NASHIHAT OF SAYEDI SADIQ ALI SAHEB - Slide Share Presentation

In the early 19th Century in Surat, Sayedi Sadiqali Saheb entombed in his lucid and easy to understand and relate to Nashihats for Posterity - Haqaiq truths- Noble and desirable human traits -A’maal ma’roof - The pitfalls of this world and most importantly the valaayat and maa’refat of Dai ul Mutlaq. 

I have made a Slide Share Presentation on this Glorious Eid Iz Zahabi Commemoration  Year, with the niyat that, the Presentation will make more and more mumineen, specially youngsters more aware of the depth of knowledge and the lucidity and beauty of the Nashihats. 

The Presentation contains my attempt to translate a few stanzas from three Nashihats, and I fervently hope, as I did a few years ago, when I wrote the original posts, that may some mumineen bhai /bhen well versed in both Lisan and English make an attempt to translate a few more stanzas.  

If effort is made to do tilawat of a few of the Nashihats and to reflect on them, my humble effort will surely find full fillment of the purpose. 

http://www.slideshare.net/asgarubi/nashihat

THE LAST EVENTFUL JOURNEY OF IMAM HUSSAIN (SA)

For readers who want to know about the historical episodes that happened on the way to Karbala, the following account of the last journey of Imam Hussain (SA) will surely make an enlightening reading. Akhbar is An'war. 

So let us journey along with Husaini kafla as it leaves Mecca on 8th Dhulhijjah 61 AH.


List of stations crossed on way to Karbala.

Al- Tanim - Al - Sifah - Al -Hajir - Watering place - Meeting of Zuhayr b. Qayn. - Zarud- Tha'labiyyah - Zubalah - Batn al Aqabah - Sharaf - Bidah - Udhayb Al Hajannat - Qasr Bani Maqatilah - Nainawa

When word of Muawiyah's death was received at Kufa with the news that Imam Hussain has refused allegiance to Yezid and has gone to Mecca, the Shi'ahs gathered in the house of Sulaiman b. Surad and pledged to support Imam Hussain, and thus the first of the many
letters that Imam ul Haq was to receive was written.

It was sent with Abdallah b. Hamdani and Abdallah b. Wali Tamimi and was delivered to Imam Hussain in Mecca on 10th Ramadan. Two days later another 150 letters were delivered, written by individuals or groups, each pledging support and requesting Imam Hussain to come post haste to Kufa.

At Al -Tanim the kafla of Imam Hussain ran into a caravan of camels from Yemen. Some from the caravan joined the Hussaini kafla, when they came to know that Imam Hussain is proceeding towards Kufah.

At Al -Shifa Imam Hussain met Farazdaq b. Ghalib.

When Imam Hussain requested ' Give us news of the people you left behind'

Farazdaq replied " you have asked someone who knows the situation. The hearts of the people are with you, but their swords are with Banu Ummayah. The decree will come from heaven and Allah will do whatever He Desires"

Imam Hussain remarked that ' you have said the truth. The decree belongs to Allah and He will do what He desires...'

When Ubaydallah b. Ziyad received news that Imam Hussain had set out from Mecca towards Kufah, he despatched Hasin b. Tamim - the Chief of Security and his agents to guard on the path between Qadisiyyah and Khaffan, and other adjoining areas leading towards Kufah.

At Al -Hajir from Batn al Rumah Imam Hussain sent out a letter to the people of Kufah through Qays b. Mushir. In this letter he wrote about the letter received from Muslim b. Aqil stating the support and consensus of the leaders of Kufah. Insa Allah I will reach you in a few days.

However, at Qadisiyah he was captured by Hasin b. Tanim, bought to Kufah and martyred and his body thrown down from the top of the palace.

At the Watering place where Abdallah b. Muti was staying, Imam Hussain dismounted. Abdallah cautioned Imam Hussain saying not to proceed towards Kufah and fall into the vile hands of Banu Ummayah.

At Khuzamiyah the caravan of Zuhayr b. Qayn halts alongside the road where Imam Hussain's caravan had halted. Zuhayr b. Qayn meets Imam Hussain and joins Hussaini kafla with joy and a glowing face.

At Zarud Abdallah b. Sulaym and Madhrib Musha'ill who had performed Haj and were returning to Kufah met Bukayr b.Math'abah who had changed course in order not to meet Imam Hussain. He was of the same Asadi Tribe.

When asked of the state of the Kufans, he said that I left Kufah immediately after Muslim b. Aquil and Hani b. Urwah were martyred by Ubaydallah.

At Tha'labiyyah these two caught up with the Hussaini kafla in the evening, and narrated what they had heard. They implored Imam Hussain not to proceed towards Kufah. To which Imam Hussain replied : ' there is no point in living after the death if this two men'.

At dawn the next day Imam Hussain instructed his entourage to collect a good supply of water for the onward journey.

They reached Zubalah and here he received the news of the death of his brother in nurture Abdallah b. Yuqtur. He addressed his entourage by reading out aloud a written statement.

' In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Very troubling news has reached us regarding the death of Muslim b. Aquil, Hani b. Urwah and Abdallah b. Yuqtur. Thus those who want to part company with us are free to go without any sense of obligation.'


People began to scatter away from him in all directions - only those remained, his followers and family members who had started with him from Medina. 

Imam Hussain knew that once he informed them of the true situation, only those followers will remain, who were truly loyal to him, and desired to share in his destiny and to die with him.

At Batn al - Aqabah a member from Banu Ikrimah tribe also pleaded with the Imam not to proceed towards Kufah.

Imam Hussain replied ' Servant of Allah, sound decisions are not concealed from me - but the decree of Allah prevails'

These words of Imam Hussain reveal the true purpose of the journey, and makes one reflect and understand. If it was undertaken for worldly aspiration, it would have been more prudent and worldly wise, to keep the happenings in Kufah under wraps and not loose a great
number of the entourage. But the real purpose was the salvation of mankind till the day of Qayamat.

The Hussaini kafla halted at Sharaf and at dawn Imam Hussain instructed his entourage to quench their thirst and fill in water in their mashqees. At noon an Asadi guide noted a great movement of an advancing platoon.

Imam Hussain changed course and arrived at a safe place at Dhul Husam before the advancing cavalry. When the cavalry noted the change in course, they also changed direction and came towards him.

No sooner had the Hussaini kafla set up tents, the could see the cavalry fast approaching them. They numbered 1000 horsemen under the command of Hurr.b Yezid Yarbu'i. 

In the heat if the afternoon, they came to a halt facing Imam Hussain.

Imam Hussain said to his entourage " Supply them with water to quench their thirst. Also provide water to their horses "

When the time came for Zuhr namaz Imam Hussain instructed Hajjaj b. Masruq Jufi to give Adhan. Imam Hussain came out dressed in a waistcoat, cloak and pair of sandals to address the people.

There was complete silence when Imam Hussain addressed the people stating that he has come only after receiving hundreds of letters from the Kufans. He told them that if you honour what you have promised through covenants and oaths, then I will set out for your town. If you will not honour your promises and are displeased with my arrival, then I am prepared to leave you and return from whence I started my journey.

The Kufhan cavalry were all silent and dumb struck and had no answer.

Imam Hussain than told Hurr to lead his followers in namaz, to which he requested the Imam to lead all of them in prayers.

After Asr namaz Imam Hussain prepared to depart and again addressed the Kufhan cavalry showing them two saddle bags filled with letters, which were spread in front of Hurr's army.

Hurr exclaimed that " we are not among those who wrote letters of invitation. We have been instructed, that once we find you, we are not to leave you before bringing you to Ubaydallah b. Ziyad.

A heated argument followed when Imam Hussain instructed his entourage to mount and proceed onward. Hurr said that he has been instructed not to fight, but not to leave you before bringing you to Kufah.

Finally a compromise was reached. Hurr agreed to write a letter to Ibn Ziyad and await his instruction and Imam Hussain agreed not to proceed towards Kufah, but take the road that led to Qadisiyah Hurr closely following the Hussaini kafla.

At Bidah Imam Hussain dismounted and delivered a very poignant speech to his followers and the companions of Hurr. He exposed the misdeeds of the Ummayads and reiterated once again that it was the leaders and people of Kufah, who had invited him to come and
had pledged allegiance.

When Hurr threatened him that if he chose to fight, he would surely be killed. To which Imam Hussain replied : ' Do you think that you can frighten me with death' Than he quoted the following verse.

'I will carry on, for there is no shame in embracing death for a young man
so long as he aims for the truth and struggles as a true Muslim.
And has helped righteous men by sacrificing His own life 
and disassociates from those who cause
destruction and delude people.'

At Udhayb Al  Hajannat a group of four travelling from Kufah met Imam Hussain reciting verses in praise of Imam Hussain. When asked about the news of the people of Kufah, this was their reply.

' The eminent leaders have been heavily bribed and their sacks have been filled to ensure their support and loyalty. They are united in the campaign against you. As for the remaining people, their hearts are titled in your favor but their swords will be displayed against you'

At Qasr Bani Maqatil Imam Hussain enquired about the occupant of a big tent and was told it belonged to Ubaydallah b. Hurr Jufi, a prominent Kufah leader. Imam Hussain invited him to join his entourage but he refused.

At a short distance from Bani Maqatil Imam Hussain rested for a short time, and when he awoke he recited twice or thrice the Quran Ayat : ' We are from Allah and to Him is our return ; all praise belongs to Allah , Lord of the Universe'

Imam Ali Zainul Abedin came close and inquired and being told what Imam Hussain had witnessed in the wakeful dream state replied. " In that case, O father, there is no need to be concerned as long as we die in the path of truth"

The next morning when Imam Hussain tried to split away from the Kufhan cavalry. Hurr intercepted and caught the reins of his horse, and tried to change course and head towards Kufah. 

Imam Hussain resisted and Hurr finally relented and marched alongside till they reached Nainawa.

It is here that the Kufhan cavalry was met by Nusayr Baddi a messenger of Ubaydallah b. Ziyad instructing Hurr to stop the Hussaini kafla at an open place, away from water and village.

It was 2nd Muharram 61 AH and at Karbala Imam Hussain dismounted and rest is history.


Book Ref: Kitab Maqtal Al Husayn - Abu Mikhnaf

Short history of the author : Abu Mikhnaf ( Lut b. Yahya b. Sa'id b. Mikhnaf) is regarded as the first historian to systematically collect the reports dealing with the factual events of Karbala.

Abu Mikhnaf's original work seems to have been lost, and that which is available to the scholars of history, is the work of his student Hisham b. al Kalbi, who preserved all his teacher's works.

Abu Mikhnaf was a profound scholar and man of integrity.

For those who have not read the events that unfolded in Kufah, you may log on to : 
http://eidizahabi.blogspot.in/2013/09/tragedy-of-karbala-events-in-kufa.html?m=1

ODE TO THE HUMAN SOUL - BU ALI SINA (AVICENNA)

Abu Ali al Husain Ibn Abd Allah Ibn Hasan Ibn Ali Ibn Sina ( known to medieval scholars as Avicenna) was born in August 980 (Safar 370AH) in Kharmaithan near Bukhara. 

His father was devoted to the Fatemi Imams. With the help of his teacher Nateli, at a very young age he mastered Greek philosophy. After mastering Greek philosophy, he started learning about medicine, and read all available books. He did not find it a difficult science and within a short time, he excelled in it, using methods of treatment often extremely practical. 

At the same time he studied logic and Religious laws and Metaphysics. According to him, whenever, he found himself into difficulty in academic issues, he hastily went to Masjid, contemplated and prayed, and this gave him insight into solving the problem on hand. 
He had a habit of studying late into the night. 

The following episode from his life, is a cause for reflection. 

One day a bookseller offered him a cheap volume, which he reluctantly bought. It turned out to be the work of Farabi, and it helped him in better understanding of the Metaphysics of Aristotle. He was so elated, that he immediately set out of the house to distribute alms to the poor. The thirst of knowledge made him one of the most influential scholars, for the coming generations. 

He got an opportunity to treat the Prince who had taken severely ill, and in return, as a token of favour, he got permission to access the famous library of Samanid rulers. 

At the age of 21 he authored his first book titled Majmu ( Compendium) Next he wrote on Jurisprudence in about twenty volumes titled al- Hasil wa al - Mahsul ( the Import and Substance) followed by a work on ethics called al Birr wa al Ithm ( Good work and Evil) of which, he never made copies but presented it to his learned friend in original. 

He is the author of the famous and one of his longest work Kitab al Shifa, and while he was writing this, he also wrote Qanun ( Cannon) Each night his disciples would gather late into the night and his closest disciple and biographer would read, portions from both the Books. 

He suffered many tribulations and upheavals in his life, went into hiding, was imprisoned, had to move from one Principality to other, all on account of his political allegiances, but non the less he continued to write. 

His book Kitab al Insaf ( The book of Equitable Judgement) was destroyed by the invading army of Sultan Masud, but certain fragments have survived. 

He died at the age of fifty eight on June or July 1037 AD at Hamadhan. He was indeed a man of rare gifts and scintillating mind. However, he had streak of violent temper, and merciless scorn for the mediocre. 

He is said to have written more than a hundred books, fortunately many have survived. Nasir Khosrow his young contemporary and Ismaili poet and philosopher, was greatly influenced by him. 

Bu Ali Sina wrote some poetry also. His Arabic poem including the Ode to the Human Soul, although not great in terms of literary value, is elevating in thought and theme. 


Some excerpts from the Ode to the Human Soul by Ibn Sina 

It descended upon thee from out of the regions above, 
That exalted, ineffable, glorious, heavenly Dove 

Midst the sign posts and ruined abodes of this desolate world 
It weeps, when it thinks of its home and the peace it possesed 
Thick nets detain it, and strong is the cage whereby 
It is held from seeking the lofty spacious sky 
Until, when the hour of of its homeward flight draws near, 
And it is time for it to return to it ampler sphere, 
It carols with joy, for the veil is raised, and it spies 
Such things as cannot be witnessed by waking eyes. 

On the lofty height doth it warble it's song of praise 
And so it returneth aware of all hidden things 
In the Universe, while no stain to its garment clings 

Now why from its perch on high was it cast like this 
To the lowest Nadir's gloomy and drear abyss ? 

The benign saya of Muharram 1435 H is casting its radiance. We mumineen know that our souls have left their lofty perch and for ever yearn to return from this ruined abodes and desolate place. It wants to carol with joy, to witness the veil raised, and to spy on things that cannot be witnessed by waking eyes. 

The nine days of Muharram when each day a mumin hears the recitation of shadaat, when he is lost in wailing and matam, at such times, when his waking eyes are closed, and tears flows : 

His soul carols with joy, for the veil is raised, and it spies 
Such things as cannot be witnessed by waking eyes. 

During Muharram the longing and the thirst of the soul is quenched to some extent.
It experiences bliss when a mumin pines and cries out loud for his MOULA HUSSAIN ! For these nine days of Muharram, the body becomes the khadim of the soul, matam and tears nourishes his soul.

On waqt e asr when mumin beholds his Moula on takht going down in sujood, the soul feels 
quenched, the veil is lifted, it cries out in ecstasy, it senses its emancipation.

Now those who attend Vaaz with awareness and ma'refat know the answer to the question posed by Bu Ali Sina. 

Now why from its perch on high, was it cast like this 
To the lowest Nadir's gloomy and drear abyss 


Aqa Moula ( TUS) and with his Raza Mubaraka his Mansoosehi A'li Qdr Muffadal Moula Saifuddin ( TUS) and all the vaezeen across the globe each year narrate the answer, lest we forget, that this world is not our everlasting abode, our perch is on high, where our Aqa 
Moula (TUS) will surely take us.  

Aza e Hussain (SA) is the journey of the soul, if one cares to reflect. 

  
Book Ref : Avicenna - His life and works by Soheil M Afnan. Ph.D ( Cantab.) 

MUFFADHAL BIN AMR

 Muffadhal bin Amr - we mumineen are very familiar with the numerous riwayat of this very close ashaab Kiram of Imam Jafar us Sadik (SA)

Muffadhal bin Amr one day while sitting in Masjid e Nabawi , was greatly troubled, overhearing a conversation that Abi Al Auja an atheistic pagan was having with his comrade.

Muffadhal could not control his rage and confronted Abi Al  Auja with the words " O disbeliever ! Do you disbelieve in the faith of Allah by totally denying the existence of Him, who created you, transforming you from one state to another, till you arrived at your present form ? Had you looked at your own self and contemplated  how you came into existence, then you would have recognized within your own self obvious proofs of the existence of the Almighty Allah.'

Abi Al Auja retorted that if you can provide well founded proofs, then only we are ready to discuss with you. As you are a companion of Imam Jafar us Sadik (SA) it is not his way of addressing issues, you should follow his example and not speak in such ill manner.

Early next morning Muffadhal sought permission to have audience with Imam Jafar us Sadik ( SA ) which was readily granted. Imam (SA )was appraised of the earlier night incident, and  Muffadhal expressed his hurt and pain at the insensitivity of the atheist pagan, who had the audacity to reprimand him saying that  on several occasions your Imam (SA) has entered into discussion with us, and he had argued his case with conviction but had not shouted us down, like you are doing. It is better, if you seek first answers from your Imam and than have a debate with us. 

Imam Jafar us Sadik (SA) with a radiant smile  and calm demeanor , that only Imam ul Haq can emanate, heard with patience, which greatly eased the worries of Muffadhal. 

For the next three days each morning Muffadhal bin Amr would approach his Moula and Imam would 
convey to him the knowledge covering all the aspects of Allah's immaculate creation and the symmetry of His Design.

One version of the compilation from which I have taken reference is titled Tawheed al Muffadhal.  

I would like to share with readers one question posed by Muffadhal to his Moula, in reference to the different human organs that we are blessed to have, each having a particular design and placement in the human body. 

The answer that Imam (SA) gave needs a lot of reflection, resulting in better understanding, and provides solace to all those who are deprived of some organs, and suffer hardship on account of that. 

Hope readers will reflect and increase their understanding, and have a correct perspective and develop empathy for all those, who are differently able  who have to live with some deformity etc: 

When I read the answer, true realization  dawned, and it is with this niyaat only, that I have undertaken to write and share this post. 

I am sure that after reading the answer, you will be having a very different and positive perspective for your differently able  brethren. The answer will also provide solace and peace, to all those who are differently able, particularly parents of all the differently able children. 

Muffadhal bin Amr : ' Moula ! How is it that some people are lacking in those organs and systems, and undergo the losses that you described ? ' 

Imam Jafar us Sadik ( SA) said : ' It is for warning of the person lacking them, and other people as well. The Monarch warns his subjects in such ways, and such warnings is hardly resented, rather it is appreciative advice.

The people who are thus afflicted will be re compensated after death, provided they are grateful to Allah and turn to Him, so munificently, that all the troubles undergone by them, due to lack of such organs, will appear trivial in comparison. So much so, if after death, they are allowed the choice to return to those afflictions, they would welcome the opportunity to earn higher recompense. 

Let me share with you my reflection. More knowledgeable people can reflect and increase their understanding far better. 

Loss of organ or lack of system is not only a warning to those who are deprived but to each and every one of us.

Those who are afflicted, if they are grateful to Allah and turn to Him munificently, bear with fortitude Allah will surely recompense, so much so that if they are allowed the choice to return to those affliction, they would welcome the opportunity to earn higher recompense.

I have been reading the Book - Dying to be Me by Anita Moorjani where she narrates about her miraculous recovery, after being afflicted by end stage cancer Hodgkin Lymphoma type, going into coma and when the doctors had declared her dead, she revives after having a NDE  which has been medically documented, completely cured of her cancer. 

She has this to share : Everything that seemingly happens externally is occurring in order to trigger something within us, to expand us, and take us back to who truly we are. 

www.anitamoorjani.com

It is acceptance and allowing the things to unfold in our lives in Hamd and Shukr, will save us from mental and emotional agony, will help us recover faster, will able us to come to terms with our condition. We mumineen are blessed to know from the answer given by our Imam (SA) that those who are afflicted, will be re compensated in good measure in Akherat.    

Kathiyavad Zyaarat Tarvelouge

2,000 kms.
6 adults.
4 children.
1 intent.

Dua for a long and healthy life of our beloved Maula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (T.U.S.)!
We adjusted and readjusted our busy calendars. We scrambled our schedules. We prepared weeks in advance. We visited shopping lists. We revisited shopping malls. We packed till the last minute.

On the bright sunny morning of 10 October 2013, we converged at the Calcutta airport, coming in cars, metros and autos. And there would begin our journey that spanned 2,000 km, 19 tiny-to-small clusters, 6 ready-to-adjust adults and 4 not-so-ready-to-adjust children!

After an eventful flight trip marked by wailing kids, harried hostesses, ever-smiling parents and disgruntled co-passengers, we landed right into the heart of Gujarat – Ahmedabad. After putting our Gujarati speaking
skills to good use, we wangled a discount for our chariot – a shiny white Innova – that would soon take us
to Siddhpur and Palanpur, two small hamlets that we call our cradle and our real home.

After spending the night in stately mansions art-worked with ornate traditional designs, niches and cornices, expansive rooms and ‘pure’ silence, we woke up fresh as daisies just to be welcomed by our bigger chariot – a comfortable 16-seater that would afford us to walk over and have a conversation at the front seat and the children to walk, crawl, fly… whatever!

Day 1
We reached the Roza of Syedi Qazi Khan Saheb (Q.R.) in Siddhpur at a time when the sun was at its brightest best. Making full use of sunglasses and photo-chromatic glasses, we made our way to the Roza
and did sajdaa as Syedi Qazi Khan Saheb (Q.R.) was among the fortunate few to have seen Imam uz Zamaan in his dream. Syedi Qazi Khan Saheb (Q.R.) served Duat Kiraam (R.A.) during the tenure of Syedna Yusuf Najmuddin (R.A.), was appointed as Mukasir and was soon elevated to the position of Mazoon-e-Dawat.

After running a quick headcount, we proceeded to Selavi, which took us about one hour from Siddhpur. At Selavi we did zyaarat of Maulaya Mulla Nooh Bhai Saheb and Zaojate Mulla Nooh Bai Saheba (husband and wife). Interestingly by this time, we had happily carved out our respective places in the van while the children jumped from seat to seat and lap to lap!

With both professional as well as out of the closet photographers, we shot picturesque homes, mellow countryside and faces that could launch a thousand emotions.

We moved on to Dhinoj where we did zyaarat of Syedi Sheikh Dawood Sheikh Abdullah (A.Q.) and Sheikh Mohammed Hussain Sheikh Hasanali located in two quaint rooms. Despite the heat, the drinking water from the traditional clay matka could give competition to any modern day refrigerator. We quenched our thirst and boarded our bus which was some distance away on account of us having to navigate the narrow by-lanes by foot. This gave us tremendous opportunities to soak in mofussil life and immediately help ‘slowdown’ harried city dwellers like us.

We moved on to Denmal where we did zyaarat of Syedi Hasanfeer Shaheed (Q.R.) and his camel and parrot. The children listened wide eyed as we narrated the story of the camel and the parrot who stayed with Maula through much of his life.

We made our way to Radhanpur and reached in about two hours from Denmal where we did the zyaarat of Syedi Ali Bin Feerji Saheb and Syedi Abdul Rasul Bin Noorji Saheb. Radhanpur is ensconced in traditional homes with rusty locks, years of peeling paint and a maze of cobwebs. Despite this, the houses stood proud, a testimony to the history of the past and its nameless occupants. We had quick tea served by the ever helpful khidmatguzaars and weaved our way back to the van.

Day 2
In the dead of the night, we were jolted awake when our bus came to a halt at Bhuj, the epicenter of the massive Gujarat earthquake. We were brought to the Roza of Vali Shaksh Ibne Bawa Adam and we were told that several decades back, the locals saw divas (lamps) descending from the sky onto his qabr mubarak. Upon informing Syedna Taher Saifuddin (R.A.), the Saheb was named Bawa Adam. We also did zyaarat of Mulla Jafferji Dosaji, a Hafiz-e-Quraan. It was quite an experience doing zyaarat in these Rozas in a pitch black and completely silent night only awakened by the rustle of the leaves under our footsteps.

After an almost two hour ride, the scenic Mandvi Roza welcomed us. When we entered the Roza, we were cordially invited to warm dinner (at 2.30 am!) and ushered to our spacious rooms. We woke up fresh to the twitter of birds and did zyaarat of Syedna Noor Mohammed Nooruddin (R.A.). The splendid Roza mubarak emanated noor, much like the Saheb madfoon there. We also said our zohar asar namaaz in the small and scenic Masjid topped by an outstandingly large chandelier laced in traditional hand woodwork, which was brought from the Roza after it dislodged during the earthquake. The Vali Mulla at Mandvi narrated an amazing incident where Syedna Noor Mohammed Nooruddin (R.A.) took away a dain (debt) of Dawaat from a poor mumin who was then showered with barkaat and sacks of money.

We stayed overnight at Mandvi, visited the beach during sunset and also the grand Vijay Vilas Palace with umbrella like domes, cupolas, jharokhas and cusp Rajasthani arches. The palace has been the backdrop in several popular Hindi films and we were told that its descendent currently lives in Napean Sea Road, Mumbai!


Day 3
We packed our bags and left for Mundra, where we did zyaarat of Mulla Boodabhai Moosaji and Syeda
Rani Bai Saheba, the daughter of Syedna Ismail Badruddin (R.A.), madfoon in Jamnagar.

After an hour’s ride, we reached Anjar where we did zyaarat of Vali Shaksh Ismail Badruddin.
Unfortunately, we were not able to gather any history of the Saheb madfoon there.

We reached Halvad in the evening and performed zyaarat of Syedi Qazi Khan Shujauddin Saheb (Q.R.). We visited the magnificent 200 year old Masjid in the complex that was currently undergoing renovation.  The interesting part of the Masjid was the fact that a small flight of steps annexed to the right walls of the Masjid took one to the upper covered terrace for the ladies from where we could soak in the splendid views of a lake.

It was nearing maghrib when we reached Dhrangadhra. We opened the Masjid gates, flicked open the lights, arranged the rugs and said our namaaz. We walked a short way into the qabrastaan into the Rozas of Maulaya Masood Saheb and Maulaya Sheikh Gulamhussain Saheb, whose qabr mubarak we were told revealed itself from under the ground.

We reached Morbi late into the night, had quick dinner and directly retired to our rooms. We tried to sleep but could not get any! Early the next day we attended Eid ul Adha namaaz in the small Masjid anointed with a lovely courtyard and did zyaarat of Maulaya Raj Bin Maulaya Dawood (Q.R.) who mastered the art of weaving cloth and also taught a number of mumineen to do so. Renowned for his devotion, he had never missed a namaaz. However while weaving cloth one day, he thought of completing the little work left before proceeding for namaaz. On completion, he went to fetch water for wuzoo but instead of drawing water, he pulled out a bucket-full of precious stones. Not once but thrice he threw these gems back in the well in the hope of finding water. This occurrence immediately motivated Maulaya Raj (Q.R.) to seek pardon for his complacence and with the water drawn out of the well the fourth time, he could say his namaaz on time. We even proceeded to Maulaya’s makaan (occupied by a family today), his 600 year old Masjid and drank shifa nu pani pulled out from his well.

The son of Maulaya Raj (Q.R.), Maulaya Mulla Dawood Bin Maulaya Raj (Q.R.) is madfoon in the Roza as
well, which also houses the qabr mubarak of Bibi Zulekha Aisaheba, wife of Maulaya Raj Bin Maulaya Dawood (Q.R.). We also did zyaarat of Sayeda Fazelat Kulsum Baisaheba.

The Taj Masjid in Morbi was picturesque both from inside and outside. We also visited the hanging bridge which rested on swaying pylons. To reach the bridge, we went through the magnificently carved residence of the royalty of Darbargarh, which is to be converted into a heritage hotel.

We headed to Wakaner thereafter and reached by about noon and were immediately served Eid lunch. While having food, the saheb there told us that Moulai Looqmanji (Q.S.) often travelled to Wakaner from Ujjain for his chana business and gave away most of the profits for the wellbeing of the community. Moulai Looqmanji (Q.S.) was also known to distribute chana to patients suffering from tuberculosis, who eventually recovered from their ailment. In fact there was shifa in his chana and he was often looked up to as a hakeem. We said our zohar asar namaaz at the small Mohammedi Masjid and proceeded further.

We reached Pardhari at about 5 in the evening and did zyaarat of Maulaya Ameenji Shaheed. Unfortunately there was very little information about the Saheb madfoon there. Interestingly, we came across an old picture of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (T.U.S.) at the Roza at Pardhari.

We headed off to Dhrol and reached just before the sun was about to disappear over the horizon. We dashed in a 500-m dense stretch that needed to be crossed while reaching the Roza. We jumped over puddles and reached the mazaar of Gunje Shaheed. Since it was getting close to maghrib, we could not stay longer to see the nearby Masjid, did zyaarat and hurried out. Unfortunately, not much history was made available to us on this Saheb either.

We reached Jamnagar at about 7 in the evening, checked into our rooms and did quick zyaarat with the intent of coming back the next day.

Day 4
We crossed the road that separated the Roza from the musafirkhana and after a quick breakfast hurried off to do zyaarat. We did the zyaarat of Syedna Ismail Badruddin (R.A.), Syedna Moosa Kalimuddin, Syedna Abdul Tayyeb Zakiuddin (R.A.) and Syedna Ismail Badruddin (R.A.). Though the Roza was under renovation, the artful zari work permitted soft sunshine to filter into the Rozas, while creating a charming effect.

We proceeded to Kalavad in which we did the zyaarat of Moosaji Hasanji, Hasanji Dawoodbhai and Ismailbhai Khan Bhai (all Sayyedi Sahebo). The mumineen houses in Kalavad looked comfortably small and shared common walls, reflecting the strong bonds of their residents. We could peep through and see many of the elderly seeped into tilawaat with a small scarf over their heads.

We went ahead to Ganipir where we did the zyaarat of Maulaya Ganipir. We said zohar asar namaaz in the quaint Masjid and had niyaaz lunch in the hall. The Saheb in-charge told us that Maulaya Ganipir used to keep aside the profits he made out of his bangles business for sadqua and zakaat first and foremost. He soon befriended somebody and kept his whole stock of bangles in that person’s house. At night, the person frantically called Maulaya Ganipir and told him that the house had caught fire and his stock would completely burn down. Maulaya Ganipir was calm and said that Allah would protect his stock. This turned out to be real as Maulaya Ganipir’s stock of bangles was safe while the whole house had burnt down. However the threads that bound the bangles were reduced to ashes. Maulaya Ganipir then revealed that he had picked up the threads from the ground and as such, had not paid zakaat on them. And hence it had caught fire!

Day 5 and 6
We spent two wonderful days spent at Sasan Gir. Our resort, Shaan-E-Gir was located in the core forest area. We met with pitch darkness, absolute silence and breathtaking surroundings. One could even hear a bullock cart trundling 2 km away. Soon however, the jungle came alive with the sounds of the night.

We woke up at about 3.30 in the dead of the morning and walked almost a kilometre to reach the motorbike
parked by one of the attendants with the intent of getting permits for the morning jeep ride. With much trepidation we walked through the jungle with the only light shone by our LED torch. It was an experience worth living for! As we reached Sinh Sadan, we saw a serpentine queue waiting for permits to enter the forest. We stood for almost four hours when we were finally riding in our jeeps on the second session of the first day of the season. We set off in two Gypsies but unfortunately could not spot a lion. We did so however at the Gir Interpretation Zone!


Day 7
We started from Gir at about 12 pm and reached Amreli late noon to the Roza of Maulaya Jafferji Saheb. The intricately carved white Roza looked resplendent in a serrated sky. We were told that Maulaya Jafferji Saheb was renowned for capturing evil spirits (jinhs) and was called by Syedna Abdeali Saifuddin for ‘clearing’ the Dhobi Ghat area in Surat for the purpose of building the Jamea. Maulaya Jafferji Saheb was successful in doing so. However he found it very difficult to capture a powerful jinh but finally managed to do so and trapped it inside a bottle and kept it in his home with the intent of doing dafan later. When Maulaya Jafferji Saheb was in prayers, someone opened the bottle, the jinh was out and killed Maulaya Jafferji Saheb.

We think it was a coincidence when we spotted several empty soda bottles just outside the Roza!

We proceeded to Ranpur and reached at about 9 pm and did the zyaarat of Syedi Vamaulaya Sheikh Feer Shaheed, Syedi Hasan Ibne Dawood, Syedi Miyaji Ibne Dawood, Maulaya Daroos Khan Saheb and Maulaya Tarakhpeer Saheb. The interesting incident about Maulaya Tarakhpeer Saheb is that the Saheb’s qabr mubarak became visible one feet from under a large tree and then rose six feet. It was said that divas used to descend from the sky at Maulaya Tarakhpeer Saheb qabr mubarak and distinguish at Syedi Vamaulaya Sheikh Feer Shaheed’s qabr mubarak. We had dinner and left for Ahmedabad.

Day 8
We reached Ahmedabad at about 2 am the next morning and were immediately offered rooms and dinner. We retired into our rooms with the intent of getting up fresh and early.

We had a quick breakfast and headed to Qutbi Mazaar, the resting place of the great Syedna Qutubkhan Qutbuddin Shaheed Bin Syedna Dawood Qutubshah (R.A.) and others. We also did the zyaarat right through the qabrastan of Syedna Jalal Shamshuddin bin Maula Hasan (R.A.), Syedna Dawood Bin Qutub Shah Burhanuddin (R.A.), Syedna Sheikh Adam Safyuddin Bin Miya Taiyyeb Shah (R.A.), Syedna Abdul Taiyeb Zakiuddin Bin Syedna Dawood Bin Qutub Shah (R.A.), Syedna Kasim Khan Zainuddin Bin Maula Feer (R.A.), Syedna Feerkhan Shujauddin Bin Ahmed Bin Malekshah (R.A.), Syedna Abdul Husain Husamuddin Bin Syedna Tayeb Zainuddin (R.A.), Moulai Adam Bin Moulaya Suleman Bin Masood (Q.S.), Syedi Shaikhadam Safiyuddin (Q.S.) and Syedi Aminji Bin Jalal (Q.S.), among several others.

As we packed our luggage into the auto to move back to the Ahmedabad airport in the afternoon of 18 October 2013, we realised three important things:

1. Our aqueeda had strengthened multifold as we did zyaarat of many Doats and Hudud Fozola and came to know their history, though a fraction of it, and their key mojizas
2. Our aqueeda had strengthened on the belief that it was these Sahebs who had called us to their darbars and we offer hundreds of sajedahs in acknowledgement
3. Our aqueeda had strengthened that Allah will grant our beloved Maula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (T.U.S.) and his Mansoos Syedi Aaliquadr Mufaddal Bhaisaheb Saifuddin (T.U.S.) a very long and healthy life.

Ameen!

Group members:
Mustafa Zavery (‘perceived’ group leader)
Sehrebanu Zavery
Fatema Zavery
Sakina Zavery
Ibrahim Lodhgar
Fatema Lodhgar
Insia Lodhgar
Adnan Hamid
Umaima Hamid
Arva Hamid
And yes, our driver whose name we forgot to ask!

Written by Adnan Hamid, who can be reached on hamid.adnan@gmail.com/ + 91 98301 32962 

ADDICTION

ADDICTION in any form is harmful to the individual and the society at large. Addiction to power, addiction to self,  addiction to be 'always right' etc: but in this post I will be talking about addiction to Nicotine (cigar rates, chewing tobacco, zarda, kaat, kheni  etc:) the harmful effects of which are well documented and also well known to the addicts, but sadly very hard to overcome.

A'li Qdr Muffadal Moula Saifuddin (TUS) has given a clarion call, has started a 'mauhim' in earnest to free the community of the growing menace of nicotine use, and within a short span of time, positive results are being witnessed. Not in the distant past, the community has freed it self from the clutches of 'interest' and now is the time to rise up and help each other, in what ever way possible, to free the festering underbelly of the community with the immense harm of nicotine use.

This than is my humble effort in that direction. There are many families who may be having their loved ones, addicted to this menace. There may be friends, tanzeem members, co-workers, who I am sure very well know the immense harm they are bringing on themselves and their loved ones, by their addiction.

What I feel is that they - our fellow mumineen , need our empathy and understanding  and mere sermonizing and admonitions will not do. You are said to be  doing a disservice to your loved ones, friends and colleagues, if you merely sermonize, admonish and feel smug, that you have done or duty. Sorry no, you have to reach out, and in order to to do that, one  should first understand, why it is so hard to kick the habit ? What is nicotine ?  What are the causes for addictions ? What are the consequences ? What are the remedies and solutions ?

First and foremost the family / friend addict needs your empathy and understanding, and you must also feel that for his condition, you are also responsible in a sense. So this post of mine, is in that direction of understanding the addiction, and how best to overcome it.

Nicotine is addictive. It contains powerful chemicals such as carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. It is the prime cause of cancer, heart disease, blood sugar, Chronic Bronchitis, Respiratory failure, depression etc:

What it does ?

It causes changes in the brain , which induces a euphoric state of the mind. Here it is prudent to recall the Nashihat of Syedi Sadiq Ali Saheb : ' zahir ma halavat chhe, pan zehr chhe khufiya ma'. With recent scientific studies and many Research Papers published on the Net, it is no more 'khufiya' the addict also knows, that it is bringing harm to him and his family.

Nicotine is a psychoactive drug that produces dependence  Nicotine releases Dopamine, which stimulates sensation of pleasure, motivation and reward.  Nicotine levels drop relatively quickly, which causes the sense of craving.

When an addict tries to overcome the addiction, very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms are experienced, the addict feels depressed, irritated and unable to concentrate. So these are real issues, and they need our understanding and empathy.

So if one wants to reach out and do a singular service, one has to accept the fact that nicotine addiction is a hard nut to crack. But studies have shown, that it can be overcome, and there are thousands of success stories.

What is needed to overcome the addiction ?

We mumineen are blessed to have our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) his doa mubaraka and his nazarat rahima and the world wide community awareness campaign initiated by his Mansoos A'li Qdr Muffadal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) is for ever there. What is needed is a firm resolve on the part of those addicted and the firm belief that 'we will overcome'

These are some of the other points.
1. Determination and inner strength.
2. Encouragement and understanding from the loved ones and community at large.
3. Healthy diet.
4. Adequate exercise. Tanzeem can start clubs, where physical activities are encouraged.
5. Homeopathic - Naturepathy - Herbal treatments.

According to Associate Proffesor of Medicine  Franck T Leone - " My patient are people who smoke, but they know they should stop. They describe feeling sad, angry and hopeless. They tell me it is frustrating and confusing, embarrassing and shameful. They are trapped between desperately - wanting to stop and desperately not wanting to stop. Their lives are literally on the line - they know it.

Nicotine works in that place of the brain, where survival instincts are born. The more a person wants to change - the more the instinct tells him - change is bad for you'

So my friends, if you  really want to 'reach out'  you have to first respect the problem, and also respect the people struggling to find a way out from it. Start working on solution based thinking 

Determination and inner strength can be achieved by meditation, mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. There are hundreds of resources on the Net. In my own family one of my sister, who is very much into alternate therapy, overcame the urge of chocolates, by being 'mindfulness' and being 'aware' at each stage, from opening of the chocolate wrapper, the twirling of chocolate in her mouth, the taste etc: It did surely work for her.

For effectively overcoming  the addiction, here are several other tested measures.

Drink water at regular intervals. take cough drops or chewing gum in the initial stages only.

Understand that the craving last for not more than 5 minutes. So when the craving arises, find a distraction, move away from what ever you are doing, take a walk or call a friend or listen to soothing music. Laugh out loud -' mein tara sinkaja nahi avoo, mane uloo ghana waqt thi banavto rahyo, mari zeet chhe - tari haar chhe ......... go on and on - what ever works best for you.

Homeopathic remedies help to lessen anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. One has to consult a practicinor  for proper evaluation, as the treatment is fully symptom based. Some of the recommended medicine to kick the habit, are Nux Vomica - Avna Sativa which is made from wild oats, Carbo Animalis, Plantago etc: The doctor should explain to the addict, what each type of medicine will do. Understanding and awareness is the key to complete recovery.

Some of the herbal remedies are - Oats - Lobelia - Marsh mellows.

So it is not the end of the world for one who seriously wants to overcome addiction. Knowledge is Power. Addiction can be defeated, one deserves more from life than just being subdued by addition, and if our well organized community lends a helping hand, the goal of complete eradication of addiction from the community, similar to being completely free from the clutches of 'interest bearing transactions' will be surely achieved in the shortest possible time.

The difference for complete transformation from ILNESS to WELNESS is to substitute the suffering 'I' with the 'WE'  of compassion, friendship and altruism. Let us all join hands in this noble 'mauhim'  by advising , encouraging, motivating our brother addict, but most of all by empathizing. If compassion is there, miracles will surely happen.

ADDICTION  PART  2

http://mindmints.blogspot.ae/2013/03/addiction-part-2.html

ADDICTION - CATCH THEM YOUNG

http://mindmints.blogspot.ae/2013/04/addiction-part-3-catch-them-young-to.html

CLIMBING UP MOUNT ZIMARMAR - YEMEN

 

( At Khaif ul Nayeem - Hutaib Mubarak, making best of the barakat received by reading from the Ashara Vaaz Mubarak - 1429H)

 

(Climbing Zimarmar and getting the sharaf of azan at the masjid)

Years of longing and prayers culminated to fruition when Air Jazeera touched down at S'ana airport, late in the afternoon on 3rd Oct: 2008. After a comfortable night stay at rubaat, our group was told that early morning we will be taking the exiting and difficult trek to Mount Zimarmar.


Although I was armed with a walking stick, climbing mount Zimarmar was out of question for me, on account of my medical disability. I had been running fever the previous night, so although I had secretly wished that I would undertake the trek, I was also not sure how the day will unfold.


After some theatrical scenes , of arguments, hand gesticulations. holding up the Quran and pulling out the dagger, which only the local Yemini are at good at, as our group watched in awe and fear, of our having to return back from the foot of the mountain, where some local leader was telling us to return back, our driver -Hasan Al-gairi came running to our SUV exclaiming 'khalas ! Khalas!' For a moment we thought, that's the end, we will have to return back. But 'khalas' signified that the deal has been struck, and we proceeded.


After a few minutes ride, we came out of the SUV and the climb began. Before I proceed further, herein below is my medical report, which would be of interest to Medical Professionals. As for my MRI report, I distinctly recall the words of the physio therapist, who after examining had commented, that I should not bend forward, should not walk much, and utmost care should be taken, or else I will be completely bed ridden.


‘The findings are suggestive of sacralisation of L5 with degenerative changes in lumbar spine. Postero lateral disc herniation at L1, L2 to L4, L-5 are compressing the thecal sac, cauda equine nerve roots and both neural foramina with encroachment on both exiting L4 nerve roots. There is secondary central canal stenosis at these levels, particularly at L-2 L3 & L4 levels. Spinal canal at L5- S1 is narrowed due to sacralisation. ‘
Dr. S.K. Sharma MD

If that is not enough I am also afflicted with arthritic in both knees, and many have suggested the most currently ‘in thing’ knee joint replacement surgery.

I am thinking of forwarding my Zimarmar mountain climb video clip to Dr. S.K. Sharma, and await his comments. An orthopedic surgeon at Apollo had told me, a year back, that if I do not go for immediate open spine surgery, I will be in real trouble, as my condition is degenerative, and with passing time, I will not be able to walk, as the nerves will slowly die.
-----------------------------------



As I slowly made my way up, the fresh mountain breeze may have steeled my resolve, not to give up, give it a try, for at the top I will be blessed with the ziyarat of three Doat Mutlaqeen, and be able to say my Zohar namaz in the Masjid. I surprised my own self, by climbing the mountain, being steady at the steep bends, and keeping with the group.



As I climbed higher, confidence grew, and at times I wondered, how is this possible ? I am blessed to have a son -in-law, who is a MD-FRCP and it bemused me to think, that I was not adhering to his medical advice. As I climbed up and up, the trek became more and more perilous, and my family were also amazed. All those who know me, are well aware, how difficult it is for me to walk, a pronounced limp is there, and much effort is needed on part. As my walk and the difficulty is apparent to any one who sees me, I receive countless advice from well wishers, and at times from unknown passerby also. It ranges from open spine surgery, yoga, Ayurveda, physiotherapy, homeopathy, you name it.


After the MRI was done, I had made arz in Hazrat Aliyah Imamiyah seeking advice to go for open spine surgery, and was blessed with a reply that I will get 'shifa' which implied that I should not go for surgery.



Finally after an exhilarating climb I finally managed to reach the Masjid and was greeted by the group on my feat, and received the honor of giving azan for zohar namaz.

What is the point in sharing about my experience and my exploits. Is it self promotion ? Am I seeking self praise or accolades ? At this age I need none of all these. What it is than ? Why am I writing this post ?

The reason for writing this post is based on the firm foundation of 'shukr'.

As I slowly made my way to the top of mount Zimarar, I became aware of my medical condition, and introspected on what has made this climb possible in spite of my disability and the frightening medical reports. With each step leading towards the summit, I remembered all the terminally ill mumineen cases, that I had come across, their fight to overcome the pain, the vortex of clinical trials and tests, repeated dialysis, chemos, aggressive medical treatments, days and months on end on life support systems, the medical vortex that completely drained the financial resources and the spirits of the family, whose member was unfortunately inflicted with the disease.


Families who were barely able to support their livelihood, being made to run from pillar to post, to arrange for rising financial bills, knowing fully well the end result. I had expressed my concerns in my previous post on the subject. The need for the community to come forward and help those, who need no more than the best of Nursing facilities, hospices that will provide comfort and relieve pain. Hospices established near the ziyarat centres like Burhanpur, Mandvi, Hasanfir etc: where those 'lailaz' patients get the best of 'ilaz' of clean enviorment, best medical attention (not aggressive medical therapies ) human love and understanding and care.

Youngsters can do volunteer khidmat, while staying at the roza mubarak. The possibilities are endless. There is a need for joint effort.

Hope my post will evoke a positive responce from, experts in the field of medical practice, who are interacting with a number of such cases.

Now that I have put into public domain my medical disability and my feat of climbing Mount Zimarmar, I seek answers from you, as to what made it possible. For I am sure, in the answers you will provide,. will be found the solution to the treatment of coping with permanent disability, and life threatening diseases

There are many things in life, which we cannot merely 'wish away' but at least we can learn how to cope with it, and Allah Willing, with the Doa Mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) with right guidance and advice, we can also succeed in overcoming it.

I hope my post will evoke a positive response, and on a personal note, if this idea and dream of mine, is carried to the next level, my climbing of Zimarmar will have served the purpose.

Hope and pray that something positive evolves from my climb of Mount Zimarmar.






Khaif ul Nayeem - all alone in contemplation, when the group had left. This is the real beauty of Yemen. You feel so small, surrounded by mountains. Solitutude and peace surrounds you. You get an opportunity to go back in time, and feel how it would have been when Syedna Hatim Moula (RA) would be imparting 'sabak' to the fortunate few assembled in the shade of the cool enviorns of the 'khaif', surrounded by mountains, on all sides.

MUNAJAT SHARIFA 1429 H. MY TASSAVURAT

Generally we all try to equate ‘barakat’ with material gains and prosperity. Talk to any one and you are likely to receive set answers like - I made a windfall income, my business turnover increased, we managed to buy a new house, a new car etc: etc:

However, Aqa Moula’s doa Mubarak ‘ barakallahho’ is very expansive in its meaning and fruition. It is not restricted to material gains and prosperity only, it has deep meaning and covers the entire gamut of one’s life, so that a mumin by the virtue of this Doa Mubarak, is able to live a contended life of ease and happiness and also try to be spiritually awakened, and be in contemplation of his soul – which in fact is the real thing, whose emancipation, should be his striving and his goal.
In this Sheruallah Aqa Moula (TUS) has bought into focus this very fact in the Munajat Sharifa 1429H

Vazebat is directly linked to ‘barakat’ in the soul. It may seem a paradox to many, but here in is the truth. With this Doa Mubarak the community focus will have a paradigm shift from only material gains and prosperity to that of enrichment of character, mind and soul. One should now shift his focus from materialism to spirituality and the development of the mind.

Start looking more inward rather than outward. I am very confident that if one starts learning to focus on the ‘barakat’ emanating in his soul, on account of him giving ‘vazebat’ and receiving the Doa Mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) a mumin will develop into a more fuller, awakened and emancipated human being.

His soul will find ecstasy and joy, the thirst for ‘Ilm’ will increase (things will so pass that he will be attending sabaks, circumstances will so transpire that he will be able to say his daily ‘namaz’ on time, will get opportunity to attend ‘miqaats’ etc: ) He will start acquiring that knowledge, which will set his mind free from worldly traps, will learn to feel contentment by detachment of transient things. His focus will be on the eternal and everlasting.

Mumineen will desist from vain glory in material possessions and imbibe noble traits of character, which will enrich the mind and soul.

The exalted status of Aqa Moula (TUS) and his beseeching Allah, on the Night of Qdr, itself signifies, that his Doa Mubarak stands fulfilled and answered.

Now it is for us mumineen to turn our focus on matters spiritual, and those concerning the development of noble virtues (makarim –ul- akhlaq) and acquiring of Ilm.

When the mind dwells in the midst of material and evil propensities, it is like a gentleman dwelling in the slums of the big city.

It is to the simple minded that Allah reveals His Own Nature. Here a word of caution, simple minded should not be confused with simpleton. Our soul is simple (baseet)

Always one should discriminate in one’s mind between true and false, the eternal and transient, and then leaving aside all that is transient, one will slowly learn to fix his mind, upon that which is eternal, that, which is everlasting.

Once realization dawns, we will surely experience the fruition of Aqa Moula’s Doa Mubarak in our daily lives.

For once, let us change our focus from materialism. In the context of Aqa Moula’s Doa Mubarak, wealth generation and worldly prosperity is secondary. It will surely grow, as you have already earned it (it is a different subject, which I will not elaborate here)

Focus on the barakats emanating on account of Aqa Moula’s Doa Mubarak on your mind and soul.

Barakat is not only material gains, it is more encompassing. Start looking inwards and realize the heavenly expanse of your mind and soul. Aqa Moula’s Doa Mubarak in the context of the above Abya’t Sharifa will surely help you in your quest.

The following lines are so very appropriate and authentic. They reveal the Noble Mission of Aqa Moula (TUS) In myriad of ways with the ‘ta’eed’ of Imam-uz-Zaman (S.A.) Aqa Moula (TUS) is leading mumineen to achieve total emancipation of mind, body and soul.

Hold steadfast to him, and see the miracle working in you.

‘ Dawat ki khilqaton se aja’aib nufusko
Ijaad kar raha hai ye A’shir naye naye

Farman e ezadi se Dawat ke kanj se
Makhrij tu kar raha hai khamair naye naye
May Allah grant our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) sehato – a’fiyat- ta- kiyamat. Ameen.

Cooking with Mindfulness and Love

Mumineen house holds are blessed to be receiving the barakat of 'Thali' and with each passing day, more and more mumineen are partaking the barakat. For the elderly living all by themselves, for those with permanent disabilities or constrains of any kind, for college students, working professionals, school teachers with family to tend, specially in big metros, it is a boon from heaven.

The good fall out of the 'Thali' is that many home makers are having more free time at their disposal to pursue their hobbies, give more quality time to their children, in many cases to supplement their family income. The common refrain is ' thali thi ghani rahat thai gayee'

However, in this blog I would like to share a very important aspect of cooking for your family with Mindfulness and Love. It has its own joy and pleasure, and the home maker surely earns great sawab and boon, for doing her duty. There is an apt proverb - ' the surest way to a man's heart ( and her entire family) is through his stomach' -  so very true.

For a home maker cooking for the family is an integral part of her life and the well being of her family. 'Thali' gives the home maker, more space and energy, more time to learn and cook nutritious food for her family. It should not be an easy way out.

I just came across a very interesting article by Debra Moffit on Intent Blog, which motivated me to share some nuggets with my readers, and my wife Rabab co-operated whole heartily in our effort to better understand this concept of Mindfulness and love by cooking the local Maharashtrian cuisine - 'sabudana (sago) kichri' which is full of starch and great for a quick boost of energy.  It is also very low in fat. However, it takes a great deal of time to prepare it, and here plays love and Mindfulness.

It has to be soaked in water for 3 hrs, after draining the water, the sabudana has to be dried for another 4 hrs. Then starts the cooking. Hope readers got the 'drift' as to why Rabab chose to make this dish, and  it was being made for the  first time.

Sabudana Kichri with Bangkok Soup 

As sabudana (sago) is low in protein and does not contain any mineral or vitamin, Rabab made Bangkok soup, to balance the diet. Believe me it turned out great, and in the cooking and partaking of it,  a great lesson learnt. 

Debra Moffit  is an award winning author of ' Awake in the World : 108 Practices to live a Divinely Inspired Life'

Excerpts :
The kitchen offers one of the best and most creative places for practicing Mindfulness. Turn a meal into meditation experience. Cook with Love.

 In ancient traditions it is said the cook is able to transmit subtle properties of his or her thoughts and emotions into food.

Food cooked with Love and Mindfulness provides nutrition for body, mind and spirit of the family.

She gives an example of Walter Danzer - founder of Soyana a natural food company located in Switzerland, their quality of food is very different from factory processed food.  

So ladies, try making a conscious meal at home - it does not have to be elaborate, it can be simple, but having the delectable energy of love. As you cook, be  fully aware, be mindful, and have positive thoughts, enjoy your cooking, and for sure,  your dish will have the soul nutrients - very subtle, it cannot be seen nor proved scientifically, but its effects will be evident, once it is served. You will surprise your self.

Give it a try. Set out a date, shortlist a meal to cook, enter the kitchen with a positive mind set, and see for your self as to what Debra says is true or just another crap.

'Dil thi jamara - dil thi jaman banayu' is well known. It means the meal has a delectable energy of love and soul nutrients, besides the required ingredients. In those old days, many have gone for Kathiawar ziyarats, and stayed at many small towns, where the musafirkhanas, generally in those days were entrusted to a family, who looked after the needs of the zuwwar.

One noticeable thing, and every one who has experienced it first hand will surely agree that, though the meals were basic, it tasted great. Even if you reached at odd hours, and if you had missed your lunch or dinner, they would be ready to rustle up a meal for your family.

We had such an experience many years ago, and as I write this I vividly recall the love and affection with which, we were served - a group of 14 - lunch at very short notice by a mumineen family  at Barod on our way from Rampura to Ujjain.

We had halted for Namaz and to freshen up at Barod masjid and asked for some hotel where we could have our lunch. The bhai who escorted us to the masjid said that, as it is a small town, no good eating place is there. Shortly he came with his family members and offered us izan, and within a short time of 30-45 min: we were taken to their home, and served piping hot zaman.

Such memories stay with you for ever. The above are just two examples and personal experiences of cooking and serving with delectable energy of love, having soul nutrients.

But please do not take my word, just try it out your self. Give one try, cook a conscious meal and see if there is a difference. It would be great, if you can share the experience. Click on the comment, so that all those who read the blog will also benefit. If you are not comfortable to go public, you can mail me at : asgarubi@gmail.com and I will keep it under wraps, all to my self.