Feb
02
2013

He dwells not only in temples and mosques – Sarmad Shaheed

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On a dismal gloomy day of 1661 AD, in the Capital of Mughal Empire, Dilli (Delhi), history witnessed a macabre and ghostly dance of death. The town folk saw a naked, emaciated but content heretic being mercilessly dragged by the royal police towards the execution ground. There he was forced to sit in the posture of genuflection; his hands tied back crosswise to his feet; his head was lowered; and a shining sward fell upon his slender neck with all the brute force of executioner. Spurting blood all around his head flew in the air and then began the gruesome dance of death in its earnest. The headless body whirled violently and frantically in all gyrations. It refused to cool down. On looker were terrified at this ghastly TANDAV – a reminder of Natraj. Other than the minions of Aurangzeb there were many who were the followers and disciples of the prisoner. They cried, prayed and bowed to the ground to beseech the body to come to rest. History fails to record the time gap between beheading and cooling down. He was Sufi Sarmad Kashani, the naked, mystic poet and saint who commands the universal reverence and love even today.

Charges against him: Violation of Sahriah Law and public display of heresy. He had refused to don any cloak to cover his body and he, like his disciple Prince Dara Shikoh, the heir of Mughal Throne, refused to accept the concept of physical Meraj of Prophet (PBUH). They both believed that the Journey of the Prophet (PBUH) was a spiritual and not physical. However, these were the apparent reasons. Since time immemorial ‘political correctness’ has been the most desirable attribute to climb the greater heights. Historians of all ages have generally suppressed the fact to suit the rulers fancy. They were also conscious of their interests and prejudices. Exact causes of the execution of Sarmad were never known. The people believe that it was the vicinity of Sarmad with Dara Shikoh which finally landed him on the chopping board. Sarmad was the spiritual mentor of Dara and he had denounced Aurengzeb for the killing of Dara and other royals from the ramparts of Jama Masjid, Delhi.

In his narration ‘Stories of Sarmad’ famous chronicler Bilal Tanweer describes the last horrifying incidence of Saramd’s life before his execution in the following words:

“As  Aurengzeb’s procession was passing through the streets of Delhi, he saw Sarmad sitting on the roadside. The king ordered the march to halt and demanded the mystic to cover himself. The king looked at him with wrathful eyes and said,’If you think I need to cover my nudity so badly why don’t you cover me yourself?’ When the Emperor lifted the blanket on Sarmad’s side, the king saw the blooded heads of all the family members he had secretly murdered. Aurengzeb looked at Sarmad who said,’Now tell me what should I cover – your sins or my thighs?”

According to historians Sarmad was born to an Armenian Jewish merchant’s family of Iran. Having come to know about the enormous admiration of Fine Arts in India he decided to do business with Indians. He embarked upon a journey that changed the direction and destination of his life. He brought with him many valuable objects which could have fetched him rich returns. It wasn’t destined to be. He reached Thatta (presently in Pakistani Punjab) and forgot about his errand. Instead he fell in love of a local girl and in the aftermath lost every possession including the local girl. The impact of unrequited love persuaded him to give up his clothes for ever. He would walk the streets of Thatta in the dress of nature. However, even in this state of absolute renunciation Sarmad achieved the sublime heights of spiritualism. People took him in great reverence and the fame of his piety spread every corner of the globe. One boy Abhi Chand decided to become his disciple and this new relationship did something to soften the bruised contours of Sarmad’s persona. Scholars favored by the royal court of Aurangzeb and even now the professors of school of bigotry use this relationship to tarnish the impeccable image of Sarmad. They forget the platonic relationship of Mehmood Ghaznawi and his slave Ayaaz (eulogized by famous poet Iqbal – ‘Ek hi saf men khare ho gaye Mehmood-o-Ayaaz, na koi banda raha na koi banda nawaz’ and in much bolder statement by the same poet – ‘na woh Ghaznawi men tarap rahi na woh khum hai zulf-e-Ayaaz me’; they push under the carpet the relationship between Amir Khusro and his master Hazrat Nizam Uddin Awalia. The famous couplets of Amir Khusro – “Khusro Nizam ke bal bal jaihyoun…” Khusru died within few weeks after the death of his master and lies in eternal sleep only forty feet away from his master. The finest depiction of this relationship is made by Kabir Das – “Guru Govind douo khare, kake lagoon pai, Balihari Guru aapne Govind diyo batay.”

There is no relationship more enduring than between God and human being; there is no relationship more pious than between the son and mother; there is no relationship more sacred than between Teacher and Taught.

Aurengzeb has deputed Mulla Qawi, the Chief Justice to persecute Sarmad whose fate was known to everyone before the trial.

Moulana Abul Kalam Azad referred the Pro-Aurengzeb historian Sher Khan Lodhi who described Sarmad in his book “Miras-ul-Khyal” in the following words:” Sulatan Dara had an affinity to mad people so he became friend with Sarmad.”

Moulana Azad commented:” He (Lodhi) doesn’t know that there is set of scales in which this madness would outweigh all wisdom in the world. Dara was probably fed up with the pernicious wisdom of the likes of Aurengzeb that he preferred the company of Sarmad.” Sarmd suffered the same fate as Dara. Moulana adds – “Dara Shikoh had a unique mind and temperament and all should mourn the unfortunate day when his enemies triumphed.”

Today, there is large Neem tree opposite to the eastern gate of Delhi Jama Masjid which provides the peaceful abode for the holy saint who spoke the common language between all religions. In the cacophony of busy Delhi – 6 the moment you enter of the red-walled dargah you leave behind all your heavy burdens; you feel a complete peace of mind and in unison with God – no matter the faith you follow.

Sarmad had challenged the religious fanaticism in his life and defeated the bigotry in his death.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Jan
10
2013

Amroha and The Patriotic Uprising 1857

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It was a bolt from the blue. Order to use Enfield rifle with the greased Cartridge did hurt deeply the feelings of both Muslims and Hindu soldiers. They refused to fire the bullet. The spark of the unfired bullet caused an explosion that ballooned up in the form of Mutiny 1857. Invariably it failed to change the course of history but added a glorious chapter of sacrifice, valor and love for the motherland.

On the 11 th day of May 1857, sixteenth of Ramadan, rebel soldiers from Meerut landed in Delhi and were joined by Delhi regiments. Soon the walled city of Delhi was on fire. The jubilant deserters  were furiously looking for their white masters and putting them to sword. This evening Delhi was in control of Indians. True, there was loot and plunder all over the Moughal capital. By midnight a 21- gun salute from Royal Moughal Cannon announced the restoration of Moughal Empire. Bhahdur Shah Zafar was declared as the Commander-in Chief of Rebel forces. It was a new dream – a beginning of a new end.

The ripples of rebellion reached the shores of Amroha by 12 th May. There were three British officers posted in Moradabad region namely C.B. Saunders – the magistrate, J.J. Compbell – Joint magistrate and J Cracroft Wilson – the judge. Gursahay Jat was the Nazir in Collector’s office. Mr. Wilson was there in Amroha for 17 years. He was well posted in local affairs.

Please note that this scribe, by no means, is trying to produce a scholarly document that would satisfy the masters of historiography. This narration may or may not conform to the merits of experts. It is a simple narration as I read and heard in my journey to explore my roots. It is a short story of valiant attempts of ordinary Amrohvis who fought against the most powerful state  upon earth of their time.

The ancient Moughal capital was under intense turmoil now. News of rebellion at capital had warmed the blood of simple denizens of Amroha. On 17 th May 1857, the descendants of Dewan Syed Mehmood and Durwesh Ali Khan Saheb called a meeting of important dignitaries of the town inside the Dargah of Syed Sharfuddin Shah Wilayat. Public  gathered patiently outside the wall of dargah to learn the decision made by 30 city fathers. Majority of leaders wanted to stand up against the Raj and capture the reins of local administration. Some participants advised to use discretion, wait and watch. The decision to rebel against the usurpers was taken by majority vote and the meeting called off. On 19 th May mutineers broke the central jail of Moradabad and freed all the prisoners. Syed Gulzar Ali was the proud leader and commander of Amroha-Uprising. He arrived at Amroha with a group of freed prisoners. People gathered at short notice in the courtyard of Syed Ramzan Ali (Mohalla Katra) to chalk out the future strategy. Another meeting followed at the residence of another Ramazan – Sheikh Ramazan Ali (Moh Darbar Kalan). The clarion call was made there. The die was cast. Amroha was now a city of rebellion. Meer Madad Ali  and Shahmat Khan were Thanedar and  Jamadar of police department respectively at that time.

The appeal of Syed Gulzar Ali inspired thousands of young men and an ill equipped army of amateur soldiers attacked the police station and Tehsil of the town. Seventeen thousand rupees were confiscated from the government treasury. Thana and Tehsil were razed and put on fire. Many police officers were gunned down. Their graves are still lying undisturbed opposite the building of Old Thana near Mohalla Kali Pagri. Amroha was now in the hands of mutineers. The town munsif Saad Ullah Khan was rescued by Ali Muzaffar Khan who brought him home with his office.

This uprising is also the story of our weakness, disunity and conflicting motivations. It is also  the story of ordinary mortals caught in an extraordinary situation. It is story of human greed. It is a story of Jaichands and Meer Jafers.

On 25 th May 1857, Wilson arrived with a strong force that ruthlessly crushed the nascent revolt. The leaders of local revolution had to beat the retreat. They went underground.  The houses of Syed Gulzar Ali and other freedom fighters were razed to ground. The dream of freedom ended in smoke.

Government promoted Gursahay Jat as Chief Administrator and Amroha was given in care of a  Rampur Royal Nawab Abdul Ali Khan to soften the bruised contours of proud Amrohvis. Gursahay was rewarded a big Jageer (11 villages) by British masters. He was given the title Raja and there after referred officially as Raja Gursahay.

What followed later was a bloody, vicious and awful suppression. Heaps of dead bodies scattered around the police stations and streets. Homes were broken down and sacked. The ordinary town folk were falling victims of British ire. It took another 90 tediously long years to write the new chapter.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Dec
22
2012

The Bridge Over the River Sot

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Once upon a time, many years ago, in fact around fifty years ago, Amroha was a beautiful town of  mango and guava orchards, lush green fields, holy dargahs, ancient temples, caravan sarias, takias, khanqahs, wonderful lakes and enchanting pools. People used to enjoy their morning and evening walks at Lipton Road known as Thandi Sarak (Winter Street). The life was simple – no big frills attached. You would see a lot of  amateur fishermen sitting patiently by the lake side with their fishing rods dangled in silent water, waiting for the catch. Now, all those pastimes are gone forever. As the generations pass their stories and memoirs can no longer be heard. Only a few stories of human interest, bits of wisdom, family histories and humorous happenings are left for future generations to enjoy. However, two lines are common in all of them: Amroha is situated at the banks of River Sot. Amroha is located near the River Sot. Unfortunately that river does no longer exist. There is no water; the river bed is a parched dry land. There stands a lonely bridge that reminds a gruesome old story.
Hundred years  back a train fell into the river as the bridge caved in. All the travelers were killed.

Several images conjure up when someone asks you to remember the childhood. Every one of us has too many wonderful stories and memoirs to narrate if someone touches the emotional cord. According to individual psychology people don’t recall the events that happened to them correctly but they recall them in a way that best describes their subconscious state of mind. As a child we wanted to grow up but now we realize that broken toys and lost pencils were much better than broken heart and lost friends.

This one is a blast from past.

I can still vividly recollect the distant sound of train gracefully passing over the solitary bridge of River Sot in the dark nights. The trundling sound was gentle and often furious. I would get up in my bed and ask my father, “Why the whistle of the engine is so strident? Why the train makes so much sound when it passes over the bridge?” My father was a systematic man who would never get irritated with my most idiotic questions. He would promise me to give the answer in the morning and instruct me to sleep.”

“The train moves against the wind. First, it’s the wind that generates the sound. Second, the sound is due to stress which is created between the wheels of train and iron track. Third, the vibrations of the compartments also create noise. The combined effect is that intensity increases aided with the water below the bridge. Vibrations are absorbed by the earth when the train moves on track on the land. I don’t have to explain the noise of the whistle.” Since my childhood the technical explanation often helped me in winning appreciation of my peers and the admiration of elders – a reason to remember my father in difficult times.

Drina River, Serbia

Drina River in Serbia.

Tower Bridge spans over River Thames in London. It is the only bridge in the world which could be raised from its middle section to permit the large vehicles to pass through it. There is another bridge which always brings back the memories of distant past – “The Bridge On the River Drina.” It was built  by Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic. Construction of this bridge began in 1566 A.D. and it took five years to finish it. It connected Sarajevo pashaluk (the territory of present day Bosnia and Herzegovina) to rest of the Turkish Empire. He was a Serbian child and was taken away from his mother as a part of levy by the Turkish rulers. His mother followed him wailing until they reached the river where they parted and the boy boarded the ferry. This boy, in the years that  followed, showed extraordinary talents. In due course of time he became the Grand Muslim Vazir. He assumed the name – Mohammed Pasha Sokolovik. Yet, his childhood memories had always haunted him and he ordered to build a bridge at the specific spot where he was snatched away from his mother.

Sot River has no such rich past to boast. The bridge over the River Sot was built by Britishers.

Come Shab-e-barat and groups of believers would walk down the river front, early in the morning, to plop into the water an AREEZA from the bridge – a kind of written supplication to Living Imam. There would be lots of fireworks by the river side and prizes were often awarded for the best firework. All is gone now into folk- lore. Now, no one visits Sot for spiritual reasons. The story of ‘tragedy- of-Sot’ had been kept alive by stray Dastango – the traditional itinerant story tellers.

Long before the advent of theaters and films, the minstrels used to practice this medieval art of story- telling. They would engage the public at street corners with stories of adventures, romances, tragedies, djins, fairies and prophesies. A baton in the right hand and a wrist full of iron bangles was the instrument to provide the background music. “Dastan Ameer Hamza” was one the favorite topic.

The narration of the tragedy of River Sot was so impinged upon my memory screen that I have carried it all thorough my life. According to Dastango, the river looked best at dawn. It was the time the train met its preordained  fate. Sit down under the bridge even today and you couldl hear the cries of unfortunate travelers. Listen to the faint whistle of train and you won’t miss the last shriek of Hameeda – the unfortunate groom who had rebelled against society to marry a craft- man who was lower in ranks. The first time she was going her Susral. The couple had put on their wedding dress. As the train slipped down every traveler including the newly wedded couple  disappeared into ocean and with them died the dreams and ambitions of that great caravan.

The story had some unbelievable segments but it was always listened in pin drop silence with awe and agony. Absolute concentration was the name of the game.

I can recollect just one couplet of dastango:

“Sot naddi pa mehshar bapa ho gya,
Bhai se bhai juda ho gya.”

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Dec
19
2012

Delhi – The Unsafe Capital

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Few stray thoughts, some point of views…and a slice of realism.

Meer Taqi Meer has said:

“Kya bood-o-bash pucho ho poorab ke sakinon,

hum ko haqeer janke huns huns pukar ke.

Dehli jo ek shaher tha alam men intakhab,

hum rahene wale hain usee ujre dayar ke.”

It is a dismal evening. As I’m writing this article thousands of demonstrators are clogging around the India Gate to express their anger, frustration and despair. A 23 – year old college girl was raped yesterday in a moving bus by six men. They savagely beat her and her companion with iron rods as the bus passed through several police check points on its excursion trip around the city. At the moment the victim is lying in critical condition in the hospital with fatal injuries. She is battling for life.

A lot of crocodile tears are shed by politicians of different hues and they have already made their feelings known in louder tones. The cameos of sympathy will be there on exhibition for some more time and then we will go for next headlines. Sonia Gandhiji visited the victim and wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mrs. Sheila Dikshit. It says: “It is a matter of shame that these incidents recur with painful regularity and that our daughters, sisters and mothers are unsafe in our capital city.”

I feel that this horrific incident should become a turning point in country’s history and  a clear message should go to authorities that society would no longer tolerate their sloth and inaction. They must answer as to why the bus remained unnoticed on the streets of Delhi for so long? Why the authorities have failed, time and again, to give protection to the ordinary citizen?

However, blaming authorities would not suffice. We  as members of civilized society  must do introspection – are we fulfilling our responsibilities as we ought to do? For about one hour two  human beings, you and me, were lying naked, shivering and bleeding, seething in pain at the road side while both male and female members of civilized society passed by  indifferently, didn’t help…. even failed to throw a sheet of cloth upon them. WE collectively failed. Shame on us! Today we have no right to make the photo-tamsha  protest for what has happened.  The rapists were not human beings, not animals but beasts – the worst and cursed creation upon earth. No amount of punishment would heal the wounds. The society of animals would have done better than us in such a situation.

Sometimes back a website ‘Good Men Project’ put up a post by writer Alyssa Royce titled ‘Nice Guys Commit Rape Too.’ The editor of website published the first hand account of an admitted rapist who really enjoyed the life of a reprobate. The project classified rapes as Date Rapes, Acquaintance Rapes and Predators Rape. The first two rapes were defined as situations where the perpetrators knew the victims and often ran in the same social circles. Rape was incidental. The criminals defend their acts in courts and society as sort of mistakes and blunders by a nice guy who was in a wrong place at a wrong time. They try to gloss over their pitfalls and often society believes in them.

In the Indian context, it could be argued that we are trying to imitate and emulate the western culture without proper safeguards against the flip side of that society. It took them centuries to empower women.  The fair sex there possesses the necessary attributes to face the challenges of the developing scenarios. In India, we are still fighting the old ethos, prejudices and traditions. For our male society the company of women is desirable as long as the name and prestige of family is not at stake. Women are also ambitious and they are in a rush to bridge the gaps of ages. Today, we are slowly but surely turning into a promiscuous society. Our women enjoy more freedom than ever before. They are free to pursue their intellectual and instinctual ambitions as it helps them to share the new-found prosperity and liberties with their families. Men folk look the other way as they also want peace of mind and a fat purse. Some compromises are acceptable as long as their standard of life gets a pep and pop. But there is a dark side of the story also. You can’t have your cake and eat it also. To achieve their goals our Women folk have to go out and face the predators who are ready at large to pounce upon them. These predators come in different garbs, hues and from different segments of society. Some of them are very powerful, tactful, talented intellectuals, experts and some are desperate destitute. Some of them also carry few grudges against society that make them psychos.

We appreciate that Women are equal partners of our new society. They often tower over man in mental and material achievements. Let the men-folk realize that marriage, motherhood and rearing kids are desirable virtues and milestones even today but they are just OPTIONS for womanbeing in contemporary India. This may or may not be the flip side in every situation.

The society had never reacted the way it should have when the innocent females were raped in Gujarat and elsewhere. Video films were made and circulated. Today  we are glorifying the very individuals who failed to protect those innocents in those horrific situations. We remained heartless, unmerciful, unrepentant and apathetic in the least. The politicians connived with the criminals. In the present day India any criminal who can win an election is nominated by any political party and we condone meekly to their choices.  We get what we deserve; we reap what we sow. Our own deeds are coming home to roost.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Dec
17
2012

Modi’s Victory – A Pyrrhic Scenario

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Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi

A few stray thoughts, some point of views………and a pessimistic observation.

The victory of Modi is a  foregone conclusion. The issue of debate is only the margin of victory, its implications for the nation in general and Gujarat in particular. I present here the future in simple terms without loading my arguments with statistical data.

 

A possible scenario:

If Modi wins big the Muslim minority in Gujarat (save the already rich trading Muslim communities which are exceptions) would be further pushed into oblivion. It would find life difficult and often miserable for itself. Helplessness and frustration would force it to resign to fate. Time to time Modi would throw some odds and bits before them for RSS propaganda and public consumption. But, from now onwards, they have to struggle much harder for their survival. In past Congress has done nothing for Indian Muslims  except lip service. A fleeting remark about their pathetic plight in P.M. Manmohan Singh’s address was all that it could do for them. Congress failed to take up a principled stand in Gujarat. This party wants people like Modi to remain vibrant. It makes easier for Congress to project itself as the protector of minorities. Ironically, Congress would remain a mute spectator while  RSS would force apartheid in the states where it rules. Indian National Congress has destroyed our economy, our language, our culture and our identity. New circumstances  would put the minorities between the devil and deep sea. The Urdu poet has said:

“Na tarapne ki ijazat hai na faryad ki hai,
ghut ke mar jayen yeh marzi mere sayyad ki hai.”

December 20 is also going to change the internal equations of BJP and the Saffron House for ever. A big electoral victory would catapult Modi into the central stage of Bharat. Modi would become the supreme leader. BJP and its leaders would be compelled to act as subservient to Modi’s dictates. The present cadre of leadership would have no control over the developing situations.

Undoubtedly, his towering personality has made him the pivot of every activity in Gujarat. He is able to attract the powerful rich investors, considerable middle class, media and film stars to bolster his aspirations and establish him as an undisputed leader. He is unstoppable. Consequently, RSS would no longer be in the driving seat. He would play politics on his own terms which is something unusual and contrary to RSS history and discipline. His march towards Delhi would begin on Dec 20, 2012.

Now, here is the rest of the story.

Mulayam, Mamta and Maya would find it difficult to opt for Modi as they also need the Muslim votes for their survival. With Modi at the helm of affairs, BJP would find it difficult to forge new alliances.

With the departure of Mr. Yedurappa from Karnataka BJP, Saffron Brigade has lost a powerful leader who had opened accounts of BJP in South India. Karnataka is about to slip from its stronghold. The results of Hills  do not augur well for BJP.  Defeat in Hills is almost certain as its victory in Gujarat. Mr. Gadkari, the present president of BJP has effectively become a liability for the party. The longer he sits at the top the more BJP is going to lose face.

The convincing victory of Modi would leave BJP with  no choice but to present him as the BJP’s Prime Ministrial  candidate. And lo ! here comes the Guardian’s knot. Nitish Kumar will never accept Modi. He finds himself a suitable candidate for the prime minister chair. Mr. Nitish is obviously more acceptable to  coalition partners even now. Mulayam, Mamta and Maya would find it difficult to opt for Modi as they also need the Muslim votes for their survival. With Modi at the helm of affairs, BJP would find it difficult to forge new alliances. The cultivation of new relationships would be an uphill task as the choice is limited. The time is running out.

Ultimately, the victory of Narendra Modi in Gujarat would be a Waterloo for BJP ambitions in Delhi.

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Dec
13
2012

Success and Isolation

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London Olympics bronze medalist shuttler Saina Nehwal said the other day – “It’s tough to be a champion and it gets lonely at the top.” That reminds me what the super star Shahrukh Khan has once said, “I’ve a beautiful family. I’ve a few friends with whom I spend lot of time. I don’t like to die like my father. I don’t want to be unknown. I would like to be just successful. Believe me it is very lonely at the top.” He revealed that he was constantly fighting with the emptiness. “There is something wrong in me. I sense it. I feel it but I don’t know what it is.”

These were few revelations that compelled me to put on my thinking cap. I believe success is the integral element of progress without which either we become stagnant and sink into oblivion or begin to lead a life not very different from animals. Animals have lost the battle upon this planet against humans because they had limited goals. Nature had endowed them the virtue of complacency and their weapons of preservation were weak. We the humans have another story to tell. We have infinite goals and we harbor ambitions beyond imagination. We are exploring the kingdom of creativity and curiousity. We look for success. It is a different matter if success has different connotation in different situations. Often rising tide raises all the boats. Many enjoy the reflected glories. Success has many fathers and several children.

Success brings the plethora of issues with it. The faster and higher you climb the ladder the lonelier you feel. Sitting at the top of pyramid may be majestic but it is really lonely. How long this splendid isolation helps you to stay where you are. The leaders of business, politics, religion and sports often suffer distraction from the heroes of similar fields. It is the simple phenomenon – similar poles repel each other.  You find hard to attract the people who have been successful in your field. Often you are envied or disparaged by those who had been successful in different fields of similar magnitude. The space at the top shrinks without announcement. There is an inherent fear that someone is going to stomp your head.  A Domocle’s sword hangs over the head – you might lose POWER.

According to Adan D. Galinsky of Kellogg Graduate School of Business – “Power is a coveted, sought, and tightly held onto. From the animal kingdom to all human societies, power is the currency of success.”

However, it is universally accepted that power also leaves the powerful very lonely at the top. Power perverts relationship. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The immediate impact of power on your attitude is the implosion of suspicion in your life. You begin to doubt the magnanimity and generosity of others. In your subconscious you are to lead to believe in ulterior motives to their kindness.
Power also reduces commitment. It becomes paramount and relationships drift to insignificant territories. Warmth and sincerity are replaced by pretensions and outwards demos which are plastic. Power weaves jaundiced and cynical webs and strangulates the feeling of reciprocity.
To conclude this article I feel that describing and emphasizing a problem is not enough. There should be some way out for correction. What they are supposed to do to encounter this splendid but excruciating isolation? I think that they should often climb down to take a whiff of fresh air. They could occasionally share their bounties with those whose shoulders they had used to speed up. They should never forget that success never comes without reason. It needs support. Your environment, your family, your friend, your society are the corner stone of the edifice of your success. Never ignore them!

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Dec
10
2012

A Sunset with Peace

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Everyone knows that even the longest day has its evening. One day we all have to hand in our checks. Our body is merely the old, tattered, worn-out vehicle in which we travel many miles and years. In the autumn of the journey we look out of the window and fear the dark clouds gathering over the horizon. These clouds are going to stay and undoubtedly they would lead us towards the dark tunnel. We found the write-up on the wall – the match had its half-time and now the player has to go back to pavilion. It is indeed a very sad time. It is easy to look back now. We stand at the very edge and see the other side beckoning. The body is beset with aches and pains and in the fullness of time our physical organs begin to fail. We know that the bell is tolling.

Roman Emperor Augustus said on his death bed: “Did I play my role well? If so, then applause, because the comedy is finished.”

The last words of famous Italian statesman Cesare Borgina were: “I’ve taken care of everything in the course of life, only not for death, and now I’ve to die completely unprepared.”

Bronnie Ware, an Australian nurse, has spent several years in palliative care (help given to alleviate the sufferings of dying patients).  She had begun to write her blog about the last wish of many patients and called it – “Inspiration and Chai.” It became so popular that she compiled her observations in the form of a book – “The top five Regrets of Dying.” According to Bronnie, when those patients were asked about any regrets they had or anything they would differently, the following five regrets they expressed:

  1. I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
  2. I wish I had not worked so hard.
  3. I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.
  4. I wish I had stayed with my friends.
  5. I wish I had let myself be happier.

It is interesting here to quote the last words of Kurt Cobain: “I don’t have the passion anymore, and so remember, it is better to burn out than to fade away.”

This scribe is at pains to look this subject from a different angle. In the sunset of life, we want to experience peace, joy and stillness to savor the bitter cup:  we are vacating either as a winner or as a loser! Everyone wants that the world should remember him as a successful man / woman after his / her death.  In the meadows of life we were fiercely chasing the mirage called success. It was the achievement – the goal of life. Success meant financial security, admiration, awe, aura, love, beautiful wife, smart kids and freedom from fear and frustrations. But the real Success means real happiness, self respect and satisfaction from life.

The dying statement of the most successful French philosopher, existentialist, writer and revolutionary Jean Paul Sartre was – “I failed.”

Leonardo do Vinci, the famous painter of Mona Lisa said, “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.”

The most pathetic are the last words of Henry the Eight: “So now all is gone – Empire, Body and Soul.”

We, the ordinary mortals have smaller issues to deal with and we have had to handle the problems of limited magnitude. We have our own small worlds and small domains to tackle, in our own way and with our limited means. At the end phase we try to recollect what we had lost and what we have gained in the course of life. Simple calculation! In fact we have now left with no choice but simply entrust ourselves to the unseen. In old age as in everything else, there are no standard mile stones.  Some grey at the age of 30, and others proudly bear a head full of black hair at 70. Some have their skin as wrinkled and folded as raisin’s. Other still carry youthful sheen and smoothness in 70’s. Some are bent over, others are as straight as lamp-post. Some lose their memories and ramble on disconnectedly. Others are alert and active as they were in their prime. Some fold up like umbrella by 50 – 60’s while others continue to trample to freeway of life, contributing, creating, achieving and being. Age doesn’t ravage them. Instead, it gives varnish and impart certain mellow radiance to their persona. They retain a serene, solicitous composure.

It is most important to remember that with the age physical agility may go down but the level of joy and sense of being alive need not go down. If our level of joy and aliveness is going down, it is as if we are committing suicide in instalments. Our lives should expand with age, and not contract. By meeting and conquering each of life’s vicissitudes we expand in strength, courage, joy, happiness, love and internal qualities. As things fall out in the external world; health becoming frail, spouse dying, retirement separating us from a busy life, our internal life must accelerate in power and intensity with an intense faith and ‘never-say-die’, ‘do-what-it-takes’ attitude. We have to weather the storms.

Let us remember the last words of Sir Isaac Newton: “I don’t know what I may seem to the world. But as to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself now and then finding a small pebble or a prettier shell than the ordinary, while the great world of truth lay undiscovered.”

Naim Naqvi

Naim Naqvi

Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.

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Mar
09
2012

AMRO TALE NO. 4 (The Salvation Isle- Amroha)

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ILMOTEHZEEBO TAMADDON KA GAHVARA HAI AMROHA,

JAZEERA HE TAHARAT  KA MAH-E-PARA HAI AMROHA.

 

HUM IS PE NAZ KARTE HAIN KE HUM HAIN IS SE VABASTA,

JO KARTA HO ZAHEN ROSHAN VO OJYARA HAI AMROHA.

 

HAWAIN IS JAZEERE MAIN VADI-E-AYMUN SE AATI HAIN,

HAQ KA HAMDAM VO BATIL KO SHARARA HAI AMROHA.

 

ISEY MARKAZ KAHAIN TEHZEEB KA TO KIYA GHALAT HOGA,

HOSN-E-SALOOK-O-PIYAAR KA DHAARA HAI AMROHA.

 

MOKHTASARAN AY KALEEM SAB YEHI MAHSOS KARTE HAIN,

KOI TO BAAT HAI KE SABKO IS QADAR PIYARA HAI AMROHA.

Undoubtedly the earlier Amrotales have given the short references of a large number of charismatic personalities while merely the paragraphs or pages or chapters are insufficient for each of them. Not the single book but many volumes of the books would be formed for each of them to encompass the qualitative merits and submission to the Almighty God .They all possessed  a powerful  intellect beyond our imagination to put the knowledge and intelligence to practice the life. They gave the lesson how to hold the mind under perfect control to command our actions to spell the success and peace in life.

 

The cultural history of Amroha shows strong threads of unity running through the infinite multiplicity that was not fabricated by pressure of power-stakeholders or by stress. Amroha’s unity, intimacy and equality were established by the foresightedness and saintliness of great personalities and by their vigil sensibility and intellectuality. Their speculation and vision of reform were open ended and broad .Moreover, the imagination of poets and artists, learned doctors, engineers and scientists engineered the network of cordial connections between all the communities not only in Amroha or nearby but among entire human society of the world.

It would be undoubtedly an uphill task to even narrate the names of such superb persons of Amroha who sophistically engineered the society of Amroha. Besides a number of earlier references some of other great personalities around 19th century are Maulana Janab Najmul Hasan Taqvi Sahib (Najmul Millat Sahib), Maulana Janab Aulad Hasan Saleem Sahib, Janab Vakeel Hizabbar Ali Sahib, Janab Aaley Ahmad Naim Amrohvi Sahib(the writer of a big deewan of books, monajats,qasaids ,nohas, marsiyas etc. as Fasana-e –Mehsher,Jannatul Naim , Taqdisul Naim , Baqiyatul Naim , Istaghasa, Rozatul Naim and  Aaftab-e-Wilayat etc.),  Haji Mortaza Husain Sahib, Maulana Yosuf Husain Sahib (Yosuf-ul- Hindi s/o Haji Mortaza Husain Sahib), MOSHAFI AMROHVI SAHIB ,Zaman Amrohvi Sahib, Ali Nazar Amrohi Sahib, Girdhari Lal Turz Amrohi Sahib, S. Haider Husain Yatka Amrohi Sahib (1805-1845), S. Jawad Husain Shamin Amrohi Sahib (1838-1913) etc. etc. In 20th century Janab Manzar Amrohvi Sahib, Maulana Naseem Hasan Hilal Sahib, Allama Shafeeque Hasan Ailia Sahib, then after Maulana Ibadat Sahib Kaleem{S.Husain Akhtar Sahib – Imam-e-juma o jamat) Maulana Basheer Hasan sahib (founder of Aaley Ahmad Girls School as Madarsa-e Niswan that came in existence on 1st July 1922 with the Inchargeship of Mohtarama Safdari Begum through Master Mahmood Hasan Bolandshehri with her acceptance ofRs. 22.00 per month with the facility of residence  and the Madarsa- Niswan started in the Porani Haveli of Janab Aaley Ahmad Sahib Naim.Mohtarama Tahira Khatoon  urf Taro was appointed as QuramShareef Teacher at Rs.8.00 per month and till then the number of students studying Maths,Drawing ,Urdu and QuranShareef . Then it was shifted at Imam Bargah Dost Ali Sahib, Katkoin in June  1924 when it was adopted by Janab Aaley Ahmad Sahib Mohalla Katkoin after a meeting  of a number of peoples of our community at the residence of Khan Bahadur Syed Nabi Hadi Sahib}. Moiaulana safi Mortaza Sahib, Maulana Sabir Husain Sahib, Maulana Mohd. Nabi Sahib, Sikandar Husain Faheem Sahib (1910-1977) and S. Qayam Raza Naseem (………….   to     28/2/1987) were the prominent leading personalities to architect a beautiful and value oriented society .Imam Ali Khan Nazish Sahib went to Pak and worked at very high ranks of Communist Party and the Pak Government kept him in jail many times] and Jon Amrohvi Sahib (whose two collections SHAYAD and YANI have been published) can never be fainted on canvas of architectures of Amrohvi society and the future generations cannot forget their selfless services to unite, educate and reform the culture to create equality and freedom for making well educated and civilized nation of high morals. Maulana Mohd. Shakir Razmi Sahib has also been serving the society by his best guidance and teachings.

Sarkar Najmul Olama Najmul Hasan Taqvi or Najmul Millat Sahib was born on 25th May 1863, 6th ZillHij 1279 Hijri. He was the son of Syed Akbar Husain Taqvi Amrohvi. He was out and out without doubt a charismatic personality in Islamic world of knowledge, he was Faqih of top rank and the guardian of Jamia Nizamia, Lucknow. He was contemporary of Ayatullah Al Uzma Syed Kazim Tabatabai Yazdi, Shaikh Ziauddin Al Iraqi and Aytullah Syed Abul Hasan Isfahani. His world famous disciples are –

Janab Molana Hafiz Farman Ali Sahib who translated the Quran in Urdu,

Molana S. Sibt-e-Hasan Naqvi Sahib,Molana S. Mohd. Haroon Sahib,

Molana S. Mohd. Dawood Sahib,Hafiz Kifayat Husain Sahib,

Molana S. Adil Akhtar Sahib,Molana Mufti Jafar Husain Sahib etc.

 

He left no stone unturned to propagate and create awareness of divine mission of Allah by deputing his trained learned missionaries even in Tibbet, Barma, Africa and western countries.

Son in law of Najmul Millat Sahib was Molana S. Nasir Husain Abidi s/o Molana Jawad Husain Abidi who was also a great authority in Islam philosophy. Father in law of Najmul Millat Sahib was Mofti Mohd. Abbas Shooshtri Al Jazairi s/o Molana Neymatulah Jazairi disciple of Allama Mujlisi Molana S. Mohommad , the author of the book Shariyat-ul-Islam and the founder of MADRASATOL WALZEEN LUCKNOW and Molana Syed Kazim were two sons of Njmul Millat Sahib. Allama S. M. Sadiq Sahib s/o Molana s.Kazim Sahib grand son of Janab Najmul Millat Sahib translated the QURAN Shareef , Nahjul Balagha and Saheefa-e-Kamila in Urdu. Allama Syed. Mohd. Mohsin s/o Molana Syed Kazim Sahib s/o Najmol Millat Sahib composed urdu poetic version of the translation of the Quran. On the other hand Molana Mohd. Razi s/o Molana syed Mohommad Sahib s/o Najmul Millat sahib was a famous aalim and faqih in Pakistan while his broter Molana Zaki preached at Lucknow for the sake of humanity . Meer Anees, Mirza Dabeer , Mirza Ghalib also reversed in Shamsol Olama Janab Najmul Millat Sahib. He has been the light house for generations. All the Amrohvis are proud of him as he was the glittering star of Amroha. He left this world for his divine journey on 18th April 1938 i.e. 17 Safar 1351 Hijri (Friday).

If we see the contribution of Molana Aulad Hasan Saleem Sahib we will find that he was at the top rank of Fiqh (knowledge of rules and regulations of Islamic contribution) during his period he was not only Imam-e-Jamat but treasure of literary and poetic humour. His physical beauties were highly praise worthy. He was adored by all communities because of his infinite saintliness , vigil sensibility and broad mindedness in visions. He was a top Islami Jurist. He was a figure of pride even for his contemporary Aalims. He was the son of Molana Ibadat (first)  who was a great scholar, philosopher of humanity and great Aalim- ba- Amal. Molana Aulad Hasan Sahib s/o Molana Mohd. Ibadat (first) s/o S. Mohd. Nijabat sb. s/o S. Mohd. Shafat Sb. s/o Abdul Wali got the intellectual beauty, literary ability, poetic imagery and musical harmony all along his royal ancestral mansabdari. (Lordship of spacific estate and command of platoon of solders) S. Abdl Wali Amrohvi s/o S. Abdl Jobbar was a famous brave Mansabdar in the period of Shahjahan while S. Abdl Jaled f/o S. Abdul Jabbar and one out of 8 sons of S. M. Mobarak I was a great mansabdar during King Akbar. He had a strong, mascular and huge built. Syed Mohd. Meer Mubarak was the bother of S. Mohd. Meer Adl (chief justice in the court of Akbar but due to oppositions of views in the matter of Deen-e-Ilahi, Akbar sent him to the state of Sindh who was also a royal mansabdar of chahar sadi zaat thee hundred soldiers. S. Meer Abdl Wali coined the name Mohalla Mohd. Shafaat for the sake of his son Syed Mohd. Shafaat . Molana Mohd. Ibadat Sahab was born on 6th February 1911 in a prominent family of Islamic Scholars of Amroha.MOLANA HUSAIN AKHTAR SAHIB (MOLANA IBADAT SAHIB KALEEM ) was lone male child of his parents . His mother was third wife of Molan Aulad Hasan Sahib. His father died when he was of 9 years. There was neither any elder brother nor any real uncle. Janab Haji Mortaza Husain Sahib acceptedhis guardianship like his own son.His early education  was in Noorol Madaris Amroha then he went to Mansabya Meerut for higher studies under the guardianship of  Molana Yosuf Husain Sahib. When Molana Yosuf became dean of Shia Thiology at A.M.U. Aligarh,Molana Ibadat Sahib left MANSABYA and returned to Amroha for a short period.Haji Mortaza Husain Sahib sent him to Nazmia Lucknow for further studies.He lived in Madrasatol Waizeen and studied in Nazmia. In 1932 he came back to Amroha after completion of his education and took the responsibility of Imam-e Juma-o-Jamaat. He died on 22nd October 1989 due to some heart problem.

Kiya gozar jaigi qatray pa gohar honay tak,

Yani onki nigah-e-lotf idhar honay tak.

Molana S.M.Ibadat Kaleem s/o Molana AULAD HASAN Saleem s/o Molana mohammad Hasan (Aalim and Hakeem ) s/o Molana Mohd.Siyadat s/o Molana Mohd Ibadat first s/o Molana S. Mohd. Nijabat s/o Molana S. Mohd. Shafaat s/o Meer S. Abdl Wali s/o Syed Abdul Jabbar s/o S. Abdl Jaleel s/o Meer Syed Mobarak s/o Meer S. Montajib II s/o Syed Chand s/o Syed Baday s/o S. Montajib I s/o Syed Rajay s/o Meer Abdl Azeez younger sonn of Syed Sharafuddin Shahvilayat.

 

When Molana Mohd. Ibadat Sahib was of only nine years he could get the inspiration and protection under the guardianship of Molana Murtaza Husain Sahib who was the principal of Noorul Madaris  Amroha. IN 1928 Haji Mortaza Husain sent Molana Ibadat Kaleem to Nizamia, Luckow for higher education under the guardianship of Sarkar Najmul Olama Najmul Millat Sahib. Most of the saint sufis specially in India conceived of and preached divine unity, in terms of idealistic monism . The greatest attraction for all the peoples was the well disciplined coordination between the individuals of all communities influenced by the Islamic philosophy of justice and equality for which Amroha then Lucknow were certainly at first in the priority list of social and intellectual values. No doubt Moshafi Amrohvi was the strong bridge between the literary schools of thoughts of Amroha and Lucknow but Jamia Nazmia Lucknow and Mardasol Waizeen Lucknow were the strong pillors of divine unity, social integrity and Islamic philosophy. Acholars , saints,generals and statesmen were attracted by Amroha and Lucknow  as iron fillings by magnet.

20th century was started with multidimentional exposure of poetic talent. Montazir Amrohvi, Molana Naseem Hasan Hilal and Allama Shafique Hasan Ailiya and other prominent socio-spiritual philosophers followed and reformed the harmony of 19th century. Janab Abdul Raof Amrohvi, Janab Saifi Amrohvi,Hakeem Kalb-e-Ali Sahib, Janab Mohammad Mehdi Raise Amrohvi, Janab Mokhtar Husain Taban Amrohvi ( Editor of NIDA-E-HIND newspaper) and Naseem Amrohvi Sahib decorated the poetry by more and more  more value oriented aspects. Jon Ailiya Sahib Jon Amrohvi adored the poetry by inserting more direct and philosophical depth to the composition. As 20th century was the golden period of poetry for Amroha, no poetic skill could be left unused to its all possible stretch. Molana Husain Akhtar Sahib (Molana Ibadat Kaleem) was the great architect of not only Islamic character of society but of socio-intellectual bondings through the strong threads of his powerful poetry and harmonic balance in components of 20th century society.

“Ai kash kay hasil rahe mojhko ye fazilat,

Ta zeest bora chahne walon se nibahon.

                                          **

 

“CHASHM-E-ASHIQ KO KAHIN DEED KA YARA TO MILA,

CHAHE AADHA HE SAHI KOI ISHARA TO MILA,

DOOBNE WALE KO TINKE KA SAHARA KAFI,

DOOBNE WALE KO TINKE KA SAHARA To MILA.”

He was a great a great Islamic scholar literary philosopher and a fantastic craftsman of poetry who used all the shades and colours of human- behaviour in his poetry. His sharp and vigil sense of words, is the ornamental beauty of his poetry, See a couplet –

“BUDHA DE QADAM AUR NATAIJ NA SOCH,

RAH-E-ISHQ ME  BUNKEY DIWANA CHUL ,

CHUL AI DIL BA ANDAAZ-E-RINDANA CHUL,

SO-E-BAZM KHASAN-E-JANANA CHUL .”

Kaleem Sibtain

Kaleem Sibtain

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Jan
24
2012

What Is Moharram ?

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Rāyyan bin Shabeeb, who says that I went to meet Imām Ali ar Rezā (a.s.) on the first day of the month of Moharram. Imām Rezā (a.s.) asked me,

O son of Shabeeb! Are you in the state of fasting today”?
“This is the day when Prophet Zakariyyah (a.s.) prayed to his Lord thus
“Lord grant me from unto Thee a good offspring, Verily Thou art the Hearer of Prayers”

Then Allāh accepted his Prayers and commanded His Angels to go and give him glad tidings regarding the birth of his son Prophet Yahyā (a.s.). The Angels came and called out to him while he was engaged in Prayers in the niche. Hence the one who fasts on this day and asks for his desires from Allāh, his prayer will be answered as was of Zakariyāh.”

Then Imām (a.s.) said,

“O son of Shabeeb! Moharram is such a month that the Arabs of the age of ignorance (pre-Islāmic) too respected it’s sanctity and forbade oppression and blood-shed in it. But these people (the umayyads) did not honour the sanctity of this month nor of their Prophet. In this month they killed the son of the Prophet and imprisoned the women-folk after looting and plundering their belongings, verily Allāh will never ever forgive this crime of theirs.”

“O son of Shabeeb! If you wish to mourn and lament over anyone, do so upon Husain bin Ali bin Abi Tālib (a.s.) for he was beheaded like a lamb. Eighteen persons from among his family, who were unparalleled in the earth, were also killed alongwith him. The heavens and the earth lamented the death of Husain. Four thousand Angels descended from the heavens to aid him, but when they reached there they saw that he had already been mar-tyred. Thus, now they all remain near his blessed grave with disheveled hair covered with dust until the rising of the Qaem (Imām al Mahdi). Then they will all aid him and their slogan will be: Vengeance for the blood of Husain.”

“O son of Shabeeb! My father (Imām Moosā al Kazim) has related from his father (Imām Ja’far as Sādiq), who has related from his grandfather (Imām Ali Zainul Ābedeen), that when my grandfather Imām Husain (a.s.) was mar¬tyred, the sky rained blood and red sand.”

“O son of Shabeeb! If you weep over the afflictions of Husain (a.s.) such that tears flow from your eyes and fall upon your cheeks, Allāh will forgive all your sins whether big or small and less or large in number.”

“O son of Shabeeb! If you desire to meet Allāh the Glorified in a state purified of all sins, then go for the pilgrimage to the grave of Imām Husain (a.s.).”

“O son of Shabeeb! If you desire that you may abide in the palaces of Paradise in the company of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and his Progeny, then invoke Allāh’s curse upon the murderers of Imām Husain (a.s.).”

“O son of Shabeeb! If you desire to earn the reward of those who were martyred alongwith Imām Husain (a.s.), then whenever you remember him, say: I wish I had been with them, then I too would have attained the Great Triumph.”

“O son of Shabeeb! If you desire to reside in the exalted status of Para¬dise alongwith us, then bemoan our sorrows and sufferings and rejoice in our happiness and remain attached to our love. For even if a person is attached to a stone in this world, Allāh shall make him arise with it on the day of Qiyāmah.”

Reference: Tradition No. 1 Nafasul Mahmoom
Relating to the heart rending tragedy of Karbalā, Vol. 1 By Hāj Shaikh Abbās Qummi (a.r.)
Translated By Aejaz Ali T Bhujwala (Al Husainee)

Shariq Haider Naqvi

Shariq Haider Naqvi

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Jul
09
2011

HOPE

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(KALEEM SIBTAIN NAQVI)
MUT GHABRA ANDHERON SE ANDHERI RAT KA MALIK,
MOSAFIR HOSLA RAKKH-E TO JOGNOO BHEJ DETA HAI. [……………….]

Have hope, do not loose ambition, there is always the next day created by the Almighty God Who is the savior of the entire universe. Do not be disheartened when the promises that have held you, are wrecked in the skies. Hold tightly the rope of patience for the sake of Day of Judgment when we will see all the records of our deeds. Come forward and fly in the skies with your moral and intellectual strength.

Don’t despair even for a moment when tempests rage and your frail ambition is battered to pieces. Don’t despair if it is dark and the steps are slippery. Remember the light is somewhere around you knocking the threshold of bright future.

Don’t forget that there is the savior of the universe. Don’t forget that even the black magic of devils cannot blow out the candle that burns without fear protected by the Almighty Savior. No doubt the white fringed rollers may obscure the horizon and churn the clouds of foam but the sun is sure to be born and the next day is never far away .

Kaleem Sibtain

Kaleem Sibtain

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