Ya Ali Madad. Here is a supplication pertaining to welcoming Noor Mowlana Hazir Imam: (1) to the convocation ceremony at the University of Alberta on June 9, 2009, and (2) to our spiritual homes:   "O our Mowla, The Holy Pirs have taught us that you are the greatest, While we are nothing except dust.   "O our Mowla, Thank you for creating and opening the door of personal spiritual search, Because this is the mechanism to create heaven on earth!   O our Mowla, The personal worlds of all murids of the global Jamat are your spiritual houses, Transform these from darkness into light!   O our Mowla, The Holy Pirs have also taught us to clean and expand our consciousness, So that your Light may enter into our spiritual homes.   O our Mowla, We beseech you come to our spiritual homes, Which are being energized with Ayatul Kursi and Angelic Salwat.   O our Mowla, We are humbly calling you with the ginan verses of Pir Hasan Kabirdin (r.a.), As we recite the 500 verses of Anant Akhado over forty days.   O our Mowla, Expand our knowledge through the forty bandagi gems, And empower us to perform bandagi for forty days.   O our Mowla, All murids and all souls of all grades supplicate to you, O beloved, Welcome to the Edmonton of our personal worlds!"   Noorallah Juma, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada   Applications of the Above Knowledge The word "Edmonton" is used as a metaphor for "the real heart or consciousness or the spiritual house of a devoted murid";   From the above metaphor, this project is not only for the Edmonton, the Alberta or the Canadian Jamat. It is for every murid of the global Jamat. The key point is: bandagi is the mechanism to clean and expand our consciousness so that Mowla's Light can shine in it; and   Let us execute the "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada" project so that we can spiritually welcome his Light into our spiritual homes. This spiritual preparation will also bring barakat to solve any logistical problems, therefore, your participation will create a great benefit!   Links for Further Research on Related Topics: Project Description page Project Execution page Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Sunday, May 3,2009

 
:: Candle Posting #42 :: What is the Significance of Continuous Bandagi Over 40-days? ::

Ya Ali Madad. The Baitul Khayal satado for spiritual elevation starts on Friday, May 8, 2009 and ends on Thursday, May 14, 2009 in Canada. For those who are participating in the 40-day project entitled "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada", this 7-day period will be a great boost because we all will be performing bandagi and additional dhikr. In order to emphasize the performace of bandagi, I have added a new column in project execution page. Click here to view the updated project execution page.   What is the background for performing bandagi for 40 days?   "In a sacred Hadith, God has said: "I kneaded the clay of Adam's creation with both My hands every morning (constantly) for forty days".   It is obvious that by this creation of Adam is meant his spiritual creation which was the result of his constant ibadat (bandagi), particularly which he did during the last part part of the night and early morning, in which the two hands of God, the Universal Intellect and the Universal Soul, were working for his spiritual creation. The spiritual clay of Adam was kneaded for forty days, for the number forty is not only the prelude of the spiritual revolution in the holy life of Prophets, but also a sign of great changes in the life of ordinary human beings. One example of the importance of the number forty in the lives of Prophets is found in that of Hazrat Musa (a.s.) and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.). Hazrat Musa (a.s.) went to Mount Sinai for forty nights to do i'tikaf (constant ibadat) and the Holy Prophet succeeded to the rank of prophethood in the fortieth year of his noble life.   This discussion leads to the conclusion that the creation of Adam, for which Divine hands kneaded the clay, was his spiritual creation. For, in the language of ta'wil, clay stands for iman and mu'min. That is, Hazrat Adam was one the mu'mins, whom God selected and made His vicegerent on earth." (Source: Pir Nasir-i Khusraw and Spirituality, pages 16-17)   The moral from the above teaching:   Each one of us has a potential spiritual world that needs to be developed. This is the reason we have Baitul Khyal bandagi (meditation) in our Tariqah. However, this practice requires conviction, effort, courage, action, discipline and a permanent change of lifestyle. To wake up is a blessing, to sit in bandagi is a blessing, to be purified is a blessing, and to be enlightened is a blessing! To perform bandagi continually after the satado is also a blessing!   Now let us use the following excerpt from a supplication of Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi in which he seeks Light for each atom of his being and for everything in his personal world as a model prayer for our 7-day and 40-day projects:   "I ask of You, by your Name with which You pour forth light upon the receptacles and with which You dispel the darkness of obscurities: fill my being with light from Your Light, which is the substance of every light and the true goal of every desire, so that nothing may obscure me from what You have deposited in each atom of my being."   [Source: Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi. The Seven Days of the Heart. Translated by Pablo Beneito and Stephen Hirtenstein. 2000. Anqa Publishing, Oxford. Pages 66]   Applications of the Above Knowledge Please note that Ibn Arabi is seeking through a Divine Name. In our Tariqah, we also practise bandagi with a Luminous Name (Ism-i azam, Bol, Ya Ali);   Let us execute the "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada" project so that we can spiritually welcome his Light into our spiritual homes (i.e., in our consciousness, personal worlds or real hearts). This spiritual preparation will also bring barakat to solve material or spiritual problems! Links for Further Research on Related Topics: Project Description page Updated Project Execution page Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Thursday, May 7, 2009

 
:: Candle Posting #43 :: How Do Archangels Help True Believers? ::

Ya Ali Madad. Today, May 10, 2009, marks the tenth day of 40-day project entitled "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada". Today was also the third day of 7-day Baitul Khyal satado. At this point, I request the people who are participating on the 40-day project to keep the goal of reaching 100% in their minds. Currently we are at 25% (10 out of 40 days are completed). Click here to view the activities for each of the remaining days.   How do archangels help true believers?   "Jibrîl or Jibrîl-i Amin is an archangel of God. He is also known by the names of rûhu'l-qudus (the Holy Spirit) and ruhû'l-amin (the Trustworthy Spirit) in the Qur'an. Jibrîl is a Hebrew word which means the servant of God. One wonderful attribute of Jibrîl is that he is the most affectionate and the kindest of all the archangels. To cite an example of his affection and kindness: when a true mu'min (believer) walks on the path of spirituality, then first of all it is he who accompanies that mu'min, then Mikâ'il, then Isrâfil and finally 'Izrâ'il. These four archangels, using their miraculous powers, become engaged in making the mu'min reach the ascent of certitude (mi'râj-i yaqin) with ease.   In this process, Jibrîl uses the power of teaching, Mikâ'il uses the power of ta'wil (i.e., teaching wisdom or inner meaning), Isrâfil causes effacement (of self) through miraculous music (a flavor of this is the experience when a person sings ginans and Qasidas with ardent love), and 'Izrâ'il, uses the means of annihilation, centers the soul in the forehead. Thus the true mu'min, according to the guidance of the Prophet and the living and present Imam, continues to pass through the stages of spirituality towards the ascent (mi'raj), in the footsteps of pirs and dais.   In this journey, first of all is 'Izrâ'il who remains behind, then Isrâfil, then Mikâ'il and finally Jibrîl. Jibrîl accompanies him till the world of Divine glory (Jabarût) and helps him with extreme kindness and affection. But when he advances towards the world of divinity (lâhût) then even Jibrîl stays behind. This is the story of the a mu'mins first ascent only, and it is possible for him to have several such ascents." (Source: Pir Nasir-i Khusraw and Spirituality, pages 26-27)   The moral from the above teaching:   Each one of us has a potential spiritual world that needs to be developed. Now, from the above teaching, we have learned that a true mu'min can also achieve merâîj in his/her lifetime not only once but several times. This is the reason we have Baitul Khyal bandagi (meditation) in our Tariqah. However, this practice requires conviction, effort, courage, action, discipline and a permanent change of lifestyle. To wake up is a blessing, to sit in bandagi is a blessing, to be purified is a blessing, and to be enlightened is a blessing! To perform bandagi continually after the satado is also a blessing!   Why should we perform continuous bandagi?   In verse 171 of Kalâmê Mowlâ, NOOR Mowlana Murtazâ Ali (a.s.) explains that luminous prayer (bandagi) (with a luminous word at a luminous time) leads to spiritual elevation. This is the mechanism which the lover of Soul (Ruh) and Light (Noor) uses to meet the Beloved. The transliteration and translation of the verse is as follows:   Rean martabâ bohot badâ hey, sab khalkat pâwê ârâm, Pir payegambar walee Oleeâ, rât bandagisê sab pâa nâm,   The status of night is great (because it contains a luminous hour). The entire creation attains rest during the night. Pirs, Prophets, Friends and Saints, attained a lofty status through luminous prayers (bandagi).   Merâj rasul bhee râtmê (n) pâyâ, âshak wasal pâwê mâshuk, Jo tu(n) sâcha âshak hey, to rean bandagisê mat chuk .....171   The Messenger also attained Merâj (ascension) at night and the lover attains union with the Beloved (through luminous prayer). If you are a true lover (of Soul and Light), then do not miss the night's luminous prayer (bandagi)   Links for Further Research on Related Topics: Project Description page Updated Project Execution page Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Sunday, May 10, 2009

 
:: Candle Posting #44 :: What are the Spiritual States of Murids of the Holy Imam? ::

Ya Ali Madad. Today, May 14, 2009, marks the end of the Baitul Khyal satado and is also day 14 of 40-day project entitled "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada". At this point, I request the members who are participating in the 40-day project to keep the goal of reaching 100% in their minds. Currently we are at 35% (14 out of 40 days are completed). Click here to view the activities for each of the remaining days.   What Happened to the Holy Prophet During Merâj??   In the last candle posting, we learned that Jibrîl stays behind in Jabrût, the World of Light and Majesty, and the true Prophet or the true believer goes on his own into the Lâhût, the World of Divinity and Oneness. Let us now read more about this concept:   "According to the tradition, not even Gabriel could accompany the Prophet beyond the ultimate lotus tree, as-sidrat al-muntahâ. "If I would go one step further, my wings would get burned," is the archangel's sigh, as the poets and mystics interpreted it. For Rumi, the answer describes the weakness of discursive reason (thinking power) when it draws nearer to the mystery of divine love:   "Reason speaks, like Gabriel: O Ahmad, If I advance one step, He will burn me." (Mathnawi-i ma'nawi 1:1066)   It was at this moment that the Prophet was left alone in the loving encounter with God that he describes with the words, "I have a time with God in which no created being has access, not even Gabriel who is pure spirit." For Gabriel is still a veil between the lover and the beloved.   The Prophet's expression "I have a time with God" (li ma'a Allah waqt) is often used by the Sufis to point to their experience of waqt, "time", the moment they break through created time (or relative time marked by the movement of stars and heavens or the word 'zaman' in the first part of Holy Dua) and reach the Eternal Now in God (or absolute time where there is only the present, and the past and the future do not exist, also referred to as 'asr' in the first part of our Holy Dua), when everything created (including the archangel) remain outside and is, in their experience, annihilated. Iqbal, in his modern interpretation of mystical symbols, understands this tradition as a reference to the moment at which "the infidel's girdle," namely, "serial" (or relative) time is torn and the mystic establishes direct contact with God in a person-to-person encounter.   This emphasis on the person-to-person encounter is the mystical interpretation of the mi'raj seems particularly revealing. The Prophet, although created as the most perfect being, still remains a creature and is not united with God. The opening words of Sura 17—"praised be He who traveled with His servant at night" — indicate that even in the moment of rapture the Prophet is still called 'abduhu, "His servant." That implies that "servant" is the highest possible name for a human being, who, however, is able to speak to God without being extinguished." (Source: Annemarie Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam, pages 219-220)   The moral from the above teaching:   Each one of us has a potential spiritual world that needs to be developed. Now, from the above teaching, we have learned that when a true mu'min achieves merâîj, he/she gets out of the world of time and space, i.e., the created world and enters into the World of Command in which everything manifests itself instanteneously (Be and it is!). In other words, there is only the present (or Eternal Now) in the World of Command and this is called 'asr' or absolute time. The ultimate power and goal of bandagi is to reach the World of Divinity and Oneness. In Baitul Khyal firmans, this is the place of He Who is above all else. This is the greatest reason that we have Baitul Khyal bandagi (meditation) in our Tariqah.   The Pirs have taught us knowledge and have made the statement that you have just heard about mystical vision but we have actually seen it! Therefore, we have to ask ourselves: "Should we just stop after hearing this or should we perform bandagi so that we can also see and experience this?".   How does the above knowledge relate to our Holy Imam?   In the third paragraph of the first part of our Holy Dua we say:   O Allah, let Thy peace be on Muhammad—the chosen, and on 'Aly—the favorite, and on the Imams—the pure, and on the evidence of Thy Authority—the Lord of present age (Zaman) and Eternal time (asr), our present living Imam, our Lord Shah Karim Al-Hussaini."   From the above teaching of meraj, relative time (zaman) and immoveable or absolute time (asr), we have to ask who is the Lord of Zaman and Asr of our personal worlds? According to our Holy Dua, our Holy Imam is the Lord of the Zaman and Asr of our personal worlds.   How does the above knowledge relate to our spiritual status?   All people live in the world of humanity (Nasut) and are at different stages along the path of spiritual progress and development. This path is like a ladder with four steps: The True Mu'mins live in this world but have reached the first step of the ladder of spiritual progress and development. As they have achieved this, they have no fear of deviation from the Right Path and have the choice of living in this state or advancing to the next step.   The Righteous Ones (Salihin) also live in this world, but have reached the second step of the ladder of spiritual progress and development, i.e., spiritually they have reached the world of angelicity (Malakut). They see the manifestations of light and have recognized their own soul.   The Spiritual Martyrs (Shuhada) also live in this world, but have reached the third step of the ladder of spiritual progress and development, i.e., they experience the Light (Noor) of the 99 Divine Attributes (99 Names of Allah) in the world of majesty (Jabarut). The world of majesty is also the world of pure intellect which manifests itself as Light.   The Truthful Ones (Siddiq), also known as Wali (the Friends of Allah), also live in this world, but have reached the fourth step of the ladder of spiritual progress and development, i.e., they have reached the world of divinity (Lahut). In this world of divinity, they experience the hidden treasure of Allah and are given the knowledge of key secrets. In the material world, such persons speak most truly, and explain knowledge most clearly, because they have seen this in the world of divinity. The world of divinity has many names such as the World of Oneness, the World of One Reality (Monoreality), the Abode of Eternal Peace, and the place of annihilation and Eternal existence. The Holy Prophets, the Holy Imams and the Holy Pirs have all experienced the World of Divinity. Some true believers have also reached this stage so all of us have an opportunity of following the dignitaries of our faith.   Links for Further Research on Related Topics: Project Description page Updated Project Execution page Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Thursday, May 14, 2009

 
:: Candle Posting #45 :: How to be in the Spiritual Presence of the Holy Imam? ::

Ya Ali Madad. Today, May 20, 2009, marks the 20th day of our 40-day project entitled "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada". Noor Mowlana Hazir Imam will physically be here in 20 days! Click here to view the activities for each of the remaining days.   Part 1: Teaching of Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Mustansir bi'l-laah II (a.s.) In Pir Pandiyat-i Jawanmardi, Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Mustansir bi'l-laah II (a.s.) teaches us about how to be alive in both worlds. " Therefore, O believers, if you want to be alive in both worlds, perfect your faith, because (only) by the light of faith may you attain eternal life. And faith comes from and is perfected by the recognition and knowledge (ma'rifat wa shinakht) of the Imam of the time, and obedience and love for his followers. Therefore, follow your Imam, and be happy and united with each other amongst yourselves in order that you may be alive in both worlds, and in the hereafter you may become resurrected with the pious, with prophets and saints in the presence of the Imam, with the greatest joy at meeting each other again. " (Pages 4-5) Part 2: Teaching of Pir Sadardin The following verse of ginan is taken from Pir Sadardin's Sab ghat Sami maaro bharpur betha aaya describes the transformation of the soul of a momin through contact with the Everliving Guide. Eji Satgur paaras munivar traamba ne Bhete to sovan hoy Ek ji o ji, jirebhai re   O Brother The True Preceptor is like the philosopher's stone and the followers are like copper. When the copper comes in contact with the philosopher's stone it becomes gold. The followers gain spiritual enlightenment from the contact of the Imam. He is the only Glorious, O brother. 13 Please follow this link to see the text and the literal translation of the other verses of this ginan. These verses of supplication soften, heal and purify the soul, and prepare it for enlightenment.   Part 3: Teaching of Sayyed Imamshah The following verse of ginan is taken from Sayyed Imamshah's Hetesu(n) milo maara munivaro. Constant remembrance of our present and living NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam is necessary because His Holy Name can bring us peace, prosperity, happiness, barakat, Light and the inner vision of the truth! Eji Paak to Sahebji-nu(n) naam chhe Tene jampiye saas usaas Dur ma dekho dil maa(n)he vase Jem champa ful maa(n)he vaas   O Brother: The Name (or Word) of the Imam is holy and true. Remember it upon every breath. Do not regard (the Lord) as being remote. He is present in the heart like the presence of the fragrance in a flower. 4 Please follow this link to see the text and the literal translation of the other verses of this ginan. These verses of supplication soften, heal and purify the soul, and prepare it for enlightenment. Links for Further Research on Related Topics: Project Description page Updated Project Execution page Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Wednesday, May 20, 2009

 
:: Candle Posting #46 :: What are the Benefits of Dhikr and Bandagi? ::

Ya Ali Madad. Today, June 2, 2009, marks the 33rd day of our 40-day project entitled "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada". Click here to view the activities for each of the remaining days.   Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam will receiving his Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta at a convocation on June 9, 2009 at 3 pm Edmonton time. The webcast will be streamed live to the web. Click on the following link: http://www.registrar.ualberta.ca/ro.cfm?id=1014 to go to the convocation ceremony webcast page. It is a good idea to see previous webcasts so that you are assured that your computer software and hardware are fully functional. You may need to install Quicktime.   In this posting, I have compiled three teachings of Rumi which will help us to understand the benefits of dhikr and bandagi.   Part 1: Rumi's Teaching on Man's Effort and God's Grace   Let us reflect deeply on the following teaching of Rumi: "Grace is one thing and effort another. The prophets did not achieve the station of prophethood through effort; they found that good fortune through grace. However God's Wont (Custom) requires that whoever achieves prophethood live out his life in striving and virtue. This is for the sake of common people, in order that they might have confidence in the prophets and their words. For the common people are not able to see inward (batin)—they only see the outward (zahir). But when they follow the outward, they find access to the inward through the outward's intermediary and blessing."   (Fihi Mâ fihi (Discourses of Rumi) 174/183-184. Cited in William C. Chittick. The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi. 1983. State University of New York Press, Albany. Page 161.) Part 2: Rumi's Teaching on Remembrance of God   Let us reflect deeply on the benefits of dhikr and bandagi (silent dhikr with a luminous word at a luminous time): "His Name (bol, Ism-i-azam) is the Spirit of spirits, His invocation the ruby of all mines. His love is in the soul, He is both our refuge and our hope. When I mention His Name, good fortune arrives; then the Name becomes the Named—without duality, without hesitation."   (Diwan-i Shams-i Tabrizi 30700-01. Cited in William C. Chittick. The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi. 1983. State University of New York Press, Albany. Page 159.) Part 3: Rumi's Teaching on the Importance of the Remembrance of God   Let us reflect deeply on the importance of dhikr and bandagi: "Never be without the remembrance of God, for His remembrance provides the bird of spirit with strength, feathers and wings. If your goal becomes actualized completely, that is Light upon Light (Holy Qur'an 24:35). But in any case, through the remembrance of God your inward (batin) will be illuminated and you will achieve a degree of detachment from the world. For instance, look at the bird that wants to fly in heaven: Though it cannot reach heaven, moment by moment it soars farther from earth and higher than the other birds. Or consider a small box of musk whose opening is narrow: You put your hand into it, but you cannot bring out the musk; yet your hand becomes perfumed and your senses refreshed. So too is the remembrance of God: Even if you do not reach His Essence, yet His remembrance has numerous effects upon you. You actualize tremendous benefits by invoking Him."   (Fihi Mâ fihi (Discourses of Rumi) 175/183. Cited in William C. Chittick. The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi. 1983. State University of New York Press, Albany. Page 158.) Application of the Above Knowledge   Our Holy Imams have continually reminded us about dhikr and bandagi. In order to overcome all trials and tribulations, it is necessary to invoke God with conviction, sincerity and humility so that the blessings of inner strength, inner happiness and inner peace emerge within our souls. Al-Hamdulillah, these doors are open for all who make an effort! Links for Further Research on Related Topics: Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Tuesday, June 2, 2009

 
:: Candle Posting #47 :: How Does the Holy Imam Guide His Light to His Murids? ::

Ya Ali Madad. Today, June 4, 2009, marks the 35th day of our 40-day project entitled "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada". Click here to view the activities for each of the remaining days.   In my postings, I have written the phrase 'Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen' which means 'Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only' many times. Why is there an emphasis on Mowla's Light? To understand this, let us read the wisdoms for the following words from the Holy Qur'an:   Part 1: What is in the Personality of the Present and Living Imam?   The answer is given in the following tawil:   Tawil of the word 'Tamshûna'—You walk or will walk in the illumination of the light of guidance:   "The straight path cannot be (like) a straight path of this world. It is the living light of guidance, which is the personality of the Imam of the time, the light revealed by God (Holy Qur'an 5:15). God guides His Light whomsoever He will (Holy Qur'an 24:35)." (Source: A Thousand Wisdoms, Tawil No. 230, p. 122)   From the above tawil, it is extremely clear that Allah guides His Light to the present and living Imam.   Part 2: How Does the Holy Imam Guide His Light to His Murids?   Let us reflect deeply on how a spark of light, equivalent to the size of a mustard seed, becomes equivalent to the light of the sun?   Tawil of the word 'Qabas'—Spark of Light:   "Prior to the mention of bringing of the spark of light or flame in verse (Holy Qur'an 20:10), there is the mention of Allah's beautiful names in verse (Holy Qur'an 20:08), which is an indication that by the grace of God, the True Guide can establish a luminous (noorani) bridge of ism-i azam between himself and his followers. He can initially give them a spark of light and gradually perfect it, but there is the pre-requisite of love, knowledge and good deeds on the part of followers." (Source: A Thousand Wisdoms, Tawil No. 681, p. 363)   From the above tawil, it is extremely clear that that we are linked to Holy Imam through a luminous (noorani) bond. If we practice bandagi, then the Holy Imam perfects his light in our personal worlds! This was the main reason for including the practice and knowledge of bandagi in this 40 day project. Application of the Above Knowledge The shadow of an object is the smallest when the sun is right overhead, so why shouldn't the hearts of mumins be bursting with joy when the Holy Imam is so near?   Our Holy Imams have continually taught us that bandagi leads to higher spiritual enlightenment provided all the other conditions of dua, dasond, dhikr, unconditional service, good deeds, ethics and knowledge are met. They have also taught us that the weight of bandagi is greater than the weight of all the wealth of this world because it is the rocket which propels us into the spirituality (ruhaniyat) and luminosity (nooraniyat) of the Holy Imam!   O our Mowla, All murids and all souls of all grades supplicate to you, O beloved, Welcome to the 'Edmonton' of our personal worlds! Links for Further Research on Related Topics: O our Mowla, we welcome you to our spiritual homes Project Description page Updated Project Execution page Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Thursday, June 4, 2009

 
:: Candle Posting #48 :: Why Is It Necessary To First Die Spiritually? ::

Ya Ali Madad. Monday, June 8, 2009, marks the 39th day of our 40-day project entitled "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada". Click here to view the activities for each of the remaining days.   In this project, we have learned a lot about bandagi. However, let us ask a practical question: "What happens if we do not perform bandagi?". To understand this clearly, we need to know about physical death, spiritual death before physical death, and the purpose of spiritual death. Let us study the following:   Part 1: What is the difference between a physical and a spiritual death?   We have often going to funeral services and have seen people who have died physically. Dead persons cannot tell us their life experiences because they are dead. We can read about their lives but sooner or later, their faces and memories either disappear or remain in the vast body of literature. Physical death is involuntary and nobody can escape it.   In contrast to a physical death, there is a spiritual death which occurs when a person is alive. A person has to prepare and strive to be on the path of higher spiritual enlightenment to experience a spiritual death. Thus, a person who experiences a spiritual death is shown higher spiritual realities, blessed with certainty of gifted (or inspired) knowledge which is full of wisdom, and the recognition of God while he/she is physically alive on this earth!   Part 2: What is the purpose of spiritual death?   "The purpose of spiritual death is gnosis (marifat), in which are hidden the secrets of spiritual peace and eternal salvation.   Spiritual death which occurs due to special ibadat (bandagi), spiritual exercise (dhikr) and mortification of the canal self (slaying of nafs-i amara, the soul which commands us to do evil acts), in the light of guidance of the True Guide (Holy Imam), is the introduction of the spiritual events and experiences, in the sense that, by it (such spiritual death), all the doors of the recognition of the self become unlocked. Thus, this voluntary death becomes the means of obtaining the realities and gnosis (marifat), and the spirit and the spiritualism, and the secrets of recognition of God." (Source: Recognition of the Imam. Part III. p. 16)   Part 3: What happens if one does not practice bandagi?   "Is anyone exempt from the universal law of death? The answer is mentioned within the universal law itself that, no soul, i.e. human being is above this law. Since no door of (higher) spiritualism can open without the voluntary, spiritual death, and since according to the Holy Qur'an (30:42), sleep contains a kind of death, and the physical death is a complete freedom for a haqqiqati mu'min only, then think well how necessary is the spiritual death for a real mu'min. Thus it is clear that the (spiritual) death is the door of the spiritual world, without entering through which, neither spiritual progress nor eternal life is possible." (Source: Recognition of the Imam. Part III. pp. 16-19)   Plese note that the physical death is a complete freedom for a person who is a haqqiqati mu'min. Therefore, all murids have to first become haqqiqati mu'mins by practising the faith completely and with conviction!   We are linked to Holy Imam through a luminous (noorani) bond. If we practice bandagi, then the Holy Imam perfects his light in our personal worlds by opening the doors of spirituality (ruhaniyat) and luminosity (nooraniyat)! This was the main reason for including the practice and knowledge of bandagi in this 40-day project. Application of the Above Knowledge Our Pirs have taught us to worry and take care of our souls, convert the spiritual status of our souls from murids to haqqiqati mu'mins, and continually seek salvation. It is better to conduct the spiritual search here while we are physically alive.   Our Holy Imams have continually taught us that bandagi leads to higher spiritual enlightenment provided all the other conditions of dua, dasond, dhikr, unconditional service, good deeds, ethics and knowledge are met. They have also taught us that the weight of bandagi is greater than the weight of all the wealth of this world because it is the rocket which propels us into the spirituality (ruhaniyat) and luminosity (nooraniyat) of the Holy Imam!   O our Mowla, All murids, all mu'mins and all souls of all grades supplicate to you, O beloved, welcome to the 'Edmonton' of our personal worlds! Links for Further Research on Related Topics: O our Mowla, we welcome you to our spiritual homes Project Description page Updated Project Execution page Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Monday, June 8, 2009

 
:: Candle Posting #49 :: How Does The Holy Imam's Light Reach His Mu'mins? ::

Ya Ali Madad. Tuesday, June 9, 2009, marks the 40th and final day of our project entitled "Welcoming NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada". This posting is also the 49th candle posting for 2009 and marks an auspicious day in the life of our beloved 49th Holy Imam.   Today, our beloved Mowla will receive his Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta. Let us offer shukrana, shed tears of love and joy, and demonstrate utmost humility for being blessed with the guidance of a present and living Imam! Al-Hamdulillah!   This posting addresses the topics of knowledge and mercy in everything, practical application of the principle of "Light upon Light" and enlightenment of true mu'mins. Let us study the following:   Part 1: What is the Relationship Between the Universal Intellect, Universal Soul and Universal Body?   In order to under these concepts, let us start with an ayat of the Holy Qur'an and then follow up with an explanation:   "The Holy Qur'an says in verse (40:7) "Our Lord! Thou comprehends all things in mercy and knowledge."   Explanation: "The wisdom-filled allusion of this noble verse is towards the fact that, the living mercy of God Almighty, is the spirituality of the Universal Soul and His living knowledge is the luminosity of the Universal Intellect. And in the two oceans of spirituality and luminosity are submerged all things of the universe and existents. This fact, in reality, is such that the Universal Body, which consists of the heavens, the stars, the planets and all material objects, is submerged in the spirituality of the Universal Soul. The Universal Soul in turn, along with all these things (i.e., the Universal Body) is submerged in the luminosity of the Universal Intellect. So, this is the meaning of comprehension of everything in mercy and knowledge." (Source: Recognition of the Imam. Part III. p. 64)   Part 2: What is the Relationship Between Everything and the Manifest Imam?   In order to answer this question, let us start with an ayat of the Holy Qur'an and then follow up with an explanation:   In the verse (36:12), the Lord of the world says "And We have encompassed everything in the (light of) the manifest Imam."   Explanation: "There are several concepts on how the Imam of the age, as the absolute light of God Almighty, comprehends all things of the universe. One of them is that, there are continuous intellectual and spiritual (i.e., conscious and living) reflection of the things of both the worlds, in the inner mirror of the True Imam. In other words, the living picture and form of everything exists on the Guarded Tablet (lawh-i mahfuz) of the luminous heart of the holy Imam." (Source: Recognition of the Imam. Part III. p. 56)   Part 3: How do True Mu'mins Get the Light of the Holy Imam?   In order to answer this question, let us start with an ayat of the Holy Qur'an and then follow up with an explanation:   "God says: "O, ye who believe! Fear God and believe in His Messenger. He will give you two-fold of His mercy and will appoint a light for you wherewith you will be able to walk, and will forgive you" (57:28)"   Explanation: "The ta'wil of appointing a light for true mu'mins, by God and the Holy Prophet, is that, as a result of the mu'mins' ardent love and obedience, the light of the lamp of Imamat starts to manifest in the niche of their heart. Then, according to the principle of "light upon light", its light of knowledge and gnosis continues to increase, till it surrounds the entire universe and existents and encompasses them within itself. In this sense, it is said: "And We have encompassed everything in the manifest Imam" (36:12). This is a secret command of God Almighty that, in each and every matter, we should have recourse to the manifest Imam because it is evident that, according to the ta'wil of Supreme Similitude, the light of God, the Messenger Prophet and the True Imam, is the same." (Source: Recognition of the Imam. Part III. pp 42-43)   Part 4: How Does the Holy Imam's Light Reach his mu'mins?   In order to answer this question, let us start with the first verse of the ginan, Brahm Prakash, written by Pir Shams (r.a.) and then follow up with an explanation:   "Sat shabd hay guru hamaaraa, taa(n)ko lekhe nayo sa(n)saaraa....1   The True Word (Bol, Ism-i Azam, Supreme Name) is my Guide. The world at large does not have much regard for it."   Explanation: The Ism-i Azam or bol cannot be written or erased from one's consciousness because is luminous (noorani). It is a pure, eternal word and a passport to the luminosity of the Holy Imam. First the mu'min sees the light of his own soul in his/her forehead. This becomes stronger and stronger as the soul gets illuminated. Then the mu'min gets to see the Holy Imam's light which remains continuously in the front and on the right side of a mu'min soul. Thus, it is the Holy Imam's light which leads the mu'min's soul to salvation! Al-Hamdulillah!   Here is a Qur'anic reference for the role of the Holy Imam's light and the eternal rewards of following the path of enlightenment (Baitul Khyal):   "On the day when thou (Muhammad) wilt see the believers, men and women, their light shining forth before them and on their right hands, (and wilt hear it said unto them): Glad news for you this day: Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein ye are immortal. That is the supreme triumph." (Holy Quran 57:12; Pickthall's translation)   Application of the Above Knowledge Seek enlightenment by practising bandagi daily from 4.00 to 5.00 a.m.   Make sure that all tariqah practices such as dua, dasond, dhikr, unconditional service, good deeds, ethics and knowledge are met.   Do only those things which will lead to the salvation of your soul. Therefore, each action has to be examined by this golden rule! Links for Further Research on Related Topics: O our Mowla, we welcome you to our spiritual homes Project Description page Updated Project Execution page Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Tuesday, June 9, 2009

 
:: Candle Posting #50 :: How to Call Upon the All Encompassing Light? ::

Ya Ali Madad. As we prepare to celebrate Imamat Day of NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.), let us reflect on the relationship between Allah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.), NOOR Mawlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.), Noor Mowlana Hazir Imam (the Ali of this time) and the Holy Qur'an from the following ta'wils:   Part 1: What is the Relationship between Allah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.), NOOR Mawlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.), Noor Mowlana Hazir Imam (the Ali of this time) and the Holy Qur'an?   In order to answer this question, let us study the following ta'wils:   It is said in an Hadith: "Recognize Allah by Allah" (Lughât. Ayn, p. 82; Ahadith-i Mathnawi, pp. 2, 106). That is, the recognition of God is possible in the illumination of His light and His light is the holy Prophet and the Imam of the time." [Source: Tawil No. 835, A Thousand Wisdoms]   "Externally Ali (Imam of the time) is a pure personality and internally a light. Externally the Qur'an is a glorious heavenly Book and internally (in the Prophet and Imam) it is a light. This shows that externally Ali and the Qur'an are separate from one another but internally they are not only together, they are one light." [Source: Tawil No. 820, A Thousand Wisdoms]   Part 2: What is our niyat and wish list?   Let us first declare our noble intentions and then invoke the Ya Ali, Ya Allah, and Ya Muhammad dhikr for exoteric and esoteric purposes. Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazir Imam, we pray for: The well being and health of the whole NOORANI family; Protection from the elements of dross and darkness; The blessing for waking up and performing bandagi from 4.00 to 5.00 am every morning; Sunshine in hearts, Light in our foreheads and the blessing of the inner vision of the Truth; Mushkil Aasan and material, spiritual & intellectual upliftment of the global Jamat, the global Muslim community and humanity at large; Salvation of all departed souls; Empowerment of our children with the correct understanding of our holy faith; and External and internal peace for the whole humanity. Part 3: How do we call upon the all encompassing Light?   We can call upon the all encompassing Light of Allah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.), NOOR Mawlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.), Noor Mowlana Hazir Imam (the Ali of this time) and the Holy Qur'an with the following dhikr and also through bandagi: Click here to play and right click here to save the mp3 track to your computer.   A'uzu billahi minashaitanir rajim I seek refuge in Allah from the outcast Satan. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (1) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (2) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (3) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (4) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (5) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (6) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (7) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (8) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (9) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali (10) (I call upon Allâh, the Light of Ali and the Light of Muhammad through this prayer) Application of the Above Knowledge Seek the all encompassing Light by practising bandagi daily from 4.00 to 5.00 a.m.   Make sure that all tariqah practices such as dua, dasond, dhikr, unconditional service, good deeds, ethics and knowledge are met.   Do only those things which will lead to the salvation of your soul. Therefore, each action has to be examined by this golden rule!   Learn more about the spiritual and luminous dimensions of NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) Links for Further Research on Related Topics: Spiritual and Luminous Dimensions of NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam (a.s.) Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com   Archives: Candle Posting Index Vol. 1, Candle Posting Index Vol. 2 Postings: 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50 Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Friday, June 26, 2009