ECKHART TOLLE

This is the first in my 'tribute series'  of modern thinkers, whose Books and Talks have influenced me greatly. It is my journey of personal transformation and understanding of human nature,  and I share the same with my readers. 

Why share ? I understand that every one seeks personal transformation but are so preoccupied with their day to day living, that in spite of their best intentions, they are not able to devote much time, or the inclination and urge is not there. 

But I am confident, that if just excerpts are shared, and just a few of the nuggets read may make an impact on some of my readers, I will consider it as a befitting tribute to the modern thinkers.  

The nuggets of wisdom  that I have managed to pick up -  the 'Aha' moments may also help you my readers in better and compassionate understanding of life, and bring about  personal transformation.  

Short Introduction: 
 Eckhart Tolle is regarded as one of the most spiritually influential person.

 His two most influential Books - The Power of Now ( 3 million copies sold till 2009) A New Earth ( 5 million copies sold till 2009) and approx: 35 million people around the world participated in a series of 10 web seminars held with Oprah Winfrey.   

His childhood and growing up years were far from ideal, and he was depressed and had contemplated suicide, until one night at the age of 29 he experienced 'inner transformation'   followed by wanderings, "in a deep state of bliss". 

QUOTES :

You are here to enable a divine purpose of the Universe to unfold - That is how important you are.

Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it

Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.

The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but thought about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral. It is as it is.

As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out the present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love - even the most simple action

In today's rush we all think too much, seek too much, want too much and forget about the joy of just Being.

Be at least as interested in what goes on inside you as what happens outside. If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place.

Wherever you are, be there totally. If you find your here and now intolerable and it makes you unhappy, you have three options: remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it totally.

Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be.

Power over others is weakness disguised as strength. True power if within, and it is available to you now.

The truth is: you don't have a life, you are life. The One Life, the one consciousness that pervades the entire universe and takes temporary form to experience itself as a stone or blade of grass, as an animal, a person, a star or a galaxy.

Death is not the opposite of life.  Life has no opposite.  The opposite of death is birth.  Life is eternal.

Death is a stripping away of all that is not you. The secret of life is to "die before you die" — and find that there is no death.

QUOTES :

Fear, anxiety, anger, bearing grudge, sadness, hatred or intense dislike, jealousy, envy - all disrupt the energy flow through the body, affect the heart, the immune system, digestion, production of hormones and so on. 

Cleverness pursues its own little aims. Intelligence sees the larger whole in which all things are connected. Cleverness is motivated by self interest, and is extremely shortsighted. Cleverness divides, intelligence includes. 

A genuine relationship is one that is not dominated by ego, which is image making and self seeking. In genuine relationship, there is an outward flow of open, alert attention towards the other person, in which there is no wanting whatsoever. 

Whatever tragic loss occurs, you either resist or you yield. Some people become bitter or deeply resentful; others become compassionate, wise and loving. Yielding means inner acceptance of what is.

The small me that seeks security or fulfillment in things that are transient and gets anxious or angry because it fails to find it. Well at least now you know, who you really think you are. 

The ego's unconscious core feeling of 'not enough' causes it to react to someone else's success as if that success had taken something away from me. 

"One day I will be free of the ego" Who is talking ? The ego. To become free of the ego is not a big job but a small one. All you need to do is to be aware of your thoughts and emotions - as they happen. This is not 'doing' but an alert 'seeing'. When that shift happens, which is shift from thinking to awareness, an intelligence far greater that the ego's cleverness begins to operate in your life.   

The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. 

Give up defining yourself - to yourself or to others. You won't die. You will come to life. And don't be concerned with how others define you. When they define you, they are limiting themselves, so it's their problem. Whenever you interact with people, don't be there primarily as a function or a role, but as the field of conscious Presence. You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are.

Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.

You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are.

Living up to an image that you have of yourself or that other people have of you is inauthentic living.

What a liberation to realize that the “voice in my head” is not who I am. Who am I then? The one who sees that.

In the proximity of death, the whole concept of ownership stands revealed as ultimately meaningless. 

CARRYING THE PAST :

The inability or rather unwillingness of human mind 'to let go' of the past is beautifully illustrated in the story of two Zen monks - Tanzan and Ekido, who were walking long the country road that had become extremely muddy after heavy rains.

Near a village, they came upon a young woman who was trying to cross the road, but the mud was so deep that it would have ruined the silk kimono she was wearing. Tanzan at once picked her up and carried her to the other side. 

The monks walked in silence. Five hours later, as they approached their lodging, Ekido could not restrain himself any longer. " Why did you carry that girl across the road ? he asked. " We monks are not supposed to do things like that" 

"I put the girl down hours ago" said Tanzan. " Are you still carrying her ?" 

Now imagine what life would be like for someone who lived like Ekido all the time, unable or unwilling to let go internally of situations, accumulating more and more ' stuff' inside, and you get a sense of what life is like for the majority of people on our planet. What a heavy burden of past they carry around with them in their minds. 

For readers who may be interested to read further, I share the following links from my earlier posts, based on my reading and reflection of modern thinkers. 


http://mindmints.blogspot.in/2010/10/no-mind-in-namaz-natural-state-of-felt.html

http://mindmints.blogspot.in/2010/10/healing-code-abundance-in-our-deen.html

The Tragedy of Karbala - The journey from Makkah to Karbala

Excerpts from :

 Kitab Maqtal al - Husain by Abu Mikhnaf  (Lut bin Yahya bin Said - Died in 157 AH)

Yahya bin Said - the father of Abu Mikhnaf was a companion of Moulana Ali (SA)

The martyrdom of Muslim b Aquil took place in Kufa on Sunday 8th Dhulhijjah 60 A.H. Imam Hussain (SA) left Makkah on the very same day. 

At Shifa (approx: 12 kms from Makkah) Imam Hussain (SA) met Farazdaq b Ghalib, a noted poet, who recited the following: 
' The hearts of the people are with you, but their swords are with Banu Ummayah
The decree will come from Heaven and Allah will do whatever He desires' 

Imam Hussain replied : ' You have said the truth. The decree belongs to Allah and He will do what He desires. Every day Our Lord has dominion over all affairs. If the decree that He sends down is what we desire, then we praise Allah for his blessings. He is the One whose help is sought, the One who is worthy of thanksgiving. But should the decree turn out differently from what we desire : those whose intention is truth and whose hearts are righteous, do not rebel against Allah.'

At Hajir Imam Hussain (SA) dispatched Qays b Mushir Saydawi with letter to the Chiefs of Kufa, stating that he is arriving shortly. At Qadisiyah he was seized by Hasin b Tamim and sent to Ubaydallah b Ziyad. Qays climbed on top of the Palace and said : ' O people, this Hussain b Ali is the best of Allah's creatures. He is the son of Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet. I am his messenger to you. I left him at Hajir. Respond to his call' He then cursed Ibn Ziyad, and was thrown down from the top and his body shattered.

At Khuzamiyah - a watering place Zuhayr b Qayn joins the caravan of Imam Hussain (SA)

At Talabiyah (51 kms from Khuzamiyah) Imam Hussain (SA) received the news of the martyrdom of  Muslim b Aquil and Hani. 

At Zubalah Imam Hussain read out aloud to the people and informed them about the death of Muslim and Hani and Abdullah b Yaqtur. He said : ' Our Shiah have abandoned us. Thus those who wish to part company with us are free to go, without any sense of obligation. People began to scatter away in all directions, only those remained who had joined in from Medinah. 

Readers are requested to pause here and reflect. 

At many places along the way, well wishers requested Imam Hussain (SA)  not to proceed to Kufah. 

At Batin al Aqabah to one well wisher Imam Hussain (SA) replied : ' Servant of Allah, sound decisions are not concealed from me - but the Decree of Allah prevails' 

Please pause and reflect. 

When they saw the approaching cavalry Imam Hussain (SA) changed course and managed to arrive at Dhu Husam before the arriving cavalry, and set up tents. 

The cavalry of 1000 horsemen under Hurr b Yazid Tamim came to a halt facing the tents set up by Imam Hussain (SA) Two saddle bags filled with letters from Kufah were brought out and shown to them.  Hurr agreed to a temporary compromise and awaited instructions from Ibn Ziyad. 

He rode alongside the caravan of Imam Hussain (SA) away from the road leading to Kufah and leading towards Qadisiyah. 

At Nainawah Imam Hussain (SA) stopped and dismounted. 

Tragedy of Karbala - Events in Kufa

Excerpts from :

 Kitab Maqtal al - Husain by Abu Mikhnaf  (Lut bin Yahya bin Said - Died in 157 AH)

Yahya bin Said - the father of Abu Mikhnaf was a companion of Moulana Ali (SA) 

Numan bin Bashir - the Governor of Kufa was considered weak by the partisans of Banu Umayyah. Abdullah bin Muslim b Sa'ad was the first among them to write a letter to Yazid, stating that he should send a more powerful Governor , if he wishes to control the Shih uprising lead by Muslim bin Aquil. Others also wrote in similar vain. 

Yazid consults Sarjun a mawla of Mu'awiyah, who advises that he should appoint Ubaydallah bin Ziyad, who was the Governor of Basra. Ubaydallah enters Kufa with his entourage, having his face covered, enters the Palace and confronts Numan bin Bashir, and replaces him. 

On getting this news of the arrival of Ubaydallah and his appointment as Governor, Muslim b Aquil moves from the house of Mukhtar to the house of Hani b Urwah Muradi. It is reported that 18,000 Shih pledged alliance to Imam Husain (SA). Muslim writes to Imam Husain (SA) to come in haste to Kufa.

Ibn Ziyad is keen to find the whereabouts of Muslim bin Aquil, and he gives Ma'quil a spy 3000 dirhams to penetrate the Shih group and report the developments. Ma'quil manages to convince Muslim b Awsaja, and finally manages to meet Muslim b Aquil and gives 3000 dirhams and pledges alliance. Thus the Ummayah mole, passes all the secrets to Ibn Ziyad. 

Here I would like my readers to reflect - do taffakur on the development that happens in the following two incidents. 

Ubaydallah comes to pay a visit to Hani b Urwah a very prominent leader of Kufa and the powerful Madhhij clan. Hani was recuperating from an illness. The leaders of Shih requested permission from  Hani to kill the tyrant - but Arab honor prevented Hani from doing such a deed.  " I do not want him to be killed in my house"

Ubaydallah once again came to visit Sharik b A'war who Ibn Ziyad and other Governors, held in high esteem, although he was a staunch Shi'ite. Sharik told Muslim b Aquil to kill the tyrant. Once again Arab honor prevailed, and Hani disapproved and ubaydallah walked safe. 

Do reflect on the above historical incident. Had Ubaydallah been killed, the course of history would definitely have been different. Imam Husain (SA) would have entered Kufa in triumph, the tragedy of Karbala would not have happened. 

True - but reflect again - what about the promise Imam Husain (SA) gave to Nana Nabi (SA) to free the debt of Ummah till Kayamah ? What about the emancipation of souls of the followers of Ahalabait (SA) till the day of Kayamah ? 

A lesson learnt. All historical events transpire with a premeditated design, and have a deep and hidden purpose, and it is good for the humanity at large, which we ordinary people fail to comprehend. ALLAH KNOWS BEST. I have shared the historical event that transpired in Kufa, so that readers may reflect.

Hani is summoned by Ibn Ziyad. Ma'quil the spy confronts Hani and Ibn Ziyad commands Hani to bring Muslim b Aquil, to which Hani the ever proud Arab retorts : " No by Allah I will never bring him to you. Do you expect me to bring my guest for you to kill ? He offers  guarantees and securities, that Muslim b Aquil means no harm to the Governor, but will not offer his guest to be killed. 

When Muslim b Amr Bahili tries to meditate Hani replies : " I have numerous followers, but even if I was alone, I will die fighting to protect my guest." 

Ibn Ziyad becomes furious and starts hitting Hani with a stick, so much so, that the flesh from his cheeks and forehead was splattered over his beard, and the cane broke. The Madhhij clan, of which Hani was the leader, surrounds the palace. 

Abdullah bin Khazim was the first eyewitness to report the development to Muslim b Aquil. Of the 18000 who had pledged alliance, nearly 4000 were nereby , who assembled to fight. 

Ubaydallah b Amr was entrusted with the command of Kindah group. Muslim b Awsajah was given command over the Asadi and Madhhij group. Abu Thumamah commanded the Tamim and Hamdan group, and Abbas b Jadah the Medina group. They all marched towards the Palace. 

Ibn Ziyad on the other hand summoned leaders close to him, and sent them out to their respective tribes, and told them to convince the members to desist from the attack, or else they will face severe consequences. All these Umamayah partisans managed to cajole and threaten their respective clan members. 

The womenfolk of Kufa played a decisive role and convinced their husbands, sons and brothers to desist from fighting the Governor. 

This than was another turning point in the events of Kufa, which had a direct result on the Tragedy of Karbala.

This is how Abbas Jadali reports : When we left with Muslim b Aquil marching towards the Palace, we were 4000 strong. When we approached the Palace, we had shrunk to 300 men. By evening only 30 were with Muslim b Aquil who offered asr namaz in the masjid. 

None the less he marched towards the Palace gate, and people started deserting him, from 10 supporters, he was left all alone, when he left the gate of Kindah. 

Here I would request my readers to pause and reflect on the events that unfolded within hours.

Muslim b Aquil seeks water to quench his thirst and a woman named Tawah offers him water, and gives him shelter. 

At nightfall Ibn Ziyad commands everyone to be present for the Isa namaz. If any one fails to turn up, they will loose protection and security. 

Bilal the son of Tawah confides the secret to Abd al Rahmn Ash'ath, who informs Ibn Ziyad of the hiding place of Muslim b Aquil. 

Sixty/seventy people from the tribe of Qays go out to catch Muslim b Aquil. Muslim b Aquil comes out alone to fight. When Muhammad b Ash'ath approaches him and said : " O young man, you can have a guarantee of security. Do not cause your self to perish."

Muslim b Aquil continues to attack reciting: 

" I swear that I will not be killed except as a free person

Though I consider death something repulsive

Every person will one day confront evil

And the cold will be mixed with bitter hot

The soul will become tranquil and free of any fear

I suspect that I will be deceived and duped "

But Ash'ath manages to convince Muslim that he would not be cheated or betrayed and he need not fear , as the Umayyads were his cousins. 

They betrayed him, and Muslim b Aquil was helpless. He requested Ash'ath to despatch a letter to his family and Imam Husain (SA) of the events that have transpired. 'The Kufans have lied to you and to me ' he wrote.

Extremely thirsty he was denied to drink water by one Muslim b Amr Bahli. 

The martyrdom of Muslim b Aquil took place on Sunday 8th Dhulhijjah 60 A.H. Imam Hussain (SA) left Makkah on the very same day. 

Posted as an act of Hamd and Shukr on the joyous occasion of home coming of  Aqa Moula (TUS)  after a long recuperating medical stay at Saifee Hospital for more than 4 months.
10 Rajab ul Asab 1433 H 

     

  

FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH - 3rd POST

STORY - LUCKY ME (concluded)


Those who have been following the story closely may be feeling exited to know what happens after the Sunday sumptuous dinner. As for my self to be honest, although my wife Rabab had made excellent Kebab Joojeh and other items on the Thal, I could not enjoy as much as my son Murtaza and Noorudin, who were relishing every dish.

As a fond father, looking at them enjoying so much, I was feeling a little sad to broach the ‘thali’ subject, but was determined all the same, knowing my wife Rabab supported me whole heartedly.

It was crunch time – dinner was over, there was palpable tension building up inside me and suddenly there was POWER CUT.

It was in reality a blessing in disguise. It had rained steadily in the evening, so the weather was cool. I had replayed the scene many times in my mind earlier in the afternoon. My taking up the subject for discussion, finding Murtaza telling me – ‘ sorry Abba – we can discuss it later I have a project to complete ‘ the younger Noorudin as if on cue standing up and walking off to his room to watch TV. Multiple scenes played out in mind.

Those who are parents of growing up children can well empathize with my condition.

The POWER CUT proved to be a blessing – good food - cool breeze – family bonhomie on Sunday evening, motivated me to take up the ‘thali’ subject. I will not bother you up with all the details, some of which I have already written about – I found my sons in rapt attention – was a miracle working out.

Not a word.

Rabab encouraged by the silence response told us how she would love to share the same food with the family of Amina. Now Amina was her childhood friend, both went to school together in Lunavada, and from my wife I had heard many childhood stories of my wife always being in awe of her dear friend, who was smart, intelligent, helpful – once my wife started, she would go and on ……

However, two years back Aquilbhai who was a very successful businessman was struck with a paralytic stroke while at office, as a result of which his entire body was immobilized. In short the world of Amina and her son Hakim who was of same as my Noorudin and both were school buddies, went into a tailspin.

As Aquilbhai was running his supply business single handedly, as expected business suffered, creditors started knocking at their door, debtors started playing truant, medical Bills started piling. Aquilbhai died thereafter living behind a family who much against their wishes, started to become depended on ‘muvasaat’

Now dear Readers – the above circumstances are a fact, only other things are fictitious to protect the identity of the family. In my long years of ‘reaching out’ I have come face to face with so many such families.

Here I would I like to recall the resilience (khuddari) of one mumin bhai. I came to know of his plight after his wife was diagnosed with Cancer, and piling medical Bills and running about for treatment, completely drained out his financial capacity. He removed his son, who was very intelligent and smart from a good school were the fees were high.

I came to know about it and approached him to see if I could mobilize some funds for the schooling. In his own words – ‘ Asgarbhai shukran , but let me bear my own cross’ Tears swelled in my eyes, and I felt so humbled that there are such mumineen in this world. On that day frankly I felt proud to be born a mumin.


Was Aqa Moula (TUS) referring to such mumineen in his Munajaat Sahrifa 1432H – did he mean those who have been victims of circumstances -
ke jehni kadar k’um chhe – ehne baland karoo.


I put forward this question to my sons, and I put forward it you my dear readers ?


Please do reflect, and you will surely find spiritual bliss, and understand the importance of this food sharing.

Our family can easily have Canneloni Milanaise Style ( an ideal party dish – Tarla Dalal) but no we will decide to have the same ‘thali’ food, for we know that there is some ‘hiqmat’ in the initiative started by Molayi A’li Qdr Muffadal Saifuddin saheb (TUS)

LUCKY ME - the lights had not come on, and my sons with rapt attention were listening. As a family we agreed that yes we will take the ‘thali’ and surprise of surprise, my son had more updated information than me.

He said he is following the development with interest and being an MBA student, he is seriously considering doing a project on it. He had worked out the costs based on per person consumption of 125 gms rice (Gobindo bhog is cheaper and more nutritious than costly Basmati – we are not doing a ‘shaadi khana’ was his argument) 3 rotis – 25 gms mutton /khima – dal 50 gms and sabji 100 gms )

He said to bring down the costs , mumina ladies from affluent families who have Ayahs and other support staff at home to care, can volunteer their services one day a week. Six groups for six days a week can be formed and their husbands can be entrusted with daily bazaar.

Now it was our time to listen with rapt attention to the sage and practical advice of both our sons who were gung-ho and pretty exited.

LUCKY ME !! THE POWER CAME ON ! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !


I stole an affectionate glance at Rabab and found her all smiles, and pink as peach. I thank ALLAH for having blessed me with such a wonderful family. END

DEAR READERS : I hope you enjoyed reading LUCKY ME but more important, many misconceptions and questions may have been removed. As for me I thoroughly enjoyed writing it, and being blessed to convey my thoughts and insights.

In the process I have used my imagination as well as facts, both have been deftly interlinked.

To conclude Rabab is my wife and as with ladies who love to hide their age I have made her younger by 11 years !!

Murtaza and Nooruddin are my two sons, but both of them died in their infancy. Had they lived both of them would have been strapping + 30 and apples of our eyes. In their premature deaths and sufferings I learnt a great lesson. There are no regrets, but fond remembrance. They taught me to live life in jest, and my writings, and my interaction with family and friends, is a living proof. I have two grown up children, and grand childrens.

A great life lesson I learnt from them was to empathize – to reach out to the suffering and the marginalized of the community, who are victims of circumstances, and not personal failures in life.


As Eckhart Tolle says in his best seller - A New Earth – these are the people who ACCEPT WHAT IS - they accept THE PRESENT MOMENT with fortitude. I feel it is for this particular section of the marginalized community for whom Aqa Moula (TUS) has referred so eloquently, in the Munazaat Sharifa, they must be in his thoughts, in his fervent ‘ilteza’ this Laylatul Qdr.

Dear Readers this story LUCKY ME I fondly dedicate to both my sons, who died in infancy. Any good that may come out from your reading, let it be their ‘sawab’ ALHAMDOLILLAH !

Abde Syedna (TUS)
Asgar Fakhrudin M 098312 42486

NOTE: Dear Readers. If you have liked LUCKY ME do forward the link to family and friends, as my reach is limited. You can also log on to my home page and Mind Mints Blog for further reading, and more comprehensive understanding of LUCKY ME


www.hikmaah.com


http://mindmints.blogspot.com

FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH - 2ND POST

Story – LUCKY ME ( continued …..

Sunday morning I got up fresh and rejuvenated and braced up for the day with a light toast and tea breakfast. Rabab also busied herself in the kitchen, as we were going to have a sumptuous dinner of Pumpkin Risotto – Humus Bil Lahm – Kebab Joojeh the ingredients for which could not be had in ordinary market store, so after quick bath drove out to the far away Spenser Specialty food outlet.

On reaching there, the shop assistant told me that for pita breads I will have to wait for an hour, as fresh stock was being awaited. Under the circumstances I had no other alternative but to just chill out – so I headed straight to across the street Barista and ordered Hazelnut Mocha and Chocolate Chip Muffins.

One hour is a long, long time, and it was early morning, there were hardly any customers, and amidst tranquil surrounding I drifted back and started reflecting on the Abyaat Sharifas, which had provided so much solace last night.

Let me share my reflections - Dear Readers - if you find some erroneous thinking on my part, do correct me, I will be deeply indebted.

Abyaat Sharifa 71 -

Aqa Moula (TUS) expresses that there are countless desires (niyaat) which he longs to be fulfilled ….. ke jehni kadar k'um chhe – ehne baland karoo.


We mumineen are all DEEN na farzando of our beloved Bawa Shafiq – we are all ‘baland qadar’ in that sense – hope my Readers agree - than what does Aqa Moula imply by saying that ‘ qadar k’um chhe ehne baland karoo’

Spiritually we are all the same, but in certain section of the affluent society a wrong perception has taken deep roots based on purely materialistic outlook – the yardstick of success is wealth – you are counted and seen by the car – the house you own and the latest mobile and other gadgets you flaunt etc: Much can be written, but to make the point, just making broad references.

So is it not that by sharing same food – the social beneficial effects are many, the widening gap – the disconnect in bridged? What say you dear Readers. Is my reasoning faulty ? Please correct me then ?

The FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH is a most important initiative of leveling the ever widening chasm.
Agreed ? O K let me proceed.

Abyaat Sharifa 74 - ALLAH ! Do help those who help their brethren with love and affection in overcoming the difficulties of day to day living and make good his brothers shortcomings.

Here Aqa Moula (TUS) is blessing those who come forward – those who are enjoying the best of material comforts and good life – to come forward and help those of their marginalized mumineen brothers. They have the world, they are self sufficient but they are still in need of mu’asaat (help) and this help only Moula and Moula alone can give as a boon.

For M’aad we will not need a Ferrari - a Hublot Euro BB but our Aqa Moula’s doa Mubarak – his doa Mubarak will infuse us with spirituality – humanity – love for our fellow mumineen brethren – it will make us walk the ‘siraat’ with joy and abundance resulting from sharing – in this case sharing the same food that my fellow mumin bhai in shukr is so happy to have with his family – it has eased him of financial burden also but the important underlining message is – WE ARE ALL ONE !!

So it is a Win Win situation for both the giver and the receiver.

As I was sipping my Hazelnut Mocha across the table I found a copy of Sunday Telegraph, 11th Sept: 2011 and having more time in hand, I took it up and glanced at the Front Page.

MY EUREKA MOMENT AGAIN !

I read with interest the headline story – ‘ Osama gone, hunger gnaws’ by K.P.Nayar
The ‘Food Stamp’ Programme cleverly renamed ‘ Supplement Nutrition Assistant Programme’ (SNAP) The growing number of Americans 46 million and ever growing - their plight – how they are being looked upon by other affluent Americans, made an interesting reading.

I immediately called for a Note Pad and Pen from the counter, and noted down excerpts, which you can read, and if you so desire, the entire News Report, by clicking on the below link.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aRgl3UIVwZn2C7vUNXBu9wZQ6LD8DMXio_zroKBDXb8/edit?hl=en_US

I am confident that after reading it, specially American mumineen and all those in the Western countries, will see the immense benefits of FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH

How I wish some mumineen associated with the Press Organizations can file a report on the on going ohbat.

I received a call that my pitta breads have arrived, so I left Barista to collect it, at the same time feeling more confident to lay out the facts of the case more purposefully, after dinner, when I will be talking ‘basket’ with my grown up sons !!

To be continued……..

Continue Reading LUCKY ME

http://asgarf.blogspot.com/2011/09/faiz-ul-mawaid-burhaniyah-3rd-post.html

FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH

A STORY - LUCKY ME


This story is a result of talking with a host of family and friends, not only in my city, but in many other cities and towns, over phone and on chats. There are facts deftly intertwined with imagination - I have tried to answer some of the questions being raised, the niyat is that it will provide my Readers with valuable insights and at the same time, the joy of reading.

Central characters -
My self - Asgar aged 50 years running own business and maintaining a study income and providing a decent standard of living to my family, and having a weakness for Tandoori Indian dishes.

Wife : Rabab aged 47 years. Home maker and an excellent cook .

Murtaza : Aged 23 years studying for his MBA and a lover of Fusion Foods.

Nooruddin : Aged 18 years in his final Year at School, has yet to decide on his future studies, has not given a thought , but of one thing he is sure, his love for Continental and Mediterranean food.

SO OURS IS A FAMILY WHERE FOOD PLAYS A CENTRAL PART IN OUR DAY TO DAY LIVING.


It is Sunday and our family is enjoying a sumptuous dinner of:

Pumpkin Risotto with Pickle Oil Ice cream
Hummus Bil Lahm and Kebab Joojeh

Tuwar pulao – palidoo – the favorite of my wife, and after toiling for the entire Sunday morning over the above 3 dishes, we as a family are very considerate to her, and do not expect her to make the elaborate Murgh Ki Raan where the making of galouti mixture for stuffing of Chicken, which requires the mixture to pass through the Mincer thrice is indeed a very tiring and time consuming process.

But my sons have made it clear that coming Sunday she has to make it or else they will be eating out – a notice which makes my poor wife shudder , to think of the costs of eating out.

I know the threat of eating out will work - come Sunday, and we will have Murgh ki Raan in our Thaal.

SO DEAR READERS THIS IS OUR FAMILY.

Now cut to Jumoa namaz two days back, where Janab Saheb appraised us of the salient points, the nitty gritty and most important the ‘barakats’ emanating for the individual, the family and the entire community at large from the ‘ FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH’


He explained to all of us the a’ala niyaat and the significance of it, the haqiqats behind it are many , he said, which we fail to comprehend.

It is best known to our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) and his Mansoos (TUS) who has started this very unique and far reaching initiative, first started in London. Aqa Moula (TUS) speedy recovery is miraculous and when Janab saheb said that come Muharram and Insa Allah we will be blessed to hear the shadaat of Imam Husain (SA) from the Imami Takht once again, these words brought tears in many an eyes, and I for one was convinced.

I made immediate enquiries at the Mawaid centre and came to know that on payment of Rs: 4,600/- per month our family of 4 will be delivered a basket of wholesome nutritious Bohri food, and on further enquiry was pleased to know that the khidmatguzars are putting in a lot of effort, and the niyat is that out of 100 baskets – 60 will be paid for and 40 will be free baskets. Great concept I thought.


But knowing my family and specially my two sons I found the task very daunting. Worry was writ all over me when I returned home from office, and my wife Rabab immediately noticed it, but was kind enough not to push the issue in the fore front. Saturday also she found me in a very sullen and brooding nature and I confided her the problem that was perplexing me. She had a few encouraging words for me as I left for office.

It was decided between us that after Sunday dinner we will bring this ‘basket’ subject before the children. I wanted to put my case very convincingly, and being a stickler for details, Saturday was spent on reflecting - Googling on the subject of sharing food. Many hours of searching resulted in one convincing article by Dr. Phil Birtie – the Role of Food in Empowering Communities ( Refer to my previous Blog post)

There is much to food than mere physical benefits of nutrition and health. A good point I felt. Encouraged by this lead I read more and more. I found out that sharing same food is a means of bridging the gaps between same members of the community, which has arisen because of different socio economic conditions. The seeming disconnect between the affluent class and the marginalized class of the same community – we are brothers all - 'mara DEEN na farzando' so lovingly referred by Aqa Moula (TUS) - he is our Bawa Shafiq - he is doing the tadbeer for our 'ma'ad' - emancipation – than why so much disconnect. It pains to see people so unconcerned at the plight of their fellow mumineen etc: Such thoughts made me fully engrossed, so much so, that I found difficulty in sleeping.

Luckily for me as I was tossing and turning and try to understand the truths behind this unique ‘mohim’ and in order to find some solace and peace of mind, I took up to do tilawat of Munajaat sharifa 1432H






And started reading it, some thing told me an answer may be found here. As I read along I came upon the following Aby’at Sahrifa –

EUREKA !! HERE WAS THE ANSWER I WAS LOOKING FOR



As I turned the page the following Aby'at Sharifa made me more convinced.



A silent doa for my Aqa Moula (TUS) and his Mansoos A'li Qdr Muffadal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) escaped my lips and I went off to sleep.

To be continued Insa Allah .........

(I hope the message has been conveyed )
Continue reading LUCKY ME



http://asgarf.blogspot.com/2011/09/faiz-ul-mawaid-burhaniyah-2nd-post.html


http://asgarf.blogspot.com/2011/09/faiz-ul-mawaid-burhaniyah-3rd-post.html

FOOD AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

MY REFLECTIONS AND READING ON THE CURRENT INITIATIVE OF SHARING THE SAME FOOD IN OUR COMMUNITY AND A HUMBLE SALUTE TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE DEDICATING THEMSELVES TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE.

MORE SO IN BIG CITIES WERE THE LOGISTICS OF DISTRIBUTION IS A CHALLENGING TASK










Article : THE ROLE OF FOOD IN EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITIES - Phil Bartie Ph D

One aspect of community empowerment often overlooked in community development text books and teachings, is group eating ( our community encourages and fosters such group eating. we have it through out the year on different miqaats. The current initiative is unique, sharing the same food, irrespective of diverse social and economic standings !!)

As a social scientist can tell you, there is far more to food than its physical benefits of nutrition and health.

With whom we eat, when we eat, what we eat, where we eat and under what conditions we eat...... are all sociologically very significant.

(Under the present circumstances, we mumineen are well aware the niyat behind this community sharing of same food by all different strata of our community - the niyat is shifa e Kulli and umre darazi of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) The miraculous speedy recovery of Aqa Moula (TUS) is a glowing 'Aya't' ( incontrovertible sign) of the benefits and power of this and other initiatives being undertaken in accordance with the irshadaats of A'li Qdr Molayee Muffadal Saifuddin saheb.)

The author of the article makes a very powerful point by stating that : ' If logic and nutrition were the only concerns, we would all eat worms !'

The word 'comensal' is derived from the Latin ( root Arabic word meaning to share) In sociology eating together the same food together develops solidarity and trust. The concept of comensality in sociology simply means that 'people eat together'

This post I am specially dedicating to my younger brother Mulla MohammadB Mulla FakhrudinB Lokhandwala of Pune, who is doing the khidmat in overseeing the distribution of tiffins in his Tanzeem mohalla.

The logistics of distribution in big metropolis is really a challenging task, and knowing the inherent strength and dedication of our community, these challenges will surely be overcome.

There are unconfirmed reports of setting up a modern centralized kitchen complete with distribution network in Mumbai. In my own city the logistics of delivery are being worked out.

In cities like Patna having 40 households and Cuttuck having around 20 households, things are relatively easy. In towns like Godhra and in my own Lunavada, where mumineen live in Mohallas, it is relatively easy.

It would be interesting to see how distribution system is worked out in big cities. Mumineen who are involved in this khidmat can share their views. It would be a motivating at the same time a learning experience for others.

In Pune there are talks undergoing with a mumineen caterer who will be cooking and overseeing distribution of 72 tiffins. Interesting !