Salman Spiritual :: Towards the Inner Vision of the Truth :: An Ismaili Perspective

Ya Ali Madad! This post has five parts:

1. A knowledge section on bandagi;
2. A dhikr section to activate the soul;
3. 5-verses of Giryah-u zâri from Anant Nâ Nav Chhugâ presented sequentially;
4. A prayer card for the well being and health our most beloved NOOR Mowlana Hazar Imam and his family, the upliftment the global Jamat, global Muslim community, and humanity at large, and the salvation of all departed souls; and
5. A prayer for the global Jamat.

1. Knowledge Section on Bandagi:

Let us reflect on the following teachings of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah (a.s.)

From the above teachings, it is clear that bandagi (luminous prayer, meditation) is the key mechanism to sustain one's faith. Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah (a.s.) has also taught us that faith is light, therefore enlightenment can only happen if one practices bandagi.

The practice of bandagi is a fundamental pillar of personal search under the guidance of the Holy Imam. Therefore, whenever we hear the word 'enlightenment' in Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam's firmans, he is referring to being regular in the practice of bandagi.

Please reflect deeply upon the following words of Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam from his Irshad Mubarak of July 11, 2007: "... let spiritual enlightenment guide you". In my humble opinion, Mowla has given a tremendous emphasis on the practice of bandagi as this is the key to: (1) survival in this materialistic and turbulent world, and (2) enlightenment and eternal existence in the next world.

2. Dhikr Section:

The ism-i azam is the door to luminosity, therefore it is a treasure that should be constantly remembered. Here is a humble dhikr to emphasize this point. Let us pray to NOOR Mowlana Hazar to empower us to practice the luminous prayer at a luminous time with a luminous word, i.e., perform bandagi with ism-i azam, the Supreme Name of God, with a greater effort, strength and enthusiasm.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Ism-i azam: The Great Divine Name

Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil 'alamin.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds!

3. Anant Nâ Nav Chhugâ Verses (Chhugo Number 3, verses 1 to 5):

4. Prayer Card

Niyat and Wish List:
Let us first declare our noble intentions and then invoke the angelic salwat for exoteric and esoteric purposes. Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, we pray for:

1. The well being and health of the whole NOORANI family;
2. Protection from the elements of dross and darkness;
3. Sunshine in hearts, Light in our foreheads and the blessing of the inner vision of the Truth;
4. Mushkil Aasan and material, spiritual & intellectual upliftment of the global Jamat, the global Muslim community and humanity at large;
5. Salvation of all departed souls;
6. Empowerment of our children with the correct understanding of our holy faith; and
7. External and internal peace for the whole humanity.

Now let us recite angelic salwats to invoke Divine grace and mercy.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Allâhumâ salli alâ Muhammadin wa âle Muhammad:
O Allah! Bestow Peace on and through Muhammad and his Descendants

Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil 'alamin.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds!

5. Global Prayer:

Ya Ali, Ya NOOR Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, grant us, our families, our Jamats, the worldwide Jamat, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity at large, luminous (noorani) and spiritual (ruhani) ta'id (help) to advance materially, spiritually and intellectually.

O Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam bless us with many Holy Batuni-Noorani didars during the Diamond Jubilee year, and empower us to present Material, Spiritual and Luminous Nazranas. Ameen.

Peace, light, barakat, tayid and a 'golden noorani didar',
Noorallah Juma

Bandagi Gems:

Article by Dr. Noorallah Juma