IMAN - A TRIBUTE ARTICLE

               IMAN   - A TRIBUTE ARTICLE TO SHZ: PROFESSOR HATIMBHAI SAHEB HAMIDUDDIN SAHEB

Today 8th Jumadil Akhar 1432 H Sunday 29th April 2012 a radiant personality of the Burhani Daur passed away at Mumbai. Khuda taala Huzurala Tus ne aap na Mansoos Tus, Sadaat Kiram, Qasre ali Sahebo ane tamam dawat na logo ne, mumineen ne Sabre jamile ataa karjo.  (Ack: Zeninfosys)

On this sad day I recollect the I'lmi lecturers I was blessed to attend in the late 1980 during the kiyam sharif of late Shz: Saheb at Kolkata.  The lectures were held at a Business Conference  Hall at Clive Row, in the business district. 

The lectures had a profound impact on me, and still to this day I recollect, walking back all the way home, reflecting on them, completely lost in thought, and feeling elated as I walked back all alone through the nearly empty business district, as the lectures were held late in the evening. 

As a tribute to  the glowing memory of late Shz: Saheb Professor Hatimbhai Saheb,  I share with my readers, an article I had written during that period entitled IMAN based on his lectures. 

IMAN  is timeless and the word itself, is so full of meaning, that a single English word, can never do full justice. It is difficult to translate, well neigh impossible. 

IMAN  is part and parcel of a true devout mumin. In its very essence the heart and mind of Islam. 

As stated earlier, as a single English word cannot do justice to the word IMAN , it is better and more appropriate  to arrive at the meaning of IMAN by looking at the various aspects of the word. 

IMAN  when considered as a noun means 'divine faith'. It should be clarified that, it is not merely faith , or in a simpler term belief, but it is more than that, something more pure, something more spiritual, a thing a faith - that leads you, a true mumin to Eternity. IMAN makes you timeless in one sense. 

From another angle, when IMAN when considered as an active noun implies that a devout mumin bears witness to the Truth ( the word Truth is more appropriate than fact) that there is no god but ALLAH  and that Muhammad (SA) is his Messenger, his Rasul, that Maulana Ali (SA) is the Guardian, the undisputed custodian of Authority. A true mumin bears witness to the Truth in the Hour ( the Day of Judgement) Jannat and Jahannam are reality. The affirmations made each day in repeated recitation of 'tahiyyat'. 

IMAN  is also a system. It has different ranks, different groups, primarily not determined by wordl affluence, but only by quantum of divine and spiritual intelligence and piety. In the system of IMAN, there are two different ranks of mumineen. 

1. Those having shortcomings - for them there is much to learn. They have to aspire for knowledge, only by which, they can make true progress in the realm of IMAN. Only clear thinking and the pursuit  for the Truth will help them in reaching the higher status. 

2. The higher status comprises of mumineen, who have acquired the correct knowledge by their untiring efforts and have strived to know the truth, or more precisely those that know Ta'wil - which means the origin of Truth. 

 Article from my Diary. 

FAIZUL MAWAID BURHANIYAH - KOLKATA

The barakaat of Faizul Mawaid Burhaniyah in Kolkata has finally reached 100% households in the city. Mubarak ! Mubarak ! Kudos to all those who have actively associated with  FMB  under the kiyadat of  Amil Saheb Janab Yusuf Bs Mohiyuddin (DM) and very active participation of Janab Musta'ali Bs Mohiyuddin (DM)

 It is heartening to note that more and more mumineen are getting associated and the entire 'mohim' which is now well regulated and coordinated. Sharing  photos, so that other centres may also benefit
Readers of my post, are welcome to share their personal experiences by commenting on the post. 

                                  100% mumineen housholds are receiving Faizul Mawaid Burhaniyah Barakaat
                                   The distribution system is streamlined.  Each packet contains 10 foil packed bags.

The packets are awaiting transportation to different locations around the metropolis, where Tanzeem members ensure smooth distribution.

  Is it just rice ?  It is an elixir, and more and more evidence is coming from around the world of the barakat emanating by partaking of the ' Thali' 

                       The Central coordinating office Faizul Mawaid Burhaniyah - Saifee Masjid

Marasiya - Abkika Molayal Hussain

NOTE: As there is a problem with line breaks in the post, for easy reading you may click on the below link.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wUooNuwsyHeX-lThhaYRhljMFj4M1-vbRR59c68UWMY/edit




ABKIKA MOLAYAL HUSSAIN is the crowning jewel of Fatemi eulogy. Each verse is a precious and rare gem, full of pathos, pain, yearning and vivid imagery. Each verse is infused with spirituality – the esoteric meanings, the haqaiq – the universal truths radiate in many verses, and the fluidity of narration takes the one who is blessed to recite, through the tragic events of Karbala. One important aspect of ABKIKA that I would like to dwell on in particular, is that the accompanying translation of each verse in lisan ul dawat, is not merely the translation of the Arabic, but it encompasses the thought process of Aqa Moula (TUS) – as he dwelt on the tragic events of Karbala. As he pictured in his minds eye, the thoughts, that arose to me seems to be coming from al-haykal al noorani (the pillar of Light of the effervesce souls) The ta’eed of Imam uz Zaman (SA) is evident. For us mumineen it is a great boon, the recitation of marasiya ABKIKA in Arabic and simultaneously reading the accompanied lisan ul dawat text, which in it self is so poignant and moving, to bring one to tears, and in so doing we get the sawab of doing zikr e Husain (SA) Just sharing one example : In verse 27 the liasan ul dawat translation of lines 4 & 5 read as follows: ‘ ke jeh Imam na a’la maqam par – hajaro sitarao dalalat kare chhe’ but the boon I am referring to is evident that Aqa Moula (TUS) shares his thoughts by giving us more insight into the most exalted station (a’la maqam) of Imam Husain (SA) ‘Kem ke…. He is that galaxy that firmament, that gives rise to thousands of stars, and that process is continuing, thousands of stars are being raised even today. Recent scientific discoveries are stating that the galaxies are expanding at rapid pace. I am not a science student , but the thought process shared by my Aqa Moula (TUS) confirms the fact in the spiritual realm, that yes indeed the galaxies are for ever expanding, more and more luminous stars are being raised, and ABKIKA adds to the luster and radiance. In my earlier post I had shared my ‘taffakur ‘on verse 10. So this is the beauty and power of ABKIKA. The a’la niyat, the desire the yearning of Muqaddas Syedna Taher Moula Saifuddin (RA) expressed in the Marsiya ‘Ya Sayyed- us - Shodaee’ that the zikr of Karbala, for ever remain in the minds of humanity, and through this ‘zikr’ may we full fill our desire to sacrifice on Moula Imam Husain (SA) has found its fulfillment and realization, in the most poignant and moving ilteza repeated at the end of each verse of ABKIKA 'My Moula Husain ! for ever on you, I will shed tears O my Moula Husain ! for ever on you, I will sacrifice O my Moula ! O my Moula Husain ! ‘ The poetic repetition (takrar) ‘ Moula Husain ‘, at the end of all the verses, is so very effective and is the essence – the ‘ruh’ of ABKIKA. In reminds one of the famous plea for succor verses of Syedna Al-Mu’ayyad al – Shirazi (RA) which we recite in the ‘Bawisa” - ya banil Mustafa alykum, alykum ( in you, in you, from you, from you etc : ) In ABKIKA, the mumineen receives the sawab of doing the tasbih of the name of Moula Husain (SA) The spiritual depth, the power, the motivation it gives to reflect and the beauty of ABKIKA has benefited me. It has inspired me, and resulted in 2 posts fulkul – Husain http://mindmints.blogspot.in/2010/02/fulkul-husain-e-be-karbala.html mulkul Husain http://mindmints.blogspot.in/2010/03/mulkul-husain-e-be-karbala.html Which goes to justify that in ABKIKA each verse , nay each line and each word contains, a sea of knowledge. What Sayedna Al- Mu’ayyad al-Shirazi (RA) addressed to the IMAM holds true in this context. Addressing the IMAM he says: Your knowledge is the sea and the knowledge possessed by all the world is like a drop from your overflowing sea. (Book Ref: Al-Muaayad al Shirazi and Fatimid Dawa Poetry – Dr. Tahera Qutbuddin) One is bound to move to tears if he reads the accompanied lisan ul dawat translation. The yearning, the pathos, the vivid and poignant imagery takes one on a spiritual journey and takes him/her back to the burning plains of Karbala on that fateful Ashura Day. How can one not be able to visualize the tragic events as they unfold in real time, if one is to read the verse 30. –‘rahu faayna faresu…… The state of the ‘haram’ on the day of Ashura is so poignantly depicted in the form of seeking answer to questions. The haram came out of their tents. The horse is there but where is the savar ? (rider) They started to look around ( how very moving, how true, it seems as if Aqa Moula was there, a witness to the events being unfolded) The question is repeated but the imagery is different, truly depicting the emotions and feelings of those, who are waiting for the loved one to return triumphant from the battlefield. The horse is there but where is the savar ? (rider) In fear and frustration they started to call out aloud The horse is there but where is the savar ? (rider) In deep sorrow and anguish they lamented (My translation does not do justice, but even if it moves you a little to reflect, you can well understand the power and depth of ABKIKA) In verse after verse, the tragic events of Karbala are infused with life and vitality in the minds of mumineen. In one verse, in anguish and pain he questions The hearts of muminen will not be shaken ? Tears will not gush forth from their eyes ? In another verse, he addresses the Day of Ashura. In one verse, directly addressing Imam Husain (SA) he affirms and declares, that Moula Imam Husain ! I always remember you, offering shukr, for your azeem bounties, and I am there ready and willing to carry out your commands. Do command me !! At the age of 101 Aqa Moula (TUS) is standing firm in the presence of Imam Husain (SA) in remembrance, doing shukr and awaiting his command. May ALLAH grant Aqa Moula (TUS) and his crowning jewel, his repose A’li Qadr Moylaya Mufaddal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) the strength to stand for ever in the radiant presence of Imam Husain (SA) for our emancipation and ascend. Ameen.

TED TALKS

A very reflective and interesting Ted Talk video entitled ' Lets talk about Dying '

http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_saul_let_s_talk_about_dying.html

MY COMMENT :
Quote:' Death is but a dropping of the flower, so that the fruit may swell' If the terminally ill have faith in this one quote, I think facing death head on will be more beneficial to the patient and family members. Dr. Saul in his wonderful talk has proved the point, that intensive medical therapy does not save life - it is not life saving' , it merely prolongs people's life, it delays death and re-directs death, in the end the quality of life, after undergoing all the physical suffering and mental agony and the financial cost, the inevitable happens.

So under the circumstances I feel it is better to inject some spiritual dose, in what ever form comfortable with the patient and his family to brace for the inevitable. Just 2 weeks back a 42 year old, diagnosed with advance cancer, having 3 small kids and the sole earning member of the family, found the courage and awareness in the words of a sage poet : ' If you really understand - death is the key to unlock life. In truth it is the womb that gives birth to everlasting life' Syedi Sadikali Saheb. Surat (India)

After 3 days of his discharge from the hospital, death came ( for him everlasting life ) at night, when he called his wife and died in her arms. His family members in the meantime, told him that his children and wife, will be taken care of, and I found that his last days were peaceful.

Another very moving and powerful Ted Talk video by a father who has seen the suffering of his terminally young daughter. A 'wake up' call for all those in power and authority, who are custodians of our life and who 'think' the decisions they make is for our general good. Is it so ? Do watch and reflect and share your views.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2y1L37t-18

THOUGHTS ON THALI

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

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


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

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

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

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

THALI will surely bind our entire community.

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

THALI

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

Pray why is it so ? - you ask

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


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

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

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

END

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

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

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

Every outcome depends ultimately on the NIYAT

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

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

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

MEAVI MILAD MUBARKA KITAB

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ashara Mubaraka 1428 H

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

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

95th Milad Mubaraka - TAFADI

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

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

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

99th Milad Mubaraka - Mulkul Husain e be'Karbala

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

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

FAJR SADIQ :

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

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


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

Barakatul Faizul Mawaid Burhaniyah

A STORY - LUCKY ME

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

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

Free Download 2.65MB at www.hikmaah.com