Saturday, December 10, 2016

PROFILE OF AN ACHIEVER - DR. S.S.RAHI








THE ONLY IMPORTANT THING IN A BOOK IS THE MEANING IT HAS FOR YOU 
W, SOMERSET MAUGHAM

MILAD UL NABI (S.A.) MUBARAK TO MY READERS. Would like to share a very fortunate meeting during the Milad Celebration maukib with a very talented mumin bhai - a true Achiever,  about whom I had heard but had an opportunity to meet and interact for the first time.  Dr. Shafaqat S. Rahi is a true achiever in the field of Gujarati Literature, specially Gujarati Gazals, although his literary works comprising in all of 32 publications, covers all genres, and he is also been writing in many renowned syndicated columns. 

Dr. S.Rahi received his Doctorate from Gujarat University in 1991 and besides that has received many awards and accolades from prominent Gujarati literary circles. It was a real privilege to talk with an Achiever of our community. As we interacted over coffee I traveled back in time, to the sixties, much before TV and Electronic Media ruled the roost, and a good book reading drove away the blues and struggles of daily living. 

I recall borrowing books from Saifee Club Library - Calcutta for my mother, who had a difficult time raising five boisterous kids in a single room, which we called our home. I fondly recollect, once she got hold of a SHAYDA book, she would find solace and peace in the literary world of her own. I myself recall reading  MAA TE MAA  ( in 2 parts) Another famous read of his was AMINA. 

SHAYDA was the pen name of Harji Lavji Damani who studied only till Class 4 but was a genius, when it came to story telling

I write this with a purpose. I know that most of my readers may not be knowing Gujarati, I myself over the years have not read Gujarati literature, but interacting with Dr. Rahi made me aware of a lost passion and my parents. Likewise, I hope there may be elderly parents and relatives in your family, who may have learnt to read and send whats app messages, most forwards, with no individual creativity,  but at the same time may be pining to read some good Gujarati literature and relive their old passion.  

Dr. S. Rahi's books are available on line.
 If you have in your family some elderly persons, parents or relatives, you may gift them a book or two and bring back joy in their lives. His books are available on line.  Do please order, and make your loved ones day.

Sharing the links which may prove useful to those interested to know more about Dr. S. Rahi.





  



    







Sunday, November 13, 2016

DEMONETIZATION TAMASHA












The night of 8th Nov: 2016 will be for ever etched in the hearts and the minds of Indians. For the past five days each waking and at times sleeping hours have been hijacked completely by HDN which took a royal bow at the midnight hour, and left the entire nation in a state of shock and awe.

The epoch moment is etched in my memory. On that particular night my wife Rabab had loaned me her 'telly time'  for I was interested to watch the news of the American Election on Al Jazeera. I was amused and dismayed  at the news report of Hindu outfits in India  organizing 'havans' in Mandirs and homes for the success of  Donald Trump victory. They wanted him to come to power for he had declared that he will not allow Muslims to enter the US once he assumes Presidency.

With complete blanket ban on Muslims,  the Hindus of our great country, saw  an opportunity to get more H1 - B Visas and an American Dream. I am sure within hours of PM Modi's surgical strikes, the 'havans' may have been put aside and new 'havans' for protection of wealth may have been started.

The American population in general regard Indians as a single entity. An incident after Trump victory will prove this. Manik Rathee in his twitter account states that he was stopped at a gas station by jubilant Trump supporters and told " time to get out of the country Appu" So the bigots and personal agenda driven Hindu outfits will have to work real hard with the general American population to make them aware of the difference between a Hindu and a Muslim, which they broadly classify as Asians, brown skins, which both Hindus and Muslims sadly have.

Now it was time to watch  the Hindi News 8 pm  - one full hour coverage on American Election, but the Anchor announced ' Breaking News- stand by important announcement by Prime Minster Narendra Modi. As the Nation waited including your's truly, the Anchor read the news of skirmishes at the border and the high powered Meeting the PM had with the Home Minister and three Army Chiefs. I assumed that it will have something to do with the announcement of launching massive surgical strike on Pakistan to teach them a lesson once and for all.

Who knew that the surgical strike announced  by PM Narendrabhai Modi will make our entire Nation ( 1.25 crores minus the 1 lac or thereabout  as per PM 's estimate who have amassed black money ) stand in line for days.

Today after returning from Japan he greatly appreciated the sacrifice we ordinary Indians are making on daily basis, and gave out an emotional appeal, with pregnant pauses in between, to bear for only 50 more days at the end of which he will place a ' GREAT INDIA ' in our laps, although he had failed in his Election promise to put 15 lacs in each Indians Bank Account. I for one was moved to tears by his speech.

Although having returned empty handed from Bank after having stood in line for hours, I have resolved to go each day, stand in line for my country till I receive from the Bank the allotted quota of my own money, and show exemplary sacrifice by buying the basic necessity of life and do with the amount that I hope to receive.

The News channels always play spoil sport. I was so moved by PM Modi speech and my resolve to do my bit for the Nation. My dream like reverie was shattered when all the News Channels started to broadcast the reaction to PM Modi's speech by the maverick Arwind Kejriwal. Now this fellow is a real thorn in the rapidly growing robust flesh of the BJP.

He has very simple down to earth solutions. The nail in the coffin of his reaction to PM Modi's speech was that, why make the entire Nation of 1.25 crores ( minus the 1 lac or thereabout corrupt) stand in line for days on end and suffer deprivation, why not bring to book the 600 + holders of Swiss Bank Accounts, the names and all the details are there with the Government. Why not use the Power Vacuum and flush out the dirt, at one single go. Swatch Abhiyan with broom sticks and water hoses, is good, but very laborious, and the results will take 50 days to show.

It is for this very reason I do not like Arwind Kejriwal. I would have stood in line joyfully for days on end, but after his 'spanner in the works' it will make my standing - I have to stand in line for my own money at the micro level and for good of the Nation, at the macro level - my standing in line will be less joyous, painful at times, as he has implanted doubts in my Modi enthused mind.

Readers who have been following my 'write up' will be feeling surprised by my present genre of the post. It is my surgical strike on their  Mindset.

In truth I would not have written but out of the hundreds of whatsapp messages, Face Book posts twitter and numerous news items, some really very funny, creative and informative I came across a precious gem of reflective thinking, which being a writer of Spirituality and Deen really blew me off. A great piece of reflective thinking, when everyone is busy with money (wordly) matter. It is sad that the author remains unknown, but I have said a prayer for him. Such are the people who in turbulent times, become our beacon and guiding light.

It was this niyat to publish the reflective thinking that on this Sunday evening I decided to forgo all the News, punditry, discussion, political slug fest, and dismaying reports of India standing 'in line' to share with my Readers the following reflective piece.

At the end of 50 days we will have a Better Vibrant India, I fervently hope, but honestly do not know. However, this much I know, on reading this shared gem of a piece, you will surely become a better person. Please share my post if you feel that the shared insightful piece will help your loved ones, and friends to become better person.

*7 SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM THE CURRENCY INVALIDATION IN INDIA*


*1. Change is Sudden*⚡
Everybody is concerned about the overnight action making high value currency invalid across India. Nobody saw it coming; or was prepared; or had even any idea of its happening.

But there is something else which we know will surely come, but are not sure when, where and how -  that is death. And it will come even more stealthily than this!

We had 4 hours advance notice for this - but  in death, there will not be 4 seconds. Are we prepared for the secrecy and suddenness in Death?

*2. Value can be Lost in a Second*📉

We had Lakhs of Rupees in 500 and 1,000 denomination yesterday - but today they are just pieces of paper!

Similarly,  all wordly gains -  money,  wealth,  fame,  power -  not just high currency -  will all be worthless for us a second after death.

*3. Don't Bank upon Banks*🏦

Like the ATMs and Banks are closed today,  options to do good deeds will close with death. No further good deeds can be done / notes withdrawn by us directly.

We can enjoy the assets we purchased earlier with the 500 / 1,000 currency but can't purchase any new ones now. Similarly, only the lasting assets of good deeds we created will benefit us after death -  no new goodness can then be done.

*4. Fakes Will Not Last*💸

One of the purposes of the action is to deal with fake currency. After this, all fake notes will be out of the system. So will it be with ourselves and our actions...

Let us test ourselves - do we have authentic notes or fakes ones -  of success, relations, happiness, even good deeds? Is our life itself authentic or are we living a fake life in a fake world?

*5. Small is Big*💕

Big deeds run the risk of breeding pride and arrogance. The real gems are the small,  quiet, hidden, good deeds that are done with sincerity when no one is looking.

The person with two 100 rupee notes is today richer that the a person with a thousand 500 rupee notes!

*6. Source Matters*🤑

For each of your actions, you shall be questioned and your source / intention seen.

When you go to the Bank to exchange the Rs 500 / 1,000 note, you will be asked for identity / PAN / source of Income.

Similarly when you bring your deeds to the Creator, he will ask for your source / intentions / purpose. Did you do it to be called a generous person? Or to compete with someone? Or only for the will and happiness of God?

Only the last will be valid currency there!

*7. Plan Ahead*📋

A lot of people are busy worrying and planning what they can do with the invalidated currency now. But it may be too late.

Planning for the Hereafter needs to be start in the Now -  with right intention,  sincere devotion and regular action. Else it could be too late.






Monday, October 31, 2016

MY QUEST TO UNDERSTAND TAWHEED




The mountain beckoned and knowing the path to be trekked will be difficult, I was confident that my QUEST will open up some hidden trails among the difficult and rugged mountain terrains, which will lead me to understand the truth. My climb was not in vain,as you will surely agree if you trek along with me. Believe me you will surely rise into and above the clouds and witness the amazing radiance of knowledge.

The mountain which beckoned was the Book : Hyperspace – A scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes by Dr. Michio Kaku.



Not being a student of science you will now understand why the trek was so daunting, but if you trek along, you will find how I found some hidden trails that led me to better understanding. The hidden trails are the insights I was blessed with. They are giving in the brackets, as I managed to read a scientific best selling book.

This book is about a scientific revolution created by the theory of hyperspace, which states that dimensions exist beyond the commonly accepted four of space and time. There is a growing acknowledgement among physicist, that the universe may actually exist in higher dimension space.

For me personally although not a student of science, the Book provided deep insights into my belief, science seems to be finally starting to accept long held spiritual truths.

In the very onset of the Book in Chapter 1 Dr. Kaku gives a brilliant example from his childhood days, when he used to watch the carps, in the shallow pond in a Japanese garden.

‘Living their entire lives in the shallow pond, the carp would believe that their ‘universe’ consisted of the murky water and the lilies. Spending most of their time foraging on the bottom of the pond, they would be dimly aware that an alien world could exist above the surface. The nature of my world was beyond their comprehension. I was intrigued that I could sit only a few inches from the carp, yet separated from them by an immense chasm. The carp and I spent our lives in two distinct universes, never entering each other’s world, yet were separated by only the thinnest barrier, the water’s surface.

I often think that we are like carp swimming contentedly in our pond. We live out our lives in our own “pond”. We smugly refuse to admit that parallel universes or dimensions can exist next to ours, just beyond our grasp. (Great Spiritual Masters and mystics have experienced and visualized and some have tried to convey the unseen dimensions and universes. Now scientists are accepting in theory )

Another striking example is given by Peter Freud, who has stated that laws of nature become simpler and elegant, when expressed in higher dimensions, which is their natural home (A’lam al Ibda – ten dimensional A’lam al Amr which came into existence by the Command ‘kun fayakun’ )

Freud, in explaining why higher dimensions are exiting the imagination of the scientific world, uses the following analogy. ‘Think for a moment of a cheetah, a sleek beautiful animal, one of the fastest on the earth, which roams freely on the savannas of Africa. In its natural habitat, it is a magnificent animal. Almost a work of art, unsurpassed in speed or grace.

Now think of a cheetah that has been captured and thrown into a miserable cage in a zoo. It has lost its original grace and beauty, and is put in the cage for our amusement. We only see the broken spirit of the cheetah, not its original power and elegance. The cheetah likewise can be compared to the laws of physics, which are beautiful in the higher dimensions. However, because of human limitation, we can only measure the laws of physics, when they are broken and placed on display in a cage, which is our three dimensional laboratory. We only see the cheetah when its grace and beauty have been stripped away.

(From this I infer how the Spiritual Masters are able to experience the Higher Truths, as they can ‘home in’ to the higher dimensions, and be able to comprehend, whereas we laymen, miss the bus as we have not the knowledge to comprehend, as we are used to seeing and understanding at our own level )

The advantage of ten dimensional space is that we have enough room in which to accommodate all the four fundamental forces.

The leading scientists like Alan Guth and Freund are of the opinion that the energy scale necessary to investigate the higher dimensions is far beyond anything available on earth. The energy necessary to probe the tenth dimension is a quadrillion times larger than the energy that can be produced by our largest atom smasher!!

Introducing higher dimensions may be essential for prying loose the secrets of Creation. According to this theory, before the Big Bang, our cosmos was actually a perfect ten dimensional universe. (Is Dr. Kaku talking of A’lam al Ibda ?) However, this ten dimensional world was unstable, (read Sayedi Sadikali sahib Nashihat - ' khatir na varq par likh hiqmat ni kahani ne ' pages 321 to 323 ) and eventually it ‘cracked’ in two, creating two separate universes; a four and six dimensional Universe. The Universe in which we live was born in that cosmic cataclysm. Our four dimensional Universe expanded explosively (‘huboot’ tenebrosity according to our belief ) while our twin six dimensional universe contracted violently, until it shrank to almost infinitesimal… this six dimensional universe may ultimately be our salvation !!

(Reading this made me wonder is this some theoretical physicist talking or a Spiritual savant. Science and Spirituality are coming so close. Hope in near future with the help of both, we will be able to understand Tawheed – ONENESS )

How fortunate are we in this internet age. Information on practically all topics under the Sun, for ordinary guys like me is so very easy to acquire. Just Google it – and hey presto! It is there.

Let me share with you an interesting story. How difficult it was for the best of minds in the bygone era. They had to sweat and burn midnight oil just to crave for information. But still the bottom line is that, they were original thinkers, and torch bearers.

Let me share with you an interesting story. Dr. Albert Einstein’s proudest piece of work, even more than is celebrated equation
 E = MC2 was the simple yet profound equation ‘ Matter – energy determines curvature of space- time’

This deceptively short equation is one of the greatest triumphs of the human mind. From it emerge the principles behind the motions of stars and galaxies, black holes, the Big Bang and perhaps the fate of the Universe itself.

Nevertheless Einstein was still missing the piece of the puzzle. He had discovered the correct physical principle, but lacked a rigorous mathematical formula powerful enough to express this principle.

He discovered the physical principle but lacked mathematical apparatus. He spent 3 long frustrating years, from 1912 to 1915 in a desperate search for mathematical formula powerful enough to express the principle.

The world’s most powerful mind was in search for 3 long years.
 ( How I wish Google was there during his time, it would have made it a child’s play, and would have given him space to concentrate on other weighty problems.)

Einstein in desperation wrote to his close friend and mathematician Marcel Grossman, pleading “ you must help me or else I’ll go crazy !” Poor soul !

Fortunately Grossman, to help his friend, combed through library for clues to Einstein’s problem, and fortunately accidentally stumbled upon the work of Riemann. His work had been ignored by physicist for over 60 years, but to Einstein joy he found the mathematical formula that was long evading him. The celebrated 1854 lecture by Riemann was the key to the problem.

He found that he could incorporate the entire body of Riemann’s work in the reformulation of his principle. Almost line for line, the great work of Riemann found its true home in Einstein’s principle.

Riemann’s great contribution was that he introduced the concept of metric tensor, a field that is defined at all points in space. The metric tensor is not a single number. At each point in space, it consists of ten numbers !! ( Now this is exiting for me – ten numbers in all points of space. The Tenth Intellect – Sayedi Sadik ali sahib in his Nashihat says “ aa duniya na A’shir ne havala chhe” )

Now let us look back on little Albert while he was growing up. The life of Albert Einstein appears to be one long series of failures. His mother was distressed at how slowly he learnt to talk. His elementary school teacher thought of him as a foolish dreamer. They complained that he was constantly disrupting classroom discipline with silly questions. He had few friends, and dropped out of high school.

He took special exam to enter College but he flunked and had to take it the second time. On graduation he applied for teaching jobs, but was rejected several times. Finally with the help of a friend, he landed a clerical job at the Swiss Patent office and the rest is history.

Likewise, the life struggle of George Riemann who gave the world the theory of higher dimensions, which Albert Einstein would use after six decades to explain the creation of Universe, also makes an interesting reading.

The core of Riemann’s work was the realization that physical laws simplify in higher dimensional space, the very theme of this book.

Riemann was born in 1826 at Hanover, Germany, the son of a poor Lutheran pastor, the second of his six children. Life was a day to day struggle.

At the very early age, Riemann exhibited his famous traits, fantastic calculation ability, coupled with timidity and life long horror of public speaking. He set out to become a student of Theology, but his thoughts always drifted back to mathematics.

He was an avid reader and he completed reading of a ponderous 859 page masterpiece Theory of Numbers in just under 6 days.

Beset by daily struggle to put food on the table, Riemann’s father might have sent the boy to do menial jobs and help the family finances. Instead he scraped together enough funds to send the 19 year to the renowned University of Gottingen, where he met and befriended the acclaimed Mathematician Carl Gauss.

Life for Riemann, however, was an endless series of set backs and hardships, coupled with frail health. Eventually, Riemann was able to give his famous lecture on June 10, 1854 before the faculty of University of Gottingen and a new Geometry was born.
Riemann’s lecture exposed the world to the dazzling properties of higher dimensional space.


My dear fellow trekkers, hope you found the trek both rejuvenating and exiting. A learning experience. Feel free to share your views and experience.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

THE FOUR RIVERS OF JANNAH






On 8th Muharram 1438 H the world wide community of mumineen received the sharaf of video relay of 1411 H Muharram Dar es Salaam Vaaz Mubarak of Hay'ul Muqaddas Mohammad Burhanddin Moula (RA). 

Moula did bayan of the four rivers of Jannah in the context of Fatemi uloom. These everflowing and overflowing rivers of Jannah, nurtures our souls, they are all encompassing - the knowledge contained in their swirl and whirl, in their ebb and flow, everywhere at the same time, at the source, at the mouth, at the waterfall, it widens and deepens as it rubs and scours. At times meandering slowly and blissfully, at times bursting the banks with spiritual joy, flows into Hauze Kauther which symbolises Tawheed - ONENESS. 

The contents of each of these four rivers is different, but the purpose is the same. Our ultimate emancipation, freeing our bondage souls, from the ever enticing cage of the body, and although being in this world, our souls begin to experience spiritual joy and bliss. 

I am indebted to Bhen Khadija Chunawala of Pune a young artist, who has studied Fine Arts and has received her Diploma from University of the Arts London. She has very artistically portrayed my concept.




The Garden of Eden has been referred by historians as the fertile land watered by the four rivers Euphrates - Tigris- Gihon & Pison, the land of Mesopotamia where the mighty Babylonian and Assyrian civilisations flourished. 

Bhen Khadija was tasked to depict the true Jannah in the context of Fatemi Uloom - the four rivers of knowledge, which has nourished countless souls and will continue to do so, till the day of Kayamah. She has concepulized perfectly.

The knowledge of the four rivers in our time flows from the presence A'li Qadr Muffadal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) as in each age and time from the presence of Dai us  Zaman of that time. 

In the context of Fatemi Uloom, the river of water, which remains fresh for ever, is the Rasaa' il ikhwan al safa. 
The Brothers of Purity. 

The river of milk - the one that does not sour is the esoteric works of Dai al ajal Sayedna Qadi Noaman (RA)

The river of 'khamr ' - wine that is always delectable to its drinker. It does not lead to intoxication or stupor is the teachings of Sayedna Moyyad al Shiraji (RA) 

The river of honey - pure and full of curative properties (shifa) is the writings of Sayedna Ahmad Hameed al Deen Kirmani. 

A mumin should always strive for knowledge and for better and more in depth understanding, let us learn more about these four rivers of Fatemi uloom, with which we are blessed with in this world. 

The river of water symbolises Rasaa'il ikhwan al Safa, attributed to the 9th Fatemi Imam Ahmed al Mastur (SA) and the Brothers of Purity in the reign of Abbasid Caliph Mamun in the 3rd Century Hijra.

In all there are 52 rasa'il ( epistles) 
14 on Mathemetics 
17 on Natural Sciences 
10 on Psycological and Rational Sciences 
11 on Theological Sciences

Primarily at the core it answers the profound question of humanity - what is the purpose of life on earth ? The knowledge contained in each epistle is like fresh water, which nourishes the soul of a true seeker. It attracted the best intellectuals of its time, it continues to do so, and has saved and protected the true religion of Islam from the heritical inroads.

It provides unrefutable proof that if 'tawil' is carefully studied, similarities with philosophical tools, the essence of Islamic teachings can be discovered logically. 

Many Islamic and Orientalist scholars have studied the Rassa'il in great depth and written learned commentaries, which have added to the grandeur of this river of Fatemi uloom.

The river of milk, that nourishes the mind and body, makes it steadfast and strong is the esoteric works of Dai al ajal Sayedna Qadi Noaman (RA)

His long and illustrious khidmat spanning in all 66 years (297 H to 363 H ) during the reign of four Fatemi Immams (SA) provided a firm bedrock for the Deen. In all he wrote 44 kitabs on different subjects, most of his works are present in the archives of Dawat and many in libraries around the world.

His most famous corpus Daim ul  Islam is regarded as the most important reference point for Fiqh. The Republic of Iran has incorporated Daim in their Constitution. 

Sayedna Qadi Noaman ( RA) by virtue of his stature and position received the sharaf of being in the radiant presence of the Imams of his zaman, most of the time, be it in majalis or when the Imam (SA ) set out for travel through his domain. 

His other famous Kitab - ' Al Maja'lis wal Mussairaat' is a treasure trove of the hidayats and sayings of the Imams, meticulously noted down, whenever Sayedna Qadi Noaman Saheb was in the presence of Imam (SA) and it was most of the times. 

This ever gushing river of milk has strengthened Dawat and the Ikhlas of the mumineen, and will continue to do so till the Day of Kayamah.

The river of 'khamr' that delectable wine, which does not lead to stupor or intoxicate, but makes the souls of the mumineen of knowledge and awareness, soar high and carol with spiritual beautitude and joy are the teachings of Sayedna Moyyad al Shirazi (RA) 

His full name was Abu Nasr Hibat Allah bin Ali and was from Fars (Iran) where he spent his early years, thereafter lived in the court of Buyid King Abu Kalijar, who was converted to our Deen, and finally he arrived in the Court of Imam Mustansirbillah ( SA) in 1046 AD., and by his delectable khidmat became ' Bab al awbab' ( the Gate of gates) of Imam (SA) 

His famous work is referred as DIWAN and contains largely qasidas (odes) a few short pieces ( qita) in all 62 literary masterpieces, which enfuses spirituality, they are grounded in the Fatemi esoteric tradition, guiding the seeker on the true path of Tawhid.

His supplications ( Munajats) direct adress to Allah for succour, forgiveness, invocations and salavat on Muhammad(SA) and his progeny are full of pathos and poignant imagery which makes a mumineen though not well versed in uloom, feel the nearness of Allah and Panjatan Pak (SA)

Each Thursday ( khamis ) between the years 450 AH to 470 AH Sayedna Moyyad used to address majalis attended by the learned and the dignatories in the domain of Imam ( SA) 
In these majalis he gave wide ranging discourses, on Theology - Philosophy and gave very logical replies to questions and unfounded arguments put forward by atheist and professors of other faith. 

His compendium of 800 majalis divided into 8 books of 100 each is like cascade, spectacular, magnificiant and awe inspiring. For the one who strives and drinks from this cascade of knowledge, his thirst for ever is quenched for sure. 

Al - Moyyad by his teachings rendered a great service to the Fatimid cause, his forte was logical and purposeful dissemination of Fatemi doctrine. As a Dai, his primary mission was proselytising on behalf of the Fatemi Dawat.

Al Moyyad's singular khidmat was the transmission of Fatemi uloom to the Tayyibi Dawah. He gave sabaks to Moulana Lamak bin Malik, who taught his son Moulana Yahya who transmitted the knowledge to the First Dai of satr to Sayedna Zoeb bin Musa (AQ ) 

The river of honey - pure and full of curative properties (shifa) is the teachings and writings of Sayedna Ahmad Hameed al deen Kirmani. 

He was a resident of Kirman, and the greater part of his life was spent in Baghdad and Basra as a Fatemi Dai. He rose into prominence durin the reign of Imam Hakim bi Amr Allah (SA) 

Sayedna Al - Kirmani's hall mark of teachings, to sum up in one word is 'ibadatayn' - the observation of both knowledge and practise. ( Ilm and Ama'l) He was a philosopher and an intellectual.

The year of his arrival to Misr was either 405 /406 AH ( 1014 or 1015 AD) 

The intellectual writings of Sayedna Al - Kirmani greatly helped in thawarting the dangerous and more populist trends resulting from the teachings of al - Darazi ( the founder of Druz) and dissident Dais al - Akram and Hamza. 

Sayedna Al - Kirmani's teachings like honey gave 'shifa' to many troubled souls influenced by the Druz movement. 

Sayedna Iris Imad ud Din ( AQ) in his Uyun al Akhbar (Volume 6) provides the list of Sayedna Al - Kirmani's works, which after detail research and cross examining has been established to have all been written in the period of 12 years between 399 AH to 411 AH (1008 to 1020 AD)

His magnum opus Rahat al 'aql is said to be written in 400 AH and revised subsequently in later years. 

So dear readers, hope you have come thus far with me and I sincerely hope and pray that reading about the rivers of Jannah will make you strive to understand and be refreshed and nourished by these four rivers of Fatemi Uloom. 

These four rivers which were ghusing forth in spiritual abandon from the Imami takht in Muharram 1411 H at Dar es Salaam are the same which cascaded and moved the hearts and minds of mumineen, as never before, from the same Imami takht this Muharram 1438 H from Dar es Salaam.Alhamdolillah!







Tuesday, July 26, 2016

THOUGHTS ON TEARS AND GRIEF - NOHA WA AWEEL


Alhamdolillah ! My write up on ASHARA OHBAT - Noha wa Aweel received a good response


which has motivated me to share further thoughts on Grief and Tears shed by mumineen during Muharram on the azeem musibat and bala' that befell on Imam Hussain ( S.A.).

 While trying to understand more fully on the nature of tears shed because of grief, I was amazed to find that Rose Lynn Fisher had carried out a scientific experiment, placing one hundred different samples of tears under microscope.

Every tear we shed carries with it a tiny bit of our human experience. Emotional tears contain protein based hormones that act as natural pain killers.

Herein below are two types of tears when put under a microscope. The dense is tear resulting from onion cutting,  and the other is tear of Grief.






  I have on purpose written about the scientific experiment on tears, in order to arouse your interest, and to better understand that tears are no ordinary, and they have a great depth and meaning. Tears shed on the musibat and bala' of Imam Hussain (S.A.) are the means of a mumin's emancipation and salvation.

Allah has blessed us and wired us with a divine nature - and this is FITRAH which is selfless and identified with our soul, and this divine nature in us stays even after death. Whereas TABIHA - the animal nature, that is essential for our survival, at death merges into the earth elements.

By Noha wa Aweel we are reinforcing our FITRAH and subduing our TABIHA.
 Aqa Muffadal Moula is giving Dawat to our FITRAH. The means is Noha wa Aweel. Hope this is understood properly.

Muharram is one such month, which brings it's own miracles. It makes us reflect, shed tears of grief on the tragic events of Karbala. The sufferings of Imam Hussain (S.A.) and ah'le bait tugs are souls and awakens and strengthens our FITRAH.

The tragic events of Karbala, poignant and vivid as ever, are alive these more than 1400 years and will remain so, till the day of Kayamah, not on account of learned discussions and philosophy of the tragedy of Karbala - but on account of your Noha wa Aweel mumineen !!

The zulm o sitam perpetuated by Yazeed  and his TABIHA driven henchmen has failed miserably to dampen the spirit and zeal of the true followers of Ah'le bait. Each passing year it is gathering more momentum. Just look back a few decades and realise and reflect yourself.

Muharram is the time for spiritual metamorphosis and Noha wa Aweel is the best means to bring about a faster transformation. An awakening to die before death and to visualise the eternal bliss of FITRAH induced spirituality, that brings us Nearness to ALLAH.

I end this post by quoting from the Dua Of Araf'at of Imam Hussain ( S.A.)

' My Lord what did he loose , who found YOU
And what did he find, who loosed YOU'

Please do reflect that this coming Muharram with our Noha wa Aweel, we mumineen are not going to loose anything, but are surely going to be blessed and find Nearness of ALLAH, the shafa'at of Imam Hussain (S.A.) and the khusi of our Moula Sayedna Muffadal Saifuddin  (TUS)






Saturday, April 23, 2016

Imam Ja'far Muhammad As- Sadiq ( S.A.)


Imam Ja'far Muhammad As - Sadiq ( S.A.) contributions to the advancement of Science, philosophy, literature and Irfan (Gnostics ) are stupendous but it is a matter of regret that, the Islamic world has not given due credence that his contributions to the Sciences deserve.

It is indeed very surprising at the same time perplexing that there are tombs of books, manuscripts  and references made about a few of his famous students, where as the great contributions of the true TEACHER and IMAM do not get honorable mention in the least.

Just one example from many such instances. In  Encyclopedia of Islam complied by Ahmad A'ti there are more than 400 pages devoted to Imam Shafi - a student of Imam Ja'far as Sadiq ( A.S.) where as a mere seven line mention on the Imam ( A.S.)

In Sahih al Bukhari more than a thousand narrations on  Fiqh ( Jurisprudence) and other related topics are attributed to Abu Hanifa - another student of Imam Ja'far as Sadiq ( S.A.) who studied under him for two years, but not a single narration attributed to the Imam ( S.A.) Abu Hanifa who commands a following of approx : 31 % of the Muslim Ummah largely in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries, and was in the habit of acknowledging at the start of his lectures that he has received knowledge from ' my Master Imam Ja'far as Sadiq ( S.A.) and he has famously been reported to say that ' if it was not for my two years of study under the Imam, I would have been finished'

If one is to ask the followers of Abu Hanifa known as ' Hanafi School' who the true teacher of their Imam was, most of them will know not.

Likewise Malik ibn Anas another student of the Imam ( S.A.) who has a following of 25 % of Muslim Ummah,  largely concentrated in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia regions, and was reported to have famously said that ' no eye has seen, no ear has heard a man of knowledge like my Imam 'as Sadiq'. Malik Ibn Anas is the center of love and devotion of his followers, who hardly know about his TEACHER - Imam Ja'far as Sadiq ( S.A.)

Another famous student was Jabir bin Hayyan ( Geber to the Orientalists ) a prominent alchemist, pharmacist, philosopher, astronomer and physicist. If one just Google  him, there will more than a lakh page hits. He acknowledged Imam as his TEACHER and famously said ' My Master taught me about Calcium and everything in Chemistry and other Sciences I learnt from him.

Ja'far ul Barmaki was a prominent personality whose daughter Hasana fell very ill and was not responsive to treatments by the experts. Some one suggested the name of Jabir Hayyan a student of Imam Ja'far as Sadiq ( S.A.) who was requested to come. On seeing the girl he immediately surmised that lack of Calcium was making the bones brittle. Under Jabir's expert treatment, Hasana bounced back to good health.

Jabir earned favors from the powerful Barmaki family, he married one of the daughters and on the fall of the Ummayads was gifted their palace Jamea ul Awami, where with his numerous students carried out scientific research.

Thus for centuries as his students became world famous the contribution of the true TEACHER the Imam was only confined to a few of his followers. A really sad state of affairs.

The contribution of Imam Ja'far as Sadiq (S.A.) to the Sciences was bought at center stage of the academia in the recent years by five Ph. D students - The Research Committee of Strasbourg - France. The thesis was translated in Persian and has become a best seller and gone into its fourth publication and Kaukali Ali Mirza has done an English translation ' The Great Muslim Scientist and Philosopher - Imam Jafar Ibn Muhammad As- Sadiq A.S. The Great Scientist and Philosopher'  This great work enlightens how the Muslim world in particular and the entire humanity is indebted to the Imam for their scientific and intellectual awakening.  

Imam Ja'far Sadiq  (S.A.) was born in 83rd Hijri (702 A.D.) during the oppressive Ummayed rule , lived for 63 years and during his life time witnessed the horrendous acts of both the Ummayed and Abbasids, but found an opportune moment for spread of knowledge as a time when the Ummayed rule was tottering and the Abbasid revolt to seize power was on the rise. 

Such was the pathetic state of the Muslim Ummah that Ummayed Khalif Walid bin Abdul Malik in a fully intoxicated state told one of his wife who was also in a drinking binge with him to lead salaat prayers. After mild protest, she did lead the Muslims in prayers, and not a single one had the courage to protest, although they were fuming inside. 

A chance meeting with Al Masoor the Ummayed Khalif in Kaba and saving him from embarrassment by answering for him a fiqh matter,resulted in his granting permission to the Imam to teach in Kufa. Thus ilm Ladunni (Divine knowledge) started to flow in torrents from Masjid e Kufa, so much so that at a given time there were about 900 halqas (circles) of students imbibing Fatemi Uloom from various teachers who had studied under Imam on different subjects, and Imam in person practicing and preaching and becoming a radiant example. 

Malik ibn Anas is reported to have said : ' I have seen the Imam engrossed in three things - fasting, salaat and teaching and tilawat of Quran' 

Imam Ja'far Sadiq (A.S.) love for knowledge started at a very young age under the tutelage of none other than Imam Zainul Abedeen (S.A.) When he was 12 years of age, his grand father -  the great Imam departed and till the age of 31 he received knowledge and guidance from his illustrious father and Imam Mohammad al Baqir (S.A.) 

At a very young age he had mastered the teachings of Philosophers of  Greek and Alexandria, and not only that he pointed out the shortcomings in their teachings. His student Hisham bin Hakim after receiving knowledge from Imam (S.A.) use to debate with atheist, and proved the existence of Allah. 

Imam Ja'far as Sadiq (S.A.) was one of the most patient and tolerant teachers of his time. If one is to read the account of his long discussion with a confirmed and powerful atheist Abu Shakir, one will realize that only Haq na saheb, and that to an illustrious Imam can patiently answer the tirades and personal affronts made by the atheist. (Those interested may read it on 
al-islam. org.

'The momentous intellectual awakening of Muslims witnessed in the second century of the Hijra was not due to Hellenic or other foreign influences, as some Western historians have recorded. It was the result of the untiring and ceaseless efforts made by the members of the Prophet's family to bring about that golden age of knowledge.' al-islam.org      

At the age of 12 years he rejected the theory of four elements of Aristotle, and stated that water, air , earth and fire were not elements but a mixture of Elements. the Imam said it 1100 years ago before European Scientists conclusively proved that air was not an element and had separated its constituents. 

Hope readers will be motivated and inspired by this short 'write up' and make sincere efforts to acquire more knowledge on the immense contributions of our Imams (S.A.) 

Ref: You Tube video ' Biography of Imam Sadiq (A.S.) Sayed Ammar Nakshawani'  








Monday, March 14, 2016

CANCER

In recent weeks there have been many Whatsapp messages in our community groups, which renewed my interest on the subject Cancer. Sharing my reading and understanding on the subject, which may prove useful to those in whose family someone is undergoing treatment. 

Cell oxidation is one of the major risks in the formation of Cancer,
 the  more susceptible the cells are to oxygen, the greater the risk of getting cancer. As such, breathing of pure air is the basic need. Malignant or cancerous tumours invade tissues where they grow, often passing into blood stream and the lymphatic system forming secondary tumours at other sites known as metastasis. 

Some of the known causes are Genetic, environmental, lifestyle, harmful food constituents and psychological. 

Studies have established that there is a relationship between diet and the development of large number of malignant tumours.  The types of Cancers most closely associated with diet are colon, rectal, prostrate and breast cancers. 

Aqa Moula (TUS) has been giving a lot of emphasis on the use of Olive Oil ( Zaitun ) in cooking, and  studies have shown that olives and olive oil contain antioxidants  in abundance, and the risk of Cancer is less in those who have Mediterranean diet, that is Olives - fish - fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and antioxidants in olive oil attack the toxins. 

Studies have shown that olive oil intake reduced the number of cancerous lesions, the tumors were less aggressive and has better prognosis. Much however has to be discovered how Olive Oil affects cancer and concrete data is lacking. 

Louise Hay in her best seller ' You can Heal Your Life ' puts great emphasis on Intention, positive thinking and understanding the cause. According to her the probable cause is. - deep hurt, longstanding resentment. Holding on to deep secret or grief eating away at the self, and carrying hatred. 

She advices to repeat with faith the Intention ' I lovingly forgive and release all of the past. I choose to fill the whole world with joy. I love and approve myself. ' 

I personally feel that those who are suffering from Cancer should look inward and try to find out the deep seated hurt, resentment, hatred that they may be carrying, and then to put it in writing and repeat the intention of forgiving and release of the past. 

This mental exercise may prove helpful while one us carrying on with the allopathic or other forms of medical treatment. 

Another established form of  ancient treatment which is safe and does not interfere with or replace general forms of allopathic and other medical treatment is Energy ( Pranic ) Healing. It is rather a compliment to be tried out in good faith.   As my two sisters are Certified Pranic Healers and myself had done a Basic Course, I have witnessed first hand some of the benefits. My dependence on pain killers has lessened. 

Pranic Healing is a science that uses Laws of Nature to bring about Healing. Prana or 'ki' is that life energy which keeps the body alive and healthy.  Disease first appears in the Energy Body, and can be prevented from manifesting. The mind can influence to a certain degree the pattern if the Energy Body. There are Eleven Energy Centers or Chakras in the body. 

If the visible physical body and energy body are treated simultaneously, obviously the rate of healing will be much faster and more effective than orthodox medicine alone or Pranic Healing alone. 

The Basic Chakra located at the base of the spine has to be cleaned and energized. The energy body of a cancer patient is very depleted and congested. It is in these area where there is Pranic congestion that cancer cells thrive. Rapid growth of cells requires a lot of Pranic energy. The objective if the treatment is to relieve the patient from agonizing pain and to reduce the spread and growth of cancer cells by starving them of Pranic energy. 

Swimming in the Sea or salt water bath is very effective in removing diseased energy and the water with salt treatment will substantially clean the energy body and gradually strengthen the body and it's defense  system. This treatment us simple but quite effective and should be taken seriously. Pranic breathing in a relaxed state in a clean surrounding energizes the body. 

Eating proper food, intake of sufficient quantity of water, breathing properly, doing sufficient physical exercise, leading a moderate life style , having a calm disposition and clear and decisive mind would greatly help maintain one's physical, emotional and mental well being. 

Book Refrence : The Ancient Science And Art of Pranic Healing - Master Choa Kok Sui. 

I conclude by sharing a deep breathing exercise that I have been doing in which Intention - Prana -  Faith are integrated. Mentally it has done be world of good, as for physical benefit, this much can be vouchsafed , that I bounce back to health much faster although I have to take medicines,mid the severity of pain and discomfort is high. 

Let me share it with you. 

I inhale deeply and slowly and hold my breath , and saying mentally and bringing my subconscious awareness the following  words ' good prana is going in, I am  being healed in body - mind and spirit. Alhamdolillah.  

I exhale slowly saying ' bad prana has come out  - I am HEALED  SubhanAllah ' 

Note the positive  affirmation and Intention - Healed and Hamd of Allah. 

I repeat it 5 - 10 times depending upon my mood.

Hope you can give a try.

As I was about to publish the post, we received ' Thali' and in it were Olives - Alhamdolillah.  A'li Qdr Muffadal Moula (TUS) on whose irshaad munira, each and every mumin household around the world has received 'Thali' with Olives shows how much love and care our Aqa Moula has for us, how words are put into action.

'Shifa' is in the Olives, more so in the Doa Mubarak of Aqa Moula, in his Intention and in our partaking it with full affirmation and faith.