100th Milad - Second Post

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

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

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

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.