the Will of Allah and our MOULA and to be at perfect peace with ourselves, after giving our very best.

The lesson learnt is that – whatever the present moment contains, accept it, as if you had chosen it – there in lies your greatness.

In times of crisis of faith, remember the words of Nabi (SA) – ‘people go with ewes and camels while you go with the Messenger of Allah (SA)’ in our times we are in the saya of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)


www.hikmaah.com






Wednesday, August 10, 2011

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - The Battle of Hunain



AKHBAR


Nineteen days after the conquest of Makkah in the year 8 A.H., Nabi (SA) sets out with an army comprising of twelve thousand well equipped fighters.

The Muslim army felt very complacent and thought of an easy victory and a lot of booty. “We shall not be defeated” was the general consensus, but their statement sounded hard upon Nabi (SA)

However, as the Muslim army arrived at the valley of Awtas in the region of Hunain, in early dawn Malik bin ‘Awf had strategized a real surprise for them. A fierce attack from the safe hiding places by the enemy, routed the Muslim army, and there was utter disorder and confusion, so much so, that Nabi (SA) stood fast in the thick of the attack with only a handful of Emigrants.

Abu Sufyan bin Harb, who had recently embraced Islam, mockingly said that the retreat would not stop till they got to the Red Sea. Kaladah bin Al-Junaid said – “ Surely the magic has grown inactive today”

Nabi (SA) dismounted from his camel and bowing down beseeched Allah’s help - ‘Allahummah anzil nasraqa’ (O Allah ! send down Your Help! )

The tide of the battle turned immediately, the fleeing Muslims began to regroup and mounted a counter attack. Nabi (SA) picked up a handful of earth and hurled it at the enemy saying “May your faces be shameful”

Within hours the enemy was defeated. The booty was six thousand captives, twenty four thousand camels, over forty thousand sheep and four thousand ounces of silver. Nabi (SA) immediately proceeded for the Ta’if Campaign, giving orders that the booty be confined at Al-Ji’ranah and ordained Masu’ud bin Amr Al- Ghifari to be in charge of it.


ANWA’R

Was it not for the Dua of Nabi (SA) and his holding steadfast in the middle of utter route and retreat of the Muslim army, the outcome of the Battle of Hunain, would have been different.

Twelve thousand well equipped army was saved from sure defeat by the faith and strength of one man – Nabi (SA) who stood steadfast, knowing that Allah’s Aid will only bring victory.

Before entering the valley of Awtas, the Muslim army was boisterous of an easy victory, but the demeanor of Nabi (SA) was reflective, for he and he alone knew, what lay ahead.

With affluence and material gains, we as a community, begin to become very omplacent, like the Muslim Army entering the valley of Awtas, and there come about a disconnect with the reality.

Aqa Moula (TUS) by the ta’eed of Imam uz Zaman (SA) knows what lies ahead, and it is for this very reason, he has this Sehrullah once again exhorted to ‘reach out’ to our fellow marginalized mumineen. In so doing he is saving the community from being immersed in materialism, personal aggrandizement etc:

He and he alone my Moula (TUS) knows that if ‘roohaniyat’ is lost, only outward grandeur is there, the community as a whole may suffer from the barbs of shaitan hiding in the nooks and crannies, like the enemy of Malik bin “Awf.

In times of crisis, the munafekeens who only offer ‘lip service’ are the first ones to show their true colors, as reflected in the acts of Abu Sufyan and Kaladah.

The enormous booty was not gained by the twelve thousand strong Muslim army in a sense, but by one man, who had unwavering faith in Allah, and he stood steadfast in the middle of all round retreat in the battlefield.

Likewise, Aqa Moula (TUS) in spite of his severe ill health this Sehrullah is holding steadfast in rallying around his mumineen, by exhorting them to perform good deeds. His physical disability is more than compensated by his glowing and ever growing Spirituality. May he for eons live in our hearts and minds, rallying us around, so that we may gain the ultimate booty – Jannat, which is only because of his presence in the NOW. Ameen.





Monday, August 8, 2011

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - The Battle of Uhud

AKHBAR :

After The Battle when the Quraishites had left, the Muslims went out to check the identity of the dead and wounded.

Zaid bin Thabit said: Allah’s Messenger (SA) sent me on the Day of Uhud to seek
Sa'd bin Ar-Rabi and said “When you see him, say : “Peace be upon you, from me and say to him Nabi (SA) says: “How do you feel ?”

Zaid said : “ I started checking the dead until I came across Sa’d when he was dying – with about seventy sword wounds, plus a spear and an arrow pierced in his body. So I said : “O Sa’d, Nabi Muhammad (SA) sends you his greetings and says: “Peace be upon you, tell me how do you feel ?”

Sa’d said : “And peace be upon Nabi Muhammad (SA) too. Tell him, I smell the scent of Paradise. And tell the Helpers (Ansa’rs), my people “You shall not be excused before Allah if Nabi Muhammad (SA) is hurt and your eyes are blinking “ So saying he died. (Zadul Ma’ad2/96)

The Muslims came across Al- Usairim – Amr bin Thabit, who had refused to embrace Islam, he was lying among the wounded on the verge of death.

The Muslims asked him: “ What made you come here ? Is it out of zeal to defend your people or is it because of submission to Islam?” He said : “It is (certainly) an inclination to Islam. I believe in Allah and His Messenger. I have fought along with Allah’s Messenger (SA) till I got what you see” and then he died immediately.

The incident was narrated to Nabi (SA) and hearing that Nabi (SA) said: “He is one of the inhabitants of Paradise, although he has not offered one single prayer” narrated Abu Hurairah (Zadul-Ma’ad 2/94)

Qazman, who was found among the wounded, fought heroically, and killed seven or eight idolaters. He was weakened by the wounds he sustained, they carried him to the locality of Bani Zufr. The Muslims gave him glad tidings of Paradise. But he said : “ I have fought out of the passion to my people. Had it not been for that I would have never fought” When his wounds worsened he committed suicide.

Nabi (SA) had already said whenever he was mentioned to him “He is an inhabitant of Fire” ( Zadul – Ma’ad 2/97)

Contrary to Qazman, there was a Jew of Bani Tha’labah among the dead. He said to his people. “O folk people of Jews! By Allah you have already known that it is necessary to support Muhammad” They said : ‘Today is Saturday’ they did not honor the pact made with Nabi (SA) for the general protection of Medinah.

Mukhaireeq, took his sword and the war equipment and said: “ If I were killed, my property should be put at Muhammad’s disposal” The next morning he kept on fighting till he was killed. Nabi (SA) said about him. “Mukhaireeq is the best Jew” (Ibn Hisham 2/88.89)

ANWA’R

In the akhbaar of the dead and wounded of Uhud there is Anwa’r.

Qazaman , a tribal chief who fought along side the Muslims to honor the pact, and for the glory of his people and not for Islam, although he managed to kill seven or eight idolaters, died a miserable death and to burn in hell fire.

In all our actions – Niyat is what is paramount, a deed is being done, is it Lillah fillah or is it as a result of personal, family or group pride, to augment the ego, to be felt counted and recognized.

One should always be very wary and reflect as to why a particular act – a khidmat is being undertaken. Is it solely lillah fillah – for the khusi of Moula (TUS) or there is a hidden personal agenda, a personal gain, not necessary material gain, but power and prestige, or to be looked upon in the Society etc:

In the case of Al- Usairim, by his acceptance of Islam at the last moment, he corrected his retard and saved his soul and earned the blessings of Nabi (SA) The Anwa’r here is that without kalematus –shada’t there is no emancipation. Although his a’maal as Muslim were none, he found acceptance because of his submission to Islam and Nabi (SA)

We are not the one to judge our fellow brothers - mumineen. It is only Moula (TUS) who knows the inner niyat of each individual. There are many amongst us, who fall woefully short of performing a’maals, what are their compulsions, or limitations, we do not know the reasons, and in truth, we do not have the inclination to understand.

In such instances, we should not be the sitting judges and throw around our opinion, for we never know, when the time for act will come, the one who we are looking down upon, our own brother mumin, by a single act of pure love and ma’refat, will leave us all far behind in the race to the inner sanctorum of Paradise.

Mukhaireeq also died fighting the Makkans and willed his entire property to Nabi (SA) but for him Nabi (SA) said “ Mukhaireeq is a good Jew” So here also submission to Allah and kalematus sahadat with ikhlas is the prerequisite, for entering Jannah.

I have a hunch feeling that by his act he must surely have earned salvation for his progeny, now it is for the historians to study his lineage, and if a study is done, I am sure, in the progeny of Mukhaireeq may be stalwart Muslims. ( Historical reference - the act of compassion by Walid bin Ukaba at Taif)

The glowing martyrdom of Sa’d bin Ar- Rabi is full of Anwa’r. His a’la niyat, his courageous act in fighting the infidels – seventy plus wounds all over his body, and not a hint of suffering and pain, but pure joy and bliss and the scent of Paradise.

This than is the act for DEEN and DEEN alone, where spiritual bliss overcomes the pains and miseries of this world, those who fight in the Cause of Allah become immune of the miseries of this world.

Sehrullah is the month of ‘silat’ and I would request the readers of my posts, to log on to my home page www.hikmaah.com and make me feel blessed by reading and reflecting on the articles, specially the recently uploaded Power Point Presentations.

NOTE:
My home page does not upload in Google Chrome, I do not know the reason,can any of my blog readers, has an answer to this problem. Do share.

Monday, August 1, 2011

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - al - Taif

AKHBAR - al – Taif

Muhammad (S.A.) set out from Mecca in the year 619 C.E. to bring the Quraish polytheists into the fold of Islam. He went with his freed slave Zaid bin Harithhah to Al – Taif a prosperous town having fruit and vineyard farms, located at a distance of 60 kms from Mecca.

He first approached the family of Umair, reckoned as among the nobility of the town. All the three sons of Umair turned a deaf year and used abusive language, as regards the cause for which he had been striving.

For ten days, he stayed in al Taif, delivering the message of Islam to all the noble people, one after another, but to no avail. Contrary to Arab tradition of hospitality, he was hooted at and pelted with stones, and obliged to flee pursued by a merciless crowd.

So much so, that blood flowed down his legs and thus tired and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous fruit farms, and rested against the wall of a vineyard belonging to Walid bin Ukaba . Seeing the plight of a stranger he sent with his slave Adras, who was a practicing Christian, a bunch of luscious grapes – 18 in all. Nabi Muhammad (S.A.) quenched his thirst and felt refreshed, and prayed for Walid, who himself died a polytheist, fighting the Muslims,

ANWA’R

Haq and truth has always been misunderstood by worldly people steeped in materialism. Al – Taif was a very prosperous region, and compared to other parts of Arabian peninsular, enjoyed a very good climate.

Nabi (SA) mission became more difficult as he was addressing those, who were immersed in wealth and enjoying good life.

But the WILL OF ALLAH working through His Nabi (SA) had more profound purpose, which became manifest after many centuries. This than is the Anwa’r in Muhammad (SA) travelling all the way to al – Taif and suffering hardship at the hands of haughty and ignorant Arabs.

A single act borne out of compassion evoked a doa that would fructify in the nasl of Walid many centuries later. As a direct result of Nabi Muhammad (S.A.) prayer, on that eventful day at Al – Taif the Fatemi Dawat of Yemen was resplendent with 18 Doat ul Mutlaqeen, the first and foremost being Syedna Ali bin Mohammad Walid (RA) whose story of tawajo and khusu in well known in the annals of Fatemi Dawat, and it is not mere coincidence that Syedna Mohammad bin Walid (RA) wrote 18 kutubs.

If we reflect it would be crystal clear that although the outward purpose of Nabi (SA) journey to al- Taif was to propagate Islam, the inner purpose, was to create a situation, whereby compassion arose in the heart of Walid bin Ukaba, whose offering of 18 grapes symbolized not only the quenching of the thirst of Nabi (SA) but when the time was ripe, the doa Mubarak of nabi (SA) would result in the quenching of the thirst of all true seekers of Ale Mohammad Uloom by the progeny of Walid bin Ukaba.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - Battle of Badr

AKHBAR
The outcome of the Battle of Badr was a humiliating defeat for the polytheists and a manifest victory for the Muslims. 14 Muslims were martyred of whom six were from Emigrants and eight form Helpers. The Makkans suffered heavy causalities in spite of their superior numbers and strength. 70 were killed and like number taken prisoners. Many of the principal men of Makkah, and some of bitterest enemy of Muhammad (SA) were among the slain. Chief of this was Abu Jahl.

On the third day after the battle, Muhammad (SA) stood over the bodies of 24 leaders of Quraish, who had been thrown into one of the wells, and started to call them by name and by the names of their fathers, saying – " Would it not have been much better for you, if you had obeyed Allah and His Messenger ? Behold, we have found that our Lord's Promise do come true, did you (also) find that the promises of your lord come true?"

The Makkans fled in great disorder and the news was met with incredible bewilderment. Abu Sufyan gave Abu Lahab the full account of the disgraceful defeat, with the role that the angels played in bringing about the tragic end. A confrontation with a Muslim woman, led Abu Lahab to be hit on his head with a log, which cracked his head. Seven days later he died of a worst kind of ulcer and was left for 3 days unburied. His sons, however, for fear of shameful rumors, drove him to a pit and keeping their safe distance, hurled stones and dust at him. This is how the bitterest enemy of Muhammad (SA) met his end.

ANWA'R

The Anwa'r in this Akhbar is that although the leading polytheists, who carried rancor and immense hatred for Muhammad (SA)were killed, Nabi Muhammad (SA) had come as Rehmat ul A'lemeen.

It is for this reason that although the 24 polytheists had been killed, their bodies cast into the well, Muhammad (SA)is not rejoicing as other Conquerors of the world would have rejoiced, he feels that had they listened to his Message, they would have been saved from hell fire. The victory over the hearts of man, to bring the wayward to see reason and Light, to emancipate humanity, was the primary aim of Nabi (SA)

It is for this reason that he started to call them by name and by the names of their fathers, saying – " Would it not have been much better for you, if you had obeyed Allah and His Messenger ? Behold, we have found that our Lord's Promise do come true,
did you (also) find that the promises of your lord come true?

Knowledge of historical events is very important, as the events of the past, help specially those entrusted with governance over their people, and all those who are governed, by understanding history, become aware of the past mistakes made, and many other aspects, which help them in their present situation.

However, there is a major difference in the historical episodes, that we believe, happen for a purpose, in OUR DEEN.

The historical events happen, as seen in the Battle of Badr event, but for those who are true seekers, there is ANWA'R in the AKHBAR, there is enlightenment, primarily because, we believe that, not this world but AKHERAT is our goal.

So reading of World History is different from that of our DEEN History. The historical events unfolding in our DEEN give us ANWA'R - NOT MERELY FACTS BUT ENLIGHTENMENT, so that our Ma'ad becomes more fast paced and easy. there is more spring in our activities, more joy in our hearts, and peace of mind as we journey along.

This post, written at the beginning of SEHRULLAH 1432 h is my humble tribute to the azeem karam and ehsaanats of my Aqa Moula (TUS) on Jamea talabats, who after imtehan held in Mumbai, received the mubarak 'tashreef' of his handwritten question.

I am not a 'talabat' of Jamea, but in the past many a times during my 'growing up years' I had wishfully thought of taking up some menial tasks, like khidmat in Jamea library, mawaid khidmat, managing the canteen etc: During a recent 'sabak' I came to know of this mubarak 'hadiyah' from Aqa Moula (TUS) I thought I should also do some taffakur on the question, and the result is this first post.

Hope this Sehrullah 1432 I may be able to write more such posts, showing that in OUR DEEN AKHBAR is not merely historical facts, but they are in truth ANWA'R.

SEHRULLAH MUBARAK TO ALL MY READERS. DOA NI ILTEMAS.

Two Power Point Presentations have been uploaded on my home page
www.hikmaah.com Hope during Sehrullah you will find some time, to log on and reflect on the Presentations, and oblige me with your valued feed backs.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

insta7 - An empowering Mobile App:

Thursday 2nd June 2.20 pm - Howrah Station, Kolkata

In the sweltering heat of afternoon, as I came to the for ever crowded station to catch the 2.40 Chandernagore local, to my dismay I found that the train had been cancelled, and the prospect of waiting on the overcrowded platform, in the hot and humid condition, was daunting. The next train was at 3.15 pm.

Having read the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, it helped me in accepting the Now and to find out means to make the best of the given situation. So somehow I managed to find a 'bum space' and as others were fretting and fuming I was feeling cool as a cucumber, for my nephew had forwarded me a mobile App:

I logged on and found the app: very user friendly even for my low end Mobile. As I had already scanned the morning Telegraph and knew all about the Political , local and International and Sports News I clicked to Science News, to find something interesting to read. Here I am sharing excerpts from the first 2 articles that I managed to read.

'Hominid females roamed while males cooked and tended hearth' Julie Steenhusyen - Chicago Reuters - Wed June 1

Females from two hominid species that roamed the South African Savannah more than a million years ago, left their families and struck out on their own, while their male counter parts tended the home fires, an international team of researchers said on Wednesday. Findings published in Nature Journal.

So here I was waiting for my train, an oasis to myself, while all others were fretting and fuming, engrossed in the discovery published continents away. This is what I call empowerment, being in the Now in spite of my having a low end mobile.

Excerpt from another Science article I managed to read and got completely lost in it, oblivious of all the noise around.

"Now now dear - female butterfly closes wings to avoid sex' Tokyo Reuters -
Wed June 01

One kind of female butterfly mates only once in life - an than closes its wingsto avoid 'harssement' when pursued by persistent and unwanted males, a Japanese researcher has said.

Observation of the small Copper Butterfly, a colorful orange and black butterfly, showed that some females closed their wings, when males flew by, but only when they were males of their own species, said Jun Ya Ide - an associate professor at Kurume Institute of Technology in Fukuoka. Closing the wings makes them less visible.

You could have forgiven me for missing the 3.15. However, on account of the mad rush all around, I managed to get a foot hold in the overcrowded compartment, and through out the entire journey of 50 min: when others were cursing and fuming, I was lost in my own world, as I kept thinking of women empowerment which is gathering more and more momentum (The recent IMF Chief affair, the seemingly most powerful, bought to dust, by a house cleaning hotel staff) where will it end :)) Being fully occupied which such thoughts, I felt like a lark as I alighted finally at the Chandernagor station.

THIS BLOG IS IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO MY NEPHEW KHOJ BADAMI AND HIS FRIEND AJIT WHO HAVE DEVELOPED THIS VERY EMPOWERING AND USER FRIENDLY MOBILE APP:

IT IS BEING OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED TODAY. AND THE ICING ON THE CAKE IS THAT IT IS FREE AND SO VERY EASY TO UPLOAD. IF YOU HAVE A GPRS MOBILE JUST TYPE THE URL AND VIOLA YOU WILL BECOME TOTALLY EMPOWERED. http://insta7.com

To know more about the App: log on to the following links.
http://insta7.com/CompSite/media-packet.aspx

http://insta7.com/CompSite/why-we-made-this.aspx

Your suggestions and feedback may kindly be forwarded to :
Khoj Badami at khoj.badami@gmail.com

Sunday, May 1, 2011

ADAB - Traditional Courtesy in Islam

Book Reference: THE GARDEN TO TRUTH BY SYYED HOSSEIN NASR

The term often used by Sufis is found also in most of the major languages of the Islamic peoples. ADAB which means at once comportment, courtesy, culture, fefined speech, literature, correct ethical attitudes, and many other concepts. It is really untranslatable and perhaps should be used in English in its Arabic form like terms, such as karma and guru, which have entered English from Sanskrit, or Jihad from Arabic.

All traditional societies have tried to inculcate their own forms of ADAB within members of society from childhood, and Islamic civilization is no exception.

For traditional Muslims, ADAB encompasses nearly all aspects of life from greeting people to eating to sitting in gathering to entering a place of worship. As for quintessential ADAB, it has always been associated by Sufis with the action and words of the Prophet (SA) himself.

ADAB is the means of controlling the passions, which effect and often originate human actions. It is also a way of formalizing human actions, in such a way, that they display harmony and beauty rather than disorderliness an ugliness. ADAB even disciplines the body and brings out its innate dignity and its themorphic nature and teaches us how to carry ourselves in a manner that is worthy of human state.

Is goal is to control the ego and the passions and to inculcate the virtues of humility and charity within the human soul as well as bring out the majestic aspect of our existence.

It is therefore closely related to spiritual discipline and is of great value in performing acts of goodness. It teaches us to discipline ourselves and to prepare the soul for that supreme sacrifice of its will and being before the alter of Absolute, which is also Truth, Beauty. Love and Goodness, qualities that are reflected in one way or another in the quintessential ADAB of traditional Islam, beyond all cultural and ethnic idiosyncrasies.

No one on the path to the Garden can be devoid of inward ADAB

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

THE NEW EARTH - Eckhart Tolle





BOOK : A NEW EARTH - ECKHART TOLLE
Six million copies world wide best seller.

I highly recommend this life changing book. Do buy a copy and see your life for ever changing for the better, and once you change, the world around you will surely change.

Sharing my reflections.

In the first chapter - The Flowering of Human Consciousness, there is a narrative, about Gautama Buddha.

' The Buddha is said to have given a 'silent sermon' once during, which he held up a flower and gazed at it. After a while, one of those present, a monk called Mahakasyapa, began to smile. He is said to have been the only one, who had understood the sermon.

According to legend, that smile (that is to say realization) was handed down by 28 successive masters, and much later became the origin of Zen.

Now when I read this, I quite understood that yes Spiritual Truths are transmitted from one to one, but what was more awakening was the figure of 28. Why not 20 - 30 or any other number and 28.

Gautama Buddha lived and preached 600 years before Jesus. In my earlier 100 meavi milad posts entitled QUEST,I have been trying to understand, how through centuries the Spiritual Truths, like a child growing in stages in the mother's womb, found its completion.

Our Deen teaches us that the shariat of Nabi Adam (SA) was complete in itself, but was akin to the first month of the growth of the unborn in the mothers womb. The shariat of Nabi Nuh (SA) similarly symbolized the second month and so on. With Nabi Mohammad (SA) the sixth Natiq, the Seal of Prophets, the DEEN was complete all in itself.

With this knowledge as a premises I tried to reflect and the answer to why 28 and no other numerical was found in the composition of kalemat-us- shadat -
La - ilah - illah -Allah.

Those who have been fortunate to attend Asb'aq (plural of sabaks)know that the kalema is made of 3 alpha bate namely 'alif' 'lam' and 'hey' there are 4 words La - ilah - illah -Allah. Total number of alpha bates are 12 and when you write the kalema in Arabic, the tip of your pencil/pen will have to be raised a total of 9 times. So 3 + 4 + 12 + 9 = 28

But more significant than above is the Spritual Truth that, the entire universe is said to be represented in this kalema Tawhid, and if you attend Asb'aq, you will learn how all permutations of - land, air - water - fire, the seven tenets of our Deen, Walayah, Taharat etc: all add up to 28 thus the entire Universe does Tawhid of Allah.



Nasihat of Syedi Sadik Ali Saheb :

'gar maut ne samjo to' - kunji chhe hayati ni
tehkeek yeh madin chhe - roohani hayati ni'

To understand the depth and beauty of this verse, here is an excerpt from the Book:

' When death approaches, your sense of Beingness, of I am, is freed from its entanglement with form. Spirit is released from its imprisonment of matter.

Syedi Sadikali saheb uses the metaphor of mother giving birth of everlasting life. So concise, at the same time having an in depth meaning.

Eckhart continues ' You realize your essential identity as formless, as an all pervasive presence of being prior to all forms, all identifications. You realize your true identity as consciousness, itself, rather than what consciousness has identified with. That's the peace with God.

The ultimate truth of who you are is not I am this, or I am that, but I AM

Friends, so as I continue to read the Book, if I come across any nuggets worth sharing, I will surely do so.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

100th MILAD - SIXTH POST

All awakened spiritual persons and philosophers are in THE QUEST to seek the spiritual Truth. Their quest, if true in spirit and purpose, will make them stand on the threshold of awakening and enlightenment.

We mumineen are so blessed and fortunate to be in possession of that TRUTH –
OUR MOULA (TUS). He openly declares that ‘mumineen tame fikr na karo, Imam Husain na gum ma bas ek ansoo nikali do – maru kaam thai gayoo'

During the historic and most memorable, meavi milad vaaz mubarak, the Husaini tara, who we mumineen are so blessed to be witness to, said : ' mumineen mari tadbeer ma - tamne zamin thee a'smani bannava ma, mane yaari a'po,jeh chhe teh Moula chhe, Moula duniya ane akherat ma olkhee lese' So let us reach out to him rejoice and celebrate,


In this post let us try to understand some of the scientific discoveries, that are helping us to understand better the Spiritual Truths. The latest scientific research is moving away from materialism to spiritualism.

We are now in the Aquarian Age, and with each passing year the Religious Truths of Monotheism, will find credence and acceptability by new discoveries in Quantum Physics. The Universe forming out of the BIG BANG was at odds with the Religious Truths, but with the latest M Theory, although I am not a student of science, and my knowledge is very limited, I think and there is a gut feeling, each new scientific discovery is inching closer to the understanding of Tawhid.

The M Theory was propounded first by Edward Wittens, this Theory is based on tiny strings vibrating in 10 dimensional space time. Now for me personally this 10 dimensional space time is very exiting, when it gives scientific credence to the Theory of emanation (fadl) originally propounded by Plotinus (204 to 270 BC) in Enneads.

Central to Plotinus metaphysics, is the process of ceaseless emanation (fadl) and out flowing from the THE ONE. Plotinus gives metaphors, such as the radiation of heat from fire, fragrance from a flower, or light from the sun. Now the M Theory postulates, that tiny strings vibrate in 10 dimensional space time.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1evDs5RqhWiWIL1UiSW6E7SjFFW3i_csBcI9PHT7HNg8/edit?hl=en&authkey=CKugzf0P



Most of the Scientist are in agreement that with the help of this M Theory, many paradoxes are being solved. Just one example – why the force of Gravity is so weak. Now the scientist are of opinion that as Gravity passes through several dimensions, it becomes weak.

Science has taken a long road from Einstein’s Theory of Gravity replaced by The String Theory to be followed by the Super String Theory in 1980 and with exiting and verifiable discoveries in Quantum Physics, and the latest M Theory, as stated above.


Now let me take up the BIG BANG theory, literary by it's horns, which is at odds with the Spiritual Truth. This theory in the past was a very soar point, a thorn in the flesh, in establishing a symmetry between Spirituality and Science.

The problem is that, we get attached to words, and start believing in them. Recent scientific discoveries are proving that there was no BANG – BANG in the BIG BANG. Now that very thing is somewhat of a solace to me.

My friends let me share with you the truth behind the misnomer BIG BANG (Book Ref: Code Name God – The Spiritual Odyssey of a Man of Science by Mani Bhaumik. Ph.D)

The idea of Cosmic Explosion, kicking off the expansion of the universe – this idea was first conceived by George Lemaitre – a Belgian priest, and the British astronomer Fred Hoyle, in jest, coined the term BIG BANG. Mark the words - 'in jest'

So the truth is that the term was coined in jest, we all latched on to it, as any thing theatrical, appeals to each and every one of us.

BIG BANG is more appealing that the Spiritual Truth – the fact that it was ‘huboot’ (darkness, murk and gloom) that descended because we in the ‘roohani A’lam’ did not listen to Moulana A'shir – Aqa Moula (TUS) farmave chhe ‘ La’la (roshni) chali gaiyee – woh A’lam to’ noor nu A’lam chhe – waha kem rehvaye – hayula wajood ma avaoo.'

The COBE data has confirmed that the universe is made up of 4.5 per cent ordinary matter, 25 per cent dark matter of an as yet unknown composition, and more important about 70 per cent of mysterious factor known as dark energy.

What I understand is that all the Scientific discoveries pertain to the understanding of this material reality. We were eased out of the Paleroma, darkness engulfed, material reality, which the scientists are trying to understand - hayula - total body came into existence, largely on account of the 'rehmat' of Moulana A'shir, who did the tadbeer. So there was no BANG - BANG. Now Quantum Science, is proving it too.

Scientists are now saying conclusively that 'noise' requires a medium to carry the sound waves. It was an 'explosion of space' (easing out from the Roohani A'lam is what I understand) and not an explosion.

Scientists Penzias and Wilson says, that we can listen to the energy of creation, and this energy is every where. If you look at the static on your T V channel, which should be not any receiving channel, you will see dots beginning to dance. which according to Mani Bhaumik - 'we are looking at the very ancient fingerprint, because a percentage of that static is a microwave remnant of the birth of the universe' (hayula)

I personally found the scientific predictions not going against my spiritual believes (Note: I am talking about my self only - my quest) once I did away with the notion of BIG BANG and tried to understand how 'hayula' came about - the tadbeer of Moulana A'shir. With this notion in mind, I found scientific discoveries validating some of my spiritual concepts.

With rapid advance in Quantum Physics and decades of laboratory experiments and observations made by powerful COBE satellite, the predictions agree with the observational data to an astounding degree of accuracy of one part per billion. I would be a fool not to take into consideration, or turn a blind eye to all this scientific established fact.

The Scientific fact : By one second after the BIG BANG ( I see it not as a BANG but as tadbeer of Moula A'shir on receiving 'fadl' emanation from all the roohani asmaan - the Intellects above him in Al'm ul Ibda, with this concept in mind always, the scientific facts become easy to understand) the temperature had fallen to ten billion degrees, and the universe was like a giant thermonuclear reactor gradually cooling by expansion. (hayula wujood ma ayu)

Prof: Alan Guth's GUT ( grand unified theory) pioneering work came from his study of the first blink of the awakened Universe, where the symmetry was intact and reality was far smaller than the head of a pin.

The universe's essential traits were established as early as one hundred millionth of a billionth of a billionth of a billionth of a second from its inception (Book page 158) I am not saying this - the observed data by Scientists, is stating this, which has helped me to understand, not wholly, but to a certain extent, the Spiritual Truth of Quran Ayah ' kun - fayakun' "BE" -and it is!

Now let us see how the recent scientific discoveries are making renowned scientists, into spiritual thinkers, affirming the Spiritual Truths, which have been there for centuries.

Eminent physicist Freeman Dyson also finds that " the universe in some sense must have known that we are coming"

John Wheeler, one of the most thoughtful scientist of our time, concludes from his extensive studies of Quantum physics that "It is incontrovertible that the observer (Moulana A'shir according to me) is a participator in genesis."

Mani Bhaumik states - The Observer ( Moula A'shir ne duniya na hawala chhe - so states Syedi Sadik ali Saheb) That's consciousness, and we are conscious agents, vehicles for manifestation of a potentiality that was there from the start. (roohani A'lam ma apan bhi hata -gunah na sabab gira)

Quantum physicists have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt, that the 'observer' and the 'observed' are fundamentally connected, their relationship is interactive and participatory. This than my young friends is the Spiritual Truth.

The most vivid experiment is called the entanglement or the non locality experiment, and how particle phycists, are now able to achieve quantum teleportation. In one of my earlier post, I had written in detail about this experiment.

Now let me share with my young friends, my reflections and observation made during the meavi milad mubarak vaaz, and it is based on my knowledge derived from quanum physic experiment, referred above. Click on the link, before reading on my observation to get a complete idea of my spiritual concept based on scientific facts.
A very humble Milad tribute to my Moula.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gznGXGAlK_3zg4Xjv4mm6o2nSF3K15nfWR9np6TFsJI/edit?hl=en&authkey=CIPL4rYD

The world wide community of mumineen may have surely noticed, the outpouring of emotional feelings of our Moula, at the end of the vaaz, when he said how he wished, that he could be able to do ' mua'naqo' ( a noble Fatemi tradition of embrace, which in common parlance, we refer to as - gale lagavi devu)

How did our Moula achieve this impossible feat, he did achieve it, and I will show you how.

With the help of ' quantum teleportation' that is by telling us all to do matam e Husain, by superimposing on all of us, the roohaniyat of matam, and thus although great distance separated each of us, our Moula was able to realize his wish, of granting all of us the 'sharaf' of 'muanaqo'. You all may have observed, that while sada't kiram sahebs were doing 'mua'naqo', Aqa Moula (TUS) was doing matam himself, and extolling all of us to do 'matam' in a sense, he was giving us all the 'sharaf' of 'mua'naqo' on his 100th Milad. This is what. I have observed and reflected. The symmetry of Spirituality and Science.

Both elementary force particles and elementary matter particles are merely excitations of their corresponding underlying field, which makes the quantum fields, in a sense, the breeding ground of material creation. Scientists are now stating conclusively, that the quantum fields, is in a sense, the breeding ground of material creation. (The spiritual truth is that Moulana A'shir, is the giver of Forms) Excitations of the underlying fields results in formation of electrons, neutrinos, protons.

Cosmology points to a likely scenario : A single field emerged (tadbeer of Moulana A'shir, as I understand) at the origin of the universe, already containing within it self, the blueprint of the physical universe, just as a human genome contains the plan for an entire human.

Such and other dramatic scientific discoveries, have made the Materialistic Theory that had held sway for more than four centuries, completely redundant. The Intellectual Spirit of Islam, the preserved compilations of our Doat e Kiram, huddod fozala kiram sahebs, the studies and translations by the European Scholars, in the later part of the 19th and during 20th Century, has played a vital role.

Way back in 1930 - Astrophysicst Sir James Jeans wrote - ' The universe begins to look more like a great thought, than like a great machine'


Let me conclude this series of THE QUEST,the sixth written during Milad e meavi and coincidentally, my 100th Post on Mind Mints blog, with the Nashihat of Syedi Sadik ali Saheb

“ Tawhid ehne khaiye
Jeh chhe Khuda na muka
gar chhe Khuda nathi yeh
pan jan jeh Khuda chhe’


' AS ABOVE, SO BELOW ' The Spiritual truths remain unchanged for centuries.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

100th MILAD - FIFTH POST







Continuing from the previous post, all was not lost. In our Deen we are more concerned with knowledge that ‘illuminates’ Mere accumulation of knowledge for the sake of acquiring an aura of a very learned person, is not encouraged. Acquiring of knowledge should have a definite purpose, and that purpose in our Deen is the quest to understand Tawheed of Allah.

Like speech,knowledge which is a mile long but only a centimeter deep is of little value. So it can be surmised, that the I’lm of Ale Mohammad – the true I’lm required for the emancipation of souls, and to make us mumineen into ‘farishta shifa’t’ (angelic human being) did survive the onslaught of the Crusades and the ravages of the Mongols.

When the Mongol hoards were destroying every known vestige of humanity, culture and knowledge, so assiduously nurtured by Islam since the beginning of 8th Century, through the lands of Central Asia, our revered Doat e Kirams fully occupied themselves in the intellectual pursuit and enquiry of Tawheed, in the relative safety and seclusion of Yemini Mountains and valleys. This is what term, as a blessing in disguise.

Let me share with my young educated friends, some facts from history. AKHBAR IS ANWA’R – provided you are willing to reflect, and not to rot, as we use to do in school days.

When Chengiz Khan was marauding Central Asia, during that time or thereabout, Syedna Hatim Mohyuddin (RA) was engrossed in writing of 16 Dawat kutubs, and his Mazoon Syedna Mohammad Taher (RA) – known as ‘Bawisa na Saheb ‘ had written 7 kutubs.

The death of Syedna Hatim Mohyuddin Moula (RA) in 596 AH coincided with the total destruction of Bagdad, as referred to in my earlier post in 1218 AD.

Syedna Ali Bin Molaya Mohammad Walid (RA) assumed the august office of Dai ul Mutlaq in 605 AH (1227 AD) I will request my readers to log on to the shared link. Please do read and reflect, reflect,and reflect – it has been compiled by me as a WAKE UP CALL.

Doa of Nabi Muhammad (SA) - the loom of 18 lusicious grapes - intervening 5 centuries - 18 Doat Kiram in the progeny - 'nasl' of Walid who died a polytheist- the first Dai Syedna Ali Bin Molaya Walid in all writing 18 kutubs !!!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10jStbt83JW_gHx1M-49bxgy1Ghpl8iIwFIMLgtEj4iw/edit?hl=en&authkey=CIT836oF

This then, my young friends is the beauty of OUR DEEN ! This is the symmetry, the confluence that the Spiritual Masters and in this 21st century the awakened scientists. are trying to unravel.


Let me share with you just one example of what I have referred earlier as ‘illuminative’ Knowledge.

‘Information is not matter, although it is imprinted on matter, it comes from elsewhere, from an intelligence'

O K fine, my young friends will quip – now prove it.

This is a Spiritual Truth but we need a philosopher and a Scientist like Stephen C Meyer of Cambridge University. To prove this point, he used to demonstrate to his class by holding two computer disks.

One full of software and other data

The other – a blank. Now, the mass of both is same, but one is blank and the other contains a lots and lots of information. Outwardly both are same but the difference , and a big one that too, is in the contents.


On account of the Crusades and the ravages of Mongols, many valuable Arabic Books were destroyed for ever. Just one example : Kitab Al Insaf by Bu ali Sina (The Book of Impartial Judgment) which investigates 28000 questions – The manuscripts of Insaf disappeared at the sack of Isfahan.

This is one small example of the extent of Intellectual Activity of the Muslims – Persians and Arabs in particular during the glorious epoch. However , many thousands survived and like our Doat Kiram sahebs of Yemen and later in India, Doat Kirams and hudood fozala kiram shaebs, some devoted their entire life, in the study of I’lm of Ale Muhammad (SA)

Just two glowing examples. Syedi Ameen bin Jalal, whose quest for acquiring I’lm was so focused, that we mumineen know that even the ‘water’ in the his lamp, turned into oil, so that the radiance of Fatemi Uloom, be preserved for posterity. Another name, just one from hundreds of savants , is that of Syedi Abdulkader Hakimuddin Moula (RA)

However, very unfortunately after the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution, as detailed in my 3rd Post, during 19th and 20th Century, when English Education held sway over the minds of elite class, a definite wedge began to develop between Spirituality and Science. Islam was grossly misrepresented. Original enquiry and intellectual pursuits became confined to selected few, who were seekers of truth, but they were hedged with skeptism and materialism all around, and retreated in their secured shell. The time, it seems, had not come.

However, on the other hand, there were very enterprising souls, who managed to read the original surviving Arabic and Persian Texts, a few noted were German Scholars. Translations in different languages, slowly but surely started to appear.

I salute their enterprising works, which were avidly read and reflected upon, by the growing un-biased intellectual community of Western Philosophers, Educationists and most importantly Scientists, actively pursuing to understand the mystery of Universe.

On the occasion of the 100th Milad Mubarak, I will make an honorable mention of few of the pioneering authors and their works, which helped in revitalizing of the Islamic Theology and Philosophy.

Rudolph Strothmann ( 1877-1960)

Louis Massignon ( 1883-1962)

A Guide to Islamic Literature (1933) compiled by W. Ivanow. A Russian Scholar of repute.

History of Islamic Philosophy – Henry Corbin

Ismaili Thought in the Age of al – Hakim (SA) 1999 Publication by Paul E Walker.

Seyyed Hossein Nasr. A widely read modern renowned Ismaili Scholar
A few of his Books :

Tradition of Islam in the Modern world.
Ideals and Realities of Islam.
Science and Civilization in Islam - Harvard University Press 1968

Ismaili Literature – a bibliography of Sources and Studies - Farhad Daftry.

The Library of the Institute of Islamic Studies in London contains valuable original documents and Manuscripts, which are providing rich reference material.

From mumineen point of view of interest, it has the oldest illuminated copy of Rasail – 44 /1040 AH of Ikhwan us Shafa. It also has a manuscript of Syedna Ali bin Hanzala (RA) 6th Dai – a number of copyist – the last is one Gulam Husyn Mulla Fidahusian Biyawari – 1931 AD

My young friends, the niyat behind bombarding you will all the above Names and Book References, is to just make you understand, more importantly to make you aware, how True knowledge of Tawheed, for the understanding and expounding of which, our Duat Kiram and huddod fozala kirams, worked relentlessly and in seclusion, has finally found a niche, amongst the seekers of not accumulative but ‘illuminative’ knowledge in all streams of intellectual pursuit.

My young educated friends, who have been avid readers of modern day Philosophers and Thinkers like - Louise Hay, Haisch Bernard, Deepak Chopra, Rhonda Byrne, Echart Tolle etc: I humbly seek an answer from you.

Have you read or heard of the Book by Dr. Najmuddin Saheb – Ameerul Jamea ?

‘A Philosphical Discourse by His Holiness Dr. Syedna Taher Saiffudin ‘ Published by Al –Jamea-tus- Saifiyah.

In his commentary Dr. Najmuddin Saheb an erudite scholar of Fatemi Philosophy, citing reference to Ikhwan –us- shafa , states that ‘ Philosophy is a three tired pyramid, the three tiers comprising of:

Love of Sciences

The comprehension of the facts of Creation to the best of human ability

Practice by words and deeds of the knowledge so gained.

The most renowned exponent of deeds reflecting words - 'ibadatayn' was Syedna Hamid al Din Al Kirmani (RA)

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUOrKa48emnMZGdydnA4dmJfNzZ0NjN3bnFoZw&hl=en&authkey=CJq0iv8K




Friends, I have just made a few references, and Insa Allah in my 6th Post I will try to reflect on the convergence of Spirituality and Sciences, resulting from pioneering researches and reflections done by modern day Philosopher Scientists and Thinkers.


Ken Webler is just one example of a Biochemical Scientist, trying to understand the Spiritual Truths, resulting in ' A Brief History of Everything '
My Blog Post :

http://mindmints.blogspot.com/2010/06/brief-history-of-everything-ken-wilber.html

From my personal perspective, how these modern day marvels of cutting edge Science has helped me, in gaining more insights in my understanding of the Spiritual Truths learnt by attending ‘sabaks’. A presentation of 'DNA Molecule' made by me, has to wait, as I feel, it's time has not come, although I have shared it with a few, who I know are taking Haqiqat sabaks, and fully comprehend.


Spirituality and Science are converging like never before. I hope to reflect and share on them, in my Sixth Post Insa Allah, which coincidentally will be my 100th Post on my “MindMints” Blog, started in the year 2008.

I had been blessed with ziyarat of Yemen Doat e Kiram (RA) and had shared my experience on the Blog.
For those who have not exhausted themselves by the reading of this blog, may well log on to the following link.
http://mindmints.blogspot.com/2008/10/climbing-up-mount-zimarmar-yemen.html

Sunday, March 13, 2011

100th MILAD - Fourth Post

Now in this 4th 100 Milad Mubarak post, let us take into account, some of the causes, which led to the advent of the ‘dark age’ when knowledge acquired through the Centuries was deemed lost, and more importantly, when it resurfaced, it was wrongly assumed to be, largely on account of the intellectual pursuit of Western Nations, as a result of Renaissance and Industrial Revolution.

It was not so, as clearly shown in my previous post. Please permit to quote an erudite scholar Syyed Ameer Ali from his book – ‘ The Spirit of Islam’

‘ Such was the glorious achievement of the Moslems in the field of intellect; and all was due to the teachings of one man ( Nabi Mohammad – S.A) ... Afflicted humanity awoke into new life. Whilst the barbarians of Europe, who have overturned an effete empire, were groping in the darkness of ignorance and brutality, the Moslems were building up a great civilization. During the centuries of moral and intellectual desolation in Europe, Islam led the vanguard of progress. Christianity had established itself on the throne of the Caesars, but it failed to regenerate the nations of the earth....From the schools of Salerno, of Bagdad, of Damascus, of Cordova, of Granada, of Malaga, the Moslems taught the world the gentle lessons of the philosophy and practical teachings of Science’

I also quote a Christian author of a blog aptly describing the result of the meeting of two diverse cultures: ‘ The Christians were brought face to face with a civilization superior to their own; their eyes were dazzled by the light of Arabian learning; and the mental ferment which succeeded in Europe led to the cultivation of science and literature, the foundation of universities, the study of the immortal classics of Greece and Rome, the growth of philosophy and skepticism, the Renaissance in Italy, and the Reformation in Germany. And these movements, in turn, led to the French Revolution, which sounded the death-knell of Feudalism, and to the Free thought of Voltaire, which pierced the heart of Superstition.

Just recently the world has witnessed the horrible tragedy resulting out of a combination of earthquake and Tsunami, that has devastated the most technologically advanced Nation of Japan. My profound and heartfelt sympathy are with the Japanese people, who are basically very stoic, and as in the past, they will surely overcome this tragedy, of which I am sure.

Likewise a most barbaric and damaging episode erupted – an earthquake on the fertile plains of Islamic Intellectual and morally uplifting landscape, in the last part of the 10th Century. The cause was the rallying call made, to save Christianity from the infidels (Muslims) - after a meeting called by Pope Urban II. As a result of which, the Crusades began in 1097 and continued for 3 centuries.

First Crusades 1097 –1099
Second Crusades 1147- 1149
Third Crusades 1187- 1192


The Crusades burst among the Muslim empire, at a most crucial moment in its history. I shudder to mention the barbaric acts, which occurred at Ma’arra al Numan, following the capitulation of Antioch. Peter the Hermit, Walter nicknamed ‘penniless’ – Godeschal - the German monk perpetrated inhuman atrocities.

Millions perished in battle, hunger or disease and the Crusaders disgraced the Cross, for the protection of which they had issued forth. It is very ironic, and how misguided were their clergy, as the Muslims also beleived in One Supreme Being- Allah. They fought the holy wars to rid the world of the infidels. This only shows how misguided they were, and the real causes were far too malicious and deep.

A Muslim view fully borne out by the atrocities committed by the Crusaders

The object of the Crusades was inhuman. They were launched against Islam by those who were suffering from mental rigidity, prejudice, wrong conceptions, class ¬distinctions, intellectual stagnation, educational back¬wardness and medieval fossilization. These wars were started with a view to oppose a new religion and a world system which believed in human values and had replaced discrimination and inequality by justice and equality and put the firm belief in one God in the place of complex heathenism. The result was tremendous bloodshed, large scale destruction and many ignoble incidents which continued for over a century.


The brilliance of Islamic teaching and moral code, made an impression on many moderate and thinking Christians, many converted to Islam, as things settled down. Many Christians and Jews were holding important administrative posts, and were exerting influence in the Fatimid Courts. In the previous post, I have already dwelt on the brilliance and quest of Intellectual achievements, encouraged and fostered by our most reverred Fatemi Imams (SA)

However, unfortunately Islam was to suffer more devastation in the form of a Tsunami, that originated from the vast steppes of Mongolia, in the form of Chengiz or Jingis Khan. In the year 1218 AD the Mongol issued forth from the steppes , with a savage following of a million and moved upon Farghana.

Centers of knowledge and culture like Herat, Balkh, Bokhara, Samarkand were reduced to ashes. A general massacre was ordered in all these cities. This Mongol invasion put an end to the intellectual life of Central Asia.

More destruction and savagery was witnessed when 50 years later Halaku, the grandson of Chengiz Khan sacked Bagdad. For three days the streets ran with blood, and the water of the Tigris was dyed red for miles along its course. The horrors of rapine, slaughter and outraged humanity, lasted for six weeks.

The reckless assassination of thousands of scholars, poets, writers and the destruction of libraries and colleges wrought irreparable disaster upon the Muslim civilization, which had flourished for centuries with remarkable vitality.

What deepened the somber effects of the tragedy was the fact, with the extermination of men of learning, the spirit of enquiery and original research, so distinctly associated with Arabic learningas practically destroyed.

However, in the midst of all this horrors, there was a silver lining. More than a hundred years before the Mongols sacked Central Asia, Moulana Imam Taiyyeb (SA) had gone in seclusion, In the beginning of the 12th Century Moulana Lamak (RA) had come in the hazrat Imamiyah Mustansiryah to seek the raza. We mumineen are very familiar with the historical evidence that transpired.

Here I quote from one of my earlier post on the Glorious Fatimid Empire - Part 3.

'The period of 454 A.H. to 459 A.H.,was a period of chaos and famine, but of far reaching and significant consequence for the Fatemi Taiyyebi Dawah. Sy. Al- Mu'yyad (AQ) passed these four years in conference with Dai Lamak at Dar-ul- Ilm, and thus although the Nile had dried up, the Fatemi Uloom flowed in torrents towards Yemen.
Syedna Mu'yyad (AQ)remained in charge of the entire Dawah until his death in 470 A.H. He wrote most of his works, in the last year of his life.'

So long before the Mongols had destroyed everything in sight, the true learning (I’lm of A’le Mohammad, encompassing all branches of knowledge) found a very safe and secure haven, to be diligently pursued and revitalized, in the fortified forts (hisn haseen) of Yemen.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

100th MILAD - 3 rd Post









As stated in my 100th Milad Mubarak – 2nd Post, the Spiritual Truths have been there for centuries, and they need no validation from Scientific discoveries.

Now let us take into account, some of the causes, which led to the advent of the ‘dark age’ when all knowledge acquired through the Centuries, was deemed lost.

What is more important to me as a mumin, is that after the Industrial Revolution in Europe, Science came to be largely based on the premises of Materialism. Everything else was termed as illusion or imagination.

A definite wedge was created between Spirituality and Science. More worrying from our Community point of view, is that those who received English/ European Education developed a mindset, that made them believe that knowledge was the result of purely intellectual activity of the Western Developing Nations.

The quest to understand the infinite power, which we know as ALLAH has a very long history. If one is make a proper study of the history of intellectual activity to understand the SUPREME BEING , one will have to read the history of the quest by Babylonians – The Egyptians -The Greeks - The Arabs (Saracens) - The Gnostics - The Orientalists and finally The Europeans.

The known earliest Spiritual Truth found is in the Emerald Tablet Circa 3000 BC wherein is inscribed the following : ‘AS ABOVE , SO BELOW - AS WITHIN, SO WITHOUT’ This truth has remained unchanged for Centuries , and we learn this same truth in the ‘sabaks’ even today, and although hundreds of Scientific Theories have been propounded, to be proved wrong by later Scientific discoveries, what is taught in our DEEN remains unchanged. So this is an important point to be remembered.

The quest by all great thinkers in the past – just to name a few Socrates - Aristotle – Pluto – Plotinus (The founder of Neo-Platonism) The Gnostics of the 1st and 2nd Centuries, gathered momentum and acceleration, more scientific , more methodical and analytical, in the early 8th Century after Islam spread to far corners of the world.

Let me quote Syed Ameer Ali from his Book : Short History of Saracens.

‘From early 8th Century the Arabs exercised their intellect, physical sciences were diligently cultivated, and Chemistry botany, geology, natural history etc: occupied the attention and excersed the energies of the ablest men. Abu Musa Jafar of Kufa (the Geber of Christian writers) is the father of modern chemistry. The science of medicine and the art of surgery were developed to the highest degree.

Al – Kindi wrote two hundred works on various subjects – arithmetic, geometry , philosophy , meteorology, optics and medicine. Abu Maaashar (corrupted by the Europe of the Middle Ages into Albumazar) made the celestial phenomena his special study; and the Table of Abu Maaashar has remained the chief reference point of astronomical knowledge.

The early Fatimides, like their ancient prototypes the first Ptolemies , were grand supporters of learning science. They established colleges , public libraries and scientific institutes (Dar ul –hikmat) richly supplied with books and mathematical instruments, and a large professional staff.

Access to and the use of these literary treasures were free to all, and writing materials were afforded gratis. The Calips (Imams - SA) frequently held learned disputations, at which the professors of these academics appeared, divided according to their different faculties,… dressed in their Khalaa ( The gowns of the English universities, still retain the original form of the Arabic Khalaa) UN QUOTE

Feeling proud my young friends - the English Professors are still donning the Fatemi attire, and hopefully, by the end of the next post, you will also realize that the same Intellectual enquiry, religiously pursued by the Arabs , lost in the ‘dark age’ is slowly but surely reemerging and is being rediscovered, with scientific proofs, fuelled by rapid advance in technology covering, all the branches of intellectual pursuit. This is what I find most exciting. Personally I consider it as the 100 Milad Mubarak boon and blessing.

Nahj – Al – Balagha of Moulana Ali (SA)is surely, the fountain head of AL ILM. During the time of Imam Jafar us Sadik (SA) there was a deep and far reaching intellectual pursuit, which included all branches of discipline. The prime aim and goal was to understand the Tawheed of Allah. There was no disparity between different sciences and theologies. Knowledge was homogenous , and the quest was to understand and assimilate all knowledge.

Rasail - Ikhwan Al – Shafa (the Epistles of the Brethren of Purity) not only contain interesting scientific and philosophical thoughts, but includes words of wisdom, for the emancipation of human soul. Syedna Al_ Qadi Al-Numan (RA) during his 66 years of khidmat of four Imams (SA) has written in all 44 Kutubs, the most widely read and prominent being Daim ul Islam.

Moulana al – Mu’ayyad fil din al Shirazi (RA) Moulana Hamid al – Din al Kirmani (RA) just to mention two of the many leading Ismaili thinkers and noteworthy scholars , whose intellectual pursuit, after a lapse of many centuries is finding favor with leading thinkers of this Century.

In the Book : “Introduction to the History of Science” the author George Sarton gives tribute to Muslim Scientists. Let me quote:
“It will suffice here to evoke a few glorious names without contemporary equivalents in the West – Jabir ibn Haiyan, al Kindi, al – Khwarizmi, al- Fagani, al – Razi, al – Farabi, Ibn Sina (Bu Ali Sina) ……. He refers to a few more. What he states at the end is, what concerns us the most – and I quote ‘ If anyone tells you that the Middle Ages were scientifically sterile, just quote these men to him, all of whom flourished within a short period of 750 to 1100 AD.

Robert Briffault in his Book : Making of Humanity writes : ‘ It was under the influence of the Arabs and Moorish revival of culture, and not in the 15th Century, that a real renaissance took place.’ He goes on to state ‘Science is the most momentous contribution of Arab Civilization to the modern world.’

The Arab scientists were calculating the size of the earth , from the measurement of a degree on the shores of the Red Sea – this at the time when Christian Europe was asserting the flatness of the Earth.

Insa Allah in the next post, we will examine the reasons, that led to the misguided thinking that Scientific knowledge was the sole preserve of the Western Nations , and basically on account of Renaissance, followed by Industrial Revolution, as taught to all of us in School.