Thursday, May 19, 2016

ME - Some interesting facts and reflections.



Sharing some interesting statics about myself based on BBC ' Earth Scientific statistics arrived at on the basis of my age, weight and height.

 I am worth $ 2039 and this is how it has been calculated 

Element.               % in my body.             Weight           Cost
Oxygen.                    61. 94                 5 Llbs             $ 129
Carbon                     23.                     35.0                 383
Hydrogen                  10                       15.5                   837
Nitrogen                     3                         4                      7
Calcium                       1.4                       2.                     199
Phosphorous                1.1                          1.5                   233
Potassium                   0.2                       0.5                  140
Other misc                  0.5                       0.5.                  110

My total worth ............. $ 2039 Only !!!

After knowing my true worth I felt so small and insignificant and shared the same with my grandson MOIZ who after a day, came up with the following statistics based on the
same calculation and said "Nana you are priceless " and this is why.

Total cells in your body are 34.9 trillion whereas there are total of 3 trillion trees on Earth.

These cells if laid end to end will stretch 122749 miles that is 51 % of the distance between Earth and Moon. 
WOW !
Nana dear you have experienced
Heartbeat. 2.5 billion times
Breathed 608 million times
Blinked   408 million times
Yawned  363840 times
Your body hair has grown
Head. 25 ft 11 inch
Armpit 13 ft 7 inch
Leg. 6 ft 8 inch

Moiz also shared other interesting statistics like the number of microbes are 100 trillions and the total DNA data of me is 800 MB. There are a many other interesting statistics about myself, but let me be brief and come to the main point, the lesson learnt.

 Taffakur : I felt like 'no body' and worthless because I tried to gauge my worth in monetary terms. I should have reflected on the bounties that ALLAH had bestowed on me without my asking. We generally tend to be materialistic and fail to comprehend the immense gift that ALLAH  has bestowed upon us. 

If you are interested to know your true worth log on to BBC  Earth and find out how unique and important you are. May ALLAH BE PRAISED. 

The ingredients of my body are worth $2,039. What's your price tag?







Thursday, March 17, 2016

THE ART OF YEARNING FOR GOD - MY NOTES FROM THE SEHRULLAH LECTURES OF BR. KHALEEL JAFFER


My Notes and Reflections on Sehre Ramazan Lectures by Br. Khaleel Jaffer.
Surah : Al Baqarah 2 – Ayah 165.
‘ and of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah ….’
They love them – idols, wealth, self, false believes etc as they ought to have loved Allah.
The only natural obsession or yearning is for Allah.
Yearning for Allah in Arabic translates to ‘ shauk illAllah’
Now there is a subtle difference between ‘ shauk’ and ‘uns’ both are yearning, but with a difference.
One who has ‘shauk’ is referred as ‘ Mushtaq’ his yearning is for Allah who appears to be far and he yearns His nearness.
One who has ‘uns’ feels Allah to be very close to him,
‘Al unsbillah’ and such a person is referred to as ‘ Anees’
In ‘shauk’ the yearning for Allah is externalised whereas in ‘uns’ it is internalised yearning.
A gnostic (A’rif) is one whose body or person is with people but his heart is with Allah. He has no need of people, no need of this world and it’s entanglements, he is solely focused on achieving Nearness and Pleasure of Allah. His security is only in the Love of Allah, and he prays with his whole being.
When he is in ‘ruku’ he is fully focused and present in the ‘ruku’ and does not think of ‘sujood’ he prays with intensity and purpose. All his acts are performed out if Love for Allah.
Moulana Abuzar ul Gifari’s night prayers were so intense that at times, he used to be in ‘ruku’ for greater part of the night. When someone pointed out to him about his prolonged ‘ruku’ he said how I wish the night would have been longer. The night vigils of our beloved Nabi (S.A) are well known, and Allah in his Rehmat addressed him lovingly as Ta Ha ‘ ma anzalna alaiqa … ‘ we have not send down the Quran unto you ( O Muhammad) to cause you distress.(Surah 20 Ayat 2)
Dawood Nabi used to make a living by selling palm baskets and seeking in return barley bread. Isa Nabi used to sleep on a stone pillow. Nabiullahs and Awaliya Kirams through out the ages have lived a spartan life. Moulana Ali (S.A.) in one of his sermons says that the Love of Allah is like a fire, when it kindles in the heart of a believer, it burns everything, and what remains is only the Love of Allah.
In Nahjul Balagha Sermon 160 Moulana Ali (S.A.) says if you wish, I will give you example of Musa Nabi.
He calls out – ‘ My Lord – I am a beggar in need of what you will give me’
Musa Nabi who is the leader of his men, who has vanquished the might of Pharaoh, has achieved all that his heart has desired, what it is that he still wants ?
Allah knows what Musa Nabi is thirsting for. After self mortification for 40 days in the wilderness, when Musa Nabi finally arrives, Allah in jest asks.
Sura Ta Ha (20: 83) Why have you come running to me O Musa ?
Sura Ta Ha (20: 84) I have come running to you my Lord that You may be pleased.
This than is the true yearning. Nothing in the world matters, except Love of Allah.
At this stage an important point has to be considered. Islam does not favour or encourage one to become a hermit or a monk, to forsake the world, but the sirat of Nabiullahs and Awliya Kirams in many instances show that they enjoined upon themselves spartan lifestyle, although some were rulers of the world and leaders of their followers.
This paradox begs an answer and had to be reconciled.
Some of the symptoms a true A’rif experiences, when the yearning for the Love of Allah takes hold of him, as that he looses sleep, appetite, and although he lives amongst people he detaches himself.
The above symptoms are similar and experienced by one who falls in love with the opposite sex. But the yearning for Allah, when it takes hold of someone, is more intense, everlasting and the joys and experiences are beyond words.
Here it has to be remembered that any act of yearning performed after rationalising and deducing is not right. Outward appearances of wearing coarse clothing, simple diet etc: will not hold water, it is not true yearning.
Any act of yearning performed out of pure Love by the nudging of the heart is commendable. If one who is in true Love of Allah and as a consequence looses sleep, lives a spartan and secluded life, such a one is not to be blamed, because his only concern is the Love and Nearness of Allah, and for him nothing else matters.
In his case as if, ‘Taqbir’ ( the one that we recite in Janaza namaz) has been said for him and all his worldly desires.
An A’rif who truely yearns for Allah, receives strength and ease from Him to carry out also his worldly duties – which is also essential in Islam , an intregal part of Iba’dat.
How is one to distinguish true love for Allah. A terrorist straps himself with a bomb, enters a masjid, blows himself up, shouting ‘Allaho Akbar ‘ thereby destroying precious Muslim lives. He is not yearning for Allah but falling prey to the wiles of Shaitan and his wishperring and false promises of ‘huruleens’. His lust for Heteafter is his undoing and destruction of innocent lives.
In the riwayat of Musa Nabi when he nears the glowing bush, a Voice calls out to him ‘ fakhla nalaiyek’ remove your sandals, the esoteric meaning – when you approach the Blessed Ground, remove all attachments of both this world, and seeking of reward in A’kherat, and immerse your being in yearning for Allah. Come to Me pure and clean, free of attachments. If the condition is so, Allah says if you take one step forward, I will take ten steps towards you.
An A’rif is doubly blessed and more honoured if he lives amongsts his community, and by setting a good example tries to win over others to his way of living and thinking.
Crying is an expression of love, and one who yearns for Allah does constant zikr and tasbih.
Love speaks the language of its own and it cannot be understood by rationalising. The outward actions of an A’rif at times seem far fetched and perplexing, but these actions cannot be understood by applying the mind. It is out and out a ‘heart thing’.
The origin and source of any true realisation is through the heart and not through the mind. The mind is an effective and useful tool, that allows us to analyse, deduce and draw conclusion. It has an important place in our DEEN but it also has its limitation, in the context of God Realisation. The heart is the source of love and compassion.
There are many Ayats in Quran where understanding and Aql are associated with the heart.
Surah Al A’raf 7 : 179 ‘ lahum kulubun la yafkohuna beha….
They have hearts wherewith they understand not.
Surah Haj 22: 46. lahum kulubun ya keluna (Aql) beha….
have they hearts wherewith to understand.
Al qalb haramullah – Heart is the sanctuary of Allah. Heart is the vehicle that will take you on the path of yearning and God Realisation.
The prerequisite for attaining such lofty status is that all materialism should be removed and softening of the heart
The philosophical meaning of materialism is that physical matter is the only reality, as it can scientifically be verified.
However, in the context of our discussion on the art of yearning for God, we are concerned with those who do not deny the Hereafter but at the same time are preoccupied more with materialistic needs rather than spiritual, emotional and intellectual needs.
Enjoying materialism is fine, if regarded as a blessing from Allah, and through which Remembrance and Shukr find expression, but being enslaved to materialism is a big obstacle in the path.
Who is your Provider, and what is the source of your happiness and comfort, are questions that need to be addressed.
When one chooses the path of Allah it has to be remembered that it is not a bed of roses, but one has to strive hard, be fully focused to attain His Pleasure.
The following are the three signs that one observed in an A’rif.
1. He turns away from this world. He lives amongst the people but unlike them.
2. He is preoccupied with the Zikr of Allah and the Hereafter.
3. He prepares for death, before death arrives.
Softening of the heart is a prerequisite, without which it is not possible to truely yearn for Allah.
Quran states in clear writing the way to attain Spirituality and Nearness and also warns that it is not easy.
Surah al – Baqarah 2:45 ‘ vastainu bis- sabre vas sal’ate…
and seek help in patience and As Sala’t and truely it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al – Khashi’un.
Khashi’un are those who have a soft heart and are very humble, easily given to tears. Let us understand what causes hard hearted ness in the spiritual sense. If we come to understand the reasons, behind it, we can try to remove the impediments.
1. Persistence in sins and not repenting.
2. Too much of indulgence in worldly pleasure, particularly lust and excessive obsession.
3. Lack of remembrance of death – which is inevitable.
4. ‘tarkul Ibada’t’ intentionally keeping away from prayers for long period of time.
5. Greed and amassing of wealth.
Doa – supplication and in particular Munajaat – wishperring during Layl is considered to be the best method of softening the heart. Quran States : ‘Call out to your Lord humbly and secretly’. Ahlul bait (A.S.) and Awliya Kirams thru the ages have shown mumineen how Doa and Munajaat are the best and unparreled in the softening of the heart, inculcating ‘tavajo and khusu’ in oneself to attain Nearness of Allah.
The learned in this art of supplication with the help of years of study and analysis, have found five distinct steps, by which Doa – Supplication can be made. Tilawat of Supplications of Ahlul Bait ( A.S. ) Moulana Ali, Moulana Zainul Abedeen in particular are matchless in their intensity and pure ness. However, one can also supplicate in his own language, express his yearnings and try to attain Nearness. Do try it out.
Step 1. Praising and Glorifying Allah.
Step 2. Acknowledging our sins, and seeking true repentance.
It takes a lot of courage and humility to recall the sins and seek repentance.
Step 3. Accepting utter helplessness, without His Mercy I am doomed. You My Lord is ‘Sattar ul uyoob’ I am burdend by my sins, but your Mercy is far greater.
Step 4. Full faith in Him, no matter what. This is very interesting step, where a mumin does not ‘let go’ I will not cease to love You.
In order to comprehend fully, I quote a passage from Doa e Kumail. This Doa has all the five steps, however, I quote only a small passage to highlight Step 4.
فَبِعِزَّتِكَ ياسَيِّدِي وَمَوْلايَ اُقْسِمُ صادِقاً ، لَئِنْ تَرَكْتَنِي ناطِقاً لاَضِجَّنَّ إِلَيْكَ بَيْنَ أَهْلِها ضَجِيجَ الامِلِينَ وَلاَصْرُخَنَّ إِلَيْكَ صُراخَ المُسْتَصْرِخِينَ
O’ my Lord! By Thy honour truly do I swear that, if Thou wilt allow my power of speech to be retained by me in the hell, I shall amongst its inmates cry out bewailingly unto Thee like the cry of those who have faith in Thy kindness and compassion.
Step 5 Adressing Allah with conviction now that you find tears flowing down freely, that your prayers have been answered, no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ but being fully convinced that you have been heard, and this leads you to do Hamd and Shukr.
In the previous post we have seen that following the Guidance and reflecting and doing Tilawat of Doa Mubaraks of Awliya Kiram sahebs, we adna mumin can also learn to yearn, express our desires and wishes, offer Hamd and Shukr for the blessings received and supplicate to Allah in our own way, which is sure to please our Lord, for Allah accepts that which comes out direct from an adoring and loving heart.
There is a riwayat of Musa Nabi one day coming across an unlettered person, who was calling out loud to his Lord and expressing his longing in a crude language but with deepest of love. Musa Nabi chides this person, saying this is not the way to call out to the Almighty.
Allah calls out to his ‘ kalimullah’ saying do not chide the unlettered ‘abd’ of mine, for his supplication pleases Me greatly.
Supplication is a habit that has to be lovingly and diligently be nurtured. One has to find a private space, and an opportune time, preferably in the night to commune with His Lord. Detachment with people and materialism is a sign that one is now prepared.
Excessive eating is a big deterrent in the path of yearning. One should learn to eat in moderation, out of necessity of overcoming hunger, rather than eating out of greed.
A true A’rif’ will simplify his life, long for the company of awakened souls, will avoid useless talk and banter, and will prolong his ‘sajda’ and will always thirst for Zikr of Allah.
Allah loves the person who does Zikr and for doing Zikr, one does not need wealth, status, knowledge etc: A freeman and a bondsman, a prisoner, in fact everyone, if their desire so, can do the Zikr of Allah, and it is in this that we realise that Allah has given each one of us the opportunity to become ‘farishta shifat’.
Alhamdolillah.

I end by expressing my gratitude to Br. Khalil Jaffer, whose erudite lectures, have made me reflect and take notes, and hope I have done justice, at the same time admitting my limitations.


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Ma'ad - The Return




Allah is Rehmatul lil A'lameen- Rab of the Universes and all that contains therein, His Mercy is all encompassing and not restricted to a select few.

I am a regular reader of the syndicated Sunday column published in Indian Express by Ranjit Lal titled ' In the Jungle land' over the years I have become an avid fan of his very lucid and witty style of writing on animal kingdom.

His article on centipedes last Sunday made me reflect, and it surprised me how the thought of Ma'ad - The Return cropped up as I read the article. Let me share the thoughts in the light of the knowledge gained on reading the article.

HE is Allah not for the blessed few and enlightened, but HE is Allah for every living being including plants and minerals. Everyone and everything on this our earth is blessed with the azeem ne'amat of Ma'ad.

According to our belief system in vegetation - pulses, grains, vegetables, spices etc: and all 'halal' animals that we mumineen eat, undergoing specific processes becomes, blood, sinews and flesh and bones, and in this way, all that is consumed thus, is on it's Ma'ad journey albeit much faster.

As I was taking a walk in our gated community garden which had just been cleaned, my gaze wandered on a pile of dead leaves and vegetation, and I thought about tons and tons of such vegetation lying around the world on forest ground and elsewhere in the farmlands and fields.

A thought crossed my mind - ' no Ma'ad for all the dead leaves, plants and rotten vegetation ? Not possible, Allah is Rehmatul lil A'lameen for each and every one and all living things.
Ranjit Lal's article on centipedes came to my rescue, and in learning about the smallest of creatures I understood how each of Allah's creations helps the other to attain the next level on the long journey of Ma'ad.

Ranjit Lal writes that centipedes (literal meaning with hundred legs, although different species have numbers varying from 20 to 100) are anthropoids. They are carnivorous predators, pouncing upon small insects, flies, cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes and starfish. By devouring them they are raising those lowly creatures to the next stage.

Likewise, the Medipedes ( anthropoids with thousand legs - literal meaning obviously - you can check on Wikipedia to learn more about their legs !!) are known as deltrivores, which means consumers of dead plant matters, rotting leaves, vegetable matter etc:

Alhamdolillah ! Glory be to Allah ! Even dead plants and vegetation have a savior in respect of their ascension on the journey to Ma'ad. Allah is in truth Rehmatul lil A'lameen. His Mercy is all encompassing from the most enlightened to the most lowly.

Hope readers may have found this reflection interesting, and if on reading you find my thought process to be flawed, do help me by sending an e mail, stating your reason, or sharing your knowledge on the subject.

 It was interesting and worthwhile reflecting and sharing on the Urs Mubarak of Moulal Murtaz Sayedi Abdul Qader Hakimuddin Moula  (AQ )

27 th Shavwal 1436 H   12th Aug: 2015

www.hikmaah.com 


Saturday, July 18, 2015

Reflection on Munajaat Sharifa - Sehehrullah 1436 H

Sunday, July 12, 2015


SHEHRULLAH 1436 H - Munajaat Sharifa Reflectio



                                                      
                                                     One of the most endearing form of Ibad'at in Shehrullah is  munajaat - a one to ONE commune with ALLAH the Glorified wherein the abd expresses his innermost feelings, his aspirations, his cherished goals, in lyrical verse form, longings of the sublime pure heart, preferably in seclusion, when the world is asleep, seeking guidance succor and strength from non other than ALLAH.

http://hikmaah.com/showartcl.asp?article=2




A'li Qadr Muffadal Moula (TUS) during this Sherullah in the noble tradition of his predecessors, addressed his longings with spirituality and fervor, each abyaat sharifa pregnant with deep esoteric meanings.  We mumineen around the world were blessed to tilawat of Munjaat sharifa in his radiant presence on the night of Laylatul Qadr. 

With my limited knowledge and in order to earn his blessings and earn sawab of Ilmi ibada't, have reflected on a few of the abyaat sharifa and sharing with my readers.    



Abyaat Sharifa 21:  Man is first and foremost a spiritual being - a soul with a body, rather than a body with a soul. Muffadal Moula wants us mumineen to focus on the soul, and shafa'at of Ma Fatema is the nourishment of the soul, and he beseeches Allah to grant us the same, so that our souls which are everlasting are forever full filled. 

Abyaat Sharifa 22 : Adorn my soul with radiant cloths of brocade and silk by the Grace of the noor that continues to radiate from the pichori (chardar) of Ma Fatema. We humans have the tendency of adorning our body and our material possessions, which in fact, are not  ever lasting. A'li Qadr Moula seeks adornment of the soul, which will infuse us with radiant joy and spirituality, and make our wayfaring to our Lord a celebration.




Abyaat Sharifa 24 : Out of the countless 'ehsanaats' of Ma Fatema one to which A'li Qdar Moula refers in the above abyaat sharifa is Mohsin.who for ever will remain in our memories, because of the dastardly act of a laeen ,who crushed Ma Fatema between the wall and the door, on which he kicked knowingly.   

Every one born in this world has to suffer and recompense for his past and present deeds. There is no escape - ' kisasaat na khamyaza uthavaj padse' - your 'karma' will play out and seek retribution.

 But in this abyaat sharifa A'li Qdar Moula beseeches that by the vasila of Ma Fatema's Mohsin in Laylatul Qadr, Allah may ease the burden, in a better humane way,so that we mumeen do not suffer much and at the same time the Adl of Allah is established. 

What better example than that of a just married man whose nikah was solemnized by Nabi (SA). He went out in the midst of his conjugal bliss, and answered the fakir who came to his door asking for food and alms. We all know this riwayat so very well. 

As a result of this single act, death that was destined for him, had to wait for many more years. 

Do reflect on your past deeds and you will surely find that many a times you have escaped harsh life situations, with mild recompense. Remember the ehsanaats of Ma Fatema's Mohsin. 

There is one episode from my personal life which  I recollect as I write this reflection. If my 'karma' would have run its course, living would have been an uphill task, a daily struggle and many deprivations of the joys of living, and I would not be the one writing this taffakur !!!



Abyaat Sharifa 31. Out of the countless ehsanaats of Imam Husain (SA) that arose by his single act of Sajda on the burning sands of Karbala A'li Qadr Moula beautifully articulates and beseeches Allah and bears witness that it was on account of this Sajda  - that the ' hidayat ni zamin ' the act of doing dawat,  which is a very difficult and daunting task in this materialistic driven world, calling upon people to perform good deeds and keep away from evil, this sermonizing and preaching has become easy and free of tribulations and rejections - feels like jannat. 

 (Here would like readers to recall the hardships and rejections faced by RasulAllah (SA) when he went to Taif  to bring the heathens into the fold of Islam ) During Khidmat Ramzaniyah we can see many fresh talebats, who go out to perform khidmat, some for the very first time, and in some mauje even successful and highly respected professionals adhere to their sermons and seek advice on matters of Deen.  It is all on because of the severe tribulations and sufferings of Moula Imam Husain (SA) in Karbala.



Sunday, July 12, 2015

SHEHRULLAH 1436 H - Munajaat Sharifa Reflection





                                                     
                                                     One of the most endearing form of Ibad'at in Shehrullah is  munajaat - a one to ONE commune with ALLAH the Glorified wherein the abd expresses his innermost feelings, his aspirations, his cherished goals, in lyrical verse form, longings of the sublime pure heart, preferably in seclusion, when the world is asleep, seeking guidance succor and strength from non other than ALLAH.

http://hikmaah.com/showartcl.asp?article=2




A'li Qadr Muffadal Moula (TUS) during this Sherullah in the noble tradition of his predecessors, addressed his longings with spirituality and fervor, each abyaat sharifa pregnant with deep esoteric meanings.  We mumineen around the world were blessed to tilawat of Munjaat sharifa in his radiant presence on the night of Laylatul Qadr. 

With my limited knowledge and in order to earn his blessings and earn sawab of Ilmi ibada't, have reflected on a few of the abyaat sharifa and sharing with my readers.    



Abyaat Sharifa 21:  Man is first and foremost a spiritual being - a soul with a body, rather than a body with a soul. Muffadal Moula wants us mumineen to focus on the soul, and shafa'at of Ma Fatema is the nourishment of the soul, and he beseeches Allah to grant us the same, so that our souls which are everlasting are forever full filled. 

Abyaat Sharifa 22 : Adorn my soul with radiant cloths of brocade and silk by the Grace of the noor that continues to radiate from the pichori (chardar) of Ma Fatema. We humans have the tendency of adorning our body and our material possessions, which in fact, are not  ever lasting. A'li Qadr Moula seeks adornment of the soul, which will infuse us with radiant joy and spirituality, and make our wayfaring to our Lord a celebration.




Abyaat Sharifa 24 : Out of the countless 'ehsanaats' of Ma Fatema one to which A'li Qdar Moula refers in the above abyaat sharifa is Mohsin.who for ever will remain in our memories, because of the dastardly act of a laeen ,who crushed Ma Fatema between the wall and the door, on which he kicked knowingly.   

Every one born in this world has to suffer and recompense for his past and present deeds. There is no escape - ' kisasaat na khamyaza uthavaj padse' - your 'karma' will play out and seek retribution.

 But in this abyaat sharifa A'li Qdar Moula beseeches that by the vasila of Ma Fatema's Mohsin in Laylatul Qadr, Allah may ease the burden, in a better humane way,so that we mumeen do not suffer much and at the same time the Adl of Allah is established. 

What better example than that of a just married man whose nikah was solemnized by Nabi (SA). He went out in the midst of his conjugal bliss, and answered the fakir who came to his door asking for food and alms. We all know this riwayat so very well. 

As a result of this single act, death that was destined for him, had to wait for many more years. 

Do reflect on your past deeds and you will surely find that many a times you have escaped harsh life situations, with mild recompense. Remember the ehsanaats of Ma Fatema's Mohsin. 

There is one episode from my personal life which  I recollect as I write this reflection. If my 'karma' would have run its course, living would have been an uphill task, a daily struggle and many deprivations of the joys of living, and I would not be the one writing this taffakur !!!



Abyaat Sharifa 31. Out of the countless ehsanaats of Imam Husain (SA) that arose by his single act of Sajda on the burning sands of Karbala A'li Qadr Moula beautifully articulates and beseeches Allah and bears witness that it was on account of this Sajda  - that the ' hidayat ni zamin ' the act of doing dawat,  which is a very difficult and daunting task in this materialistic driven world, calling upon people to perform good deeds and keep away from evil, this sermonizing and preaching has become easy and free of tribulations and rejections - feels like jannat. 

 (Here would like readers to recall the hardships and rejections faced by RasulAllah (SA) when he went to Taif  to bring the heathens into the fold of Islam ) During Khidmat Ramzaniyah we can see many fresh talebats, who go out to perform khidmat, some for the very first time, and in some mauje even successful and highly respected professionals adhere to their sermons and seek advice on matters of Deen.  It is all on because of the severe tribulations and sufferings of Moula Imam Husain (SA) in Karbala.




Abyaat Sharifa 52.  A'li Qadr Moula beseeches Allah that may the barakats emanating from the 'Mawaid e Burhaniyah' so enthuse the mumineen, who partake of the Thali, to come forward with much enthusiasm and joy of giving and helping their fellow brethren and those less fortunate.  

If I am able to reflect on more Abyaat Sharifa, I will surely add to this post Insa Allah. 

Would request readers to share their tassavurat on Munajaat Sharifa by posting in the comment section. 


Monday, March 23, 2015

SCIENCE. AND SPIRITUALITY


Can we create new senses of humans ? David Eagleman

An astounding Ted Talk which demonstrates that it is possible to expand our sensory perceptions by channeling into different fields.

What we see is less than 10 trillionth of what's out there in the Universe !! Kudos to David Eagleman for scientifically proving that our umvelt can be expanded. During the course of the talk, he explains that our experience of reality is constrained by our biology. Our brain is essentially a very efficient general purpose computing device, which processes the inputs it receives, but it is only a wee bit, of what is there out in the Universe.

So you have radio waves, microwaves, X Rays and Gamma Rays passing through your body, right now as you read his, but you are completely unaware of it , because you do not have biological receptors for picking it up. There are thousands of cell phone conversation passing through you right now, but we are utterly blind to it. 

With the help of technology David Eagleman demonstrates how sensory perception can be augmented. A deaf person is able to recognize and reproduce the spoken words. Simply amazing !

Video :  http://go.ted.com/Agbhttp://go.ted.com/Agb

Not being a student of Science but more interested in Spirituality, I was exited that this Scientific demonstration validated that the Spiritual Masters and savants can tap into myriad sensory receptors and understand and visualize things, which we ordinary humans are unable to fathom. 

The etheric double of the Awakened Masters can work along useful lines of activity in the astral world, helping people over long distances, aiding and comforting in ways, which we layman will not be able to understand, because we do not have the capacity. A mumin is a true believer, he is of firm belief that Awliyah Kiram sahebs have that power and capacity, not only during their earthly life, but even after death. 

The glorious annals of our Dawat history is resplendent with thousands of such mozizas. Moziza is that which is beyond ordinary human perception. But it is very much there, we are unable to fathom. For Awliyah Kiram sahebs, it is a regular occurrence, whenever they are beseeched for help and succor. 

 This scientific demonstration of sensory substitution for deaf, reinforces our belief. It shows us HOW, but still Science needs 'props' in this instant vests, and I Pad, but the Awakened Spiritual Masters, need no such 'props'.

Here Science is helping us to understand Spirituality, and that is what excites me most, and is my quest. Need your prayers and best wishes in my endeavor. 

    http://go.ted.com/Agbhttp://go.ted.com/Agb


   




Wednesday, November 26, 2014

GIVE IT A THOUGHT


In the good old days, archery was an integral part of war strategy and a game of skill. The skill was acquired in stages. Once the students acquired the art of holding the bow and arrows firmly, the master taught them to aim the arrows first at the banana tree, then at the wide banana leaves, and progressively at the bird figurines dangling from the thread and gently swinging with the wind. When the archer had accomplished these to perfection, the master now taught them to aim at a bird sitting on a high branch and then at a bird in flight. Thus the expertise was acquired in stages under the guidance of a teacher.

Like wise knowledge, in our context spiritual knowledge, particularly deeni uloom, should be acquired in stages, under proper guidance. The master will never allow the archer to aim at a bird in flight, when he is at a stage of still learning to aim at a banana plant. It is for no other reason, but in the interest of the archer, so that he does not bring harm to himself and others.
However, once he reaches that stage, the master will surely impart to him the art and the secrets of aiming at the bird in flight.

When an elephant is let loose, it goes about uprooting trees and shrubs, but as soon as the keeper restrains by applying a hook on its head, it becomes quiet. So the mind, when unrestrained, wantons in the luxuriance of idle thoughts, but becomes calm when pulled up with the gaud of discrimination. ( Saying of Ramkrishna Paramhansa )

Thus it becomes imperative that one should acquire Ilm in stages and under proper guidance, and the restrains if any are in our own interest. If the niyat of the seeker is true and steadfast, he will for sure reach his manzil.