Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   Ya Ali Madad and Idd Mubarak. On the occasion of Idd-ul-Adha, may Allah grant material, spiritual and intellectual happiness to Muslims all over the world, and to all those who have submitted their wills to He Who is Above All Else. Ameen.   Credit: Mehdi Hemani and Noorallah Juma   Part 1: The From and Essence of Sacrifice   The following excerpt is taken from Khutba of al-Mansur on the Id al-adha, 335 (2 July 947). During the siege of Abu Yazid at Kiyana. Noor Mowlana Al-Mansur was our 13th Holy Imam and the third Fatimid Caliph.   "Most truly this day of yours is a sacred day during a sacred month, made more significant than other days, a day of the greater pilgrimage, in which God, the hallowed and exalted, tested Abraham His friend. He was redeemed in it from slaughtering his son, may God bless them both, and God imposed on the whole people of Islam the obligation of pilgrimage to His sacred house, which He made a refuge for the people and a place of safety. So draw closer to God the Exalted in it by means of what He has commanded you to do. The most worthy of what brings you to him is the female of a camel, and the female of cattle, and the ram of sheep. Steer clear of sick animals and those with defeats in the eyes or ears, and those of them deformed by excess in its creation or something missing. They will not be accepted on your part. This is in accord with the practice of your Prophet, may God bless him and keep him and his family, the Imams among his pure progeny, the righteous and highly esteemed, on them the most excellent of salutation. 'It is not their flesh or blood that reaches God, but the God-fearing piety that reaches Him' [Holy Qur'an 22:37]."   Source: Orations of the Fatimid Caliphs: Festival Sermons of the Ismaili Imams by Paul Walker (2009), p. 108   The forms of sacrifice are diverse but the essence is the God-fearing piety which is the means of coming close to He who is above all else. On the occasion of Idd-ul-Adha, examples of material sacrifices can be in form of animals or donations to promote the well being of all societies. During the Golden Jubilee of Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam, the forms of sacrifice were grouped as material or in form of time and knowledge. However, the essence of all that is being done is just for the pleasure of the Holy Imam. Therefore, each one of us has to re-examine the purity of our niyat (intention) and actions (amal). We have to do these at the highest standard of God-fearing piety as demonstrated by Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) and Hazrat Ismail (a.s.). Is it possible for us to bow in utmost humility and submit ourselves to vision of our Holy Imam? The answer is a resounding 'yes'!   Part 2: What Are the Rewards of God-Fearing Piety?   The following excerpt is also taken from the same khutba:   "I prescribe for you, the servants of God, what I previously prescribed for myself as to fearing God and His surveillance, and doing what will please Him and bring us and you closer to Him. So, in fearing Him, there is His approval and, in His being pleased, success in paradise and salvation from the fire. And 'whoever is saved from the fire and admitted to paradise has been granted success; and the life of this world is but the merchandise of delusion' [Holy Qur'an 3:185]"   Source: Orations of the Fatimid Caliphs: Festival Sermons of the Ismaili Imams by Paul Walker (2009), p. 108   Part 3: Teachings of Noor Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.): The Limitation of Life   "People have been created as a proof of (His) power, have been brought up with authority, they are made to die through pangs, and placed in graves where they turn into crumbs. Then they would be resurrected one by one, awarded their recompense and would have to account for their actions, each one separately. They had been allowed time to seek deliverance, had been shown the right path and had been allow to live and seek favours, the darkness of doubts had been removed, and they had been let free in this period of life as a training place in order to make preparation for the race on the Day of Judgement, to search the objective with thoughtfulness, to get time necessary to secure benefits and provide for the next place of stay."   Source: Peak of Eloquence NAHJUL BALAGHA, Sermons, Letters and Saying of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, Sixth edition (1996) p. 208   Part 4: Teachings of Noor Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.): No Happiness without Piety   "How appropriate are these illustrations and effective admonitions provided they are received by pure hearts, open ears, firm views and sharp wits. Fear Allah like him who listened (good advice) and bowed before it, when he committed sin he admitted it, when he felt fear he acted virtuously, when he apprehended he hastened (towards good acts), when he believed he performed virtuous acts, when he was asked to take lesson (from the happenings of this world) he did take the lesson, when he was asked to desist he abstained (from evil), when he responded to the call (of Allah) he leaned (towards him), when he turned back (to evil) he repented, when he followed he almost imitated and when he was shown (the right path) he saw it.   Such a man was busy in search of truth and got rid (of the worldly evils) by running away. He collected provision (of good acts) for himself, purified his inner self, built for the next world, and took with himself provision for the day of his departure, keeping in view his journey, his requirement and position of his need. He sent ahead of him for the abode of his stay (in the next world). O creatures of Allah, fear Allah keeping in view the reason why He created you and be afraid of Him to the extent He has advised you to do. Make yourself deserve what He has promised you, by having confidence in the truth of His promise and entertaining the fear for the Day of Judgement."   Source: Peak of Eloquence NAHJUL BALAGHA, Sermons, Letters and Saying of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, Sixth edition (1996), pp. 208-209   Part 5: Teachings of Noor Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.): In Praise of His Faithful Companions   "You are the supporters of Truth and brethren in faith. You are the shield on the day of tribulation, and (my) trustees among the rest of the people. With your support I strike the runner away and hope for the obedient of him who advances forward. Therefore, extend to me support which is free from deceit and pure from doubt because, by Allah, I am the most preferable of all for the people."   Source: Peak of Eloquence NAHJUL BALAGHA, Sermons, Letters and Saying of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, Sixth edition (1996), Khutba 117 p. 266   Ardent Supplications: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazir Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazir Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links: Idd-ul-Adha: The Greatest Sacrifice of Hazrat Ismail (a.s.) (Learn about the spiritual meaning of sacrifice) Idd-ul-Adha: The Inner Meaning of the Sacrifice of Hazrat Ismail (a.s.) (Learn more about the spiritual meaning of sacrifice) Tawil of Dua-e-Qunut (Dua-e-Qunut in an integral part of Idd Namaz) Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Monday, November 15, 2010

:: Candle Posting #92 :: The Meaning and Status of Amirul-Momineen ::
 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   Ya Ali Madad! On the occasion of the commemoration of the great spiritually uplifting event of Idd-e-Gaddir, the first Imamat Day of our first beloved Holy Imam, Amirul-Momineen, NOOR Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.), please accept our heartfelt felicitations! May NOOR Mowlana Hazar Imam grant peace, prosperity, happiness, barakat, higher spiritual enlightenment, spiritual & luminous tayid (help) and empowerment to you, your family, your Jamat and the worldwide Jamat! Ameen.   Credit: Noorallah Juma and Mehdi Hemani   The following excerpts are taken from a book entitled 'Peak of Eloquence NAHJUL BALAGHA'—Sermons, Letters and Sayings of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, published by Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an, Sixth U.S. Edition 1996   Part 1: About the Greatness of Ahlu'l-bayt   Amirul-Momineen, NOOR Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) says:   "By Allah, I have knowledge of the conveyance of messages, fulfillment of promises and of entire expressions. We the people of the house (of the Prophet-Ahlu'l-bayt) possess the doors of wisdom and light of governance. Beware that the paths of religion are one and its highways are straight. He who follows them achieves the aim and secures the objective. And he who stood away from it went astray and incurred repentance." Source: NAHJUL BALAGHA, Sermon 119, p. 267   Part 2: About the Ahlu'l-bayt   Amirul-Momineen, NOOR Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) says:   "He who has an intelligent mind looks to its goal. He knows his low road as well as his high road. The caller has called. The shepherd has tended his flocks. So respond to the caller and follow the shepherd." Source: NAHJUL BALAGHA, Sermon 153, p. 314   Part 3: About Preaching and Counseling   Amirul-Momineen, NOOR Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) says:   "Allah may bless him who listens to a point of wisdom and retains it, when he is invited to the right path he approaches it, he follows a leader (by catching his waist band) and finds salvation, keeps Allah before his eyes and fears his sins, performs actions sincerely and acts virtuously, earns treasure of heavenly rewards, avoids vice, aims at (good) objective and reaps recompense, faces his desires and rejects (fake) hopes, makes endurance the means of his salvation and piety the provision for his death, rides on the path of honour and sticks to the highway of the truth, makes good use of his time and hastens towards end and takes with him the provision of (good) actions. " Source: NAHJUL BALAGHA, Sermon 75, p. 201   Part 4: Supplication   Amirul-Momineen, NOOR Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) supplicates:   "O my Allah, Thou art the most attached to Thy lovers and the most ready to assist those who trust in Thee. Thou seest them in their concealments, knowest whatever is in their consciences, and art aware of the extent of their intelligence. Consequently, their secrets are open to Thee and their hearts are eager for Thee. If loneliness bores them, Thy remembrance gives them solace. If distresses befall them, they beseech Thy protection, because they know the reins of affairs are in Thy hands, and that their movements depend upon Thy commands.   O my Allah! If I am unable to express my request or cannot see my needs, then guide me towards my betterment and take my betterment and take my heart towards the correct goal. This is not against the mode of Thy guidance nor anything new against Thy ways of support.   O my Allah! Deal with me through Thy forgiveness and do not deal with me according to Thy justice." Source: NAHJUL BALAGHA, Sermon 225, p. 446   Part 5: Recitation of Angelic Salwat The recitation of angelic salwat tasbi with knowledge, understanding and ardent love leads purification of the soul, spiritual upliftment and enlightenment. It is one of the best ways to demonstrate ardent love to our beloved NOOR Mowlana Hazar Imam. Click here to download a PDF document entitled "Angelic Salwat and Conditions for Harnessing its Full Potential" (14 Questions and Answers).   Let us now present a bouquet of angelic salwats to our beloved Mowla. Real Audio and mp3 sound tracks are available for your convenience.   Listen to Real audio streams online:    [33 times| 66 times| 99 times| 198 times| 990 times]   or download angelic salwat sound track in mp3 format Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (1) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (2) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (3) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (4) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (5) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (6) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (7) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (8) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (9) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (10) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (11) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (12) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants)   Ardent Supplications: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links: Our responsibilities towards NOOR Mowlana Hazar Imam (Read about Baiyat and Talim) Idd-e-Gaddir: A Time to Reflect on the Declaration of Imamat (1) Idd-e-Gaddir: A Time to Reflect on the Declaration of Imamat (2) Idd-e-Gaddir: A Time to Reflect on the Greatest Gift from the Holy Imam What is in the Spiritual Treasury of NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam? Dhikr Sound Tracks Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Wednesday, November 24, 2010

:: Candle Posting #93 :: Noor Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam (a.s.) ::
 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   Ya Ali Madad! This posting has three parts: (1) The Month of Muharram; (2) AKDN Climate Resilience Action Plan to Counter Climate Change; and (3) The Ethical Framework of AKDN.   Part 1: The Month of Muharram   Tonight we will celebrate Chandraat, the night of the new moon. Tonight is also the first night of of the first Muslim month, Muharram. Thus, tomorrow is the New Year Day for year 1432 AH. The martyrdom of NOOR Mowlana Imam Hussain (a.s.) took place on the 10th day of Muharram in the year 61 AH. In this context it is important to note that the Ismailis are sensitive to this event because, in our Dua and every prayer, we refer to Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam as "Noor Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam". This is an explicit statement that the progeny of Noor Mowlana Imam Hussain (a.s.) is in front of us and the Institution of Imamat is still flourishing in this day and age. Al-Hamdulillah!   Today, we are most fortunate to have the direct, descendant of the Holy Prophet (s.a.s.), a hereditary, present and living Imam, to guide us through the Institution of Imamat. It is imperative upon us to continually present a bouquet of angelic salwats to our Holy Imam and his family from the time of Amirul-Momineen, NOOR Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) till today, and remind ourselves of the sacrifices that they have given and are giving for the upliftment of the Ismailis, the Ummah and humanity at large over the past 1400 years.   Let us now present a bouquet of angelic salwats to our beloved Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam and his family. Real Audio and mp3 sound tracks are available for your convenience.                       Listen to Real audio streams online:    [33 times| 66 times| 99 times| 198 times| 990 times]   or download angelic salwat sound track in mp3 format Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (1) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (2) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (3) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (4) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (5) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (6) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (7) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (8) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (9) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (10) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (11) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (12) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants)   Part 2: AKDN Climate Resilience Action Plan to Counter Climate Change   The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has developed a climate resilience action plan because the greatest burden of climate change will fall on countries in the developing world. The calendar a diagram which shows the structure of the AKDN under the umbrella of The Imamat and information and quotations of Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam on twelve major projects. Please download the calendar from the AKDN site and learn about the initiatives which are being taken by Noor Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam.   Part 3: The Ethical Framework of AKDN   The Institute of Ismaili Studies has prepared a document entitled, "Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN): An Ethical Framework" which can be downloaded from the IIS website. Alternatively, you can read the document online.   The Table of contents is as follows: The AKDN Mandate Din and Dunya The Guidance of the Imam Ethical Foundations of AKDN Institutions Ethic of Inclusiveness Ethic of Education and Research The Prophet and Hazrat Ali Early Muslim Scholars The Spirit of Inquiry Ethic of Compassion and Sharing Ethic of Self-reliance Ethic of Respect for Life and Health Care Ethic of Sound Mind Ethic of Sustainable Environment Ethic of Governance In order to give you an idea of the contents of this document, here are some excerpts (Source: http://www.iis.ac.uk/view_article.asp?ContentID=101094):   The AKDN Mandate The Aga Khan Development Network is a contemporary endeavour of the Ismaili Imamat to realise the social conscience of Islam through institutional action. It brings together, under one coherent aegis, institutions and programmes whose combined mandate is to help relieve society of ignorance, disease and deprivation without regard to the faiths or national origins of people whom they serve. In societies where Muslims have a significant presence, its mandate extends to efforts to revitalise and broaden the understanding of cultural heritage in the full richness of its diversity, as the quality of life in its fullest sense extends beyond physical well-being. The primary areas of concern are the poorest regions of Asia and Africa. The institutions of the Network derive their impetus from the ethics of Islam which bridge the two realms of the faith, din and dunya, the spiritual and the material. The central emphasis of Islam's ethical ideal is enablement of each person to live up to his exalted status as vicegerent of God on earth, in whom God has breathed His own spirit and to whom He has made whatever is in the heavens and the earth, an object of trust and quest. Din and Dunya A person's ultimate worth depends on how he or she responds to these Divine favours. Din is the spiritual relationship of willing submission of a reasoning creature to his Lord who creates, sustains and guides. For the truly discerning, the earthly life, dunya, is a gift to cherish inasmuch as it is a bridge to, and preparation for, the life to come. Otherwise it is an enticement, distracting man from service of God which is the true purpose of life. Service of God is not only worship, but also service to humanity, and abiding by the duty of trust towards the rest of creation. Righteousness, says the Quran, is not only fulfilling one's religious obligations. Without social responsibility, religiosity is a show of conceit. Islam is, therefore, both din and dunya, spirit and matter, distinct but linked, neither to be forsaken. The Guidance of the Imam The challenge of choice is moral and individual, but meaningful in a social context. For while personal morality is a paramount demand of the faith, Islam envisions a social order which is sustained by the expectation of each individual's morally just conduct towards others. The function of ethics is to foster self-realisation through giving of one's self, for the common good, in response to God's benevolent majesty. By grounding societal values in the principle of human moral responsibility to the Divine, Islam lifts the sense of public and social order to a transcendent level. The lasting legacy of the Prophet Muhammad is the strong suffusion of the mundane, of daily life, with the sense of the spiritual. This prophetic example remains a source of emulation for Muslims everywhere, in every age. Within Shia Islam, it is the mandate of each hereditary Imam from the Prophet's progeny, as the legatee of the Prophet's authority, to seek to realise that paradigm through an institutional and social order which befits the circumstances of time and place. In a world of flux, the Imam gives leadership in the maintenance of balance between the spiritual and the material in the harmonious context of the ethics of the faith, of which he is the guardian. Ethical Foundations of AKDN Institutions Notionally, the AKDN seeks the ideal of social action, of communitarian strategy, to realise the social vision of Islam. Although the outcome of its action is pragmatic, the motivation for it is spiritual, a universal ethic whose purpose is to elicit the noble that inheres in each man and woman. The abiding traits which define this ethic, inform the principles and philosophies of AKDN institutions: their collective focus on respect for human dignity and relief to humanity; the reach of their mandates beyond boundaries of creed, colour, race and nationality; their combined endeavour towards empowering individuals, male and female, to become self-reliant and able to help those weaker than themselves; their policy of nurturing and harnessing a culture of philanthropy and voluntary sharing of time and talent; the transparency of their governance based on the values of trust, probity, equity and accountability; and their overall aim generally to seek to engender, or contribute to other efforts which seek to engender, a fraternal ethos of enlightenment, peace, "large-hearted toleration", mutual aid and understanding. What are the abiding traits of Islam's ethical ideal which inform the AKDN mandate? Ethic of Inclusiveness Islam's is an inclusive vision of society. The divine spark that bestows individuality also bonds individuals in a common humanity. Humankind, says the Quran, has been created from a single soul, as male and female, communities and nations, so that people may know one another. It invites people of all faiths to a common platform, to vie for goodness. The Prophet sought to harness individual and group differences and talents to serve common needs of different religious groups, among whom he encouraged a spirit of harmony and toleration as constituents of a larger community of his time. Ethic of Sustainable Environment: Physical, Social and Cultural Care of the environment, in its comprehensive meaning, is a duty of trusteeship which humankind owes by virtue of its vicegerency over creation. Each generation of people are described as both "viceroys and successors in the earth", stewards over its resources for the benefit of all living beings. Profligacy, wastage and acts that corrupt the balanced order of nature, which is a sign of divine beneficence, earn a severe reproach. The evil that people do "vanishes as jetsam and what profits men abides in the earth." Hence, those who create wealth in its diverse forms, intellectual and spiritual, cultural and material, are raised to a position of honour, but only if they recognise and respect the element of trust in what they create. To squander in vanity or to withhold in jealousy what they are able to create, amounts to usurping the rights of those, including the generations yet to be born, who need the fruits of their talents. Each generation is, thus, ethic bound to leave behind a wholesome, sustainable social and physical environment. Read more online...   Ardent Supplications: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links: Our responsibilities towards NOOR Mowlana Hazar Imam (Read about Baiyat and Talim) Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN): An Ethical Framework Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN): An Ethical Framework (PDF Document) AKDN Calendar for 2011 (PDF Document) Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Monday, December 6, 2010

:: Candle Posting #94 :: Salgirah Mubarak :: The Heart That Knows ::
 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam's Birthday: Let Us Reflect on the Poem by Ra'is Hasan   Saligrah Mubarak! On the occasion of the 74th birthday of Noor Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam (a.s.), we would like to extend Salgirah Mubarak to the global jamat. May the peace, barakat and Light of our beloved Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam continually flow into each murid's personal world! Ameen.   For this occasion, I have used the card which Late Alwaez Rai Amiraly Amlani prepared for me in 2004. Please reflect the phrase 'Light upon Light' in the verse from Surah Noor (Holy Quran 24:35) and relate it to how the bearer of the Allah's Light, i.e., our Holy Imam, is changing the world through the voluminous work of the Aga Khan Development Network. Also, go through the AKDN 2011 Calendar to see Mowla's Light in action. Clearly the spiritual is driving the material.     These are days of actualizing various types of nazranas: Material Nazrana of time and knowledge; Material Nazrana of financial resources; Spiritual Nazrana in the form of a pure golden heart which is in a state of constant dhikr; and Luminous Nazrana in the form of a sound golden heart (qalb-i salim) which is in a state of constant dhikr and enlightenment. Ameen Let us read and internalize the poem entitled, "THE HEART THAT KNOWS" by Hasan b. Salah Birjandi, also known as Ra'is Hasan, an eminent Persian Ismaili poet and historian of the seventh (AH) /thirteenth (CE) century. Let us also learn and understand how our beloved NOOR Mowlana Hazar Imam prepares us to work in his mission.   THE HEART THAT KNOWS   The heart that knows the Imam's pleasure, receives without a shadow of doubt the divine command.   He may appear a servant, but in essence and honour, he rules the inhabitants of the spiritual world.   The Holy Spirit empowers him to reach a place where the dust under his mount turns into a philosopher's stone.   His noble soul, ascending through grades of meaning, rises far above the flirtations of sensory distractions.   The light of his heart, by marvels and miracles, becomes like the sun at the zenith of its splendour.   And for those who help the faith and the mission of the Imam, he becomes their absolute master and guide.   Source: Shimmering Light. An Anthology of Ismaili Poetry. 1996. Translated into English by Faquir Muhammad Hunzai. Introduced and Edited by Kutub Kassam. I.B. Tauris Publishers, London/New York in association with The Institute of Ismaili Studies, London. p.81.   The concepts of Spiritual and Luminous Nazranas are grounded in the belief that the willing submission of a reasoning person to a Higher Being through a personal search, leads to the development of a pure golden heart which then enters into the realm of enlightenment. The mu'mins who achieve these higher spiritual states can perform long lasting service to the mission of the Holy Imam. Therefore, each one of us has to strive to go higher and higher in dhikr and bandagi so that we can serve the Holy Imam and his institutions with courage, strength, loyalty, enthusiasm, humility and pure moral values.   May the Saligrah of the Holy Imam bring peace, light, barakat and tayid (spiritual help) to you, your family, your Jamat, the global Jamat and humanity at large. Ameen.   Ardent Supplications: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links: Key Terms, Translation and Explanation of 'Dhan dhan aajano dadalore' ginan (This link will take you to Simerg.com) 2001 Salgirah Card 2002 Salgirah Card 2003 Salgirah Card 2004 Salgirah Card 2005 Salgirah Card 2006 Salgirah Card 2007 Salgirah Card 2008 Salgirah Card 2009 Salgirah Card Dhikr Sound Tracks Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Thursday, December 9, 2010

:: Candle Posting #95 :: Prayers During Sickness ::
 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   Ya Ali Madad! First of all, if we become sick, it is most advisable to seek medical attention immediately and take advantage of advances in medical science. Secondly, it is also advisable to seek spiritual and luminous help from NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam and make him our constant companion through Divine remembrance as explained in the following tawil:   Tawil of the word 'Jalis' (Companion)   "Hazrat Musa said: "O my Lord! Are you close so that I may whisper to you? Or are you remote so that I may call to You? He was told: "O Musa! I am the companion of the one who remembers Me." (al-Mu'jam, p. 257)" [Source: Tawil 253: A Thousand Wisdoms] (Page 137)   Sickness can last for a long time, therefore, it is necessary to continue physical and spiritual treatments simultaneously. Our faith teaches us that our fate is in the hands of the Holy Imam. Therefore, whether the disease increases or decreases, one should be focused on the Holy Imam and his NOOR. In other words, let the remembrance of the Holy Imam and his light should become our constant source of mercy and strength.   It is extremely important to pray with an open heart and have full faith in Mowla. Here is an example of a supplication:   "O NOOR Mowlana Hazir Imam! I have full faith in your pure light and you are the master of my destiny. Keep me humble, loyal and fill me with positive energy. Grant me patience, tolerance and strength as I go through this difficult phase of my life. I understand that this natural illness, according to a hadith of our Holy Prophet (s.a.s.) and a firman of Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah (a.s.), is for the purification of my soul. I love you very much, and I prostrate and rely upon your light and beg for your mercy. Grant me the best in this world and in the next. Ameen."   Now this is how this works. The physical disease is just a catalyst to strengthen friendship with Mowla and his light. When we perform dhikr, Mowla becomes our best friend and constant companion. Fear vanishes when Mowla's light comes close to us or blossoms within us.   I have compiled the two most important surahs and the most important ayat from the Holy Qur'an and a sample of dhikr tasbis and hope that these resources will be useful to you.   Most Important Surahs from the Holy Qur'an   Surah Fatihah (recite once) The translation and transliteration of Surah Faatihah (Holy Qur'an 1:1-7) is given below. You can also hear its recitation on-line.   [Sound Clip: real audio stream] Transliteration English Translation 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 'Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-'Aalamin (1:1) Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds,(1:1) 'Ar-Rahmaanir-Rahiim (1:2) The Beneficent, the Merciful.(1:2) Maaliki Yawmid-Diin; (1:3) Owner of the Day of Judgement.(1:3) 'Iyyaaka na'-budu wa 'iyyaaka nasta-'iin.(1:4) Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help. (1:4) 'Ihdinas-Siraatal-Mustaqiim- (1:5) Show us the straight path,(1:5) Siraatal-laziina 'an-'amta 'alay him- (1:6) The path of those whom Thou hast favoured; (1:6) Gayril-magzuubi 'alay him wa laz-zaaalliin. (1:7) Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray. (1:7)   Surah Ikhlas (recite three times)   The translation and transliteration of Surah Ikhlas (Holy Qur'an 112:1-4) is given below. You can also hear its recitation on-line.   [Sound Clip: real audio stream] Transliteration English Translation Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful Qul Hu-walaahu 'Ahad (112:001) Say: He is Allah, the One and Only! (112:001) 'Allahus-Samad; (112:002) Allah is Eternal. (112:002) Lam yalid, wa lam yuulad; (112:003) He does not take or give birth. (112:003) Walam yakul-la-Huu kufuwan 'ahad. (112:004) And there is none comparable to Him. (112:004)   Ayatul Kursi (recite once)   The translation and transliteration of Ayatul Kursi (Holy Qur'an 002:255) is given below. You can download the mp3 track of Ayatul Kursi from audio.salmanspiritual.com.   Transliteration English Translation 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 'Allahu laaa 'ilaaha 'illaa Huu. 'Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum. Laa ta'-khuzuhuu sinatunw-wa laa nawm. Lahuu maa fissamaawaati wa ma fil-'arz. Man-zallazii yashfa-'u'indahuuu 'illaa bi-'iznih? Ya'-lamu maa bayna 'aydiihim wa maa khalfahum. Wa laa yuhiituuna bi-shay-'im-min 'ilmihiii 'illaa bimaa shaaa'. Wasi-'a Kursiyyu-hus-Samaawaati wal-'arz; wa laa ya-'uuduhuu hifzu -humaa wa Huwal-'Aliyyul-'Aziim. Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.   A sample of Dhikr Tasbis Ya Hayyul, Ya Qayyum Meaning: O the Ever-living, O the Eternal! Esoteric Meaning: O my Mowla! You are living and Your Noor is eternal.   Astaghafirullahi Rabbi wa Atubu Ilayhi Meaning: Verily, I seek the forgiveness of Allah, who is my Lord and Sustainer, and I turn to Him in repentance.   Lâ ilâha illâ Anta Subhânaka inni Kuntu Mina'z-zâlimin Meaning:There is no God save Thee. Be Thou Glorified! Lo! I have been a wrong-doer   Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadin Wa Aale Muhammad Meaning: O Allah! Let Thy peace be Muhammad and his progeny   Lâ hawlâ wa lâ quwwat illâ bi'llahi'l-aliyyi'l-azim Meaning: There is no protection and strength except by Allah, the High and the Great   Ya Reheman, Ya Rahim Meaning: (O the Most Kind and the Most Merciful Lord of individual personal worlds of all human beings)   Ya Allah, Ya Wahhab, Ya Ali, Allahus-Samad Meaning: O Allâh, O Supreme Bestower, O, the Most High, Allâh is eternal   Ya Qadir, Ya Nasir, Ya Tauba, Ya Salaam Meaning: O Powerful, O Helper, O Forgiver, O the Source of Peace   Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Al-hamdu Lillah, La ilaha illa-llah Meaning: Allah is the Greatest, Glory be to Allah, Praise be to Allah, There is no god but Allah   Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) prayer: 'O Allah! Make me a light in my heart, and a light in my ear, and a light in eye, and a light in my tongue, and a light in my hair, and a light in my skin, and a light in my flesh, and a light in my blood, and a light in my bones, and a light in my nerve, and a light in front of me, and a light behind me, and a light on my right side, and a light on my left side, and a light above me and a light below me.' (Daa'imu'l-Islam, Vol. I, Dhikr after the salat).   Ya Ali Agisani, Ya Ali Adrikni Meaning: O Ali come to my rescue, O Ali extend to me your help Esoteric Meaning: O the Light of Ali come to my rescue, O the Light of Ali help and protect me.   Shukran Lillah Wal Hamdulillah Meaning: All thanks are due to Allah, and all praises are due to Allah   Audio tracks for the Qur'anic resources mentioned on this page and some of the above dhikr tasbis and many others are available online at SalmanSpiritual.com and audio.SalmanSpiritual.com. As long as you have a device to access the internet, these resources are at your finger tips.   Here is link to download the PDF version of this article. The recitations of selected aya(t) of Holy Qur'an in Tarteel tune are by Shiekh Abdul Bassit Abdul Sumed and have been reproduced on this site with permission from MECAH Enterprises.   Ardent Supplications: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links: Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com :: Qur'an Treasures & Dhikr Sound Tracks SalmanSpiritual.com :: Dhikr & Tasbi Index Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Thursday, December 16, 2010

:: Candle Posting #96 :: Qur'anic Treasures, Dhikr and Ginan Resources
at Audio.SalmanSpiritual.Com ::
 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   Ya Ali Madad! The article entitled "Prayers During Sickness" triggered an upgrade of the index page of Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com. The following mp3 and real streaming audio files are available online and I hope that these Qur'anic Treasures dhikr and Ginan resources will aid you in your personal search. I wish you pleasant spiritual experiences as you internalize these resources. May you be engulfed by Divine Light in six dimensions! Ameen.   Holy Quran Recitation by Sheikh Abdul Bassit Abdul Sumed Item Title Resource 01 Ayatul Kursi Download MP3   Holy Ginan Recitation in the Voice of Shafiq Rawji Item Title Resource 01 Anant Akhado (500 verses) 100 mp3 Tracks 02 Anant Naa Nav Chhuga (90 verses) 9 mp3 tracks 03 Moti Venti (50 verses) 5 mp3 tracks   Dhikr Tasbis in the Voice of Noorallah Juma, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Item Title Resource 01 Yâ Ali, Yâ Allâh, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali Download MP3 02 Yâ Ali, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Muhammad, Yâ Ali Download MP3 03 Yâ Ali, Yâ Muhammad Download MP3 04 The Holy Prophet's four tasbis (Allâhu Akbar, Subhan Allâh, Al-hamdu Lillâh, Lâ ilâhâ illa-llâh) Download MP3 05 Angelic  Salwat Download PDF Download MP3 06 Astaghafirullahi Rabbi Wa Atubu Ilayhi Download MP3 07 Ya Rehman Ya Rahim Download MP3 08 Hazrat Fatima's (a.s.) tasbi (Allâhu Akbar, Subhan Allâh, Al-hamdu Lillâh) Download MP3 09 Mowla's four tasbis (Yâ Allâh, Yâ Wahâb, Yâ Ali, Allâhu Samad) Download MP3 10 Ya Ali Agisani, Ya Ali Adrikni, Har Bala Tu(n) Dur Kar, Mushkil Kusha Mawla Ali Download MP3 11 Ya Hayyul-Qayyum, Ya Aliyul Azim, Ya Sahebuz-Zaman Ya Hazar Imam Download MP3 12 Ya Wali Ya Karim Download MP3 13 Ya Ali Mowla Ali Download MP3 14 Ya Ali Ya Karim Download MP3 15 Shukran Lillâh Wal Hamdu Lillâh Download MP3 16 Ism-i Azam Download MP3 17 Ya Ali tu Rahem Kar, Ya Mowla tu Fazal Kar Download MP3 18 Ya Ali, Pir Shah Download MP3 19 Tuhi Tu Download MP3 20 Ya Ali Tuhi Tu Download MP3 Download PDF for the explanation of the first 15 tasbis   Devotional Songs in the Voice of Kamal Taj Item Title Resource 01 Durood O Salaam Download MP3 Real Streaming Audio Format Qur'anic Treasures Recited by Sheikh Abdul Bassit Abdul Sumed Item Title & Explanation Duration 01 Surah Faatihah (Holy Qur'an 1:1-7) 0.48 min 02 Surah Ikhlas (Holy Qur'an 112:1-4) 0.18 min 03 Salwat: Prayer for blessings on the Holy Prophet and his Descendants (Holy Qur'an 33:56) 0.20 min 04 Raaji-'uunn (returning) (Holy Qur'an 2:156) 1.05 min 05 Ayatul Kursi (Holy Qur'an 2:255) 0.53 min 06 Supplication (Holy Qur'an 2:286) 0.58 min 07 Allah's Beautiful Names (Holy Qur'an 59:22-24) 1.02 min 08 Surah 'A-laa (Holy Qur'an 87:1-19) 1.46 min 09 Surah Falaq (Holy Qur'an 113:1-5) & Surah Naas   (Holy Qur'an 114:1-6) 0.35 min   Composite sound clip of the above Surah and Ayat: One cycle 9 min   Composite sound clip of the above Surah and Ayat: Seven cycles 63 min Real Streaming Audio Format Dhikr Tasbis in the Voice of Noorallah Juma Ayatul Kursi Recited by Sheikh Abdul Bassit Abdul Sumed Chanted Recital of Allah's Beautiful Names('Asmaaa-'ul-Husnaa) by Jama'a Majhula Item Title & Explanation Duration 01 Ya Haakim, Ya Wakil, Ya Fattah, Ya Salaam 60 min 02 Ya Qadir, Ya Nasir, Ya Tauba, Ya Salaam 60 min 03 Ya Ali Agisani, Ya Ali adrikni 30 min 04 Chanted Recital of Allah's Beautiful Names ('Asmaaa-'ul-Husnaa) 21 min 05 Power Prayers: Ayatul Kursi (Holy Qur'an 2:255) and Angelic Salwat 99 min 06 Continuous recitation of Angelic Salwat 99 min 07 Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Al-hamdu Lillah, La ilaha illa-llah 60 min 08 Hazrat Fatima's Prayer: Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Al-hamdu Lillah 18 min 09 Astaghafirullahi Rabbi Wa Atubu Ilayhi 13 min Please refer to individual pages for other streaming audio lengths and explanation of tasbis   Instructions for burning a CD with mp3 tracks: For each mp3 track, right click on the hyperlink in the above table, choose 'Save target as' from the menu, and save the mp3 track in a folder on your computer. You can play these files if you have an mp3 player. In order to create a mp3 CD, choose 'Create a data disk' on your CD burner software. This process will preserve the format of the mp3 files.   In order to create a CD, choose 'Create an audio disk' on your CD burner software. Add the tracks from the folder and follow instructions to burn the CD. This process will also convert mp3 files into wav format. This will permit you to play the CD on a CD player or a CD/DVD player.   Ardent Supplications: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links: Audio.SalmanSpiritual.com :: Qur'an Treasures & Dhikr Sound Tracks SalmanSpiritual.com :: Dhikr & Tasbi Index Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Monday, December 20, 2010

:: Candle Posting #97 :: The Character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) ::
 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   Ya Ali Madad! On the occasion of the commemoration of the great spiritually uplifting event of Idd-e-Milad un-Nabi, the birthday of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.), please accept our heartfelt felicitations! May all Muslims and humanity at large be bestowed with peace, prosperity, happiness, barakat, higher spiritual enlightenment, spiritual & luminous tayid (help)! Ameen.   The following excerpts are taken from a book entitled 'Ibn al-'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination: The Sufi Path of Knowledge', written by William C. Chittick, published by State University of New York Press, Albany, 1989. In this book, Chittick has compiled gems of knowledge from the vast literature of Al-Shaykh al-Akbar, the "Greatest Master", 'Ibn al-'Arabi and given his commentary on each topic.   The following gems are extracted from the heading entitled, 'The Character of Muhammad' which spans pages 239-242.   Part 1: Ibn al-Arabi's Gem on the Comprehensiveness of The Koran   "The Koran is one book among others except that, to the exclusion of all other books, it alone possesses all-comprehensiveness (jam'iyya)(III 160.34)" Source: Quoted by W. C. Chittick, p. 239, column 2   Part 2: What is the Nature of Al-Qur'an?   "What is the nature of this divine book whose truths cannot be gasped through rational interpretation? As is well known, the word Koran, Arabic Qur'an, derives from the root q.r'., and is generally said to mean "recitation". But the primary significance of the root is "gathering" and "collecting together", and some of the early authorities maintained that this is the significance of the name. From this point of view, the two primary names of the holy book, al-Qur'an and al-Furqan (the latter of which means "separation" or "discrimination") together mean that the Koran gathers everything together and at the same time separates everything out into clear and distinct domains. Ibn-al-'Arabi often employs the term Koran strictly in accordance with this literal meaning, which is particularly significant to him because it is synonymous with the word jam', "bringing together", "gathering" or "all comprehensiveness"." Source: W. C. Chittick's insight into Ibn al-Arabi's knowledge gem, p. 239   Part 3: What is Inner Meaning of Al-lah and the Status of the Perfect Man?   "The name Al-lah is the "all-comprehensive name" (al-ism al-jami') of God, since it gathers together in itself all other names. Perfect man is the "all-comprehensive engendered thing" (al-kawn al-jami'), because he gathers within himself everything in the Divine Reality and everything in the cosmos. The Koran is "al-Qur'an", because it gathers together all the revealed scriptures that were sent down before it and thereby all knowledge of God." Source: W. C. Chittick's insight into Ibn al-Arabi's knowledge gem, p. 239   Part 4: Ibn al-Arabi's Gem on The Koran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.)   "The Koran unveils all the knowledges send down in the scriptures and contains that which is not contained in them. He who has been given the Koran has been given the perfect luminosity (diyaa) which comprises every knowledge .... Because of the Koran it is true to say that Muhammad was given the "all-comprehensive words" (jawaami al-kalim). So the sciences of the prophets, the angels, and every known tongue are comprised in the Koran and elucidated by it to the "Folk of the Koran." (II 107.20) " Source: Quoted by W. C. Chittick, p. 239, column 2   Part 5: Who are the "Folk of the Koran"?   "The "Folk of the Koran" are those whom we have met elsewhere as the "Folk of Allah", since, according to a hadith, "The Folk of Koran are the "Folk of Allah and His Elect". In Ibn al-'Arabi's view, "The most felicitous people with God are the Folk of the Koran" (II 443.4)." Source: W. C. Chittick's insight into Ibn al-Arabi's knowledge gem, p. 239, second column   Part 6: Ibn al-Arabi's Gem on the Greatest Locus of Divine Self-Disclosure   "Muhammad was the greatest locus of divine self-disclosure, thereby he came to know "the knowledge of the ancients and the later folk". Among those of old was Adam, who had the knowledge of the (Divine) names. Muhammad was given the all-comprehensive (Divine) words, and the words of God are never exhausted. (II 171.1)" Source: Quoted by W. C. Chittick, p. 240   It is important to note that the all encompassing knowledge is not in the form of physical books but it is in the form of Light and is represented by Divine Names (Ism-i Azam). Thus, it is necessary to meditate on Divine Names so that the Light of Allah, the Holy Prophet and the Holy Imam discloses itself into the heart and consciousness of the devoted and faithful believer.   The 87th Divine Name is Aj-Jaami'. One of the meanings of this name is "The Assembler of Scattered Creations". This attribute of Allah describes the following function: "He who collects things, gathers them, anywhere He wants at any time. He brings together the dispersed ones". This attribute also shows that the knowledge of each Divine Name gets integrated into one's personal world as one rises through the spiritual and luminous worlds. Since there are countless names, just imagine the magnitude of the task to reach the world of Oneness!   So how can we make progress in our journey? It is absolutely necessary to meet all the conditions of performing bandagi and also perform luminous prayers (bandagi) at the luminous time (Noorani Waqt) with a luminous word (Ism-i Azam). The blessing of this practice is to see and experience Divine knowledge at the level of Light (Noor)! This may be a good time to review articles entitled, 'Eighteen Bandagi Gems' and 'Bandagi :: Creation of Light within the Personal World through Ism-i Azam'.   Part 7: Recitation of Angelic Salwat The recitation of angelic salwat tasbi with knowledge, understanding and ardent love leads purification of the soul, spiritual upliftment and enlightenment. It is one of the best ways to demonstrate ardent love to our beloved Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.). Click here to download a PDF document entitled "Angelic Salwat and Conditions for Harnessing its Full Potential" (14 Questions and Answers).   Let us now present a bouquet of angelic salwats to the "Folk of the Koran". Real Audio and mp3 sound tracks are available for your convenience.   Listen to Real audio streams online:    [33 times| 66 times| 99 times| 198 times| 990 times]   or download angelic salwat sound track in mp3 format Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (1) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (2) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (3) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (4) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (5) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (6) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (7) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (8) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (9) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (10) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (11) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants) Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad (12) (O Allah! Bestow Peace on Muhammad and his Descendants)   Ardent Supplications: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links on Idd-e-Milad un Nabi: The Status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) The Universal Role of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) Expansion of the Heart of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) The Everlasting Barakat of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Monday, February, 14, 2011

:: Candle Posting #98 :: Meaning and Significance of Al-Rahman and Al-Rahim ::
 

BISMI-LLAHI-R-RAHMANI-R-RAHIM In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful (al-Rahman), the All-Compassionate (al-Rahim)   Ya Ali Madad and Navroz Mubarak! Navroz is a time for rejuvenation. In the Northern hemisphere, spring activates life in nature and fills one with hope, courage and inspiration. As each one of us exists in the worlds of matter, thoughts, dreams, soul and intellect, it is necessary to assess our performance in each component of our existence.     In this posting, I would like to present the meaning and significance of the two attributes of Allah: Al-Rahman and Al-Rahim. I have taken excerpts from a book entitled 'Ibn al-'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination: The Sufi Path of Knowledge', written by William C. Chittick, published by State University of New York Press, Albany, 1989. In this book, Chittick has compiled gems of knowledge from the vast literature of Al-Shaykh al-Akbar, the "Greatest Master", 'Ibn al-'Arabi and given his commentary on each topic. I will augment these comments with some concepts developed on Salman Spiritual.com.   The following gems are extracted from the heading entitled, 'Relief Through Mercy' which spans pages 130-132.   Part 1: Ibn al-Arabi's Gem on the Concept of Mercy   "God says, "My mercy embraces all things." It is either a gratuitous gift or obligatory. There are servants whom it embraces as a property of obligation, and there are others whom it embraces as a property of gratuitous gift. But the root is the divine gratuitous gift, bounty (al-fadl) and bestowal of blessing (al-in'am), since at first was no engendered existence to deserve it. Hence, the very manifestation of engendered existence derives from gratuitous gift. (III 93.25)" Source: Quoted by W. C. Chittick, p. 130, columns 1 & 2   Part 2: What are the Similarities and Differences Between These Two Attributes?   "Mercy (rahma) can be divided into two basic kinds, referred to in the formula, "In the name of God, the All-Merciful (al-Rahman), and All-Compassionate (al-Rahim)". The terms All-Merciful and All-Compassionate both derive from the word rahma. The first kind of mercy (from the attribute al-Rahman), known as essential (dhatiyya) mercy or the mercy of free gift (al-imtinan, al-minna) is all inclusive ('amma), since no existent thing is excluded from it. God bestows it upon all creatures without distinction. "Existence itself is mercy for every existent thing" (II 281.27).   The second kind (from the attribute al-Rahim), known as mercy of obligation (wujub) is specific (khassa), since its bestowal becomes obligatory for God only in the case of certain servants who come to deserve it. Both kinds of mercy are referred in the Koranic verse, "My mercy [in the all-inclusive sense] embraces all things, but I shall prescribe it [in the specific sense] for those who are god-fearing and pay the alms, and those who have faith in Our signs, those who follow the Messenger' (Holy Qur'an 7:156)" Source: W. C. Chittick's insight into Ibn al-Arabi's knowledge gem, p. 130, column 1   Part 3: How Can A Believer Merit the Mercy of al-Rahim?   In order to understand this clearly, I would like to give an example of lighting a charcoal barbeque. The first step is to gather and purchase charcoal briquettes, a charcoal lighter fluid and a box of matches. Then one has to organize the charcoal in the barbeque, pour the lighter fluid and light the mixture with a match. The charcoal is the energy source and the match is just needed for its ignition. So how does this apply to spiritual enlightenment?   In order to gather the charcoal and lighting fluid of our personal spiritual world, one has to practise our faith with conviction by attending Jamat Khana regularly, submitting dasond, saying three Duas on time, practising bandagi (luminous prayer), reciting angelic salwats, performing abundant dhikr, performing volunteer service, balancing din and duniya, and being absolutely ethical. When all the components of the above package of activities are accumulated in sufficient quantity, then the attribute of al-Rahim has to oblige by throwing a spiritual match to illumine the soul. Thus, the whole process of receiving the mercy from al-Rahim is meritocratic. This mercy is not a free gift but it is achieved through hard work, absolute submission and utmost humility. This is the reason why the Prophets, Pirs and great mumins performed intense supplication on the top of all the above mentioned activities for the mercy of al-Rahim. This is also the deeper understanding of the phrase 'faith of conviction'. This has been demanded from us by Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam in his firman made in London, England in 1994.   The Idd-e-Navroz card developed by Al-Waez Rai Amiraly Amlani in 2001 is a strong reminder for the need of balance between the physical, spiritual and intellectual components of our existence. Obviously, the search for Light (Noor), the highest form of Intellect, should be our top priority. May you be blessed with success in all components of your existence. Ameen.   Ardent Supplications on the Occasion of Idd-e-Navroz: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links to Idd-e-Navroz Cards: Navroz 2001: A Time for Rejuvenation of the Body, Mind, Soul and Intellect Navroz 2002: A Time for Rejuvenation of the Body, Mind, Soul and Intellect Navroz 2003: A Time for Deep Reflection Navroz 2004: A New Beginning for Spiritual Progress and Development Navroz 2005: Subtle Body, Satisfaction of the Soul and Enlightenment Navroz 2006: Angelic Salwat for Whole Humanity and All Departed Souls Navroz 2007: The Spirituality and Luminosity of Idd-e-Naw-ruz Navroz 2008: Giryah-u zâri, Moti Venti and Angelic Salwat Project Navroz 2009: How to Activate the Real Heart (Qalb, Dil)? Navroz 2010: The Fundamental Role of Imamim Mubin in Our Spiritual Journey Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Saturday, March 12, 2011

:: Candle Posting #99 :: Illumination and the Glorious Radiance of Eternity ::
 

BISMI-LLAHI-R-RAHMANI-R-RAHIM In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful (ar-Rahman), the All-Compassionate (ar-Rahim)   Ya Ali Madad and belated Imamat Day Mubarak! In this posting, I would like to present four wisdoms on the topics of precedence, shallowness, dreams (illusions) and thought from the book entitled, 'One Minute Wisdom' by S. J. Anthony de Mello, An Image Book edition published in 1988 [ISBN 0-385-24290-5 (pbk)]. I would also like to present wisdoms on the topics of illumination, union with Reality, power of mediation, and radiance of Eternity from the book entitled, 'The Memoirs of Aga Khan: World Enough and Time' by His Highness the Aga Khan III [also known as Noor Mowlana Shah Sultan Muhammad Shah Al-Hussaini (a.s.)], first published in 1954 by Cassell & Co Ltd, London. I will augment these wisdoms with knowledge developed on SalmanSpiritual.com.   Wisdom 1: Anthony de Mello's Gem on the Topic of Precedence   The Master welcomed the advances of technology but was keenly aware of its limitations.   When an industrialist asked what his occupation was, he replied, "I'm in the people industry."   "And what, pray, would that be?" said the industrialist.   "Take yourself," said the Master. "Your efforts produce better things; mine, better people."   To his disciples he later said, "The aim of life is the flowering of persons. Nowadays people seem concerned mostly with perfection of things."   Source: 'One Minute Wisdom', p.163     Wisdom 2: Anthony de Mello's Gem on the Topic of Shallowness   A journalist one asked the Master to name one thing that characterizes the Modern World.   The Master unhesitatingly replied, "People every day know more and more about the Cosmos and less and less about themselves."   And to an astronomer who held him spellbound with the wonders of modern astronomy the Master suddenly said, "Of all the millions of strange objects in the universe—the black holes and quasars and pulsars—the strangest, unquestionable, is the self!"   Source: 'One Minute Wisdom', p.155     Wisdom 3: Anthony de Mello's Gem on the Topic of Dreams (Illusions)   ""When will I be Enlightened?"   "When you see," the Master said.   "See what?"   "Trees and flowers and moon and stars."   "But I see these every day."   "No. What you see is paper trees, paper flowers, paper moons and paper stars. For you live not in reality but in your words and thoughts."   And for a good measure, he added gently, "You live a paper life, alas, and will die a paper death."   Source: 'One Minute Wisdom', p.37     Wisdom 4: Anthony de Mello's Gem on the Topic of Thought   "Why are you so wary of thought?" said the philosopher. "Thought is one tool we have for organizing the world."   "True. But thought can organize the world so well that you are no longer able to see it."   To his disciples he later said, "A thought is an opaque screen, not a mirror; this is why you live in a thought envelope, untouched by Reality."   Source: 'One Minute Wisdom', p.113     Wisdom 5: Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah's Gems on the Topics of Illumination and Union with Reality   "I can only say to everyone who reads this book of mine that it is my profound conviction that man must never ignore and leave untended and undeveloped that spark of the Divine which is in him. The way to personal fulfillment, to individual reconciliation with the Universe that is about us, is comparatively easy for anyone who firmly and sincerely believes, as I do, that Divine Grace has given man in his own heart the possibilities of illumination and of union with Reality. It is, however, far more important to attempt to offer some hope of spiritual sustenance to those many who, in this age in which the capacity of faith is nonexistent in the majority, long for something beyond themselves, even if it seems second-best. For them there is the possibility of finding strength of the spirit, comfort, and happiness in contemplation of the infinite variety and beauty of the Universe."   Source: 'Memoirs of Aga Khan', p.334     Wisdom 6: Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah's Gems on the Topics of Meditation and the Radiance of Eternity   "Life in ultimate analysis has taught me one enduring lesson. The subject should always disappear in the object. In our ordinary affections one for another, in our daily work with hand or brain, we most of us discover soon enough that any lasting satisfaction, any contentment that we can achieve, is the result of forgetting self, of merging subject with object in a harmony that is of body, mind, and spirit. And in the highest realms of consciousness all who believe in a Higher Being are liberated from all clogging and hampering bonds of the subjective self in prayer, in rapt meditation upon and in the face of the glorious radiance of eternity, in which all temporal and earthly consciousness is swallowed up and itself becomes the eternal."   Source: 'Memoirs of Aga Khan', p.335   In the Shia Imami Ismaili Tariqah, we have the Institution of Baitul Khyal. The sole purpose of the practice of bandagi (meditation), which is performed with a Luminous Word at a Luminous Time, is to go beyond the world of thoughts into the worlds of Soul, Light and Oneness. Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam has been very clear about this and has consistently taught us that what we see, hear, smell, taste and touch will disappear one day but the soul will remain because it is eternally alive. In this context, the material world is an illusion and unless we break away from it during the luminous time every morning, we will not have any concept, understanding or experience of the reality of the soul and the Spirit as described in Wisdom 6 described above. Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam has also taught us that with consistent practice, we can have a spiritual experience while we are still physically alive. May I request you to read or re-read the following items for further clarification?   Item Title Download 10a Eighteen Bandagi Gems PDF 10b Bandagi PDF 16 Norms for Higher Spiritual Enlightenment PDF 27 Ten Indicators of Higher Spiritual Enlightenment PDF 28 Welcoming Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam to our Spiritual Houses PDF   Ardent Supplications on the Occasion of Imamat Day 2011: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Thursday, July 14, 2011

:: Candle Posting #100 :: Noor Mowlana Mansur's Guidance, Supplication and Prayer ::
 

BISMI-LLAHI-R-RAHMANI-R-RAHIM In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful (ar-Rahman), the All-Compassionate (ar-Rahim)   Ya Ali Madad and Idd Mubarak. On the occasion of Idd-ul-Fitr, may Allah grant material, spiritual and intellectual happiness to Muslims all over the world, and to all those who have submitted their wills to He Who is Above All Else. Ameen.   Credit: Mehdi Hemani and Noorallah Juma   The following excerpts are taken from Khutba of al-Mansur delivered on the Idd al-Fitr, 336 AH (14 April 948) at al-Mahdiyya. Noor Mowlana Al-Mansur was our 13th Holy Imam and the third Fatimid Caliph. This Khutba has two parts and I have taken the following excerpts from the last portion of the second part (Source for the whole Khutba: Orations of the Fatimid Caliphs: Festival Sermons of the Ismaili Imams by Paul Walker (2009), pp. 112-119)   First of all, we need to learn the definition of word 'Kutaama' which appears in the first excerpt. Kutaama refers to the Berber tribe that were the first to support the mission in North Africa of the dai Abu Abdallah al-Shi'i and then of the Fatimid Imams.   Part 1: Special Guidance to the Supporters of the Fatimid Dynasty   "O people of our da'wa, O supporters of our dynasty, O Kutaama!   Praise God and thank Him for that of His favours with which He singles you out, and the vastness of His beneficence. He gives preference in that over all the humans in the west and the east. He, the Mighty and Glorious, puts you first with the greatest favour, and then He attaches to you a magnificent beneficence, and He follows those two with such an abundance of grace to you that it cannot be counted.   He made you see while the people were blind, and He informed you while the populace was ignorant. When servants were led astray, He guided you to His religion, to the triumph of His truth and obedience to His friend (i.e. the Imam), the way-marker of guidance, the lamp in darkness, the pole of religion, His firm rope.   In precedence He raised you to His help, in pursuit of obeying Him, seeking shade in the shadow of His dynasty, being illuminated in the light of His wisdom, to the point that should God decree the convulsion of the county, the servants put to the test, darkness enveloping the earth, feet trembling, calamities magnifying, distress growing stronger, hearts aggrieved, God renders you immune. And He guides your hearts, firms your feet until God removes it from you in particular and from the servants as a whole, through us and by our hands. So there is on you a favour and on the servants a proof, so that it is removed from you and God, and you appear in a favourable light, satisfying the promise of God, clinging to the rope of God, fighters on behalf of God; those of you alive are happy and your dead are martyrs 'finding their sustenance with their Lord' [3:169]. Congratulations to you; rejoice! "   Source: Orations of the Fatimid Caliphs: Festival Sermons of the Ismaili Imams by Paul Walker (2009), pp. 117-118   Part 2: Imam Mansur's Supplication and Humility   "O God! Truly I am Your servant. You have chosen and approved me; You have honoured me with what You have caused me to inherit to the position of Your most pure, the caliphate of Your friends. You have made me rich and the people poor in their religion and their worldly affairs in need of me. You have shown me mercy. You gave no one strength over me save Yourself; You set me up to give life to Your truth, and to be a testament to Your creatures. Most certainly I speak nothing but the truth, utter only what is correct.   There has reached me on the authority of my fathers from our grandfather Muhammad, the messenger of God, may God bless him and keep him, that he said: 'There is no preacher who preaches but that God stops him on the day of resurrection and questions him about every word and what he meant by it.' So by Your majesty, and Your glory, the highness of Your position and greatness, I do not stand in awe of any enemy, nor do I speak falsehood, nor thank anyone for favours other than You."   Source: Orations of the Fatimid Caliphs: Festival Sermons of the Ismaili Imams by Paul Walker (2009), p. 118   Part 3: Imam Mansur's Pleasure with the Kutaama, the Supporters of the Fatimid Dynasty   "O God, truly have I come to be pleased with the Kutaama because of their holding firmly to Your rope and, in devotion to us, their patience through misery and adversity for Your sake, acknowledging our precedence, carrying out that God imposed on the servants because of us in order to reach You by obedience to us."   Source: Orations of the Fatimid Caliphs: Festival Sermons of the Ismaili Imams by Paul Walker (2009), p. 118   Part 4: Imam Mansur's Prayers for the Kutaama, the Supporters of the Fatimid Dynasty   "O God! Approve them, multiply their goodness, erase their wickedness, gather them up among the group of Your prophet to whom they are indebted, and your Friend (i.e., the Imam) to whom they are loyal. Leave unchanged Your favour upon them, nay complete it for them. Perfect Your charity to them, and keep their posterity in power. Give their reward liberally and guide them. Purify their hearts. Truly You are the One close by and listening who hears all prayer."   Source: Orations of the Fatimid Caliphs: Festival Sermons of the Ismaili Imams by Paul Walker (2009), pp. 118-119   Ardent Supplications: Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, create Sunshine in our hearts, light in our foreheads, and bless us all with the inner vision of the Truth!   Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant the global Jamat luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) tayid (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually. Ameen.   Haizinda — Qayampaya (Our Present Imam is Living and His NOOR is Eternal) Links: Tawil of Dua-e-Qunut (Dua-e-Qunut in an integral part of Idd Namaz) Recognizing the Light of Eternal Ali Our responsibilities towards NOOR Mowlana Hazar Imam Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only), Noorallah Juma (noor-allah@salmanspiritual.com) SalmanSpiritual.com Monday, August 29, 2011