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Taharat – Cleansing and Purity

Juzar Noorani — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:06:52 +0000

A child born from the womb of its mother is pure and fresh as a blank wrinkle free paper. Scripts in various forms are written on the paper, ranging from art and beautiful sketches to scars that are not worth remembering. These scars may also be in the form of sins and guilt that one may carry throughout the life.

Just as the human body needs cleansing from dust and dirt to keep itself healthy so does its soul and spirit, the blank paper which gets spills of ink on it in the form of sins. It needs to purify itself from vague and faulty thoughts and feelings. The pain of sinful behavior and practices.

The only thing that can purify such unseen filth is to know its own self. For he who knows the self knows his lord, said Rasulallah SA. This is the mot difficult part in the life of any normal human being. Most of the time humans are totally unaware of their own needs, wants, desires and fears.

Syednal Qadi al-Noman, the Chief Justice of the Fatimi Empire during the Imammat of Maulana Imam Moiz (AS) in Qahera, has written a book titled “Kitab al-Taharat”, the Book of purity.

Syednal Qadil Noman (RA) a person whose purity of heart was a mention of the Imam and his faith in the Aimmat Tahereen AS most profound in nature writes a book titled “Taharat” and in its preface describes his intention in writing the book, where he states that after knowing the lord and his apostles and Awliyat the most important of all that should be learned and practiced is “Salaat”, Namaaz. One might wonder that the kitaab is titled “Taharat” and the preface points to “Salaat” and he continues to write the virtues of it and declaring that since the most important thing to start with is Salaat and the keyto it is taharat it should be elaborated further.

The kitaab has the two major pillars of Islam described and elaborated in it by the pen of one of the most proficient writer, author and judge in the Fatemi empire during his time. Both the pillars of Islam are the start point of faith and religion itself. To attain the purity of soul and spirit one must go closer to the lord and that is in sujud. Each farizat prayer is a kaffarat to sins prior to it and therefore before getting any closer to the lord, Allah, one must cleanse himself of all dirt. The body does need cleaning but the various practices and arkan of wuzu, gusl and etiquette of the toilet ensure the purification of the mind and thought as well.

The two daaim explained in detail and its arkan and practice are indeed “Taharat” for the mind, body and soul.

Huzurala TUS has with karam and ehsan granted raza to all Mumineen all over the world to learn from this kitaab and embrace it with purity of heart and intention, putting it to practice. May Allah bless him a long life for many more centuries to come. Ameen

Burning of “Quran”, where is the world headed?

Juzar Noorani — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:24:04 +0000

A gulfnews article published today brings great concern to me personally being a practicing and faithful Muslim but it further brings about concern that why does not any country in the world have stringent laws against defamation of religious texts. In these many years I have lived in India, I was there during the Babri Masjid riots and though there was a lot of blood shed I haven’t heard of anyone burning the Quran or the Gita. Houses were burnt down and people were killed and what not inhumane acts of violence were carried out by people, I use this word with caution, as I believe religion leads to salvation and therefore cannot preach violence and hatred. People are hurt by people and not religion.

It is the misconceptions of people that lead to such violence while the religious texts are always sacred and divine. They preach love and harmony even where there is a mention of war. It has deep meanings which are misunderstood by many or misinterpreted for the mass by many for personal gains. The police if they have to fire and kill in an encounter are not murderers. They are protecting the peaceful lives of people.

The article that led me to write this blog entry after many days has many aspects that need to be looked into and discusses. The first and foremost are the different concerns cited by the US officials regarding the threat to the US troops by the disgraceful and disrespectful act. Further more the concern about the harm that would cause to the administration and the triggering of the insurgents are also worth noting. All concerns are political crap and none of them even point to the gravity of this act. Any religious book is sacred and should be regarded as equal to the constitution of a country where if anyone who commits an act towards it would be regarded as non-patriotic.

None have raised concerns over the sentiments of American Muslims and another billions of people who have nothing to do with al-Qaida. al-Qaida or its similar types claim to be Muslims but does that make them Muslim and followers of the Quran. A dissident holding an American passport if does an act against the country would not be an American even though he has a passport and claims to be one. The nation would hold him as a foe rather then a child.

The political concerns expressed by the US officials are not only worrying but they point to a true fact that there are motives other then peace and harmony in policies governing deployment of troops and military might. Unjust and unlawful people of the likes of al-Qaida kill the innocent in the name religion and what not while the people who are trying to uphold the law are doing the same in the name of “War on Terror”.

People around the world need to understand that tolerance will bring growth to peace and harmony while hate will bread fear and hate. Acts such as these are from not learned and civilized people but from the ignorant and misinformed.

Wake up America, the statue of liberty points to the liberty of being human not lawless animals.

Ekhwan Group Dot Com

Juzar Noorani — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:30:13 +0000

Ramadan is always a time when we Muslims free ourselves from the worldly hassles of life and simply look into spirituality and religious affairs. Its the time to nourish our souls of with pure worship and faith in the Lord our creator.

The past month has been really busy for me with most of my time spent as the Masjid and a part to and fro to my home from the Masjid. A little rest and some spare time with the family. Ekhwan has been in the hosting business since many years now with a few large companies that have trusted us for the many years we have been in business, dophinheattransfer.com and ezwaretechnologies being the most oldest of them all.

Saying that Ekhwan has become a brand in the hosting business that many prefer for the truthful and sincere service and advise we offer to our clients. Our aim has always been to help our clients get the most out of their business.

The reason for all the above introduction is a disclaimer that recently came into my notice. A website called ekhwan group dot com. I have separated the words and spelt out the dot so as not to link to it. This website is NOT a part of Ekhwan and we are not associated to this website or company in any way, even if it is legitimate which we are not aware of.

Just a second note. I have much to write about and will continue as soon as I am back from the spiritual journey, fully revived.

Ramadan and Fasting

Juzar Noorani — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 23:59:30 +0000

The month of Ramadan, 9th in the Islamic calender is celebrated by billions of Muslims worldwide as a month of piety, pious acts, worship and remembrance of the bounties and blessings of Allah, our creator. The month of Islam, the month of purification, the month of seeking forgiveness of sin, the month of worship and the month of fasting is not a custom or tradition but a compulsion observed in Islam. It is the month in which Allah has revealed the Holy Quran, a guidance for mankind.

It brings man closer to the angels in a sense that they do not eat or drink and pulls off all savagery from the human heart uplifting it from being an animal. The hunger reminds the believer of how blessed he is among the many creatures of this world for the bounties that are countless. It creates in him the feeling of care for the fellow beings who do not even have a single meal survive.

The sujud or prostration brings him closer to Allah for it reminds him of those who are arrogant and non-thankful to him, by not caring for the world we live him. The blessed abode that he has given us. The sujud reminds us of the land we walk on for it should not be hurt by our willful kicks and stamping upon it by wasting the plentiful resources that are merely handed over to us as a loan and ought to be returned in full faith for the coming generations.

Zakat, an act of generosity not only meant to purify the wealth of its contaminated parts that might have accumulated out of exploitation of the bliss of nature, even unknowingly, but it is also a way to purify the heart and the soul with merciful acts for the fellow beings who are not so lucky or rather missed their share of nature’s giving. Zakat is a blessing of Allah for all his creation who deserve to be happy and joyful.

It is the ninth month in which the child reaches the last stages attaining an existence in its mother’s womb and it is a time when the joy comes closer to everyone in the household. The 9th month of the Lunar Hijri calender brings joy to the pious as it is a month in which the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is known to have said that Allah entangles and imprisons the satan. Truely, the Mr. Hide, the evil side in human nature is imprisoned by sawm (fasting) and ibadat (worship). The evil of greed, lust, envy, selfishness and misery is locked in the cell of humbleness and a sense of love and giving in return to the world what one reaps from nature. The remembrance of Allah’s gift to mankind is projected by Islam during this holy month.

Imam Ali Zainul Abideen (AS) in his dua that is recited after the Fajr namaaz during Shehrullah (The month of Allah) say’s that “All praise to Allah who has guided us towards thanking him for his generosity”. He further says that Allah has forbidden that which is allowed in other months and stopped from drinking and eating during daytime as a way of respecting the month. He further prays that Allah grant us the strength to fast during the days of this month by keeping away from all sins by each of our body part and not just by remaining hungry. By utilizing the body in ways that would make Allah happier bu not listening to unworthy words and not looking towards sinful things, speaking only of what is kind and good. Not just to show off or for getting the praise of others but for the sake of our creator.

Further more the son of Imam Husain (AS) asks Allah for his help for getting closer to the family and greeting friends and neighbors. How well the Imam puts the humanly manners and ethics in his supplication as he asks Allah to help us in patching up with those whom we have had a hard time and approaching those who have been unjust to us in a justifying manner and by creating peace with those who for some reason have a feeling of hate towards us. The Imam further elaborates that may our sins wipe out as the moon of this month starts diminishing and our wrong doings be forgiven such that we would not return to it again just as the days of this holy month pass by never to return.

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslims all over the world under the guidance of Aqa Maula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) spend the days and nights of this holy month is all sorts of Ibadat by spending to feed their fellow beings, helping those not so fortunate enough and engrossing themselves in Ibadat. Peace, love and harmony is our motto which we spread throughout the world where we live. May Allah bless our beloved Maula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) with a long life in sehat and Afiyat. Ameen

Education Vs Military might

Juzar Noorani — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 09:28:58 +0000

Education in any form has tremendous effect on any society, country or state at any time. It is well said that you educate a person and you plan for an entire generation. Any form of education has drastic effects on an entire community to a massive extent. A friend of mine pointed ma to an article in NY times on the budget of the US Army in Afghanistan which provoked me to write some on my thoughts. The article read 1 Soldier or 20 Schools in Afghanistan? – NYTimes.com

It was first the US who seeded and fed the Taliban against the Russians and now they reign in the territory. If we look at the picture closely we might see that education has a very deep impact on the whole situation. The word Taliban literally means “Students”. These student were brainwashed and emotionally aroused in the name of religion. One might even call it emotional attyachar. Its very easy to get hold of the human mind when you can create sentiments that ping the deep rooted faith of people. Islam was the key to the door here. Islam does not preach violence. There are several mentions of Jihad in the Quran but those are in self protection. Where not only the existence of the faith is in threat but also the faithful himself and that too under extreme circumstances of physical torture itself. Apart from that rules are in place that make is a Jihad. A simple example is the difference between cross border firing by troops and declaration of war by a country which can only be done by the highest authority which is not self proclaimed.

Back to the topic, the Taliban induced negative thoughts into young minds and created illusions through the logic called little knowledge is a dangerous thing. They provoked religious sentiments and declared an unlawful war on what they thought to be their enemy. Islam became a tool to create intolerance. I would like to point out that in Mahabharat, Krishana preaches Arjun the righteousness of pulling the weapon against the unjust and tyranny. But it was in a lawful war situation. If someone just pickup a gun today and shoots an X person for his wrong doings following the instructions of Gita he would be held a criminal. Islam similarly does not approve the wrong doings of certain people against the faith but neither does it approve the such an unlawful self proclaimed war which by no means can be translated to Jihad. Rather terrorism.

Education was used to induce misconceptions into young minds and an army of a generation was created called Taliban. Everywhere, even in India and places like Kashmir where India flexes its military muscles to protect innocent people, why does the government not invest even a minute percentage of that money to educate people there.

If the Taliban were created out of education in the wrong way why not treat that problem with a similar cause. Educate and induce tolerance. If they used Islam in the wrong direction, use its actual values to create the path of light.

The army may be needed to protect the lives of people but the might of education is far reaching and having deep impacts in creating harmony, developing clearer minds, spreading tolerance and a growing nation.

Islam does not mean Terrorism

Juzar Noorani — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:14:44 +0000

Terrorism is not an asset or property confined to Islam. In fact Islam has nothing to do with terrorism and the name of the belief and religion itself suggests peace. The why does the media and the west hype the issue and associate the issue with Islam and Muslims. Sometime back i received an email which had a few depictions like, for example, why if a Jew or a Sikh grows a bread he is called a devote and faithful to his religion whereas if a Muslim grows a bread he is looked upon as a terrorist or viewed with a suspicion on threat to security. Similarly there were many such examples which I cannot recall. The question kept popping up in my mind that why is Islam associated with religion.

The Tamil tigers were the first to start suicide bombings, the Irish were a security threat for years, the black widows have been a security threat in Russia, there have been much more student killings in the US that anyone can imagine but why if some Palestinian, kashmiri, Pakistani or Afghani or any other militant group raise the security alarm level it is the religion, Islam, to blame.

I happened to see the movie Lamhaa, and what a terrific movie it is, during which I tried to focus my mind on this topic. It is not Kashmir only, but it is Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq and all sorts of places like these that have become companies and are run by capitalist corporates. I remember back in 1992, I had read in the Khaleej Times that the USA alone, not to mention the rest of the coalition, had charged the state of Kuwait 800 billion USD for the desert storm. This is apart from the dessert shield and the rebuilding process and what not. The entire operation was a corporate operation rather then a military one. This I cited just to compliment the scene in Lamhaa where the businessman cum terror link explains to the Indian authorities the amount of tax payer money that goes into Kashmir’s security budget.

Coming to the question I posed, the answer was very simple to me. Some of the Muslim fanatics, especially the hardliner Wahabi sect are brainwashing people, especially children from a very young age in the name of Islam and are embedding the wrong concept of Jihad in their minds, seeding false perspectives which make them believe this personal corporate operation of terror is religious, which in fact is not. The same perspective is viewed by the world when the puppets go out and actually undertake the terror attack. They have the words like “Allaho akbar” and “la Ilaha Illallah” on their lips which make the onlooker believe that the operation was a religious one, just as the little boy whom Sunjat Dutt killed in Lamhaa was uttering. He was mesmerized and hypnotized into killing himself for years, at a ripe age when teachings have a very high impact on thoughts and behaviors. While the boy was told that he would go to jannat and the key to it was the trigger. The entire story about the associating Islam with terrorism can be conveyed in a single phrase from the above depiction, “God created paradise and man turned it into hell”. Islam is a Godly religion that preaches and teaches peace.

The entire operation of terrorism is a corporate business but alas nor does our government or politicians want to accept it as they get their share of the pie, nor does the media project the facts as they want to keep the reel rolling for their own ratings and growth. The truth is a gruesome fact which normal citizens have to wake up to understand and start asking questions to their governments about their hard earned tax money. They have to embrace the fact that its not the religion but the corrupt minds of so called humans.

I would also like to add as an additional note, that is you would ask any normal practicing Muslim, a modest person, who has visited Mecca and Madina, he would tell you that the Wahabbis even tag most Muslims as “kafirs” or unbelievers and think that their blood is halal.

من فتل نفسا متعمدا فجزاءه جهنم

He who kill a single soul willingly shall burn in hellfire. This includes killing ones own self or suicide, which is completely cowardice and haram in Islam. Islam does not accept the killing of any human being or even a life. Rasulallah (SAW) has said that he who kills a sparrow even without any reason shall find it have a case against him on the day of Judgment.

Everyone should remember that Islam has nothing to do with all this stupidity and nor so Muslims, its the capital market that plays its game.

“Sab Bik Chuke Hain, Koi Siyasat ke liye, Koi Jehad Ke Liye, Koi Mazhab ke liye, Koi Paise ke liye”.

Man does not live by bread alone

Juzar Noorani — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:21:46 +0000

There is nothing great on the Earth than man, and in man there is nothing greater but the intellect. His capacity to learn and think has made man distinct in all of Allah creations. By understanding his surroundings man has been able to use nature’s resources to serve his purposes.

Above all his needs and ways of living, is his intellectual need, which differs from all other animals. His power to express his thoughts and understand makes him unique among all creatures. He is the only being that eats when he is not hungry and makes love in all seasons. He needs to quench his thirst out of curiosity.

Since the very beginning of life man starts asking “why”. Allah created him and taught him what he never knew. With his knowledge man rules the world and forgets the “why” of his creation. Wandering is his mind, caught in the web of questions, searching for their answers. Since the pre-historic times man’s curiosity has lead him to open the doors of a better future as he advances into the atomic age.

Man like all other animals has feelings strong and needed to be shared. A cow may feed her calf till it grows but then leaves it independent, while man’s feeling last forever, even for decades and centuries. His understanding helps his emotions to prosper, growing the need in him for someone to share these emotions with. It is he who laughs and weeps to express his feelings.

Mumineen, on the other hand, weep in sorrow and remembrance of the great sacrifice of Imam Husain (AS), understanding his sacrifice and his gift to human race.

The human soul makes man the most unimaginable of all creatures. It is the soul that makes him so distinct and unique. Its inclination towards the heavenly abode is the main purpose of human life; the ascending however, is possible only by obeying Allah. No man has ever seen Him or talked to but Allah has sent his messenger to guide the human race to the path leading towards him. He who follows the path serves the purpose of his life. Religion makes man differ from animals as Amirul Mumineen stated:

ابني ان من الرجال بهيمة في صورة الرجل السميع المبصر

فطن بكل رزية في ماله واذا اصيب بــدينه لم يشعر

There are men no better than animals, who keep record of their bread but when it comes to matters of deen they just don’t understand. If man’s life was just for food and sleep then animals are better, who cause no harm to each other while man makes war. A human is to Almighty, a believer, for whom He has made this world. For whom He has sent a hadi (guide) to guide him to the waters of immortality to quench his thirst.

Rasulallah (SA) has said that all creation is the family of Allah, and he who is the most beneficial to his family is the most loved one towards him. The term family cannot be taken in strict terms but as for His care and love that Allah has for all His creation and beings, for He has not been begotten nor does He beget nor does He have any similar partner to Him. The hadith stresses Allah’s omnipotence and thus guides man towards the path of love and care for the mother nature. In fact the hadith in support of the Quranic Ayat:

كلوا واشربوا ولا تسرفوا

Eat and drink but do not waste, care for all beings and the human race will thrive with the blessings of Allah and live in harmony with his creation. It is only the humans that will use the resources of mother nature most wisely and it is only the most religious and pure hearted who will understand this truth.

May Allah grant Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin a long life to guide us, to live human and die human. AMEEN

National Security and Patriotism

Juzar Noorani — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:35:00 +0000

Every country is concerned about its national security and it is not only what holds its integrity but its very existence. In times of adversities and threats from fanatics, who hold no existence in themselves, in fact are like children creating their tantrums just to pursue world attention, should a nation look at every citizen with an eye of doubt and question their patriotism? The fanatics who are not humans in any kind are not only a threat to any nation in particular but to the entire mankind as they prey on humans for quenching their savage thirst of highly craved popularity and egoism. We cannot justify any nation undermining the basic rights and their stance of patriotism in light of national security threats posed by animals like these.

In fact any nation is in high need of securing the trust of its countrymen to ensure that these lunatics are kept a watch on.

No one can read the human mind but there are always ways to people’s hearts and also learn their authenticity.

The Indo-Pak issue can be solved by the citizens of both countries and not by talks of politicians who have always projected their concerns to each other on a different platform.

The Government of Pakistan should ask itself and understand that it is a target to the savages that pose a threat to mankind and its people are in need of security just as the human beings of India.

Having always looked at the Indo-Pak issue as an onlooker, I have always thought that do the majority of people in both countries really care about the Kashmir issue or not. I think a common man cares nothing but about his stomach and his family. Why so people call mother land, because it feeds you and cares for you, and that care results to love and patriotism.

Ask any person on Earth in his senses and he will curse the people who are making this world an insecure place and instead of peace of mind, soul and body; creating threats and panic. No one likes a life of this kind.

May Allah bless the Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) the “Ambassador of Peace” a long life whose duas have created secured nations for Mumineen worldwide and whose wishes are for all beings to live in harmony in this world. Ameen

Amirul Mumineen (AS) and his description of the materialistic world

Juzar Noorani — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:46:00 +0000

Amirul Mumineen (AS), who had been privileged of being brought up by Rasulallah (SA). He had be in the company of the prophet ever since he was born and the impact of that company and its barakat was so laid on the his life, especially with the barakaat of wahye that Amirul Mumineen (AS) was called the prominent jurist by Rasulallah (AS). Jurisprudence does encompass many fields of knowledge as a judge is needed to finally decide on any subject brought forth to him. Since a very young age Amirul Mumineen (AS) had seen Rasulallah (SA) strive for Islam and its cause. He had seen Rasulallah (SA) differ with Molana Abu Talib when he was told to keep away from preaching Islam by Quresh, that if he would be given the sun in his right and moon in the left he would not bother to bend towards materialistic wealth. Ali (AS) had seen how Abu Talib (AS) supported Rasulallah (SA) in the Sha’b of Abu Talib during the days of Quresh’s boycott. Ali (AS) had seen the Nabi’s beloved and wealthy wife Khadija drain her wealth for the cause of Allah. From an age when a person does not even come to his senses, Ali (AS) had seen the facts of life and felt the world closely. Such a person of high stature in knowledge, upbringing, amal, closeness to the Nabi (AS), akhlaq and many vritues has described the worldly pleasures and it materialistic nature in a few but deep words that need to be quoted here for his love and remembrance.

Amirul Mumineen (AS) says:
1. Trust the Creator rather than his creation, trust the Truthful rather than the lair.
2. Seek Rizq from al-Rahman (Allah), as there is no one else who can feed you except Him.
3. He who thinks that his rizq or earning is in his own hands does not trust Allah.
4. He who thinks that a mere human can feed him or provide a living to him has gone on a slippery way and is sure to fall.
Amirul Mumineen (AS) further says:
1. I am happy with whatever Allah has parted for me and have submitted by will to by Creator.
2. Just as Allah has done my betterment in the past so will He in the future.
These words are said to to those of Amirul Mumineen (AS):
1. I anticipate that the world will soon be over and has prepared for its journey.
2. Never has the world been forever for anyone, nor has anyone stayed in the world forever.

Surah al-Insherah

Juzar Noorani — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:38:00 +0000

On the results day Mohammed had the opportunity of reciting Surah al-Insherah, alhamdolillah my son has learned till Surah al-Balad and now he is aiming for more. Khuda Taala Maula Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) ni khushi, nazar ma, qadmo ma Mohammed ne wasawe. Ameen

:: Hikmah @ Ekhwan.Com :: » Religion

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