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"Lo! those who believe and do good works, their Lord guideth them by their faith." — Holy Qur'an 10:9

 

Candle Posts :: Motivational Gems for Higher Spiritual Enlightenment

:: Candle Post #108 :: How Should We Prepare for Holy Ramadan? ::

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

Ya Ali Madad! The Ismailis in Canada will start the observance of Holy Ramadan on Chandraat which falls on Thursday evening, July 19, 2012. In Canada, the first fast of Holy Ramadan will be on Friday, July 20, 2012; Lail-tul Qadr will start on Friday evening, August 10, 2012 and the expected date for Idd-ul-Fitr is Sunday, August 19, 2012.

Part 1: Background, Vision and Motivation

Through his firman made in Dubai on December 13, 2003, Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam has encouraged us to inform ourselves as to practices and beliefs of our Tariqah. Therefore, I have made an effort to present an ayat from the Holy Qur'an on the topic of Holy Ramadan in which there is a mention of fasting.

An obvious interpretation of fasting is abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. However, I have gone further to look at the teachings our Holy Imams on this subject. Since we are a batin Tariqah, we have to learn about the inner meanings of ablutions and fasting as explained by our Holy Imams. Please read and reflect deeply on the inner aspects of ablutions and fasting which are presented below. Since spiritual enlightenment is our ultimate goal, Ismaili ablutions and fasts are very, very challenging! Plus, they last 365 days per year!

Purity and piety are the fundamental pillars of Ismaili ethics. Every action is assessed by these parameters. Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah (a.s.) has described earthly angels as persons whose eyes, tongue, hands and everything is pious and full of piety. Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam has given dua that once in every murid's lifetime, he/she should have the Noor of Imamat in his/her heart. Just imagine how much purity and piety is required to achieve this.

Purity and piety are the torches for the path of spiritual enlightenment. These parameters are directly related to closeness to the Light of Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam. Only the most pious and purified ones will enter the abode of peace (Dar-as-Salaam) and will be granted the highest Noorani Didar and Eternal Existence (Baqabillah). Humility and meritocracy also apply to religion so we have to apply these principles to our personal searches.

Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah (a.s.) has taught us that even paradise is a prison, therefore, we have to go much higher and enter into the realms of Light (Noor), One Reality (Monoreality) and Eternal Existence (Baqabillah). The work to be done during the Holy Ramadan has been clearly defined in the two excerpts of firmans of Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah (a.s.) presented below.

In Part 5 of this post, you can also find the lyrics, translation and mp3 track of the 'Ya Ali Ya Karim' special dhikr. I hope and pray that this dhikr will empower you to get the maximum benefit of Holy Ramadan. Click here to play and right click here to save the mp3 track to your computer.

SalmanSpiritual.com has also developed a wide variety of spiritual educational resources to meet the diverse needs of the global Jamat. Please access these through the Resources for Holy Ramadan, Lail-tul Qadr & Idd-ul Fitr page. There are 82 resources listed on this page will, we hope, will enable you to create your personal program of dhikr and piety during this holy month. Ramadan Mubark!

Part 2: Holy Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of Arab and Islamic calendar. Fasting is prescribed for this month according to the following verse of the Holy Qur'an:

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and (He desires) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful." Pickthall 2:185

Caption: "O moon-faced Beloved, the month of Ramadan has arrived.
Cover the table and open the path of praise."
Source: Amana.Org

Part 3: Teachings 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 external and internal ablutions and fasts, and enlightenment:

  1. External and Internal Ablutions
    "The ablution of the head means to keep oneself obedient to the Imam. The ablution of the hand is swearing allegiance (bay'at dadan) to the Imam of the time. The ablution of the foot is to advance along Imam's way in obedience to him. The ablution of the heart is to keep steady in affection for the Imam. The ablution of the tongue is to keep on continually remembering (dhikr) the Imam. The ablution of the eye is to have the chance of the didar of the Imam of the time." (p.61)

  2. Fasting as a Lifestyle
    "The whole year you must fast, just as ordinary Muslims (zahiriyan) fast for one month. The meaning of this fast is austerity. Control yourselves, keep yourselves away from bad qualities, evil and indecent actions and devilish acts, so that the mirror of your hearts may be gradually polished.

    ...—you must be patient, persevering in austerities, and keeping your inner self fasting as long as you live." (pp.59-60)

  3. Fasts for Inner Self
    "Here we specify the parts of the fast of the inner self: the fast of the head means to treat one's own head with the same humility as the feet of other people, casting out from one's head the lust of superiority, greatness and pride, because greatness and superiority are only suitable to the all-great substance of the Truth (Haqq), who is eternal, the King of the Authority. The fasting of the eye means that one must keep away coveting looks from the women who are not lawful to one. The fasting of the ear means that one should abstain from listening to slander. The fasting of the tongue means that one should keep one's tongue from uttering abuse or slander. The fasting of the heart means to keep the heart free from doubt. The fasting of the foot is to hold one's foot back from a wrong step. The fasting of the hand is to keep all one's limbs away from treachery so that they may not do evil. This especially applies to one's tongue which must be kept from uttering lies. And there is no greater lie than the denial of (the existence of) the Imam, saying that he has disappeared." (pp.59-60)

  4. Preparing for the Eternal Life
    "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." (pp.4-5)

Part 4: Teachings of Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Sultan Muhammad Shah (a.s.)
The following excerpts of two firmans of NOOR Mowlana Shah Sultan Muhammad Shah (a.s.) pertaining to the month of Holy Ramadan were published in a booklet titled 'Lail-Tul-Qadr' by Alwaez Abualy A. Aziz (Page 11, Read Know No. 50; Shia Imami Ismailia Association for Tanzania, Dar es Salaam):

  1. Month of Ramadan
    Mumbai, 27-4-1891
    "Now I am going to tell you about Iba'dat (worship). Always worship God. This is the month of Ramadan. In this month do more iba'dat. Every hour, every minute remember God. Do not forget Him. If you have forgotten Him and have become lazy then take heed that I am reminding you to remember and worship Him."
    Source: Kalame Imame Mubin Volume 1, p.23
  2. The True Spirit of Fasting
    Rajkot, 21-10-1903
    "The life in this world is of two days (meaning a short time). So you should think of getting purified through worship of God. A true momin does not fast only during the month of Ramadan but all 365 days of the year. He does not commit any sin during all these 365 days of the year. This is the true spirit of fasting. It is not (the spirit) of fasting not to eat anything and indulge in evil acts at the same time. That is an illusion."
    Source: Kalame Imame Mubin Volume 1, p. 168
Part 5: Ya Ali Ya Karim Special Dhikr

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

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
All Lights are One Light which is in Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam

Recited by Noorallah Juma

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

Lyrics

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

Ya Ali, Ya Rahim
O the Most High, O the Merciful

Ya Ali, Ya Halim
O the Most High, O the Clement One

Ya Ali, Ya Mumin
O the Most High, O the Infuser of faith

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One


 

Ya Ali, Ya Mujib
O the Most High, O the Responding One

Ya Ali, Ya Hakim
O the Most High, O the Discreet One

Ya Ali, Ya Alim
O the Most High, O the All-Knowing One

Ya Ali, Ya Wali
O the Most High, O the Protecting Associate

Ya Ali, Ya Wali
O the Most High, O the Protecting Associate

Ya Ali, Ya Wali
O the Most High, O the Protecting Associate

Ya Ali, Ya Wali
O the Most High, O the Protecting Associate

Ya Ali, Ya Wali
O the Most High, O the Protecting Associate

Ya Ali, Ya Wali
O the Most High, O the Protecting Associate


 

Ya Ali, Ya Wahhaab
O the Most High, O the Supreme Bestower

Ya Ali, Ya Quddus
O the Most High, O the Most Sacred One

Ya Ali, Ya Salaam
O the Most High, O the Embodiment of Peace

Ya Ali, Ya Ghafuur
O the Most High, O the Great Forgiver

Ya Ali, Ya Ghafuur
O the Most High, O the Great Forgiver

Ya Ali, Ya Ghafuur
O the Most High, O the Great Forgiver

Ya Ali, Ya Ghafuur
O the Most High, O the Great Forgiver

Ya Ali, Ya Ghafuur
O the Most High, O the Great Forgiver

Ya Ali, Ya Ghafuur
O the Most High, O the Great Forgiver


 

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High

Ya Ali, Ya Ali
O the Most High, O the Most High


 

Ya Ali, Ya Rahim
O the Most High, O the Merciful

Ya Ali, Ya Halim
O the Most High, O the Clement One

Ya Ali, Ya Mumin
O the Most High, O the Infuser of faith

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

Ya Ali, Ya Karim
O the Most High, O the Bountiful One

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

Part 6: Links:
  1. Resources for Holy Ramadan, Lail-tul Qadr & Idd-ul Fitr
  2. Noore Ali Mushkil Kusha sound track in mp3 format
  3. Noore_Karim Hazar_Imam sound track in mp3 format

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)

Rakh Mowla je Noor te Yaqeen (Certainly, we trust in Mowla's Light only),
Noorallah Juma
SalmanSpiritual.com
Tuesday, July 17, 2012

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