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)

Ramdhan - Time to bring change in Soul, Heart, Life and daily routine

Ramadhan, Ruh, dil, zindagi aur kaam me change laane k liye ek badi fursat

Yaqinan agar ham apne wazife par amal kare jo islam ne hame bataya hai, agar ham mahe mubarake Ramadhan me aur saare bade dino aur rato me, jo khuda ki taraf se muayyan/fix kiye gaye hai,( jaise 15 shaban, 3 shaban, roze arafah) aur in jaise ayyame khuda me nemato ka zikr kare aur tawajjoh kare, aur jo duae hame di gai hai unhe ganimat samjhe aur khud ko us waqai qudrat, izzat, azamat yaani zaate muqaddas e khudawande ta’ala se murtabit/connect kare, koi shak nahi ki khud me change dekhenge, ruh me, dil me aur apni identity/pehchan yaani insaan hone me aur apne zindagi k saare hisso me jaise(for eg) apne kaam me, koshisho me hame change dikhai dega aur wo hadaf/target jo islam ne

hame bataya hai use nazdiq hoge. Ye islam aur dusre deen me ek basic difference hai, k islam hamesha insaan ko apne andar change laane k liye hosla/tashwiq deta hai.

Hamara aqeeda hai aur ye islam bhi kahta hai aur dusre deen bhi kehte hai ki insaan, sirf khuda k sath connect hone par hi insaan kamil ho sakta hai aur (bade ahdaf/big targets) ko achieve kar sakta hai.

Fursat e mahe Ramadhan, ek exceptional fursat hai. Ye koi choti baat nahi hai jo Khuda Quran me farma raha hai “Lailatul Qadre khairum min alfe shahr”.  Ek raat jo hazaar mahino se behtar raat hai, fazilat me bhi aur insaan ko taraqqi dene me bhi, ye bhi mahe Ramadhan me hai. Ye koi choti baat nahi hai k Rasool e Khuda s.a.w.s. is mahine ko khuda ki ziyafat ka mahina keh rahe hai.

Lekin kya mumkin hai ki insaan is mahe mubark k sufre par aaye aur mahrum chala jaye? Wo log jo is azeem sufre par hazir hue  lekin magferat talab na kare, apni islah na kare, apne andar change na laaye, beshak is badi nemat se mahrum rah jayenge, aur ye mahrumiyat waqaii hai, haqiqi hai.

“innash shaki man harama ghufranallaha fi hazash sharil azeem.”(Uyun Akhbar ar Reza, vol 1, page 295) Mahrum e waqaii wo hai jo is mahe Mubarak me, Allah ki maghferat ko hasil na kar sake. 

Aadab e Ruzedaari, ahwaal e ruzedaran, written by Ayatullah Syed Ali Khamenei, page no. 40

Most Important benefit of Fasting - Piety (Taqwa)

Roze ka sabse bada fayeda, Taqwa

O believers, fasting is enjoined on you as it was on those before you, so that you might become righteous. (Sura e Baqra - 183)

 

Yaani ye roze, hame taqwe ki taraf le jaate hai aur hamare wujud, qalb aur jaan me taqwa roze ke wasile se hasil hota hai.

 

Taqwa kya hai? 

Taqwa ye hai ki insaan apne saare aamal aur raftar me dhyan rakhe k wo jo kaam karne ja raha hai kya Khuda is kaam se raazi hai ya nahi. Isihi dhyan rakhne ko, taqwa kahte hai.

 

Taqwa k opposite, gaflat aur dhyan na dena aur harkat bagair baseerat k anjaam dena.

 

Khuda, momino se unki zindagi ke kaamo me hoshiyaar na rahne ko pasand nahi karta.

 

Momin apne zindagi k saare kaamo me dhyan rakhta hai aur deqqat se kaam leta hai.

 

Iska fayeda ye hai k momin alert rahe, jo bhi kaam kare wo khuda ki marzi aur deen ke bataye hue qanoone ke khilaf na ho. 

Jab ye alertness insaan k andar aa jaye aur uska bolna, amal karna, khamosh rahna, qayaam karna aur saqit rahna aur uska har action us qanoon k mutabiq ho jo khuda ne bataya hai, isihi halat ko taqwa kahte hai. Aur yahi fayeda hai jo roze se hasil hota hai.

 

Aadab e Ruzedaari, ahwaal e ruzedaran, written by Ayatullah Syed Ali Khamenei, page no.5

Month of Ramdhan - Best time to return to Allah

Bismillah hir Rahman nir Rahim

Mahe Ramadhan, khuda ki taraf palatne ke liye behtarin fursat

Mahe mubarake Ramadhan, rahmat ka mahina hai magferat ka mahina hai, bohot munasib hai ke ham bhi apni kamiyo aur buri raftar ko aur buraiioko apne andar se aur wujood se nikaale, yaani isteghfar kare. Isteghfar aur tauba yaani khuda ki taraf palatna, yaani gunaho se dur hona yaani apne andar change lana

(And that you should seek His forgiveness and turn towards Him. He will bestow the best things of life on you for a time ordained, and favour those with blessings who are worthy of grace.) (srua e Hud-3)

Isteghfar aur Khuda ki taraf palatna aur apne character me change lana, khud k wujud ko paak karna yahi reason banega k Khuda swt apne fazl rahmat, barkat, quwat aur  izzat ko ham par nazil karega. 

Saare category/level k log, mujh jaise aur har wo log jo bade positions par hai, jinke kandho par responsibility hai, jyada talash aur koshish kare k khud me change laye. Aur khud ko parkhe, check kare, aur hawa o hawas aur saare problems ko jad se nikaalne ki koshish kare aur saare log is khuda ki taraf palatne aur apni islah karne ke zarooratmand hai. (apne nafs ko sahi/paak kare)

 Aadab e Ruzedaari, ahwaal e ruzedaran, written by Ayatullah Syed Ali Khamenei, page no. 1

Types of Fasting

There are three types of fasting:

1. The fasting of commons, which is the renunciation of eating and drinking, and observance of other fasting requirements as described in the Books of Jurisprudence.
   
2. The fasting of nobles, which in addition to the above also includes renunciation of sins i.e. controlling eyes, ears, tongue, and other bodily parts from sinning and transgression.
   
3. The fasting of most distinguished nobles which in addition to the renunciation of the above also includes relinquishment of everything, be it permissible or forbidden, which makes mind and conscience negligent from Allah's remembrance.

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

Why people observe fast?

A group of people observe fasting without having particular aim and intention which could be the basis of correctness of their deeds and accordingly could prevent their deeds from becoming nullified.

For example, some might observe fasting, because of fear from the people, or for the sake of their material and worldly benefits, or may observe fasting because of prevailing habits among Muslims.
 

Some observe fasting in order to remain immune from people’s persecution as well as not to remain deprived from material gains and advantages obtained through intermingling with the community, some observe fast in order to remain immune from peoples persecution, as well as not to remain deprived from material advantages obtained through social intermingling; in order to remain immune from Hell’s punishments as well as not to be deprived from the bounties of Paradise.

Another group observe fasting only for the sake of immunity from Hell’s punishment, or for utilization of Heavenly bounties, or for the sake of both.

Another group observe fasting for the sake of immunity from Hell’s punishment as well as to be blessed with Heavenly bounties, but in addition to that, also to seek Allah’s pleasure and nearness.

In the end there is a group who observe fasting and does not have any other intention and aim except Allah’s pleasure and nearness.

They observe fast only in order to become closer to Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him), and to attain the position of His consent.

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

Advantages For Hunger

One of the effect of less eating is purity of heart and insight,
because, over-eating and fullness creates a state similar to drunkenness within a human being which slows down his sense of perception, reducing his power of quick grasping, thus, ultimately resulting in his heart's blindness. 

Opposite to that, hunger results in the mind becoming sharp, bestows comprehension upon conscience, thus, making the heart readied for enlightenment. In this regard the following tradition has been narrated from the Holy Prophet [s]:

"Whoever keeps his stomach hungry his thinking culminates to
the highest level, thus, making his reflections stronger."

Reference:- Spritual Journey of the Mystics(Suluk e Irfaan)

Effects of Fasting and Hunger - 2

The Holy Prophet [s] said:

"Keep your stomachs hungry and thirsty, and make your bodies used to hardships, perhaps your hearts will then have a chance of seeing Allah's glory."

Also, in the narration of Prophet's heavenly journey(Me'raj) the following have been narrated:

"O' Ahmad! Do you comprehend the outcome of fasting? 'No.' Replied the Holy Prophet [s]. 'The outcome of fasting is less eating and less talking.' Replied Allah, then explained the outcome of silence and less speaking as follows:

'The result of silence is wisdom; the result of wisdom is enlightenment; the result of enlightenment is certainty; and when a person attains the Exalted spiritual position of certainty, then he does not care how does he start his day, whether with ease or hardship, and tragedy or comfort.

Such is the state of those who have attained the position of content.

whoever attains this position (content) acquires three inseparable characteristics:

Thanks (shukr) not contaminated with ignorance, invocation (dhikr) not mixed with forgetfulness and love not mixed with the love of others.

''Whoever loves Me in this manner does not intermingle the love of others with My friendship; I too love him and make others to love him; would make his heart's eyes opened, so that he could witness My Splendor and Majesty; would not deprive him from the knowledge and enlightenment bestowed by Me upon others; in the midst of night's darkness as well as during the brightness of the day would whisper and communicate with him, so that he becomes disgusted with others company; would have him listen to My speech as well as the speech of My angels;My secrets which I keep hidden from others would become manifested upon him.

'Would saturate his wisdom with My enlightenment(ma'refat) and would sit Myself in place of his wisdom; would make the pang of death and its hardships easier for him so that he would enter Paradise with ease and comfort.

When the angel of death would descend upon him would speak to him: Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Allah is anxiously waiting for you."

Reference:- Spritual Journey of the Mystics(Suluk e Irfaan)

Effects of Fasting and Hunger

Tolerance of hunger, the most obvious part of fasting, earns plenty of advantages for a devoted wayfarer journeying towards Allah's path from the point of view of enlightenment and knowledge of Allah (the Glorious, the Exalted), as well as his advancement in attaining spiritual perfection.

The Holy Prophet [s] has narrated:
"Engage yourself in self-struggle (Jihad-e-Nafs) through the means of hunger and thirst, whose reward is equivalent to the reward of those who participated in the armed struggle for Allah's sake. There is nothing more superior before Allah's sight than tolerating hunger and thirst during fasting."
Also said:
"The one who tolerates more hunger as well as ponders deeply about Allah as compared to others, will be assigned higher Exalted positions before their Lord on the Day of Judgement."

Reference:- Spritual Journey of the Mystics(Suluk e Irfaan)