MIND MINTS

THOUGHTS ON THALI

2011-12-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

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.

THALI

2011-11-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

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.

MEAVI MILAD MUBARKA KITAB

2011-11-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

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

MESSI MAGIC - MISHTI DOI - AND MESS MANAGEMENT

2011-09-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

(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 !!

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

2011-09-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

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

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - The Battle of Hunain

2011-08-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

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.

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - The Battle of Uhud

2011-08-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

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.

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - al - Taif

2011-08-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

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.

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - Battle of Badr

2011-07-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

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.

A HUMBLE TRIBUTE VIDEO

2011-06-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

insta7 - An empowering Mobile App:

2011-06-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

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

ADAB - Traditional Courtesy in Islam

2011-05-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

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

THE NEW EARTH - Eckhart Tolle

2011-04-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

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.

100th MILAD - SIXTH POST

2011-03-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

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.

100th MILAD - FIFTH POST

2011-03-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

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

100th MILAD - Fourth Post

2011-03-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

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.

100th MILAD - 3 rd Post

2011-03-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

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.

100th Milad - Second Post

2011-02-25T22:07:00.001-08:00

Continuing from the earlier 100th Milad Post, let us understand how recent Scientific discoveries , are validating the Spiritual truths, although the Spiritual Truths , which have guided humanity on the right path for centuries, do not in itself need validation.

However, as stated in the earlier post after the initial euphoria of scientific discoveries, which led to totally materialistic mindset, Science has mellowed and with recent discoveries, specially in the field of Cosmology and Quantum Physics, the Scientific community is slowly converging towards acceptance of Spiritual Truth – primarily TAWHEED - ONENESS.

In this post I will try to show my readers how, if your quest is for the Truth - than right guidance is received, from heaven above, no mater whatever be the field in which one is working. Let me give you an example from the field of Physical and Cosmological Science.

If one is to look up the pioneering work done by Steven Weinberg – Abdus Salam and Sheldon Glashow – all Physicists , who were awarded the Nobel Prizes for their pioneering work in 1960 and Carlo Rubia and Simon Van der Meer for their pioneering work as heads of the CERN team in Geneva , were also awarded Nobel Prize in the year 1983.

Simply put, the pioneering work of all these scientists received recognition for understanding the symmetry behind Creation. By their research they conclusively established the symmetry of diverse forces. Now Science is getting closer to the common Source – and this to me is very exiting. Science is on the threshold of the Grand Unification Theory (GUT)

With the help of powerful COBE Telescope at the macro level and nano technology at the micro level, the scientific community is seeing a symmetry in all things. Just like our genome (DNA) which is present in our very first cell and consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes , possesses the blue print of our entire human being, likewise, it has been proved that, un manifested fields, pervade all space and time, and they are known as quantum fields.

The mystery of matching particles was solved in the last half of the twentieth century , when physicists determined that underlying quantum fields, give birth to elementary particles. The empty space is not empty at all. It is seething cauldron of quantum activity.

Now Science with help of research and Theories, are accepting that yes – something virtual is becoming, something ‘real’

It took Science another 100 years, to fully glimpse and understand the existence of unification of all forces and fields, after James Clerk Maxwell demonstrated the unification of electric and magnetic fields, which we now know as electromagnetic field.

Now let me share with you what our Deen teaches and how easy for us it is to understand, once you know the spiritual Truths.

The quest becomes very rewarding and uplifting, for if one truly understands the Haqiqat Truths, the misconceptions are removed , and most important the constraints and fears are removed, and one flies high in pure joy with the help of knowledge acquired, in the understanding of Tawheed. Most important is that your quest should be for the understanding of Tawheed - ONENESS.

Before proceeding further , let me emphasize that our Deen , so rightly says, once again quoting Syedi Sadikali Saheb –‘ tawheed ehne khaiye –jeh chhe khuda na muka' As above, so below. The Shariat of RasulAllah (SA) is beyond zaman (time) and makan (space)

From my earlier post, readers have understood that it is Moulana A'shair - The Tenth Pure Intellect, who is responsible for the actualization of the potentiality - a Moula who will be bringing back all the fallen souls to their glory.

Now, with the help of Science I am getting to learn how Moulana A’shir -‘ jehne duniya na havala chhe ‘ goes about his tadbeer. ( Note. Here it is advisable to talk of myself only – as it is my personal ohbat - my personal quest, which I am just sharing with those, who may be interested to undertake their own journey. The niyat is that the youngsters of community , may be motivated to attend sabaks , and get a proper understanding of the Haqiqat Truths)

The cause of the mater is Form, which is called by both Farabi and Bu Ali Sina, as - Wahib al suwar (the Giver of Forms ) A thing does not change from potentiality to actuality all by itself, but through something that produces results, (so there is One - Moula – Moulana A’shir.) Note : The text in the bracket is my taffakur - reflection, which comes to me like epiphany - sudden realization as I read.

(Book ref: Avicenna - Soheil M Afnan - ( Ph D - Cant:)

The Pleroma is designated as ' alam al ibda' alam al amr.

The Angel Adam -the Tenth Pure Intellect, realized that if they were to remain in the pure Spiritual world (Alam e Ibda - roohani Alam) they will never free themselves of the Tenebrosity - darkness, murk and gloom (Aqa Moula (TUS) farmave chhe huboot waqe thayu ) This is why he made himself the demiurge of the physical cosmos ( Moulana A'shir ni rehmat, shafaqat na sabab ) and the instrument through which the Forms, who had once been of Light (noorani) would find their salvation.

(Book Ref: History of Islamic Philosophy - Henry Corbin)

The created world is known as alam al khalq – Jism ul Mutlaq – total body. Now it becomes easy to understand and misconceptions are removed., that Science is trying to unravel the mystery of this ‘alam – how it came about.

Mubde Haq Subhanu in whose Glory Quran states in Surah Ya sin – Ayah 82 -“kun fayakun” - - “Be – and it is !” is far, far beyond anyone’s understanding , and to accept this fact, it self is Tawheed.

It is only the Chosen of Allah, who are blessed to know HIS Glory. I quote from one of the Supplication of Imam Ali Zayn al Abedin (SA) to prove that Spirituality - our DEEN is more deep and for ever sustaining and enriching.

From his Supplication ‘ The Glorification of Allah'

Glory be to Thee !
Thou knowest the weight of the heavens.
Glory be to Thee !
Thou knowlest the weight of the earths.
(note the plurality in the words heaven and earth )
Glory be to Thee !
Thou knowest the weight of the wind, how many times, it is greater than the weight of the dust mote !
Glory be to Thee ! All holy ; All holy ; All holy (kudoos’un ; kudoos’un; kudoos’un)
(Ref: Al – Sahifat Al Kamilat Al Sajjadyya)

In my next post I will try to reflect on the causes which led to the advent of dark age, when all knowledge, acquired through the Centuries, was deemed lost. In truth every thing in a sense is being rediscovered.

So my young friends - Science has along long way to go still, but the direction taken in the recent years , will one day lead to the convergence of Spirituality and Science in the understanding of The Haqiqat.

I end this post by a revelation. Prof: Alan Guth comes with his path breaking ‘Inflationary Theory’ at the right time in the Year 1979. Had it been propounded earlier, there would have been many skeptics in the Scientific Community . Why is it so ? Have you given a thought ? Why things fall in the right place at the right time ?

The answer my friends is that - The Quest is correct. Science is trying to understand the concept of ‘ Tawheed – The ONENESS , so all help and assistance is coming from a much higher source, beyond our understanding and comprehension.

So my young educated friends, join the band wagon. Channelize your expertise and knowledge, be it in whatever field, and if your quest is to understand Tawheed, I assure you, you will be enjoying each moment of your journey.

100th Milad - My Quest

2011-02-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

Sharing with my readers, my personal quest to understand and evolve. Knowledge is very much there ,out in the open for a true seeker. Hope you will find the journey both enlightening and awakening, as you read on.

There is no definite road map in this quest of knowledge. I will be sharing all that which is available in the public domain. Aqa Moula’s noorani bayan mubaraks rendered in vaaz, and the Nasihat of Syedi Sadikali Saheb form the bedrock, the starting point of this quest.

Nasihat of Syedi Sadikali Saheb :

(Readers may kindly bear with my hoarse voice. As I am not able to upload in Liasan ul Dawat, Text of the Nasihat, as of now. I hope to do so soon.

If one is a true seeker, the knowledge is there, waiting for him. One should be sincere. The Nasihat of Syedi Sadikali Saheb is there, Aqa Moula's bayan mubarak are there - comprising of ' Al Iqtebasats al Noraniyah' articles published by Nasim E Sahar and Badre Muneer etc: one has to just make an effort to read it, the Nasihat is so eloquent and easy to understand. Nothing is left to imagination and deduction.

I will be quoting from texts that I have come across in my readings and surfing the Net. The purpose of this quest, is to understand, that both Spirituality and Science are complimentary to each other.

What I have understood is that Science has mellowed from its heydays, and now, with recent discoveries and cutting edge researches, especially in the field of quantum physics, the leading scientific community is, in fact helping a great deal in our understanding of the Spiritual Truths, which have remained unchanged for centuries.

Nasihat ; ‘ insaf na mujab a’ bari ni inayat thai ‘
‘bari’ - Allah referred to here is Mubde Haq Subhanu. Let us understand, first things first.
Al – Bari is the First and only Eternal Being, the One, Unique and the One in every respect. HE has no partner and no peer and no anthropomorphic attribute or action, should be ascribed to HIM.

HE is the CAUSE of all causes and the end of all ends. HE is the final cause in the sense that HE is something that always is to be.

The Gnostics, whose influence was felt mostly in the first and second century AD, identified the FIRST CAUSE - the True God as residing in the Pleroma (The Fullness)beyond space, time and causation, while material reality, is the creation of emanated beings - roohani.

Gita says : ‘Brahman, without beginning, Supreme, beyond what is and beyond what is not’

Nasihat : ‘aa jismani a’lam na A’shir ne havala chhe ‘

A’shir – the Tenth Pure Intellect is the Lord of this Universe. Here refer to Aqa Moula’s several bayan mubaraks, and the concept becomes crystal clear. There is no ambiguity. Once I started to append the word GOD as referred in Judeo Christian belief system to A’shir, my understanding of the concepts became clear. Whenever, I came across the word GOD in my reading, I tried to visualize Moula A’shir – that far and not beyond. This to me was very important in my understanding.

Our DEEN contains the knowledge of the beyond. If one is to read the bayan mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) and the Nasihat of Syedi Sadikali Saheb, one can easily understand how Alam e roohani came about, and how Al Jismul Mutlaq - The Absolute Body, or second matter, the substance, of which this Universe is made, came into existence.

I am confining myself to trying to understand how recent scientific discoveries are helping me in understanding the Spiritual Truths. This than is my quest.

My presentation on CHANDRAYAN proves how a Spiritual quest can be understood fully and more deeply with the help of Scientific discoveries. In this presentation I am trying to understand how Moulana A’shir (GOD) goes about his tadbeer.

Max Plank, the god father of quantum theory says: ‘ I regard consciousness as primary and matter as derivative of consciousness’

The mind is like a child – innocently curious though prankful and mischievous – Intellect is like a mother. Use mother craft to sooth and lull the mind, which is child like. So with this advice, let me begin the journey. Are you coming along with me ?

The belief in a divine power dominated world thought, until 400 years ago, when scientific discoveries, and philosophical skepticism, began to shake faith. The theories and writings of Rene Descartes – Karl Marx – Charles Darwin - Fredrick Nietzsche , seemed to sink humankind into a slough of despair. Humanity had seemed to have lost direction. But science also proved to be a false god, and the world view left many despondent.

Till the beginning of 20th Century Spirituality was being assailed from all sides. On April 8, 1966, Time Magazine – an oracle of American Opinion, asked in boldfaced red “Is God Dead ?

There were many so called educated in our community, who were unable to come to term with our Faith, and were creating a lot of trouble, and Muqqadas Syedna Taher Moula Saiffudin (RA) was all alone, battling out with vigor, and his having firm faith in Imam uz Zaman (SA)

He derived his strength and energies from Taeed of Imam-uz-Zaman (S.A.) and he always addressed his longings and aspirations to Panjatan-e- Pak (S.A.) and Aimat-Tahereen, in whose madeh and eulogies he found spiritual strength and bliss. His often recited Qasida Mubaraka - ' Banul mustafal Mukhtaare Khayrul Khalaeqi ' written in 1374 H - Risalah Sharifah Ramadhaniyah Nahrun Noor-ish Sha'shani, gives us some idea of his complete reliance and surrender to the wishes of Ahle bait- e Nabi (S.A.)

La'in dhayyaqad dunya alayya fa in-nani
be-taeedekum ya saadati ghairo dhaeqi

If ever I face restrain in the affairs of this world ,
I never feel constrained because of your taeed O my leaders !

(28 court cases and a number of insinuations and false accusations, he stoutly overcame them all, and gave befitting replies, because of the taeed of Imam-uz -Zaman (S.A.)

Note: As we celebrate the 100th Milad Mubarak of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) with pomp and grandeur, let us spare a thought, shed a few tears for the scarifies, made by our Awliya Kiram sahebs in the past, just to uphold their faith.
Readers are adviced to refer to my article Fazr Sadiq.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FiMBX7bwTFGb2WidDDCO4tRMuUOm2K59c4-_-9Jlw-A/edit?hl=en&authkey=CPOoxZAB

However, in the later part of the 20th Century, with rapid advance in super computing, powerful telescopes, world wide Internet, and cutting edge discoveries in all fields of science, the Spiritual Truths were now being rediscovered, so to say, with scientific knowledge.

Dr. Mani Bhowmik – the co-inventor of laser technology in his Book : ‘ Code Name God’ has this to say - ‘ Strangely enough the same scientific methods, that once compelled us to question the existence of God, is now, by way of advanced physics and cosmology, developing evidence that tend to support our old age belief in a transcendent power.

The quantum Universe is a reality, where same tiny particles may occupy, two places at one time, or react instantly to event light years away

( my taffakur - The tragedy of Karbala that happened 1400 years ago is still moving us to grief, and when Aqa Moula (TUS) happens to recite the ‘sahadat’ of Imam Husain (SA) it raises a crescendo of emotions and feelings, because there is a connect, and our reaction is instantaneous, although on physical plain, there is a lot of difference, each individual is so very different - which again is not real, if one is to understand properly. We are ‘one’ largely because of our faith in one Moula.) As above, so below.

He goes on to state that : physics is close to proving that material reality (our Universe, we the entire humanity, everything included) emerges from a common source ( my taffakur Mubde Haq Subhanahu – Taeed emanating from Aql Awaal – the First Intelligence and seven Ukool ruahniya to Moulana A’shir – jehne duniya na havala chhe) which Mani Bhowmik refers to as ‘primary field’ We refer to A’lm ul Amr.

Let me share with my readers another scientific discovery, there have been many others like this in recent years, discoveries that have death a death blow to the Theory of Evolution, propounded by Charles Darwin.

Scientific discovery of life forms on Earth : “ The oldest data of the Earth’s strata in which fossils of complex life forms appear, were laid in the CANBRAIN PERIOD estimated at between 543 and 490 million years ago. In the strata older than the Cambrian Period, no fossils of the living things can be found, apart from the single cell organism. In the Cambrian Period, however, a variety of distinctly different life forms, suddenly appeared. More than 30 life forms, such as sea urchins, star fish, snails and fish appeared in a single moment. (www.harunyahya.com)

However, it is a living miracle that in past few decades – Science and its awakened, and enlightened Scientific community – their numbers are ever growing , by their scientific pursuits and discoveries are becoming champions of Spirituality.

Hope you have found my first post of the 100th Milad Mubarak enlightening and awakening. I am in the process of taking out a 100th Milad Commemorative Book, containing 100 articles that I have managed to share with my readers in the past years. I also hope to upload it as ‘free down load’ on my home page.
I seek your doa and best wishes.

I am working on the next 100th Milad Post - Material Reality - in order to understand how Moulana A'shir goes about his tadbeer. Your comments prove to be a source of inspiration in my quest.

KADAMBOSI

2011-01-30T19:32:00.000-08:00

FULLY DRAINED OUT - FINDING IT HARD TO CONCENTRATE AFTER A NIGHT LONG VIGIL FOR KADAMBOSI SHARAF.

CELEBRATION TIME - BENGALEES MAY BE LAGGARDS IN MANY NICHE AREAS BUT WHEN IT COMES TO NEW IDEAS - THE BONGS ARE FAR FAR AHEAD OF EVERYONE

NEW MARKET ON MONDAY NIGHT - THRONGS OF MUMINAAT BEHNO WERE SEEING SPLURGING AT THE MOST COVETED SHOPPING DESTINATION

FATHER AND SON BURSTING WITH JOY AFTER RECEIVING KADAMBOSI SHARAF

THE LONG AND PATIENT WAIT AT 3.30 am

A TAXI MATERIALIZES AT THE UNGODLY HOUR (1.30 AM) TO TAKE US FOR KADAMBOSI

Aqa Moula (TUS) kiyam shareef is our city. Every mumineen will now surely agree with me, that yes indeed in spite of some actual and largely wrong notional problems, ascribed on account of lack of facts - Kolkata is truly a CITY OF JOY.

The true radiance and joy from a devout mumin's perspective is as a result of true bliss and joy emanating from our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) Each day we the mumineen of Kolkata see him so happy, in good health and cheer. We fervently wish that he stays on and on amongst us in health and happiness.

After a relaxing stay at Ganga Kutir on the banks of river Hoogly, Aqa Moula (TUS) and his entourage took a cruise tour down the river. At the Shabab Tafrih programme, the members were overjoyed to have a very intimate conversations with Aqa Moula (TUS) and he was taken in miyana around the beautifully landscaped and peaceful environs of Vedic Village. The excitement and joy was writ large of the faces of Shabab members, as they narrated their experiences.

The Pictures taken by my nephew Bhai Shabbir Lokhandwala beautifully depict the excitement and manage to give the readers a clear idea of the memorable event. He has also written a very moving account, of his personal kadambosi experience, and I would love to share the same with my readers.

I sit contemplating the event of last Monday. What happened last Monday, still seems unreal. Something unusual. Something which doesn't happen often in any part of the world.

For on that day, forty five minutes after midnight, in the first hour of 24th January 2011, Monday, we were woken up by a relative's phone call. Up to 100 women had lined up outside the Burhani masjid, located in Topsia, Kolkata. On came the kurta, saya and topi and we got into two cabs, which very surprisingly were waiting outside the gate of our building. It was 1:30 am then. We reached the Masjid complex by 2:00 am and stood in a line outside till 3:15. Thereafter we were moved into a vacant basement of the masjid and were made to sit in orderly fashion till 6:45 am. In between, we caught a wink of sleep. At 6:45 we were made to sit in the same orderly fashion inside the main masjid. At 10:00 am Moula arrived. At 10:40 am I had kissed his feet and was being ushered out of the masjid. That is what happened on the 24th January 2011.

What makes people do this? Do people think why they are doing this? Why do they line up, some with little children in arms nine to twelve hours before they get a chance to kiss Moula's feet? What do they gain by kissing Moula's feet? Are those few seconds of getting very close to Moula really worth the trouble and lost sleep? Do they do it only because others are doing it? Why was I doing it? What had made me travel over 2000 km, over 24 hrs, leaving my work in the hope of taking a chance in a distant land of Aqa Moula's kadmabosi?

I will speak for myself here. Twenty two years earlier in 1988, I was ten months old. Complications at birth had caused me to spend much of my first days in this world in an incubator. Sickness wouldn't leave me and I was unable to digest milk. This caused prolonged weakness and illness. Instead of playing in my cot, nearly my first year was spent in clinics and with intravenous syringes in my little hands. Every time I was declared fit and sent home, a relapse would inevitably occur and my parents would be shuttling me back to the doctor. At that time, Moula visited Calcutta, as it was known then. My mom took me in her arms in a kadambosi bethak then. As she approached Moula, she choked, tears swelling her eyes, thrusting me before him and asked him feebly to save me, so that I could live a healthy life. The words as has been told to me were, “Moula aapne sopu chu, aap ehnu khayal rakhiye” (moula onto you I entrust this child, you take care of him). Moula then asked her to lay me by his feet and then he rubbed his foot over my little body. That night I did not puke out milk. From then, vital foods have never been administered intravenously.

It's 2011 now. I am 23 and able bodied. You may call this a miracle or an over dramatized story. Say what you may. The only reason why I sacrificed my sleep, stood in the line at god forsaken hours, slept in a dusty basement on dustier straw mats,made do without breakfast was because I realized that the happy state in which I was today, was because of those feet of Moula. I didn't ask him for wealth, for a better career, a better home or anything. I prostrated myself on the ground, prayed for his well being and said thank you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to kiss his very feet, which enabled me to walk on my feet today. Thank you for letting this take place in Kolkata, where the circle of my life began, Thank you for this being in his 100th year. Then I saw and kissed those feet.

And I only hope that he recognized me.

Sajda tujhe wajib hai, tu masjid e azam hai,

hajj hai teri pabosi, tu kaaba- e- alam hai

dum tera bharunga main, tausif karoonga main,

ae shah-e-zaman jab tak, ye dum mein, mera dum hain

SHABBIR MULLA MOHAMMEDIBHAI LOKHANDWALA - PUNE

CULINARY TAFRIH

2011-01-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

The tafadi and love for our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)is so deeply ingrained in each of our hearts, and in this internet age, each day mumineen around the world, get to know all the news thru various dawoodi bohra portals who post akhbar photos and news.

Just a decade back, this was not possible. As Aqa Moula (TUS)is blessing our city, the City of Joy has become the 'apple of mumineen eyes' around the world. The news is traveling so fast now days. Just one example.

From my My nephew in Sunnyvale - California over skype chat I was informed, and his information was accurate as to what transpired at the time of card distribution for 'mehmano' yesterday.

MONDAY IS FOR OUR MEHMANO. It would be well if the Al Burhani masjid complex is kept out of bounds for Kolkata mumineen. Let it be their day tomorrow.

Mumineen must have seen the photos of the tafreeh programme at Ganga Kutir - Raichak. Many mumineen are coming down to Kolkata for Chelum vaaz. This is being Sunday, let me share with my readers, some of the culinary delights, and other interesting tit bits, that will help you to connect with The City of Joy, where currently our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) resides. The intention behind this post is to share with mumineen the best of Bengal.

Bengal is known for its sweet dishes, and most of you are familiar with mouth watering Rosogollas , melt in the mouth sondesh etc: As it is winter, one special winter delicacy is ' khejoor gur' date palm jaggery.

The taste is unique, and sondesh and other delicacies made out it are definitely worth enjoying.

The below link will help you prepare your own dishes after returning home, carrying with you good quantity of 'khejoor gur' also known as 'norel gur' The towns of Shantiniketan and Chandonagore are famous for this delicacy, and it is available in many city markets, specially Burrabazar, which is very near to our Bohra business district.

http://www.bongcookbook.com/2006/11/khejur-gur-er-paayesh.html

If mumineen visitors have a day to spare, the visit to Shantiniketan - 'abode of peace' home to Vishwa Bharati University founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1924 is worth a visit. The Nobel Laureate Prof: Amratya Sen also has a home. The train ride is comfortable and short, and the beauty of Bengal, the lush green fields, with running water bodies, known as 'pukur' are a balm to the eyes.

As the train reaches Burdwan, the famous Bauls of Bengal regale you with their haunting melodies. Their music is from the Heart.

Bauls croon from their hearts and pour out their feelings and emotions in their songs. But they never bother to write down their songs. Theirs is essentially an oral tradition, and it is said of Lalan Fakir (1774 -1890), the greatest of all Bauls, that he continued to compose and sing songs for decades without ever stopping to correct them or put them on paper. It was only after his death that people thought of collecting and compiling his rich repertoire.

Baul Themes
The theme that Bauls deal with in their lyrics is mostly philosophical in the form of allegories on the state of disconnect between the earthly soul and the spiritual world. Often they philosophize on love and the many-splendoured bonds of the heart, subtly revealing the mystery of life, the laws of nature, the decree of destiny and the ultimate union with the divine.

Here is a translation by Afzar Husain of one of the famous lyrics of Lalon Fakir. Lalon Fakir was born in an obscure Bengal village in 1774. He is regarded as one of greatest mystic singers the Indian subcontinent has produced.

A Strange Bird

Look, how a strange bird flits in and out of the cage!
O brother, I wish I could bind it with my mindÃs fetters.
Have you seen a house of eight rooms with nine doors
Closed and open, with windows in between, mirrored?
O mind, you are a bird encaged! And of green sticks
Is your cage made, but it will be broken one day.
Lalon says: Open the cage, look how the bird wings away!

How I wish and wish that during the Kiyaam sharif of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) the spirituality and the culinary delights find a niche in the upcoming events. The purpose of writing this post, will be realized if norel gur delicacies are set out for sada't kiram sahebs, and exponent of Baul music Purandas Baul or other exponents get a chance to perform at the grounds overlooking the haveli mubarak.

The lowly hand rickshaw finds a pride of place

2011-01-17T05:37:00.000-08:00

The hand rickshaw has been an integral part of public transport in Kolkata - The City of Joy since late 19th Century. It finds a pride of place in the newly built Al - Masjid ul Burhani complex, lovingly decorated and lighted up and in front of Haveli Mubarak, so that Aqa Moula (TUS) when giving deedar mubarak can also see it.

It is most appropriate and symbolic, as the hand rickshaw was first introduced by Chinese traders, primarily to carry goods. The area famously known as CHINA TOWN where there were many tanneries, is in the vicinity of Topsia, where the new Maajid has been built.

With the passage of time, the British Rulers made the hand drawn rickshaws, as a means of cheap public transport, which was widely used particularly by ladies. My mother used to tell us, that they were treated regally by the rickshaw pullers, whenever, they ventured out. As they came out of the building, the rickshaw puller would stop everyone with a flourish of his hand,so that no gent crosses their path. Once they are comfortably seated, a pardah made of canvas, would be dropped, and with the brass bell tinkling merrily, they would be carried regally to their destination.

With the passage of time, however, many thought it is degrading, and inhuman. However, from the point of view of rickshaw pullers, who mostly hail from the neigh neighboring states of Bihar and Jharkand, it is their means of livelihood.

Prior to 1990, there were about 10,000 rickshaws providing livelihood to around 18,000 rickshaw pullers. In the year 1996 the State Government tried to lure the rickshaw pullers with the version of golden handshake, offering a princely Rs: 12,000/- for surrendering their rickshaw. surprise of surprise - not a single person accepted the amount - five times the cost of rickshaw.

'We work, we do not steal. This is no indignity to me. It is a decent way of earning a living' says Mohammad Israel, who has been pulling the rickshaw for past 40 years. Another hard working rickshaw puller feels contented that it has given him everything in life - a wife, two sons in his village.

As I was collecting the above facts, my mind wandered to the daily news reports of crores of financial scams perpetuated by our powerful politicians and bureaucrats. the lowly hand rickshaw - the symbol of hard and honest work is most deserving symbol of The City Of Joy, finding a pride of place just across the Haveli Mubarak.

I recall my self getting the sharaf of pulling Aqa Moula's rickshaw on several occasions, during his kayam shareef in the city. I hope some one does have those memorable pictures, if some one has it, I would be please, if the same is forwarded, so that I can post it on this blog.

During the recent years, the hand pulled rickshaws have dwindled in numbers, and only ply in the by lanes of the city. However, they prove indispensable, when during the rains, the streets get flooded, and cars, auto rickshaws and all other forms of modern transport, come to a halt. It is the lowly rickshaw that merrily trudges on, and their riders reach their destination, in style.

This tribute to the rickshaw and the hard working rickshaw pullers has been written by me during the kayam shareef of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) We mumineen of Kolkata fervently hope and pray that may our Moula (TUS) stay in our CITY OF JOY for a very long long time.

I had made a suggestion for a tram car ride, another one of its kind mode of transport, that is unique to our city. Given the time we now have, the water body facing the Haveli Mubarak can be dotted with artistic pandal structures, lighted up with the world renowned Chandernagore lighting, depicting our rich Fatemi Heritage.

THE LONG WAIT IS FINALLY OVER

2011-01-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

THE LONG WAIT IS FINALLY OVER. AQA MOULA (TUS) WILL BLESS OUR CITY SOON.
AHLAN VASALAH MOULA ! AHLAN VASAHLA MOULA !

THE NEWLY BUILT MASJID IN ALL ITS RESPLENDENT GLORY HAS WAITED FOR JUST A YEAR
BUT WE THE MUMINEEN OF KOLKATA HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 22 LONG YEARS. AS I JOYOUSLY CLICK THE PHOTOS, MEMORIES OF THE PAST TWO YEARS COME FLOODING BY. THE EXUBERANCE AT TIMES, THE SET BACKS AND CHALLENGES AT OTHER TIMES BUT WHAT HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY ETCHED IN MY MEMORY IS THE CONTRIBUTION AND ZEAL OF THE YOUNGSTERS RESULTING FROM THE LOVE AND AFFECTION OF AQA MOULA (TUS)

IN ALL HUMILITY I SALUTE ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE.

FOR THE MUMINEEN OF THIS CITY - THE CITY OF JOY HAS BECOME THE CITY OF OUR AQA MOULA.HE IS SURELY BLESSING OUR CITY NOW. MAY HE STAY WITH TAMMAKUN AND IN GOOD HEALTH FOR A LONG LONG TIME.

MOULA ! MOULA ! IS WRIT LARGE IN ALL OUR ACTIONS AND OUR THOUGHTS. ONE HAS TO BE HERE DURING THIS FINAL DAYS BEFORE AQA MOULA ARRIVES TO GET A PERSPECTIVE OF THE MOOD AND FEELINGS OF THE KOLKATA MUMINEEN. I AM A WITNESS TO A GREAT TRANSFORMATION. THE PAST - THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE IS APTLY SUMMED UP IN THE ABOVE ABYA'T SHARIFA. WE WILL ALL BECOME SPIRITUALLY RADIANT FOR SURE.

AN EYE OPENER

Yesterday I was both surprised and shocked to meet a 39 year mumin bhai born and brought up in our city, who has not received the 'sharaf' of kadambosi. When I asked his that in 1988 Aqa Moula (TUS) had stayed in our city for a long time, and there were many 'kadambsoi' bethak, he said that he accompanied his father to Noor Manzil where the 'kadambosi bethak' was there, but on account of some misunderstanding his father had with the volunteers and the subsequent spat with them, both of them were ordered out - and thus a mumin till date has been deprived of this barakat.

I fervently hope and prayer that each Kolkata mumineen gets the 'sharaf' this time. 22 years is indeed a very long time. The onus is on the volunteers to see that each and every mumin of this city gets this 'sharaf' for which they are pining for so many years. The fortunate are receiving this 'sharaf' but what about those who are not that affluent, who are unable to travel.

Whenever, a true spiritual savant blesses a city or a place,there is a 'churning' in the society - many lives are changed for the better, others who have been too 'self centered' are 'churned out'

ALLAH IS WATCHING AND SO IS AQA MOULA (TUS) on all our actions, they know the secrets of our hearts.

If by wrongfully using my contacts I manage to get hold of many coveted volunteer cards from Air Port Duty, to Public Relation to, Massjid sitting arrangements etc: I am not out here to do khidmat for sure. I am more concerned of my 'ease' so that as and when I wish I can just walk in, I will not have to wait as others do for long hours, will have freedom of movement.

I hope each and every one of the Kolkata mumineen gets the sharaf of kadambosi, and this is the priority as rightly conveyed by Janab Amil Saheb in the various 'ohbat' meetings prior to the final preparation.

100th MILAD MUBARAK - AQA MOULA'S IRSHADAT

2010-12-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

LET US ALSO MAKE THIS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR 100th MILAF MUBARAK CELEBRATION. LET US MAKE THE BEST OF THIS ONE TIME OPPORTUNITY -REACH OUT TO ALL THOSE MUMINEEN

AND IN THE PROCESS SPREAD EVERLASTING JOY AND HAPPINESS IN THEIR LIVES

A MOST BEFITTING HADIYAH TO OUR BELOVED AQA MOULA (TUS) ON HIS 100th MILAD MUBARAK

A WIN WIN OPPORTUNITY BY HELPING OTHERS YOU ENRICH YOUR OWN LIFE AND THAT OF YOUR COMING GENERATIONS.

MAKE EACH DAY FROM TODAY A JOY TO OTHERS AND YOURSELF. EACH DAY BECOMES A CELEBRATION.

EXCERPTS from the Reflection - 8th Muharram 1432 H www.alvazarat.org

Today I instruct the members of Jamaat and all categories of mumineen, to take care of your brothers and sisters.

01. Provide shelter for those, who do not have their own houses and are living under inadequate shelters.

02. Provide housing for those who cannot marry due to lack of it.

03. Help those who are not even able to provide milk for their children, those who cannot secure a square meal, or those who do not have necessary utensils, those who are unable to afford nutritious food.

04. Provide medical aid for those who cannot afford treatment of their illness.

05. Many who cannot afford the education of their children put them into service, thereby burdening them with the responsibility of earning livelihood for thier family.

This is inappropriate, so decide FROM TODAY THAT YOU WILL HELP THE UNDERPRIVILEGED.

Now this is most important irshada't :

Aid them with respect and dignity and in such a secrecy that your left hand is unaware of what you give with your right hand, and never recount your favors.

If you do so, you will make the mumin happy, but more than that - I WILL BE EXTREMELY PLEASED ! What else does a mumin desire, than the pleasure of his beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

I offer you a prescription - whenever you seek the fulfillment of your desires, if you wish to own a house, then built a house for a mumin. If you fulfill your brothers desire, Allah will fulfill your desires.

CONSCIOUS DEATH

2010-10-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

Eckhart Tolle : As long as the egoistic mind is running your life, you cannot truly be at ease; you cannot be at peace or fulfilled except for brief intervals when you obtain what you wanted, when a craving has just been fulfilled. Since ego is a derived sense of self, it needs to identify with external things.

The most common ego identifications have to do with possessions, social status, recognition etc: None of this is YOU. Do your find this frightening ?

You will know it at the latest, when you feel death approaching. Death is the stripping away of all that is not you. The secret of life is to "die before you die"- and find that there is no death.

Interesting ! Has Eckhart read or come to understand the nasihat of Syedi Sadik ali saheb, and if you care to read his nashihat, it is a treasure trove of many such Spiritual truths in most endearing and easy to understand language. Just 2 examples in the context of the above.

Syedi Sadik ali saheb states so eloquently :

'gar maut ne samjo to', kunji (the key) chhe nazati ni
tehqiq yeh ma'din chhe ruhani haya'ti ni'

;">'marvana agaari tu' eh bhai mari jaje
logo kahe jivto chhe, ehvu tu kari jage'

I am sure Echart Tolle has not come across the nashihat of Syedi Sadik ali saheb, but has been blessed with the Spiritual Truths. In his best selling book THE POWER OF NOW he is merely showing us how to go more deeply and to understand the truth contained in our DEEN.

If one is taking 'haqiqat' sabaks they will find it more interesting and enriching to read his book.

## The pain that you create now is always some form of nonacceptance, some form of unconscious resistance to what is.

OUR DEEN our all encompassing 'shariat' teaches us to accept and stop resisting in myriad of ways, so that we may overcome the primordial trait that resulted in our falling from grace, in the fist place.

## Resentment, hatred, self pity, guilt, anger, depression, jealousy, even the slightest irritation are all forms of pain.

OUR DEEN for this very reason to make us free of pain, teaches us kana'at - santosh and tawaakul - bharoso on Allah and our Moula (TUS).

## Power over others is weakness disguised as strength. TRUE POWER IS WITHIN AND IT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU NOW.

OUR DEEN : What other better living example than that of Imam Husain (SA) mocking at Shimr, laughing right on his face, as the layeen sits with 'butha khanzar' on his chest. Seemingly all powerful, but in truth utterly weak and vanquished.

It is this power within that made Imam Husain mock Shimr. Aqa Moula (TUS)referring from the most eloquent 'shadat'bayan of Syedi Abdulkader Hakimuddin Moula (RA) says

Aqa Moula (TUS) farmavey chhe ke Imam Husain Shimr na samne ‘hasa’ ane farmu ke tu uth mara sina upar thi – mane sajdo deva de' shimr ne uthvooj paroo – this is the true power within – The Power of Now – a’ waqt ma sajdo devano chhe – taru khanzar nahi chale – just give it a thought Imam Husain is all alone – shimr sina par khanzar layee ne savar chhe – magar haqiqat ma Imam Husain jane cheh ke a’ banu ummaya ni weakness chhe, which is disguised as strength.

So each year we mumineen assemble together on the 'nida' of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) to mourn and remember the 'shadat' of Imam Husain (SA) and in so doing we reaffirm the POWER OF NOW - the knowledge that Forms are born to die, we are aware of the eternal underneath the forms. We know and affirm that 'nothing real can ever be threatened'.

Muharram 1432 H is just a few weeks away, and every one is eagerly awaiting to hear the nida of Dai e Husain to experience once again, the reaffirmation of the POWER OF NOW.

Eckhard Tolle goes on to state that, when this is your state of Being, how can you not succeed ? You have succeeded already. We mumineen know for sure, for our Moula has on several occasions, emphatically conveyed that we need not worry.

No doubt self help books, those written by truly awakened masters and spiritual savants, are precious, but in the end, the effectiveness of the teaching is relative to the reader, who reads such books, and applies his understanding.

There are various methods of acquiring knowledge, one such is known as Socratic Method, the other is Philosophical method, but all these are very painstaking and laborious processes of acquiring awakening, and everyone is not competent to graps and understand.

The sure shot method with little effort and maximum positive result is what the mystics call the attachment with purified and perfect individual. OUR MOULA.

'If there is a desire for union in your head, O Hafiz
You must become like clay in the craftsman's hand'

In truth OUR DEEN has made us mumineen that supple clay in the hands of the master craftsman - OUR MOULA.

THE POWER OF NOW has done wonders to my understanding the Spiritual Truths, but this much I want to convey to my young well read, educated friends that OUR DEEN is more deep, more refreshing, more rejuvenating. I have been trying to convey this message in my writings, how far I have succeeded I know not. I leave it upon my readers to make the judgment.

How I wish that in this 100th Milad Mubarak year, the great spiritual and literary works of our savants, awliya kiram sahebs, in this internet driven age, find a niche and become guiding posts for all those seekers of truth around the world.

Each day I see my posts, being assessed around the world, comprising of diverse cultural and ethnic population around the world, in countries like Morocco - Switzerland - China - Germany. The stats are a source of motivation and satisfaction.

'no mind' in Namaz - a natural state of felt oneness with Allah

2010-10-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

During a recent Skype chat with my niece, who is doing a course in Middle Eastern Study at SOAS - London (http://soas.ac.uk) the chat veered on my earlier blog where I had quoted Eckhart Tolle.

I always admire and have high respect for our highly motivated and educated youngsters, who have been studying at various Colleges and Universities around the world, who are well read, have opportunity to come in contact and assimilate with different cultures,and thought processes.

So when my niece strongly recommended that I should buy the book, I did her bidding and when the bookseller refused to give the normal 10% discount, stating that the Book is in constant demand, I became sure that it is worth possessing.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE POWER OF NOW - Eckhart Tolle over 2 million copies sold carrying rave reviews from important personalities and thinkers and now available in thirty languages. Gujrati edition titled ' Shakti vartaman ni'

For all those who feel that there are 'nobody' in this vast set up of the Universe, Eckhart conveys a very potent and powerful message in the very beginning of the Book. His quote : YOU ARE HERE TO ENABLE THE DIVINE PURPOSE OF THE UNIVERSE TO UNFOLD. THAT IS HOW IMPORTANT YOU ARE. I felt myself a few inches taller as I read it, I am no push over but an important cog in the great churning. Hope you also on reading this must be feeling the same. After reading this quote of his, who will not feel important, and he backs up his contention with hard facts.

The hard fact : that a single human cell measuring 1/1000 of an inch across contain instructions within its DNA that would fill 1000 books of 600 pages each. Simply mind blowing !! I am made up of a trillion of cells.

Let me share some spiritual truths, which I have had the good fortune to learn in 'sabaks' but in his book Ekhard has forcefully and with telling effect put 'upfront' in the most simplest to understand way. Eckhart is said to have experienced spiritual realization, one night after his twenty-ninth birthday. I know many youngsters may already have read the Book.

What is my point in writing about the Book - it is precisely that to convey that OUR DEEN if followed in true spirit is more enriching and sublime. Here I am taking help of Eckhart, I am deeply indebted to him, for by the end of my post, the readers will be fully understand what i want to convey.

In the introduction Eckhart states to the followers of ancient religions, that there is no need to go elsewhere for the truth, his mission is to show you how to go more deeply into what you already have.

Some random thoughts gleaned from the Book.

' The word enlightenment conjures up the idea of some super human accomplishment, and the ego likes to keep it that way, but it is simply your natural state of felt oneness with Being.'

We mumineen are blessed to have a MOULA whose very presence, energizes and enlightens many to feel the oneness with Being. Each year during 'asr' on Ashura, this feeling of oneness becomes profound and intense. I am sure many of my readers may have experienced this sublime feeling.

According to Eckhart, compulsive thinking, this incessant mental noise prevents you from finding the realm of inner stillness, that is inseparable from the Being. This is because the voice (your thoughts) belong to your conditioned mind , which is the result of all your past history as well as the collective cultural mind set you inherited.

He suggests that you start 'watching the thinker' so that the higher level of consciousness becomes activated. A very novel concept propounded by him is that when you learn to control your thoughts - the incessant chatter, when it subsides, you experience a discontinuity in the mental stream - a gap of 'no mind'

At first, the gaps will be short, a few seconds perhaps, but gradually they will become longer. When these gaps occur, you feel a certain stillness and peace inside you. This then is the beginning of your natural state of felt oneness with the Being, which is usually obscured by the mind. With practice, the sense of stillness and peace will deepen. In fact, there is no end to its depth. You will also feel a subtle emanation of joy arising from deep within: the joy of Being.

As you go deeply into this realm of 'no mind' you realize the state of pure consciousness. In that state, you feel your own presence with such intensity and such joy of thinking, all emotions, your physical body, as well as the whole external world becomes really insignificant, in comparison to it.

Now this over two million copies Best Selling Author advices some practical steps in everyday life to achieve this 'no mind' gap. Here are a few of the simple routine steps :

## Every time you walk up and down the stairs in your house or place of work, pay close attention to every step, every movement, even your breathing. Be totally present.

## Or when you wash your hands, pay attention to all the sense perceptions associated with the activity: the sound and feel of water, the movement of your hand, the scent of the soap and so on.

## Or when you get into the car, after you close the door, pause for a few seconds and observe the flow of your breath.

Now to all my readers I put forward a very simple and basic question.

Offering Namaz on 'waqt' with discontinuity in the mental stream, by being totally present, shutting out the incessant chatter of the thoughts, is a much better practice to become enlightened, to achieve the natural state of oneness with the Being ?

Is it not my friends ? It surely is, but we have not given it the thought - 'ghar ki murgi dal barabar !'

Thank you Eckhard Tolle for telling us that there is no need to go elsewhere for the truth. OUR DEEN makes us not only enlightened but also nurtures us for emancipation.
But first things first - switch off the mobiles. It amuses me to see many holding their hand sets immediately after 'salam', some go further, casting a fast glance between 'ruku' and 'sujood' at the blip on their hand set during 'sunnat / vasek namaz' !!

I fervently hope that those who have cared to read my blog will surely find truth in it. To my young friends living in college campuses and professionals, who surely may have read THE POWER OF NOW it will be a revelation.

HEALING CODE - ABUNDANCE IN OUR DEEN

2010-10-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

ABUNDANCE : Think abundance, feel abundance, BELIEVE abundance and surely it will manifest itself in your life. So says one of the pioneer of New Age Thinking- Robert Collier (1885-1950) in his famous Book - THE SECRET OF THE AGES.

His Secret : 3 steps to call upon your inner power - The Genie of your Mind
First and foremost : To realize that you have the power.
Next to know want you want and finally
To center your thoughts upon it with the singleness of purpose.

In order to achieve the best results he advices that we need to practice.

Now the question is what is ABUNDANCE ?
Is it material wealth ? All the creature comforts, or is it something very different. You must be knowing many who have all the material wealth, but are they really happy, are they living an enriching life ? Are they living a contended life ?

I quote another New Age Amazing Teacher Eckhart Tolle who writes in his famous Book : THE POWER OF NOW - ' those who have not found their true wealth, which is radiant joy of Being, and the deep unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth.'

They are looking outside for scraps of pleasure and fulfillment, for validation, security or love, while they have a treasure within that not only includes all those things but infinitely greater than any thing, the world can offer.

As I read the above lines, which started to slowly sink in I found the answer to why Moulaya Raja saheb of Morbi, who made a living by a very humble profession of weaving cloth, threw the jewels back into the well, that came in his 'dol' (water bucket) not once but all the three times, when he intended to fetch water to perform 'wudhu'.

He threw back the jewels because he had the true wealth - the joy of Being. He could think abundance, feel abundance, and enjoy abundance, and he did not look outside for scraps of fulfillment and validation. This is the secret of abundance, that our DEEN has to offer to true seekers of bliss, prosperity and plenty.

Molaya Raja was fully focused on the Power of Now - he needed water for wudhu, as the magrib time was ending, and he knew fully well that the real wealth and abundance, came from 'ibadat' of Allah at the determined waqt. Water was what he needed and water was what he got.

And as to the true wealth and abundance, history bears witness, that the abundance experienced by Molaya Raja, manifested in due time in the form of nine 'ratans' (jewels) of exquisite and resplendent spirituality, humanity, piety and learning - we are familiar with their glorious history - Badre'en Doat kirams.

The first and foremost amongst them Syedna Ismail Badruddin Moula (RA) had immense material wealth, but his true seeking of abundance came from seeking I'lm - staying six months each year at Ahmadabad in the hazrat of Dai uz Zaman, and spending the remaining six months at Jamnagar looking after his business.

The true meaning of abundance was given by him, and as conveyed on several occasion to his mansoos Syedna Abdul Taiyyeb Zakiuddin Moula (RA)

AWESOME ABUNDANCE ! Not great material wealth as stated rightly by Ekhart Tolle, but the joy of being - the joy of serving DAI UL MUTLAQ - WHO IS TRUE ABUNDANCE. Abundance is in his 'gulami' as repeatedly stressed by Sayedi Sadikali Saheb.

I may or may not be possessing any material wealth, it is inconsequential, but I carry within me abundant love of my Moula (TUS) that in it self is ABUNDANCE. Each day is a joy for me , each day is a celebration, each day a thankful day. I feel happy, I feel blessed, and the gloss and glamor of material possessions, does not effect me.

Those who try to make a big show of their material wealth, those who are only self indulgent, self possessive, self centered - I really pity them, for they are seeking validation, they are feeling insecure, they are feeling incomplete.

As we celebrate the 100th Milad Mubarak of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) let us also throw back all that is transitory and seek that which is everlasting, and if our seeking is focused, the joy and bliss of Abundance in life will surely enrich us.

OUR DEEN IS A HEALING CODE

2010-09-24T22:34:00.001-07:00

After reading my earlier post, I think many of you may have been convinced that - OUR DEEN IS A HEALING CODE.

Let me share with you further secrets. It is free, no registration, no downloads, just a little time and effort on your part.

Experiments done by the Institute of Heart Maths with 28 trained Researches have conclusively proved that :
1. when the researchers felt gratitude, love and appreciation DNA responded by RELAXING and the strands unwound - the DNA became longer.

2. when the researchers felt anger, fear, frustration or stress, the DNA responded by 'tightening' up, It became shorter and switched off many of the DNA codes.
"http://www.csvibrationalwellness.com/CorrineDNAExp.htm ">http://www.csvibrationalwellness.com/CorrineDNAExp.htm

INTERESTING. This led me to my quest that what best evokes love, gratitude, appreciation,all the positive energies.

There are many innumerable doa mubaraks which help in evoking the feelings of gratitude, love, peace, joy and appreciation and help us in avoiding frustration, stress. Regular tilawat can help in transforming the harmful cellular memories - heart junk as termed by Dr. Alex into positive feelings of love, happiness, joy, peace.

Let me just share with you friends a part of two doa mubaraks of Imam Ali Zayn al Abidin (SA). The secret Healing Code in our Deen is that spirituality deals with the practical and lived reality of a very personal relationship with man and his Creator - an intimate yearning of the soul for completion and perfection.

ALLAH becomes the focus of all our acts. We start with the premise that we are not perfect, we have to seek perfection.

(Doa Mubaraka : A part from - His supplication in Morning and Evening

10. We rise in the morning in Thy grasp
Thy kingdom and authority contain us
and Thy Will embrace us
We move about by Thy command
and turn this way and that through Thy governing

11. We own nothing of the affair
except what Thou hast decreed
and nothing of the good
except what Thou hast given

12. This is a fresh new day,
over us a ready witness.
If we do good
it will take leave from us with praise

How stress free one would feel, if he rightly believes that 'we own nothing of the affair, except what Allah has decreed'

The secret is to melt the 'I' and just feel peace and bliss in honestly flowing with the flow of things, as they unfold. Embrace good, embrace joy embrace laughter and learn to shun all that is negative.

Sharing another doa mubarak. Here the 'abd' seeks refuge and protection, from all the negative traits, believing with full conviction that it is ALLAH and HE alone, who can protect and safeguard us, but at the same time, upon tilawat we are becoming aware of all the negative traits.

For seeking refuse from immoral qualities and blameworthy acts his Doa Mubarak

O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from
the agitation of craving.
the violence of wrath,
the domination of envy,
the frailty of patience,
the lack of contentment,
surliness of character
urgency of passion,
the disposition of vehemence,
following caprice,
opposing guidance,
the sleep of heedlessness,
undertaking the toilsome,
preferring falsehood over truth,
persisting in sin

There are many such Supplications and Munaja't which brings one near to ALLAH. In one Tasbih on Allah's Glorification, in all 23 ayat's Imam Ali Zayn al Abidin (SA) starts with 'Glory to Allah' for munificence and blessings. A literary masterpiece, which evokes sublime spirituality and feeling of love, abundance and nearness.

THE SECRET CODE is to understand TAWHID in totality. Let me share with you some insights acquired. The numerous Doa Mubarak, supplications and munaja'ts help us in affirming - and this is most important - affirmation with full conviction that

'There is no goodness, but in Allah.
There is no repentance, but by Allah Grace.
There is no gratitude but through Allah.
There is no knowledge but in Allah.

Now in relation to the negative attitude - the affirmations

'There is no evil but in me
There is no pride but in myslef
There is no impatience, but in my own ego
There is none ignorant, but me
There is no hate but in myself '

(Book Ref: The Psalms of Islam - Al- Sahifat Al- Kamilat Al- Sajjadiyya)

So the SECRET CODE of our Deen is the perception of our own self in relation to ALLAH. In the following narration, you will surely find the Secret Code.

Let us travel back to the BEGINNING. In the BEGINNING there were three central characters. NABI ADAM - the first created and Ma Haw'wa, and IBLIS - the one who had done Iba'dat for eons.

As we know all the three disobeyed ALLAH.
Nabi Adam (SA) and Ma Haw'wa were tricked by Iblis, into disobeying ALLAH.
I am not going into details, every one knows.
IBLIS also disobeyed. All the three disobeyed ALLAH.
But the Wrath of Allah for disobedience, was very severe for Iblis, but not so, for Nabi Adam (SA) and Ma Haw'wa, who were forgiven for their transgression

Have you ever reflected on why it was so. There may be a hundred thousand reasons, for we know not what Allah Knows.

But here is one of the SECRET CODE. Let me share it with you friends.

When Nabi Adam (SA) and Ma Haw'wa disobeyed ALLAH they repented "Our Lord we have wronged ourselves... ( Quran Ayah 7:23)

In contrast, IBLIS - who is the personification of ego, heedlessness, self centerdness and misguidance said "Now because Thou hast led me astray" (Quran
Ayah 7:16)

My journey to understand the SECRET CODES will continue. I need the support and encouragement from my readers. I will have to read more about the remaining Amazing Teachers and their secrets (Book The SECRET by Rhonda Byrne) I am indebted to Rhonda Byrne also.

But this much is certain my friends, you will agree with me that if we look 'inwards' into our Deen - the Secret Codes are very much there and most importantly, they are not SECRET. We have to change our perspective. Let us rediscover our own DEEN in the light of the recent scientific, spiritual and philosophical developments.

THE SECRET - HEALING CODES

2010-09-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

In the previous post I had mentioned of Healing Codes and the Law of Attraction propounded by Dr. Alex Loyd and Dr. Ben Jonson. I looked up the Net for information and found some interesting facts, which I would like to share.

A mention is made of the experiment conducted by Dr. Massaru Emoto, where he has shown conclusively how the power of words and vibrations can effect the water used in his photos of ice crystal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAvzsjcBtx8

I would recommend you to first see the video, before proceeding to read my article further.

According to Dr. Alex it is very important that before every meal we should take cognizance of what we think, feel and say, as it will directly affect our body.

OUR HEALING CODE : Our awaliyakiram sahebs have always given hidayat to say BISMILLAH before partaking of meal, and ALHAMDOLLILAH at the end of the meal, but the secret - to derive maximum benefit, one should say it with awareness and a thankful heart.

Before drinking water, one should recite the below ayat for maximum benefit for both body and soul.

Friends, if Dr. Massaru Emoto and Dr. Alex are called in to verify the power of the words and ayats uttered by a mumin, with full conviction and awareness, and mind you, this is the secret - conviction and awareness - the ice crystals photos, will surely reflect all positive and beneficial images.

On the other hand if there is mere parrot recital, without the heart and mind in it - as is observed many a times ( doa bhi padhi rahya chhe, message texting bhi tahi rahi chhe, vasana ni lajjat bhee aavi rahi chhe, matam ma haat bhee uthi rahya chhe, magar khya'l kayee beejij bajoo chhe) I can assure you friends, if this so, the ice crystals will surely show negative images.

This is my gut feeling, and hope some young friend can take up this challenge and prove me wrong by scientific evidence.

OUR HEALING CODE : In our belief system the other secret is this - who utters the word or doa. Eg: Aqa Moula (TUS) utters "Barakkallaho" and my uttering "Barakkallaho" are not the same. This has to be understood correctly.

We do not need any experiment by Dr. Massaru to prove the above point. Aqa Moula's utterance of mere "Barakkallaho" has manifested into abundance in wealth, health, happiness, it has completely changed lives of thousands, for the better of this world and Akherat. You personally must have come across or may have heard about such transformations.

So in our faith system, the blessed words, tasabih and ayats have very positive and enriching power, but at the same time, we believe that the power of this is manifested many more times, if Aqa Moula (TUS) or any other personage of piety utters it.

Even if an ordinary mumin like me does tilawat with awareness and conviction, the health and more important, the spiritual benefits will surely be there.

I share my personal example, I am afflicted with OA and the problem is severe according to medical records, but Alhamdollilah I am active none the less. The secret - doing tilawat of a particular set of recitation, with cupped hands, blowing into the hand, and slowly moving the hand to the afflicted body parts. Each day with full conviction of the health benefit after namaz.

But all this with full awareness, bringing the mind and heart into it, and being thankful, the last being the most important.

In so doing the problem has not vanished and it never will, but I am able to live a quality life all the same - and for that I am thankful to Allah.

In the next post I will be sharing with you more insight into OUR HEALING CODES.

So the Healing Codes my friends are very much there in our Deen - our Deen is a HEALING CODE but one has to make a conscious effort.

GIVE IT A TRY FRIENDS.

THE SECRET

2010-09-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

The other day I had an opportunity to interact with a family friend who came visiting from outstation. I met her after a long time and this young mumina, who I knew to be well educated, had in the intervening years seemed to have acquired a lot of knowledge and appeared well read on subject of metaphysics, faith healing, physic and pranic healing, yoga, Reiki etc:

She has been attending many such sessions and talked at length with full conviction of its importance, and gave some insights and recommended some books to me, for which I am indebted to her.

However, I found that many of the truths and concepts are divulged regularly in vaaz and sabaks, and in this glorious Burhani Daur for a true seeker of knowledge, the opportunities are there more so, than in the previous zaman of Doat Kiram sahebs. This is common knowledge.

Another relative of mine who had come down from Singapore had attended the 2 day Pranic Healing session at Taj Bengal, conducted by Master Choa Kok Sui, the founder of modern Pranic Healing and Kriyashakti. (www.pranichealing.com) After shelling out a pricey sum for a two day session, on interaction with him, I found that he was very upbeat, at having learnt from the great master him self, the art of applying 'prana' or vital life force in every aspect of life.

All this developments set me reflecting on what is that attracts these educated youngsters to know more about metaphysics and spiritual awakening, reading books, attending sessions, but when asked - do they attend sabaks, where according to me, we get to know the same things, they are lukewarm, giving standard excuses.

I have been reflecting on this a lot lately. However, it is somewhat personally satisfying to note, that my writing over the years, have found acceptance with a niche group, albeit very small group of educated and aware segment of mumineen, and I can say this now on the basis of the feedback being received from them.

I have been trying to synthesize the deeni knowledge acquired, with truths established through scientific discoveries and published material available on the Net. Here I would like to make it clear, that the Deeni knowledge is taken only from published sources and material (not from the haqiqat sabaks I am blessed to attend)

For those who are really interested to know the depth and beauty of our Deeni knowledge,if you send me a mail request on my mail I/D - asgarubi@gamil.com I will be glad to forward you my Taffakur Talks , a very personal initiative as part of the 100th Milad Celebration of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

I hope on getting that, you will be able to fully understand my contention. I have been writing on similar things, but others have succeeded because they have made a business model of the ancient truths and wisdom.

Now coming back to the book referred by may young family friend - THE SECRET - Rhonda Byrne. She was a bit taken back, when I told her I had not heard of the book. So immediately after she left, I googled and got to have a peek inside the book.

I will for ever remain indebted to my family friend, for before the Forward by the author there is a page containing the following :

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
AS WITHIN, SO WITHOUT
- The Emerald Tablet - Circa 3000 BC
The law began in the beginning of the time. It has always been and will always be.

This is the very thing we have been learning in 'sabaks' but it was news to me that it has been inscribed on a Tablet 5000 years ago.

In her Forward Rhonda Byrne goes on to say that she has been grateful to her daughter for gifting her a century old book, at a time when she was facing her life's worst crisis, and this book provided THE SECRET and a burning desire to share the secret, consumed her. This led to the making of 120 hour documentary film THE SECRET.

In her book 24 Amazing Teachers are featured, who by their work and writings, have shared their SECRET. Prentice Mulford (1834-1891) is regarded as the leader of New Thought Movement. Bob Bocher became famous for his 'Law of Attraction'

All the 24 amazing Teachers featured in the book, have written books, and most all of them have their web pages.

My personal quest, will be to find out what they have, which I do not know. In this way I will try to understand the problem that is vexing me.

So let me start with the famous quote dated 5000 years ago.
'AS ABOVE, SO BELOW
AS WITHIN, SO WITHOUT.'

As my writings concerns mumineen, specially youngsters groping for answers, without divulging anything from the 'sabaks' but relying on published material, vaaz mubaraks, deeni publications and the Net, let me proceed to prove conclusively, that for a true seeker of I'lm, the answers are in our Deen.

Everyone of you have heard of Syedna Hamid al- Din al -Kirmani (RA) I have written about his work, in one of my earlier blog. Now he is the one, who has clearly made the world understand the true meaning of Tawheed in the context of 'AS ABOVE, SO BELOW'

Now this is what Henry Corbin has to say in his Book - 'History of Islamic Philosophy'

'Syedna Hamid-al- Din Kirmani (RA) (d.408H/1017 A.D.) has fully delineated the esoteric hierarchy. There is a celestial hierarchy (the hudoods above) and there is a terrestrial hierarchy (the hudoods below) which symbolizes with each other.'

This than is the precise meaning, if there was ever one of the ancient wisdom. It is part of our Deen. It is there if you care to find.

In his Book ' Thoughts are things' Prentice Mulford goes on to state : ' There belongs to every human being a higher self, and a lower self, a self or mind of spirit, which has been growing for ages, and a self of the body, which is thing of yesterday.'

Now, if one cares to do tilawat of Nashihat of Syedi Sadik ali Saheb, one will find his repeated emphasizes on caring for the everlasting soul. ' Dunyani ni tu raghbat thi .....' simply superb. (I have translated a few stanzas, which can be found on my home page: www.hikmaah.com)

Dr. Alex Loyd talks of 'healing codes' about cellular memories, about release of negative emotions. Nothing new except that they have succeeded in making a business model of ancient wisdom.

I hope to look up on the Net on all the wisdom propounded by the rest of the 24 Amazing Teachers referred in the Book - The Secret, and try to find out, what they know, that I have not known by attending sabaks, and by my true seeking.

I hope my writing will motivate youngsters in removing some of the misconceptions.

An observation " Friends when you attend such lectures and healing sessions, do you carry mobiles with you, are you not all attention latching on to every word and when and when .............. I will leave it at that. All of you are so understanding and educated, I do will not have to spell out the details.

The Isha'raats in my Moula's Munaja't Sharifa

2010-09-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

In continuation of my earlier blog entitled ' Isha'raats in my Moula's kalaam and salaam' and primarily upon receiving the baraka'ts emanating from 'ahyah of Laylatul Qdr - the deedar sharaf (live video relay) and the spiritual blessings from the tilawat of Munjat Sharifa ' Adooka Adooka Zalzala'li' - 1431 H I am making a honest attempt to conceptualize and understand the 'isha'raat' and hidden haqaiq, alluded to in the Abya't Sharifa 17

With the beginning of Al- Multaqa in 1399 H and the historic restoration of JAMIA UL ANWAR the onset of the 15th Century Hijra has witnessed unprecedented rise in the 'community consciousness' and understanding of mumineen. It is unfolding in quantum leaps of creative emergence. Just look back a few decades and one will surely realize, what a transformation it has been.

In this BURHANI DAUR a glorious epoch in the resplendent Fatemi history, the brilliance of understanding the 'isha'raats' and comprehending the haqaiq - the hidden truths has permeated to all 'holons' of the community. There has been an exponential growth.

I have used the term 'holon' as it is most appropriate and if readers have read my earlier blog
http://mindmints.blogspot.com/2010/06/brief-history-of-everything-ken-wilber.html
the meaning and significance of what I want convey will be better understood.

It is for this reason I presume that Aqa Moula (TUS) of late has been conveying hidayats in isha'raats. The community consciousness has risen to such heights of transcendence, that Aqa Moula (TUS) has to make 'isha'raats' and every one understands, gets infused and motivated.

A layman like me with limited knowledge and grasping power, also receives the baraka't of making an attempt to understand the hidden haqaiq and isha'raats. It is only because of my Moula's karam and ehsaan.

Syedna Taher Saifuddin Moula (RA) in his most endearing and touching Nashihat - 'biradar tu..' goes on to convey ' samaj jo yeh isha'rat ne -
ne lejo bisharat ne '

This hidayat of Muqqadas Taher Saifuddin Moula (RA) has flowered in full bloom, resplendent in all hues- it is spring time of community consciousness. Awareness and understanding permeating all the strata of mumineen society.

In the context of the above, let me share with you my 'taffakur' of Abya't Sharifa 15 and 16. As the subject of this blog is - isha'raats' I will not take recourse to explain in detail, as I am confident, that by merely making pointed references, the readers will understand and more important, they will be adding to the understanding by their own reflections and tafaakur.

So if you all start sharing your thoughts, this may well turn out to be a evolving blog - spiritual transcendence.

I have incorporated my taffakur of Abya't Sahrifa 15 and 16 in the image below. I am indebted to my young friend Bhai Murtaza Attari for giving his time and expertise, and helping me translate my concepts into computer graphic design.

Now on tilawat of the Abya't Sharifa 15 and 16 again and again I began to reflect.
In Abya't sharifa 15 Aqa Moula (TUS) emotes on two 'sujoods' the one by Rasulallah (SA) soft mud (water and mud) and the other by his grandson Imam Husain (SA) on the dry burning sands.

In Abya't Sharifa 16 the zikr of sujood by Nabi (SA) on Laylatul Qdr in water and the sujood of Imam Husain (SA) in blood on Ashura.

In Abya't sharifa 17 Aqa Moula (TUS) alludes to the hidden haqaiq, that both the sujood of Nabi (SA) in muddy water and that of Imam Husain (SA) in blood soaked burning sand, will for ever protect mumineen till day of Qayamat from enemies of Deen, at the same time both the 'sujoods' will for ever quench the thirst of the true seekers of Ilm and all those who are seeking emancipation from this earthly bondage.

In this Abya't sharifas Aqa Moula (TUS) has made effective use of opposite words:
water - blood / cool mud - burning sand / night 'Layl' - afternoon 'asr'

If you study the image, what is the first thing that strikes you. The white circle represents an un impregnable fortress (hisne haseen) that keeps the mumineen protected from the region of tenbrosity - a region of darkness and gloom, a region of malefic ether causing disaster, harm and evil in human society. All evil thoughts and deeds, all that is negative and restraining to the ascent of human mind and soul, find refuge in this dark space of microscopic vibration.

The white space provides immunity and protection from the egocentric tendencies that tend to divide us and make us selfish and possessive. The sujood of Raulallah (SA) on Laylatul Qdr and the sujood of Imam Husain (SA) on the day of Ashura has manifested into a sheath (Armour) at the same time an all embracing, permeating, enfolding positive spiritual force, a field of subtle energy, offering protection and at the same time, energizing the mumineen 'nafs' to attain higher and subtler hierarchies.

On my reflecting on the sujood of Rasuallah (SA) in soft mud on the Night of Qdr.

Mud and water reminds of 'ibda' - creation. Surah Al-A'raf (Ayah 12 ending) ' and him (Adam) you created from clay'

So the sojood of Rasulallah (SA) on Laylatul Qdr signifies to me the creation of the protective sheath - the first evolving - and the sheath goes on to become an un impregnable fortress ( hisne haseen) with the sujood of Imam Husain (SA) on the burning sands of Karbala.

It is for this very reason that Aqa Moula (TUS) emphatically and in all miqaats tells mumineen to remember Moula Husain (SA) - ' abkika moulayal Husain - afdika molayal Husain - moulaya moulaya Husain'

'Mumineen Imam Husain upar tame ek an'soon nikalso to' maroo kam thayi gayoo'

Which in effect means that now there is no fear of malefic forces, a mumin comes under the protective sheath.

My reflections on sujood of Rasulallah (SA) in water and sujood of Imam Husain (SA) in blood.

Life begins in water and blood is the life giver.

So the protective sheath began on the night of the Qdr and when Imam Husain (SA) was martyred in blood drenched sujood on the day of Ashura, the protective sheath became impregnable till the day of Qayamat.

In the explanatory note in Abya't Sharifa 17 Aqa Moula (TUS) says that Awaliya Kiram sahebs have ensued that only mumineen have been blessed to receive the ma'refat (know the significance and import) of both Laylatul Qdr and Ashura.

The isha'raats in my Moula's kalam and salaam

2010-08-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

OCCASION : Bayan ul ikhtetam of Aqa Moula (TUS)at the concluding session of Imtehan-us-sanavi 1431H at Surat

PLACE : Evan e Jamea filled to the capacity.

DATE : 11TH Sherullah - video relay

Sharing my thoughts and feelings as I witnessed the video recording of Aqa Moula (TUS)slowly appearing in the 'gurfah mubaraka' of the Evan e Jamia and in the context of the riwayat of moulana Jabir (RA) getting the sharaf of ziyarat of Rasulallah (SA) traveling from Kufa to Medina, in the 'noor' emanating from the raised finger of Moulana Ali (SA)

MOULA as I witnessed the gentle sway of your hand all around
your all pervading and spiritually enriching gaze
the jostling multitude of mumineen below
the heart rendering cries MOULA ! MOULA ! MOULA !
your becoming the object of nostalgia and desire
the ever ascending motion of raised hands and reaching out
the cascade of emotions, the flowing tears, outpouring of love
the undying desire of mumineen to be engulfed in your noorani nazar
the forceful yet controlled pendulum swings of mumineen at the far ends of the Evan
the composed, controlled grounding of the first line of sada't kiram sahebs
all gazing up in contemplation and outpouring of love .............

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 Moula 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 !!

You can watch the movie video by clicking on the link below. Please copy paste the link on your browser and download the video.

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=01b529c546&view=att&th=12ac4a0c4e93c372&attid=0.1

SEHRULLAH - THE MONTH OF SUPPLICATION

2010-08-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

MUHARRAM epitomizes the azeem saha'dat of Imam Husain (SA) on the burning sands at Karbala. An iba'dat for the emancipation of humanity at large.

Moulana Ali (SA) saha'dat in masjid e Kufa on 19th Sehrullah while offering fazr namaz attained manifest victory, over all the evil forces, that were deterrent, for the emancipation of human souls.

Sehrullah is the month of supplication, month of roza, namaz, paying of zakat and reaching out to those in need.

One most spiritually elevating characteristic of Sehrullah is the Bihori namaz. During Sehrullah rightly so, Imam Ali Zayn al Abidin (SA) and his supplications help us in connecting with Allah. How close a mumin feels, how spiritually radiant one becomes, when the world sleeps, a mumin keeps his night vigil and recites 'Molaya Molaya...'

Imam Ali ibn al Husayn (SA) is known as Zayn al- Abidin (the ornament of the pious) and his AL -SHAFAT AL KAMILAT AL SAJADIYYA contains spiritually radiant and uplifting supplications, that helps in bringing one near and personal with his Creator. They are not, however, merely supplications, they embody comforting answers to many questions with which, man of our time are confronted. They are a balm and solace to the troubled mind and soul.

Perhaps the most eloquent testimony to his exalted position is the famous ode composed in his praise by FARAZDAQ an eminent poet of his time. In it, FARAZDAQ refers to the occasion, when the Caliph Hisham b. Abd al Malik was overshadowed, and felt slighted by the respect which the people showed towards the great grandson of Nabi (SA)

It was hajj season, when both of them were trying to reach through the crowds around Ka'ba to touch the Black Stone. The people respectfully gave way to Imam Ali Zayn al - Abidin (SA) while the Caliph struggled desperately.

This deeply offended the Caliph, and in a sarcastic tone, he inquired, who the person had been, to whom the people had shown such preference. Farazdaq who was present at the scene, thereupon immediately composed an ode and recited it, addressing himself to Hisham. Herein below are a few lines from the ode.

'It is someone whose footsteps are known by every place
And it is he who is known to the bayt (Ka'ba) in Mecca
the most frequented sanctuary;
It is he who is the son of the best of all men of Allah (Nabi - SA)
and it is he who is the most pious and devout,
the purest and most unstained
the chastest and the most righteous,
a symbol (for Islam)
This is Ali (b.al Husayn) whose parent is the Prophet
This is the son of Fatima (SA) if you do not know, who he is;
Whosoever recognizes his Allah knows also
the primacy and superiority of this man,
because the religion has reached the nations
through his House.

Book Reference: AL SAHIFAT AL KAMILAT AL SAJJADIYYA (The Paalms of Islam) Imam Ali Zayn al Abidin (SA)

Translated by William C. Chittik.

So this Sehrullah let us immerse ourselves in Iba'dat more so, as we mumineen are doing 'ohbat' for the 100th Milad Mubarak of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

TIME LINE - THE GLORIOUS FATIMID EMPIRE - Part 3

2010-07-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

MOWLANA AZ - ZAHIR (S.A.) 17TH IMAM - 7th Fatimid Caliph (411 A.H. to 427 A.H.)

Mowlana Abu Maad Ali az - zahir (SA) was born in Cairo on 3rd Ramadan 395 A.H. When Imam al-Hakim (SA) died in 411 A.H. Imam az- Zahir (SA) was 17 years of age.

Sitt-ul- Mulk, the aunt of Imam az-Zahir (SA) looked after the affairs of the State, and on her death in 411 A.H., the Imam (SA) took the reign of the Government.

The year 416 A.H. saw the beginning of a terrible famine in Egypt, which lasted for 3 years. Looting and rioting prevailed, the Imam (SA) appealed for funds and sharing of wealth to the rich, but their response was very poor.

A truce was concluded with Constantine VIII of the Byzantine in 418 A.H. Syria was bought under the Fatimid rule once more.

Imam az-Zahir (SA) is known for his liberal and just rule. He patronized art. He opened an armament factory, where 3000 employees worked.

In 427 A.H., on 15th Shabaan at the age of 32 years he died. leaving the Caliphate and Imamate to his son Imam Mustansir Billah (SA) who was seven years of age.

MOWLANA AL- MUSTANSIR BILLAH (SA) - 18th IMAM - 8th Fatimid Caliph (427 A.H. to 487 A.H.)

Mowlana Al- Mustansir Billah (SA) was born on 16th Ramadan 420 A.H. Eight months later the 'nass' was conferred on him by Imam az- Zahir (SA)

The Vazir Jarjarai took an oath of allegiance on behalf of Imam al- Mustansir Billah (SA) at the time of the death of Imam az- Zahir (SA)

After the death of Vazir Jarjarai, Abu Saad - a Jewish merchant became very powerful on account of his proximity with the royal household. Vazir Jarjarai had served under three Imams (SA) and during his Vazirate, Egypt saw peace and prosperity.

Syedna Al–Mu’ayyad fi’l–Din al–Shirazi (RA) was a witness of Abu Saad's interferences and court intrigues. The confusion and court intrigues ended after the appointment of Vazir YAZURI, whose administration lasted for 8 years, a period of prosperity, efficiency and reforms.

The court intrigues denied Sy. Al-Mu'ayyad with the deedar of Imam (SA) for 40 days. However, in 450 A.H. he was appointed as the Dai ul Dua't of the Dawah.

https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1Hk53ZmCK2hOGvHnUki6fusF865nzCAdk4FE39FZt8BM&hl=en&authkey=CLOwnagC

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.

Nasir Khusraw a contemporary of Sy: Al- Mu'yyad came to Cairo in 439 A.H. and there is a historical record by him of the grandeur of the Palace of Imam Mustansir Billah (SA)

Nasir ad Dawla, a former Governor of Syria was recalled on account of his inefficiency. He attacks Cairo, burning part of the City. Mowlana Badr al Jamali who was Governor of Akka, is called back to Cairo and he succeeds in restoring order and the administration.

Imam Mustansir Billah (SA) died on 18th Zul Hijja 487 A.H.

The following historical Akhbar are taken from the kitab:
Fazail Misrul Fatemiyah : 1418 A.H. Aaliqadr Shz: Qsaibhai Saheb Vazihuddin (DM)

MOWLANA ABUL QASIM AL MUSTA'ALI BILLAH (SA)- 19TH IMAM - 9TH FATIMID CALIPH 487 A.H to 495 A.H.)

Imam Musta'ali Billah (SA) was born in Muharram in 467 A.H. in Cairo. At the age of 21 years he ascended the throne of Imamate and became the 9th Fatimid Caliph.

Mowlana Badr al Jamali died in the year 488 A.H. and his son Sahansa Afzal became the Vazir.

The elder brothers of Imam Musta'ali (SA) Nizar and Abdullah after giving allegiance to the Imam, did not honor and revolted and fled to Alexandria. Nizar was defeated in the battle, brought to Cairo and was executed. ( The present day Khoza community are the followers of Nizar )

Imam Musta'ali Billah (SA) after conferring nass on Imam Mowlana Amir be Ahkamillah (SA) and circulating the nass farman in all bilad e imaniyah died in 495 A.H. at the age of 28 years.

MOWLANA MANSOOR UL A'MIR BE AHKAMILLAH (SA) -20TH IMAM - 10TH Fatimid Caliph (495 A.H. to 526 (A.H.)

Mowlana Imam al A'mir Ahkamillah (SA) was born in Kahira on 13th Muharram 490 A.H., and ascended the takth of Imamat and became the 10th Fatimid Caliph at the age of 5 years.

Under the command of Sahansa Afzal the Romans, who had captured Damascus were defeated, and Shansa Afzal returned in the hazrat of Imam (SA) victorious with war booty.

An usurper named Sanbas with his military force surrounded Kahira, but was defeated and killed.

Vazir Sahansa Afzal dies in 515 A.H. and Imam (SA) elevates Abul Mansoor al Mamun to the post of Vazir.

Imam Tayyib (SA) was born in Kahira on 4th Rabi ul Akhar 524 A.H. On day 14th of Imam Tayyibs birth Akika ceremony was done with pomp and grandeur.

The bushra of Imam Tayyib (SA) birth and the nass conferred on him were sent to Mowlatena Hurra al Maleka in Yemen.

With Shareef Mohammad bin Haidera, he also sent an old kerchief.

On Tuesday 3rd Zilkada 526 A.H. Imam al- Akhamillah (SA) as he led a procession of military and dignitaries of the court, was surrounded by treachery and attacked repeatedly by knife by several of the Nizari sympathizers.

Imam (SA) scummed to this heinous attack and after declaring once again Imam Tayyib (SA) as his successor, and appointing Abdul Majid ( son of his uncle ) as the Caretaker, he passed away on 4th Zilkad 526 A.H.

Thus ended the reign of the 10th Fatimid Caliph - a reign that lasted 32 years.

Mowlana Imam Tayyib (SA) went into seclusion traveling with his trusted followers to West Africa.

So this is a short account of the Glorious Fatimid Empire, which is still ruling over the hearts and minds of mumineen because of the living presence of Dai al Fatemi, our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) whose 100th Milad Mubarak we will be celebrating in true Fatemi Glory Insa Allah.

May Allah grant our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) sehato a'fiayat ta kiymat. Ameen.

It is my most humble desire that on the 100th Milad Mubarak I may be able to upload my 100th post. My very own small personal ohbat. Your best wishes and prayers will greatly help in achieving my objective.

Sehrullah 1431 A.H. is 'mukbil'. Humbly arz to all readers of my Mind Mints blog to remember me in your doa.

TIME LINE - THE GLORIOUS FATIMID EMPIRE - Part 2

2010-07-28T22:15:00.001-07:00

MOWLANA AL - AZIZ (S.A.) 15TH IMAM - 5th Fatimid Caliph (365 A.H. to 386 A.H.)

Mowlana Abu Mansoor Nizar al- Aziz bi- Allah was born on 14th Muharram 344 A.H. at Mehdiya.

The Zantara tribe of the Berbers formented trouble in North Africa. Bulkin managed to suppress the revolt, however, after his death his son Mansoor was not successful, and could not control fully.

Yakub bin Killis - the Chief Vazir died in 380 A.H.

Syedna Qadi al-Numan (RA) died in 363 A.H., and he was succeeded by his son Aly bin Numan. On his death in 374 A.H., he was succeeded by his brother Muhammad bin Numan, who died in the reign of Imam al- Hakim (SA) in 389 A.H.

Imam al - Aziz (SA) died at Bilbays, while on his way to meet the Byzantine forces in Syria. He died on 25th Ramadan 386 A.H., (Dawat records the death on 12th Ramadan and was buried in Al- Kahira.)

On his death bed he called his Treasurer Barjuwani, Qadi Muhammad bin Numan and Amir - Hasan bin Ammar and entrusted the guardianship on the next Imam Mowlana al_Hakim (SA) who was 11 years old.

MOWLANA AL HAKIM BI AMRILLAH (S.A.) 16TH IMAM - 6th Fatimid Caliph
(386 A.H. to 411 A.H.)

Mowlana Husain al- Hakim bi Amrillah (S.A.) was born on 23rd Rabi ul Awaal 375 A.H. in Cairo.

In 383 A.H. when he was 8 years old Imam al - Aziz (SA) declared him as his successor. In 386 A.H. at the age of 11 years, he became the 6th Fatimid Caliph.

Barjuwani who was in charge of Turkish Guards, was the Treasurer and the tutor of Imam al- Hakim (S.A.)

Ibn Ammar belonged to the Kutama Berber tribe and held control over Berber Guards. Both Barjuwani and Ibn Ammar were trying to depose each other, and in the struggle both were killed.

Imam al- Hakim (S.A.) boldly acknowledged responsibility, at the age of 15 and began to take direct interest in the affairs of the State. He appointed Husain son of Sy. Qaid Jawhar as the new Vazir, but was later deposed from his position at the time of Abu Rakwa's revolt.

Abu Rakwa ( Walid bin Hisham) was the Ummayad prince from Spain, who fomented trouble in North Africa with the help of the Zanata tribe, and he came close to Alexandria, on the bank of the Nile, but was defeated by the Imam's army led by Fadl bin Hasan bin Saleh.

Masjid al Anwar began by Imam al- Aziz (SA) was completed by Imam al- Hakim (S.A.) in 393 A.H. The famous academy of sciences called the Darul Ilm was built by Imam al- Hakim (S.A.) in 395 A.H. It became the biggest center of learning and research, in the whole Muslim world. The academy was later destroyed by Afzal Shabin Shah.

A huge canal was built at Alexandria. An Observatory at Qarafa, where the famous astronomer Ibn Yusuf prepared the astronomical tables.

The famous scientist and engineer Ibn Haytham was invited to Cairo personally by Imam Hakim (SA) When he approached the limits of Cairo, Imam Hakim (S.A.) personally came out to receive him.

He took up residence in Jamia al - Azhar, wrote many books and died in 430 A.H.

Abul Fadl Jafar, a blind scholar of grammar and lexicography, received the honorific 'alim al-ulama (scholar of the scholars)

Sayedna Hamid-ud- din al- Kirmani (RA) headed the Central Dawah

Syedna Kirmani came from Iraq after the revolt of Abu Rakwa to strengthen the Dawah under the guidance of Imam (SA) He worked under KHAGIN who was Dai duat.

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

In the year 411 A.H. (27th Shawwal) Imam al-Hakim (S.A.) was surrounded by assassins on Mount Muquttam, where he used to visit frequently for meditation and observation of Stars. He was assassinated. One of the assassin was caught and brought before Imam al - Zahir (S.A.) along with the blood stained shirt of Imam (S.A.) in the year 415 A.H.

Many malicious stories of the character of Imam al-Hakim (S.A.) were spread by later Christian historians, which were reproduced by many Muslim writers, hostile to the Ismaili Dawah.

The reign of Imam Hakim (S.A.) was intensely personal, direct and broadly popular. He persistently tried to correct and ameliorate the social and economic life. In so doing the rich and elite class , often seemed to particularly suffer, from his wrath and disdain.

CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY OF IMAM HAKIM (S.A.)

Tall, fair and strong with sparkling blue eyes and grave face. He had a towering personality, which imposed a stamp of a genius on every person he came across. He was a brave, generous. learned and just ruler. Imam Hakim (SA) reign was marked by revolts, scarcity of rains, famine and plague. However, he managed to maintain his authority through all these difficult times.

NOTE: I have dwelt in length on the reign of Imam Hakim (S.A.) and there is a purpose. Historians have tried to malign his character and reign for reasons, which now are coming to light.

I share a quote with readers from the Book : (SYEDNA) Hamid al - Din al -Kirmani - Ismaili Thought in the Age of (Imam) al- Hakim (SA) - Paul E Walker. (1999 publication)

'Until recently the Ismailis (we are known as Tayyebi a part of Ismailis) were studies and judged almost exclusively on the basis of the evidence collected and fabricated by their enemies, including the bulk of the medieval historiographers , who were hostile, towards the Shi'is in general and the Ismailis among them in particular.... As a result a 'black legend' was gradually developed and put into circulation, in the Muslim world to discredit the Ismailis and their interpretation of Islam )

The christian Crusaders and their occidental chorinclers, who remained completely ignorant of Islam and its internal divisions, determined their own myths of Ismailis, which came to be accepted in the West as true description of the Ismaili Teachings and practices.

Modern orientalist, too, have studied the Ismailis on the basis of hostile sources and fanciful occidental accounts of the medieval times.

Here I would like to remind mumineen of the azeem sacrifices made by our 'hudud kirams (Syedi Molai Raj saheb - just to name one of the hundreds) Syedi Qutbuddin Saheed (RA) - just to name one of the illustrious Doat Kiram for the 'hifazat' of the true Deen.

It is heartening to note, that in this epoch Burhani Daur, historians and academics are trying to 'right the wrong' perpetrated in the past centuries by vested and hostile section, particularly against the Fatimids.

To be continued .............

TIME LINE - THE GLORIOUS FATIMIDS EMPIRE

2010-07-24T22:52:00.003-07:00

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Fatimid_Islamic_Caliphate.png

Continuing from the earlier post where we came to know that Dai Abdullah - the Shii entered in victory to Raqqada and awaited the arrival of Imam Mahdi (SA) who was staying at Sijilmasa.

Finally Imam Mahdi (SA) established himself as the first Fatemi Caliph at Raqqada in 297 A.H., and the Glorious Fatimid Era took firm root in Northern Africa. I share with readers the Time Line, the principal personalities, and their services, some major events in the establishment of the Fatimid Empire.

This post is based on my reading from the Book :- HISTORY OF THE ISMAILI IMAMS - TARIKH E IMAMAT by Al Waez Hasan Husyn Nazarali.

MOWLANA ABDULLAH AL MAHDI (S.A.) - 11 TH IMAM ( 268 A.H. to 322 A.H.)

1st Fatimid Caliph

Mowlana Mahdi (SA) was born at Askar Mukarram on 12th Shawwal 260 A.H.

On the death of Imam Husain al Mastoor (SA) at Askar Mukarram in 268 A.H. he became Imam at the age of 8 years in Salamiya. He remained in Salamiya in the guise of a Hashimid merchant, and maintained a good relation with the local Governor.

In 297 A.H., as stated above he finally established himself in Raqqada as the 1st Fatimid Caliph. He bought the island of Sicily under his control and founded new towns of Mahdiya and Mohammadiyah.

The Dawah in India : The Dawah began during the reign of Imam Mahdi (SA) Dai Ibn Hawshab, sent his nephew Dai al Haytham from Yemen to Sind. From Sind it spread to Multan and other parts of North India and Gujrat.

Imam Mahdi (SA) died on 15th Rabi ul Awwal 322 A.H., at Mahdiya.

Dai al- Qadi al Numan (RA) was born in North Africa and joined the service of Imam Mahdi (S.A.) in 313 A.H.

Da'aim al Islam - the most exhaustive exposition of Fatimid Jurisprudence, took nearly 30 years to complete. It was completed in the reign of Imam al- Muizz (S.A.)

Syedna al- Qadi Numan (R.A.) died in Cairo on Friday 29th Jamadil Akhar 363 A.H./974

MOWLANA AL QAIM (S.A.) 12th Imam. 2nd Fatimid Caliph (322 A.H. to 334 A.H.)

Mowlana Abu al- Qasim Muhammad al- Qaim bi Amrallah was born in 275 A.H. at Salamiyah

In 303 A.H. the nass was proclaimed on him by Imam Mahdi (S.A.)

Imam Qaim (S.A.) died during Abu Yazid's siege on Mehdiya on 13th Shawwal 334 A.H. at the age of 59 years. The news of Imam's death was kept a secret until the revolt of Abu Yazid was over.

MOWLANA AL MANSOOR (S.A.) 13th Imam. 3rd Fatimid Caliph (334 A.H. to 341 A.H.)

Mowlana Abu Tahir Ismail al- Mansoor bi- Allah (S.A.) was born at Qairawan ( a military outpost and camp town) in 302 A.H.

His entire upbringing was in North Africa amid the atmosphere of battles and revolts, which helped to develop a military spirit and discipline.

He succeed to the Imamate at Mehdiya in 334 A.H., at the age of 32 years.

He successfully suppressed the revolt of Abu Yazid, who was defeated, taken prisoner, and died in prison in 336 A.H. Abu Yazid was a Kharjide and belonged to the rival Zantara Berber tribe who opposed the Kutama tribe, which supported the Imam.

After 7 years of rule Imam Mansoor (S.A.) died on 28th Shawwal 341 A.H. at the age of 39 years and was buried in Mehdiya.

MOWLANA AL - MUIZZ (S.A.) 14th Imam - 4th Fatimid Caliph ( 341 A.H. to 365 A.H.)

Imam Abu Tamim Maad bin Mansoor al Muizz (S.A.) was born in Mehdiya on 11th Ramadan 319 A.H.

He succeeded to the Imamate on 28th Shawwal 341 A.H. at the age of 22 years. He is said to have known 7 languages, among them Nubian, Latin, Spanish and Slavonic.

Syedna Qaid Jawhar left Mehdiya for the conquest of Egypt in 357 A.H. The first khutba in the name of Imam Muizz (S.A.) was read by Sy. Qaid Jawhar at Fustat on 18th Shaban 358 A.H.

An interesting fact at the time of construction of Cairo.

The building of the new town started at a time, which the astrologers thought was inauspicious, because it was governed by the planet al- Kahir (Mars) The city was thus named after the planet al- Kahira. (We mumineen know that Sy. Qaid Jawhar had taken Imam's raza and doa, so the astrological influence did not matter in the least)

Sy. Qaid Jawhar personally supervised the construction of Al- Azhar Masjid. In the time of Imam Al- Aziz (S.A.) he built a huge library and a University, which at present day, is the oldest existing University in the World.

Imam Muizz (S.A.) departure from North Africa to Egypt.

Imam (S.A.) started his journey towards Sardinia, he regulated the affairs of Sardinia and Sicily and then went to Tripoli, from here he proceeded to Barqa, on the borders of Egypt.

Imam (S.A.) entered the city on 7th Ramadan 362 A.H. Immediately Imam (S.A.) took over the reign of the government.

Sy. Qaid Jawhar became the Chief of the Army. Sy. Qaid Jawhar originally a Sicilian, was brought in the service of Imam Muizz (S.A.) as a young slave. By his suppression of revolts in North Africa, he attai9ned high office. He remained Commander in Chief, till his death in 381 A.H. during the reign of Imam Aziz (S.A.)

Yakub bin Killis was appointed as the Vazir. Yakub bin Killis by birth was a Jew and was born in Baghdad in 318 A.H. (930) At a young age he came with his father to Egypt. He was very intelligent, hard working and honest, and rose to prominence in the court of Kafur.

In 356 A.H./ 967 he embraced Islam. He entered the services of Imam Muizz (S.A.) after the death of Kafur in 357 A.H. He was the most efficient administrator and Vazir of the Fatimids. Imam Aziz (S.A.) appointed him as Vazir al - Ajall (Chief Minister) in 367 A.H./ 977.

Name of some of the Administrative Departments in the reign of Imam Muizz (S.A.)

The Mahtasib ( anti - corruption Officer) under the office of Sy. Qadi al - Numan

The Court of Mazalim' ( special court set up against the officials of the administration) under the office of Sy. Qadi al- Numan.

Sahib al - Kharai ( Financial Administrator)

Sahib as Shutra (Police Head)

Qaid al Qawad (The Admiral of the Fatimid Fleet)

The Fatimid Naval bases were : MEHDIYA - SUSA - MANSOORIYA -SICILY - CRETE

The Central Dawah was headed by Syedna Jafar (RA) and Sy. Qadi al Numan (RA)

The libraries in Mansooriya and Cairo became famous for their rich treasure of books on almost any science. Learned people were given all the encouragement to use these libraries. Imam Muizz (SA) him self spent much time, in the libraries reading.

Imam Muizz (SA) died on 11th Rabi ul Akhar 365 A.H. at the age of 45 years.

The news of Imam's death was not announced for eight months. This was the usual practice adopted, so that the far flung areas of the Empire, could be bought fully under Administrative control.

To be continued .........................

Fatemi Heritage Tour of North Afrikiya

2010-07-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

Gold coin of the period of Imam Aziz (SA)

Gold coin of the period of Imam Mansoor (SA)

Gold coin of the period of Imam Muizz (SA)

Ack: Fatimid Coins at the David Museum in Copenhagen

My niyat behind writing this 'post' is that may some enterprising Travel Agency be motivated to organize a Heritage Tour of North African countries, through which Imam Mahdi (SA) traveled and founded Mahdiyah, heralding the golden epoch of 'zuhur' in Magrib, as prophesied by Nabi (SA)

Hope some travel agency organizes such a tour as part of the 100th Milad Celebration of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

AKHBAR IS ANW'AR - let me share with you the historical aspects preceding the 'zuhur' of Imam Mahdi (SA) taken from my reading of the Book entitled ' The Empire of the Mahdi - Rise of the Fatimids by Heinz Halm - translated from German into English by Michael Bonner.

Imam Mahdi's (SA) first area of missionary activities - apart from Dai Abdullah the Elder's more closed surrounding in Askar Mukaram ( Qbr mubarak of Imam Husain-al Mastoor -S.A.) was the mountain country of Daylum - south of the Caspian Sea.

After the death of Dai Abdullah the elder known in history as Khalf ( hallaj al qutn - cotton carder) the occupation he undertook as the cover of his missionary activities his son Dai Ahmmad carried on with the mission.

The community of Rayy became the most important and active cell of Ismaili Dawa in northern Iran.

At the same time or thereabout Ismaili missionary activities had been underway in the rural areas surrounding Kufa on the banks of the Euphrates.

Another important and lasting area of missionary activities originated in Yemen. The Dai who founded the Yemini Ismaili community hailed from Iraq. In history he is known as Ibn Hawshab ( Dai Abul Qasim al Hasan bin Farah bin Hawshab, known to later Fatimid Historiography as 'Mansoor al Yemen' ( the victorious of Yemen)

In his book - 'Sirat Ibn Hawshab' the Dai Abul Qasim narrates how he overcame the crisis of faith, which preoccupied him like many other (Twelver Shi'ites) followers of Musa Al Kazim.

The last generally recognized supreme head of the Shi'ites, (Twelver Shi'ites) their eleventh Imam died in 874 (260H) leaving no mail heirs. The belief that there was a hidden Twelfth Imam, had not taken hold, and aroused doubts in many Shi'ite minds.

In such a mental state according to Dai Abul Qasim, he was sitting on the banks of Euphrates ( furat) and was reciting from Surah al Khaif, he saw a spiritually radiant, magnificent old man approaching the river bank accompanied by another man. Ibn Hawshab was mesmerized and stopped reciting.

Than a young lad came sprinting towards him. Ibn Hawshab asked - ' who are you my son' He answered ' a descendant of al- Husayn (SA)' At the mention of al-Husyn the eyes of Ibn Hawshab overflowed with tears. He said ' You are dearer to me than my father, you are the son of the Resplendent One, who was stained with blood, who was prevented from drinking water'

The true meaning of the verse of Surah from al Khaif was explained to him by the spiritually radiant man sitting a little distance away, when Ibn Hawsab was summoned in his presence.

This is how Ibn Hawsab became Dai Abul Qasim.

The Ismaili mission in Yemen

Shortly thereafter in the beginning of June 881 (267H) Dai Abul Qasim and Dai Ali bin al-Fadl set out and near Kufa joined the pilgrim caravan. After Haj with the home bound Yeminite pilgrims, they reached the port city of Aden by way of San'a and al-Junad.

He disguised him self as the trader of cotton and started his mission, and the first converts were the clan of Banu Musa, who came from the village of Adan La'a in the Wadi of La'a. In the year 269H (883) he moved to Adan La'a, and from there, the dawa spread fast and openly and the permission to wage war was granted.

A fortress was built at Abr Mahram, two other fortresses were also won. Bayt Fa'iz visible from far and dominating the entire Miswar region and Bayt Rayb - a fortress on sheer precipice, which had no entrance than a single gate.

From this controlling position based on the three impregnable fortresses the Dai could easily rule and control the surrounding valley.

The Ismaili Mission in Iraq

Imam Mahdi (SA) was based in Salmaya. (Qbr mubarak of Imam Abdullah al Mastoor (SA) and Imam Ahmad al Mastoor (S.A.) are in Salmaya)

The over jealous activities of the sons of Zakaroye led to much bloodshed. They purported to spread Ismaili Dawah. Yahya bin Zakoraye (the man with she camel)laid a seize to Damascus from early December 902 to early 903.

Al Husain bin Zakoraye ( the man with a birthmark - the sahib al Sahma) was misguided and his activities led Imam Mahdi (SA) to leave Salmaya. The Imam hurriedly traveled to Hims, from there to Tripoli, spending a day there and from there to al Ramala and finally reaching Egypt, where he remained for a year.

The Ismaili Mission in North Afrikiya :

In February 893 (278 H) Dai Abu Abdullah referred to as - al Shi'i, set out on the Haj pilgrimage from Kufa and during Haj met and befriended Berbers of the Kutama from the region of Qustantia (Constantine in present day Algeria)

The Dai won of over the Berbers trust and esteem and reached Egypt in their company. There is a detail verbatim and interesting record still in existence of the conversation Dai Abu Abdullah had with the Kutama Berbers, from whom he found out all details of their community, their numerical strength, their political allegiance to the Amir of Qayrawan.

Without disclosing his purpose and his mission, he found out from the Kutama, that the Berber community enjoyed great independence, and their submission to the Aghlabid Amir was of token nature.

On reaching Egypt, as was secretly wished by Dai Abu Abdullah, the Shi'ite Kutama pressed upon the Dai to accompany them to their country and teach them.

The caravan went through Libyan Tripoli and the oases of the Chottel Djerid in Southern Tunisia, before arriving at Sujmar in present day Algeria. Here the Dai recruited two new novices.

In early June 893 Dai Abu Abdullah - the Shi'i entered the territory of the Kutama - the present day Lesser Kabylia. He chose to live in the small town of Ikjan, in the vicinity of the ancient Roman city of Mila, the dwelling place of Banu Saktan, to whom the Shi'ite pilgrims belonged. Along with the Dai, were three Ismaili followers of Yemen.

The Theocratic State of Tazut was organized by Dai Abu Abdullah. He divided the Kutama into seven parts, and raised an army out of each seventh. He sent a Dai to each village. He called the leaders and dais 'elders' (mashayikh) even though many of them were young. The booty remained in their hands until the time Imam Mahdi (SA) appeared. Nonetheless, they did this, as history records show, with reluctance and grumbling, for ever in the course of time, they had grown accustomed to power and revenue, and wrongly assumed that, it would remain ever that way.

Majalis al hikmah were held daily at Qayrawan by Dai Abu Abdullah and other Dais, in which the participation of the women is particularly emphasized. Many abhorrent social practices of the Kutama were thus discontinued.

When Dai Abu Abdullah struck his first serious blow after mobilizing the Kutama against the Aghlabid rule in 902 (289) Imam Mahdi (SA) was in Salamya. It was around the same time the sons of Zakaroye, were mobilizing the Bedouin tribes, against Damascus.

Dai Abu Abdullah first seized Mila. The Aghlabid Amir sent 12,000 men of Qayrawan (the military outpost-jund ) westward on a punitive action. Dai Abu Abdullah's force was beaten in two engagements, they abandoned Tazut and Mila and retreated in the deep snow northward towards Ikjan.

Thus Ikjan the former refuge of the Dai became once again the center of Dawa. The forces of Kutama regrouped and subsequently one by one the Forts of Baghaya, Qalama (Calama) Buna (Bone - Annaba) fell in the hands of the Fatimids. The strong fortress of Maydara ( present day Haydra ) in Southern Tunisia capitulated without struggle.

The Aghlabid Amir Ziyadat Allah after his propaganda and largess failed to mobilize his troops and subjects against the Fatimids, fled from Raqqada.

Thus on 25th March 909 (Rajab 296H) Saturday the Dai Abu Abdullah - the Shi'i entered in victory to Raqqada, and awaited the arrival of Imam Mahdi (SA)

As Dai Abu Abdullah was consolidating his position in the Kutama country of Western Sahara, Imam Mahdi (SA) around January 905 (Rabi ul Awwal 292H) left Egypt and in Libiyan Tripoli he waited for his slave Jafar, to return from Salmaya, who had gone there to retrieve the treasure buried in the ruins of Imam Mahdi's house.

Halfway between Alexandria and Cejrenaica the caravan of Imam Mahdi (SA) was attacked by Berber robbers. In the fight Abul Abbas, the brother of Dai Abu Abdullah, was wounded in the face. Imam Mahdi (SA) lost some of his possessions, including the sorely missed Books with the wise saying of the Imams (SA) the religious literature. Afterward these books were returned miraculously to his possession.

From Tripoli Abul Abbas was sent forward to Qayrawan, where his identity was compromised and he was made a prisoner. So Imam Mahdi (SA) had to change plans. As soon as his gulam Jafar arrived from Salmaya, Imam Mahdi (SA) joined the caravan from Tripoli to far West.

He was accompanied only with Imam Kaim (SA) and the gulam Jafar, the other members of his household did not join him, until afterward.

The caravan first went to Qastiliya - the oasis region of the salt pan of the Chett el Djerid (Shatt al Jarid) in the south of present day Tunisia.

There they made a two day halt at Tuzur ( now Tozeur) to celebrate Eid on 6th Aug: 905 (1st Shawwal 292 H) From Tozeur through the mountain massif of the Awras (Aures) they reached the oasis Biskara (the Roman Vescera)

Traveling through the monotonous high plain of Central Algeria, by way of Qashliya, they arrived at SIJILMASA in present day Morocco. Here they rented a nice house from Abu Habasha. Three months later, they were joined by dependents and family members.

The ruins of Sijilmasa lie right at present day Rissani on both side of the road to Erfoud.

Much effort and research will be needed if a heritage trip starting from Al Qahera is to be organized. Are young enthusiastic mumineen bikers willing to give the project a thought. Alhamdolillah !

This 'write up' is being posted on 1st Shaban 1431H.

WALAYAH

2010-06-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

MILAD E MOULANA ALI (SA) MUBARAK AND MOHANNA TO OUR BELOVED AQA MOULA (TUS) WHOSE 100TH MILAD MUBARAK WE LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATE.
MILAD E MOULANA ALI (SA) MUBARAK TO MUMINEEN

I am sharing with readers, in particular students of Islamic Philosophy and
mumineen who are attending 'sabaks' the excerpts from the Book:

HISTORY OF ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY : HENRY CORBIN

This Book primarily deals with literary expression of Shi'ism in general and Ismailism in particular.

The cycle of Walayah is thus a cycle of Imam (Vasi) succeeding the Prophet; that is to say the batin succeeding the zahir, the Haqiqah succeeding the Shariah

Walayah is the esoteric dimension of the eternal prophecy(Nubuwah) it is the realization of all its perfection, according to the esoteric dimensions, before the beginning of Time, and its eternal perpetuation.

The two persons of the Prophet ( Nabi Muhammad S.A.) and the IMAM (Vasi Moulana Ali S.A.) prior to their earthly kinship, share a spiritual relationship (nisbah ma'naviyah ) which is established in their pre-existence.

Muhammad (SA) ' I and Ali are the one and the same Light'

Moulana Ali (SA) ' I was already a Wali, when Adam (the earthly Adam) was still between 'water and clay'

Their pre-existence as a Pleroma of beings of Light had already been affirmed by Imam Jafar us Sadik (SA) : ' God (Allah) created us out of the LIGHT Of His sublimity, and from the clay (of our Light) HE created the Spirit of our Shi'ites.'

IMAM : Their knowledge encompasses the totality of all times. They are muhaddathun (those to whom the Angels speak)

MUHAMMAD (SA) is the epiphany of all the eternal prophetic Reality, the Supreme Spirit, the celestial Anthropos.

This is why he can say " I am the first of the prophets with respect to creation (the Supreme Spirit pre-exists the Universe) and the last one in respect of mission and Manifestation. "

One of the Prophet's most famous Companions, 'Abd Allah ibn 'Abbas, relates how profoundly impressed were those who listened to (Moulana) 'All's commentary
on the Fatihah (the first Surah of the Quran).

The first Imam (VASI) himself gives this testimony: 'Not a single verse of the Quran descended upon (was revealed to) the Messenger of God which he did not proceed
to dictate to me and make me recite.

I would write it with my own hand, and he would instruct me as to its tafsir (the literal explanation) and the ta'wil (the spiritual exegesis), the nasikh (the verse which abrogates) and the mansukh (the abrogated verse), the muhkam and the mutashabih (the fixed and the ambiguous), the particular and
the general. And he would pray to God to increase my understanding
and my memory. Then he would lay his hand on my breast and ask
God to fill my heart with knowledge and understanding, with judgment
and illumination.

Moulana Ali (SA) : ' there is no Quranic verse, which does not possess four types of meanings :

exoteric - zahir

esoteric - batin

limit - hadd

divine plan - muttalla

Imam Jafar al Sadik (SA) " The Book of God (Allah) comprises of four things -

the statement set down - 'ibarah

the implied purport - ishara

the hidden meanings to the
supra sensible world - lataif

and the exalted Spiritual
doctrines - haqaiq "

The exoteric is for oral recitation, the esoteric is for inner understanding.

Philosophical understanding of a few important terms, we regularly hear in Vaaz and sabaks.

tafsir strictly speaking is the literal exegesis of the letter.

tawil (etymologically speaking, this means to lead back or 'bring back' something to its origin (to its asl )

tafhim literally to enable to understand the highest hermeneutic of all.

tanzil designates positive religion - it means to cause this Revelation to descent from the higher world.

Conversely tawil means to cause to return, to lead back to the origin, and thus to return to the true and original meaning of the written (Revealed ) text. It is to cause something to arrive at its original.

The word 'tawil' together with the word 'tanzil' constitute a pair of terms and concepts, which are complementary and contrasting.

Literal Meanings of some other terms:

tahqiq - Philosophical enquiery

mithal symbol

mamthul - that which is symbolized

salah canonical prayer

ma'rifah knowledge

mahabbah love. Both are essential for Walayah.

ulu al 'azam the men of decision.

ilham inspiration

alamat - signs

lahut - divinity

nasut - humanity

kashf - mystical unveiling

tajalli - ephiphanized

matbu' priori - the knowledge of the first principles.

istibsar - observation

i'tibar - inference

idrak - perception

ru'yah 'aqliyah -Spiritual vision

sama' aqli - Spiritual hearing

'ulum ksablyah rasmiyah - 'the official sciences' acquired from the external world by means of effort and human teachings.

'ulum irthiyah haqiqah - knowledge in the true sense received by Spiritual heritage obtained gradually or all at once through divine instructions.

ta'til agnosticism

tasbih the assimilation of that which is manifested in its Manifestation

'alam al ibda / 'alam al amr The Pleroma

'alam al Khalq which is the created world, the object of Creation

inbi'ath - emanation

A very thought provoking video on Universal Consciousness :

Suggested viewing for better understanding of how haqiqat truths and science are converging into a unified source of Enlightenment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrcWntw9juM&feature=browch

An Ex-MSB -Kolkata student falls in LOVE - An Exclusive MM scoop

2010-06-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

Such a feeling's coming over me!

So, she is gonna be here again.and she has already got me irreversibly crazy. My love affair began way back in 1998 at France. The first crush of nascent adolescence occurred while playing Fifa 98 on the PC. First high graphics quality football game I had ever played and it was love at first sight. I began to flirt with the game in reality at a local football camp and fell for her intense charms and deft moves. The crush had turned into strong feelings.

France 98 was her first visit that I had ever witnessed. It was hard to keep all her match dates. A schoolboy still, I was not allowed to go out and stay up till midnight. I could only catch her in the evenings and though it was a well known fact that she was her charming best at late nights, I was thankful of the time I spent with her. She played expectantly true to most of her traits, giving me my first joyful Ronaldo and Brazilian moments. She made me familiar with her famed Italian relatives, namely Roberto Baggio, about whom I had heard so much about and was in awe. She also threw a few surprises. Namely Croatia in the semis and France the eventual champions. I was not allowed to go and watch the tragic English play, depicting their dramatic loss to Argentina. I was very angry with myself for having missed watching performances of David Beckham and the young promising Micheal Owen. I only could catch the reruns of the play and read newspaper clippings. I fell in love with the English performers and even parted my hair from the center, like Beckham, even though I was teased at school for it. She left after a full month, but it seemed very little time, as lovers will tell you. For the first time in my life I suffered from withdrawal symptoms and pined for her to come back soon. I was in love with her. But it was too early to tell.

She decided to arrive in Korea and Japan after four years and I decided to follow her keenly. Still in the last year of high school, peaking in my teens and passion pimples showing, I was allowed spend more time with her. Guys at school were doing the same. It happens at that age. She was kind in spending time with us from afternoons till evenings. She was not going to make us chase her, or sneak out with her late at nights. She got us a bag full of surprises consisting of South Korea, Turkey, Senegal and USA. She shocked us by her behavior with France and Argentina. I began to understand that she demanded the best, reputations not withstanding. The only vivid memory I have of her visit is sitting in the school's biology lab, fiddling with a small plant and chemicals and glancing at my watch every single minute and predicting with a classmate proceedings of the Brazil-England quarterfinal. I had requested for a leave that day, but it had been shot down. I rushed home, climbing the stairs mad like a hero in search of his long lost princess. Alas! Another epic English tragedy had been missed. She had given us the amazing gift of a curling Ronaldinho freekick, I had been a fool to miss it. She gave us her famous Brazilan champions this time too. It was my first time to see them being crowned champions. I wish I had been born a generation earlier to have seen more of them. As she left this time, I confessed my love to her. She promised to be back soon.

This time Germany caught her fancy and mine too. I vowed to myself to spend every single day of her month long visit with her. I was 19 then, an adult and fully capable of making such decisions. I stayed up late at night every single day partying with her. But I learnt that too much football caused a bad hangover the next morning. I couldn't think straight, couldn't work, couldn't study. But I was hopelessly obsessed with her. I suffered splitting headaches on some mornings, yet I partied with her every night till the wee hours. Hell, I wasn't going to be a teen again. I witnessed my first World cup English tragedy involving Portugal and was left utterly heartbroken. The pain felt evaporated a taste for dramatic tragedies. I was thoroughly impressed by the youthfulness of Germany and Spain, though I didn't like the final Italian opera played out. The experience of being in an intense relationship gave a heady feeling but maintaining it cost a fatigued price.

June 2010 marks the 12th year of our relationship. I've begun to understand her better, can predict her moods and sense when she is about to spring a few surprises. I've become older and mature and seek to spend quality time with her rather than every single minute. We are beginning to respect each others space and time. During this visit of hers, I am going to receive her with open arms, will decorate my home to celebrate her homecoming and party the African way, complete with plastic trumpets. But we won't stay up every night, instead choosing to party late on weekends and big match days only. We'll spend time with friends and relatives and enjoy the togetherness feeling rather than spending time alone by ourselves. I've asked her to get certain particular gifts for me, primarily because we share that kind of a relationship now. I've asked her to give me a Messi with the coolest trick accessories, A second round qualification for at least 2 African teams, one of them being South Africa. I've also asked for a pack of the best Oranje and German performances. But the most pleading requests have been made for a brand new Spanish world champions.

She is expected to arrive with a lot of African verve and I can't wait to meet her. And the moment she pulls out the gifts from her month long trip bag, I am going to wait my turn like a 13 year old schoolboy again. I know that is what she will do to me. She will make me a young, energetic, enthusiastic, joyful child again!

P.S: World cup, I love you.

SHABBIR MULLA MOHAMMAD BHAI LOKHANDWALA - PUNE

A Brief History of Everything - KEN WILBER

2010-06-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

KEN WILBER at the age of 23 left his graduation in Biochemistry to pursue the wisdom of unraveling the mysteries. Excerpts from his book :

Arthur Koestler coined the term HOLON to refer to any entity that is itself whole and simultaneously a part of the whole. For instance a whole atom is a part of a whole molecule, the whole molecule is a part of of a whole cell, and the whole cell is part of a whole organism and so on.

The point basically is everything created is a 'holon' of some sort or another.

Even the 'whole' KOSMOS is simply a part of the next moment's whole - indefinitely. At no point we have a whole, there are only whole/parts for ever and for ever.

(On reading this I thought it as a wonderful way of TAWHEED - only ALLAH - mubde - haq - subhanahu ) is complete ALL IN HIMSELF )

It was Pythagoras who introduced the term KOSMOS. It contains

1. Cosmos - the physio sphere

2. Bios - biosphere

3. Nous - nooshere

4. Theos - the theosphere or divine domains.

There are 'holons' in all the above spheres. Every 'holon' is a whole and a part. Every 'holon' has two twendencies or 'two drives' that is to maintain both its 'wholeness' and 'partness'

Maintaining its wholeness means it has to preserve its own identity, itw own autonomy, its own agency.

The self transcending drive produces life out of matter, the mind out of life and towards higher stages - the Spiritual stages.

The KOSMOS unfolds in quantum leaps of creative emergence.

Each 'holon' has four basic capacities : 1. Agency 2. Communion 3. Self dissolution 4. Self transcendence.

The Example of a thousand Monkeys and Shakespeare Play.

A scientific calculation showed that a chance for a thousand monkeys to produce a single Shakespeare Play was one in ten thousand million - million - million - million - million, so may be it can happen in a billion - billion years.

But the Universe is only twelve billion years old.

Calculations done by scientists from Fred Hoyle to F.B. Salisbury consistently showed that 12 billion years is not enough time to produce a single enzyme by chance. In other words, something other than chance is pushing the Universe.

SPIRIT is unfolding itself in each new transcendence, which it also enfolds into its own being at the new stage.

PHILOSOPHY - Part 2

2010-05-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Sharing nuggets from a very interesting and readable book ' The Story of Philosophy'
- Will Durant (contd:) Book pages 696

From Aristotle to the Renaissance.

Roman Stoic Seneca : ' The secret of peace is not to make our achievements equal to our desires, but to lower our desires to the level of our achievements. If what you have seems insufficient to you, then though you possess the world, you will yet be miserable.'

EPICURUS: We must not avoid pleasures, but we must select them.

FRANCIS BACON : In the essay 'Of Youth and Age he puts a book into a paragraph - "Young men are fitter to invent than to judge, fitter for execution than to counsel, and fitter for new projects than for settled business ........... Men of age object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon, and seldom drive business to the full period, but content themselves with the mediocrity of success.
Certainly it is good compel employments of both......... because the virtue of either may correct the defects of both'

SPINOZA : " to inquire whether I might discover and attain the faculty of enjoying throughout eternity continual supreme happiness........ love towards a thing eternal and infinite alone feeds the mind with a pleasure secure from all pain. Only knowledge, then, is power and freedom; and the only permanent happiness is the pursuit of knowledge and the joy of understanding.

As for the terms good and bad, they indicate nothing positive in themselves ... for one and the same thing can at the same time be good, bad and indifferent. For example,music is good to the melancholy, bad to mourners, and indifferent to the dead.

Men think themselves free because they are conscious of their volition and desires, but ignorant of the causes by which they are led to wish and desire. Spinoza compares the feeling of free will to a stone's thinking, as it travels through space, that it determines its own trajectory, and selects the place of time of its fall !!

Spinoza knows that as passion without reason is blind, reason without passion is dead. Thought should not lack the heat of desire, nor desire the light of thought.
By imagination and reason we turn experience into foresight; we become the creators of our future, and cease to be the slaves of our past.

Spinoza rises from the fitful pleasures of passion to the high serenity of contemplation, which sees all things as part of an eternal order and development; he learns to smile in the face of the inevitable, and 'whether he comes into his own now, or in a thousand years , he sits content. (this is hikmat)

VOLTAIRE : He was 'sheer intelligence transmuting anger into fun, fire and light - a creature of air and flame, the most excitable that ever lived ... Was he, perhaps, the greatest intellectual energy in all history ?"

Not to be occupied, and not to exist, amount to the same thing.

The further I advance in age, the more I find work necessary. It becomes in the long run the greatest of pleasures, and takes the place of the illusions of life.

I am a puny part of the great whole...
All born for torment and for mutual death...
Man is a stranger to his own research;
He knows not whence he comes, nor whither goes.
Tormented atoms in a bed of mud,
Devoured by death, a mockery of fate;
But thinking atoms, whose far seeing eyes,
Guided by thoughts, have measured the faint stars;
Our being mingles with the infinite
Ourselves we never see, or come to know...

To be free is to be subject to nothing but the laws.

PHILOSOPHY - Part 1

2010-05-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Sharing nuggets from a very interesting and readable book ' The Story of Philosophy'
- Will Durant

** There is a pleasure in philosophy, and a lure even in the mirages of metaphysics, which very student feels until the coarse necessities of physical existence draf him from the heights of thought into the mart of economic strife and gain.

SOCRATES : The modesty of his wisdom was the most likable trait. He did not claim to have wisdom, but only to seek it lovingly; he was wisdom's amateur, not its professional.

The Oracle of Delphi had pronounced him as the wisest of Greek of his time. But the starting point of his philosophy was : ONE THING ONLY I KNOW, AND THAT IS I KNOW NOTHING !

He had his own religious faith, he believed in One God, and in his modest way believed that death would not quiet destroy him.

PLATO: Plato's meeting with Socrates had been a turning point in his life.

When asked why is it that such simple paradise as he has described - the Utopias never arrive upon the map ?
He answers, because of greed and luxury. Men are not contained with simple life: they are acquisitive, ambitious, competitive, and jealous; they soon tire of what they have, and pine for what they have not; and they seldom disre anything unless it belongs to others.

( after many centuries, nothing has changed, we have not learnt )

The elements of instruction..... should be presented to the mind in childhood, but not with any compulsion, for a freeman should be a freeman too in the acquisition of knowledge.. Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion has no hold on the mind. therefore do not use compulsion, but let early education be rather a sprt of amusement; this will better enable you to find out the natural bent of the child.

(It took us more than 2300 years to put this idea into effective practice and vouchsafe of its merit!)

Every individual is a cosmos or chaos of desires, emotions and ideas, let this fall into harmony; and the individual survives and succeeds; let them loose their proper place and function, let emotions try to become the light of action as well as its heat (as in a fanatic) or let thought try to become the heat of action as well as its light (as in an intellectual) and disintegration of personality begins, failure advances like the inevitable light

ARISTOTLE : Logic means, simply, the art and method of correct thinking.
He led the foundation of Biology. At the bottom of the scale, we can scarcely divide the living from the 'dead', nature makes so gradual a transition from the inanimate to the animate kingdom, that the boundary lines which separate them are are indistinct and doubtful, and perhaps a degree of life exists even in the inorganic. ( how so true)

He rejects Empedocles' doctrine that all organs and organism are a survival of the fittest.

Everything in the world moves naturally to a specific fullfillemnt. Of the varies causes which determine and event, the final cause, which determines the purpos, is the most decisive and important.

The mistakes and futilities of nature are due to the inertia of matter resisting the forming force of purpose ....(gem of haqiqat)everything is guided in a certain direction from within, by its nature, structure and entelechy; the egg of the hen is internally designed or destined to become not a duck but a chick, the acorn becomes not a willow but an oak.

Aristotle's favorite example of matter and form are woman and man; the man is the active, formative principle; the female is passive clay , waiting to be formed.

In plants the soul is merely a nutritive power; in plants it is also a sensitive and locomotive power; in man it is as well the power of reason and thought.

Economics : The most hated sort of such exchange is usury, which makes gain out of money itself, and not from its natural use. For money was intended as an instrument of exchange, and not as the mother of interest. This usury (tokos) which means the birth of money from money...... is of all modes of gain, the most unnatural.

Note: The Philosophy of Aristotle exerted a great influence on Muslim thinkers.

The spreading of Islamic Science and Philosophy

2010-05-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

In the 11th century TOLEDO was the greatest Muslim center of learning founded in the West. In 1085 Toledo fell to the Spanish Christians. A Spanish Jew baptized under the name of Petrus Alphonsi became physician of King Henry I and thus he became the first to spread Muslim Science in the West.

The most prominent and prolific translator at TOLEDO was the Italian Gerad of Cremone who had a Christian and a Jewish assistant (Intereting !!) He occupies same position in the Western World as HUNAIN held in the Islamic World of Bagdad. Gerad was rightly called the the father of Arabism in Europe.

By the time of his death in 1187 he had produced 80 translations, amongst authors he translated into Latin were KINDI - FARABI _ AVICENNA ( Bu Ali Sina)

Latin versions of Arabic books immediately became the subject of study in the 12th Century at centres such as Bologna - Montpellier - Paris - Oxford.

The translations of Avicenna, whether medical or philosophical works were received with great enthusiasm all over Europe. when the manuscripts were finally printed mostly at Strasburg and Venice, they ran into innumerable editions, sometimes separately, and at times together with the works of Farabi and Kindi. There is evidence of their widespread use at various centers of learning.

BOOK REFERENCE : AVICENNA - HIS LIFE AND WORKS - Soheil M. Afnan (Phd Cent:)

Personal Note: It feels sad to note that in the 21st Century Islam is being misunderstood and maligned, largely on account of of a few misguided elements. When spread of knowledge is put on the back burner, humanity suffers.

HIKMAAH - MAW'IZAH - KHITABAH

2010-04-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

We mumineen frequently hear the terms in vaaz and bayans. I came across a very in depth article by a renowned Islamic scholar : Murtada Muthari ' Spiritual Teachings of Nahj -al Balaghah' in which he has brought out the subtle meanings and the difference between the three terms. Hope readers of my blog will surely derive insight and knowledge.

HIKMAAH - WISDOM
MAW'IZAH - SPIRITUAL AND MORAL ADVICE AND ADMONITION
KHITABAH - EXHORTATION AND ORATORY

Excerpts from the article:

Hikmaah is the struggle against ignorance and maw'izah is the struggle against negligence and indifference.

Hikmaah deals with the intellect and maw'izah appeals to the heart.

Hikmaah educates while maw'izah prepares the intellect for employment of its reserves

Hikmaah is a lamp and maw'izah is an eye opener.

Hikmaah is the language of the intellect, while maw'izah is the message for the spirit.

Accordingly, the personality of the speaker, plays an essential role in maw'izah, which is not the case with hikmaah. In hikmaah two minds communicate in an impersonal manner, but in maw'izah the situation is like the passage of an electric charge, that flows from the speaker, who is at the higher potential than the listener.

The speech which originates from the heart enters another heart and the words which originates from the tongue, do not go beyond the ears.

MAW'IZAH AND KHITABAH

Maw'izah and Khitabah :

Maw'izah differs from Khitabah (Oratory) Although Khitabah also deals with emotions, but it seeks to stir and agitate them. Maw'izah on the other hand is intended to pacify emotions and seeks to bring them under control.

Khitabah is effective when emotions are inert and stagnant. Maw'izah is required when lusts and passions become unmanageable.

Rhetoric and oratory snatch control from the hands of calculating reason, and hand it over to tempestuous passion, but maw'izah appeases the tempestuous passions an prepares the ground for calculation and foresight.

ELEGANT RIDA AND PROFILE OF AN ELEGANT MUMINA

2010-03-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Sharing an inspiring post written by a very elegant and educated mumina bhen - Rashida Mulla Aliasgar Rasheed. Her niyat is that her post may motivate young ladies of our community, who are still undecided and have some reservations, or affected by outside peer pressures, at workplace, social circles or educational institutes or whatever.

At the end of her post I am sharing with you a beautiful piece on Hijab written by an American muslim lady.

Rida – My Identity

May Allah subhanahu enhance the Umer Sharif of Aqa Maula (tus) till Qayamat.

During these days of Tabuda’at I would like to take this opportunity of Ibadat and Tasbih by performing the Ziker and Shukur of My Maula (tus) who has given me the sharaf of being called a Mumina. When someone speaks of a Mumina, an instant image of a modest, humble woman comes to mind. What separates this humble, modest woman from other women? “Rida”.

On the entrance essay for admission to the University of CA, Davis I had written that if one were to take an arial picture of the students in my school, I would definitely stand out. Where I lived with my family – Lodi, California there were only a few mumineen families nearby, and definitely I was the only mumina teenager in my school, and obviously the only one wearing Rida.

From my student life to my experiences in the professional world, I have always gotten a second look – from the look of astonishment to the look of admiration. In middle school, the beginning days of my wearing a Rida many times included stares and taunts from other teenagers. As any teenager in the US can attest to, the middle school years are the years where one craves acceptance or being able to “fit in”

From job interviews to my foray into the teaching world, there have been many instances that I have felt I have had to go the “extra mile” to prove myself. During interviews, I have been subtly asked if the clothes (Rida) I was wearing during the interview would be the clothes I would be wearing while teaching.

In my first teaching assignment in Hayward, CA I had two assistant teachers working for me. When I walked in on my first day, they gave me an incredulous stare – as if I was at the wrong place. During my first few weeks on the job, I would constantly experience my assistants second guessing my directions and decisions. Withstanding all low expectations, I was able to pull through.

Circumstances, situations that may otherwise have pushed one to quit – were not able to deter me. What pulled me through the toughest times, and always gave me the courage to continue wearing Rida was the expectation that my Maula (tus) had in me. As a mumina, I have always felt that the biggest nemat for me has been to be included when Maula (tus) addresses us as his “Piyara Farzando”. As a farzand how could I stand to disappoint my Bawa Shafiq – the same Bawa that puts Mumineen first, and does Dua for us before we ask. This very strength of Mohabbat for my Maula (tus) turned things around for me. Once where I was hesitant I gained confidence. Once where I had people second guessing me, the same people stood up for me. All this happened, because…I believed in My Maula (tus) and I knew that my Maula (tus) believed in me.

Today, as a wife of a Khidmat Guzar, and especially one living in the “Bible Belt” I have been fortunate to have had opportunities to speak to other Muminaat Baheno about Aqa Maula (tus) ni khushi and wearing Rida. From someone living in the United States, we enjoy many freedoms, one being the freedom of expression. From my experiences and from experiences of other Muminaat Baheno I feel that, sometimes the biggest barrier to overcome is the – internal barrier. It is taking the initial step. The step that we all believe in but are afraid to take. “Maula (tus) Na Farmaan ne Tasleem Karwu”.

May Allah Subhanahu enhance the Umer Sharif of Aqa Maula (tus)and give us all Mumenaat Behno Himmat to carry on the many Farmaans of our Bawa Shafiq, Aqa Maula (tus).

Ameen

Amate Syedna (tus)

Rashida M. Aliasger Rasheed

www.eduscribe.com

THE ELEGANT HIJAB

The pea is a splendid plant. It proudly displays its strong green Hijab. It protects it from the hot and cold weather and guards it from insects. Allah has blessed the pea with a special Hijab, because without it, the seeds would scatter, dry up and die.

The orange keeps itself within its shiny orange Hijab to protect its delicious fruit. Otherwise it-looses its taste too.

So are the banana, the coconut and the pomegranate. Each one has an elegant and unique Hijab, which protects it from disease and destruction.

The jewel of the sea, the pearl, has been given a very tough and rugged Hijab - oyster shell. It protects it from sea animals and keeps it sparkling and shining inside.

However, the most beloved of Allah in all His creation is the Muslim girl who wears the Hijab. She knows it is a gift from Allah. It protects her from harm, injury and mischief. She wears it knowing it gives her dignity, beauty and respect. So precious she can be that she hides herself beneath her Hijab.

Do you wear a Hijab? Give it a try today

MULKUL HUSAIN e be' KARBALA

2010-03-02T00:42:00.000-08:00

THE MARTYRE DIES AND HIS RULE BEGINS
THE TYRANT DIES AND HIS RULE ENDS -
-Soren Kierkograd

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 shahadat of Imam Husain (SA) on the banks of furat – Euphrates, the patch of land blessed from time immemorial by the kudoom mubarak of Ambiya kiram (SA) from Adam (SA) to our beloved RasulAllah (SA) and his vasi Moulana Ali (SA) the land known as Al- Ghadiriyah – Nainawa and as Syathi ‘ul Furat evolved as the land of ‘karb’ and ‘bala’ and in no time, KARBALA became the nodal point, from which radiated the Universal love around the world. The triumph of TRUTH against falsehood ruled the minds of man and nations that came and those that will come, till the end of time.

Muulkul Husain which germinated in the azeem sacrifice on the day of Ashoora on the burning sands of Karbala, with the passage of each century, managed to wipe off all political, cultural and social boundaries. The nida of YA HUSAIN is same around the world, the understanding and the lessons learnt from the azeem sacrifice is the same around the world, however, depending upon different cultural and social parameters , the expression of the grief is varied, but from Japan in the far East to America in the West – mulkul Husain holds sway over the minds of man.

The sacrifice is a testament to the greatness of the human station, that the angels were made to acknowledge by Allah at the time first creation.

While doing taffakur on the subject I came across a very interesting article I had read in my college days, and had written it down in my diary. As I referred to it again, it helped me in understanding more fully the concept of mulkul Husain. I share with my young friends - the facts will amaze you and help in reinforcing your understanding that, how the Tragedy of Karbala has infused the entire world and by this shahadat, the mulkul Husain for ever will remain triumphant.

What ALLAH wills no human mind can comprehend. Glory to HIM and HIS creation !

In a very small area covered by the TRIANGLE as depicted in the herein below graphic, the entire climatic conditions of the world are found, is not that amazing. The Triangle has very deep cosmological meanings, but that is a totally different subject. On reading the article sited below you will be amazed and my purpose will be served,that how mulkul Husain has reached all corners of the world.

( Excerpts from : Introduction to Islam by Muhammad Hamidullah – Centre Cultural Islamique – Paris)
‘ A perusal of the map of major hemisphere shows the Arabian Peninsula lying at the confluence of the three great continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. (The continents had once formed a single land mass before breaking apart and drifting due to plate tectonics - a scientifically proven fact)

In this limited area of Central Arabia, the existence of the triangle of Mecca – Ta’if- Medinah seemed something providential (like wise friends you can now understand that the land of “karb’ and ‘bala’ was predestined for the mulk of Husain to flourish and Imam Husain (SA) gave promise to Nana Nabi (SA) at a very young age, that he will give the azeem sacrifice :

' Nanaa ko diya thaa joh waa'da - Shabbir mibhanay aye hain '

Mecca’s geographical and climatic features represented that of African – Sahara continent.

Taif’s geographical and climatic features represented that of Europe Continent.

Medina’s geographical and climatic features represented that of Asian Continent.
This TRIANGE standing in the middle of the major hemisphere was, more than any other region of the earth , a miniature reproduction on the entire world.
AMAZING FACTS !
Likewise, from the parched desert land besides Furat, the azeem sacrifice of Imam Husain (SA) arose mulkul Husain. It continues to stir the consciousness of humanity. World leaders and icons of humanity have spread the message of Imam Husain (SA) to the far corners of the globe.
The three sides of the TRIANGE of mulkul Husain are :

Truth against falsehood
Humanity against villainy
Righteousness against evil

“Imam Husayn uprooted despotism forever till the Day of Resurrection. He watered the dry garden of freedom with the surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim nation. Husayn weltered in blood and dust for the sake of truth. Verily he, therefore, became the bed-rock (foundation) of the Muslim creed; la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah).”—Sir Muhammad Iqbal

“I learned from Hussain how to be wronged and be a winner.” —Mahatma Gandhi

“The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Hussain and his companions were the rigid believers of God. They illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to truth and falsehood. The victory of Hussain despite his minority marvels me! —Thomas Carlyle

“If Hussain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam.” —Charles Dickens

“In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Husain will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.”—Edward Gibbon

Karbala stands for courage, self-sacrifice, integrity, honesty, vision, and bravery beyond words. It symbolizes all that is pure and true. Karbala teaches us that real battles are always fought in the minds and not on ground. Yazid was powerful and yet he lost the battle for truth.
Also, being in the majority need not necessarily make you right.

Battle For Truth
The battle of Karbala finds great similarity with the one at Badr – Islam’s first battle. It was the holy Prophet [PBUH] at Badr who fought with 313 die-hard supporters against a formidable army of some 1000 men. That day against all odds the small group won a decisive victory, and paved the way for a future Muslim empire. 56 years later it was his grandson with just 72 loyal men, who fought against an impossible opposition of several thousands to save Islam from the clutches of tyranny.

Karbala was a battle of truth against falsehood, humanity against villainy, righteousness against evil, justice against corruption. The much loved grandson of the Prophet [PBUH] stood in the scorching heat of Karbala along with his companions, devoid of water but determined. His loved ones, including his six month old son, fell martyr one after the other. In spite of this he repeatedly invited the other party towards righteousness and forbade them from evil and immorality, but it all fell on deaf ears. When the time arrived for him to march ahead all alone, he did it in a fashion which was reminiscent of his illustrious father Ali.
One of those who fought the battle of Karbala against him says, “I have never seen a person bereaved of his sons, men folk and his companions more Lion-hearted than him. The foot soldiers were scattering to his right and left like goats when a wolf come upon them.” —–Ibne Aseer, Tareekh Kamil

The above are just a very minuscule representations of the emotions evoked around the world and helped in consolidating the Truth against Evil and Falsehood for ever till the day of Qiyamah

By paraphrasing the saying of Sufi mystic ‘ (Karbala )– you are not just a drop in the ocean (land mass of Karbala compared to the land mass of the world) you (Karbala) are also the mighty ocean in the drop.

Experiments at facilities like the Institute of Noetic Sciences in California and Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research Lab have proved that Mind rules over Matter – the spiritual belief in a ‘cosmic consciousness’ a vast coalescing of human intentions, that was actually capable of interacting with physical matter.
Inferring from this, it is no surprise than the land of ‘karb’ and ‘bala’ yjr mulkul Husain has for ever transformed the entire world.

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.

The roohani shakhsiyat of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS), his hayat e pak, his for ever yearning - ' mein mara Moula Husain par fida fida thayee javu, mara mumineen ne mara sathe Maula Husain par fida fida kari davu 'is in truth mulk - fulk - nusk - misq of Imam Husain (SA)which we are blessed to witness and testify.

har jagah, har mulk ma har sheher ma har gaon ma
pohnchaa Moula jeh jagah awsaaaf na siqqa jamaa
ja bajah Aqa dikhavey ek niraali shaan chhe
Aqa Moula pe'r hamaara jan o dil qurban chhe

I hope I have managed to shed some light, share my insights on mulkul Husain

FULKUL HUSAIN e be' KARBALA

2010-02-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

( I am indebted to Bhai Murtaza Attari for helping me with the digital image of my concept of Fulkul Husain and Mulkul Husain )

On the glorious 99th Milad Mubarak and at the onset of Ayya'mul Ta'budaat I share with you my thoughts on FULKUL HUSAIN

NUH NABI'S fulk was so built by the Command of Allah to withstand the surging waters resulting from 40 days of incessant rain that engulfed our planet to be safely anchored at JUDI - thus humanity, animals and plant life were saved from extinction.

IMAM HUSAIN'S fulk had a profound and greater divine purpose, which a layman like me fails to comprehend, a purpose which Aqa Moula (TUS) fully understands, his composing of the Marasiya ABKIKA MOLAYAL HUSAIN at the time of approaching his 99th year of age, is a living miracle, which we are blessed to witness.

I had expressed my tassavurat on the 10th verse in the earlier post entitled 'OUR SULTAN AND HIS MESSAGE FROM MAROL' In all humility I share my thoughts on IMAM HUSAIN'S fulk.

The purpose of fulkul Husain is Amr bil Maroof wa naha anil munkar till the day of Qiyamah, the purpose of fulkul Husain is the emancipation of humanity, the purpose of fulkul Husain is to turn the baser elements of humans into angelic traits, the purpose of fulkul Husain is to set free the Islamic values from the yoke of tyranny and oppression.

The purpose of fulkul Husain is to continuously teach humanity, the lessons of striving for the hereafter, in the face of setbacks and loss in this material world.
To remain steadfast and patient, to be submissive before the Divine Decree, placing absolute and unwavering trust in ALLAH above all else, to guard one's faith at all cost. to full fill one's word to the last, sacrificing one's all in the name of ALLAH, forgiving all in the view of His Compassion.

The fluttering sails of this fulkul Husain, till the day of Qiyamah will proclaim to humanity at large for the continuation of jihad at the individual and social level.

Aza e Husain is akin to the fast and rhythmic beat of the oars propelling the fulk, and for every tear shed, we mumineen pledge to resist the oppression of injustice, immorality, inequity and falsehood.

Al-qoos (muqadama't-ul-safina)is to overpower the temptations that try to entrap, on the onward journey, the bow designed to reduce the resistance of the hull cutting through water.

Al-hajiz – the bulkhead is so encompassing and at the same time like a fortress, that one feels safe and secure in their onward journey.

Al-halq (safina-tul-mustahat) the keel together with al-dafat – rudder helps in navigating through the ups and downs of life, and keeps the course in torrid seas of entrapping materialism, so that finally one disembarks rejoicing with Hamd and Shukr for our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

‘kathe kudoos na pohchave - haq nu safina chhe
ehma sava’r chhe hamein Moula na saath saath’

Milad e Nabi (SA) Mubarak and mohanna to the readers of my posts. Looking forward to receive your comments and tassavura'ts, so that together we all stand to enrich our knowledge in this coming days of Ayyamul Ta'budaat. DOA NI ILTEMAS.

OUR SULTAN AND HIS MESSAGE FROM MAROL

2010-01-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

( My 'taffakur' reflections, which if I had tied to pen it, would have been a difficult task, and my thoughts would not have been conveyed as I intended it, so I have instead made a recording, and as audio file upload is not possible, I am grateful to Bhai Abbas Banswarawala for making a video file, and keeping the size to minimum - duration 9.21 min:)

Ours is a world of generation, corruption and decay. In order to free ourselves, the shortest and the only way is to do 'tab'aat' of our SULTAN - OUR AQA MOULA, and during
Ashaara Mubaraka at Marol by his fad'l and ehsaan, he showed us the most simplest and surest way to to achieve emancipation.

KALEMA'T NOORANIYAH : ' agar tamara ankh ma thi ek ansoo bhi nikli jase to' maru kam thayee gayoo '

I am sharing with you my humble attempt at the English translation of the first 2 verses of Marasiya Mubaraka ' ABKIKA MOULAYAL HUSAIN '

The ark of Husain anchored at Karbala
The domain of Husain radiated from Karbala
The Iba'dat of Husain unparalleled in Karbala
The mis'k of Husain permeated (the universe) from Karbala

O Moula Husain for ever I will shed tears
O Moula Husain for ever I will sacrifice myself
O my MOULA ! O my MOULA HUSAIN !

You are Imame - Haq O Husain
You are the beacon of TRUTH O Husain
You are the voice of KITAB (Quran) O Husain
You are the nectar of Universe O Husain

O Moula Husain for ever I will shed tears
O Moula Husain for ever I will sacrifice myself
O my MOULA ! O my MOULA HUSAIN !

THE LOST SYMBOL - DAN BROWN

2009-11-09T23:15:00.000-08:00

(Click on the jpeg image to read the poem in larger fonts)

Bhai Huzaifa Sk: Abbasbhai from Fakhri Mohalla - Pune has developed a talent of writing English poems. On an earlier occasion also he had written a beautiful poem seeped in the love and affection of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) and he was fortunate, to present his poem in Hazarat Aliyah Imamiyah.

Reading the above poem entitled ' The Love Symbol' drawing analogy from a mystery thriller by Dan Brown, proves a point how deep the love and affection of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) runs in the heart of our youngsters. I sought his permission to share it with you all.

It is befitting to recall the following lines from the Madeh of Miasaheb Ahamdali Munshi.

'jees mein na rehata hoye tassavur tera hamein
ai'sa to' koyee roj nahein, aisee shab nahein'

40_bayaan

2009-11-01T23:19:00.001-08:00

1) رسو ل الله نسس ححاليس ما ورسسس نبوة ملي

2)رسول الله فرماوسس ؛ كه جه شخص 40 دن لككن اخلاص سي كوئي نيكي نو عمل كرسسس تو يه عمل ني عادة اهنسس زندككي بهر واسطسس تهئي جاسسس

3)ميلاد النبي سي كه ميلاد داعي الزمان لكك 40 دن تهائي ؛اْ 40 دنو ما مؤمنين قسم قسم سي تعبدات نا عملو كرسس ؛ اهما main concept يه}؛ كه يه عملو ني عادة اهنسس زندككي بهر واسطسس تهئي جائي

4)سيدنا طا هر سيف الدين جه دن داعي بنا اهنا 40 ما دن ما اْقا مولى تي ولادة تهئي

5) اْقا مولى ايك بيان ما فرماوسس ؛ اما م علي زين العابدين امام حسين ني شظظا دة ثثححهي 40 ورس لككن رويا انسس منسس بهي اْجسس امام حسين ثثر روواما رولا وا ما 40 ورس تهيا

6) امام حسين نو جسم مبارك 40 دن لككن كربلاء ني زمين ثثر ثثرا رهيا

7) كوئي ككذري جائي تو اهنا 40 ما دن نسس ححظظلم كهوائي ؛ يه دن ما اهنا فاتحة نو جمن تهائي؛

8)لعين ابن ملجم يه 40 دن ني زهريلي تلوار سي امير المؤمنين نسس شظظيد كيدا

9) كوئي الحمد ني سورة 40 وار ثثرهي ثثاني ثثر ثثظظونك بولي بيمار ثثر ححظظركسس تو خدا اهنسس شفاء اْثثسسس

10) كوئي رات ما سوا ثثظظلا 40 وار "وكفى..." ثثرهي نسس سوسسس تو اهنسس رسول الله نا ديدار نصيب تها

DOA - MAKARIM AL AKHLAQ

2009-09-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

The month of Shabaan ul kareem is attributed to RasulAllah (SA) who is the perfect embodiment of all that is good and noble in this world. (http://www.hikmaah.com/showartcl.asp?article=22)

SHERULLAH is The the month of Ibadat, of seeking the bounties of Allah - just ask with true valayat and ma'refat and HE is there to give many folds. Doa and munaja't are the two surest way of seeking from Allah.

In the Kitab 'Nafhaat Husnil Khulq' 1418 H (behtar akhlaq ni khusboo) a detail list of akhlaq mahmoodah (good) and akhlaq mazmooah (bad) are given. There are in all 152 akhlaq mahmoodah. Now how best to seek them is the question. It is only Awaliyah ul Kiram (SA) who are our True Guide. The Doa Makarim Al Akhlaq ( Bihori Kitab 2nd Part Pages 78 to 84)is the azeem ehsan of Imam Ali Zayn al Abedeen (SA) and for many years has been my personal favorite,and at every opportunity during Sherullah I find solace and joy in reciting it.

Al Jamea ut Saifiyah has also brought out a beautiful publication of the Doa with translation in lisan ul Dawat. I highly recommend to my young friends to acquire this publication.

I am indebted to Bhai Abdulkader Kagalwala for creating this video of my rendering of the English Translation of the supplication, and to Bhai Murtaza Attari for helping me with the download. With the help of my young friends, my long cherished desire, has been fulfilled.

There is much to be desired in my rendering, I am merely sharing my personal experience, with the hope that some good will materialize and keep flowing.I hope some one more competent than me, will do better justice. I had developed this unique rendering of the Doa by repeated recitation, and at times, I had felt spiritual bliss and ecstasy.

The translation of the Supplication has been done by William C. Chittick and published by The Muhammadi Trust of Great Britain & Ireland - London. Before clicking on the video I would like to inform that, it is of approx: 12 minutes duration, you have to bear with my voice for that long, I know many may tend to loose interest midway.

However, if you pit it against the hours and hours spent on watching movies or mindless internet serfing, which at times, leaves one exhausted and with no intellectual gain, I think it will do you a world of good during this month of Sehrullah, if you can patiently read the entire translation, it will surely make you aware of the beauty, the depth, the yearning, the spirituality of the Supplication.

My niyat is that after reading the translation, you will be motivated to recite the 2 rakats and the doa as contained in the Bihori kitab, during Layali Fadehla. If you are able to do so the efforts of my young friends, and my self will surely be rewarded.
Just a small note from you that you have recited the Doa Makarim Al Akhlaq in Arabic and prayed 2 rakats, will be a source of great satisfaction to me. The translation can also be downloaded as Google doc by copy paste on your browser.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUOrKa48emnMZGdydnA4dmJfMjhjbmZ6MnhnZg&hl=en

NASHIHAT OF SYEDI SADIKALI SAHEB

2009-08-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

SHERULLAH MUBARAK TO ALL - DOA NI ILTEMAS.

Last Sehrullah I had written a blog on 'Out on the shopping spree' and those of you who have cared to read it, may have found out that I was not writing about Mall hopping and splurge on goodies, but on things more relevant, more spiritual.

I am sharing with you an article I had written earlier and is posted on my home page www.hikmaah.com. I think a most appropriate way to begin the countdown on Sehrullah.

The name of Syedi Sadikali Saheb is synonymous with nashihat, and here I am trying to bring into focus the beauty of it, and trying to propagate the nuance of his works. A humble attempt, so that the youngsters can be motivated to read and reflect on his works. In our majlis the nashihats of Syedi Sadikali Saheb are rendered frequently.

The compilation of nashihat has been published in the year 1399 H . Syedi Sadikali Saheb has in all written 53 nashihats, one the 54th is an incomplete work. His works have been written during the asre maimoon of three Doat e kirams (RA)

2 Nashihats during asre maimoon of Syedna Yusuf Nazmuddin saheb (R.A.)

42 nashihats during the asre maimoon of Syedna Abdo Ali Saifuddin saheb (R.A.)

9 nashihats during the asre maimoon of Syedna Mohammad Izziduin saheb(RA)

Syedi Sadikali Saheb has left behind for posterity, the ever radiating, soul sustaining, akhlaq enhancing, tafadi and ikhlas infused work. His kabre mubarak is in Begumwadi- Surat, and whenever I happen to be there, I make it a point to do ziyarat and recite aloud a few verses.

Each of Syedi Sadikali Saheb’s nashihat ends beautifully with verse infused with the valayat of the Dai -uz –Zaman. In this Burhai Daur each stanza of tafadi and outpouring of ikhlas refers to our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

I share with you all my reflections on a few of them. Hope my ‘write up’ will encourage you all to recite and reflect more frequently.

In the second last stanza of the very first nasihat ‘seekhaman man eh dildar dana - khule tari saadat na khazana’ beginning with ‘e Najmedeen sikandar na e saani ………….

He is seeking Moula’s ‘nazar’ – why is he seeking because he is doing ‘jafeshani’ – gulami ma kare che jafeshani - So your efforts should be there not merely your Moula’s ‘mehrbani’ – I should also deliver, there is something expected from me, I should play my part.

See the beauty of the words - ‘saram ehni che tamne roze-mehsar’ I have done ‘jafeshani’ I have done valayat with a thankful heart, and now for my human shortcomings and failures, every human has his baggage, no man is perfect. Moula I am confident that on the Day of Judgement on Roze Mehsar you will surely do my ‘shafa’at’ because you will not like me to wallow on that day in shame.

‘ane har daur ne har kor under’ Now we all know the meaning of daur – an era, but what is ‘kor’ – so if you do not read you do not know, if you do not seek you do not get, as simple as that. In order to acquire knowledge you have to go to the right source, and it is Aqa Moula’s karam and ehsanats that in each city he has deputized his Amil and given him raza to dispense knowledge to the true seeker. You have to attend ‘sabaks’ to know the meaning of the word ‘kor’ and take it from me, for I know what little I know that the meaning is baffling. Similarly the comparison of the exalted status of Moula to Aashir Mudabbir is purlutf haqeeqat.

So my humble request to my young friends to make ‘niyat’ to attend sabaks to get blessed with the radiance of Fatemi uloom and ‘a’daab’ so that in the words of Syedi Sadikali Saheb in his very first Nashihat I request the youngsters Sikhaman maan eh dildar dana Khule tari saadat na khazana.

In his second Nashihat Syedi Sadikali Saheb refers to Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin Moula (R.A.) as a garden of Jannat and in truth the sweet drink of hauze Kauser, his status is exalted as the sky and in mercy he is like an ocean.

He beseeches his Moula to unburden him from the miseries of sins by his shafa’at because of his exalted position in the eyes of his Lord.

The last stanza of the third Nashihat beautifully alludes to the personality of Syedna Abdoali Saifuddin Moula (TUS) . He states that who can narrate the fine traits of the beloved of Aai Ratan (Busaheba) who is in fact a ‘farishta’ of the Realm on High who has taken the bodily attire. He is like a pearl of the ‘tasabih’ alluding to the everlasting and continues ‘silsila’, and the body is merely an oyster holding that everlasting and radiating pearl.

His radiance is such, it outshines the radiance of the sun.. Syedi Sadikali Saheb alludes to himself and declares that in the khidmat of such a Moula is in fact our sovereignty. His gulami is our stead to cross over to jannat, overcome the obstacles of this existence

The last of the 4th Nashihat begins with the words – ‘eh kul doato na khan na nilam

The Dai e hazir is compared as the most precious stone, and our prayers are answered because of his presence. Syedi Sadikali Saheb alludes to the riwayat of Nabi (S.A.) on his last Haj pilgrimage when he faced East and called his Doat ‘aleyka Ikhwani’ my brothers.

Yusuf Nabi’s brother, is how he compares Syedna Abdoali Moula and goes on to say that he is the Brave (Rustam) of Ale Nabi and the Death knell for the wrong doers, the munafekeens.

At the same time Dai is a source of succor for the true believers who have fallen on hard times and very kind and merciful. Syedi Sadikali Saheb ends by saying that may his khidmat be accepted by one who is the sword – ‘saif ‘ of Ahlul bai’t.

The 5th Nashihat ends with the verse stating that you have taken the bodily attire to set an example and by your actions, you have overcome the baser bodily elements. Abdoali Moula (RA) was in his youth when he ascended the exalted position of Dai ul Mutlaq.

Here Syedi Sadikali Saheb alluding to his youth, says that the farishtas seeing his noble qualities, are saying that he has attained buzurgi. The general multitude seeing your excellent qualities, say that you are the ‘Khuda’ of this earth.

Comparing the torrents of blessings being showered by Dai to rain bearing clouds, he states that the clouds pale in comparison to his ‘faiz’ and goes a step further to proclaim that even the 7 seas pale in comparison.

Sadik Ali saheb proclaims his ‘ududiyat’ by stating that by offering sujood after sujood

We mumineen are fortunate to be in this glorious Burhani Daur and the words of Syedi Sadikali Saheb are ringing true in the personality of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) We offer sujood after sujood in Hazrat Aliyah Imamiyah.

Hope my reflections will motivate youngsters to reflect more and more on the treasure trove of knowledge contained in the nashihat of Syedi Sadikali Saheb.

May Allah grant our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) sehato-a’fiyat-ta-kiymat. Ameen.

Abde Syedna (TUS)
Asgar Fakhrudin

ONE STEP UP

2009-08-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Birla Industrial and Technological Museum had organized on 10-08-09 a competitive event involving school children for making models, posters and charts on the theme - 'ASTRONOMY'. MSB-Kolkata took up the challenge, and 5 students of class IX and X under the guidance of Science and Craft teachers, prepared a model and charts on the pride of India ' CHANDRAYAN 1 ' The hard work and knowledge on the subject, was highly appreciated and applauded by the judges and the audience.

MSB - Kolkata students also had an opportunity to interact with renowned Swiss astronaut Prof. Claude Nicollier ( credited with four NASA space flights) who gave a fascinating talk on his experiences in space. It was an excellent exposure for the students to know the world of space exploration and to dream as future astronauts.

Being associated with MSB - Kolkata for past several years I would like to share a very important concept. The uniqueness of this Educational Idaara is that, students besides being 'educated' as in any other good schools, acquire at the same time, wisdom in consonance with Deen. Now that is very different from acquiring of knowledge and information.

O.K. they made a model of CHANDRAYAN 1 and their efforts and knowledge on the subject was appreciated by a discerning audience, but what is more important ONE STEP UP is that besides acquiring knowledge of science, about exploration, about moon etc: they at the same time acquire the wisdom of what the 'moon' in actuality signifies - the spiritual knowledge.

They also understand the true import of the following lines related to Sun and Moon.

' suraj naa jim IMAM chhe DAI chhe chand jim
suraj ni roshni thi ye chamke chhe raat ma
ghaib thaya Imam to a'vi satar ni raat
p'an noor ehnu baqi chhe Dai nee zaat ma '

So friends - this for me is ONE STEP UP
one unique aspect of education with a definite purpose
I feel myself blessed to be a WITNESS to it.

RELATIONSHIP NUGGETS

2009-08-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

THE POWER OF THE POSSIBLE
Auriela McCarthy

Excerpts from must read book of Healing and Transcendence, for all those who are in relationship.

“Nothing changes, until you do.” Lazaris Simple on the surface, this truth – miles deep and anything but simple – is one more thing, that has led me to the writing of this book.

“More tears are shed over answered prayers than over unanswered ones” -
Truman Capote

Once you’ve let go, the Power of Possible floods your consciousness, and everything changes.

Trying to change another person is a hopeless and pointless task. It does not work, it can’t. And it never will.

The colored prism of your control will be distorting your view and blocking out everything that is real.

This choice is our right to choose for ourselves wether to improve or to diminish our lives.

When we accept the fact that a person is the way he or she is, and there is nothing we can do to change this, when we stop imposing our choices for them upon them – the energy field of resistance between us disappears.

It does not mean we have to suddenly agree with the way they are. It simply means we let go of trying to have them be different.

By setting free the one you have been trying to change, you successfully free yourself.

To forgive is to set the prisoner free. And then to discover that the prisoner –
was you.

Remove the need to have the person be different. Accept them the way they are. It does not have to be perfect, it does not have to be hundred percent. Do the best you can. Accept them the way they are. Hold the hope, hold the light of love for them, but do it from a neutral place. Honor them in this way. Respect their freedom of choice. Allow them just ‘to be’

I said to the almond tree, “ Friend, speak to me of God” And the almond tree blossomed
Nikos Kazantzakis.

What happens between two people belongs to with the two of them. No one looking from outside can ever assess, the immeasurable number of nuances, that play in the relationship of others. No one should ever try. Not friends, not strangers, often – not even therapists.

The process of Healing has four phases :
Realization
Feeling
Forgiveness
Change

Yes we carry the ones we won’t forgive on our backs, wheter we know it or not. And only forgiveness will bring and end to it.

Often it is not so much what happened to them, but how they dealt with it. Some are better equipped to deal with pain than others.

Forgiveness is a state of grace. Certain misconceptions about forgiveness make it harder to understand it. The only reason to forgive is to set yourself free of your past, so you can step into the myriad of available futures that you can’t see through the eyes of pain. Forgiveness swings open the door of the Power of the Possible and delivers you to the other side.

And if one crow is white then not all crows are black.

At the root of cancer lies anger. Old, petrified, unexpressed, and now deadly. It is the nager that we are sure is too late to do anything about.

“Wisdom is learning what to overlook “ wrote William James
Wisdom is also knowing when to overlook it.

Mortal sins are most serious grievous crimes. Where as venial sins are minor offenses, easy to negotiate and overlook.

Give and take does not exist in a good relationship. Only ‘give and give’ does.
You give one hundred percent and you take zero. Similarly your loved one gives hundred percent and takes zero. Everyone gives and no one takes. The thought “I am getting enough ?’ never enters your mind. You never check the ledger book to see if you are receiving – you know you are. It is woven into the very fabric of your relationship.
Because my greatest joy is your happiness.

That is not a sacrifice. Be very clear, not when it is choice, not when it is a preference. Not when the thing that makes me the happiest is your smile – the knowing that I have been able to give you that.

A fantasy ? Hardly, it is what happens in every successful relationship.

Synergy means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which means that when we come together, we create a separate entity – our relationship – which is far more, in every way , than what each one of us brings to it combined.

Let us look at the four principles of synergy developed by David Berenson, and check them against the relationships you are in.

1. Everyone does his or her part, while taking responsibility for the whole.
2. Everyone does what he like to do.
3. Every one does what he does well.
4. Each person puts the relationship first.
The fourth principle is the most important in this context of relationship.

In a personal one to one relationship, it is the ‘us’ that has to come first.

Whenever there are two different people, there will be times when they will disagree and fight. That’s normal. That’s natural. If that does not happen , then one or the other is selling out. But we both know because it’s something we’ve agreed upon before – we will stay with the fight until we find a solution We won’t go to sleep angry, no matter how late it is , no matter how tempting it is just to roll over and stop talking. And no one will leave the house. No one will slam the door and walk off.

The agreement is to make sure we make up and not let resentment settle in - that is real bad. We won’t drop the subject in resignation. This can never work. No, we will talk until we are both okay. Because we know are relationship always comes first. Not the job, not the career, not even children, not me, not you – but yes ‘us’ comes first.

POLITE in a relationship means we are avoiding stepping on land mines. “Polite’ means we are trying very hard to show how isolated we feel. ‘Polite’ is I have swallowed my anger and rage, and I will not talk to you about what is wrong with us, because I have given up.

This is what happens to couples when resentment and resignation takes root. Polite is the child of their resentment. Beware of your resentments. Like tiny toxic seeds, if left alone, they will sink deep down and will begin their destructive work. They will color your thoughts and feelings, shape your responses, affecting everything you do. And they will grow in size, expand, multiply and soon enough the bigger picture will be blurred, and all you will be able to see is how misunderstood you have been, how unappreciated, and how badly you want to punish this one most important person in your life.

The one who used to be everything suddenly must be hurt, attacked, destroyed , because ‘you are right. Damn it !!’ (or so says your ego asit goes thrashing about, smashing everything that is sacred)

When things go wrong, when you are in the midst of a bad fight, when seized by the desire to punish and blinded by your need to prove that you are right – STOP ! Just make yourself stop. It is not easy, but it is possible.

Take a deep breath. Don’t crush and destroy. Don’t say the things you will certainly regret.

In the midst of all this raw energy, make yourself remember something.
Remember the Love - yes remember the LOVE.

We know relationship is a choice to Love, made every day, consciously.

NEGATIVE EGO : There is a voice inside our heads, and it never tells us the truth. It plays the same old tapes again and again. Every time we allow it to speak, it lies to us. Every time we listen and obey it, it brings destruction, suffering and pain. It is not overly intelligent. Quite the opposite. Our negative ego is dumb. Dumb but cunning, and therefore dangerous. And it is masquerading as our best friend.

It may take our ego a minute to destroy, what has taken a lifetime to create.

No wonder we have difficulties with love. These chains of pain span generations.

MAKING LOVE WORK :

To be loving is to love the person the way they want us to be loved; not the way we want to love the and not the way we think they should be loved.

If you love me, you rejoice in the quirks of my individuality. You rejoice in my freedom and I know you see me, you are here, you understand. What makes me unique , is what makes your heart leap for joy. You do not try to change me into somebody else, to fill your expectation. Your love gives me permission to make mistakes. It does not judge me, and it does not lie to me either. I feel safe with you, and I learn to trust you. I open my heart to you and I show you myself.

I look into your eyes and I get lost. I don’t want to return. I can live there for ever. Your eyes – pools of love, and they caress me. They know me with all my foibles and weaknesses. And they tell me it is okay. I am wonderful the way I am . I do not need to change for you.

Now see the MAGIC

But I want to. I want to grow . I want to heal myself so I can giv you my best self. Because your love has lifted me higher than I’ve ever been . It has shown me myself, the way I never knew myself. Myself, my gift. I want to polish it, make it more, for you, for me, for us.

Soul mates are made, not met. Lazaris.

Isn’t it time to live your own life, and not the one others expect you to live ?

Stop looking for the right wrappings. Pretty or not – they really do not matter. The wrappings are just that – something to look at , and then – discard. It is the gift inside them that counts.

“It is not the person that we are with , It’s who we are when we are with the person”

It is up to us to make love work. To say “ It will work because, we will make it work”
To make this choice. And then to live by it.

It is in love’s mystery that we find the magic. It can be touched, but never fully covered. Alluring, enthralling, captivating…… it beckons us, promising untold riches. Frightening us with its immensity of power. To give one person the power to be your whole world.

The power of the subconscious mind is that immense. And its job is quite simple –to record and remember everything and to maintain consistency at all cost. The sub conscious mnd does not evaluate or judge.

We are not here on earth to be understood. We are here to be understanding. To be loving to others, to be kind and to be understanding. To be compassionate of heart and generous of spirit.

If ever you are compelled to seek advice, turn to the person whose relationship works !
Isn’t it simply common sense.

If you want to be full, let yourself be empty
If you want to be reborn, let yourself die
If you want to be given everything – give everything up.

Resignation on the other hand, is rooted in feeling sorry for oneself. We use self pity as a balm, a numbing device to ‘protect’ ourselves from feeling real feelings.

No healing is possible without forgiveness of the self. And to forgive yourself, you must first feel remorse. You must first own what you have done and genuinely regret it.

without communication, honest, direct and with no agendas, a relationship does not have a chance. Talking from the heart can only be possible, if the heart is open. So if you’ve closed your heart to the one you love because you are hurt or filled with anger, do not attempt to talk to him or her, until you are open once more or you will end up making the situation worse.

NOTES ON SPIRITUALITY - Part 3

2009-07-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to Bhai Shabbir Poonawla, who commented on my earlier post and urged me 'to keep writing'. It is the Greek Philosopher Diogenes again friends.

When one surrenders on its own to the Supreme Power -to the Will of Allah in the larger context, to our Moula (TUS)in the micro context, his Spirituality, will achieve the ultimate flowering, because in this willing surrender is the ultimate salvation.

If someone forcibly turns you into a means and uses you, you are bound to loose your soul. However, your soul will be fulfilled, if you surrender on your own, and become an instrument in the hands of existence.

The Greek sage Diognes, was once captured by a group of petty traders to enslave him. The traders are baffled when Diognes himself voluteers to be handcuffed. As they take him to the slave market to be sold, he proudly walks ahead of all of them. There is not a trace of fear on his face, while his captors look like captives.

Diogenes mounts on the platform and proclaims : ' What are you looking for ? They are all my slaves, and although they are not in chains yet, they cannot run away from me. HERE IS A MASTER FOR SALE - whosoever can afford a master should bid for him'

There are many savants who on account of their wisdom and spirituality have lived a fearless life, because they have willingly surrendered themsleves to the Will of Allah. Our Fatemi history is enriched with many such incidents of true heroism, the one that readily comes to mind as I write is that of Syedna Kutbuddin Saheed (AQ)

He was chained and bound in the durbar of Auranzeb, but by his fearless utterance of Truth, he made all of them look like minions.

' Shere Khuda na sher woh garraya aa kadr..... ' Nashihat of Syedi Sadik Ali Saheb

It was the radiant Spirituality and surrender to the Will of Allah that enslaved Auranzeb, sitting on the throne, and although tied and bowed down in chains, Moulana Kutbuddin Saheed (RA) towered over every one. This is the power of Spirituality and Wisdom.

The sheer joy when individual consciousness merges with the Divine Consciousness, it is difficult to say wether the drop merged into the ocean or the ocean merged into the drop. When this happens, you begin to start seeing miracles. We are all so fortunate to be a witness to the living miracle - our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) who in spite of advancing age, health concerns arrived at 9.40 am to deliver Vaaz at Saifee Masjid in pouring rain on Urs day, and was amongst his beloved mumineen till 2.45 pm.

Friends try to inculcate Spirituality in your daily lives, and feel true ecstacy and joy, that the material world will never be able to offer. The sheer joy of crossing a busy road in pouring rain, with umbrella flying and being drenched, but being in time for the Magrib farz, the sujood of shukr followed thereafter for having 'made it'is just one example of daily working Spirituality. Reaching out to the needy fellow mumineen, in what ever way possible etc: there are numerous ways and means of enriching yourself by enriching the lives of others.

Become Spiritual to become Free.

NOTES ON SPIRITUALITY - PART 2

2009-07-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

When Alexander was leaving for his world conquest, he went to see Diogenes, a great sage, who was lying on a sandy bank of the river and enjoying the morning sunshine.

He asked Alexander : Where are you going and for what ?
Alexander : I am going on a world conquest, I will conquer Asia Minor first.
Diogenes : And what will you do after conquering Asia Minor ?
Alexander : I will then go to conquer India
Diogenes : And what then ?
Alexander: I will have to conquer the whole world.
Diogenes : And what then ?
Alexander: Then I will rest and relax.

Hearing this Diogenes laughs out loudly, and addressing his dog who is sitting neare by says: "Listen to what this mad king is saying. The man says that he will rest after he conquers the world. Here we are resting right now, without conquering a single place. Alexander dear, if rest is your ultimate objective, why not join me and my dog right now on this beautiful river bank ? There is enough space here for all of us. I am already resting.Why are you bent on creating so much mayhem and blood shed around the world, just to rest at the end of it all ? You can rest right here and now"

Dear friends does it ring a bell. Who are we fooling but our own self. Just reflect on what you want to achieve in life. Reflect on the all pervading Spirit, which sleeps in the stone, dreams in the animal and wakes up finally in Man. Try to understand it, reflect upon and sure enough you will find joy, sustenance and ever lasting peace.

In order to achieve Spirituality, first comes NIYYAT - resolve, intention
Fllowed by : TAUBA - penitence
MUJAHDA- probation or striving
MUHAZARA - when you feel the light, which is still veiled
MUKASHAFA -the veil is lifted and your spirituality radiates
through and through
( have used sufi words of attainment to drive the point home)

while on the subject of Spirituality, let me recall the childhood game of spoon and lime race, very popular is school Sports Meet. The one who touched the tape first with lime firmly placed in the spoon won. In real life though we find that people are running blindly at times, focused on reaching first with the spoon firmly in their mouth,( all worldly materialistic possessions ) but wen they touch the tape, they find that in their blind dash, some where down the road, they have dropped the lime.

Friends those who touch the tape, even if they come second or third or tenth for that matter, but with their lime firmly in their spoon, are the winners of this life's race.

On the Day of Judgement everyone will be gathered together in HIS RADIANT PRESENCE, the rankings will melt, those with lime in their spoon will be considered, and those who ran blindly only with spoon firmly in their mouth and without the lime will for ever regret.

The lime constitutes VALAYAT of AQA MOULA (TUS) all noble deeds as enshrined in our Deen. Reaching out to your relatives and community members in need. I need not elaborate.

In your mad rush to touch the finishing line of life, and to come out winner, please be focused on 'the lime' that may have fallen down. Pick it up and you will be the ultimate winner.

NOTES ON SPRITUALITY

2009-07-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

22nd Rajab has a significance in our Fatemi tradition, as in many mumineen housholds, we make 'kheer puri' on this day and partake it by reciting salvat on Imam Jafar -us- Sadik (SA) As my wife is busy making 'kheer puri' I thought it most appropriate, to share with my friends some notes on Sprituality, as a befitting tribute to this day.

AQL - The human intellect is a microcosmic refelection of the Universal Intellect (Aql Kulli) When man attains proper use of his own intellect, he is able to move from the level of his own individual intellect to swim in the ocean of Universal (macrocosmic)intellect.

Through going inward (contemplation - taffakur ) he is conveyed outward to dizzying heights.

- From the Article by Irshad Husain.

The body is the brute touched to life. The true man is the other, going pure of the body, rationly endowed with virtues, which belong to the Intellectual Activity, the virtue whose seat is a Seperate Soul, the Soul which even in its dwelling here may be kept apart - THIS SOUL CONSTITUTES THE HUMAN BEING - .......

- From ENNEADS - Plotinus

SPRITUALITY is the way you find meaning,hope, comfort and inner peace in your life.
As the body, mind and spirit are connected, the health of any one of these elements, seems to affect the health and good being of the other.

Some meanings of Arabic words we generally hear in Vaaz and bayans.

'johad'comes from 'jhd' - primaary meaning is to strive or to exert oneself.

Ilm - knowledge

hikmaah - wisdom

taffakur - reflection

al- nafs al mutma'inna (the satisfied soul)

al- nafs al lawwama ( the self accusing soul)

al - nafs al ammara bi al su' ( the soul that enjoins evil) that which comes under the influence of Shiytan

tasawwur - conception

tasdiq - assent

al - burhan - proof

THE SPRITUAL RADIANCE ENHANCES WITH AGE

2009-06-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Had been to my native place Lunavada recently and Bhai Kaizar Rathwala of New Star Printer had gifted me a nice digital photo and had been kind enough to allow me to share it on Mind Mints Blog.

MEMORABLE JOURNEY IN PICTURES

2009-05-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

HERE WE COME SAYEDI ABDULKADER HAKIMUDDIN MOULA

All photos are courtesy Bhai Abdulakader Kagalwala

Click on the link below to see all the memorable journey photos.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110460&id=740649895&l=624c68acb2

You can also copy paste on your browser :

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110460&id=740649895&l=624c68acb2

HERE WE COME - O MOULA !!

2009-04-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

With the ni’yat of shifa e kulli and umre darazi - ta – kiyamat of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) mumineen of Kolkata (Calcutta) along with the family of Janab Amil Saheb Yunusbhai Saheb Zainuddin (DS) numbering 337 including children aged 1-2 years also, undertook a memorable train journey on 22nd April ’09.

The special train comprising of 7 - 3 tier ordinary coaches attached with a pantry car, left Howrah Station at midnight Wednesday, and each coach displayed the specially prepared name charts of mumimeen.

After traveling in the sweltering heat of central India crossing the States of Bihar, Jharkahand, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, we finally reached Burhanpur at around 10.15 am Friday.

We traveled in the hottest spell in Met History, as reported in News Papers. Our city has been simmering since April 18th with mercury crossing 40 degrees, on all days and discomfort index of 64 degrees. The train journey took us through the sweeping hot dry spell of North and Central India.

On the day we left, there was a news report that 5 persons died on account of heat wave in and around Nagpur.

Did all these unnerving reports deter us from traveling in non air conditioned train ?
The figures speak for themselves. It was decided that the train journey will be feasible, if 300 persons opted to travel, and here we were 337 bracing the heat and the long journey, with chances of frequent en route delays ( eg: The travel time from Bhusaval to Burhanpur is under 1 hr and it took us more than 4 hrs on account of signal clearances )

On the lighter side of the train journey - the outside heat was pumped right inside our coach S1 as a heated debate between the ladies and gents ensued on the motion 'bazaar ni theli mardo ne nahi pan bayro ne sobhe !!’ In spite of our having a very articulate and knowledgeable Bhai Mudar on our side, the ladies vociferously defeated the motion, as I sulked at the thought, of having to continue to carry the bazaar thela till eternity !!

Another debate on the motion that - ‘ Islamic ladies of yore were more progressive and confident of themselves, as they allowed their husbands to have more than one wife, as per the shariat laws’ also was defeated.

In exasperation I managed to salvage some gents pride by repeating loudly the kalema’at nooraniyah of Aqa Moula (TUS) ‘ bayro ma vakas hoi cheh ! But to no avail, we had to accept defeat, much to my own relief, as I know how difficult it is to manage one in these depressing times!!!

Here I would like to make a special mention of Mulla Shabbirbhai Deesawala, whose kidney problem requires twice weekly dialysis. He was on the train with us and was in charge of setting up the special menu and cooking supervision. He has been serving the community for decades, and the unbound love and affection of our Moula (TUS) and faith borne out of conviction, that nothing untoward will happen, made him undertake the journey.

Special arrangement were made for his dialysis at Saifee Hospital when we were in Mumbai for a day. He returned with us, and believe me, he was looking more robust and energetic, when he alighted out of the train, carrying a box of Alphanso, as compared to myself, looking all tired and haggard !!

I salute you Sir !!! You are an example and an inspiration.

At Burhanpur we were served breakfast immediately on arrival, and allotted comfortable rooms. Calcutta mumineen hosted the Darees, there after we went for ziyarat, followed by Zohar/Asr namaz, mata’m majlis, salavat zaman and finally afternoon siesta.

At 5.30 in the evening we again assembled in roza mubaraka sehan, and majlis, salaam, marsiya and madeh recitation culminated in purjosh Mata’m, followed by ziyarat and Magrib/Isha namaz.

After partaking salavat jaman we headed to the Station and were on our way to Mumbai in the special train, known as ‘ Bharat Darshan’

It was all excitement and anticipation as we reached Mumbai, as usual, late by 4 hrs than scheduled. The waiting buses took us directly to Rozat Tahera, where we performed ziyarat and purjosh Mata’m, and the waiting buses, took us to Saifee Mahal.

In Taheri Masjid under the sadarat of Shz: Huzaifabhai Saheb (DM) Darees recitation was performed. We mumineen were fortunate to have the Darees on 1st of Jama –dil - Awwal, and Shz: Idris Bhai Saheb (DM) Shz: Qusaybhai Saheb (DM) and Mehlam Bhai Saheb (DM) also attended, a singular honor, for mumineen of Calcutta.

After Darees we assembled below the gurfa mubaraka all exited and in anticipation, when Shz: Huzaifabhai Saheb (DM) did arz in Hazarat Aliyah Imamiyah on our behalf, and we were blessed with the Doa Mubarak of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

With heavy hearts of parting and with doa on each and every ones lips that “Moula aapna deedar ni Eid shitabi thai’ we boarded our respective buses. Lunch packets were served

After ziyarat at Naryalwadi and Sakina bhen Saheba, and tour of the terrorist attacked Taj Hotel,we arrived once again at Rozat Tahera for ziyarat and Magrib /Isha namaz.

After salvaat jaman we were back at the Station for our grueling return journey, which took more than 40 hrs. No regrets but Shukr ! Shukr ! Shukr ! all the way.

For making it a most memorable journey I am deeply indebted to :

Janab Amil Saheb Yunusbhai Saheb Zainuddin (DS) who conceived the idea, motivated and with his raza and doa mubarak, it was made possible. He traveled with his family, and set an example of leadership.

Sk: Saifuddin bhai Rangwala who arranged with the Indian Railways, for the train booking.

Burhani Volunteers who did a very commendable khidmat, right form the start, when the idea was first mooted. The dedicated band amongst them, spared no efforts, worked selflessly, registering names, motivating mumineen, ticket issue and all arrangements, pertaining to the journey.

It was simply because of their effort and zeal, that we mumineen for the first time in the history of Indian Railways, were served meals in the train in ‘ Thals’ ( 40 thals were carried in the train) meals cooked and served ‘our style’ which made a good impression on the Railway officials and staff accompanying us on the train.

Zakireen who were traveling and during the journey recited Marasiya, Madeh, Noha, etc: as arrangements were made in each coach for relay. Their recitations, evoked feelings of love and affection for our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) as the train carried us, our feelings, our doa for shifa e kulli and umre darazi - ta - kiyamat of our Moula (TUS)

All Mumineen who were fortunae to travel by this special train.

NOTE:
My young friend and photographer, Bhai Abdulkader. who was with us , is presently filming wild life in Bandavagarh National Park. My next post will carry only photographs and video of the memorable train journey. Insa Allah.

THEY ALSO WALKED !!

2009-04-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

The health concerns of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) during Ayya'mul Ta'budaat, stirred the passions of mumineen, world wide. The immense love and reverence found an expression, in mumineen, young and old alike, from all walks of life, undertaking long walks, from their towns and cities to distant maza'r mubaraks.

In countries like USA and even in parts of India, they walked from markaz to Masjid, in other cities from devri mubaak to Masjid.

The 98th Milad mubarak will be remembered in the annals of Fatemi History, for this unique outpouring of love and affection.

The walks undertaken, are all well documented. I need not go into details. DB Net, Malumaat, Planet Bohra, ZenInfosys etc: have covered them with photographs.

My blog is primarily for reflection - taffakur.

The question is - what have they achieved ?

By walking for a very noble and spiritual cause - shifa e kulli of Aqa Moula (TUS), they have in so doing, attached themselves - 'lahik thavu' with the pious actions of our Imams (SA), Doat and Awaliya kirams.

This to my mind, is a singular achievement, one to die for. Moula 'si lahik thavu, yeh sagla na amal thi amal karta thavu' - attachment, is a sure sign of emancipation, of real freedom.

I will just narrate a few of the 'walks' that come readily to mind.

Imam Hasan (SA) did 25 Haj on foot, walking through the desert from Medinah to Mecca, accompanied by a large retinue.

Each year we hear, how Ziad dinil Aswad came in the hazrat of Imam Jafar us Sadik (SA) to do kadambosi, all tattered and bruised, and seeing him tears, swelled in the eyes of Imam (SA) and he uttered the famous kalema'at -
' haliddin o illal hoob'

Syedi Kazikhan bin Ali (Sidhpur) had walked all the way on foot from Rampura to Ahmedabad. He took the journey walking behind the bullock cart, that was carrying Dai ul Mutlaq !!

Miaji Tajsaheb (Umreth) each year on the day of Ghadir e Khum, use to walk it from Umreth to Ahmedabad in the hazrat of Dai ul Mutlaq, to give misaq !

Our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) had climbed the arduous mountain terrains on foot, in many of his ziyarat trips to Yemen

In recent memory the young Yemini girl who ran all the way, down the mountain, behind the car of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) panting and breathless. When ushered in the presence of Aqa Moula (TUS) just to say ' inni wallaho ohibboka ya Mavlaya' which went on to become the most iconic statement, through out the mumineen world.

I was fortunate to meet this Yemini girl,and heard her sonorous recital of Marsiya and Madeh in the durbar of Syedna Hatim Mohiyuddin Saheb (RA)

Mubarakbadi to all those, who out of pure love and affection for our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) under took long walks to mazar mubarak, spread far and wide.

A FAKHR OF MY CITY - THE NEW MASJID PROJECT

2009-04-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

MY FIRST POD-CAST ON THE 98TH MILAD MUBARAK WITH SUPPORT FROM MY BLOGGERS THERE WILL BE MANY MORE INSAHALLAH WHEN THE WORLD WIDE BOHRA COMMUNTY WILL CELEBERATE 100 th MILAD MUBARAK OF OUR BELOVED AQA MOULA (TUS)

I HAVE FAKHR FOR AND I AM INDEBTED (ubudiyat)to: Janab Yunusbhai Saheb Zainuddin (DS) - Amil Saheb
Masjid Ta'meer Committee of Anjuman e Burhani
Kolkata mumimeen and mumenant, who have contributed generously
My young friends who have shown enthusiasm and zeal they have regualry unloaded truck loads of bricks.
The Masjid that is fast nearing completion is not just brick, mortar and steel - within its precints are reverbarations of dreams, aspirations, tilawat of Quran, marasiya, majalis, madeh and matam of YA HUSAIN and much more. I have been a regular witness, and feel so blessed Now only one wish remains - May Aqa Moula (TUS) grace our city soon.
I had been nurturing for long to have my first pod-cast It is possible on account of my friend Bhai Mohammad Rangoonwla and wild life photographer
Bhai Abdulkader ( akak88_123@yahoo.com) I feel indebted to them.

Shukran 98th MILAD MUBARAK TO READERS OF MY BLOG May Allah grant our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) sehato a'fiyat-ta-kiyamat. Ameen.

A new Madrasa Project (MSB Educational Institute) besides the newly constructed Masjid is being taken up soon. Mumineen of the city, and all those who have spent their formative years, in school and colleges, also those who had started their business and than moved on, will readily come forward and contribute generously is my fevernt hope and wish, in the context of the recent bayan Mubarak of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) at Nairobi, which leaves no doubt, about the very close and personal attachement of Aqa Moula (TUS) with this unique Edcuational Idaara. 'Mumineen ni jama'at! Mamluk - e- A'le Muhammad na pyara pyara Farzando ! Al- Madaresis - Saifiyatil - Burhaniyah ilm o amal nu ek shadab darakth chhe, jehne Mamluk - e A"le Muhammad yeh mara haath si ughayu chhe. 1405 H ma aa sehar Nairobi ma ehna asal ne sabit kidhu'

MSB EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE - A FAKHR OF MY CITY

2009-04-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

I have been writing posts on the subject of Fakhr - the central theme of 98th Milad Mubarak Ayyamul Ta'budaat. To have an Educational Idaara- herein below the excerpts from the recent bayan Mubarak delivered by Aqa Moula (TUS) on completing of 25 eventful years of this unique educational Idaara at Nairobi, will suffice as to the importance of this Institute, in the all round development of the child, in both Deen and Duniya.

Kalem'at Noooraniyah : ' Mumineen ni jama'at! Mamluk - e- A'le Muhammad na pyara pyara Farzando ! Al- Madaresis -Saifiyatil-Burhaniyah ilm o amal nu ek shadab darakth chhe, jehne Mamluk-e-A'le Muhammad yeh mara haath si ughayu chhe. 1405 H ma aa sehar Nairobi ma ehna asal ne sabit kidhu'

Thus to have such an Educational Idaara in our city is reason enough to feel Fakhr and moreover, to be actively associated with it, for past several years, to play a part in its nurturing and growth, for me personally is a cause to be proud of.

I feel proud to share with you just a few pics from the recent Annual Function of the Institute at Vidya Mandir. The teaching staff at MSB - Kolkata did a wonderful job, and worked hard to make the Programme a success, and more important, to bring to fore the talent and ability of MSB students.

I was at back stage during the programme and was part of all the hustle, bustle and exitement writ large on the faces of Teachers and the participating students alike. The 'Tehniyat' programme by the pre-primary children was well conceived and acted out, kudos to all pre-primary teachers, who really worked hard.

It brought tears to my eyes, when I saw young children, representing States of India and Middle East Countries, dressed in regional costumes, taking centre stage with poise and grace, and offering Milad Tehniyat in regional languages.

Senior School children acted out with aplomb and finesse plays in English, Hindi and Bengali.

I am reliving the moments in the following video and pics.

FAKHR IN UBUDIY'AT - PART 2

2009-04-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Syedna Ali bin Mohammad bin Valid ( A.Q) He is the descendent of Walid bin Ukaba in the shade of the walls of whose orchard Muhammad (SA) had taken shelter from persecution at Taif. Walid sent his slave Ardas ( a Christian) with a loom of 18 grapes, which quenched the thirst of Nabi (SA) who felt refreshed and prayed for Walid.

The descendents of Walid bin Ukaba served Fatemi Imams with diligence and 18 Doat Mutlaqeen are from his nasl and Syedna Ali is the first amongst them.

The tawazo and ubudiya’t of Syedna Ali for his Moula Syedna Hatim Mohiyuddin (AQ) is a glowing example. Syedna Ali was entrusted with imparting sabaks to Syedna Ali bin Syedna Hatim Moula (AQ) and when he came to know that Syedna Hatim (AQ) had intentions to confer nas on him, he did arz to Syedna Hatim, saying ‘ Moula aapna farzand ilm ma ane tamam fazl ma tayyar thai chukka chhe, mara paas je hatu ye saglu aapi chuko chu, magar ek fazal ehma zyada ye chhe key eh aapna farzand chhe.’

On hearing this arz of ikhlas and ubudiy’at Moulana Hatim (AQ) said – “ Ali bin Mohammad malaaekat karta bhi wadhi gaya’. Such was the gulami, that resulted in ‘humami’ that not only Syedna Ali, but in his nasl another 17 Doat Mutlaqueen became the Spiritual Leaders, who guided the mumineens of many generations, on the path of salvation and emancipation.

Another star that shines bright in the heavens of ubudiya’t is Moulaya Adam – Vali ul Hind. He exemplified by personal example that, the real status is achieved by submitting to the Will of his Moula. The directive issued by Syedna Idris (AQ) from Yemen to pray behind the sakka (water carrier) was carried to the letter, in true spirit and without hesitation or doubt. His progeny and the za’ereens who flock to his Roza mubarak seeking their wishes, and finding fulfillment of their desires, is his ‘humami’

Syedi Najamkhan saheb son of Syedna Firkhan Shujauddin (AQ) is another glowing star adding radiance and showing direction to the seekers, in the path of spirituality.

When Syedna Ismail Badruddin (mohta bawaji saheb) (AQ) took away the rutba of Izn (mazoon) his ubudiya’t glowed in all radiance. When mischief mongers, seeing an opportunity, approached him to sway him to their camp, he repulsed them saying ‘ Izn (mazoon) no rutbo mara Moula ye aapo hato yeh pacho lai lidho, to’ yeh mara Moula no haq cheh, magar mara Moula nu ehsan cheh ke mane mumin baki rakhane ! Agar aap farmavi de ke tame mumin nahin, to mein kahan ja’v ?

The light radiating from this noble act has saved many from falling into the trap. During our life journey, living in a society, many difficult situations do arise, at times,but recounting and recollecting these noble acts, have saved many a souls from perdition.

While gazing up at the heaven of ubudiy’at another star light shines bright and beautiful – that of Moulaya Khanji fir Saheb (Udaipur). His cleaning of the foul smelling rubbish, from the place near where Dai gave ‘sabaks’ – when asked by Moula, as to the cleaning - the barb by one who said ‘ aa Udaipur thi avela chokra yeh kachro sa’f kari didho cheh’ to which Moula replied – ‘ aa khanji fir ni shaan ghani baland tha naar cheh !!’.

Friends, ubudiya’t really reflects in small acts. When others are thinking that it is not worth it, or it is below one’s status or dignity, you will surely come out a winner, if you think it right. You will only be able to do it, if you have unbound love for your Moula, this is for sure.

Syedna Abdo ali Saifuddin saheb’s nashihat ‘kikabhai jaldi parho’ to his son Syedna Mohammad Badruddin saheb (AQ) is a glowing star in the heaven of ubudiya’t.

‘mara bawaji Zaki
jai Ujjain zhuki
lidhi shaan malaki’

‘gagar ma sagar’ goes a saying in Gujrati, and how very true for the above simple yet profound words. The potentiality of becoming a ‘malak’ the ultimate goal of every mumin, is engrained in each individual, but by ubudiya’t, that potentiality can be transformed into actuality. This is the message conveyed beautifully in simple words.

The heaven of ‘ubudiy’at is full of such glowing stars, but my gaze, my knowledge is limited, I fervently hope and pray that some more learned then me, will share his knowledge and insight on the subject, for the benefit of my young friends, in near future.

However. who can ever miss the dazzle of the glowing galaxy of magnificent and resplendent stars – the Doat –us – satr, and the most resplendent, the most breath taking and brightest amongst them, – our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS).

Doat us satr , during the long illustrious history of more than 900 years, have taken pride in calling themselves, as ‘ Mamluk – e – A’le Muhammad’ without exception, although we know that Imam uz Zaman (SA) have vested in them all the powers, given them the position of ‘karamat’ for which, we hold them in awe and reverence.

This mamlukiyat itself, is a strong and compelling message to mumineen that haqiqatan fakhr is in the gualmi of Moula. As for the humami attained by this gulami – the illustrious life of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) is an example, which none so ever can deny.

I hope I have been able to prove the paradox.

Fakhr in ubudiy'at - Part 1

2009-03-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

The genesis of this most noblest of ‘ husn ul khulq’, an integral part of our Deen and the emancipation of our souls, is reflected in all its glory, in the life of Moulana Ali (SA)

He was fakhr in ubudiy’at personified, he set an example to be followed by the never ending chain of Imams (SA) Doat Mutlaqeen and Awalia ul Kiram, who by example have tried to inculcate this virtue in mumineen through out the ages, for their emancipation.

Ubudiy’at is the surest way and as Syedi Sadikali Saheb has said :

‘ Sadiqali ehva Moula na ni ubudiyat, ma humami che
paar hayua thava khatir ehni haqiqi gulami che ‘
(humami refers to becoming leaders of men – kingship)

Before proceeding further, I would like to share my views, specially with my young friends , who may be wondering at the paradoxes. Yes indeed – fakhr in ubudiy’at and ‘gulami ma humami’ are paradoxes.

A paradox is a seemingly contradictory statement, that is none the less true. Like most paradoxes in life, ubudiyaat ma fakhr and humami have to be experienced, as it is born out of true love, it is more a ‘soul thing’ than a ‘mind thing’

First and fore most you have to connect with your Moula. Only those who are capable to experiencing unselfish love, pure love, love that does not seek, but only gives - a soul in perpetual ‘shukr’ will find joy, peace and salvation in ‘ubudiy’at’

Those attached to the material world, will find it difficult to understand. Only when the material gross is removed, will the radiance of ubudiy’at, enrich their lives, and a true understanding will dawn.

So first is the connection with Moula, and thereafter unbound love for him, are the first steps. Once that spiritual bond is established, things will become real easy, and ubudiy’at will radiate through and through in all actions. Even though ‘humami’ is not the seekers goal, may be himself, in his own life time, or his progeny will surely be rewarded. Our glorious Fatemi history is resplendent with this fact, and I hope to narrate, a few in this very post.

The personality of Moula Ali (SA) inspires awe and reverence even in a small child, whose knowledge is limited. His bravery in Badr, Ohad, Khandaq, Khyber and all military expeditions, is well known. His knowledge of all that his contained in this World and Akherat are also ashkaar. I will just touching on the points, as every one is well aware of the riwaya’ts.

He proclaimed : ‘haza Kitabullah il sa’mit, wa ana Kitabullah il – natiq’ Before I depart from this world, ask me of any thing that is contained in this World and Akherat.

In both I’lm and A’mal he was a zenith, a lighthouse that showed the way and dispelled darkness. Now I will narrate just one incident from his glorious life, on the subject of ubudiy’at.

Once when Muhammad (SA) accompanied by his ashaab were traveling, the sandals of Nabi (SA) broke and needed immediate mending. It was Moulana Ali (SA) who immediately sought raza to mend it.

As Nabi (SA) sat down with his ashaab, Moulana Ali walked a little distance and sat down to mend the sandals. Nabi (SA) saw a fit opportunity to proclaim the exalted position of Moulana Ali (SA) and said : ‘tamara logo ma kitnak ehva che je ta’wil par jang karsejim mein tanzil par kidhi.’

Barely he finished uttering these profound words, that Haughty No 1 got up, and said - ‘a’na ya Rasulallah ?’ Aqa Moula ek bayan ma farmayu ke -
‘a’ne jhallo ghano !’ He went back to his place and Hughty No 2 got up, to ask the same question, to be given the same reply, and he was followed by Hughty No: 3 who was also, shown his place.

Moulana Ali (SA) the veteran of many hard fought battles, the Kauser of I’lm e ladduni, was far removed, engrossed in mending the sandals of his Moula (here just juxtapose your individual achievements and your ubudiya’t with that of Moulana Ali (SA) and you will understand the real greatness of Moula ali (SA) and his ubudiyaat – to feel inadequate and so very small, like a sand speck is one of the first steps)

Nabi (SA) proclaimed pointing in the direction of Moulana Ali (SA) – ‘ wala kinnahu khase-ul naal’ It he who is mending my sandals !!!
I will now narrate just a few, there are innumerable in the glorious annals of our Fatemi History, but just a few, on how, the ubudiyaat exemplified in the life and actions of Moulana Ali (SA) was reflected in the lives of Doatul Mutlaqeen and Awaliya kiram sahebs. I will just be making references, as the point is to prove the paradoxes, under discussion, and the truth contained therein.

End of Part 1

FAKHR - Pride ( post 2)

2009-03-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

FAKHR of Nabi Mohammad (SA) in THE MESSAGE OF ALLAH. Mohammad (SA) was the personification of noble traits. ‘innaka la’lla kholoqin azeem’

‘He attained the height of eminence by his perfection
He dispelled the darkness (of the World) by his grace.’ (balagal o’la be kamalehi…)Such was the noble character of our Nabi (SA)

He suffered with fortitude and courage the ignoble acts and persecution of the Quraish -taunts, ridicules, throwing of camels entails on his person, while he prayed at Kabah. The Quraish went to extremes. Muhammad (SA) did not waver a bit, when it came to delivering the Message of Allah. Fakhr in his being the Messenger of Allah was paramount.

Here I am relating a historical incidence, which will help readers in understanding and inculcating Fakhr in our belief system and faith, which we hold dear. No compromises in this matter if we inculcate Fakhr.

So in this post, I am narrating the incident in detail, how Muhammad (SA) spurned the enticement of the Quraish and his reply to Moulana Abu Talib (SA).

The Quraish came to Muhammad (SA) with temptations of worldly honor and wealth, to entice him from spreading his Message. One day Utbah son of Rabi’ah approached him and said “ O son of my brother, thou are distinguished by the qualities and descent. We have a proposition to make to thee, think well.

When Muhammad (SA) said: ‘ Speak Abul – Walid, I am listening’

He said, “O nephew ! If you are doing all this with the view of getting wealth, we will join together to give you greater riches than any Quraishite possessed. If ambition moves you, we will make you are chief ………”

When Utbah had finished laying before Muhamad (SA) all the worldly enticement, Nabi (SA) recited the verses from Surah Fussilat (41) and Utbah was mesmerized and went back to his people saying Muhammad (SA) is attached to his Message of Allah and cares not for the worldly riches and positions. He advised that he be given full freedom to pursue his goals. But his counsel fell on deaf years.

Several Quraish deputations were made to Moulana Abu Talib (SA) requesting him to stop his nephew from preaching against their religion of idol worship. The Fakhr of Nabi (SA) in the Message of Allah was so very profound, that he said to his dear uncle Moula Abu Talib (SA)

“ O my uncle ! by Allah if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, that I abandon this course, I would not abandon it until Allah has made me victorious or I perish therein”

So this is real Fakhr that our Aqa Moula (TUS) is alluding to in this 98th Milad Mubarak – Ayyamul Ta’budaat.

When it comes to matter of Faith and belief system, we should rise up and proclaim, that I can be humble, patient, understanding, accommodating, you may at times misunderstand me as weak, but I AM NOT UP FOR SALE in matter of my Faith, and my Deen. My Fakhr will not brook any short cuts and compromises.

It is time of introspection friends, look inward , and make a self assessment.
It is empowerment, the concept widely taught in all Business Schools and very current in Business Lectures around the world.

Here I would like to recall the bayan mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) when he said - ‘Mumineen, tamne koi gareeb samjhi ne ijan ape to na jajo, hargij na jajo’ This is empowerment of the financially weak, the instilling of Fakhr being a mumin, although not well off financially.

However, there is a subtle difference. If you have Pride (haughtiness) then empowerment denotes controlling others. On the other hand Fakhr denotes, taking charge of your life, a more profound aspect of self development. Let us inculcate this Fakhr in our daily lives.

In the next post I hope to write on Fakhr in ubudiyat. Insah Allah.
Moulana Ali (SA) the perfect embodiment of this noble trait, comes to mind readily.

FAKHR - PRIDE

2009-03-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

We are in the midst of celebrating the 98th Milad Mubarak of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) and are carrying with us the visions and dream of celebrating his 100th Milad Mubarak Insa Allah.

I have been giving a serious thought on the subject of ‘Fakhr’ (Pride) which is the main theme of this year’s Ayyamul Ta’budaat. Let me share with you all, my thoughts on the subject.

Pride resulting out of material possessions, I need not elaborate here, is haughtiness, a negative and self destructive trait. Fakhr emanating out of things spiritual and non-tangible, adds luster and releases positive energies for the development of the mind, soul and body. Fakhr is conducive to mental health. When we have self confidence and self respect, we thrive. Ask any expert on behavioral science, and they will agree, that it is so. No doubts here.

Now the question – How best to inculcate this positive Fakhr ? – as humans we are attuned and attached to all things material. Aqa Moula’s Kalema’t Nooraniyah, surely shows us the way :

‘Ay mara pyara farzando ! Tamne koyee chiz nu fakhr hoyee to’ Imam Husain na matam ane buka nu fakhr hoyee.

Koi beezee duniya ni chiz nu nahi. Ay mara pyara farzando !

Imam Husain ni shadaat tamne parhi ne sunawoo, yeh mara vaste fakhr, ane ehna si mari sehat and badan ma quwwat.

Haqiqi fakhr su ? Ke A’al – e- Mohammad ane yeh sagla na doaato ni gulami.
Yeh haqiqi fakhr !

So here we have it. In one of his earlier bayan mubarak Aqa Moula (TUS) said: ‘ je waqt mumin Abde Syedna likhe che, to’ ehne fakhr mehsoos thai che, ke mari nisbat mara Moula si chhe’

In order to understand, appreciate and finally inculcate the positive Fakhr in our daily lives, the historical incidents from the pages of our glorious Akhbar , albeit only a few have been taken by me, there are countless, but my knowledge is limited, I hope others will also share their knowledge. The purpose is to have an insight on the subject.

In many cases I will be just giving the thread of narration, and not the details, as every one surely knows all the riwayats, which I hope to refer, just the points, during this Ayyamul Ta’budaat. This being by first post on the subject. Your comments will provide me with guidance and motivation, for which I will be ever grateful.

FAKHR of Ibrahim Nabi on the WILL of ALLAH - Everyone knows the riwayat of Ibrahim Nabi (SA) when he was about to be thrown in fire – Jibraeel was bewildered at the reply Ibrahim (SA) gave that I seek nothing from Allah – what happened – ‘kulna ya naar kooni bardan va salama’ – Ibrahim (SA) said to Jibraeel - I felt ashamed to seek deliverance when Khuda ni hiqmat was that I should be martyred.

The Fakhr was in accepting what was Willed. A lesson to be learnt.

FAKHR of Musa Nabi on the FATIH IN ALLAH - He goes to the court of the mighty and most powerful Firaun with his vasi Haroon, both carrying nothing with them, but the walking stick. Every one knows how he managed to subdue and baffle the haughty Firaun and his courtiers.

For Musa Nabi (SA) the Fakhr was in reposing full FAITH IN ALLAH. We mumineen by reposing full faith in our Aqa Moula (TUS) can overcome seemingly difficult obstacles.

To be continued …………..

CONTENTMENT

2009-02-15T22:11:00.000-08:00

Alf sajadat-us-shukr va ubudiyat in Hazrat Aliyah Imamiyah for the barakat received by the world wide community of mumineen of the Chelum Va’az audio relay from Darussalam.

Two very powerful messages – the first CONTENTMENT which will help in keeping the mental balance and equilibrium and the other to move forward, not to cry over spilled milk, by thinking and acting positively in all life situations, were delivered loud and clear.

I share with readers, some thoughts on the subject. Let me start by quoting the sayings of Moulana Ali (SA) from NAHJUL BALAGAH

• Contentment is wealth that does not diminish.

• Livelihood is of two kinds : the livelihood which you seek and the livelihood, which seeks you; if you do not reach, it would come to you. Therefore do not turn your one day’s worry in to a year’s worry. Whatever you get every day should be enough for you for the day. If you have a whole year of your life even then Allah will give you every next day what He has destined as your share.

If you do not have a year in your life, then why should your worry for what is not for you. No seeker would reach your livelihood before you nor would any one over power you in matter of livelihood. Similarly whatever has been destined, as your share would not be delayed from you.

Aqa Moula (TUS) said that by kan’aat, we can achieve Hay’at Taiyyebah, which is the goal of every mumin.

Now the question arises how to inculcate the virtue of CONTENTMENT.

It is not something to be searched for and found, it is primarily development of the right attitude and the persuit of a life style based on conviction and not circumstances.

Achieving reasonable standard of living - habit of giving - cultivating a close and warm hearted feelings for others – a thankful heart – rejection of base less fears – establishing priorities and most important having full trust and faith in the broad scheme of things as envisaged by Allah.

Start inculcating the above and soon you will find your self living a life full of contentment and happiness.

Personally for me it is a matter of great satisfaction, sharing with you all this 40th post on the Mind Mints blog on Chelum day.