Man of The Century, Father Of Burushaski language, Sitarah-i-Imtiyaz.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Burushaski Ginan Dalin le Diyein part 2 with translation
Recited by : Bazrkat ali and Abid karim
Album: Ruhani Bahar 2
Visual work : N.Z shehzad
Burushaski Ginan Dalin le Diyein - Part 1 with Translation
Recited by : Bazrkat ali and Abid karim
Album: Ruhani Bahar 2
Visual work : N.Z shehzad
Burushaski Ginan Mazhar i Yazdan Zuwas with translation part 2
Recited by : Bazrkat ali and Abid karim
Album: Ruhani Bahar 2
Visual work : N.Z shehzad
Burushaski Ginan Mazhar i Yazdan Zuwas with translation part 1
Recited by : Bazrkat ali and Abid karim
Album: Ruhani Bahar 2
Visual work : N.Z shehzad
BURUSHASKI GINAN UN ZAMANA MURTAZA With Translation Part-2
Recited by: Barkat ali and Abid Karim
Album: Ruhani Bahar vol-2
Visual Work by: N.Z Shehzad
Burushaski Ginan UN ZAMANA MURTAZA with translation part 1
Recited by: Barkat ali and Abid Karim
Album: Ruhani Bahar vol 2 Visual
Work: N.Z shehzad
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Video - Julay Hikmat Saa
Written By, Prof. Dr. Allama Nasir Al-Din (Hubb-I 'Ali) Hunzai
Recite by Samiullah & Group
Visual work : Samiullah
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Noor Ala Noor (Light upon Light), list of Imams : Part -3
49- Mowlana Shah Karim-al-Hussayni Hazir Imam = Prince Aga Khan IV
48- Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah = Prince Aga Khan III
47- Mowlana Aqa Ali Shah = Prince Aga Khan II
46- Mowlana Hassan Ali Shah = Prince Aga Khan I
45- Mowlana Shah Khalilullah (III)
44- Mowlana Abu-l-Hassan Ali (Baqir Shah)
43- Mowlana Qasim Ali (Sayyid Jafar)
42- Mowlana Hassan Ali
41- Mowlana Sayyid Ali
40- Mowlana Shah Nizar (II)
39- Mowlana Khalilullah (II) Ali
38- Mowlana Nuru-d-Dahr (Nuru-d-Din) Ali
37- Mowlana Dhu-l-Fiqar Ali Khalilullah I
36- Mowlana Murad Mirza
35- Mowlana Abu Dharr Ali Nuru-d-Din
34- Mowlana Gharib Mirza / Mustansir billah III
33- Mowlana Abdu-s-Salam Shah
32- Mowlana Mustansir billah II
31- Mowlana Muhammad ibn Islam Shah
30- Mowlana Islam Shah
29- Mowlana Qasim Shah
28- Mowlana Shamsud-Din Muhammad
27- Mowlana Ruknud-Din Khurshah = 8th Lords of Alamut
26- Mowlana Alaud-Din Muhammad (III) = 7th Lords of Alamut
25- Mowlana Jalalud-Din Hassan (III) = 6th Lords of Alamut
24- Mowlana Nurud-Din Muhammad (II) = 5th Lords of Alamut
23- Mowlana al-Hassan (II) Ala dhikrihi-s-salam = 4th Lords of Alamut
22- Mowlana Al-Qahir
21- Mowlana Al-Muhtadi
20- Mowlana Al-Hadi
19- Mowlana Nizar ibn al-Mustansir billah
18- Mowlana Al-Mustansir billah = 8th Fatimid Chalifah
17- Mowlana Ali az-Zahir li-I zaz Dinillah = 7th Fatimid Chalifah
16- Mowlana Al-Hakim bi-Amrillah = 6th Fatimid Chalifah
15- Mowlana Abu Mansur Nizar al- Aziz billah = 5th Fatimid Chalifah
14- Mowlana Ma ad al-Mu izz li-Dinillah = 4th Fatimid Chalifah
13- Mowlana Isma il al-Mansur = 3rd Fatimid Chalifah
12- Mowlana Muhammad al-Qa im bi- Amrillah = 2nd Fatimid Chalifah
11- Mowlana Ubaydullah al-Mahdi billah = 1st Fatimid Chalifah, Founder Fatimid dynasty
10- Mowlana Radiyu-d-Din Abdullah
09- Mowlana Taqi Muhammad
08- Mowlana Wafi Ahmad
07- Mowlana Muhammad ibn Ismail
06 -Mowlana Ismail ibn Jafar
05- Mowlana Jafar al-Sadiq
04- Mowlana Muhammad al-Baqir
03- Mowlana Ali Zayn al- Abidin
02- Mowlana Al-Hussayn
01- Mowlana Ali ibn Abi Talib
Noor Ala Noor (Light upon Light), list of Imams : Part -2
Hazrat Imam Adam Abu'l-Bashir (A.S) to
Hazrat Imam Abu Talib (A.S)
(49) Hazrat Imam Abu Talib (A.S)
(48) Hazrat Imam Abdu'l-Muttalib (A.S)
(47) Hazrat Imam Hashim (A.S)
(46) Hazrat Imam Abd-e-Manaf (A.S)
(45) Hazrat Imam Qusai (A.S)
(44) Hazrat Imam Kilab (A.S)
(43) Hazrat Imam Murra (A.S)
(42) Hazrat Imam Ka'b (A.S)
(41) Hazrat Imam Luwai (A.S)
(40) Hazrat Imam Ghalib (A.S)
(39) Hazrat Imam Fehr (A.S)
(38) Hazrat Imam Malik (A.S)
(37) Hazrat Imam Nazr (A.S)
(36) Hazrat Imam Kinana (A.S)
(35) Hazrat Imam Khazima (A.S)
(34) Hazrat Imam Madreka (A.S)
(33) Hazrat Imam Ilyas (A.S)
(32) Hazrat Imam Muzar (A.S)
(31) Hazrat Imam Nizar (A.S)
(30) Hazrat Imam Ma'd (A.S)
(29) Hazrat Imam Adnan (A.S)
(28) Hazrat Imam Awwad (A.S)
(27) Hazrat Imam Al-Yasa' (A.S)
(26) Hazrat Imam Al-Hamis (A.S)
(25) Hazrat Imam Bunt (A.S)
(24) Hazrat Imam Sulayman (A.S)
(23) Hazrat Imam Haml (A.S)
(22) Hazrat Imam Qidar (A.S)
(21) Hazrat Imam Isma'il (A.S)
(20) Hazrat Imam Ibrahim Khalil-Ullah (A.S)
(19) Hazrat Imam Ta'rikh (A.S)
(18) Hazrat Imam Tahur (A.S)
(17) Hazrat Imam Sharu (A.S)
(16) Hazrat Imam Abraghu (A.S)
(15) Hazrat Imam Taligh (A.S)
(14) Hazrat Imam Abir (A.S)
(13) Hazrat Imam Shale' (A.S)
(12) Hazrat Imam Arfakhad (A.S)
(11) Hazrat Imam Sam (A.S)
(10) Hazrat Imam Noah (A.S)
(09) Hazrat Imam Lumuk (A.S)
(08) Hazrat Imam Mutu Shalkh (A.S)
(07) Hazrat Imam Akhnukh (A.S)
(06) Hazrat Imam Yarad (A.S)
(05) Hazrat Imam Mahla'il (A.S)
(04) Hazrat Imam Qinan (A.S)
(03) Hazrat Imam Anush (A.S)
(02) Hazrat Imam Seth (A.S)
(01) Hazrat Imam Adam (Takhun) Abu'l-Bashir (A.S)
Noor Ala Noor (Light upon Light), list of Imams : Part -1
Hazrat Imam Rajab (A.S) to
Hazrat Imam Shirita Badku (A.S)
01 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Rajab (A.S)
02 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Maj (A.S)
03 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Dharam (A.S)
04 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Tritu (A.S)
05 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Lulu (A.S)
06 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Aatu (A.S)
07 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Hiri Tukwa (A.S)
08 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Shiritu (A.S)
09 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Aatitu (A.S)
10 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Sher Anja (A.S)
11 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Jee Maro (A.S)
12 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Okra Yatu (A.S)
13 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Jahatu (A.S)
14 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Basheertu (A.S)
15 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Barsutu (A.S)
16 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Sam Tarao (A.S)
17 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Yatu (A.S)
18 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Ram Kahee (A.S)
19 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Sarangwanatu (A.S)
20 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Baritu (A.S)
21 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Kahatu (A.S)
22 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Sarha Yatu (A.S)
23 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Karsiyatu (A.S)
24 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Khadatu (A.S)
25 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Sahil Rakhee (A.S)
26 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Sarda Mahoo (A.S)
27 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Kiyou (A.S)
28 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Tukiyou (A.S)
29 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Kahetar Tuwas (A.S)
30 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Yasoowa Nahee (A.S)
31 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Tartiku (A.S)
32 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Anskheel (A.S)
33 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Tutumoo (A.S)
34 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Shiri Shang (A.S)
35 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Matfoo (A.S)
36 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Maskhajak (A.S)
37 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Kobadan (A.S)
38 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Shiri Bajan (A.S)
39 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Madjan (A.S)
40 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Bartai (A.S)
41 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Sherituwan (A.S)
42 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Khotuwan (A.S)
43 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Bar Saram (A.S)
44 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Byed Turuko (A.S)
45 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Makutu (A.S)
46 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Ajmapaal (A.S)
47 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Jasraat (A.S)
48 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Shiri Ram (A.S)
49 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Byedtu (A.S)
50 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Jyeotu (A.S)
51 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Dirtu (A.S)
52 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Shiri Kahetu (A.S)
53 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Bari Kahetu (A.S)
54 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Jee Meetu (A.S)
55 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Sataku (A.S)
56 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Timarjoo (A.S)
57 Hazrat Mowlana Imam Shirita Badku (A.S)
Imam Hunaid A.S is not include in this list because, you are the Qaim Al Qiyamat of your time and Hazrat Adam A.S is first Imam & Khalifa on earth after Imam Hunaid A.S.
REF: List of Imam Pre-Adam was taken form Book of Dai Fidai Khurasani which is written in period of Imam Shah Ali Shah Agha Khan II.
Fidai Khorasani was a natural-born speaker and thousands would come to listen him and enjoy the beauty of his oratory. He was also a distinguished writer. He compiled many books, such as "Irshad al-Salikin" (1900), "Kash al-Haq" (1914), "Kitab al-Danish-i Ahl-i binish," "Haqiqat al-Ma'ani", "Diwan" of 12000 verses, and "Kitab-i Hidayat al-Mominin al-Talibin" ed. by A.A. Semenow, Moscow in 1959.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A Thousand Wisdoms
A Thousand Wisdoms
By: Prof. Dr. Allama Nasir al Din Nasir Hunzai
The verse (36:12) reveals that God has encompassed everything – intellectual, spiritual and physical – in the light of the most noble Imam. Therefore, according to the principles of Qur'anic wisdom, it is clear that all subjects are contained in the subject of Imâmat and all words in the word Imâm. [Source: Recognition of Imam (Imâm – Shinâsi) Part I & II]
Ta'wil of word 'Itâ'ah' (Obedience to God, the Prophet and the Imam):
"The holy Prophet said to Hazrat Ali: "He who obeys me, indeed obeys Allah and he who disobeys me, indeed disobeys Allah and he who obeys you, indeed obeys me and he who disobeys you, indeed disobeys me." (al-Mustradrak, III, 121). This Hadith is an exegesis of verse (4:59) about obedience." [Source: Tawil 76: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Uli'l-amr' (The custodians of the Divine commands, the true Imams):
"Verse (4:59) says: "O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger and the ulu'l-amr from amongst you." That is, in addition to Allah and the Prophet, obedience to the Imam from the progeny of the Prophet, whose Imamat is established from the Qur'an and Hadith, is obligatory. Contrary to this, world kings and rulers cannot be the ulu'l-amr, nor is any example of them found in the age of Prophethood, the ideal age of Islam. In the same surah in verse (4:54) there is mention of giving of the Book, the wisdom and a great kingdom to the Progeny of Ibrahim and here, according to the context of the subject, by progeny of Ibrahim are meant to be Muhammad (s.a.s.) and his progeny." [Source: Tawil 133: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Imâm' (Guide):
"The following hadith is about the virtues of the Qur'an: "Indeed, everything has a heart and the heart of the Qur'an is Yâ-Sin (Surah 36)" (Trimidhi, V, 162). One main reason for this title of Yâ-Sin is that the Treasure of the treasures of God is mentioned in it, which is: "And We have encompassed everything in the manifest Imam." (36:12). That is, God enfolds the universe in the living and present Imam and also unfolds it from him." [Source: Tawil 106: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Kullu shay'in' (Everything, all things):
"The wise Qur'an is the perfect and complete Book in whose exoteric and esoteric aspects there is explanation of everything (16:89). The magnificent and unique principle which is the treasure of its heart cannot be praised by us human beings and that universal principle full of quintessence (i.e., the pure, highly concentrated essence) of wisdom is: "And We have encompassed everything in a manifest Imam." (36:12). That is, all spiritual and intellectual subtle things of the kingdom of God can be found gathered and enfolded in the manifest Imam, provided someone recognizes himself or herself." [Source: Tawil 732: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ayat' (The luminous personality of the Imam in which all signs are encompassed):
"Mawlâ Ali has said: "Anâ âyâtu'llâhi wa aminu'llâh, i.e. I am Allah's signs and I am the trustworthy of Allah." (Kawkab, p.208). Âyât in the sense of the signs of Divine power or miracles, are in four places: (i) The higher world, (ii) the wise Qur'ân, (iii) the external universe and (iv) the personal world, but according to the Qur'ân (36:12) all these âyât (signs) are encompassed in the light of the Imâm-i Mubin. That is, his light is the higher world, he is the speaking Qur'ân, the quintessence of the universe and a luminious personal world in true sense." [Source: Tawil 10: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ahsâ' (He has encompassed them):
"It is said in verse (78:29): "And We have encompassed everything in (the form of) a book." The meaning of everything cannot be complete without intellects and souls, nor can a merely silent book possess all intellectual and spiritual (moving) things. Therefore, it is true to say that this is a description of the speaking book, i.e., the Imâm-i mubîn" [Source: Tawil 33: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ma'a'l-Qur'ân' (With the Qur'ân):
"Externally Ali (Imam of the time) is a pure personality and internally a light. Externally, the Qur'ân is a glorious heavenly Book and internally (in the Prophet and the Imam) it is light. This shows that externally Ali and Qur'ân are separate from each other, but internally they are not only together, they are one light." [Source: Tawil 820: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ma'a'l-Qur'ân' (With the Qur'ân):
"It is said in Hadith: "Ali is with the Qur'ân and the Qur'ân is with Ali, they will never separate from each other until they come to me at the pond (of Kawthar)." (Yanâbi, p. 103). The wisdom of this is that Ali (i.e., every true Imam) in his spirituality and luminosity is with the Qur'ân and the Qur'ân in its spirituality and luminosity is with Ali. Thus, the Qur'ân and Ali are one light in spirituality and this oneness will continue until the resurrection takes place and they come to the pond of Kawthar." [Source: Tawil 819: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Hâdin' (Guide, Imâm):
"It is said in verse (13:7): "Verily you are a warner, and to every nation (qawm) there is a guide." (See Shi'i translations and commentaries of the Qurân and the books on the Manâqib of Mawla Ali). From the time of Âdam till the Resurrection of resurrections, the people of every age are a nation and for every nation God has appointed a guide, who is the Imam of the time." [Source: Tawil 940: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Yastanbitûna' (They deduce, discover, they do istinbâat):
"Istinbâat primarily means "to dig a well and bring out water for the first time". Secondarily it is used in the sense of thinking, reflection, to penetrate deeply (Qâmûs, p. 77). For instance, istanbata'sh-shay' means to reveal a thing from its hidden state.
Verse (4:83), in which it is used, clearly means that after the holy Prophet, it is the ulu'l-amr, the Imams from the progeny of the holy Prophet, who bring out the inner meaning of the Qur'ânic verses, because it is they who know the ta'wil (inner meaning) of the Qur'ân." [Source: Tawil 980: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Muslimah' (The community of the pure Imams):
"A true Muslim is the one who submits himself to God. In this sense, Hazrat Ibrâhîm and Hazrat Ismâil prayed: "Our Lord! Make us submitters to You and of our progeny a submitting community (ummatan muslimah) to You (by true obedience)." (2:128). This shows that ummatan muslimah is the community of the pure Imâms who are the progeny of Hazrat Ibrâhîm and Hazrat Ismâil (See Daâ'im, I, 33). " [Source: Tawil 812: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Madînat al-ilm' (The city of knowledge):
"It is stated in Hadith: " I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate, so whoever wants knowledge let him come through the gate." (Sharh, I, 89). That is, whoever wants the treasures of the knowledge of certainty, the eye of certainty, and the truth of certainty, then it is necessary and imperative for him to enter the city of knowledge of the Prophet by walking in the light of the unprecedented guidance of the Ali of the time." [Source: Tawil 804: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ism a'zam' (Supreme Name of God):
"Imâm Jafar as-Sâdiq has said "Allah has concealed one name, i.e., the supreme Name and He has 360 names." (Lughât, Sîn, p. 175). The supreme Name or the great secret is in two forms: as a word and as a person. As a word, it is "al-hayyu'l-qayyûm" (the Everliving, the Everlasting) (2:255; 3:2) and as a person it is the True Guide, i.e., the Prophet and the Imam of the time (see Wajh, p. 124-129)" [Source: Tawil 64: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Asmâ' (The luminous personality of the Imam in which all signs are encompassed):
"It is mentioned in a Hadith: "Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine names. He who memorises their number (and recites them), enters paradise." (Sarâ'ir, p. 69).
It is not possible to understand the meaning of this Hadith without ta'wil, and the ta'wil is that all other names of God are encompassed in His supreme Name and that supreme Name is the Imam of the time. A mu'min who knows this enters paradise, because this knowledge is tanatamount to enumerating His ninety-nine names." [Source: Tawil 65: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Awliyâ Allah' (Chosen friends of God):
"In verse (10:62) God says about His friends: "Lo! verily for the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve." These friends of God are the progeny of the holy Prophet whom God has exalted by granting them the ta'wili miracles of the glorious Qur'ân, because the greatest miracle of the holy Prophet which is intellectual, permanent and in the form of knowledge, is indeed the wise Qur'ân. The Qur'ân has two aspects: tanzil and ta'wil. Tanzil or exoteric aspect was conveyed to the people by the Prophet himself and for ta'wil or esoteric aspect, he appointed his successor." [Source: Tawil 137: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ahl adh-dhikr' (The Pure Imâms):
"Dhikr is one of names of the holy Prophet (65:10-11). The people of dhikr therefore, are the family of the holy Prophet. Dhikr is also one of the names of the Qur'ân (21:50), and so the people of dhikr, are the people of the Qur'ân. Dhikr is also the ism-i azam (supreme Name), i.e., the asmâ'ul-husnâ (the beautiful Names) and therefore, the people of dhikr are the people of ism-i azam, the pure Imâms. Thus, by the people of dhikr are meant the Imâms who guide the people and are enriched with the given knowledge (ilm-i laduni), and therefore, they are able to answer every difficult question related to knowledge." [Source: Tawil 154: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ta'wil' (Hikmat: Wisdom):
"Regarding the Qur'ân, Mawlâ Ali has said: "Its zahir or esoteric aspect is an obligatory act, its bâtin or esoteric aspect is hidden and veiled knowledge which is known to and written with us." [Source: Tawil 195: A Thousand Wisdoms]
"The Book and the wisdom are mentioned together in mumerous verses of the Qur'ân such as (2:129). In such cases by the Book is meant tanzil (zahir, exoteric) and by wisdom ta'wil (batin, esoteric), as is implied in verse (2:151): "(O the group of Imams!) as We have sent among you a messenger from among you who recites to you Our verses (in spirituality), purifies you and teaches you the Book and the wisdom." [Source: Tawil 187: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ta'wil' (Esoteric Wisdom):
"The day its ta'wil comes, those who were previously forgetful of it will say: "Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord brought the truth (haqq)." (7:53). By the haqq (truth) is meant the walâyat of Ali. Thus, those who had forgotten the ta'wil and the custodian of ta'wil, namely Hazrat Ali, will feel great remorse. (al-haqq = walâyat of Ali, see Sharh, II, 237; Al-Mustadrak (in which is mentioned that the truth is with Ali), III 135)." [Source: Tawil 198: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Marifah' (Recognition of God):
"It is said in a Hadith: "Recognize Allah by Allah" (Lughât, Ayn, p. 82; Ahadith-i Mathnawi, pp. 2, 106). That is, the recognition of God is possible in the illumination of His light and His light is the holy Prophet and the Imam of the time." [Source: Tawil 835: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Law lâka' (If it were not for you):
"It is said in a Hadith-i qudsi: "If it were not for you (O Muhammad), I would not have created the heavens (i.e., universe)." Thus a Prophet so beloved of God has said to Mawlâ Ali: "You are from me and I am from you." [Source: Tawil 788: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of words 'An Aliyy' (Narrated by Ali):
"Mawlâ Ali reports that the holy prophet said: "I am the house of wisdom and 'Ali is its door. (Tirmidhi, V, 637).
Question: Which wisdom is mentioned in this Hadith?
Answer: The wisdom of the Qur'ân, the Hadith and spirituality, whose house is the Prophet and whose door, the Ali of the time." [Source: Tawil 629: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of words 'Qâla Rasûl Allâh' (The Messenger of God said):
"The holy Prophet said: "I have left behind among you two weighty things as a rope reaching the earth from heaven, one of them is greater than the other: the Book of Allâh and my itrat (progeny), the people of my house. They will never separate until they will come to me at the pond (of Kawthar)." These two unprecedented and magnificent things, each of which is weightier than the heaven and the earth, or rather the entire universe, are the Qur'ân and its Teacher (the Imam) whom the Prophet appointed as his khalifah or successor. It is they who are the rope of God which is stretched from the heaven to the earth to lift the people of the earth to the heaven (Sharh, X, 481)." [Source: Tawil 669: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Nafs' (Soul):
"Mawlâ Ali has said: "He who recognizes his soul, indeed recognizes his Lord." However, it should be noted that the treasure of recognition does not exist in the ordinary human soul until the Holy Spirit is attained from the True Guide. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is in the Imam of the time and he, in reality, is your own soul. If you have recognized the Imam of the time, then you should know that you have recognized yourself and your Lord." [Source: Tawil 889: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ati'ni' (Obey me):
"It is said in a Hadith-i qudsi: "O My servant! Obey me, I will make you like My Image (mithâl = sûrat-i Rahmân) everliving that you will never die, mighty that you will never be humiliated and rich that you will never be needy." (Arba rasâil Ismâ'iliyyah, p. 15). This is the teaching of the paradise of knowledge and the greatest glad news." [Source: Tawil 77: A Thousand Wisdoms]
Ta'wil of word 'Ali' (Vision of Ali):
"The holy Prophet said: "To look at the face of Ali is worship." (al-Mustadrak, III, 152-153; Sharh, IX, 381; Kawkab, p. 161). Ali's vision is worship because of the fact that he is the speaking Qur'ân, the supreme Name, the mazhar of the Divine light, the mirror which shows God and he is the legatee of the holy Prophet. This is why the true lovers yearn for the sacred vision of the Ali of the time with heart and soul." [Source: Tawil 621: A Thousand Wisdoms]
01. The manifestation of the Imam and his Hujjat
ISMAILI TEXTS AND TRANSLATIONS SERIES, NO. 4
ON THE RECOGNITION OF THE IMAM
Fasl dar Bayan-I Shinakht-I Imam
Syedna Pir Shah Nasir e Khusrow
Translated from Persian by W. IVANOW
(1. The Manifestation of the Imam and his Hujjat).
Firstly I begin to discuss the recognition of the Imam, which is as follows, so that thou mayest to know. (By the name of) Imam is called a man whi at one time may be (directly) know in his own person, and at another time through (the guidance of) his Hujjat. It is possible to recognise him (directly) only on the day of the "Sabbath of the faith." and it has to be known that every "day of the faith" is equal to one thousand years of this world (so that) a week of the Religion lasts seven thousand years. In these seven days the "day of the faith" is only one, not more, and the other six are the "night of the faith." This "day of the Religion" is called Saturday and on this day the Sun of the Faith, the Imam, becomes manifested. This is the reason why it is said: "All the (Divine) commandments will pass, but that about Saturday will remain." [Fol.2]. The other six days are called the "night of the faith," and the reason for this is that at that time the law (shari'at) of the prophets is a veil (hijab) of the Imam just as the night is the veil of the sun in this world. But as there is the moon which takes the place of the sun when it is hidden, so there is Hujjat, who takes the place of the Imam when he is not manifest, in order that his slaves, i.e., the "people of order", could recognise him with (the help of) the light of his "Proof's" teaching.
It is also to be understood that in the six thousand years of the "night of the faith" the Imam also becomes manifest occasionally. But these his manifestations are not ma'nawi, i.e., those in which he appears in his full glory, and the knowledge of him, in his real essence, cannot be attained. Just as on the contrary in the millennium of Saturday he can be recognised with his real nature because on that day his manifestation is complete.[1]
Therefore in these six thousand years he cannot be recognised. So the [Fol. 2v] great Ra'is says (in his poetry):
Do not associate it with any (ordinary) person,
Because for the believer who is passing through the Resurrection (qiyamat) it
is immaterial whether he is absent or present.[2]
[1] The terms shakli, idafi and ma'nawi, in application to the idea of the zuhur are here the same as in the Rawdatu't-taslim. These ideas substantially differ from those of the Fatimid time where the zuhur of the Imam is his appearance to the world in the capacity of the ideal theocratic ruler. It is interesting to note that here the term satr, opposite to zuhur,does not appear at all.
[2] The poetical quotations which appear in this opuscule have, as a rule, suffered so much in transcription by ignorant scribes that the meaning of some passages remains quite obscure. In some of these the prosody is not only badly violated, but ocasionally simply disregarded. Mard-I Qiyamat may also be a poetical expression for the Qa'im (the term which does not appear here). I must confess that the meaning of this bayt is not clear to me.
But it would be absurd (to think) that he will leave the "chosen of the order" (khassan-I tarattub) without the possibility of recogtnising him; for the purpose of their acquiring this knowledge the world was created. If he should leave them so, -which God forbid ! - he would be ungenerous. Therefore inevitably a moon must exist in this night (of faith) which would remain perpetually manifest in its real nature. Any one who will not attain the knowledge during the time when the moon appears in its real essence, how should he acquire (this knowledge) at the time when the sun is manifest in a form which gives no light?
Just as a poet says:-
Of what use will be to-morrow a bodily manifestation (of the Imam)?
In another place the poet says:-
Will not be greater or smaller than what it actually should
02. The necessity of the propaganda (da'wat) in the time when the Imam is hidden
The full (ma'nawi) manifestation (the date of which) is covered withmystery!
And, after this, the door of mercy in the Heaven
[1] Certain expressions in this text have been naively ciphered, either entirely or partly, with the help of the figures substituted for letters according to the abjad system, with zeros being omitted in tens. Thus I-m-a-m is 1+4 (0)+1+4(0). This system is apparently not used in the Fatimid literature which employs a specialscript. The single man to whom Salman revealed his doctrine was certainly the Prophet. The part of the Salman as Jabra'il is probably a new invention of the Safawid times. [2] Ma-bandi may stand for ma-band. In the province of Qa'in and Birjand, from which Nizari was hailed, this is now the usual form of the Imperative with a negation, So it is proved that it is on account of his slaves' errors, negligence and sinfulness that he shuts occasionally the door of mercy and the gate of the knowledge of himself and leaves them to their fate. If thou leave us to ourselves to act, (Then) explain (clearly) what thou wilt have us to do.
03. The fourfold knowledge about the Imam
And again one must know that (the way to) the knowledge of the Imam is fourfold. [Fol.3v.] First, the knowledge of his body. It can be shared even by an animal. Secondly, the knowledge of his name. It can be obtained even by adversaries. Thirdly, the recognition of his Imamat. In this the "people of the order" can participate. Fourth, the knowledge of his (real) nature. It can be posse4ssed by his Hujjat only.
04. The Hujjat's and da'i's knowledge of the Imam
One must also know that the "people of the order," i.e. the da'is and other inferior ranks (hudud) can always trace the person of the Imam by the guidance of two signs of which one is his legitimate nomination of two signs of which one is his legitimate nomination (nass) and the other his descent. But the chosen, i.e. the Hujjat, knows him since pre-eternal times by his miraculous knowledge and by innate disposition. In several past incarnations some da'is have not erred in recognising the Imam's person through being in possessionof the true knowledge. The reason (of their correct recotgnition) was their following that principle. But the other da'is, who were misguided, committed an error, the reason of which was that they took into consideration only the (Imam's) descent. Therefore they gave up Shah Nizar with his (real rights for) Imamat. This was the reason (why it happened in this way).
In the two incarnations, in which he dropped both indications, he first caused to appear his Hujjat and appointed him, and after this [Fol.4] he withdrew his two signs and disappeared, even in his personal form, from amongst the "people of order." Later on the higher degrees of the believers traced the person of the Imam with the help of the indication and guidance of the Hujjat after an examination of the matter. But some people, not strong (in their belief), did not listen to these arguments of the Hujjat or (simply) were incapable of understanding them [1] by the way of following the opinion of the majority.
05. The relations between the Imam and the Hujjat
[1] A short lacuna in the text,
06. The manifestation of the Imam is essential to the existence of the world
Where it not so, the worlds (akwan) could not exist. If some one says that the Creator (mujid) [1] is an impossibility because the opposite of the existence (of anything) is non-existence of the equally possible (mumkinat) thing (i.e., belonging to the same category), and not the non-existence of the One on whom the existence itself depends; nor will be their non-existence the counterpart of the "Indispensably-existent" (wajibu'l-wujud); or if he should say that they exist, but are the cause of the other, - all this is senseless.
Therefore [Fol.5] it is obvious that the Imam must be manifested in both the worlds, one created and corporeal (i.e., material), and the other abstract (amri) [2] and spiritual, as all three kinds of existence are based on (the same) Primal Divine Volition (amr). [1] In the text there is mawjud, i.e., available, existent. This is obviously erroneous in the context.
[2] The term amr, i.e. (Divine) command, or the primal creative volition of the Deity, and what belongs to it. Amri, all deal with those basic principles of creation which precede the visible world.
In the created, material world the posterity (awlad) of everything are always similar (in properties) to their progenitors, so that the son takes the place of the father. The same is true of the spiritual world, and the world of primal realities (amri), with the adversaries who maintain this on the basis of their Shari'at, the "people of order" (ahl-I tarattub) from their doctrine (ta'lim), and the "people of (Divine) unity" (ahl-I wahdat), i.e., the Hujjat, from the Divine assistance (ta'yid).
And then this also should be noted that the manifestation (of the Imam) in all these worlds (akwan) is relative (idafi), not absolute (haqiqi). If it were absolute, it would (have the power to ) rule the world of "possibles" (mamkinat).
The term "relative" (idafi) is applied to something that resembles something else (in certain respects), but is essentially different from it, just as a mirage resembling water, or a reflection in a mirror, and which are different (from what they resemble). The real, or absolute (haqiqi) is called something that is the original reality, as water (resembled by a mirage), or the original object (reflected in a mirror). So Ra'is Hasan says in a poem:-
before the eyes of men, in this world;
In the form of a man thou art and with men thou remainest.
Thou comest amongst men not showing thy real face,
[Fol.5v.] (Because) in thy pure and attributeless essence thou art void of every (form).
Thou grantest them their existence as well as governest them.
And the same Ra'is says in (another) poem:-
And why they became incalculable for the world,
If that every religion, whether it be true or false, bad or good,
Invented its own way (of worship) and calls thee by a different name.
Of all these names and attributes, which appeared,
A garden rose up with young trees of the saying "I was a Hidden Treasure."
Thou art partaking in all these, only from Thee
Comes the existence of all these, inherent in the beings.
But in the eyes of the truth, in Thy real essence Thou art
Really void of all the attributes and all the names.
And Khwaja Nasir says:-
O thou, in whose protection is mankind's safety!
As a person thou art the manifestation of theDivine Light, And in the view of reason thou art the source of the different kinds of creations of the world. Thou comest appearing to the eyes of all creatures, But remainest hidden even from the Universal Reason in thy mysterious power. All three worlds are with thee, and thou hast been with all of them, Both (the material and spiritual) worlds come from thee, but thou art from from all of them.[Fol.6] (Therefore) it is to be understood, that only the manifestation of the Imam in these worlds is their real cause, not anything else.
07. Definition of the degree of the Hujjat
Having explained what is the recognition of the Imam, I will proceed to discuss the recognition of the Hujjat. Know that by this name a person is called whose real essence is the same as that of the Imam, from all eternity. He becomes manifested in this world from the sake of the "people of order" so that by having instructed them in his teaching he should make them recognise the Imam, because the Imam himself is free from (the necessity of) adopting (the teaching) or transmitting it (to anybody). The Hujjat, however, free from (the necessity of) adopting (the teaching) or transmitting it (to anybody). The Hujjat, however, free from (the necessity of) receiving (any body's) instruction, is not free from the duty (of delivering his teaching). And the da'I as well as the three degrees under him are not free (from both duties). The convert (mustajib) is not allowed to teach and needs only to accept the instruction. Therefore it is now clear that the Hujjat has a necessity to deliver his teaching and others need either accept it and transmit or only adopt it. And if he do not appear and teach, the "people of order" will fail in attaining salvation and perfection (in) the next life, and therefore [Fol.gv.] there will be no use in the creation of the world.
08. The logical proofs of the necessity of the Hujjat
There are numereous indications, in logical arguments as well as in tradition, showing that without the help of the Hujjat it is impossible to recognise the Imam.
The logical proof is as follows. In every thing existent its perfect quality cannot pass from the state of potency into action without an impulse from outside. If it could be otherwise, the result necessarily would be that all the (material) bodies, in which the ability of movement is considered as their most perfect state, could come into activity spontaneously, without being compelled by something else, which "stays behind them," i.e., in some of them the vegetable spirit, and in the others the animal or human spirit. If this is the case with the body, which belongs to the world of semblance, in the spirit, which is the archetype (of the body), without (the help of ) the Hujjat no spiritual movement can exist, because it is the progress from the vices towards (moral) perfection and transmitting (the teaching ) to those able (to accept it).
09. The traditional proofs of the necessity of the Hujjat
There are (words) of the Amiru'l-mu'min ( Ali): "Salman is with us (as one) of (our own) family, the sun from the Light of God, a part of us (and) from us. The heart of a true believer is the Light of God, but no believer is as powerful as Salman, although a believer is eternal in the two worlds." Rumi, the revealer of the Truth, says about Khidr and Moses that the latter was learning perfection from the former. And in the beginning when Moses had not received from him a (revealed) instruction, he could not realise the mysterious meaning of Khidr's actions. So Rumi sayd in his Mathnavi: -
The common people will not undestand his mystery.
Even from Moses with all his wisdom and wit It remained hidden.
Thou, o wingless, do not try to fly![1]
Hakim Nizari says (alluding to this story):-
If it had been an easy thing to penetrate to that source (of mystery), How could Moses turn back from Khidr in confusion?
The Paradise of Adam, the Ark of Noah, the vision [Fol. 8] of Abraham, Jesus and Mary, the mount Sinai of Moses, Gabriel of Mustafa - all these are (forms of ) the Hujjat. All the orthodox believe in this (tradition), but they do not know about its interpretaion (ta'wil).
Just as Amir Sayyid Ali-I Wa'iz (Kashifi), one of the orthodox, ina poem composed in praise of Ali says that once (the Prophet) was sitting and Jabra'il was by his side. At this time the Amiru'l-mu'minin ( Ali) entered the house and Gabriel paid respect to him. The Prophet asked: "Why hast thou such veneration for my little boy?" To this Gabriel replied: "He, was my teacher in the beginning of my existence." Then the Prophet asked: "How much time passed since thy creation?" Gabriel replied:-
I know a star, an ornament of the Divine Throne,
It is a star which only once in every thirty thousand years
Rises over the greatest and the highest Throne (of God)
Since the time when I came into existence by His might,
That star thirty thousand times appeared to me."
It is also said that although Gabriel has the form of a bird, as the other angels, on that day, however, he appeared [fol. 8v.] to the Prophet in the form of a man, and as a man was sitting by the side of Mustafa. In fact the Imam, who is the "origin" (asl), and Gabriel, who follows him, as well as Mustafa, who follows Gabriel, all of them always have the appearance of a man; and later, when Mustafa accepted the teaching of the Hujjat, their real essence became (also) one. Not only can Mustafa, the "strong one" (qawi) amongst the "people of order," join them, but the other degrees which are inferior to him can become joined with them as soon as they receive the same knowledge. Amidst the traditions current amongst the orthodox there is one in which it is related that somebody asked A'isha if it is true that the Prophet says that on a certain night he went to heaven and saw those things (of which he told). A'isha said in reply: "I saw only that he went out from the house and came back so soon that water was still flowing from the jug which he struck with the skirt of his cloak when going out. And I do not know anything as regards what he says that Gabriel brings messages to him. I know only that occasionally the barefooted Salman comes and tells something secretly, and [Fol. 9v.] after a short time the Prophet begins to say that Gabriel descended and told him from the mouth of God this or that."
In short, all the tradition of the orthodox gives evidence that Gabriel is (in reality) Salman, but they cannot understand this. And what the "people of Truth" say is as well absolute evidence that the Imam has said: "Salman is from me and I am from Salman." In another place he said: "Salman is one of the gates of Paradise," because the door of Paradise is a man, and therefore the whole place of it must be a man. In another place he says: "Salman is the door of Paradise," but (he does) not (say): "soul of Paradise." In some other place he says: "I am with my friends everywhere they would seek for me, in the hills, on the plain, in the desert," etc. And everybody to whom he revealed his essence, i.e., the knowledge of him, is not in need of being physically connected with the Imam. This is the Great Resurrection.[1] In another place he says: "Be obedient to me, and I will make thee like myself," i.e., [Fol. 9v.] "obey me and thou wilt be similar to myself as Salman." Ra'is Hasan says:-
(It can be said) by a hundred thousand mouths there is none similar to and of the same origin as thee. (About) his position which is so close to God as that of the "two bows' length,"
Wisdom tells in Kenoma (Emptiness) and Pleroma (Fulness), i.e. the whole of the Universe. And the same author in another place says:-
Is the "door" (to the knowledge) of Ali.
Let us begin (this poem) with mention of his name.
He prostrated himself in veneration of the face of God for the reason that we would do prostration for the worship of the face of God.
Hakim Nizari says:-
In which thou hast unveiled the hidden mystery,
If thou hast manifested in secret,
It is because thou hast caused the trumpets
(of the Resurrection) to be blown by thy Hujjat.
The same poet in these munajat says:-
Who made ready the way to thy teaching (da'wat).
Hakim Thana'I says in a poem (composed in praise of ) Iskandar regarding the circumstances of his joining the teaching of the Hujjat: [Fol. 10]. The true belief became glorious in the world in my eyes because it was told me That the exalted guide (to it) is he, the "gate of Mawla-na." Khwaja Nasir says[1]:-
kill all those who are still living in posession of knowledge.
And when He in His own person will blow the trumpet of
the Resurrection,
[1] This may be Nasiru'd-din Tusi whose poetry is apparently not preserved.
In another poem it is said:-
He has no eye which can see, he is the most blind of all the blind.
Khwaja Qasim from Tushtar[1] says:-
Who is himself the incomparable name of One God.
That man is the Hujjat and the "incomparable name," which is the name of the Imam, is the Hujjat as well, because (only) he is the Imam's real name and only from him is it possible to acquire a knowledge of the Imam, and not from those fictitious names. The teaching, concealed in the majority of the books and poems current amongst this community, is that the "door of mercy" and the "gate of knowledge" of the Imam is the Hujjat, leading to the prson and the name of the Imam, and (as in ordinary life) whoever comes through the door enters the house, and who does not do so cannot come into it. The nature and the real essence of both [Fol. 10v] are the same. This doctrine was explained several times. And if it were not so and they both were not the same, in such a case one of them would be God, and the other a creature. But God cannot be recognised from the creature. This is the difference in the teaching of this community and of intuitive systems.[1] The doctrines of the orthodox say the same, although they cannot understand these implications.
O, my guide and leader, with thy assistance I have found the Truth.
And it is said:-
But they are not distinct from God.
(And another verse):-
Thy first object of worship must be the pir.
10. The reason why the Imam and his Hujjat are the same in their essence but separate in their bodily appearance
11. The Hujjat's miraculous knowledge
Now it is necessary to know what is the sign of his miracle and why he is manifested in the world (akwan) of the Truth (only). The first reason is as follows. I begin to explain the sign of his miracle. [Fol. 11v] The Hujjat necessarily must posess a sign or a miracle which could not be performed as well by any created or spiritual being. The miracles (in general) are usually of two kinds. One is that performed by the action of physical power and the other by (miraculous) knowledge and argument. Each of these kinds can be imitated, i.e. (an action may be done which is) similar to it but is not the same in reality.
The miracle which depends on an action of the physical power is called that which happens in the material world, while the miracle of knowledge and persuasion appears in the mental sphere. In all beings action and power belong to their material side which they as well as the Hujjat possess. There could be no greater power than if a man were to subdue to himself the whole world and slay all mankind. And he may abide in such condition (of greatness), but a lion or a snake may kill him although nobody can say that a lion or a snake is better than that man, they being only animals. And as (a physical miracle) can come from an animal, (it can happen also from other categories of the material world), as from a plant in (the power ) of producing fruits, from minerals in affecting senses, from fire, wind, water, earth (in short) no wonderful and strange peculiarity of the material qualities or action can be possessed by any single individual object in the world which cannot [Fol. 12] be shared by others.
The imitation of the miracle of knowledge can also be shared by many (living beings). Such are sorcery, incantation, the miracles of the saints, astrologers, fortune-tellers, "comb-seers,"[1] and so forth, who (also) reveal the secrets of the created world. Therefore it is clear that the miracle inimitable and the sign the like of which nobody can produce is the Hujjat's true knowledge which he possesses for the negation of the un-truth and the establishment of the Truth, which is (the teaching about) the Imam. And no one who is reasonable and just can deny it. This is the miracle which nobody else can perform and this wonderful power belongs only to the Hujjat. There are also many indications proving that the knowledge of the Hujjat is the "word of the Truth," and that his miracle is the same, not a physical action. These indications can be found in the teachings of the orthodox, which is the "commandment to the common," as well as in the "secret wisdom," or the teaching of the Truth, which is the "commandment to the chosen." There are many verses of the Quran in the "open" (zahir) teachings of the orthodox (proving this statement). One of them says: "On the prophet depends only preaching" (V, 99), which means that it is possible to demand from the prophet, i.e., Gabriel, only this delivery of his message, which is instruction in the explanation of the doctrine about the unity of the True Lord (Khudawand-i Haqq), and nothing more.
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[1] This is obviously a variety of divination, but I never heard of it in Persia.
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There is also a tradition of the Prophet saying: "We made prohibited to . . . but the right is reverted [Fol. 12v.] . . .
[1] their food and drink until they know their Creator and Lord." It means that to those who have not acquired the
knowledge (of the Imam) even the things are prohibited which are allowed by the shar'at, but to the "knower" (shinasanda) even that which is prohibited by the orthodox doctrines is permitted, as (drinking) wine, etc. But this "knower" is only one, or those who are with him as regards the teaching.[2]
The proofs from the secret doctrines of the Truth are the utterances of the Hujjats and da'is. First the saying of the Great ra'is:- The wine which thou drinkest in this world by any body's order,[3] Consider it in its degree as the "pure drink" of the Quran (LXXVI, 21). If one drinks it by the order of the "man of the Truth" and gives it to others, it may be lawful. Therefore how can it be prohibited! Hakim Nizari says:-
Then know clearly that gold and property are unlawful to thee.
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[1] Two short lacunas in the text.
[2] The theory that such a "knowing" person (Sufic arif, or as here, shinasanda) may be absolved from the drudgery of going through the prescribed forms of worship, was always very popular in highly devout circles, and, as is well-known, was the basis of the sweeping accusations against the Ismailis. It appears fully developed already before the rise of the Fatimids, as in the Kitabu'l-Mahsul by an anonymous author, was attacked by Abu Hatim ar-Razi, defended by Abu Ya'qub as-Sijistani in his Kitabu'n-Nusra, and finally ruled out by Sayyid-na Hamidu'd-din al-Kirmani in his Kitabu'r-Riyad, as inconsistent with the official Ismaili doctrine (qanun). It is, therefore, interesting to note that, probably under the Sufic influence, it has been revived at such a late period.
[3] Here the expression Kasi, some one, may mean the Hujjat, and the strange word used to refer to him perhaps depends on the context which is not quoted here.
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Now, if it is impossible to see his actions in their real implications (and) he cannot be recognised without (the evidence of) a miracle and sign, then what can be an indication of him except his words? In the majority of books it is stated in this way: the muhiqq, "revealer of the Truth," i.e. the "word of the Truth," must be recognised by a "miracle of knowledge." In some other places [Fol. 13] it is said that it is necessary to hear from the "revealer," i.e., the Hujjat the "True Word" which is the "word of Truth," which is the Imam.
After this it is necessary to accept his Hujjat. And the purpose of listening to this "word" is to learn its meaning, which is the negation of the false affirmation of the (truth of the ) Imam. In the same way in the shari'at the truth of the formula "There is no deity except Allah," has to be heard from the revealer of the orthodox doctrines, i.e., Muhammad. The meaning of these two formulas of the "evidence" (shahadat), of which one is in the shari'at and the othet haqiqat, is refutaion of the falsehood and affirmation of the Truth.
But in this religion nobody can be recognised as a true believer until he proves by (proper) arguments and indications (his) negation of the falsehood and acknowledgement of the Truth, i.e., the Imam. Nobody will consider him a true believer from the mere fact of his having pronounced the formula (of the confession) although in the shari'at it is so. And so "the word of the Truth" cannot be taken as the evidence except on that single occasion.
12. The reason why the Hujjat can be manifested in the "Truth" only
Now, when the miracle and sign of the Hujjat, which are "the word of Truth,"are explained, one must know why he becomes manifested in the haqiqat (the eternal Truth) only and why, as every body says, his actions point out to the fact that he absolutely does not observe the prescriptions of the shari'at. The reason is that in the beginning of every millennial period, when all the institutions governing that period are formed [Fol. 13v.], there are, besides the Hujjat, only three persons (taking part in the establishing of the doctrine), not more. They are the prophet, the Imam and the orthodox ruler. The prophet has to appear in the two aspects, kawn, of the religion, because he does not possess the position of the Hujjat. The Imam must be manifested in the three worlds (kawn) and the ruler of the orthodox only in the shari'at.
Therefore if the Hujjat should obey the orthodox laws, doubts as to his preaching (da'wat) of the Truth would arise amongst his followers. And if he should like to be manifested in the orthodox world (as well as amongst the
believers of the Truth) he would be a sinner, perhaps worse than a sinner. This is why in the beginning of the period of Muhammad in which we are living, the Hujjat was Salman, who by no means followed the prescriptions of the shari'at, but intentionally and in the presence of every body was doing unlawful things.
This is why all the adversaries blamed him. But the Hadrat-i Amir ( Ali) observed the commandments of the shari'at and after the death of the Prophet took the oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr, although he did not allow Salman to do this. When Umar, having grasped the collar of Ali, was dragging him to swear allegiance, some one of the adversaries came forth and, turning to Salman, said: "How comes it that the person about whom thou tellest all these (stories) and to whom thou ascribest such extraordinary qualities, is now dragged in such humility to take an oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr?" Salman in reply said: "If he liked [Fol. 14] he could make this that, and that this," pointing at the same time to the earth and the sky. But the Amir, having looked upon him angrily, said: "One must not say everything he knows." But when ( Umar)grasped the collar of Salman and dragged him with all the Persians[1] to take the oath, the Amir came, freed him from the hands of Umar, and did not permit this.
The secret why he himself swore was that in the time of Mustafa his religion (shari'at) had not yer reached everywhere and ( Ali) wished that it should spread so that the "completer"[2] should not remain in the same condition as the adversaries, this he thought to be the most important. The plain religion (shari'at) could not be complete, however, unless he were himself to follow that "completer" (because otherwise) the adversaries would not follow him (the "completer"). But as was already explained, the adversaries have to exist, because, if, being wrong, they should not exist, nobody would know about their real position. Therefore the "people of order" would remain without their goal (madar) and merit and would cease to seek for the (true) knowledge. If therefore it is clear that the adversaries have to exist as well, then without shari'at which prevents them from their depravity and cruelty, they would not leave a single man alive [Fol. 14v.], the world would be devastated and there would be no advantage for the "people of degrees."
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[1] It is worth while noting this legendary development. Indirectly it corroborates the theory of the Persians, not Badakshani, origin of the work, because, for the author, the Persians were all shi'ites. Note also that the author uses the term Farsiyan. This, of course, may be merely an extension of the surname of Salman, but it is not entirely impossible that for the author the Persians were chiefly the people of Fars because he himself belonged to that province.
[2] The expression tamam-kunanda is quite enigmatic. This obviously has nothing to do with the ancient Ismaili term Mutimm, in the sense of the Imam, i.e., the persons who brings to completion the mission of the Prophet. Here, most probably, it means the Khatimu'l-anbiya', i.e., the Prophet himself.
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So Sayyid (Nasir-i Khusraw) says:-
Whom a clever man calls the "devilish people."
They are Satan in their deeds although in the shape of men,
Being a hundred degrees lower than a horse, cow or ass.
Their hearts are not awake because they have not soul,
They have nothing to do except to criticise the chosen.
Yes, they exist, this handful of the perverse,
They are the cause of the humility of the world.[1]
This is why the adversaries are (usually) compared to an obstinate mule and the
shari'at to a chain and rope. As an obstinate animal is led along the road with
the help of the rope and chain, so the adversaries can be led by the (proper)
way with the help of the shari'at.
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[1] This is from the Rawshana'i-nama by Nasir-i Khusraw, cf. H. Ethe's edition in the ZDMG, Vol. 34 (1880), pp. 453-454. The passage refers to the uncivilised and morally low people in general.
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So it is clear that the shari'at is conductive also to the (common) benefit and therefore undoubtedly the Imam must manifest himself in it as well. In a portionof a book[1] it is said that Malik (i.e. Devil) and Ridwan, the symbols of Hell and Paradise, are self-existent. No, this is wront. They both exist by him (the Imam), i.e., by his manifestation in the esssence of each. [2] As Ridwan is paradise and in his hands are the ways of mercy, so Malik is Hell and he has in his hands the ways of punishment. As, for this reason, the people make Ridwan [Fol. 15] (in their belief) to take upon himself the protection of the good, which is (simply the idea of the) kindness of men, so Malik only for the reason of his wickedness, which (in fact) is the wickedness of men, is believed to protect the wicked. As Paradise is better for the good, so Hell is worse for the bad. It is therefore clear that even the falsehood cannot have an illusory existence by itself. There are always two principles, [3] Paradise and Hell. The first is destined for those who deserve it, and the second for the wicked. For the first the teaching of the chosen is commanded, and for the second the teaching of the common people. But he (the Imam) acts in accordance with the principles of both in order that they may exist, although he did not command one of them to follow the teaching of the other, because their followers may fall in doubt and abandon their religion, leaving therefore the exoteric and the esoteric persuasions without their purity. So it is proved undoubtedly that the Hujjat necessarily must abandon following the teaching of the shari'at.
[1] It is a strange expression: dar qit'a'i fasli, literally "in a fragment of a pamphlet." Perhaps here qit'a is used in the technical sense of a special variety of poem?
[2] This does not mean, of course, that the Imam should manifest himself in Hell, or realm of evil. The author obviously means that the Imam should also be connected with the people of plain religion who, as sinners, are bound to go to hell.
[3] The author uses the term shakhs, person, in a strange sense, just as mushakhkhas. He apparently wants to emphasise individuality, independent existence.
13. Definition of the classes of the believers
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[1] Here obviously the author, or, mor probably, later scribes, have altered the order of words at the beginning, which should have been "weak" first, and "strong" last, as otherwise there is no sense in the passage.
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Those called "the weak" (strong?) are the people who resign themselves entirely in accepting the teaching, instruction and interpretation (of religion). They must live in accordance with the spiritual ( aqli) prescriptions of the shari'at. The strong are the da'is, senior ma'dhuns, the teachers, junior ma'dhuns, and the weak are the mustajibs. Whichever he may be, strong or weak, a believer cannot attain to the Divine guidance (ta'yid) until he acquires the degree of the Hujjat in the acknowledgement of the Imamat.[1]
What are the spiritual ( aqli) prescriptions of the shari'at? Will not the prohibition of eating grapes and drinking wine, etc., be removed? Yes, the ritual prescriptions, as reciting the formulas of the profession of the religion, ablutions, fasting, prayers, paying the tithe, pilgrimage and religious war, may be cancelled if the believer is acting in accordance with the interpretation (ta'wil) of these commandments, but only when there is no necessity for the taqiyya.
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[1] This obviously does not mean that anyone can become a Hujjat, but simply would acquire the knowledge of the Hujjat's wisdom, by accepting his teaching.
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14. The question of the Tithe
It is to be understood also that the religion of this community is the true teaching of the Lord (Mawla-na) and his Hujjat, and therefore the (material) value of the Truth which they both know (must be) everything (one possesses), not only the one-tenth (of the income) prescribed by the shari'at. This one-tenth is the price of the shari'at which is not worth more. Therefore in these times of the "night of the Faith" the Truth can be obtained only by those of the "people of order" who will sacrifice every thing they possess for the sake of Truth.
But whoever will keep for himself even a trifle, shall not acquire the Truth because he will not obtain the consent of the Hujjat and his wisdom and knowledge, and none of those who do not [Fol. 16] possess these will acquire salvation.
A poet says:-
thou art not the man of the "way."
Khwaja Nasir says [1]:-
he will Kill all who are (still) living in possession of the knowledge.
But when he (the Imam) shall blow the trumpet of Resurrection in his own essence,
He will make alive all who died in ignorance.
to those who will be alive by the sound of his teaching,
He will give a place on the throne of his eternal kingdom.
But those who remain dead on the day of His mission
He will burn in the fire of the eternal non-existence.
The sign of life in Him in this world is this:
That man should free his heart from whatever is not He.
The sign of death in Him is opposite to this,
And he will destroy that man's place to dust.
If He breathe to thee, both worlds will come into thy possession,
But if not, He will take from thee even thy essence.
Therefore if any one will keep for himself from the "price of Truth (i.e.
Hujjat)" anything, however small it may be, he will not attain the true teaching.
Failing in this, he will fail in every thing, because all the things are in Him and
without Him nothing. And if he will hand to Him all he possesses, keeping
nothing for himself, he will become a king and lord of both worlds.
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[1] See also above, fol. 10, where the same poem is quoted, and even the first two bayts repeated.
15. The adversaries
After having given the definition of the "people of order," I shall proceed to the description of the adversaries. hey are divided into two classes: the unbelievers and the hypocrites (dissemblers).
The hypocrites [Fol. 16v.] are worse than unbelievers, because the last-mentioned are called the men who preserve the same attitude in the presence as well as the absence (of the believers), and do not make an appearance of accepting the instruction of the teacher of this community, denying it, however, in secret.
The believers thus may keep themselves safe from their intrigues, being warned by the statements which they (the unbelievers) make in the presence of the instructor. They will not fail in practicing all sort of hostile actions in their power, but at the same time they will not keep their real intentions secret so that the believers can take their precautions. A poet says:-
In another poem it is said:-
In another place it is said:-
Another verse:-
Be either quite hard as a stone or as absolutely soft as wax.
This is the exposition of the (real) properties of the Imam, the "people of unity," the "people of order" and the adversaries, explained in a language understood by everybody in order that the common people may more easily learn about it and not remain without their share in its benefit.
A dog which is trained, becomes alert and swift,
And when it acquires a (mystic) knowledge,
shares the company of the Seven Ephesians.
The dog that is trained, abandons mischief
And chases in the groves only lawful game.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Life and Works of Dr. Professor Allamah Nasiruddin Hunzai
Respected Allamah Sahib, despite your ill health and physical difficulty you spared these precious moments for us. Our souls were also restless to meet you again and spend time in your warm companionship. It will not be an exaggeration if I may say that in the mirror of the stories of our Holy Prophets are reflected the most profound attributes of our esteemed Ustaaz and why not if a man is created in the image of God then it should not be surprising to see the legacy of our Holy Prophets revived in a successful Momin. Thus in the path of spirituality we find in you the Tajadud-i Amsal of Hazrat Ismail’s great sacrifice, Hazrat Haqub’s model of weeping for didar of his luminous son, the beauty of Hazrat Yusuf’s astral body and wisdom. Hazarat Musa’s journey to the mount of spiritual and intellectual resurrection, Hazrat Dawud’s world of particles, Hazrat Israfil’s musical instrument, Hazrat Suleman’s spiritual kingdom, Hazrat Ayyub’s lesson of patience and Hazrat Isa’s miracle of rejuvenating the dead person in faith are all alive and refreshed in your illuminated personal world. As it is said:
Digaran ham bikunand anchih Masiha mikard
If the grace of Holy Spirit ever helps again
Others will also perform the same (mirales) that Jesus used to perform
To list all the accomplishments of Allamah Sahib, one would but need volumes still then it will not suffice. The scope of work that Allamah Sahib has been able to accomplish in his lifetime is evident by the fact that one of his student i.e. Senior training officer, LG Rubina Barolia ( who is al-hamdu lillah accompanying Allamah Sahib during this visit to UK and USA) is pursuing a doctorate degree on Life and works of Dr. Professor Allamah Nasiruddin Hunzai. Nonetheless, it is realized that we have done no justice in recognizing his contributions. However today when we are gathered here to celebrate the Yom-I Tasis of respected Allamah Sahib, I feel fortunate to have availed this opportunity to highlight some of Sahib’s most significant contribution in diverse fields serving the Ismaili world and the humanity at large.
Dr. Professor Allamah Nasiruddin Hunzai is a distinguished scholar, poet and researcher from the NA of Pakistan. His literary and scholarly services span 68 years. Dr. Allamah Nasiruddin Hunzai was born on 15th May, 1917 A.D. in the village of Haydarabad, Hunza, His interest in religion was from a very early age.. In his youth he went to the government primary school, Baltit, for ten months, during which he studied the third and fourth classes and then he could not continue. Despite the adverse conditions he continued to acquire knowledge through self-study rather than formal training. In 1939 he was recruited in the Gilgit Scouts during which time he experienced a whole world of learning. At age 22 he joined the army for the period of 7 years. According to Allamah Sahib the greatest and the most useful riyaddat is one, which God Himself imposes on His servant because it’s during and after the God-imposed riyadat that the chain of spiritual knowledge and wisdom continues. Allamah Sahib states that It was the blessing of this extremely arduous riyaday which was imposed on me during my stay in China that I was able to see the wonders and marvels of knowledge and recognition. After the spiritual revolution in China Allamah Sahib commenced his research in three fields
1. Qur’anic knowledge and wisdom
Service in the field of Qur’anic Knowledge and wisdom: Allamah Sahib throughout his entire life has made a profound attempt to draw the attention of the humanity to the treasures of Qur’anic Wisdom and spirituality. According to AllamahBuzurgwar Qur’an is an unfathomable ocean full of pearls of knowledge and wisdom. It was in 1957 that Sahib wrote his first book. He states that I was convinced that I had been given a great trust of the recognition of self and it became necessary for me to transfer it from the heart to the book. Allamah Sahib’s most important contributions to the world of religion and spirituality, are such revolutionary subjects as science and religion, soul and matter, spatial and non-spatial words, flying saucers, subtle body, spirituals science and spiritual health on which he has written extensively. To date he has written around a hundred books of which 60 have been translated into English and several others into French, Swedish, Persian, Turkish, and Gujarati languages. His translated works are taught in educational institutions of the western countries for instance Dr. Boustan Hirji, has used “Qur’anic Healing” successfully in the clinical pastoral education at the Washington Hospital Center, U.S.A. When a reader studies Allamah Sahb’s works minutely, he finds “discoveries of knowledge” on every page of these books. It is because of this, when the name of this dignitary, is mentioned or read, instantly the feelings of reverence arise in our hearts. His works illumine heart and soul and every stratum of society benefits from them. The depth and appeal of his writings indicate that they are not based merely on traditional and acquired knowledge, but they are divinely inspired. Allamah Hunzai’s influential personality is a beacon of knowledge and action for the present and future generations. In 1994 the local government of the Northern Areas conferred upon Allamah Sahib the title of “Hakimu’l-Q alam (Sage of the Pen)”. He has also received the title of “Lisanu’l-Qawm (Spokesman of the Nation)”
Devotional Literature: As we all know that the sacred tradtion of Ginans or manqabat enriches our families with the luminous wealth of the soul of faith (ruhu’l Iman). It keeps us alive and unwavering in religious spirit and most importantly it is through manqbat that the soul of Ishq-i Imam is breathed in us. Thus this sacred tradition undoubtedly is the fountainhead of all religious powers from which the soul of mu’mins always attain nourishment, strength and light. Allamah Sahib has worked tremendously hard to enhance and preserve this tradition, this is evident by the fact that Allamah Buzurgwaar has compiled the first Diwan (collection of poems) in Burushaski language. Sahib has also composed poetry in Urdu, Persian and Chinese Turkish. In 1961 Sarkar Mowlana Hazir Imam sent a Talika to Allamah Sahib in which he blessed Sahib for his devoted services and graciously shown his happiness at the completion of Ginan Book in Hunza language. Recently respected institute of Ismaili Studies published an anthology of Ismaili poetry titled “Shimmering Lights” in which they have included 5 poetry of Allamah Sahib due to its superb beauties.
Allamah Sahib’s poems are based on the teachings of the esoteric aspects of the Ismaili faith,they are full of the pure essence of spirituality, wisdom and the praise & glorification of the Imam of the time. Al hamdu lillah! This poetry plays a significant role in the ethical and spiritual upbringing of the community.
From Nasir’s poetry, I smell the fragrance of the flowers of his love,
O lovers, come! Here are the flowers of spiritual nutrition.
Allamah Sahib has preserved the Burushaski language; it’s grammar, vocabulary, history and traditions from becoming extinct. The services, which Sahib has rendered for the Burushaski language, are not confined to regional and national levels, but also in the form of co-operation with foreign universities. He is co-author of “Hunza Proverbs” published by department of philology, University of Montreal with Prof. E. Tiffou and also co-author of Burushaski-German dictionary, published by Prof. Herman Berger from Heidelberg University. According to Allamah Sahib there were immense difficulties in the path of Burushaski poetry. The impressions of some local people about it were not favorable. They used to say that “it is entirely a language of bickering”. The reason for this was that certain vulgar words had dominated its countless beauties as if a dragon was sitting on the treasure of precious pearls. Thus Allamah Sahib has not only preserved the language with its ancient features and characteristics, but has also given it new life by introducing for the first time religious literature in the language both in prose and poetry. It is Allamah Sahib’s wish that inshallah one day qualified scholars from Hunaz, Nagar and Yasin, will complete a common dictionary and grammar via mutual cooperation. In recognition of Allamah Sahib’s services, for the Burushaski language he has received the title of “Baba-I Burushaski (Father of Burushaski)”.
Allamah Sahib, despite his advanced age, has also traveled widely and has borne countless difficulties in order to spread his mission of knowledge and has left no stone unturned in the path to continue the flow of his creative ideas between the East and the West. In this regard Allamah Sahib has established three organizations: DKH, IA and BRA, for the promotion of knowledge and letters. DKH was established in early 1960’s with the object of promoting Qur’ani wisdom and spirituality. The institute also seeks to promote research on the works of Dr. Professor Allamah Hunzai. At present by the grace of Allah there are many office bearers and scholars spread world wide who work together in the spirit of brotherhood According to Allamah Sahib it is true; that had the present zeal of devotion not been there in translation and other matters, the circle of our service would have been very limited, in saying this he was referring to the extraordinary service of English translations performed by Dr. Faquir Muhammad Hunzai, his colleagues and other translators.
For Allamah Sahib’s his fundamental contribution to the field of Spiritual Science with the intention to help and cure the ailing humanity and bring peace and harmony, he has been recognized by the Senior University of USA and Canada in the form of an honorary Doctorate degree. Further more; in a recently held One day Spiritual Science conference in Islamabad, SUI formally announced the establishment of The institute for the study of spiritual science and appointed Dr. Professor Hunzai as its Foundation Dean and honorable Dr. Faquir Sahib as the Associate Dean. This One Day Spiritual Science Conference held in Islamabad received tremendous success as it was attended by many dignitaries and various government officials such as presiding person for the conference was Lt Gen (Rtd) Moinuddin Haider (Interior Minister) and Chief Guest was Mr. Javed Jabbar, the advisor to the Chief Executive on Natl. Affairs, Information and Media Development. They both lauded the services of Dr. Nasiruddin Hunzai and said his work deserved State recognition at the highest level. Allamah Sahib’s unique approach to Spiritual Science is also drawing the attention on National and International electronic media. In this connection an in depth interview on Pakistan Television (PTV Islamabad) of Dr. Professor Hunzai and Shahnaz Hunzai was aired on May 30th, 2000. And Al-hamdulillah today on July 30th exactly two months later, on this auspicious day of the celebration of Yom-I Tasis we watched yet another TV interview of respected Sahib & Gohar Afshan Shahnaz, this time aired from a US Television – Houston. In addition, Scholar Shahnaz during her recent visit to USA, did several radio programs in various cities such as Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Vancouver Canada on this revolutionary subject of Spiritual Science and we had the opportunity to listen to one this am at 1180am.
In short, Ustaaz-i Buzurgwaar, through his powerful pen and profound speech, which are full of higher realities and recognition, has influenced a vast universe of countless personalities and has left deep impressions on the minds of many intellectuals.
Ustaaz-i Aali’s circle of comprehensive service which he render for the promotion of knowledge, encompasses the levels of Islam, country, and humanity at large. Despite this eminence in knowledge his adherence to the principle of true darwishi is commendable. He shines like a bright star in the firmament of knowledge. He is the fragrant flower of the rose garden of spirituality from whom exudes the fragrance of ma’rifat.
Dear Allamah Sahib for awakening in us a deep yearning for knowledge and to kindle the spark of sincere ambition to acquire knowledge. For all this and much more that we cannot express on paper we remain eternally grateful to you from the depth of our hearts and would like to offer you a standing ovation.
Part 7: Why is the word "Shah" used for Noor Mowlana Hazar Imam?
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