Filed under: Magazine/ Culture, May Volume I - 2009, Religion | Tags: Gilani, Jilani
By Noora Ahmad
Islamic Post Staff Writer
Reciting naat and qasidahs, Muslims of the Americas (MOA) pay tribute to International Quranic Open University Vice Chancellor, Perfect Sufi Master, His Eminence, El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani Hashmi, a direct descendant of the world-renowned saint and scholar of Islam, Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani.
(IP) –The Muslims of the Americas gathered to pay tribute to His Eminence, El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Gilani in April when MOA founding mothers, Zahidah Faruq and Umm Shafi (Aisha Begum) were invited to recite special naats they had written many years ago that have inspired generations to follow the ways of love, peace and selflessness set out by El Sheikh Gilani. The two ladies graced the occassion with a joint recitation. For one naat, Umm Shafi was accompanied by two of her sons, one of whom sings for the up and coming group Ansaruddeen. Songs by founding mother Baji Halimah Sahar were also recited. Baji Halimah has written over 100 such songs and poems and published her work via Zavia Books entitled:A Journey of Love In Na’ats and Poetry.
After releasing “Ya Ilahi” last year, Ansaruddeen is expected to record their next album later this year. Many of the songs recited by Ansaruddeen also pay tribute to El Sheikh Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, who is greatly loved by the group members and their fans. The group, which consists of three young men –Ibrahim Caba, Abdul Manaan A. Hakim and Muhammad Hussain A. Khabir– gave their most recent concert during a fundraising dinner at Abu’s House of Halal, a restaurant in Binghamton, NY. Fans of the group and devotees of El Sheikh Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani were able to hear a live Ansaruddeen performance in an elegant setting, and guests enjoyed traditional curry chicken with grilled spicy vegetables and flat bread, and also American classics such as filet mignon, rice and a specially prepared cake.
Filed under: Education, Magazine/ Culture, May Volume I - 2009, Religion | Tags: Jamal al Quran
Appeal to Pakistan Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to Take Immediate Action to Bring Culprits ForwardPRESS RELEASE
To: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry
Supreme Court of Pakistan
and the Pakistan Ministry of Religious Affairs
From: United Muslim Advocates Guild
Re: Your Attention to Inaccurate References in Jamal ul Quran Regarding Our Holy Last Messenger (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him)
Date: May 6, 2009
Dear Your Honors:
I write to you on behalf of the United Muslim Advocates Guild headquartered in the United States of America. This letter concerns a current injustice taking place in your country. Approximately four years ago, members of our staff purchased four dozen Holy Qur’ans published by Zia ul Quran – The translator of the English/Arabic edition of Jamal ul Quran is Professor Anis Ahmad Sheikh and the proofreading was done by Professor Muhammad Shaffi.
Upon review, we were shocked to discover the most insulting commentary regarding our Beloved Holy Last Messenger (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him). Specifically, the line to be scrutinized is the seventh ayat of the 93rd Surah, Ad-Duha, hereinafter (“the ayat”). The use of the word “distracted” for the Arabic term dalaala in the ayat when referring to the Holy Last Messenger (peace and blessing be upon him) is incorrect and surely a gross insult to him, to his blessed and pure family (peace be upon them all) and to the entire Muslim world!
We contacted the publishers without hesitation to inform them of this gross error. Our staff strongly suggested the publishers: Pizada Muhammad Hafeez-ul-Barakaat Shah, and his brother Pizada Muhammad Ibrahim Shah place an editor’s slip or notation into each Holy Qur’an detailing the distortion and correcting the inaccuracy of the translation. Shamefully, both made little of the maligning of the Holy Last Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and treated the whole issue as though it was of no importance and insignificant. Their arrogant, remorseless response was, “We don’t have time for this matter.” The two refused to address the issue further. It is unconscionable to think this matter is occurring in a Muslim country where those in control claim to be Ahli Bait. They profess to be family of our Holy Last Messenger (May Allah be pleased with him) but none has stepped up to protect his Honor.
The correct meaning of the ayah concerned is “We found you absorbed in love of Allah and we show you the way.” This is the same interpretation of the word dalaala as it was used in Sura Yusuf when referring to Hazrat Yaqub (peace be upon him) in order to express the extreme love for his son Hazrat Yusuf (peace be upon him). The Almighty Allah states that: “My Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is not insane, nor a liar, nor a confused person.” The Arabic/Urdu Dictionary published in Karachi and Lahore concurs that the word used in translation to mean “distracted” is used to describe someone who is weak-minded or one with a mental flaw. The words Pagall (insane , distracted) and Jhoot (meaning lies and insane) were used. To even suggest such derogatory characteristic could exist in the Holy Last Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is an unspeakable affront to the most perfect of creation and a fraudulent portrayal of Rasooli Akram’s (peace and blessings be upon him) impeccable character. This is a grave offense and may Allah forgive us for having to even associate these words in within the same paragraph of Our Holy Last Messenger!
Further, the United Muslim Advocates Guild and the International Qur’anic Open University have jointly sponsored a newspaper correspondent to travel to your country to personally deliver this letter and to monitor the situation.
To this end, we are respectfully requesting that you exercise your influence to order the publishers to rectify this problem with all urgency. Sirs, you have the authority to rectify this injustice suo motto and we implore you to do so.
If our demand is ignored by the government of Pakistan, then we will be forced to rally and protest against the arrogant and blasphemous statement contained in the publication.
Respectfully submitted.
Jazakullah,
Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Attorney at Law
Filed under: Business/Economy, Interfaith, International, May Volume I - 2009, National, Religion, World
(IP)– This month, regulatory bodies are reviewing the excessive interest, or usury, being charged by credit card companies. After being pursued in an antitrust case for “non-compliance” to European Commission rules regarding cross border fees, MasterCard settled out of court. While, according to European Union regulators, the credit card company agreed to reduce fees that raise costs for retailers, the New York Times reports MasterCard said the reduction was simply provisional and that it would continue a broader battle over the level of the fees in court. Here at home, United States lawmakers moved, in turn, to provide people with credit card debt relief from abusive rate and billing practices, as reported by Market Watch. A new Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights would restrict retroactive rate increases on existing balances, double-cycle billing, and “due-date gimmicks,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, who has spearheaded the legislation. Market Watch further noted, “The proposals approved by a House subcommittee are similar to final rules passed late last year by the Federal Reserve and other regulators… [In addition] a Senate committee approved its own set of credit card restrictions.”
This issue at stake for the European Commission and American lawmakers and regulators is the age-old question of controlling the flow of usury –the excessive rate of return charged by banks and lending institutions on interest-based loans. Financial experts recently criticized the wildfire spread of usury as being one of the major factors that led to the current economic crisis.
Usury had been strictly regulated in most countries until the late 1600s when usurious practices were first officially sanctioned by a head of state, William of Orange in Britain, who supported the establishment of the Bank of England –a private institution at the time. The practice of high rates of return gradually spread, but the institution was nevertheless widely viewed with distaste. Because it is easy for anyone –but particularly poor people and those in desperate circumstances– to find themselves in a reciprocating pattern of debt due to compound interest and the like, usury has been taken as a form of oppression. In this sense, secular and religious norms are in agreement. The major religions have been against such banking practices since their inception.
The First Council of Nicaea in 325, forbade clergy from engaging in usury which, at the time, meant interest of any kind. Pope Clement V made the belief in the right to usury a heresy in 1311. Islam has always forbidden interest, whether by modern definitions of usury or not, and continues to uphold the same prohibition. The Torah also carries prohibition of usury.
But in 2009, after many centuries, usurious practices seem to have overwhelmed religious awareness, as creditors consistently offer credit cards, mortgages and loans at extremely high rates of interest to people who are known to be unable to repay the principle, let alone the interest. The global economy has been headed toward its present state for many years, with few preventive measures having been taken against such forms of predatory business. Beginning in the 1960s deregulation of usury began to occur in the United States, and individual states initiated their own individual practices and laws regarding what were deemed usurious and illegal and what was not. In some states, debtors have been known to be charged in excess of 300% interest in extreme cases.
Author Thomas Geoghegan, was interviewed recently on DemocracyNow! regarding his work which recently appeared in Harper’s Magazine entitled “Infinite Debt: How Unlimited Interest Rates Destroyed the Economy.” In this excerpt from the interview, Mr Geoghegan explains in a simplified form how the “real economy,” or manufacturing, was in essence destroyed over time by the financial sector.
“If you’re able to charge 30 percent or, in a payday lender case, 200 or 300 percent, you don’t care so much if the loan —in fact, you actually want the loan not to be repaid. You want people to go into debt. You want to accumulate this interest. And this addicted the financial sector to very, very, very high rates of return compared to what investors were used to getting in the real economy, the manufacturing sector, General Motors, which would give piddling five, six, seven percent returns.
“So the capital in this country began to shift in the financial sector. That’s why the financial sector began to bloat up. That’s why we ended up, by 2006, having a third of all profits going into the banks and the financial firms and not into the real economy.”
If Mr Geoghegan’s “real economy” is based in the manufacturing and sale of physical goods, the financial sector would then be a virtual economy –one whose primary method of trade and profit are loans that, having scant basis in monetary gold or silver, are based upon the trustworthiness (credit) of the financial institution granting the virtual money.
But the hardship endured by honest people struggling to make a variety of monthly payments is not make-believe. The interest (sometimes called late fees) on car payments, business loans, credit cards, mortgages, student loans, and even hospital bills and cell phones is generally billed first and compounded with each failed due date until the full debt could become impossible to repay. The creditor is often able to recover the original debt, even with a decent profit, but the debtor doesn’t always get out of the clear. If not, before the creditor writes off the remaining debt on company taxes, the institution may then sell the remaining balance to a third party collection agency. At this point, the debtor must pay the transferred balance plus any additional collection fees (more interest).
While some loan practices are being reviewed by US lawmakers in favor of the consumer, a range of consumer, community and civil rights groups recently objected to the leading bill in Congress set to deal with the issue of payday loans. Consumers Union, Americans for Fairness in Lending and six other groups say the Payday Loan Reform Act of 2009, would actually protect the “predatory payday loan business model and will stall or stop the significant progress that has been made at the state level to curb usurious lending.” In a letter to members of Congress, the groups state “Although this bill shares the same title as H.R. 2871 in the last Congress, it will have the exact opposite impact on consumers.” The Washington Independent alleges the new bill to be “loophole-ridden” and faults lobbyist influence.
The Center for Responsible Lending says interest rate caps are the only solution to a worsening predatory situation, and will cost taxpayers nothing. “Payday loans carry annual interest rates of around 400 percent. They trap people in debt to the extent that the average borrower has nine payday transactions a year,” the Center reported. “[While] Barack Obama has… proposed a combination of cutting taxes and encouraging spending to aid in economic recovery… predatory lenders are stripping cash from the earnings of working people who fall into this same demographic –at astounding rates.”
This may not bode well for an already struggling US economy.
Filed under: Interfaith, May Volume I - 2009, National, Religion, Science, World | Tags: H1N1
US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has announced the United States federal government declaration of a public health emergency due to the swine flu outbreak. Secretary Napolitano asserts the declaration is part of a standard operating procedure, which was also done for the 2009 presidential inauguration and for flooding. The influenza strain “is obviously a cause for concern … but it is not a cause for alarm,” President Obama has noted.
Health and Religion.
Knowledge is coming to the forefront that people who work with swine, especially those with intense exposures, are at increased risk of infection with the influenza virus if the animals carry the strain that is also able to infect humans. It is believed to be spread between humans through coughing or sneezing of infected people and touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also declared that swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted if it has been cooked “to an internal temperature of 160°F” as this process “kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.”
Nevertheless, Muslim, Christian and Jewish holy books all prohibit the consumption of pork, which is a staple in the Southern Unites States and south of the border as well, although the majority of residents in these areas are widely known to be religious:
Old Testament: “ As for any beast that is a splitter of the hoof but is not a former of the cleft and not a chewer of the cud, they are unclean for you. Everyone touching them will be unclean.” –Leviticus 11:26
Holy Qur’an: “Forbidden to you for (food) are: dead meat, blood and the flesh of the swine and that which hath been invoked the name other than Allah.” –Holy Qur’an 5:4
It is also worthy of note that Jesus (peace be upon him) has been recorded as stating in the New Testament: “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill them.” –Matthew 5:17. However, this is disputed by followers of Paul, who exclude themselves from the law based upon his teachings.
By Jameelah Kareem
Islamic Post Staff Writer
News agencies are reporting U.S. lawmakers will continue sending some Guantanamo Bay detainees to a rehabilitation program in Saudi Arabia. General Mansoor al Turki, interior ministry spokesman for the Saudi government, told CNN, “Such a re-education program will help the police to make sure these people get rid of the ideology that penetrated their brains [and to] make sure, when they leave prison, [they] can lead [a] normal life.”
There are approximately 240-250 detainees left at Guantanamo, most with little to no evidence of terrorist involvement. Nevertheless, a reform program is still seen as appropriate and the Care Rehabilitation Center in Riyadh, which focuses solely on ‘religious education,’ claims a 95% success rate. While the two Saudis who were said to have gone back to Al Qaeda, Said Al-Shihri and another man, bring that rate down by only about one percent (218 processed with 9 rearrests), there are more pressing questions regarding whether ‘religious education’ of the Saudi Arabian government is rehabilitating, or debilitating, for their Islamic morality.
The first thing which weakens Islamic principles of men is the common teaching of Wahhabism, which originates in Saudi Arabia, that it is not necessary to follow the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of God be upon him. Although there is a general outward appearance of flowing robes, the code which is largely followed is tribal custom. There is no harm in local customs as long as they do not transcend the laws of decency and human brotherhood. When these laws are bypassed, as is happening in many so-called Islamic countries, the result is an extremist stance that results in violent acts and the oppression of women justified with false interpretations of Islamic texts.
One of the publishing houses which caters to the raising of an intolerant mindset is Darussalam Publications which uphold distortions of Islam, even mistranslating the traditions of the Holy Last Messenger, peace be upon him, to suit their ends (See Darussalam Publications: Enjoining Wrong, Forbidding Right, Islamic Post January Volume I.)
Another primary source of misinformation is the translation and commentary of the Holy Qur’an by Yusuf Ali, which is the main Qur’anic text available in the West, in particular, as millions of copies are donated freely to mosques, Islamic centers, campuses and libraries. Freedom House’s Center for Religious Freedom cites no less than $75 billion dollars leaving the Saudi monarchy in donations to locations abroad. These monies are used for mosque-building assistance and salaries for those who agree to preach Wahhabism in their locales. For those who accept this assistance, the Yusuf Ali translation, Wahhabi books and literature are all mandatory to be placed therein and the teachers are given them as textbooks.
Majlis Ulema of South Africa published a book in the 1980s titled Errors of Yusuf Ali in which was listed 16 major mistakes in translation and commentary. Majlis Ulema asserts that in his erroneous commentary, Yusuf Ali promoted that following the Holy Messengers of Islam is unneccessary. If following the broad minded tolerance of the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his interpretation of Qur’an (which is, in fact, his lifestyle) is not mandatory, but optional, it surely leaves room for a different, fallacious interpretation. This is the interpretation which originates from the Saudi Arabian government and religious bodies. Sending people who have already been accused of extremism to Saudi Arabia for reformation may not be the correct route to take.
A reformer is a scholar, not one who rejects the scholars for his own vain interpretation of Islam. It is also imperative that scholars know the entire text of Holy Qur’an, and above all, possess thorough understanding of the occasions for which various sections and lines of Holy Qur’an were revealed, including the abrogated verses, and those that replaced them. This can only be done by someone who has spent his life studying the science of the traditions of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) and knows them by memory, as well as the Holy Qur’an itself. Also he should be well versed in the historical events that precipitated revelations.
He must also be well acquainted with the character of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) and his Holy Companions and also the enemies and allies of the believers. Foes and friends existed outside the Islamic community and also within. As is today, there were many hypocrites who had apparently followed the religion, but only with a view to riding on the power of Islam. Needless to say, being fluent in classical Arabic and the shades of meaning used by Hijazi Arabs of the time is absolutely essential. Finally, the scholar to be must be infused with knowledge of God, awareness of Him, and a profound dislike to commit errors or do what the Almighty dislikes. To embrace all these qualities and profound knowledge can prove very challenging. Because of their love of and spiritual connection to the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him), his descendants have, throughout history, become the finest and most prolific scholars of Islam.
Therefore, not every Tom or Abdullah can pick up Holy Qur’an offhand, and begin to explain the text therein according to his own opinion. Muslims and non-Muslims alike are impressed upon to seek knowledge of Islam, its Messenger (peace be upon him), history, language and culture to enhance his or her understanding of Islam’s Divine text, which was sent for the entire human race. This can be done by sitting for lessons with a scholar of Islam or, failing this, reading his books and discourses. In Islam, it is only the deviates and arrogant people who say they will only follow Holy Qur’an or Hadith (authenticated, recorded traditions of the Holy Last Messenger, peace be upon him) while dismissing the work of scholars who spent their lifetimes studying and writing on the same in detail.
All this being said, there are very specific circumstances which occasion jihad, or defensive warfare, in the Holy Qur’an and Islam, just as there are injunctions for the same in the Bible. It is not befitting for those who are not scholars of the Word of God, whether they be Muslim or non-Muslim, to misinterpret such injunctions for any reason, least of all to advocate wanton bloodshed. On numerous occasions Wahhabi teachings have been found to be lacking in this regard.
However, for some, extremism provides opportunities. According to Newsweek: “There have also been concerns that Bush administration holdovers were deliberately playing up the [recidivism] cases in recent weeks in an effort to undercut Obama. One former senior U. S. counter-terrorism official noted to Newsweek that the Pentagon waited until the day after Obama signed his executive order mandating the closure of Guantanamo to confirm Mr Al-Shihri’s renewed Al Qaeda ties.”
Hazrat Imam Ali once said to his son Hazrat Imam Hasan, My son, learn four things from me and through them you will learn four more. If you keep them in mind your actions will not bring any harm to you: The greatest wealth is wisdom; the greatest poverty is stupidity; the worst unsociableness is that of vanity and self-glorification; and the best nobility of descent exhibits itself in politeness and in refinement of manner. The next four things, my son, are: “Do not make friendship with a fool because when he will try to do you good he will do you harm; do not make a miser your friend because he will run away from you at the time of your dire need; do not be friendly with a vicious and wicked person because he will sell you and your friendship at the cheapest price; and do not make friend of a liar because like a mirage he will make you visualize very near the things which lie at a great distance and will make you see at the great distance the things which are near to you”.
We ask that Allah, the Most High, bestow countless blessings upon the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family members of that time and today, who continue to grace us with their presence, and allow young and old to benefit from the leaders of the Ummah who come from this most blessed family.
The Muslims of the Americas (MOA) are proud to announce the birth of the newest light of the most honored family, the Ahli Bait, Syed Abdul Qadir Shah Gilani (also shown in the Eid collage above), son of our beloved Imam, El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani.
“The moment rose water was sprinkled on me [at the ceremony], I felt better,” said Muneerah Abdul Adl of Holy Islamberg. “All my worries at that moment went away. Khalifah Hussein Abu Bakr’s discourse made me more knowledgeable about the whole experience as well as the importance of motherhood. I was so happy to be there and I didn’t want to leave.”
Although of immense glad tidings, it was not surprising to hear quotes from the discourse given on this special occasion that there will be a time when the rulers of nations will be Syed, from the family of the Holy Last Messenger, may the peace of Allah be upon him and his noble family. One sign of this has been the President of the United States Syed Barack Hussein Obama. It was also cheering but, again, not shocking to now be told during the discourse that many Syeds have come from MOA families, although we are unaware of who they are.
In fact, due to the high numbers of Muslims who were brought to the Americas as slaves, and even the numbers of Cherokee and other Native American tribes who had converted to Islam before the arrival of the well-known colonial settler, Christopher Columbus, it is not a mystery why Islam is the fastest growing religion in America, as many Americans are simply returning to their roots and embracing the religion and culture of their forebears. Also, because the vast majority of African Americans were systematically cut off from their African roots and heritage, it is unknown to most which are blessed with the distinction of Syed forebears.
~
“Blessed we are and we pray to remain so! I witnessed the Aqiqa [ceremony of blessing] in all its happiness and noor!
In Holy Islamberg. “Generation after generation, we steadily build our nation!”
May Allah, the Most High, bless the Holy Family, their Syed sons and daughters and may our families serve them now and forever more…
For to serve them is to be like the siddiqs [truthful and loyal] who stood by Imam Shah Hussein, Noori son of Muhammad (peace be upon him)- May Allah bless his name!”
-Poetry: Umm Shafi
By Aisha A. Muqit
Islamic Post Staff Writer
Bismillahir Rahman nir Rahim, As Salaatu was Salaamu alayka Ya RasoolAllah.
This poem is dedicated to the King, may Allah’s peace be upon him eternally, his Ahli Bait, Holy Companions, and Awliya. He is Here (peace be upon him)!
The King is arriving.
He will be here soon…
The King is Arriving, Is Everyone Aware?
The King is Arriving, We must Prepare!
Listen, the time grows near.
The Approach of the King,
He will soon be Here…
The King is Arriving, Is Everyone Aware?
The King is Arriving, We must be prepared!
Quiet the children. Are they tidy and clean?
The child in ourselves, is it fully trained
to serve the King?
Just to be sure, let me check everything.
Just to be sure all is ready for the Arrival of the King…
Do I have on my finest dress?
Does Dhikr Hoo, pound in my chest?
Did I apply my kohl, and ittar?
Have I performed all my Salat,
including Witr?
Is the castle clean, are all the cobwebs gone?
Have I banished unruly thoughts, that ruin the calm?
Have I swept all the rooms and the halls?
Washed away any dark spots on the walls?
Do the windows shine with that special glow?
Have they been scrubbed with Dhikr of the Qadri Rose?
Has Incense been lit to perfume the air,
Na’ats and poems written with care?
Is the Red Carpet, all rolled out,
Flowers of every color, strewn about?
Are hearts, welcoming the Coming Strides,
Decorated with D’roods sung with pride?
The reds of D’rood Taj, the green of ‘Ya Sayyiddi;’ and, of course, the whites of ‘Ya Nabi!’
Ya Rabb! is that steps I hear?
Has that much time disappeared?
The King is Arriving …
I feel the intensity increase.
Here comes our King, Ya Mureeds!
Look… There… Bursting upon the Horizon,
More brilliant than a high-noon sun,
The Noble Entourage enters sight.
Oh Lovers! What a Blessed Time!
The King is Coming, “Rejoice!” fills the air.
All of Creation stand prepared
To greet the King of Both Worlds,
The Glory of the Kingdom lies Unfurled!
Surrounding the King like a Perfect Bouquet:
His Sahabah Akram and Ahli Bait,
Seven Noori Beings Glowing in their Wake.
The Ambiya and Awliya also fill the ranks.
Their arrival brings cries of Welcome
and Thanks!
Behold the Star of the Blessed Five,
The King, with His Princes By His side!
Majestically Flanking our King Today,
Are the Royal Shahidain,
Imamain, Hasan wa Hussain.
Both Sacrificed their lives for the Deen,
Betrayed by so called ‘Muslimeen’
Leaders of the Youth of Jannah
Pure Examples for the Ummah.
Oh My Rabb! Next I see,
The Queen of All Jennatis
Draped in a chaddar, Brilliant White,
All Must Lower their gaze at her sight.
Her Majesty, Syeda Fatimah tuz Zahra
First Sultana of Awliya!
Her mantle, I have many times seen;
Yet I never imagined the Grace of this Queen!
My Qalb is pounding, deafening now…
For next to this Perfect Queen,
Is the Door to the King!
Oh Beloved Hazrat Ali,
Master of Hikma and Ma’arfa,
Master of Every Sufi and the Awliya.
Fierce Lion, carrying Zulfiqar,
Guards the King, with Skill and Valor.
…Softly, a spring breeze touches my cheek,
And I know it is my King that Next I’ll see!
Our wait is over! We Wait No More!
Resplendently, Our Noble King
enters His Court!
Our King has Arrived! Our King has Arrived!
Marhabah! Marahaba!
Ya Mustafa! Ya Mujtaba!
Marhabah! Marhaba!
Shukr wal Hamdulillah! Shukr wal Hamdulillah!
Ya Rahmatulil Alameen, Sall Allahoo alayka wa sallam!
Reason for the Creation of Everything
My Heart, My Love, Most Honorable King!
Oh Embodiement of Allah’s,
Uncreated Noori Jamal!
We Your Humble Subjects, gathered Here…
Glistening in our Endless Tears…
Have eagerly awaited this day
When we can personally say:
We Stand Ready For Your Command!
Labbayk! Labbayk! Ya RasulAllah (Sall Allahoo alayka wa sallam!)
Please! Come Take Our Hands!
If not for You, we would not exist!
There is NO life without you in our Midst!
We, Your Lovers, Loyal and True,
Desire only to Stand Behind You!
We’ve Been Carefully Prepared
For this Day;
Our Murshid Has Guided us Every Step of the Way;
Will You Accept Us Under Your Sway?
Ya Hareesun Alaykum!
Please Forgive the wrong we do!
Though we are Faulty,
We are in Love You!
Lead us to the Ultimate Victory.
Reveal to us the Great Mystery:
Immersion in our Rabb and Eternal Life,
Beyond all Hardship, Miseries and Strife!
…Suddenly, I Feel A Glance.
…I sense His (Sall Allahoo alayhi wa sallam) Gaze.
…Everything in me stands Amazed…
The Most Beloved
Of all whom are Loved,
He Glances, at this Humble Dove.
Exultingly, I feel wings in my chest beat…
I feel “Hoo, Hoo, Hoo!”
Repeat, Repeat!
I no longer have any Feet…
Flying High Upon the Smile,
That stayed upon me
for just a short while.
My King Arrived,
And I recognized…
My King Had Always Been Here,
And He is Never Going Anywhere.
Within my Qalb is Where He Stays,
Within my Being, Now and Always…
Huwa Hunaa… He is Here!
Huwa Hunaa… Ever Near . .
Huwaa Hunaa… Never Fear!
He is Here and He Loves,
More than Love Itself.
For HE IS Love,
Himself
(Sall Allahoo Alayhi wa sallam).
–
Undoubtedly Alive, an explanation.
There are many misinformed and misled people who say that the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), is dead and mixed with the sand, Astaghfirullah! God willing, below you will find proof from the Glorious Qur’an, Ahadith, as well as from eminent scholars of Islam that shows that all the Prophets of Allah including Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) are undoubtedly alive.
The Prophets of Almighty Allah are alive like they were alive on earth. They eat, drink and come and go [to this Earth] as they wish. To fulfill the promise of Allah Almighty, “Every soul is to taste death [Holy Qur’an 21:35], they tasted death for a moment and were given life again. Thereafter they were given the same life in their graves as they had on earth. The same laws of this world apply to them in their graves. Therefore their estate or belongings are not distributed as inheritance. It is haraam for their pious wives to remarry and there is no ‘iddah period for their pious wives. Prophets of God eat, drink, and perform salaah in their graves as they normally did during their lives on earth. [Bahaare Shariat; Malfooz Shareef]
Allah the Most High states in the Holy Qur’an: “Surely you shall die, and surely they shall also die. [39:30] In truth, [for them] this death is just for a moment and not for eternity otherwise the Holy Qur’an also states regarding the shuhadah (Martyrs), “And they are alive, but you are unaware.”
Furthermore, the Ascension which Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) went also shows that the Prophets are alive. Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) met Hazrat Moosa (Moses, peace be upon him) on that night and even spoke to him. In fact, it was due to the help of Hazrat Moosa (peace be upon him) that the salaah was reduced from 50 to five times a day for us. This shows that the pious servants of Allah Almighty are alive and can also provide help even after their demise. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan]
Allah the Most High states in the Glorious Qur’an, “And ask those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you: “Did We appoint some other gods besides the Most Affectionate to be worshipped?” [43:45] This again refers to the night of Me’raj, or Ascension and, after the salaah in Masjidul Aqsa, Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) was told to ask the Prophets before him. One can only ask that person who is able to hear and to give a reply. Furthermore, this shows that the Blessed Prophets after their demise travel in the world and meet one another. They are therefore neither dead nor are they detained in their graves. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan, Tafseer Roohul Ma’aani]
In another verse Allah Almighty states, “And do not say about those who are slain in the path of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive, but you are unaware of it.” [2:154] If Allah the Most High tells us not to call the shuhadah dead, how then can anyone say that Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) is dead (Astaghfirullah!), when even the shuhadah have received their martyrdom through the blessing of Rasoolullah (peace be upon him)? [Editor’s note: This refers to the mercy of Allah being bestowed upon the shuhada. The Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) once prayed for mercy upon one of his companions and the man gained shahada. Rasoolullah is also the Mercy to All the Worlds.] Furthermore, the Prophets are much more exalted than the shuhadah, therefore if the shuhadah are alive then undoubtedly the Prophets are alive. [Fathul Baari Sharah Bukhari ]
Allah, Exalted is He, further states: “And those that have been slain in the path of Allah, never think of them as dead; but they are alive with their Lord, from Whom they get their subsistence.” [3:169] From this we learn that the bodies and spirits of the martyrs are both alive. They are both physically and spiritually alive. It is for this reason that their bodies do not decay in the grave. [Note: This phenomena has been proven true regarding all people killed unjustly. The text does not at all refer to those misguided people who commit suicide.]
Furthermore, the souls of martyrs journey through paradise in the form of green birds and they eat and drink whatever they desire. [Tafseer Noorul Irfaan] If the martyrs are alive and eat and drink whatever they desire, what then is the status of Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) who is the most exalted of all creation?
Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) once said, “Recite salawaat (durood, or blessings and peace) upon me in abundance on a Friday since it is a respected day. On that day the angels are present and whosoever sends salawaat upon me, then his salawaat is placed before me till the time when they have completed sending the salawaat.” Hazrat Abu Dardah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that he asked Rasoolullah (peace be upon him), “Oh Rasoolullah, will you even hear the salawaat after your demise?” Our Beloved Master (peace be upon him) said, “Verily Almighty Allah has made it forbidden for the earth to devour the bodies of the Ambiya (Messengers, or some say Prophets, of God, peace be upon them). Thus, all the Messengers of Allah are alive and they are given sustenance.” [Ibn Majah; Jaame Sagheer; Mishkaat Shareef]
We learn from this that the Ambiya (peace be upon them all) are alive and they have only been hidden from us. We cannot understand their position: similar to that of the angels that are alive and present but we cannot see them. Those whom Allah Almighty has blessed, they can see them. Thus it has been confirmed that the Ambiya (peace be upon them) are alive. [Umdatul Qaari Sharah Bukhari] Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) once saw a Prophet performing Hajj, calling out “Labbaik” and even performing salaah. All the Prophets were present at Masjidul Aqsa on the night of Me’raj and they all performed salaah in jama’at with Rasoolullah (peace be upon him). [Zarqaani Alal Mawaahib]
We can therefore see that there is no doubt that Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) and all the Ambiya are alive, both spiritually and physically. Anyone who says otherwise is denying what the Holy Qur’an and Hadith teaches us. Source: Raza-e-Khushtar Team /IQOU-MOA.org
Filed under: Education, Magazine/ Culture, March Volume 2009, Religion | Tags: Maulid, Milad
The Milad Shareef is an occasion of happiness on which people assemble and recite the Holy Qur’an to the extent that is easy; they relate the prophecies concerning the appearance of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) which have been transmitted in ahadith (authenticated traditions), and also the miraculous events and signs that took place on his birth. Special gratitude to Allah, the Most High, should be expressed in this month and as much worship of the Most High and charity should be done as is possible, since He has bestowed on us this very great favor (that is, He caused the birth therein) of His Beloved (Peace be upon him )
This festival of celebrating the birthday of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him), is a bid’ah hasanah (good innovation), and those arranging it will get blessings, since in such a celebration is found the expression of joy and happiness at the greatness and eminence of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) and his birth.
Imam al-Nawawi (Allah’s mercy be upon him) says in Tahdhib al-Asma wal Lugat: “Bid’ah in the shari’ah (Islamic law) is the invention of that which was not there in the period of the Messenger of Allah, and it is divided into two categories: hasanah (good) and qabihah (evil).” Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said about standing in prayer in the month of Ramadhan, “What a good bid’ah this is!” meaning that this is a new thing which was not there before but, however, does not contradict anything that went before.
Imam Muslim writes that the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) was asked about the fast on Mondays which he used to keep. The Holy Last Messsenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him) replied, “This is the day of my birth.” This proves that the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) kept fast on Mondays to show gratitude for his birth. Imam Bukhari writes that “when Abu Lahab died, someone from his household saw him in a dream, they asked him what happened in the grave. He said, ‘I am being punished severely, but on Mondays, I get water from my finger with which I freed Thuwayba.’ ”
Hafiz Ibn Kathir writes that Abu Lahab freed his slave, Thuwayba, on the day that the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) was born. This proves that a kaafir (nonbeliever), Abu Lahab, was happy on the day of the birth of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) and was rewarded by having his punishment reduced. Then, indeed, Allah will bless a Muslim who rejoices the birth of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him).
Hafiz Shams al-Din Ibn Nasir al-Din al-Dimashqi in his book, Mawrid al-Sadi fi Mawlid al-Hadi, wrote the following lines of poetry:
“When this is a Kafir and his censure has come (in the Qur’an):
Perish his hands in the fire of Hell forever,
It has been narrated that always on a Monday
(His punishment) is lessened because of his happiness at (the birth of) Ahmad.
What is the view then about the servant (of Allah) who spent his whole life
Being happy at (the birth of) Ahmad and died an upholder of the Unity of Allah?”
Hafiz Ibn Kathir also writes: “On the day of the birth of Holy Last Messenger (Peace be upon him), Shaytaan (Satan) cried a lot.” From Ibn Kathir’s narration we can see that to feel unhappy on the birthday of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) is the way of Shaytaan not the way of a Muslim!
-Excerpted from An Introduction to the History of the Milad Shareef (the Birth of the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad, may the peace of Allah be upon him and his family), by Imam Jalaluddin al-Suyuti (1445-1505 CE). IQOU-MOA.ORG
Filed under: February Volume I- 2009, Magazine/ Culture, Poetry, Religion | Tags: Karbala, Muharram
Excerpts from The Marsiya, describing the Battle at Karbala
Written By Mir Anis
‘This morning brings an evening ever blessed:
We who depart for Paradise will slake
Our thirst by Kausar’s spring, and therein rest.
May God exalt our names for honor’s sake.’
Unequalled, each of them to joy gave birth
‘Let martyrs rise in glory from this earth.’
At this the faithful friends rose from their beds,
And donning glorious raiment combed their hair;
Then tying turbans on their noble heads,
They faced the peerless Lord and gathered there.
Wrapped in colored cloaks, their fear grew less;
Rose perfume, musk and civet filed their dress.
Their dry lips sang the praise of God; and light
Shone on their faces; fear was put aside.
No grief or panic clouded o’er their sight;
They joked and laughed and shared their skills with pride.
Their charming accents gladdened every ear;
Each word they uttered was a joy to hear.
The kinsmen of the King stepped from their tent,
Fatima’s darlings all of beauteous face;
Qasim the fair and Akbar heaven-sent,
Aqil and Muslim, Jafar’s valiant race.
Their countenances lit the sky around.
The flower of eighteen suns stood on the ground.
That morning ‘neath the shadow of the stars!
If Moses, who called God on Sinai,
Had seen their light that with the vision jars,
He would have swooned. Celestial majesty
Was echoed by the birds’ song in the bowers
Of the desert valley filled with fragrant flowers.
And here amid the thongs the Prophet’s flowers
Imparted fragrance to the desert lands;
The house of Fatima faced its last hours
In the garden planted by Muhammad’s (sas) hands
This garden cut down in those ten days,
By traitors wasted, cruelly set ablaze.
Then suddenly the dawn’s white light came in;
To lead the prayers the King came from his throne.
All stood behind the Lord of Men and Jinn;
Ali Akbar called the prayer in Hassan’s tone.
The eyes of everyone were filled with tears.
As if the Prophet’s voice fell on their ears.
The birds fell silent; trees in ecstasy
Rocked to an’ fro; their buds and fruit sang praise.
The towns and deserts joined in harmony,
And ocean-beasts emerged to hear their lays.
The darling of Shabbir to all lent weight;
O’er land and sea they cried: ‘Our God is great!’
‘Make ready for your worship!’ came the cry.
The King of all Creation leaves his seat.
In ranks of light the Leader passes by;
Salvation’s path bows down to touch his feet.
His radiance in the highest heaven will reign.
The Qur’an became a prayer-mat for Hussein.
The company’s prayers were verses from that age;
Like ‘Bismillah’ the King stood at their head;
The ranks were lines of writing on the page,
And proudly stood behind the one who led.
The dawn blinked at the whiteness shown between
The rows of words that Ali once had seen.
They stood, then bowed; their prayers flew to the sky;
To the One Existing Lord they showed devotion.
Prostrate upon the ground, their time passed by;
Their hands, their arms, their feet betrayed no motion.
But of their own dire plight, they made no word.
They prayed beneath the shadow of the sword.
The prayer of the King of Men was now compete;
His thirsty friends came forth to shake his hand.
One kissed his cheek, another touched his feet;
What stalwart spirits had this hungry band!
His soldiers pledged their faith with every breath;
Embracing on the feast-day of their death.
To Ali Akbar he made his behest:
‘On treachery our evil foe is bent.
Life of my soul, go where the women rest,
And lead them from the forecourt to the tent.
Through negligence let no child come to grief;
For Asghar’s neck is the target of the thief.’
The Sky-Throned King had thus addressed his son,
When Fazza cried from the porch: ‘Behold our plight!
Oh Lord, now where may Ali’s daughters run?
The children have been crying through the night.
Suffocated by the heat they weep,
But now in the morning breeze they got to sleep.
‘At Karbala the traveler is undone!
An assault upon a Sayyid, loved by all!
In foreign lands can battle e’er be won?
Have mercy on these babes so frail and small.
They die of hunger; thirst has plunged its sword.
They are your Holy Prophet’s family, Lord!’
Drawing near, the Lord of Heaven spoke:
‘Be not thou troubled. All thy prayers are heard.
Our cursed foe all faith and pledges broke,
And now they will learn justice at my word.
This is no time, my sister, for they tears.
Bring forth the holy relics. Cease thy fears.’
Zainab brought the clothes the Prophet wore
When he went to Heaven on that night.
Hussein put on his turban, and once more
He donned the cloak to which he had the right.
Those holy garments fitted perfectly;
The scarf of Fatima, his legacy.
The Prophet’s fragrance wafted from his train.
No bridegroom knew such perfume from a bride.
Haidar, Fatima, Hasan, Hussein.
The scent of the Holy Five on every side
Was squandered on the vale; the swaying flowers!
In Paradise Rizwan racked in its showers.
He fixed the sword that he alone could wield;
The crescent moon grew frantic in the sky;
Up to his shoulder mounted Hamza’s shield,
Whose dignity increased when raised on high.
The mark of Prophethood was its proud gain
From being on the shoulder of Hussein.
The Lord of High and Low in arms was dressed;
The Sayyid’s standard stood before the band.
The women, hair disheveled, were distressed;
His sister clutched the pole with trembling hand.
With swords bound to their waists, on battle bent,
The sons of Zainab came before the tent.
‘The bearer of the standard is thy choice.’
‘The King of Heaven must choose.’ Zainab replied.
‘Thou wert declared our mother with one voice’,
Answered Hussein, ‘the day that Fatima died.
So now must thou decide; for thee to say
Which one will bear the standard to the fray.’
Zainab answered: ‘I can do no more.
For thou art Leader of the Strong and Weak,
And after the Quran they word is law.
But if it is thy will that I should speak,
Then I would choose the brave Abbas [for the standard]. For me
In valour no one stands as high as he.
‘He loves thee; he is thine obedient slave;
A younger brother who will give his life
For thee, and fight with strength among the brave;
A worthy son in time of war and strive;
A lion-hearted general, good and fair.
With his great courage no one can compare,’
Standard in hand, Abbas to action fell.
The barefoot women ran with hair disheveled.
The Lord cried: ‘Brood of Mustafa, farewell!
We part. ‘Tis time the scores were duly leveled.
This is the morning of the night of sorrow.
Our fading stars unite to greet the morrow.’
Grief-stricken, Zainab fell before Hussein;
And Bano, stumbling, fell before her son;
Trembling, Kulsum fell, her heart in pain;
Sakina, Baqir fell down one by one.
The garden despoiled, no gay flowers danced;
The standard like a funeral-bier advanced.
[When]‘mid dead and dying stood the lone Imam,
The Prophet’s cloak was soaked in crimson gore.
Dejected, anxious, thirsty, in alarm,
He heard their victory drums; the enemies’ roar
Proclaiming slaughtered martyrs broke his heart;
It pierced his spirit like a poisoned dart.
Only he who grieves can understand.
The garden of life’s toil now wasted lay.
No rest from lamentation’s cruel hand.
The lamps were out that once burnt bright as day.
Scattered limbs exposed to seering heat;
On Ali Akbar’s corpse there was no sheet.
The King of the Age moved slowly to the tent;
He could not bring his thirsty lips to speak.
Lifting the flap, he cried: ‘My heart is rent!
My sister, it is Asghar that I seek.
Now bring him from his cradle to the door.
I long to see his moon-like face once more.’
He cradled Asghar in his warm embrace.
Outside in ambush lurked black Kahil’s son.
Who fired a three-pronged arrow from his place;
It’s target was the neck of the little one.
The baby writhed in pain; the Leader cried;
The tiny child was slaughtered by his side.
The baby died, and in the earth about
A little grave was fashioned by the sword.
The child was buried, and Hussein cried out;
‘Oh Holy Ground, be mindful of thy ward!
This love of Ali, keep him in thy care,
Ali’s pledge and Fatima’s treasure rare!’
He spoke and donned his shininge arms once more;
His eyes were bloodshiot, and his face was red.
Clothed in the Prophet’s cloak, now bent on war,
With Hamza’s shield lone to fight he sped;
With Zulfiqar, that sword of might and fame;
Muhammad’s (sas) armour graced his noble frame.
The mirror of the sky was scorched with heat,
And lighting dashed for shelter in the cloud.
Hot-tempered men could scarce stand on their feet.
For morning’s camphor cried the sun aloud.
The dome of elemental fire burnt red,
And clouds to even colder regions sped.
The son of Sa’d called: ‘Lord of Heaven, think!
Give me allegiance, for I mean no harm.
A cooling draught shall I give thee to drink.’
Hussein replied: ‘Ah wretch, respect Islam!
The son of Ali takes no gift from thee.
From thy hand water is but dust to me.
For if I asked, then Abraham would come
And fill my cup form the fount of Salsabil;
Woulds’t thou give me to drink, oh filthy scum?
With avaricious tyrants would I deal?
Thy very shadow causes flowers pain.
If thou art cut, no blood pours from thy vein.
‘And if I called, Jamshed would give his cup;
The Prophet (sas) would tell Gabriel to bring
A draught from Kausar’s spring for me to sup;
On earth the angels would my victory sing.
At my command the world would cease to be.
Iraq and Syria sink beneath the sea.
Intoning martial verses, Ali’s scion
Advanced with Gabriel’s had upon his shoulder.
Onward he advanced-a male lion-,
With sleeves rolled up; each step he took grew bolder.
The bride of battle was in splendor wreathed;
Hussein’s intrepid sword was now unsheathed.
The flaming sword was wrenched out of its cover,
As moonbeams fly, as perfume leaves the rose,
As a comely maiden taken from her lover,
As breath departs the breast, as red blood flows.
When thunder roared and all the air did swell,
Laila swooned and from her litter fell.
Hussein swooped like an eagle from on high,
As lions in the jungle pounce on deer.
The heavens flashed; the clouds began to cry;
His horse rushed down like water swift and sheer.
The sharp sword cut the foe with thunderous crash;
They fell like mountains ‘neath the lightning’s flash.
Ranks collapsed on ranks where’er it struck,
Now this way, that way, dashing through the air.
‘Where has it gone?’ ‘Which warrior did it pluck?’
The cries came: ‘It is here!’ No, it is there!’
The archers could not find the way to go.
If heads were severed, bodes did not know.
Ah, how they feared the Lion of Creation!
The stream of the Euphrates turned to bile.
Their cruel hearts were racked with consternation;
They could not run, nor could they stay awhile.
‘Run!’, came the cry, ‘before it is too late.
The river of God’s wrath was in full spate.
The Warrior King struck panic in his foe,
And turmoil broke beneath the ancient sky.
The bowstrings looked for refuge in the bow;
For help the bow to arrow-heads made cry.
The ruthless sword drove on, and everywhere
The enemy sought a respite from its glare.
From twanging bowstrings arrows sped like rain;
Hurtling from the Syrian cloud they poured.
The piebald horses, chestnut steeds in pain
Whinnied as the sweltering hot winds roared.
The hatred of the desert was on fire;
Hussein alone withstood its clamorous ire.
The prowess of the Lord against his foes!
With sunlight on his swarthy face he strode.
His dry cracked lips were petals of the rose;
Like Ali borne by Zuljanah he rode.
Came clamour from the battle, fierce and harsh:
‘Run off! An angry lion stalks the marsh!’
‘Hussein! Make haste to save us!’, came the cry.
‘Hussein contests the banks: the swamp he takes.
Hussein fights with the wrath God’s spirit wakes!
The world is his, in him God’s spirit wakes!
Hussein saved Noah from the dreadful flood.
May we be saved by Ali Akbar’s blood!’
The name of Ali Akbar reached his ears;
His heart was pierced; he pulled his horse’s rein.
And as he stopped, his eyes were filled with tears;
He addressed the spot where his dead son had lain:
‘Life of my soul! They call you from afar.
The battle ends; I lay down Zulfiqar.’
The peaks of Qaf sped from the fairies’ sight;
The Jinn were lost; the lions strayed from the home;
The denizens of the deep dashed to the light;
The hawk and partridge fled where Pythons roam.
The mountains huddled, hiding, from the roar,
And eagles fell from eeries where they soar.
A voice came from the sky: ‘All hail, Shabbir!
This sword was made for him. Shabbir, all hail!
All hail! To him was battle’s honor dear.
Nursed at his mother’s breast, how can he fail?
God gave him mastery o’er all creation.
For he alone could fight to save his nation.
‘But now enough! No more, Hussein! No more!
‘Tis time to rest. The horse pants from the heat.
The time for prayer draws nigh. The battle’s roar
Is over now for thee. No more! Retreat!
No one can fight thus, thirsty in the throng.
Attend to thy dear kin, and soothe their wrong.’
Sheathing his sword, the King cried: ‘I obey!’
The day of Judgment came upon the world.
The enemy stood like animals at bay.
Their arrows fixed, their standard’s flag unfurled.
Hussein stood helpless. See and you will know
Your helpless Lord alone before his foe!
Ten thousand arrows dashed upon his chest;
A hundred at one time sought out their prey.
The spears transfixed his side and pierced his breast;
Ten stuck for every four he pulled away.
The shadow of the Lord was filled with spines,
Like needles in the backs of porcupines.
From all directions arrows poured like rain;
Assassins rushed with spears and daggers bared.
Such pain befell Hussein. Such pain! Such pain!
The one who on the Prophet’s lap was reared.
No one to pluck the arrows from his chest.
No one to lift him to his place of rest.
Those who had fled from battle now returned;
One took a stone and aimed it at his head.
The blow struck home; his fevered forehead burned;
Then to his throat a three-pronged arrow sped.
He touched his forehead, clasped his throat and sighed.
The arrow flew out from the other side.
This arrow had three heads, so it is told;
It pierced the Lord, not stopping in its track.
His breathing stopped; his eyes wide open rolled;
He tried to pull the shaft out from his back.
His final breath emerged-an angry flood-,
The palm placed on his wound was filled with blood.
Hussein falls from his mount-calamity!
His holy foot falls from the horse’s girth.
His side is gaping open-misery!
He swoons; his turban drops upon the earth.
The Quran has fallen headlong from its stand.
The Ka’aba’s walls have crumbled into sand.
Far from the wastes came Fatima’s pure voice:
‘Muhammad [sas]! See our family despoiled!
Now who will save our friendship and rejoice?
Against what tyranny our Leader toiled!
Full nineteen-hundred wounds were on him thrust;
Ah Zainab! Come! Hussein writhes in the dust.’
Her head uncovered, Ali’s daughter walked
To the place where Ali’s darling son was slain.
She ran, though by the evil enemy balked,
And reached the spot, clutching her breast in pain.
Ignoring every danger, she drew near,
And saw her brother’s head stuck on a spear.
‘Thy sister greets thee, brother. Answer me!
Hear the cry of Haidar’s daughter’s strife.
With thy dry tongue give answer! Hear my plea!
Should Zainab cling to this accursed life?
For Death alone can end this separation.
No one is left to give me consolation.
‘My brother, can I bring thee back once more?
What can I do? Where can I tell my woes?
To whom can I recount the pain I bore?
Our city is now ruled by evil foes.
The world has been destroyed beyond belief.
How can I live within this house of grief?
‘Why did this wretched waif not die before?
Come tell me how the dagger ripped thy breast?’
A voice cried: ‘Do not ask the pains I bore!
For all that came to pass was for the best.
Now from all tribulations I am free,
But ah! The wound to be apart from thee!’
Enough, Anis! Your very limbs are quaking.
Such verses written while your hands were shaking.
Filed under: January Volume I- 2009, Magazine/ Culture, Religion | Tags: Muharram
Hazrat Ibn Abbas reports that the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura (the tenth day of the month of Muharram)… They said: “It is the day of great [significance] when Allah delivered Moses and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Moses observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it.” The Holy Last Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) responded: “We have more right, and we have closer connection with Moses than you have;” so Allah’s Messenger [may peace be upon him, and upon all of the Holy Messengers] observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]
‘Ashura is a day of great historical significance. On this day: Allah, the Most High, accepted the repentance of Adam after his exile from Paradise; Allah, the Most High, saved Noah and his companions in the ark; Allah extinguished the fire into which Abraham was thrown by Nimrod; And He spoke directly to Moses and gave him the 10 Commandments. On this same 10th of Muharram, Job was restored to health (from leprosy); Joseph was reunited with his father, Jacob; Jonah was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the sea was divided as the Children of Israel were delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed. ‘Ashura is also the day when the kingdom of Solomon (Suleiman) was restored; and Jesus, the son of the Virgin Mary, was raised to Jannah (Paradise).
‘Ashura is also known as the day on which was martyred the grandson of the Holy Last Messenger, Imam Hussein son of Hazrat Ali, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Holy Last Messenger and his family. Muslims all over the world deplore the actions of those who took the head of Imam Hussein. The descendants of these unhallowed people, supposed Muslims, daily seek to belittle the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him), his most honored family, and Islam in general. This unforgivable sin on the part of the perpetrators, who had always been at jealous odds with the holy family and sought to consolidate their own power by any means, was made more heinous by the holiness of the actual day itself.
In addition to commemorating the Chief of Martyrs (Imam Hussein) on ‘Ashura, one should worship Allah, the Most High, as much as possible. Whoever fasts on this day is like one who fasts all his life. Whoever clothes a naked person Allah, the Most High, will release him from a painful punishment. He who visits a sick person, Allah, the Most High, will grant him a reward that will not be decreased. Whoever places his hand on an orphan’s head, or feeds a hungry person, or gives water to a thirsty man, Allah Almighty will feed him a feast from Paradise and will quench his thirst with salsabil (a wine that does not intoxicate). And who ever takes a ghusl (ceremonious bath) on this day will enjoy excellent health and freedom from sickness and indolence. Whoever provides generously for his family on this day, Allah, the Most High, will be generous to him throughout this year. And whoever applies kuhl (collyrium) to his eyes will never suffer from eye-sore again, if Allah wills.
O’ Allah! Bless us to perform good deeds and gain the reward on ‘Ashura. Make the new year one of unity, cooperation and success for humanity around the world. Ameen. -Compiled by Jamaal A. Waahid.
Filed under: Education, January Volume I- 2009, Magazine/ Culture, Religion | Tags: Ghadeer Khumm, Hazrat Ali
According to a sermon given by the Holy Last Messenger, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family, at the Spring of Khumm (Ghadeer e Khumm) on the 18th of Zhul Hijj:
“All Praises are for Allah and we seek His help and we believe in Him and rely upon Him in all matters. We seek His protection from the evil of self and deeds. His protection is such that if He causes someone to go astray there will be no-one to guide him, and anyone He guides, no-one can mislead.
I bear witness there is none worthy of worship other than Allah and Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] is the servant and Messenger of Allah.
O People! All knowing and All Seeing Mighty Rabb [Lord] has informed me that I will be called back and I will accept His call. And I shall be questioned and you as well will be questioned; what answer will you have?” The people said, “We will bear witness that you propagated Islam, guided us and may Allah, the Most High, give you immense reward for that.”
Then, the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Do you not bear witness that there is none worthy of worship than Allah and that Muhammad [peace be upon him] is His servant and Messenger; that Jennah (paradise) is haqq (universal truth) and Jehannam (hell) is haqq and maut (death) is haqq and Qiyaamah (the Final Day) will come and there is no doubt in that. And that Allah, the Most High, will give life to the dead?” The people of the congregation said, “Of course, we bear witness!”
The Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Oh my Allah, be witness. O People, are you listening?” They said, “Yes we are listening.” Then he (peace be upon him) said, “I shall be reaching The Lake (Kauthar) [in Jennah] for preparation, and you should come to my Lake for quenching your thirst. It is as wide as from Basra to Sana (Yemen). In this there are silver goblets shining like the stars of the sky; therefore, listen. Pay attention to how you will treat saqlain (two heavy trusts) when I leave you.” Then somebody said, “Oh Messenger of Allah (peace be upon you), what is saqlain?” He (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The greater of the heavy trusts is the Book of Allah -Holy Qur’an. (He compared it to the likeness of a rope where-by one side is held by Allah, the Most High, and the other side should be held by you.) Hold it firmly. If you hold it firmly you will never go astray. And saqlain asghar (lesser heavy trust) is my itrat (family descendants). My All-Knowing, All-Seeing Allah has informed me that these two will never separate from each other till they reach Lake Kauthar. I have confirmed this from Allah. Do not try to bypass them nor ignore them because this can bring destruction.” Then he held the hand of Ameeril Mo’mineen Hazrat* Ali (the Commander of the Faithful, may Allah ennoble his countenance), raised it till people could see the whiteness of his armpits, all recognized this and he (peace be upon him) said, “Oh People! Which mo’min (s. faithful) is near to the lives of all the mo’mineen?” The people said, “Allah and His Messenger [peace be upon him] know better.” He (peace be upon him) said, “Indeed Allah is my Maula (Master) and I am the maula of the mo’mineen (p. faithful) and I am nearer to them than their lives; however, whosoever’s maula I am, Ali is also maula of that person.” He repeated this thrice. (Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal said, he said it four times.) Then the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) continued, saying: “Oh My Allah! You befriend those who befriend Ali and You treat those as Your enemy who treat Ali as their enemy. And You love those who love Ali and show Your anger to those who make Ali angry and You help those who help him and debase those who debase him. Oh Allah, make haqq his companion wherever he may be. Oh People! Be warned. Let this be transmitted to those who are absent, by those who are present.” It was there and then, when they had not even moved that Gabriel [the Archangel, peace be upon him] brought the following wahee (divine revelation), “Today I have perfected your deen (way of life) and have completed My ni’mah (favour) upon you and chosen Islam as your deen.” (Holy Qur’an; 3:19)
The Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) said: “Allahu Akbar [sometimes translated: Allah is the Greatest], for the completion of deen and on completion of Allah’s favour and my Messengerhood being appreciated and wilayah (friendship) of Ali, after me.” Then people started giving congratulations to Amir ul Mo’mineen, Hazrat Ali (may Allah ennoble his countenance), and a group of Holy Companions came forward.
Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Omar and all were saying, “O son of Abi Talib [meaning Hazrat Ali], Mubarik! Mubarik! [congratulations being sent] That you have spent your mornings and evenings in such a way that you have become our master and the master of every mo’min and mo’mina [f. faithful]!” Hazrat Ibn Abbas said, “By Allah Almighty, this is obligatory upon the necks of the people.” Hazrat Hassan bin Thabit said, “Oh Messenger of Allah (peace be upon you), allow me to say a few verses in honour of Hazrat Ali so you may hear them.” The Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “May Allah’s blessings be upon you.” Then he (Hazrat Hassan bin Thabit) stood up and said:
“On the day of Ghadeer their Messenger is declaring at Khumm, therefore listen to what the Messenger of Allah [peace be upon him] has said…”
Explanation and elaboration of the incident called Ghadeer e Khumm
All the scholars of Ahle Sunnah, and even the Shia’, agree that in the year of the Hajja tul Widaa’(Farewell Pilgrimage) after declaring the last sermon, the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him and upon his family) while returning from Makka tul Mukarramah (known in Western language as Mecca), on his way back to Medina, on the 18th of Zhul Hijj, he gathered all his companions in a place called Ghadeer e Khumm, which was a spring. Those people who had gone ahead were called back and those following were waited on till all had joined.
The Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) gave a lot of advice and elaborated many things and recited some ayah of Sura Maida (from Holy Qur‘an) about completion of Deen ul Islam. He made it very clear that his time had come to go back and he will be leaving two very profound things behind. From his blessed tongue the following words were uttered:
“Wa ma yantqu anil hawa”
“He says nothing of his own, but that he says is wahee.” (Holy Qur‘an; 53:3-4)
“kuntu maulahu fa Aliyi maulahee”
“Whose master I am, Ali is also his master.”
Then he made the dua (supplication) to Allah about Hazrat Ali.
Authenticity of Hadeeth Ghadeer e Khumm
In Mishkaat Shareef this hadeeth has been quoted referring to Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal (Volume 3 page 241). The following is the translation:
Hazrat Bara Bin Azab (the companion who confronted Yazid with the words “I saw the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him and his family) kissing those blessed lips…(in reference to Hazrat Imam Hussein)”) said, “When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stopped at Ghadeer e Khumm, he held the hand of Hazrat Ali and said, “Don’t you know I am nearer to the lives of the mo’mineen.” And the Holy Companions said, “Yes, oh Messenger of Allah (peace be upon you).” Then the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Oh Allah! Whom I befriend, Ali is their friend. Oh Allah, treat such persons as Your friends who consider Ali his friend. Treat the enemies of Ali as your enemies.” Hazrat Omar met Hazrat Ali (may Allah ennoble his countenance), saying: “O Son of Abi Talib! Great happiness for you that you have spent your mornings and evenings in such condition that you have become the friend of every mo’min and mo’mina.”
*Hazrat is a term of respect for someone near to Almighty Allah.
–This introduction was graciously provided by the Vice Chancellor of the International Quranic Open University, El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani. Any mistakes are the responsibility of the editors, may Allah forgive them their faults.
Filed under: January Volume I- 2009, Magazine/ Culture, Religion | Tags: Eid Adha
By Abu Rashid Qadri
Islamic Post Staff Writer
On a quiet, winter morning in the rural Muslim village of Holy Islamberg in upstate Hancock, New York, residents and visitors from throughout the United States and Canada gingerly navigated the icy paths to the village’s mosque. By the time most arrived, the once chilly air was noticeably warm and mild sunshine shone through overcast skies.
On this morning in December, 2008, Muslims throughout the world gathered to commemorate Eidul Adha, the festivities marking the end of the Hajj season, the Muslims pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The serene village, headquarters of the International Qur’anic Open University (IQOU) and the United Muslim Christian Forum was founded in November 1984 by His Eminence, Imam El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani as a settlement, an environment better suited for raising a God-fearing family than was the inner cities from where a number of the residents had migrated.
The commemoration began with a message of world peace delivered by Naib Imam Muhammad Ibrahim Qadri, which was followed by congregational prayer. Following the prayer, men hurried to perform their qurbani, the sacrifice of cattle, whose meat is then distributed to the poor. This sacrifice was done by the Father of the Muslims, Christians, and Jews- the Holy Messenger, Abraham. Others proceeded to breakfast, which was served before the commencement of the coming festive events.
Eids are known for scrumptious Islamic cuisine and these lived up to their billing. Not only was the Qurbani cooked, but each house opened its doors with additional delicacies. Adding to the numerous exotic dishes were the meals from two walimahs (wedding feasts), to which all were invited.
The day’s activities included a concert and talent show featuring Mrs. Shamailah Ismail, the internationally renowned vocalist and Queen of Islamic Melodies, as well as the exhilarating, popular Islamic song group, Ansaaruddeen, among a number of aspiring talents.
Residents and visitors alike seized the opportunity to visit the Holy Khanqah Awliah Qadria Gilaniya, located upon the village hilltop. It is there that Allah, the One Almighty Creator, chose to manifest His Personal Name in luminous, white pulsating Arabic letters- as well as the name of His Holy Last Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) and vibrant rainbows on the ceilings and walls of the small structure. All who visit and worship will benefit in every sense from the Divine Karamah that Allah manifested there.
Some chose to spend the night with family and friends, looking forward to partaking in worship at the sacred site. An Islamic wedding with all its tradition was scheduled for the afternoon of the next day. The gaiety would serve as a joyful and rewarding conclusion to the season’s festivities.
By Muhammad Ahmad
Islamic Post Staff Writer
Rights activists are angered by President-Elect Barack Obama’s choice of Dr. Rick Warren, of Saddleback Church, in California, to deliver the formal invocation at his inauguration. Reverend Warren discourages his congregation from straying from Biblical teachings.
While the reverend does not ban homosexuals and adulterers from his congregation, he does preach a moral restraint from desires that are counterproductive to society. Saddleback Church also has a program called, “Celebrate Recovery,” which offers counseling similar to the 12-step format that the addiction recovery program, ‘Alcoholics Anonymous‘, uses. ‘Celebrate Recovery’ is for alcoholics and those who struggle with addiction to drugs, but is also geared to helping others “overcome their hurts, habits and hang-ups.” This includes those who are victims, or perpetrators, of abusive behavior, as well as those who have sexual preferences condemned in sacred texts. The recovery program claims to use the “words of Jesus rather than psychological theory” to assist people to “grow toward full Christ-like maturity,” and claims tens of thousands of participants to have benefited from the program.
Pope Benedict XVI has also seen fit to reason with the homosexual community. Last month, in an address to senior Vatican officials he said: “What is often expressed and signified with the word ‘gender’ leads to the human auto-emancipation from creation and from the Creator. The human being wants to make himself on his own and to decide always and exclusively by himself about what concerns him.”
“But, in so doing, the human being lives against the truth and against the Spirit creator. Rain forests deserve, yes, our protection but the human being – as a creature which contains a message that is not in contradiction with his freedom, but is the condition of his freedom – does not deserve it less.”
Muslims believe that by pondering creation, humans can arrive at a conclusion about the Almighty Creator’s plan for mankind. Religious people of all stripes find it amazing that as scientists quote Newton’s third law of chemistry, “For every action, there is a reaction,” few apply the same law to all aspects of their lives. For every good deed, there is recompense; for every sin, likewise, there is repercussion. In a way it can be said, that mankind is punishing itself by its deeds. The evil of amassed sins returns in the form of earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, fires, war, bloodshed, and sweeping pandemics like AIDS. Reverend Warren would not address such grim issues, on such a joyous occasion as the inauguration.
President-Elect Barack Obama defended his selection by reminding the media that everyone in America has a right to differ from the next person and also voice their opinion.
Update: Rev. Warren spoke at Muslim Public Affairs Council in late December, noting his love for Muslims and his desire to work together with the Muslim community to solve some of the moral and medical problems that surround the world today. “If just the two of us could get together to start working on some of these problems, that would be half the world!… We have differences. So what. Does it mean we cannot work with one another? Does it mean we cannot love each other?”
Filed under: December Volume 1 - 2008, International, Magazine/ Culture, Religion | Tags: Eidul Adha 2008, Hajj 2008, Sighting Hilal
Readers’ Say
Altered Eid, Hajj Dates Could Deprive
Community
Dr. Usman Ali, NJ
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced Eid-ul-Fitr to have been Tuesday, September 30, 2008 this year. The kingdom claimed to have sighted the new moon which, in Islam, commences the lunar month. Eid-ul-Fitr is the holiday which ends the month-long fasting of Ramadan. In spite of this, scholars claim it to have been impossible for the human eye to have seen the hilal at that time, since the new moon had only entered its 7th hour. Hence, the Islamic method, which follows the pattern of the Holy Last Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) for entering a new Islamic month, seems to have been neglected.
As the Muslim world approaches the pilgrimage, or Hajj, season and Eid-ul-Adha, which follows the ceremony, one wonders whether a similar scenario will occur.
Unfortunately, the Muslim world appears to be disunited, when little regard is paid towards matters like the correct observance of holy days. When commemorated with care however, these observances bring blessings and protection from the Most High.
Maybe year after year, the doors are closed on the mercy of Ramadan for millions all around the world a day too early.
Yes, one might argue that the Muslims have been warned in the traditions that these days were going to come. Does this mean we should not do anything about them? Some may say, “No, but God put them there, he chose them to be the custodians of the Holy Cities. They have been appointed by Allah, so they must be right.” If such were the case, the idols placed in the Holy Sanctuary around the Kaaba for hundreds of years after the time of Abraham (peace be upon him) were also “put” there and therefore can, (God forbid) be justified? We seek refuge in Allah.
History records other atrocities committed by the custodians of the Holy cities. The genocide of 680 AD, which started from the Battle of Karbala, continued on for a year with the killing of thousands of Muslim men, women, and children. Also, hundreds of murders were committed on the grounds of the two Holy Mosques. Hundreds of women were raped to such an extent that the following year has been referred to as “The Year of The Illegitimate Children” in the two Holy Cities. All of this mayhem was conducted by the so-called custodians of Makkah and Madinah, the two Holy Cities.
In the late seventeen, and early eighteen hundreds –just over a thousand years later– the current occupiers carried out a similar unrighteous act. Unfortunately, it can easily be argued that the genocide was on a much larger scale. The third genocide concluded in 1926.*
Even so, these physical attacks could be said to have been outweighed by the spiritual harm done to the Muslims by their teachings, not to mentions the overall damage to the perception of Islam. There is a very simple concept, traditional Islam equals love, whereas the new version of “Islam,” the so-called fundamentalist version that was created by think tanks in the 1700’s is equivalent to hate. Yet, the majority have adopted silence for the sake of false unity, a true abandonment of intellect.
May the Almighty Creator forgive us all. May the Almighty Creator protect us all.
*All of this historical information can easily be found in any encyclopedia or world history book. A few references which are easily located are: The House of Saud: The Rise and Rule of the Most Powerful Dynasty in the Arab World, by David Holden; England and the Middle East: The Destruction of the Ottoman Empire, by Elie Kedourie; Supremacy and Oil: Iraq, Turkey and the Anglo American World Order, by William Stivers; With Lawrence in Arabia (Prion Lost Treasures), by Lowell Thomas, just to name a few.
Filed under: December Volume 1 - 2008, Magazine/ Culture, Religion | Tags: Abraham, Ibrahim, Qurbani, Sacrifice
EID UL ADHA
Excellence of Qurbani
As the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja draws near, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, to commemorate the willingness of Messenger Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to the Most High. Throughout history, mankind has been commanded to sacrifice things held dear to prove loyalty and love for the Creator of the World. For the lovers of the Almighty, sacrifice is synonymous with surrender. From the first Messenger of Allah, Adam, to the Holy Last Messenger and Beloved of Allah, Muhammad, all surrendered to the Almighty Creator by making great sacrifices with love and willingness. (May the peace of Allah be upon all of His Messengers.) In many countries Eid-ul-Adha is also referred to as the Qurban Eid. The word qurban, or sacrifice, comes from the Arabic word qurb. Qurb signifies nearness, closeness, approach, and the like. It should be mentioned that only by true submission to the Almighty can one achieve “nearness.”
The history of qurbani, the slaughtering of meat bearing animals after the Hajj pilgrimage, and dates back to the beginning of mankind with the two sons of Adam. When Cain and Abel had an argument, their father, Adam, commanded them to do qurbani to see whose sacrifice Allah, the Most High, would accept.
“And recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam in truth. When each offered a sacrifice, it was accepted from one, but not from the other. The latter said to the former, “I will surely kill you.” The former said, “Verily, Allah accepts only from those who have taqwa ( God-consciousness).” ( Holy Qur’an 5:27)
The Messenger Abraham (or Ibrahim, peace be upon him), who is known as the Friend of Allah, was also commanded to make a great sacrifice. He was told by the Almighty to sacrifice his son. In this, he did not hesitate for an instant, although we find the venerable Ibrahim to have prayed to Allah Almighty fervently for a son:
“My Rabb (Cherisher & Sustainer), grant me a son, one of the righteous.” So, We we gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.’”(37:100)
After a few years, the venerable Ismail (Ishmael), a radiant son, was born to Ibrahim and his wife, the venerable Lady Hajirah (Hagar).Yet, when the Friend of Allah, Ibrahim, was commanded by his Lord to sacrifice his beloved son, the Most High found father and son obedient to the Divine command:
“And, when he (Ismail) was old enough to walk with him, he (Ibrahim) said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you. So, look, what you think?” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, if Allah wills, you shall find me of the patient.’’ (37:101-102)
In Tafsir Usmani we find: “As Ibrahim was pressing the knife to Ismail’s throat, the sound of takbir “Allah is Great, Allah is Great,” was heard coming from heaven. This was the voice of Angel Gabriel, who in Arabic is Jibrail (may the peace of Allah be upon him and the Holy Messengers of Allah). Allah had created a ram as a substitute sacrifice for Ismail then, summoning Jibrail from paradise, commanded Jibrail to take the ram to Ibrahim. The angel appeared in the heavens, bearing that ram and proclaiming the Supreme Greatness of Allah. When Ibrahim heard the voice of Jibrail, he realized that his trial was over. In grateful response, he glorified and extolled his Rabb with the words: “There is no god but Allah, Allah is Greater [than anything whatsoever].” The venerable Ismail also realized that the mercy of the All-Compassionate and Beneficent Allah had arrived. Saying: “Allah is Greater, and to Allah belongs all praise,” as he joined in the glorification. Then Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, addressed His special friend, Ibrahim, with the following words:
“O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision!’’ Verily, thus do We reward the doers of good. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.” And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. And We left him among the later generations.” (37:103-108)
Due to the loving friendship between Allah and his servant the venerable Ibrahim, a ram was substituted in the place of the venerable Ismail. Yet, the “great sacrifice” was not the ram, but the grandson of the Holy Last Messenger, Imam Hussein (may Allah’s peace be upon them) who would live many generations after. Imam Hussain, of the noble lineage of Ismail through his blessed grandfather, substituted himself and his family members to save the spirit of Islam, which was, indeed, the greatest of sacrifices. Imam Hussein refused to give his pledge of loyalty to the person who had wrongfully assumed the role of caliph, an openly perverted man and sinful drunkard, Yazid, son of Muawiyah. If Imam Hussein had submitted, the people of the time would have joined him assuming the course of action to be correct, and it cannot be surmised from this to what levels morality would have sunk.
But Yazid, the accursed traitor of religion and peace, was intent upon securing the pledge of Imam Hussein, even if it was obtained by force of bloodshed. In the end, Imam Hussein and his entire family, save a few who were spared, were martyred in a most brutal fashion during the first century of Islam. The lessons learned from the tragedy of Karbala, the desolate area where the massacre took place, imparted significant wisdom. Sacrifice is not always done after receiving a command to do so. Imam Hussein wore the spirit of sacrifice upon his shoulders, and acted by the initiative of his inner character true to the legacy of the chiefs of all Muslims, his grandfather, the Holy Last Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and father, the venerable Ali, by sacrificing, without being asked or told.
The slave of the Almighty submits to the molding of his character into the spirit of selflessness, even if it be at the price of his life and possessions. This is the spirit of qurbani during Eid-ul-Adha, which brings one near to the pleasure of the Almighty.
Requirements of Qurbani
Qurbani is wajib, or compulsory, according to Imam Abu Hanifah upon every non-traveler in his town of residence who possesses 613.35 grams of silver, or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock in trade, or any other form of wealth which is surplus to his/her basic needs. Each adult member of a family who possesses that much wealth must perform his or her own qurbani separately. It was reported that the Beloved of Allah, the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The first thing that we do on the day of the Eid is to perform the prayers. Then we go home and carry out our qurbani. Thus, whoever does those acts has conformed to our way. For those who slaughtered before it (the prayer of Eid ul Adha), then the meat slaughtered is for family members. It is not an act of qurbani.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The animals used for qurbani must be free from any form of handicap such as being blind, sick, lame, or undernourished. They must be slaughtered by a Muslim in the appropriate humane manner, adhering to the Islamic principles. It is preferable that the meat from qurbani be divided in three equal parts: one for the home, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. The meat from qurbani can be distributed to Muslims or non-Muslims. The Holy Companion, Ans, reported that the Messenger of Allah, (peace be upon him) sacrificed, with his own hands, two white rams with black markings. He mentioned the name of Allah and recited takbir.
Upon performing qurbani, the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) would declare: “Verily I turn my face towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, as one upon the religion of Abraham, being upright, and I am not one of the polytheists. Verily my prayer, my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. There is no partner with him and I am one of the Muslims. O Allah, it [the qurbani] is Thine and for Thee, from Muhammad and his Ummah. In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest.” He then slaughtered the cattle.
Hazrat Zaid bin Arkam reports that the Companions of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) asked him: “Oh Messenger of Allah, what is the sacrifice?” He said, “It is the way of your forefather Ibrahim.” They asked, “What (reward) is for us therein?” He replied: “There is a reward for every hair. ”
The Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad, (peace be upon him) sacrificed his person and wealth in the service of others throughout his pristine, blessed life. During the ten years in which he lived in the holy city of Madinah, the Messenger of Allah performed qurbani in each of those years. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his noble family, and brethren, who are the Holy Messengers of God.
You may view the print version of A Blessed Eid of Best Wishes from Muslims of the Americas by clicking on the link below.
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El Sheikh Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, Hashmi, Hassani, wal Hussaini guided the direction of the khalwa with specific instructions conforming with the habits of the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad, peace be upon him.
By Nafisah Begum, Islamic Post Staff Writer
The Honorable Khalifa Hussain Abu Bakr delivers lectures on Holy Qur’an: Sura Maida, Sura An'aam, and Sura A'raaf.
Students of the International Qur'anic Open University attend the lecture on Holy Qur'an which incorporated commentary.
Student of the International Qur'anic Open University and participant in the 2008 khalwa in Holy Islamville, South Carolina.
Holy Islam Ville, SC –In the beautiful, picturesque country setting that is Holy Islamville –located in historic York, South Carolina– students of His Eminence Sultan Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani gathered from around the U.S. and Canada during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan, some to go into confinement or itikaaf which literally means to apply oneself assiduously to something. In everyday usage, itikaaf is to remain in a mosque with the intention of worship. Khalwa, on the other hand, is also a solitary retreat, but one during which a disciple does extensive spiritual exercises under the direction of a Sufi master.
Those attending khalwa prepared for the rigorous schedule that would be sent by our Murshid, our spiritual guide.
With meticulous care our beloved Murshid carved out a schedule that would afford us the maximum benefit in a short time. This schedule was designed according to the life pattern, or Sunnah of the Holy Last Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), who used to engage himself and his family members in intense worship during the last ten days of Ramadan, the bounty of which is immeasurable.
Included in this schedule of intense worship were bayaan, lectures, delivered by the Honorable Khalifah Hussain Abu Bakr on different sections of Holy Qur’an. These suras included, Sura Al Maidah, Sura Al Anaam, Sura Al Araaf.
Each page of these suras were scanned from a very old Holy Quran from South Africa, and each page contained text of the Holy Qur’an, which is in Arabic as well as an English translation and also the scholarly commentary known as tafsir.
Portions of the translation and tafsir given during the khalwa are reproduced below.
Sura Al Maidah opens:
Translation: “O you who believe!, fulfill your promises.”
Tafsir: “Fulfill your promises,” refers to those covenants which the Almighty had taken from previous communities, and as per the previous revealed Books. The meaning of this is to fulfill all those promises you made with your Creator and those of His Messengers who were sent to you. This covenant also extends to a person’s Murshid, wife or husband, and even to one another as the general Muslim body. This covenant relates to lawful promises only, and does not extend to commitments to do wrong.
Translation: “O you who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the Symbols of Allah, nor of the Sacred Months…”
Tafsir: One learns from sha’aa ir Allah, the symbols of Allah, that anything which has religious connection should be shown great reverence. Almighty Allah says in Holy Qur’an, whosoever respects the signs of Allah then it is from the piety of the qalb (heart). (22:32) The Sacred Kaaba, the shrines of the those who are near the Almighty and called friends of Allah, and the Holy Qur’an are but a few examples of the symbols of Allah. Observe to yourself how, when the blessed feet of Hazrat Hajirah, who is known as Hagar in English, Allah bless her, when her feet touched the hills of Safa and Marwa, they immediately became Symbols of Allah. Says Allah Almighty: “No doubt, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah.” (S2: V158) These symbols of Allah are a now a part of the Hajj ritual.
The significance of this sign touched all khalwa participants. Our Murshid is a direct descendant of the Beloved of Allah and Mercy to the Worlds, Our Master Muhammad (peace be upon him). Therefore, El Sheikh Gilani is Sha’aa ir Allah (symbol of Allah). How great is the honor due to him from his disciples who understand this phenomenon. May our Murshid live forever!
The tafsir also read that to make friends with the pious servants of Allah is the way of the believers, because holding them dear to is equal to holding Almighty Allah dear. In contrast, hating them is equal to hating Almighty Allah. (tafsir from 5:56)
These are just a few extracts from one of the three suras. The sessions on which were so powerful that tears flowed freely during each bayaan session. Sultan Mubarik Gilani also instructed us to make a special dua complete with sajdah, or prostration, in which the people in khalwa beseeched, on behalf of the entire community of the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him) with heartfelt pleas of begging for help. “Madad Ya Rasoolallah, Madad Ya Habiballah, Madad Ya Sayidana Muhammad Mustafa ” This special plea was done at the time of breaking the fast when, as Almighty Allah says, there is no veil in between Himself and the fasting person and He answers the prayers of the one who keeps fast.
The Night of Power: Laylatul Qadr
Lailatul Qadr, the Night of Power, was observed with full night vigil in prayer and worship in the Holy Khanqah, Qadria, Gilaniyya: Sufi Lodge 1 in SC.
Residents of Holy Islamville host an honorable guest, the caretaker of the Shrine of Hazrat Sultan Bahu, second from left (wearing spectacles) during the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan.
Khalwa participants break their fast.
The Beloved of Allah (peace be upon him) said, ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th) out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” [Bukhari and Muslim].On Lailatul Qadr, the decree to befall all, great and small, is handed down from the heavens, and night vigil should be observed.
Sultan Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani advised not to neglect the final odd nights of Ramadan, and to pay close attention to the 29th, although, it had become the norm to formally recite special prayers on the 27th night.
El Sheikh also narrated a tradition in which “there was one man from among the Bani Israel who wanted to do jihad for about 1000 months. This would equal about 83 years and four months. His name was Shim’oon. Some know him as Samson. Shim’oon would fast and do jihad –in the technical sense, this means war of defense, not agression. He would fight during the day and reserve his nights for worship. Shim’oon was a very strong, honorable, and pious man who destroyed the pillars of the emperor of his day.
In ancient times, people used to live for hundreds of years, The Holy Messenger Nuh, or Noah, peace be upon him, lived for 950 years. There were those before him who lived for 2000 years. When the Noble Companions of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) heard of this, they asked, “How can we do as many virtuous deeds as these people when they lived for sometimes thousands of years, whereas we have such short life spans of only 100 years or less?” At this, the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him) became sad. Hence, Allah the Most High, gave to him and his community a gift of this special night which is alone worth a thousand months of worship for those who observe it vigil.
Translation: “Indeed We revealed it (the Qur’an) in the Night of Power. And do you know what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is more rewarding than a thousand months (of worship). The Angels and Jibraeel [the Angel Gabriel] descend in that night with regards to all matters. It is blessed until the rise of dawn. (97:1-5)
Tafsir: The nephew of the Holy Last Messenger (peace be upon him), and greatest inheritor of the knowledge and understaning of Holy Quran, Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Allah’s Messenger, said: “Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold. The sun arises on its morning being feeble and red.” [at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah and al-Bazzaar with a Hasan Isnad]
Our Beloved Murshid continued his narration by giving a description of how the morning of Lailatul-Qadr would appear. “The sun,” he said, “Would look like the moon in that it will have the softness of noor that is cast when moon is full, not like the sun the way we see it everyday.”
Blessed and fortunate are we that El Sheikh Gilani instructed us to pay close attention to the 29th. Those observing khalwa and itikaaf went wholeheartedly into constant worship, completing another full night in the hopes of being of those with whom the angels would shake hands in congratulations at finding him/her engaged in worship on Lailatul Qadr.
Eid Mubarik!
With the sighting of the slim moon that marks the beginning of the Islamic month, this current month being Shawaal we, the followers of Our Master Muhammad (peace be upon him) welcomed the start of Shawaal, Eid day, with mixed emotions. The joy of completing another Ramadan and acquiring the blessing thereof mixed with the sadness that comes when one realizes that this beautiful month has passed and one may or may not see another one.
The Honorable Khalifa Muhammad Husain dropped pearls of wisdom on the faithful servants of Allah after the morning prayers, reminding all of the great blessings sent down on us during the month of Ramadan, and reaffirming the commitment of all present to Almighty Allah, His Beloved Last Messenger (peace be upon him), and the successor to the Beloved of Allah, El Sheikh Sultan Mubarik Ali Gilani, Hashmi.
Filed under: Magazine/ Culture, Religion, Sept/Oct Volume - 2008, Uncategorized | Tags: Islamic miracle, miracle
Announcement Of Glad Tidings Given On The Occasion of A Divine Miracle in Holy Islamberg, NY
In the photograph above is the name,“Allah,” in Arabic script, which appeared in Noor, Divine Light, on the ceiling of a most honored home in Islamberg, New York. This Divine miracle is a sign for the success and salvation of Muslims, and also the dominance of Al Islam, which is a a just and tolerant way of life. The true teachings of Islam guarantees respect for the religious and human rights of others by Divine mandate that has been in existence on this earth for over 1400 years.
Calligraphy of the name of the Most High Almighty Creator, Allah, displayed here to show clearly how the Arabic letters look.
Another photograph in which the Divine miracle appeared. These miracles were witnessed Sabeeha Hussain and Nasimah Nuruddin and Honorable Mother Khadijah A. Rahim, in the living room of the latter. It was pulsating and shimmering.
Ayannah Rauf, Lailah Begum Rashid and Jamillah Begum witnessed the rainbows which appeared without soures of reflection or water.
By Muhammad Haseeb Abdul Haqq, Islamic Post Staff Writer
This year, the month of Ramadan began much like previous observances for the residents of the quaint Village of Islamberg, located in Hancock, upstate New York. For the 24 years of the village’s existence, the days of the Islamic fasting month have begun with the tahajjud prayer in the middle of the night, while others are asleep. Sehri, the meal taken prior to the beginning of the day’s fast, is taken thereafter. The end of the nighttime hours of worship and nourishment is then hearkened with the adhan, the call to the early morning, fajr prayer.
The serenity of these peaceful hours fades somewhat, as parents hurry daily off to work. Children’s laughter penetrated the atmosphere as they walked the roads leading to the Islamberg Children’s Academy. On the whole, the days were quiet and uneventful; but an hour or so before sunset, the atmosphere changed. There was a noticeable increase in movement as parents returned from work and children hurried home to prepare themselves for iftar, the small meal taken just after sunset that ends that day of fasting.
The day ended for most with the night prayer, Isha, and the longer Tarawih prayer which follows Isha only during the month of Ramadan. Tarawih was made in congregation at the village’s mosque.
The day’s cycle found itself completed in Holy Islamberg as adults arose again in the stillness of the night to offer more prayers and supplication.
An unusual occurence.
In their daily routine of work and worship, what many village residents were not aware of was that Allah, the Most High, had chosen the Honored Family home of AlHajj Muhammad Jamal A. Rahim Qadri and Khadijah A. Rahim to manifest His personal name, “Allah”, in transparent brilliant white luminous light. The letters were written in Arabic script and pulsated on the ceiling and walls of the living room in their village home. The One Almighty Creator also manifested the name of His Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), in radiant green and red Arabic letters that shimmered on the ceiling in the kitchen area of the home. In that same area numerous rainbows with distinct colors were visible on the floor.
How to gain the pleasure of Allah.
Ramadan is a month when Muslims, the world over, increase their acts of worship hoping to raise their awareness of the One Almighty Creator, and seeking His Forgiveness, Help and Protection while praying that every possible good and favor be extended to the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad . Because of the love of the Almighty for the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him), this prayer, called darood, becomes the source of salvation by virtue of the distinction bestowed upon those who honor the Beloved of the Most High. It is no surprise, therefore, that the Beloved of Allah, the Holy Last Messenger, Muhammad, is the Mercy To All The Worlds, and even upon mentioning the blessed name of the Beloved of Allah, “Peace be upon him,” is said afterwards. This practice of invoking blessings and peace, in a spirit of gratitude, love, and obedience to the Almighty, does much to create the aura in the village which was founded by His Eminence, Imam, El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, El Hashmi, El Hassani wal Hussaini. El Sheikh Gilani is the Sultan of Qadria and Awliyah, a Sufi Master.
Blessed visitors proclaim the miracle.
Knowing well that scrutiny could follow an announcement of a miraculous manifestation, Honored Mother, Khadijah A. Rahim, kept to herself what she had seen. But visitors to her home began to exclaim the miracle. Her guests confirmed the same karamah, or miracles, which had been appearing on and off for the previous two weeks or more.
Sabeeha Hussain and Nasimah Nuruddin witnessed the name of Allah in the living room (see photographs below with caption), and it was pulsating and shimmering.
Khadijah Begum was the only one to see the name of Muhammad . The blessed name was “written in noor [Divine light], trimmed in a reddish green hue,” she said.
Ayannah Rauf, Lailah Begum Rashid and Jamillah Begum witnessed the rainbows.
Attempts to capture on film.
Some guests in the home of Khadijah A. Rahim looked for sources of refracted light and reflections. Another visitor raised a camera with the hopes of capturing the images. Each time the camera was raised the images faded but quickly returned when the camera was lowered. [*The photographs shown on this page display the same phenomenon, themselves being not as vibrant as the actual occurrence.]
Announcement of glad tidings.
When Khadijah Begum placed a call to El Sheikh Gilani to mention the blessed events, she was overwhelmed with excitement at what she and her companions had witnessed.
After conversing with El Sheikh, the Honored Mother began to announce the miracles that had occurred in her home. Khadijah Begum had been advised during the call to announce to all the marvelous glad tidings from Almighty Allah, and to proclaim this to Muslims in particular: the coming Salvation, Success and Dominance of Al Islam.
Second Holy Khanqah named in the United States.
His Eminence also stated that the Village of Islamberg has been named “The Village of Holy Islamberg,” and that the site of the miracles would henceforth be known as, “The Holy Khanqah, Qadria Gilaniyya, Sufi Lodge 2.” A khanqah is a place for worship and contemplation of the One Almighty Allah. Muslims and non-Muslims of whatever background are welcomed therein to put forth their own needs and prayers to the One Almighty Allah, which are answered with expedience by the Almighty Himself.
El Sheikh Gilani emphasized that all the proper reverence and etiquettes should be observed, in the same fashion as in Sufi Lodge 1 in Holy Islamville, South Carolina. This is due to the blessed and lofty status of the miracle site, a gift from Allah to Whom all glorification, praise and thanks are due.
Allah the Most High chooses, when He wishes, to manifest who His true friends are.
Sufi Lodge 1.
It has become customary for thousands of Muslims, mostly from North and South America, to observe the Blessed 27th Night of Ramadan and also the Eid ul Fitr, the congregational prayer and festivities that denote the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, at the Holy Khanqah located in the Village of Holy Islamville, in York, S.C. Journeys are routinely undertaken to the site in the southern United States where miraculous signs have been occurring for over a decade. The Holy Khanqah, Qadria Gilaniyya, in Holy Islamville, S.C., is Sufi Lodge 1.
From the Desk of His Eminence, Sultan Muhyuddin, El-Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, Hashmi Al Hassani Wal Husseini
Excerpt from the Commentary on Sura Luqman–
Signs are meant to direct you. They are attributes of Allah, the Most High, materialized in this world, so as to give you assurance and show His Love for you.
His Attributes (and Names) are manifested in this world in physical form, all of them. His name which gives life, Al-Hayy, travels into the world of similitude, where this name gets its own form, and then it enters into this world, it turns into water. Al-Hayy is Allah’s Name, because from water, He created everything. His name, An-Naafi’ (He who gives benefit), when it enters this world, it takes the form of the herbs, the medical plants, and all the things from which we derive benefit. And His Name, Al-Qayyum, when it enters here, it is the force that holds the heavens and the skies without pillars.
The first essential part of Hikmah (which some translate as Divinely-inspired wisdom) is that you must always thank your Allah, glorified is He and the Most High.
*“Any who is so grateful, does so to the profit of his own soul.”
When you thank the Almighty, you must thank Him for each and every favor He has given you, and if you thank, even that is for your own benefit.
“But if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants and worthy of all praises.”
Allah becomes indifferent. If no one thanks Him; He doesn’t want his or her thanks. But if you thank Him, He will appease you in His Bounty.
–
*Italics indicate the portion of Holy Qur’an being explained.
On the 22nd of Ramadaan, which corresponded with the 22nd of September, 2008, the martyrdom of Bab-ul-Hikum wa Ma’arifa, Hazrat Ali (may Allah ennoble his blessed countenance) was commemorated by the Muslims of the Americas. Lectures were given, songs of honor and poems were recited about this cousin of the Holy Last Messenger, peace be upon him and his family, who has been known throughout history as the Door for those who wish to follow the Holy Last Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) in letter and spirit, the Door of those who aspire to come to know their Cherisher and Sustainer, Almighty Allah.
Villages and houses were lit with lights and decorations to commemorate the occasion –which took place on the 21st of Ramadaan some 1400 years ago– in the hopes that this Great Master, who is indeed Hazrat, a person in the presence of Almighty Allah, will himself pray under the throne of the Almighty that the humble gatherings be blessed with a similar spirit of courage, utter self-sacrifice, and noble chivalry free from pettiness and disdain.
“Oh the One Whose protection I seek!
And Whose help I need!
And Whose command is enforced everywhere
How can I separate myself from Thee.
Great are Thy mercy and benedictions.
…
“Bless me with such favors that I may not hear any loose talk
and abide there without grief
and injury or any
complaint and grudge or disease and suffering.
…
“And grant me there a nice comfortable spread
and a dress beautiful
And pure food and tasty fragranced drink,
such water which
goes down my throat with ease
and is from a bottle sealed.”
–excerpts from the famous Dua of Hazrat Ali (may Allah ennoble his blessed countenance)
Filed under: Education, Magazine/ Culture, Religion, Sept/Oct Volume - 2008 | Tags: Banaatun Noor
By Umme Mansur, Islamic Post Staff Writer
The graduation ceremonies of the Ladies Annual Summer Camp were held on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, August 31, in Holy Islamburg, New York. It was the culmination of an intensive 30 day program of Islamic Studies. Besides the bestowal of certificates upon all the students, the following awards were presented:
Qirat Holy Quran; 1st. Place, Maryam Amatus Salam; 2nd. Place, Zohra AbdulHameed; 3rd. Place Maryam Rauf.
Speech: 1st Place-Adilla Ahmed; 2nd Place-Jamila Ali; 3rd Place-Tashriha Malik.
Na’at: 1st Place-Banaatus Salaam; 2nd Place-Nusratun Jannah; 3rd.Place-Bustanatus Soraya.
Knitting awards were presented in two categories, those with some experience and those new to knitting. In the beginning group, first place knitting given to Hanan A. Aziz, 2nd. Place to Abidah A. Kareem and 3rd. Place to Ashiqa Muqit. Amongst experienced knitters, 1st. Place awarded to Adilla A Salaam, 2nd Place to Sultana A. Salaam and 3rd Place to Jamila Ali.
The best All Around award was given to Hanan A. Aziz. The 360 award was given to Yasmeen A. Rahman. This was a special award presented in honor of that person who mostly exemplified a strenuous effort to reform herself or show most improvement. This year a Camp Motivator award was given to Rahila Abdullah, a veteran camper. Rayhanah A. Matin delivered a moving speech in Arabic, while Aisha Muqit gave the English translation. Awards were also presented in recognition of ladies who participated in relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina and their work with the Pakistan earthquake victims. Tahirah A. Haqq and Aliyah begum Ali Abdul Haqq were awarded for their hard work and delicious foods prepared in the kitchen. The students of Safiyah A. Salaam, in appreciation of her Arabic instruction, presented her with the Arabic dictionary Al Mawrid. Safiyah A. Khafid was also presented a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a copy if Al Irfaan by her students who were definitely inspired by her moving and affectionate instruction of Uswa-e- RasuliAkram (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). 
Filed under: August Volume 1 - 2008, Education, International, Religion, travel, World | Tags: IQOU
By Abu Rashid Qadri, Islamic Post Staff Writer
The International Quranic Open University (IQOU) takes great pleasure in announcing that three of its most advanced students will travel to Egypt, in late September, with the intent of entering the most renowned Islamic University in the world, Al Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt.
Muhammad Mahmud AbdusSabur, Durdana Amatullah Shakir, and Safiah A. Salaam will study Tafsir of Holy Qur’an, AHadith, Fiqah, and Language at the highly acclaimed institute of learning. Their academic pursuits abroad are scheduled to begin with their entrance into the university in October of 2008 for the fall semester.
For over two and a half decades, the Vice Chancellor of the International Quranic Open University, His Eminence, El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, has worked unceasingly to raise the standards of both Islamic and secular education for Muslims here in America. The very first courses and programs initiated concentrated on the very basic rudiments of learning. Today, through the efforts of this very special pioneer, American Muslims, in particular, have sought and earned certificates, diplomas, and various degrees in a vast variety of subjects, while studying both in the United States, and abroad.
The achievements of these gifted students, and the International Quranic Open University, will serve as a stepping stone to greater academic accomplishments, and Insha’Allah, will result in contributions of greater significance to the global society, for generations to come.
Nisfe Shabaan in Holy Islamville, SC. IP Photographer: Suleiman Muqit
Printed below is the English translation by the International Quranic Open University of the Nisfe Sha’baan prayer, which can and does change the decree. This dua is also recited on Lailatul Qadr. It has been handed down from Ghausul Azam, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, may Allah bestow mercy upon him.
For the proper method of recitation, please visit http://www.HolyIslamvilleSC.org
Ya Allah, Thou favors all and needs the favor of no one. Oh Most Exalted and Supreme and Bestower of Rewards, there is no deity save Thee. Oh the “backbone” of those who seek Thy help; and You are the Refuge of those who seek Thy protection; and You are the Abode of Peace for those who are stricken with terror.
Oh my Allah. If you have written my name in Thy Book (Loh -e-Mahfooz) as unlucky, miserable or destitute, or deprived of rizq (provisions) in abundance, then, Ya Allah, delete that.
Ya Allah, for the sake of Thy fadl, may my misery, my depravity, my destitute situation and shortness of rizq be changed in Thy Book (of destiny) and be written as lucky, bestowed with rizq in abundance and may I be the one granted competency to do virtuous deeds because, ya Allah, Thou hast spoken and Thou speakest the Haqq (truth) in Thy revealed Book, (Holy Qur’an), and Thy Messenger has spoken also that, “Allah deletes whatever He willeth, and preserves whatever He willeth; and with Him is the Book of Destiny.”
Ya Allah, for the sake of Thy greatest tajally (Divine manifestation of His Noor, Names or Words), during the midhalf night of Sha’baan in which the Almighty, All Wise gives judgement on every issue (to befall until the next Sha’baan) and fulfills it as well, we beseech and implore Thee, ya Allah, to save us from all adversities, miseries, trials about which we know and don’t know but indeed You are the best Knower, the Most Exalted and Supreme One.
Blessings be upon our Master, the Last Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his descendents, companions and walees.
Filed under: August Volume 1 - 2008, Education, Magazine/ Culture, Religion | Tags: Banaatun Noor
Holy Islamberg, NY– Amid the picturesque Catskill Mountains, His Eminence Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani laid the foundation for the intense educational program to be followed during these thirty days by ladies from around the United States and Canada. All have gathered during this holy month of Sha’baan in anticipation of this year’s rigorous program.
One by one, ladies assembled in the designated camping area; radiant smiles, warm hugs, and love were found everywhere as friends reunited, after weeks of preparation and anticipation, in their quest for Islamic knowledge and fellowship. Just days before, the International Qur’anic Open University (IQOU) Men’s Summer School had concluded, so many of the male students left their camping equipment intact. Tips on what to expect in anticipation of the unpredictable weather were being given by seasoned campers. El Sheikh Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani instituted these summer schools in order to further Islamic education during a time when most are on vacation from their jobs and secular classes.
Each year the curriculum is geared towards the unique spiritual individuality of each student, which will allow them to reach their maximum potential. Like past summer classes, the intensity of the program was met with enthusiasm and zeal by each student.
Three levels of instruction were established in order to achieve the desired outcome: for first-time attendees, the elementary level, the intermediate level which is more challenging, and the advanced curriculum.
El Sheikh Gilani and his family have given endless time and resources in order to assure the highest standard of education. With this in mind, he commissioned top Arabic- speaking teachers from IQOU, some leaving their continued studies in Ayubia, Pakistan, and the Caribbean Islands campuses, respectively. All of the teachers have been instructed first hand by his Eminence in the science of speaking, writing, and understanding this beautiful and universal language of Islam.
In addition to the intensive Arabic, preliminaries to a separate course, Dars ul Azam, were also added in the interest of furthering the studies of those in the advanced classes. This renowned classical course, which normally requires eight years to complete, has been condensed and formatted into a one-year program of study scheduled for the fall semester by the Vice Chancellor of IQOU, Sultan Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani (See Dars ul Azam, to the left).
Islamic cooking and knitting were two classes greatly anticipated by the students. Due to large numbers, the students were divided into two groups. Outdoor cooking classes were set up on outdoor stoves. Indoors, others were either perfecting or learning to make beautifully knitted scarves and hats.
Cooking on outdoor stoves was a first-time experience for many of the younger students. The sizzle of garlic, onions, and cumin and other rich spices permeated the air; and smiling faces were seen as students sampled their finished products. Each recipe was dictated the day before each dish was prepared.
Every aspect of the ladies’ well being – proper rest, eating, exercise, health, and recreation- was met with the same careful attention by the staff. Members of the American Muslim Medical Relief Team (AMMRT), and several hakeemahs, lady herbal-remedy doctors trained to specifically assess a patient’s physical and spiritual condition ( the masculine form being hakeem), were also on hand as part of the initiation of a wellness clinic to be set up in this village very soon. The Health and Wellness Clinic aims to provide free health screenings to all students and staff.
Public Speaking.
Make a 360° Change for the Best!
This year’s focus has become ‘Come prepared to make a 360° turnabout.’ For many, this meant coming full circle; back to their spiritual origin- their unblemished esoteric state, when they were within Allah, Exalted is He. For others, new, heartfelt intentions were made to completely stop old, unproductive or self-destructive habits in favor of a new beginning –enthusiastic and loving re-establishment of Al Islam, in its letter and spirit, in their lives. Attendees became newly inspired, and motivated to excel in every undertaking during enlightening classes on Fiqh (Islamic law), tilaawat of Holy Qur’an, and an Introduction to Holy Qur’an; Islamic History, a study of Mishkat al Masabih and Riyadh As Saliheen, Conversational Arabic, and Arabic Calligraphy. One seasoned camper and staff member, Ms Karima Begum, was heard telling the girls, “My mission is submission!” These words for some were also an expression of their commitment to turning 360° in response to the invitation of their most blessed Imam, to fortify and enrich their lives and the lives of their families as well, with their re-invigorated practice of Al Islam, and to share this beautiful light and knowledge with all. By the end of the day these words could be seen on everything from hats to book bags which the young ladies used to remind themselves and others of their commitment. As a result of the ladies unwavering pledges to make a 360° turnaround, students are holding conversations in Arabic much to the delight of their teachers, with previous greetings of, “Good morning; how are you?” now heard as, “Sabaa’hal khair, khaifa haluk?”
We all send countless blessings upon Sayideena Rasooli Akram (SAW), Ahli Bayt (RA), and Sultan Mubarik Ali Gilani whose endless love, and concern for our well-being has made this all possible; for it is the desire of our beloved Murshid that all students under his umbrella gain the maximum benefits from attending these once-in-a-lifetime events.
Filed under: August Volume 1 - 2008, Education, Magazine/ Culture, Religion
By Aisha Muqit, Islamic Post Staff Writer
Holy Islamberg, NY— “Thanks and praise be to the Almighty, Shukr wal hamdulillah! This course is a dream come true,” said Umm Siddiq, one of the students at the annual Banaatun Noor International (BTI) Ladies Summer School. Umm Siddiq is taking introductory classes leading up to the International Qur’anic Open University’s (IQOU) 2008 fall semester classical course in Islamic studies, Dars ul Azam.
Renowned Islamic Universities abroad have offered the intense curriculum, Dars ul Azam, for centuries. The Vice Chancellor of IQOU, Sultan Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, has set a syllabus that condenses this traditional eight year program into a unique one year course of study.
“This particular program (Dars ul Azam) provides a unique opportunity for American Muslims to receive this type of formal Islamic education from their homes; which until now one would have to attend university abroad for an extended period in order to receive this information,” said Umm Siddiq.
“I have often read of great scholars who attended the Universities for in-depth education in Islamic Studies and sciences. Scholars such as Jalaludeen Suyuti (RA) who wrote numerous books, taught at university himself for many years, and also coauthored the famous work Tafsir al Jalalayn, which was written entirely in Arabic. Scholars, such as he, are an inspiration for students such as myself,” she continued.
The preliminary classes from the BTI Ladies’ Summer School included:
Qadoori Fiqh
Mishkat Musabih
Riyadh Saliheen
Introduction to Holy Qu’ran
Uswai Rasooli Akram (SAW)
Islamic History
Calligraphy
Conversational Arabic
The Dars ul Azam program includes the following subjects:
Ilm ul Quran (40 subjects)
Ilm ul Hadith (20 subjects), including Mishkat Misabah and Ma’ariful Hadith
Ilm ul Fiqh (including Qadoori Fiqh)
Islamic History
Khitabahe (Islamic way of giving discourse and lectures)
Ilm ul Dawah
Arabic Studies (Ilm ul-Tajweed, Conversation, Writing, Arabic Grammar, Sarfwanahr )
Islamic Adaab
Upon completion of the Dars ul Azam program, students will receive their Bachelors in Islamic Studies from IQOU, which will be conferred upon them at next year’s Ladies Summer School.
“El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Gilani leads the way in educating, uplifting, and purifying those American Muslims dedicated to living their lives in the light of Holy Qur’an and Sunnah,” Umm Siddiq confirmed.
Filed under: August Volume 1 - 2008, Education, From the Desk of El Sheikh Sultan Muhyuddin Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, Magazine/ Culture, Religion | Tags: Advice, Gilani, Holy Quran, Sura Ra'ad
Excerpts from the works of El Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani, Chief Editor of the Islamic Post
“The ways of Allah are very difficult to understand. He puts people through many changes to prepare them to play their role in life.” –From the Introduction to the Holy Qur’an
“Allah, the Almighty Creator, alone, is enough to bring about a change in this world. We must turn to Allah with our whole heart and soul, seek forgiveness and come back to the fold of Islam. Be regular in your salaah, being the five-times daily prayers, and read Holy Qur’an. Be kind to your non- Muslim and Christian brothers. Try to bring them back again to the fold of Islam. Jesus is the second Messenger of Islam (may the peace of the Almighty be upon him).” –Selection from the Discourse on Sura Ra’ad
