What is Muharram?

Every year on the eve of Muharram; we see people from a community comes out on road chanting “Ya Hussain”, beating themselves, crying and lamenting.

• Have you ever wondered who these people are?
• Why are they doing this?
• What is this Muharram?
• Is that relates to “ME” as well?

Muharram is actually the first month of Islamic Calendar which is also called as Hijri Calendar which runs as per lunar cycle. In this month, in 61 Hijri, 1400 years ago, grandson of Holy Prophet Mohammad, Imam Hussain (a) and his 72 companions were brutally martyred in the barrens of Karbala, Iraq by the evil forces of ruler of that time, Yazeed.

Yazeed was an evil ruler who wanted to impose evil practices in the society on the name of religion and wants to dilute the social values. The values which shape the social fabric and give rise to positive upliftment of society and thus a peaceful environment to everyone to grow and prosper. Imam Hussain (a), with his handful of companions and household, stood against the corrupt mission of Yazeed saving the human values.

Yazeed surrounded the small caravan of Imam Hussain (a) in the desert of Karbala and stopped water on them. The caravan consisting of men, women and children even of the age of six months were thirsty for three days, and then were forced either to accept the evil policies of Yazeed or get ready for martyrdom.

Companions of Imam Hussain (a) stood with him at this juncture and denied the offer from Yazeedi forces to bow down in front of evil and accepted the martyrdom. The evil forces of Yazeed not only murdered elderly men but also killed six month old baby Ali Asgar in the arms of his father, Imam Hussain (a). After the battle, they took ladies & children of the caravan as captive and sent them to Syria in front of Yazeed.

In beloved memory of this revolutionary caravan of Imam Hussain (a), Muharram is commemorated every year on 10^th of Muharram, which is also called as Aashura. Believers held congregations also known as “Majalis” at various locations, take out juloos (Processions) carrying “Alam” (a flag signifying the flag of Karbala & truth), and beat themselves showing the grief and desire that if we were present at the time of Karbala, we would have presented ourselves in the way of truth.

The caravan of truth started by Imam Hussain (a) is still going on. Every year, Muharram revives the oath of all freedom lovers and truth seekers that the fight is still on and we have to strive against all kinds of evils within ourselves and around us.

Whenever we see corruption and evil practices around us and feel that we are alone and how can we combat with the evil forces; message of Muharram motivates each one of us to take strong stand against the oppressors, even if our numbers are less.

Today, history is witness that the evil ruler Yazeed has vanished but the name of Imam Hussain (a) is still alive and the lessons which he delivered through his stand will remain forever till the end. Lesson of Imam Hussain (a) & Muharram is for whole of humanity and only through this message; we can make earth a better place to live.

Ref: www.hindihaqiqat.in

How to think and deliberate over the Noble Qur’an

It would be appropriate to present an example for showing the method of deliberation over the Qur’an and understanding its meaning. For example, someone who recites the following verse:

“Have you observed the water which you drink?” - Noble Qur’an (56:68)

Should not limit himself only to think about the phrase water and its apparent meanings and taste, rather should ponder about it from various dimensions.

For example: He should pause and think all the plants of various colors, different species of animals which are found in this world all have been created by this water. He must think about the human being who has been created with water; in addition to his having apparent visible capabilities such as eyes, ears, and tongue also possesses inner-self and strange inner-power so much astonishing that it could help ascend him towards the most higher sublime spiritual stations.

He must ponder that this same man created by water possesses an inner-self so marvelous, astonishing, and vast as though the entire world of creation has been miniature in his inner-self; it is from this consideration that he is regarded as a separate entity called a smaller world (jahan-e-asghar) as compared to the world of creation which is called the greater-world (jahan-e-akbar). And in accordance to a more delicate and sophisticated interpretation a human being represents a greater-world as compared to the world of creation being a smaller world.

Reference:- Spritual Journey of the Mystics(Suluk e Irfaan) - By Late Haj Mirza Javad Agha Malaki Tabrizi(R.A.)

Understanding the meanings of the Noble Qur’an - 2

In some aspects, as is evident from the following quotations from the Commander of the Faithful Imam ‘Ali (peace be upon him):

                     “I am the speaking Qur’an.”

 
The reality of Qur’an is similar to the reality of the existence of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and the sinless Imams (peace be upon him) of his Ahlul-Bayt. 

 

Yes! The Noble Qur’an possesses a reality so much higher and exalted which cannot be reached through our limited and insignificant amount of knowledge, as Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him), Himself has mentioned in the Noble Qur’an:
         

“Which none touch save the purified.”
                                                     - Noble Qur’an (56:79)

Since, the understanding of Qur’an’s reality, would lead to the understanding of its grandeur, understanding of its grandeur will manifest the Splendor and Majesty of its Descender (i.e. Allah); the one who will comprehend all the above, will keep his mind free from all sorts of scattered thoughts during recital of the Noble Qur’an, will ponder and deliberate about the meaning of each phrase and sentence in order to discover their meanings and goals; and the one who will do so, will earn plenty of goodness and a lot of advantage.

Reference:- Spritual Journey of the Mystics(Suluk e Irfaan) - By Late Haj Mirza Javad Agha Malaki Tabrizi(R.A.)

Understanding the meanings of the Noble Qur’an

About the understanding of Meanings of the Noble Qur’an, in a nutshell it may be said that it should be understood that the reality of Qur’an is something behind these phrases written on the paper, seen by our eyes, recited by the tongue, and heard by the ears; it is a light from Allah’s celestial illumination, which has reflection, glory, and manifestation for all the worlds of existence, whose every reflection and manifestation contain special effects. 

 

In the Hereafter, it will be manifested in a form similar to the faces of prophets, angels, and favorite saints, would speak in the same form and would intercede before Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him). 

 

In summary it is a glory from Allah’s Glories and a manifestation from Allah’s Manifestations.

Reference:- Spritual Journey of the Mystics(Suluk e Irfaan) - By Late Haj Mirza Javad Agha Malaki Tabrizi(R.A.)

Etiquette of recital of the Noble Qur’an

As Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him), has said in the following verse:
“Will they then not meditate on the Qur’an, or are there locks on the hearts.” - 

Noble Qur’an (47:24)

Those who do not ponder over the Noble Qur’an have been reprimanded severely. The first and important instruction and etiquette of Qur’anic recital is deliberation and pondering of the recited verse, because whoever will recite the Noble Qur’an with deliberations inevitably will discover the splendor and majesty of Qur’an and its bearer, and its meanings and contents to the extent of his deliberation and pondering. 

 

And this awareness and understanding will become a cause which would enable him to keep his mind and conscience away from scattered thinking during recital; thus, increasing understanding about the meanings and objectives of the Noble Qur’an in his deliberations. 

 

He should renounce whatever acts as obstacles in closing the path of understanding, and whatever positive and negative commands, advice, and exhortations are encountered by him must regards them as though all of them have been revealed especially for him.

Reference:- Spritual Journey of the Mystics(Suluk e Irfaan) - By Late Haj Mirza Javad Agha Malaki Tabrizi(R.A.)

About Ayatullah Behjat

By his (Ayatullah Behjat) deeds and words, this great scholar has always directed himself to God alone.  

A great mujtahid has said about Agha Behjat:

“It cannot be just said about him that he is a man of piety; in fact he is the true essence and manifestation of taqwa.” 

Ayatullah Shaykh Javad Kerbalayi says about him: 

“One of his close students (in Najaf) reports that every night, or in fact at most times, Agha Behjat sits alone, deep in thought and contemplation.  He never wastes a moment of his time, and does not participate in vain gatherings. When the time comes for his class, or his ziyarat of Amirul Mu’mineen (A), he gets up abruptly, puts on his cloak and leaves the house without interfering in the activities of others. He is extremely reserved and does not like to reveal anything about himself, especially about the special favors and extraordinary spiritual powers that God has granted him.”

Condensed from “Bargi az Daftar-e Aftaab”, A Leaf from the Book of Radiance (About the Life of Ayatullah Behjat)

The Status of Supplication (Du’a)

Ayt. Behjat believes that du’a has a very great status and insists that du’a governs the outcome of every stage of our lives. Ustad Hadawi relates:  

“My daughter was very ill and I came to Ayt. Behjat and asked him to pray for her.  He told me, “You yourself recite the following du’a three times every day:  

“Allahumma ishfiha bi shifaa-ika, wa daawiha bi dawaa-ika, wa ‘aafiha bi ‘aafiyatik” 

“O Allah, cure her with Your cure, and treat her with Your medicine, and restore her health with Your strength”.  

Then, after the third time say: 

“Bi’l Imami’l-Kazim (A.S.), fa innaha amatuka wa bintu ‘abdik”. 

“By the sake of Imam al-Kazim (A.S.), for she is your servant, and the daughter of your servant.” 
Condensed from “Bargi az Daftar-e Aftaab”, A Leaf from the Book of Radiance (About the Life of Ayatullah Behjat)