Sadness in the heart-- Amjad Sabri

A few days have passed and now after grasping a hold of reality, I am able to write my expression of sadness.  A sad and tragic loss to the lovers of Ahlulbayt (A.S).

Amjad Sabri, known more widely as the Qawwal legend of Pakistan, but more importantly a lover of Ahlulbayt (A.S).  He was someone who shared true love  with a genuine heart!

He belonged to a sufi family, however his love and respect for the Ahlulbayt (A.S) was remarkable!
His beautiful recitations of "Bhar de Jholi meri ya Mohammad.." (send infinite blessings my way, Oh Mohammad) mesmerize you without any presence of music as well!  It was a zikr read by his father first in the form of a Qawwali (A musical expression of religious beliefs), however it became more known as a manqabat and was often recited without music in happy gatherings and prayers!

His other prayer that rings in my ears all the time is "Karam maangta hun, Ataa maangta hun, Ilaahi mein tujhe se, dua maangta hun..."(I seek mercy, i seek blessings, oh Allah SWT i pray to You, oh Almighty!")... these words often ring in our minds when we talk about Amjad Sabri.  The honesty and truth in his voice would cause jitters.

I had the privilege to meet him briefly one time.  He was a very humble, down to earth person who knew what reality and performance is!  Meeting him in person, he was very respectful, humble and comic. Yet once he got on stage, his persona was felt across the room as the strongest voice and personality around!

As an entertainer for millions across the world, he had to cater to various groups in his choice of songs etc. when he performed internationally, so we could not really hear the true spirit of his Qawwalis unfortunately when he performed here live!  But the moment he uttered his love for Ahlulbayt (A.S), the room just filled with love, respect, devotion and excitement!

It is sad that he was tragically killed in Karachi just last week (16th of Ramadhan).  He may be gone now, but he will forever live in our hearts as a very loving, caring person.  I pray to Allah SWT that the individuals who committed this cowardly act be caught and brought to justice.  I pray for his 5 little children and his wife and mother!  Oh Allah give them the sabr (patience) to bear this loss!

There will be no other Amjad Sabri, but I hope his love for Ahlulbyat (A.S) gets him a high place in Jannah.  He will be missed by all....

An odd debate in my mind!

Sometimes I wonder if it is really a good thing to segregate boys and girls!

I have known individuals who have grown up in this environment, not knowing how to interact with or deal with the opposite gender!  From very basic etiquettes to relationships, they don't know how to handle anything!  It is at times very obvious that these individuals have no clue how to deal with situations or what to say or do that would resolve issues/opinions!

I have also dealt with males who are so stubborn about "their way" or doing things that they cannot imagine changing their ways of doing things!  

In my humble opinion, yes I agree that there needs to be a lot of control in dealing with the opposite gender, but that does not necessarily mean you segregate the genders and that way one does not need to handle anything!

In today's society, especially living in the western countries, it is extremely difficult to explain certain things to children when inquiring about their curiosities regarding the opposite genders.  It is a natural human instinct to be curious about something you are stopped from!  But I believe our approach in Islamic cultures is a bit drastic.  A child needs to know mannerisms and etiquettes of dealing with the opposite gender.  This means they need to be taught how to dress, how to speak, what to say and what is not a good thing to say etc.  It is the same as any mannerisms we learn since childhood.

We learn to eat and the proper way to eat or keep clean don't we?  Then why can't dealing with the opposite gender be a mannerism taught to our kids?  There are does and dont's in everything we do in life -- it is a matter of balance and timing I believe.

What do you all think?

Any views? Ideas? Opinions?

Any Islamic references or events that depict gender segregation is recommended? not recommended?

Maulana Sadiq Hasan on 25th Moharram

Assalaam Alaikum dear brothers and sisters,

December of 2012 I had posted regarding a meet up with the famous Maulana Sadiq Hasan.  It was a disappointing meet up last time for several reasons but nevertheless I got to meet the person talked about so much alhamdolilah!

This year he has returned to recite again at our mosque and I must confess, his speeches this year are thankfully much more enlightening and interesting than they were last time.  I cannot claim an excuse that it was my 1 year old that would not allow me to listen to him last time, as alhamdolilah I am blessed with another 1 year old this year as well to listen to his speech with!  so the comparison of experiences is quiet similar in that regard, however his speeches this year caught my attention for several reasons...

One of the biggest reason (also because this was a topic I was upset with him about at his last visit) was that this year so far, i have heard 2 of 3 speeches emphasizing on women and their role in the message of Imam Hussain (A.S) as well as the message of Karbala.  He has quiet beautifully expressed regard for Bibi Zaynab (A.S) and how she is a role model for all women today.  I was impressed by the way he delivered the message! 

He has on several occasions also mentioned how women play a very different role in terms of culture/earning and support yet still a very similar role to bibi Zaynab at the time of Karbala in holding the family together yet supporting the Imam's message and knowledge!  I admire this change in his speeches this year and I hope and pray that this message is conveyed at a larger scale.

The mere fact that women are being pointed out as oppressed is Islam needs a response from these learned speakers!  Our population of women need to come out of this self pity and understand what a blessing it is to be a woman who is protected by the beautiful religion.  He further mentioned how important Hijaab (veil) is and how it was the biggest thing that affected Imam Zain ul Abideen (A.S) after Karbala!  The women of the family of the holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) were humiliated in public after the tragedy of Karbala and Imam Zainul Abideen (A.S) cried out remembering his father for no other tragedy that struck them except the disrespect that his honorable aunt and the other ladies faced due to their hijaab being taken away! One cannot imagine how much sorrow he was in to remember no other atrocities that befell him but the veil!

May Allah SWT bless all women in Islam to observe the privilege of wearing hijaab inshAllah.  Allah SWT has given us the privilege to preserve our modesty and assist us to stay away from major sins with this hijaab! we must respect it and observe it for our own sake....

iltimaas e dua
Zehra

Umra on the 13th of Rajab!

Assalaam Alaikum,

Planning a vacation to Dubai made me wonder if I could possibly get to the holy land and pay my respects at the House of Allah SWT, at the one symbol of life and liberty! the Holy Kaaba, the one place we face and worship all our life not knowing when and if we will ever make it there to even see it in person!

I tried and the rest was Allah SWTs will!  it just worked out so beautifully that if I think about it, I am at a loss of words!

I was planning my Dubai vacation in hopes that I can spend some time with my husband and children and also relax.  Suddenly my heart felt like I should attempt to atlas find out more details.  At first my husband did not think it was a good idea, and then suddenly the travel agent said "You are very lucky, people struggle to plan an Umra like yours... you will be there on the 13th of Rajab inshAllah" and that  was it!

At that point, convincing my husband was much easier... I felt like I did not want anything to mess our plans.. it was meant to be but still hard to believe that it was our call to visit the Holy Prophet PBUH&HF and then the marvelous house of Allah SWT!

With a lot of planning and education the days finally arrived!  it was a stressful event to plan everything, get to Dubai and then from there begin the spiritual journey!  I was excited but still having a hard time believing that I was actually there!

It was an amazing experience with very memorable moments spread throughout!  more on the details to follow this post.. but alhamdolilah it was a journey of a lifetime.  InshAllah will be spending more time in the next few posts describing my experience and then maybe discussing the actual events that occurred.  the spiritual journey was nevertheless magnificent and a great learning experience!

Zehra

The blessings of 15 Shabaan

Assalaam Alaikum dear brothers and sisters,

15th of Shaban.. a night and day revered by all muslims as one of the most blessed nights.  The superiority of this night is considered second to the night of Qadr!  SubhanAllah, what a blessed night.

If you really think about it, Allah SWT has given us chances time and time again to save our lives and our hereafter!  We are blessed as muslims to be able to get so many opportunities to rid ourselves of our sins and start a new life... who else but Allah SWT can be so merciful!?

Think about it.. Muharram, Safar, Rabiul Awal... three blessed months where we are given so much spirituality that it literally motivates us to keep away from sins.  Especially true for our Shia brothers and sisters, we stay away from music, movies, and devote ourselves to Imam Hussain in Muharram and Safar and then in Rabi ul Awal we are focused on the blessed birth of our Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace and blessings upon him and his progeny). 

Then again, we have Rajab, blessed with the holy birth of Imam Ali (Peace and blessings upon him and his progeny) and also a recommended month for the pilgrimage of Umra!  As soon as Rajab ends, we have Shaban, the month so blessed and also called the month of Prophet Mohammad (Peace and blessings upon him and his progeny).  In this holy month we have the 15th of Shaban, the blessed eve of this day and the day itself holds a special importance for all muslims.

For our dear brothers and sisters in Ahle Sunnat as well as the Shia community, this is known as the day of Baraat.  It is also known as a day of Eid for those who have left this world.  Special arrangements are made and prayers are conducted on this blessed night and day.  Another special event that is commemorated by the Shia community is the blessed birth of the Imam of our time (ATF).  It is the same date that shias commemorate the miracle of the blessed birth!

and then we have the month of Ramadan, where muslims united believe that Satan is behind bars in this blessed month and muslims have the opportunity to get rid of all sins, purify themselves and cleanse their souls of any evil!  

Right before the year ends, we have the blessed month of Zilhaj, where we have the supreme sacrifice and miracle of Abraham occurred.  The pilgrimage for muslims required once in a lifetime is also during this auspicious month!  

So many blessings and opportunities for sins to be forgiven!

SubhanAllah!  What mercy of our beloved Allah (SWT)... we are privileged to be able to repent and restart!  

Do you still deny the favors of your lord (Allah SWT)?

Iltimaas e Dua

Zehra

The sadness and chaos in this world...

Assalaam Alaikum dear brothers and sisters,

Not sure where to start or what to say...

This world is an utter chaos at this time, Muslim or not muslim, mankind is suffering at the hands of the disbelievers!  May Allah SWT hasten the reappearance of our beloved Imam ATF... this world needs peace...

The religion that means peace is at suffering as well...  the hands of a few that are doing nothing but giving a bad name and reputation to this wonderful religion!  May  Allah SWT bless the hearts of those who are in suffering and pain and give them the strength to bear their huge losses.  Oh Allah! we pray to You and only You!  You are the Supreme, the Beneficent, the Merciful!  Oh Allah, Your justice is compared to no other, You are One and above all!  Oh Allah help those in need in suffering, help the innocent around the world in the name of your beloved Messenger Mohammad and his family! (PBUH&HF)

There is alot of suffering.. not sure where to start and where to go...

This past week has been utter chaos!
First I heard about the ChapelHill shootings of the killing of the beautiful three individuals, so young and so bright... It made my days so dark to think of the pain their families must be going through and MashAllah the strength they have to talk about it.  What is wonderful and in accordance to Islam is that they openly kept repeating not to be revengeful and that justice will take care of the wrong doers... I loved how Deah's sister was so strong and able to face public with the strength and dignity and talk about the three mashAllah.. May Allah SWT grant them all the sabr to bear their major losses... nothing can replace the wonderful young bright individuals that they were... but from Allah SWT we are and to Him we all shall return.

Right after this heartbreaking news, i heard of another lady of our community who was suffering from cancer who lost the battle. May Allah SWT bless her soul and give her family the strength to bear this loss.  Cancer is one disease that I hope and Pray Allah does not even give to the enemies... oh Allah help us to get rid of this illness and save our beings from going through the torture to bear the pain of this illness.  You are Shaafi, the one who gives the Healing for all illnesses!

Same day I heard another tragic news of a 22 year old boy in my family who passed away with brain hemorrhage suddenly.  No illnesses, a healthy young beautiful boy!  May Allah SWT give his parents sabr-e-jameel (highlest level of patience) upon loosing such a beautiful child.  I remember playing with him as a baby and admiring how beautiful that child was.  Who knew that we will all lose him so soon... May Allah SWT bless him with a place in Jannah inshAllah and have mercy on his family and friends to bear this loss.  Oh Allah, you create us and to You we shall all return!

Right around this same time I heard of the bombings in Pakistan... two to be exact and both in mosques while people were praying the Friday congregation prayers!  How insane does a human have to be to claim so many lives during prayer time?  How heartless can a person be!
Oh Allah have mercy on all those families that lost their loved ones... oh Allah You are Aadil (Just), we seek Your justice in getting rid of this jaahil (illiterate) group and having mercy on the believers.  This is not about being Shia'h or Sunni, it is about humanity!  Heartless ruthless people like these are out there killing innocent people in Your name... not knowing how Merciful you are and how You are the Almighty!  They think they have the power to do anything in Your beautiful name... Oh Allah we long for Your Justice!

To you all brothers and sisters... I hope and pray that you and your families keep safe... that no one you know is harmed in this way.. and that you get closer to understanding the beautiful religion of Islam and its peaceful teachings.. I hope you are able to find that Islam does not teach animosity and killings as these few have portrayed it as... InshAllah hoping and praying for peace in this world with the tawassul (intercession) of the 14 infalliables...

Iltimaas-e-Dua
Zehra

Moharram 1436- 2014

Assalaam Alaikum dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

It is with deep sorrow and grief that we welcome this month of Moharram... There is alot going on in this world, alot of sorrow, grief and pain for our fellow muslim brothers and sisters... we continue to pray for their well being and safety as we commemorate and remember the grief that our beloved Imam Hussain (A.S.) and his family went through during the tragedy of Karbala over 1400 years ago!

My sincere condolences to the Imam of our time, Imam ATF on the arrival of Moharram... we stand here today with grief and sadness calling upon our beloved Imam ATF... he is the imam of our time... the one we must all prepare and pray for!  inshAllah hoping and praying for his zahoor soon to eliminate the pain and misery that mankind at large is facing on this earth...  May Allah SWT hasten his appearance inshAllah...

As you all begin the commemoration in Moharram, please do not forget those in pain and misery in this world.  Please pray for them when you attend any majaalis inshAllah...

I will continue to post some majaalis updates by various lecturers and where they are reciting on this blog as we go through these months of Moharram and Safar...

JazakAllah,
Zehra

Blessings of Ramadaan 2014

Assalaam Alaikum dear brothers and sisters,

It has been a ramadaan with mixed emotions indeed.  At one end we are thankful to Allah SWT for blessing us with one more year of requesting for His mercy and blessings, but yet on the other hand this year we have seen alot of distruction for our muslim brothers and sisters including our dear brothers/sisters/children in Palestine/GAZA, our dear brothers/sisters and children in Iraq as well as in Pakistan.  We continue to pray for our dear brothers and sisters and hope that Allah SWT grants them relief soon.  We pray that He can send assistance to help the oppressed around the world.  We need our Imam ATF at this time!  This world has turned into chaos for all muslims and unfortunately in alot of cases by the so called claimed muslims!

This month is a month of blessings with several important dates of incidents that have occured in this month.

• 10th Ramadaan - Death Anniversary of Lady Khadija (Wife of Prophet Mohammad PBUH&HF)
• 15th Ramadaan - Birth Anniversary of Imam Hassan (PBUH&HF)
• 19th Ramadaan - Eve of Attack on Imam Ali (PBUH&HF) coinciding with one of the possible Shab-e-Qadr nights
• 21st Ramadaan - Eve of Death Anniversary of Imam Ali (PBUH&HF) coinciding with one of the possible Shab-e-Qadr nights
• 23rd Ramadaan - one of the possible Shab-e-Qadr night

I found an interesting video aired on TV on an urdu channel during the nights of the 19th-21st of Ramadaan.

Express TV Dr Aamir Liaqat show

I found it interesting how beautifully scholars are able to state the exceptional qualities of Imam Ali (PBUH&HF) and yet how the dispute over his khilafat divides this world into shias and sunnis who are out to kill each other literally!  I have come across some other videos as well from renowned Ahle Sunnat scholars that have given alot of facts that align with the shia beliefs, and yet there is this worldly debate on these topics... sad!

The unfortunate part is groups like ISIS that claim caliphate in current times and start their own so called sect of religion/regime and claim that they are muslims, are degrading the religous beliefs to the point where neither the Shia or the Sunni want to claim any association with them.  If the two main sects of Islam dont want to claim any association with this group, why are they even allowed to claim themselves as an "Islamic" militant group?   I wish there was a way to raise a voice and forbid them to even use the term "Islamic" as part of their name!  It is nothing but disgust and Islam is misused!

On the opposite front, there are the Israelis, who since the beginning of time have had issues with muslims across centuries!  Its nothing new, the hatred and animosity has always been there, and it is unfortunate that now they are displaying their emotions by killing men/women and children in the name of land, money and power.   I came across a very interesting article about Israels search for Imam Mehdi ATF!  Here is the link for those who might want to read through:

Why Is Israel looking for Imam Mahdi?

I hope and pray that the muslim brothers and sisters who are in oppression in this world are provided with help from Allah SWT to get out of their troubles.  May He hasten the reappearance of the Imam ATF to provide peace in this world.

Please continue to pray for the oppressed:

 

Iltimaas-e-Dua

Zehra

Dua for removal of Hardships...

Assalaam Alaikum dear brothers and sisters,

It is a sad state of affairs for the Shia world indeed.  Many lives are lost on a daily basis but the strong still stand strong to defend the religion Imam Hussain (A.S) saved thousands of years ago.  It is sad to see so many people die all over the world, muslim or non muslim.  May Allah SWT guide and protect all those who have strayed away from the path of Islam and May Allah SWT grant jannah to all those innocent lives lost in this chaos. 

Sadness everywhere, every nation debating and discussing the Iraq situation.  It is sad indeed that people would defame a religion in such a way.  The same religion who does not allow us to kill insects nor be cruel to animal!  These inhumane acts are conducted by so called muslims who claim to be sunni extremists.  It is not about Shia or Sunni anymore my dear brothers and sisters! It is now about humanity!

Any lover of Prophet Mohammad PBUH&HF cannot claim to hurt any other being of Allah SWT!  and if they do, they cannot call themselves muslims!  It is pure hypocrisy... and the sad part is, it is all as we near one of the most blessed months of the year, the holy month of Ramadan.  So many innocent lives will be lost this upcoming month in trying to put things to sane grounds. 

In such times, all of us can pray for peace and hope for justice for such people who claim to be humans!  Astagfurullah!  I am ashamed to call such people human who would go around killing innocent people and raping women just to claim that they are indeed performing Jehad!

Such people distort the meaning of religion.  If the Grand Ayatollah Seestani (May Allah SWT bless him with good health and long life) can stand up and command all Shias to defend the country, it is in my view the biggest command.  The beauty of his command is that he did not just tell shias to bear arms and go around rampaging and killing ppl!  He said to restrain yourselves the max that you can till you have to defend the country and religion!  subhanAllah... that indeed is Jehad...

Let us all pray for all innocent ones in this world in distress.  Lets get together to pray for peace and protection of all innocent people in distress all over the world!

DAILY RECITATION:

 

1. According to Imam Jafar bin Mohammad as Sadiq, to remove worries recite (i) al Kaafiroon (ii) al Ikhlas (iii) al Falaq (iv) an Naas three times daily.

 

2. Recite atleast 1 tasbih of Ayat e Kareema each day for the entire week!

 

 3.  Recite Dua of Imam e Zamana after every prayer

 

4.  Recite 99 names of Allah SWT regularly

 

5.  Recite Ziyarat-e-Ashura on a daily basis (Amaal can also be done for a duration of 40 days.  This is proven time and time again as a proven amal for hajaat.  Please recite for the safety and security of all momineen around the world who are facing hardships in this tough times)

 

 

Last but not the least, please recite 1x Surah Fatiha and 3x Surah Ikhlaas for the departed souls and the shohda who have lost their lives in these tough times.    May Allah SWT raise them with the 14 Masoomeen and grant them a place in Jannah.  May Allah protect those who are suffering or in distress in these tough times. 


Oh Allah! We need our Imam (ATF) to help save humanity! 

 

JazakAllah
Zehra

 

Holy Shrines under attack!

Assalaam Alaikum brothers and sisters,

It is with a heavy heart that we discuss this topic.  A topic very tragic and painful to lovers of the ahlulbayt (A.S), or for that matter, for any normal human being that has the fear of Allah SWT and the fear of akhira.

Hujr ibn Adi:
Hujr ibn 'Adi al-Kindi (died 660 CE) was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. He was sentenced to death by the Umayyad Caliph Muawiyah  for his unwavering support and praise for Ali, the fourth Rashidun Caliph of Islam and the first Imam of the Shias.

An Ahle Sunnat scholar, Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi in his book Caliphs and Kings mentions highly of this companion of Rasool Allah (PBUH&HF).  Hujr, his son Humaam ibn Hajar, and some other companions are buried in Adra, in the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus.  On May 2, 2013, some extremists attacked the mossoleum and had the audacity to exhume his remains.  The body was taken to an unknown location and burried. 

This act and any such acts is beyond doubt beyond not only religous bounds, but also beyond humanity.  Every human, regardless of religion or race, has the right to be burried!  Such acts in the name of Islam are only done to defame the religion and show inhumane actions to the world in the name of religion.  What these individuals forget is that there is but ONE Supreme existence that has created all of us, who can destroy all of us as well.  What these individuals may think as an amusing act or an act showing bravery, is infact an act of cowardice!  They disrespect not only religion, but also Allah SWT.  They forget the curse of Allah SWT can destroy their entire nation or tribe. 

To make it worse, as if this disrespect was not enough, on March 26, 2014, the mosoleum of Ammar bin Yassir and Uwais al Qarni were attacked as well.  These were planned attacks with several attempts prior to this. 

Ammar bin Yassir:
He was one of the most loyal, humble, pious and brave companions of the Prophet Muhammad & Imam Ali, and he occupies a position of the highest prominence in Islam after his conversion.  He is also credited as the first Muslim to build a mosque in Islam.   

His mother was Sumayyah bint Khayyat and his father was Yasir ibn Amir. Yasir and Sumayyah were pagan converts to Islam who were tortured and crucified in the last year before the Hijra . ʻAmmār and his family were repeatedly tortured by Meccan polytheists.

In relation to Ammar ibn Yassir, the Holy Prophet (SAW) has stated:
‘Ammar is with truth and truth is with Ammar. Truth is always with him’

After living a life of torture, where both his parents were tortured and killed, this companion deserved the utmost respect for being a loyal follower of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&HF).  Unfortunately the extremists did not even respect his position in Islam and managed to bomb and attack his shrine.

 Uwais al Qarni:
He was a philosopher from Yemen.  He lived during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, but never met Prophet Muhammad personally. 
The Holy Prophet (SAW) has said in relation to Uwais al-Qarani:
"The sweet smell of Paradise is coming from the direction of Qaran. Uwais al-Qarani, I am eager to see you! Let anyone who meets him, convey my regards to him''

 He fought in the battle of Siffeen with Imam Ali (A.S) against Muawiyah I.

Now after hearing such high remarks from the Prophet (PBUH&HF) one can only conclude that these gentlemen were regarded very highly by the Prophet and his family (PBUH&HF).  Despite that, the extremists have the audacity to carry out such coward attacks in the name of Islam?

How do they call themselves "MUSLIM" extremists?  The religion of Islam will disown such persons.  As Allah SWT clearly states regarding cowards in Surah Hashr (Surah 59) in the Quran:

59:11

Hast thou not observed those who are hypocrites, (how) they tell their brethren who disbelieve among the People of the Scripture: If ye are driven out, we surely will go out with you, and we will never obey anyone against you, and if ye are attacked we verily will help you. And Allah beareth witness that they verily are liars.

 

59:12

(For) indeed if they are driven out they go not out with them, and indeed if they are attacked they help them not, and indeed if they had helped them they would have turned and fled, and then they would not have been victorious.

59:13

Ye are more awful as a fear in their bosoms than Allah. That is because they are a folk who understand not.

59:14

They will not fight against you in a body save in fortified villages or from behind walls. Their adversity among themselves is very great. Ye think of them as a whole whereas their hearts are divers. That is because they are a folk who have no sense.

 

59:15

On the likeness of those (who suffered) a short time before them, they taste the ill-effects of their own conduct, and theirs is painful punishment.

  
May Allah SWT guide us all and keep all muslimeen in His protection!
Lanatullahe Alaa Qaum e zalimeen....

Zehra

Interesting Links about the companions mentioned above:

Hajr ibn Adi (speech by Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani)
Ammar bin Yassir (Speech by Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani)
Malik al Ashtar and Uwais al Qarani (speech by Dr. Sayed Ammar Nakshawani)

Arbaeen is here...already!

As Salaam Alaikum dear readers,

My heartfelt condolences to the entire ummah as we approach Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (A.S) and prepare to give pursa to our beloved Bibi Syeda (A.S) on this sad occasion.   May Bibi accept all of our efforts in remembering the holy sacrifice by her beloved family members inshAllah.

It is hard to believe Moharram is almost over!  Arbaeen is here already! 
Our days to grieve and mourn for our beloved Imam and his progeny on a day to day basis has already passed... Despite the fact that the sorrow and grief of the supreme sacrifice stays with us all year round, I still feel our emotions naturally peak during Moharram/Safar due to the increased participation in Majaalis and Soz.  For this reason I feel sad that these months will end soon. 

I think each year, the approach of Moharram and Safar help recharge our spirituality and enable us to ground ourselves so to speak.  For me it works as a month of spiritual cleansing just like for many Ramadhan is the month to spiritually cleanse ourselves.  I believe we are blessed to have so many opportunities by Allah S.W.T to cleanse our body, mind and soul and yet we indulge in acts that hurt our souls and our hereafter!

This time of the month reminds me of the beautiful nauha that I often heard Ali Deep Rizvi recite in Baltimore: 

Yeh sada yeh fughan aur yeh majlisen...  

maatam aur noha aur gham ki yeh zeenatain...  

chahata hai yeh dil yunhi qaem rahay... 

aah bharta  hai dil kis tarhan yeh kahe.. 

Alvida Alvida Alvida ae Hussain

(Listen to audio here)

InshAllah let us comemorate the upcoming Arbaeen of our Imam (A.S) with our heart and soul and give pursa to bibi for her great loss inshAllah.

More laters,

Zehra

Shyroze Jaffer Dhalla

Assalaam Alaikum Dear Readers,

It has been a little while since I blogged.  Mainly a hectic lifestyle and unfortunate that I am unable to spend some time out of my day to revive my thoughts and mind.

A wave of fresh air passed through me as I heard Zakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla speak at our mosque this Moharram (1435).  It was a much needed discussion for many as I noticed.  Some taboo topics that usually no one discusses about in public.  With these topics ofcourse came the confusion from the older generation as to whether there should be discussion about etiquettes and common day-to-day manners in kids (boys and girls alike).

I say why not!?  if we dont discuss it in public, our kids will think that its a foreign topic that has no importance, therefore it is not discussed ever!  This current generation thinks and feels different and it is very obvious!  Kids today are not easily convinced, bombarded by media and they easily accept anything that makes sense to them.  I believe it is our responsibility to make "religion" make sense to them.  Unless they understand it, they will not practice it!

To make someone understand any concept in general, it is important to spark interest in that topic.  As a common analogy that most people use from back home, you can memorize all you want, but unless you understand the basics of a concept or topic, you cannot really understand the topic.  Its like a 2 year old child that speaks english and repeats every word a parent says, but unless they know the A,B and C, they dont know what english is.  They only know the words they heard which they can forget easily if you do not repeat it in front of them!

I personally think Zakira Shyrose touched on some important issues and concerns that are among everyone.  So what if she is not a fiqh student and has not studied in Hawza?  She was teaching based on her understanding of religion and her knowledge of education and psychology.  She did not touch on anything that could spark religous debate!  It was all purely logic and understanding! and best of all, the young girls could relate to her!

I hope and pray we can invite her here again and more speakers like her as well.  A community needs some new fresh breath of air to rewire their minds!

InshAllah more later... I leave you with Zakira Shyrose Jaffer's website for further understanding and some interesting articles written by her!
Definitely a woman of many talents!

Best regards,
iltimaas-e-dua
Zehra

Circle for Dua - Safety & Security of all momineen around the world

Assalaam o Alaikum,

Deep sorrow engulfs all of us with the terrible news of hate crimes and terror on a daily basis.  It has become scary to switch the tv to a news channel!  Not knowing who is the next victim of this horrible crime and hatred towards so many in Pakistan lately!  No one knows who is doing it, no one knows who to blame.  Sad situation to a point where anyone with any recognition or fame and relation to the shia sect is being tortured and martyred.

Another sad victim of this hatred was Ustaad (professor) Sibte Jaffar in Karachi, Pakistan.  An eloquent speaker and a lover of Ahlulbayt (A.S), and one who was martyred in the name of his religous sect.  Sadness everywhere, students, youth, adults... all in pain and sorrow for this loss to humanity!  No words to speak of this loss... Our condolences to his family and friends on this sad demise. 

On the same note, a thought comes to mind.  Why not pray for all those in hardships.  I decided to work with a team of youth to create a circle of prayer.  A week long prayer cycle where we pray for those in hardships.  Collecting a set of prayers for daily recitation (tasbihaat and dua as well as surahs from the quran) for the safety of all momineen around the world who are in hardships.  May Allah SWT protect them and keep them in his hifz and imaan!

Let us join in prayers... Recommended prayers are as follows:

Day 1:

Tasbih:
Recite atleast 1 tasbih

LAA H'AWLA WA LAA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAAH

There is no power nor strength with (anyone) save Allah

 

Day 2:

Recite the following verse 129 of al Bara at to remove worries:

Allah suffices me. There is no god but He. On Him do I rely, and He is the Lord of the great throne.

H'ASBIYALLAAHU LAAA ILAAHA ILLAA HUW A'LAYHI TAWAKKALTU WA HUWA RABBUL A'RSHIL A'Z'EEM.

 

 

Day 3:

حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَ نِعْمَ الْوَكِيْلُ

H'ASBUNALLAAHU WA NI' MAL WAKEEL 

Allah is sufficient for us; and most excellent is He (who) protects us.

 

 

Day 4:

وَ أُفَوِّضُ أَمْرِيْ إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصِيْرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ

 

WA UFAWWIZ'U AMREE ILALLAAH INNALLAAHA BAS'EERUM BIL IBAAD

I entrust my affair to Allah, verily, Allah keeps an eye on (His) servants.

 

 

Day 5:

 

Imam Jafar bin Mohammad as Sadiq advised his followers to pray a 6 rak-at salat in sets of 2 rakat each and at the end recite the following du-a'a

O Allah, give us welfare from wheresoever You desire, as You wish and when You want. Verily You do that which You find satisfying because it pleases You.

ALLAAHUMMA AATINEE BIN A'AFIYATI MIN H'AYTHU SHI-TA WA KAYFA SHI-TA WA ANNAA SHI-TA FA-INNAKA TAF-A'LU MAA SHI-TA KAYFA SHI-TA

 

Day 6:

 

Recite Dua Al Faraj to call the Imam of Our Time to help in this unfortunate time!

 

Day 7:

Recite Dua Tawassul to ask for intercession from our masoomeen in assisting all momineen around the world

 

 

 

DAILY RECITATION:

 

1. According to Imam Jafar bin Mohammad as Sadiq, to remove worries recite (i) al Kaafiroon (ii) al Ikhlas (iii) al Falaq (iv) an Naas three times daily.

 

2. Recite atleast 1 tasbih of Ayat e Kareema each day for the entire week!

 

 3.  Recite Dua of Imam e Zamana after every prayer

 

4.  Recite 99 names of Allah SWT regularly

 

5.  Recite Ziyarat-e-Ashura on a daily basis (Amaal can also be done for a duration of 40 days.  This is proven time and time again as a proven amal for hajaat.  Please recite for the safety and security of all momineen around the world who are facing hardships in this tough times)

 

 

Last but not the least, please recite 1x Surah Fatiha and 3x Surah Ikhlaas for the departed souls and the shohda who have lost their lives in these tough times.    May Allah SWT raise them with the 14 Masoomeen and grant them a place in Jannah.  May Allah protect those who are suffering or in distress in these tough times.  Oh Allah! We need our Imam (ATF) to help save humanity! 

 

JazakAllah
Zehra

 

 

Sad situation for Shia muslims in Pakistan

Born a Pakistani, I have loved my country even though I have not lived there all my life.

Despite the crimes, despite the weather issues, load shedding etc. Pakistan was always "Pakistan", my country I have always loved and adored since it was a place that gave me recognition of who I am.  Over the years, things have changed, I agree... the country is no longer the peaceful place it was during my childhood.

Those days we would just run outside to get Kulfi (similar to ice cream) from the street vendors, or when we ran across the street to play with neighbors... we used to get excited to go visit family and then evenings devoted to playing outside with cousins!  No Fear, no scare of when a bomb will land in our back yard or when we will be blown up for being shia!

Today, I am sad to say, that my country has failed to provide its citizens with the protection that they deserve and this racial animosity has upset several of us living abroad.  At this point, I really wish there was one place this entire shia community could flee to and be safe!  This is not a new occurrence.. It has happened in the past with other minorities and yet again it happens to the shias this time.

It is sad what happened at Abbas Town this past week.  Heartbreaking news and stories are emerging.  I literally cannot swallow food down my throat listening to the reality of what is out there and how many women, children, adults and elderly are suffering.  These are people of my country, my blood, my racial sect! and I CANNOT do much sitting here.  I can only collect funds for them and we can only send assistance there.  But the mere fact that kids have lost fathers, women have lost husbands and mothers have lost children can never be fulfilled.

Sad that based on historical facts, this is being labelled as a hate crime situation, but it is not!  Despite differences, I stand firm in my belief that whoever acknowledges the religion of Islam, that Mohammad PBUH&HF was the messenger of Allah SWT, has fear in their hearts and CANNOT, absolutely cannot, create such a carnage for ANY human being!  Ahle sunnat brothers and sisters are joining forces with the shias.  This is the time to rise in peace and show the world that our country is being corrupted by those who do not want us to coexist!  This is the time to stand in unity everyone and help each other.

It is not only shias being killed!  it is everyone associated with or knowing shias.  These monsters do not consider ppl of any race as humans!  This is not Shia genocide, it is anyone who stands against "them" genocide. 
Kitnay Hussaini Maroge? Har ghar me Hussaini niklega!

The voice of Hussain and his followers has lived 1400 years, what makes you think that any amount of hate crimes will stop the word and message of Hussain?  Knowing the message of Karbala, you haters should already be aware of the fact that Shias do not back down despite torture!  Our imam was an example, and we will follow.  We will stand not only for shias, but for Humanity!  We will stand and wait for our awaited savior! 

Oh Allah this is a prayer for all suffering brothers and sisters around the world, especially those suffering in the attacks in Pakistan at present... La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntum Minaz Zalimeen...

 

Relief will come soon inshAllah... Please pray for the appearance of our Imam (ATF)... we need him to help us now!!!

Please follow this page for updates on current situations around Pakistan: Against Shia Genocide Facebook Page

JazakAllah
Zehra

Maatam or Chestbeating in Islam

Assalaam Alaikum dear Brothers & Sisters...

This is a much debated & confusing topic for many youngsters today!
Alot feel it is just culture and that the practice is not needed anymore.  According to some, it only creates a bad image for the Shia and that practices like Majaalis, Nauha Khwani, Maatam, Alam holding, Taboot, Zanjeer and Kama-zani is actually against religion.

Let us gather and discuss some useful information about each of these topics:

Act	Religion or Culture?	References
Majaalis	Religion	Mentioned in the Quran per Surah 58, verse 11
Nauha	Religion	114 Nauha Khwans graduated Imam Baqir’s (A.S) class and were instructed to recite poetry about Imam Hussain (A.S) in front of  him as well as the world in their beautiful voices
Maatam	Religion	1.      Bibi Sarah, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, expressed grief upon hearing the news of her pregnancy at an old age by beating her cheeks (Surah 51, verse 29) 2.     According to Ahmed ibn Hanbal in his Musnad, vol. 6, p. 274, Number 26391 (edited by al-Arnaut), Ayesha mentions at the passing away of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH&HF) that she and the other wives were beating their chests and cheeks when they heard the news of Prophet (PBUH&HF) passing away! 3.     Bibi Zaynab has been found to beat her chest and cheeks on three occasions at Karbala
Alam	Religion	Ahlulbayt at Karbala carried an Alam as a symbol of Strength! It is recommended to touch the alam and even touch your faces to an alam that was once on the Grave of Holy persons since such articles have the ability to cure!  This is signified by Prophet Yusuf and his act of sending over his shirt to Prophet Yaqoob to cure his blindness
Taboot	Culture	BUT not against religion in any way! Only an act to remember Imam Hussain and the tragedy of Karbala.  It is not against religion, therefore acceptable as a rememberance!
Zanjeer Zani	Culture	A form of remembering the whipping of the children and women after the even of Karbala by the army of Yazid.  Nothing wrong with it if you wish to do it, but depends on your Maraja-e-Taqlid and their rulings on it.
Kama Zani	Culture	A form of remembering the martyrdom of Imam Ali (A.S) in Masjid-e-Kufa Rulings on this may also depend on your Maraja-e-Taqlid.

Some very interesting points of references come to knowledge with this topic.
I am further researching the exact references of Hadith to complete this table and will update them as I unveil them inshAllah...

JazakAllah,
Zehra

Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (A.S)

Assalaam o Alaikum,

Some very interesting facts and figures came to my knowledge over the last few days.  Sparked by a friends facebook status with an image from wikipedia outlining the largest peaceful gathering on Earth. It caught my attention and so I went to wikipedia and searched the same. 

SubhanAllah.. a wonderful note appeared sharing the following:

An estimated 25 million people visited the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq during Arba'een on 03 January 2013.
An estimated 21 million people visited the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq during Arba'een on 14 January 2012.
An estimated 15 million people visited the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq during Arba'een in 2011.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_peaceful_gatherings_in_history

SubhanAllah!!!  What a beautiful comemoration of the Arbaeen of our beloved Imam!  Its almost as if we all respond to the call of our Imams and Bibi Zainab (A.S) that we are here to mourn for your brother and your family!  No one but us, we are here!

These types of events surely make my heart long for the day I will inshAllah be invited for Ziyarat of our 14 infalliables!  inshAllah one day... and hopefully soon...  Oh how i long to go for Hajj and Ziyaraats! and my urge only getting stronger... I hope Allah does decide to call anyone who wishes to perform the holy pilgrimage with true intent and within those, hopefully call me to visit him for Hajj soon! (inshAllah)

Came across a very nice speach by Sayed Ammar Nakshawani about the History & Philosophy of Majaalis.  Outlines some social ettiquettes of congregations and majaalis!  The peaceful gatherings in Karbala each year are a great example of ettiquettes & morality within Islam! SubhanAllah

JazakAllah
 

Interesting discussions around guests!

Assalaam o Alaikum,

I'd say a rather active community and group of individuals to speak out what they believe in!  However, very sad that the message is conveyed in an improper and inappropriate manner... 

It was definitely interesting to hear some discussions and views of the youngsters around here on inviting guests like Sayed Ammar Nakshawani and Nadeem Sarwar!  Impressive that kids so young actually have something to advice adults about "being humble" and yet they have no remorse over their very own tone of talking!  We often forget that when we point one finger at another person, the other four are pointing at us!

I was honestly very heartbroken and felt bad for these youngsters!  These are our youth of tomorrow?  These are the kids that will represent our community and our Imams (A.S) tomorrow?  Sometimes I wonder if youth so actively involved in our community thinks and talks like this, whatever will happen to those who are not active?  Is this a "lost ummah" that we are warned about?

Respecting a person for conveying the message of Imam Hussain (A.S) and the message of Karbala in my opinion is the least we can do.  Especially when many of us might not even know the extent to which these speakers/reciters go to spread the word!  So what if a person requested something special (in this situation, a microphone!) to relay a message?  I mean is it really that big of a deal of the guy asked for a good microphone/sound system a few times?  Is it really that disrespectful that youngsters, ages less than the guys experience, are standing up and literally telling adults "we will stand up against calling him back for recitation"?  SERIOUSLY?

What I feel worse about is that these youngsters are supposedly the youth that represents our mosque to the outside world!  I fear what comes next?  I truely hope that I can somehow assist them in obtaining an identity in this community and around the world as representatives of Imams (A.S) as they should be!  I am not sure how far my efforts may reach, but I certainly do not want the youth around here to be recognized as a bad identity to the community at large.  It is important in my opinion for any youth organization to realize that they can accomplish ALOT if they really structure themselves to do so.  With this thought in mind and a humble effort to assist, I will inshAllah step forwad to assist some of these kids that I have had a chance to speak with lately.

I also have a humble request to all parents, please create a polite islamic environment for your children to flourish.  It is important to teach them respect and etiquettes for interacting with the community to create their own individual identities.  One needs to develop a basis to be heard before putting forth a request in any situation.  So what if your kids are born and raised in the west, their manners and akhlaq are first and foremost representing your own family! 

JazakAllah
Zehra

Azadari with Nadeem Sarwar!

Assalaam o Alaikum,

SubhanAllah!  God Gifted voice and a wonderful experience meeting with the ever so famous and well reknowned nauha khwan Nadeem Sarwar in the Bay Area this Moharram 1434!

Despite long travel days and a hectic schedule of three consecutive Shab-e-Dari's, the guy had amazing strength to recite so beautifully at our Azadari last night.  Had a wonderful trip down memory lane listening to the all time great nauhas alhamdolilah!

He recited for about 2.5 hours or so.. and an amazing medley of consecutive 23 nauhas that I could capture!  All time favorites and very much recited by several generations.  It was amazing to see his energy and strength reciting the nauhas!  Amazingly without a break or even water!!
A great experience for me atleast listening to some of my very favorite nauhas.

The nauha's he recited, the this exact order, were:

1. Asma -e- Hasna
2. Ya Zahraa (Farsi)
3.  Farmati hain yeh dukhtar-e- Karbala (bibi Sakina A.S)
4. Abbas, meer-e-Karwan
5.  Jaanay walay Karbala ke, Karbala le chal mujhe
6.  Aa dekh mere Ghazi
7.  Abaad hui Karbobala
8.  Mera Beemar Imam
9.  Aaja mere bache
10. Zuljana digo kuja baba Hussaina
11. Abbas na ab laut ke ayega Sakina
12.  Saadaat-e-Karbala
13. Yasrab Nazar aya
14. Kufe ka aur Shaam ka manzar
15.  Haye Alamdar
16.  Ayalam afroshte barsare karbobala (Farsi)
17. Kehti thi Zainab Haye Hussaina
18. Na ro Zainab na ro
19.  Ya Hussain
20.  Achi nahi yeh baat
21.  Shabi e payambar Akbar
22. Maula Haq Imam
23. Ya Wajihan Indullah

An amazing set of Nauhas I must say!  I could see alot of people mesmerized by his voice and his nauhas!  Literally a very much awaited experience and definitely worth the wait!

Hoping inshAllah we get to have more such experiences here in the Bay Area!! 

Zehra

 

Meet up with Maulana Sadiq Hassan

Assalaam o Alaikum,

I'd say a rather interesting day today when we were invited to meet up with Maulana Sadiq Hassan.  I personally had not listened in much on his lectures.. but was aware that there were several issues with his recitation about Khums and Death... several people debated, but since I personally had not heard lectures from him, I chose to stay neutral.

Yesterday was his first majlis here in the Bay Area but with a 1 year old, it is sometimes hard to pay full attention... but the topic was mainly about Sufyani's and Dajjals in this world and Majlis was mainly about Imam Mehdi (ATF).

Today's brunch meetup was a bit interesting.  Having met with Sayed Ammar last week, expectations were a bit high on the one-on-one meetup, therefore I entered to room saying Salaam in a humble manner (as one would to a senior maulana)... to which surprisingly did not get much response... maybe since he was amidst several discussions and greetings... later came to knowledge that he responded like that to more people as well.

Some what of a disappointing introduction to him, however I was told he has immense knowledge, therefore hopes were high to learn alot during his stay and lunch.  Apart from some interesting situations around his restricted and somewhat personalized diet (he is a diabetic) there was much discussion how his morning food affects his evening majaalis (did not make any sense to me, but I have not spoken in place of these individuals, therefore cannot say much on that topic!

Further, I had some questions (keeping in mind the discussions from last week with Sayed Ammar) which I chose to ask him to seek his viewpoints on Nahjul Balagha and the sermons about women etc.  Hoping he would shed some light on basis of his research. I have to admit, I received a very disappointing response that almost shared no information.  On the other hand, all that high build up of expectations somewhat went down the drain!  I was hoping for a more humble, knowledge filled interaction with someone who I was told was very knowledgable!  Sadly, it started out as him not even talking to the ladies and literally it felt like I was back in Pakistan where it is literally TABOO to talk to maulanas!!!!

For me personally knowledge and education revolve around references, discussions and debates with some basis to understand and research on our own.  What really put me off was unfortunately that Maulana Sadiq Hasan shared some viewpoints about certain personalities (with names!!!!) which in my humble opinion he should not have done... I respect that he is a well known respected Maulana, who has the right to opinion, but I also do not believe being at that position allows you to literally badmouth anyone... If you dislike someone's style of recitation, that is an opinion, but to come out in public and say "that person should not have said...." or that "this person is known to say.." in my opinion was not a justified act no matter how knowledgable one is!

Experience with Sayed Ammar was just emphasized in my view as even better alhamdolilah.. He sat in my house talking about so many things, but not once did he mention anything negative about ANYONE!  I even spoke to him about Sayed  Modaressi, but the gentleman never mentioned the entire issue of him not being permitted on Ahlulbayt tv (Sayed Modaressi runs Ahlulbayt tv!).  What a humble and gentle human being! MashAllah.. we need more like Sayed Ammar to make the youth comfortable and answer questions. 

JazakAllah
Zehra

A spiritual Revival with Ammar Nakshawani - Part 4

Assalaam Alaikum,

Day 3 begins with the recitation of the surah of Tabat yata and the lecture is about relationships.  Prophet's (PBUH&HF) relationship with his uncle Abu Lahab before the Prophet (PBUH&HF) announced his prophethood and after was explained in detail.

His lecture was about Silat-ur-Rehm and the importance of showing care and affection to family members. Suspicion can only be forgiven by the person who has been under suspicion!

Silat-ur-Rehm has several benefits.  Some of the benefits include:
1.  Allah SWT increases rizq.
2.  Allah removes narrowing of the grave and punishment of the grave.
3.  Lifespans may increase or decrease due to showing silat ur rehm towards someone!

Some interesting facts brought to attention were that family of several of Imam Hussains immediate family were part of Yazid's army. 
1.   Bibi Ummul Baneen was the cousin of Shimr bin Diljoshan.
2.  Bibi Laila's uncle was Muawiya and her cousin was Yazid
The reason these relationships were brought to light was because of the last moments after Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred, Yazid ordered horsemen to trampol the bodies of the martyrs and family members of varoius family members of Imam Hussian (AS) claimed their bodies and refused to let the horsement trampol the bodies.  The only body left to trampol (inauzobillah) was that of Imam Hussain (AS) since he was the only person whos maternal and paternal links were not found within members of the army of Yazid!

Overall some interesting facts and details were brought to attention in regards to showing soft-heartedness towards friends and family and how beneficial it can be over the lifetime.  Silat-ur-Rehm is highly appreciated by Allah SWT and can bring personal satisfaction over the long term, in this world and in the hereafter.

JazakAllah,
Zehra