:: Hikmah @ Ekhwan.Com :: » Deen

From the heart it has sprung, and to the heart it shall penetrate.

Juzar Noorani — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:57:25 +0000

In the heart of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah, in Ewan al Barakat, the hearts of Abnaul Jamea were beating with a high-pitch rhythm and cadence. They were enthusiastically reciting the most recent, Eid al Fitr Qaseeda Mubarakah(1432H) of Dai al-Fatemi Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS.

انت يا طيب العصر معتمدي * ادركــــــني مـــــولاي خذ بيدي

O’ Imam Tayyib al ‘Asr ^AS, thou art my succor and support; be my savior O’ my Moula, and hold my hand!

Not that this was the first time they were doing this in history! No, rather, it was being rendered in style and quite a different manner. The hexagonal setting and the central bir, along with other accoutrements, decoration and tazyeen simply accentuated the entire ambiance this morning.

This Qaseeda Mubarakah possesses a rare and a distinctive flavour of Fatemi literature that is equaled by few, if any. It is a repository of the wisdom and philosophy of Fatemi adab. Small wonder then, that the readers never cease to be overwhelmed by every bait of it. The brilliance of this Qaseeda will forever continue to surprise and inspire thousands of its readers. The emotions expressed therein so plainly are too large for words to describe. Throughout the Qaseeda there is a sparkling gleam of Moula’s TUS deep affection for Mumineen, Moula’s doctrine of kindness, muwasaat, charity and love for humanity and he requires but few words to express these emotions. It also exhibits a beautiful approach to life and its meaning.

The intense thoughts and style and the compassionate outpouring make us feel we are in his proximity, rather, it is as if we are in his very heart. This is best explained by these abyaat (Verses):

و اجمعن بلطفك يا جامع الشـ * مل ما قد تناثر من بدد

و امـــلأن بيــوت المحبين مــن * طـارف نافع هــــكذا تلد

و مواليــــك اغنيتهم حاكمـــا * انمــــــا الكنز والله للولد

These profound emotions in poetry are of particular timeliness in contemplation of the difficulties the world is facing today, and much can be gleaned therefrom for human welfare and upliftment and in the understanding of life and its beauty. The Qaseeda has a specific recognizable message to convey, and the simplicity of the style brings the message to the inner consciousness of the reader quickly, clearly and effortlessly. From the heart it has sprung, and to the heart it shall penetrate.

May Allah grant our Aqa Moula TUS a long and healthy life and endow his Mansoos, Aali Qadr Moulaya Mufaddal Saifuddin a long life. Ameen

by Shk Mustafa bhai Zakir
(Ustad al-Jamea tus Saifiyah)
Saturday, 18th Zil Qad 1432H

Al IMTIHAAN AL SANAWI IN MUMBAI 1432H/2011A.D.

Juzar Noorani — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:17:16 +0000

The year 1432 H / 2011 A.D. is characterized by most remarkable epoch-making events of Fatemi, as well as world history.

It is the spectacular year of the twin celebrations, it is a hallmark of Melad Meawi and Masarrat al nas al mubarak.

Mumbai has been the epicenter for almost all of the celebrations and events of this year beginning from Ashara Mubarakah.

Currently it is the venue and miqaat for Imtihaan al Sanawi of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah.

This year we will be attaining another huge nemat and rehmat of Allah Subhanahu, the special barakaat of gathering ruhaani imtinaan of Our Maula TUS and His Mansus Aqeequl Yemen, Syedi wa maulaya Mufaddal Bhai Saheb Saifuddin TUS, who is also Amirul Jamea, may Allah grant both our Maula a long life of perpetual futuhaat and imamiyah shanaat.

In Al jamea tus Saifiyah, al imtihaan is synonymous to al imtinaan, as it is absolutely a hallmark of blessings and munificence of Duat Mutlaqeen AQ, especially of the 52nd Dai al Fatemi Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS who has epitomized al imtihan as the prestigeous miqaat for expressing devotedly our muhabbat, tafaadi and khidmat, because these are the quintessential of ilm e Ala Mohammed AS.

Amirul muqddas Amirul Jamea, Syedi Yusufbhai saheb Najmuddin AQ once said;

للعبد اْية رقه ان يفدي الـ * مولى وحجة علمه ان يخدما

Al Imthaan allures thousands of mumineen every year to this institute. Its spirit forms the soul of Jamea. It draws a pattern for the academic and vocational activities and sets the bearings and dimensions for the teaching process and education which is adapted throughout the academic year. Imtihan is an experience where the gathering of mumineen imbibes and avail the values and deep philosophy and understanding of Islam and Fatemi tradition.

Maulana Taher Saifuddin AQ says:

وتفتح ابواب العلوم لهم اذا * بدت لهم في الامتحان المسائل

Imtihan is the embodiment of quality, and focuses in bringing out the best of the best from Anbnaul Jamea, in terms of learning, character building, and well accomplished personality.

وقد تولينا امر الامتحان على احسن الشاكلة

The best of the characteristics and systems by which jamea imtihaan is conducted is the qudsaani presence of Dai Fatemi in the imtihan which is an experience observed only in Jamea.

Therefore, it is certainly a surreal experience. Imtihan is a process in this hallowed and renowned Fatemi institute, in which everyone is sharing a common goal, that is, to demonstrate each ones ability to secure and attain the ridaa ( khushi) and pleasure of our spiritual and shafeeq Bawasaheb Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS.

Abnaul jamea are beseeching the waseela of Awliyaullah and pray,

“May Allah endow our Maula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS a long long life enthroned on the arsh of sehat kameelah and aafiyaat daaemah for the continuation of this Imtihaan and for showering upon mumineen the Imtinaanat qudsaaniyah”.

On the opening ceremony of Jamea in Karachi, Aqa Maula TUS said quite presagingly about the paradigm and ideals of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah.

لافتح ابواب المعارف كلها * لمن كان دون القشر يرجو المعانيا

This inauguration of Jamea, is the opening of gates of all knowledge and absolute wisdom, for all those who desire the essence, rather than the kernel.

mfzakir

The 100th Milad of Huzurala TUS

Juzar Noorani — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 01:47:40 +0000

The air was filled with joy as the days of the 100th Milad Mubaral approached nearer and the heart pounded with joy while we heard that the Milad was to be held in Mumbai. Mumbai, a place where a place to stay was a big question for a family planning to attend the grand celebrations. Fortunately for us a family friend was most generous with his home.

The celebrations started with Qasre Aali Nikah Majlis and the next day was the Milad night, then the waaz on Milad day.

It was such a wonderful occasion and pleasure to be part of the Mawkib al-Burhani. A truely very historic procession on the Marine Drive. We could see the queen’s necklace lit up with the Saify Hospital sparking like a Jewel.

As the days past by in preparation of the Mawkib by Mumineen children, the night when the procession was held arrived. The barakaat received by me personally being on the stage where Maula TUS was jalwanuma was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Mohammed on his 8th waras had the sharaf to walk in the Mawkib dressed as a Date. A blessing cherished by all of us for years to come.

Nine days after returning from Mumbai, I got a call from ATTALIM that I was Summoned in Hazrat Aliyah on Yaume Shahadat of Maulatena Fatema AS. The day that lifted soul, my conscious and changed lots in our lives was just five days from my waras as the hijri calender and ten days before my birthday. Everything was just perfect and fit in its place. It was the Qasr Mubarak of Huzurala TUS and the Barakat of Syedna Noor Mohammed Nooruddin RA was just in place. That Wednesday would always be remembered an cherished throughout my life and so will it for my classmates as well. Shz Aliqadr Syedi Mufaddal Bs Saifuddin DM gave each one of us the Bushra about the sharaf that Huzurala TUS had bestowed on us on the auspicious occasion of the Milad al-Meavi.

May Allah Subhanahu bless our beloved Maula Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS with a long life in Sehat and Afiyat. Ameen

Kitab al-Alim wal Gulam & Modern Pedagogy

m.anjari — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:46:47 +0000

Introduction: Allah almighty states in Quran: “Allah brought you forth from your mother’s wombs knowing nothing, and gave you hearing and sight and hearts, might u do shukr”.

Allah has bestowed men with Aql to acquire al Ilm. But he is not able to do that without a teacher or guide who helps him learning. For that Allah has sent his rusul as he states: “We have sent to you a messenger from among you, who recite upon you Our a’ya’t and (give taharat to you , and teaches you the book (Quran) and hikmah, and teaches you which you don’t know”. And he teach him with wahy , and his wasi said that “the al Ilm that Adam A.S was come with is in Mohammad S.A and his Progeny” This kalam of him enlightens that al Ilm came with Adam A.S . Allah has sent them for the purpose of education, and education is life long process, it should have a proper system, by which a student standard raise level by level.

The kitab Alim wal Ghulam is a replica of the above system.

Education is given equally due importance by the people of the world regardless of their faith and believes there has been developed a number of philosophies and pedagogies over the centuries. This thesis aims to emphasize the literary master piece Alim wal Ghulam as a complete pedagogy when confronts to the above systems.Along with this Kitab al A’alim al Gulam owes it own Sunnah Salehsa.

The following are some different concepts and philosophies about education:

Idealism[1] comes from the great Greek philosophers like Socrates and Plato, according to this school ideas are the ultimate reality, there for the aim of education is to seek knowledge rather than creating it. Search for truth and character development of the learners are the main goals of it, Where as the teacher is to serve as a guide. Socrates use “Dialectical Method” a process where ideas are put into battle against each other, with the most significant idea winning the battle to sharpen and purify men’s thoughts. Plato followed the path of his teacher Socrates and defined ideas as the only knowledge of “Archetypes”[2] or the “forms” that leads to the virtue since these include ideas such as beauty, justice or goodness which are true realities. Idealist education involves depth of learning, a holistic approach that involves teaching the whole rather than its parts.

Realism: According to the Realists school reality “exists independent of the human mind”[3]. The definitive reality is the world of physical objects. The focal point is the objects where truth is objective-“what can be observed”³and it is independent of ideas. The aim of education to enable the learners to explore the world through inquiry hence scientific method is supported as the way to enlighten. Aristotle emphasized on understanding the ultimate and unchanged form before the object itself. For example, a rose exists whether or not a person is aware of it. A rose can exist in the mind without being physically present, but ultimately, the rose shares properties with all other roses and flowers, although one rose may be red and another peach coloured³.

Existentialism is the philosophy that places emphasis on individual existence, freedom, and choice. Existentialism stresses the individuality of existence, and the problems that arise with said existence. Because there is so much diversity in the philosophy of existentialism, a concrete definition is hard to put down. Certain themes are common to almost all existential writing, which helps mark the writing as such. The term itself suggests one major theme, the stress on concrete, individual existence, and on subjectivity, individual freedom and choice[4].

Pragmatism or progressivism: John Dewy is the proponent of Pragmatism or progressivism; he seeks inquiry and experiencing as the key to learning. According to Dewy experience is a mean to an end as well as an end in itself[5]. Human experience is the key element to learning, which aims to seek understanding, coordinating environment into whole, teaching through inquiry and promoting personal growth and democracy.

kitab al A’alim al Gulam: Syedna Taher Saifuddin R.A deliberates in this speech: “Abu Qasim R.A, the one sent to Yemen for of zuhur organized the system of spreading al Ilm there, and mentioned some principles of it in the kitab al A’alim al Gulam.”[6]

The Book al-Alim wal-Gulam (The Master and The Disciple) shows a practical aspect of the theoretical aspect of teacher-student educational relationship and communication. Enlightened by this perspective, the teachers and student can follow the fatemi principles of educational communication. As this starts with the question of how should an Alim be thanked that he must be obeyed.

The reflection of this can severally seemed in the book, especially when the A’alim described Gulam the way of spending money in sabil ul Allah, the Gulam immediately present this total possession in front of the A’alim on the other hand A’alim’s compassion can be easily understood by the addressing style of the Alim to Gulam. ‘يابني’ which means my beloved child, and the limit of it can be assumed, that the Gulam called him ‘father’.

This divine method of teaching and seeking Al Ilm (knowledge) helps a learner to apply much of he/she has been taught as it becomes habitual to him/her, this theory is also known as simple non-associative learning.

So the aim of this methodology in Fatemi literature is to lead the learner toward the achievement of highest peak of al Ilm and it is impossible unless through proper channel as Allah almighty has created them, from level to level until he reaches his final destiny of being with the ‘insan e mutlaq’[7].

To conclude- the code of success in educational development is not the “text book” but is the relationship and communication between student and teacher. Hudaat Kiram S.A have set us such criteria which develops the holistic personality of a student not academically but socially and personally and religiously.

May Allah bless Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin a long and healthy life, till the Day of Judgment. Ameen

References:

1. al Quran al Karim

2. Kitab ul A’alim wal Gulam

3. al Khotobat al Munirah

4. Doll, C. R. (1986). Curriculum development (5^th ed.). Sydney: Prentice Hall

5. The Republic. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.idph.net/conteudos/ebooks/republic.pdf

6. Cohen, L. M. N. School of thought. Retrieved from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP2.html

7. Metallica. (1997). My little corner of existentialism. Retrieved from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP2.html

8. Dewey, J. (1938/1997). Experience and education. Macmillan

Footnotes:

[1] Doll, C. R. (1986). Curriculum development (5^th ed.). Sydney: Prentice Hall

[2] The Republic. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.idph.net/conteudos/ebooks/republic.pdf

[3] Cohen, L. M. N. School of thought. Retrieved from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP2.html

[4] Metallica. (1997). My little corner of existentialism. Retrieved from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP2.html

[5] Dewey, J. (1938/1997). Experience and education. Macmillan.

[6] Al Khotobat al Munirah, 1380, al Jamea tus Saifiyah

[7] The term has been driven from Ikhwan-us- Safa reflected as a complete human being which according to Fatemi perspective is Imam-uz- Zaman

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

The positive student-teacher relationship

m.anjari — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 08:59:42 +0000

An important aspect dealt in contemporary era – is how interactive and positive is the relationship between a Teacher and a Student. Many cognitive theorists argue that learning is a social event, and that both teachers and students will pay the price if teachers neglect to form emotionally warm, supportive relationships with and among their students. (Foorming Positive Student-Teacher Relationships n.d.) According to the observations and surveys – a student spends his/her 5 to 7 hours in school/college around 9 to 10 months annually, and is affected by a group of teachers interacting with them daily. And more troubles outside of school that can easily distract mind of a student. As a result, they need more effective relationship with their teachers. These students feel that caring teachers “legitimize their personal concerns and also help them refocus energy on there goals (Speaking up: Student’s perspectives on school 1992).

This relationship when groomed – elevates the intellectual abilities of a student, and when neglected by a teacher – freezes the growth of capabilities and skills which resulting a waste of talent and carelessness of a teacher.

Where as a good and healthy relationship is defined through policies and principles of teaching and studying portrayed by Awlia-ullah Kiram S.A and Duat Kiram R.A in their ways of teaching and guidance. The Book Al-Alim wal-Gulam (The Master and The Disciple) is a master piece of projecting a way of learning, studying, educating and teaching with full application of the Ilm (knowledge) practically which needs to be full filled for conceiving the knowledge as a whole.

But there haven’t been any discussion about it done till now.

So this paper aims to take part in that discussion through a new aspect, that is in a Fatemi perspective in the light of kitab Al-Alim wal Gulam.

According to Pianta, positive student-teacher relationships are characterized by open communication, as well as emotional and academic support that exist between students and teachers (Pianta 1999). A positive relationship starts with a comforting reception from a teacher to a student from day one. The teacher needs to acknowledge the activities performed by students of any level and encourage them which then bond a positive relationship. The student needs to approach with full respect and honor for the teacher and consult in any queries occurring in academic activities and the communication between the student and the teacher serves as a connection between the two, which provides a better atmosphere for a classroom environment (www.csun.edu n.d.). The environment develops the growth of a student gradually in developing a personality, characteristics and manners. The student adapts the style of communication transmitted by the Teacher.

Ikhwan al Safa elaborates the pattern of the positive teacher-student relationship and communication that the teacher should use mercy, leniency, forgiveness, pity, compassion and kindness with the student, while student must also show respect for him (Iman Ahmed al Mastur n.d.).

Syedna Taher Saifuddin R.A and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin T.U.S have strictly prohibited beating students on their mistakes, but to build a Father-Son like relationship that the student does not respond rebelliously. As we know that the knowledge cannot be forced upon, therefore the bondage between the teacher and student plays a vital role in educational development.

The emphasize has always been upon the communication and relationship between teacher and student socially, academically and personally.

The Book Al-Alim wal-Gulam (The Master and The Disciple) shows a practical aspect of the theoretical aspect of teacher-student communication in the perspective, that how teachers and student can follow these fatemi principles of educational communication. As the start with the question of how should an Alim be thanked that he must be obeyed.

The reflection of this can be seen in the book several times, especially when the Alim described the Gulam (Youthful) the way of spending money in sabil ul Allah, the Gulam immediately presented his total possession to the Alim, on the other hand Alim’s compassion can be easily understood by the addressing style of the Alim to Gulam. By ‘يابني’ which means my beloved child, and the limit of it can be assumed, that the Gulam called him ‘father’ (Alim wal Gulam n.d.).

To conclude, the code of success in educational development is not the “text book” rather the relationship and communication between the student and the teacher. Hudaat Kiram S.A have set such criteria which develop the holistic personality of a student not academically but socially, personally and religiously.

May Allah bless Syedna Mohammad Burhanuddin with a healthy and prosperous life for many many long years to come. Ameen.

Bibliography

Alim wal Gulam.

Foorming Positive Student-Teacher Relationships. http//www.cedu.niu.edu/`shumow/itt/studentTchrrelationship.pdf.

Iman Ahmed al Mastur. Ikhwan al safa.

Phelan, Patrica, Ann Davidson, Hanh Locke, and Cao Thanh . “Speaking up:student’s perspectives on school.” Phi Delta Kappan 73.9, 1992: 695-704.

Pianta, Robert C. “Enhancing Relationships Between Children and Teachers.” American Psycological Assn, 1999.

“www.csun.edu.” http//www.csun.edu/~acc50786/education.html.

–

The Author is a Student of Al Jamea Tus Saifiyah, Karachi.

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.

Barakat of Mawaid of Ale Mohammed (AS)

Juzar Noorani — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:35:39 +0000

Huzurala Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) every year invites Mumineen all over the world for Iftar Niyaz on a day during Shehre Ramadan al-Moazzam. Mumineen regard it as a part of barakat from the mawaid of Ale Mohammed (SA) which not only enriches and nourishes the body but the mind and soul as well.

Like in other niyaz great care is taken but with a difference with the menu also being sent from al-Vazarat. Janab Amil Saheb, being the representative of His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS) in the locality takes keen and particular interest not only in the preparation of the Niyaz but also in serving it personally to Mumineen on behalf of Aqa Maula (TUS). Abnaul Jamea and Ayyanul Jamaat also join in serving Mumineen.

As a tradition the Dawoodi Bohras sit in a round formation when a khidmat guzaar brings in the utensil for washing the hands of each person before eating. A cloth is spread and a Round Dish of stainless steel, known as the thaal, is brought in. It is customary within the Bohra community to eat from the center of the thaal in line with the Hadith of Rasulallah (SA) “Kasratul Aydee barakatun”, the more the people are there to share the more bountiful and auspicious it is. Dishes are served on after the other as starters and appetizers. It is also customery for the Dawoodi Bohras to start each dish after praying “Bismillah” and “salawat”. All those dinning in a thaal complete the meal together and finish each bit in the thaal ensuring not even a single grain is wasted. On finishing everyone says hamd of Allah Subhanahu and washes there hands after the thaal being taken away.

Mumineen today were blessed to have the barakat of iftar niyaaz by Aqa Maula (TUS) and enjoyed every bit of it doing hamd of Allah and praying for our beloved Dai (TUS).

May Allah Subhanahu bless him with a healthy long life to serve Him, His deen and for the betterment of Muslimeen and humanity. Ameen

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

:: Hikmah @ Ekhwan.Com :: » Deen

From the heart it has sprung, and to the heart it shall penetrate.

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