CULINARY TAFRIH

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 mindís 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.