nadeemrezavi

‘Arīza: A Petition to the Hidden Imām

May 1, 2018April 9, 2020 nadeemrezavi

A unique ritual widely prevalent amongst the Twelver Shi’i on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Twelfth Imam is that of “Arīza“. The term ‘arīza literally means a petition of a person to someone higher in status.

The concept is that as al-Mahdi, the twelfth and the final Imam of the Prophet’s Household is alive but hidden and taking care of us and the world, we write to him our petitions pleading our case. He, like any other ruler, receives them through the agency of any one of his deputies, four of whom are known.

Imam Muhammad b. al-Hasan al-Askari was born in Samarra in AD 868 and until 872 when his father was martyred, lived under his father’s care and tutelage. He was hidden from public view and only a few of the elite among the Shi’ah were able to meet him. In AD 873 he was hidden and went into Occultation.

During the period of Minor Occultation, he was in contact of certain people and had four Nawwabein, deputies, through whom he worked. They were:

1) Uthmān ibn Sa’īd Umarī, 2) his son Muhammad ibn Uthmān Umarī,

3) ‘Abul Qāsim Husain ibn Rūh Nawbakhti, and

4) Ali ibn Muhammad Simmāri.

After 80 years of the Minor Occultation, the Major Occultation started during which the Imam interacts only with whom he wants!

During this period of major occultation he is represented only through his naibs, the marja‘ (the Jurisconsults) and the people communicate with him through the ‘Arīza or the petitions which they send to him. If one looks at these formalised petitions which have a set format with space to add your own seeking, we find that they mention the names of the above named ‘agents’ or deputies who are still supposed to present them before the Imam.

A typical arįza is as follows:

Translation of Dua-e-Ariza

I have written to you O my master, may His mercy and blessing be on you, seeking a favour from you.

I have complained to you for what has happened to me seeking solutions firstly from Allah and then from you for a matter that has obsessed me.

I am helpless in combating the problem and for that I have resorted to seeking help from Allah and from you. Knowing the status you have with Allah.

I am confident that you will help me get the solutions to my problems swiftly and that you will intercede on my behalf. I am helpless and moreover I am sinful:

so help O master and present this problem to Allah and I pray to Him that He will solve this quickly and grant me victory and success in finding the solution to my problems.

(Write your personal wishes and problems in the provided space)

I am not able to carry or bear with it. Although I am responsible for the increase of my sins and ignorant about my responsibilities (Wajibaats), from Allah which are given to me.

So help me O my master. Peace be upon you during this time of problems and sorrow.

presents my prayers to Allah before I compensate and before my enemies engulfs me. For you have shown me your blessings.

So I pray to Allah for great salvation and near victory with calmness from all fears,

for Allah is most high and does what he wants. Allah is sufficient for me from beginning and in my hopes.

Whatever Allah wish there is neither strength nor any power except in Allah the High, the Great.

*When dropping the Ariza in the sea/ river/ well, the following is normally recited, addressing Husayn bin Rawh, the 3rd Na’ib of the 12th Imam:

“O Husayn bin Rawh, Salamun Alykum.

I bear witness that you died in the path of Allah and (hence), you are alive and are sustained by Allah. am addressing you in your life which you lead with Allah – this is my note and wishes to the master of the Era, the 12th Imam (AS), so please hand it over to him for you are indeed trustworthy”.

After the ‘Arīza has been written out, especially on the night of Shab-i Barā’at, these paper petitions are folded and placed within a ball of dough. With particular recitation of prayers, these dough balls containing the ‘arīza are then tossed into either blind wells or flowing waters, say a river or a barrage early at the dawn of 15 Shābān. It’s a real scene to be witnessed with people standing on the dark banks of rivers with trays full of ‘Arīza and flickering candles. Trays with halwa covered with well decorated cover cloths are also carried and distributed at the end. Special prayers followed by obligatory morning prayers are offered and people offer greetings and hug each other to celebrate the joyous occasion. Sometimes a mahfil is also held by the river banks in which poets recite their chosen verses, and an orator finally delivers a celebratory speech. In places like Lucknow boats are decorated with festoons and lights and people board them to drop their arīzas in Gomti. The end is marked by igniting crackers….

THE CONCEPT OF MAHDI IN TWELVER SHIʿISM

May 1, 2018 nadeemrezavi

هوى كعبے مىن اذان صبه كا تارا چمكا

بارهوین برج امامت كا ستارا چمكا !

Hūwi Ka’be mēiñ azān subah ka tāra chamka

Bārahweñ burj-i Imāmat ka Sitāra chamka!

Yaum- i Wiladāt-i Imām-i Zamāna āp sab ko bahot bahot Mubārak ho!

THE CONCEPT OF MAHDI IN TWELVER SHI ʿ ISM

Shab-i Bara’at: The Night of Redemption

May 1, 2018May 2, 2018 nadeemrezavi

Today is 14 Shaban and the night which is coming is Shab-i Barā’at, the Night of Redemption, when it is said that God in His Wisdom opens the doors of the heavens and forgives the sins of those who seek forgiveness for themselves and their loved ones. Thus it is a night of prayers, rituals and celebrations amongst the Muslims. The only Muslims who do not ‘celebrate’ the occasion are the Wahhābīs.

The general belief is that on this night the doors of forgiveness are opened for those who seek it. Forgiveness is sought not only for the oneself and the living but also for those long dead. Muslims believe that God writes destinies for the coming year, taking into account their past actions – so they ask his mercy for any transgressions. They also visit the graves of their dead and illuminate candles there.

It is also common in many regions for worshippers to offer prayers to Allah for forgiveness from their deceased loved ones.

Although not mentioned directly in the Qur’an, two verses are sometimes ascribed to Mid-Sha‘ban:

“Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. On that night is made distinct every precise matter-“[Quran 44:3–4]

In the Shi’i beliefs, this night is also the night on the morning of which their 12th Imam, Imām Mahdi was born.

Thus amongst the Shi’ites, the Twelvers (Ithna Asharis), and others, specially tafzīlīs, elaborate “fatiha“, prayers for the dead take place. Variety of ‘halwa’ is prepared, especially of chana (chick pea), sooji (semolina) and besan (gram flour). Apart fron the “fatiha” of the forefathers and relatives, with a “shajra” (family tree) in front, a “nazar” (Offering) is made made to the prophets, Imams and other holy personages. After this ceremony is over, and prayers been offered, its time to visit the graveyards to pay respects at the graves of the relatives. Meanwhile, the ‘halwa‘ is distributed amongst the neighbours, friends and relations.

As the night descends, the lamps are lit and “ātish bāzi’ (fire crackers display) takes place. This is followed by “‘āmāl“, night vigils and prayers which continue the whole night.

As the new day breaks, its celebration time again, as it is 15 Shaban, the Day of the Birth of the Twelfth and Living Imam of the Shi’i, the Mahdi or Saviour!

Shab-i Barā’at āie eīd ka manzar liye huwey

Pahlū mēiñ nūr-e subh-e munawwar liyē huwey.

Gulzāre Sāmra mēiñ haiñ Narjis nehāl āj

Dāmān-e ārzū mēiñ gul-e tar liyē huwey.

The Prophet, the Caliphs and the Triple Talāq

May 1, 2018 nadeemrezavi

In Islam, the legislative power lies with the God and his Prophet. Thus all the rules and traditions are based on the verses of the Qur’ān and the Hadith – sayings and actions of the Prophet. What has been ordained as halāl (legal) and harām (sinful) cannot be changed. The position of the Caliph is that of an executive successor who will promulgate what has been ordained and restrain what is forbidden.

There is much raging debate as to whether the “instant talāq” is legal or not. Was it allowed during the time of the Prophet? Is it mentioned in the Quran? Does it have any legal sanctity drawn from the Hadīs, sayings and actions of the Prophet?

When we go to the original sources, the Quran and the various interpretations and collections of the Sayings, we find that this was actually forbidden by the Prophet! And when it came to be allowed later on, people nomenclated and identified it as “biddat”, that is, something which is forbidden!

Here is what we get in the sources of Islam…Read and decide for your self:

“Abu Sahba’ said to Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with them): Do you know that three (divorces) were treated as one during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him), and that of Abu Bakr, and during three (years) of the caliphate of Umar (Allah be pleased with him)? Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) said: Yes.”

[Sahih Mulsim, Book 009, Number 3492]

According to Sahih Muslim the concept was brought during the period of the second Caliph, Hazrat ‘Umar ibn Khattāb. This is clear from the Hadith compilations considered authentic. Sahih Muslim very clearly mentions:

“Abu al-Sahba’ said to Ibn ‘Abbas: Enlighten us with your information whether the three divorces (pronounced at one and the same time) were not treated as one during the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr. He said: It was in fact so, but when during the caliphate of ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) people began to pronounce divorce frequently, he allowed them to do so (to treat pronouncements of three divorces in a single breath as one).”

[Sahih Muslim, Book 009, Number 3493]

A Caliph can never make the halāl of the Quran and the Prophet as harām or vice versa. And if such a thing is done, even with good intentions, is transgression of legal authority; and thus illegal. It has to be rejected out rightly! Talāq-i Bida’ or the Triple Talāq is one such act.

Equestria 2018 at AMU & Fatima

April 30, 2018May 1, 2018 nadeemrezavi

Today the Annual Function and the Horse Show of the AMU Riding Club, the Equestria 2018, was held in the Athletic Ground of the University. Incidentally AMU is the only University in India having a full fledged century old Riding Club!

As usual, the AMU Vice Chancellor was the Chief Guest. It was a relief that unlike last year’s function, the event had less politics on display, nor apparently last minute and deliberate changes were made in the distribution of awards. And lastly, unlike last time, neither the sequence of events were changed, nor the programme was curtailed to suit the whims and fancies of the VC. The VC too arrived at the start of the function and left only after the award distribution!

The flip side of the programme, however was that there were too many ‘events’. But more irritating was the fact that the below-mediocre performance of some senior members led to quite a few repeats, which should never have been allowed.

Most of the events were interesting and the crowd enjoyed every moment of it.

Further, probably for the first time a huge LED screen was fixed so that everyone was able to actually see the events.

Further this year, the excitement of the programme was not marred by the dry senseless speeches by the “have beens”, nor did the VC, unlike the previous one, bored us with his “mann kī bāt”! The VC gracefully sat through the entire programme and, instead, enjoyed the show.

This year too my daughter took part in the function. In fact she had been preparing for the event since long.

Fatima participated in three events: in one her horse acted stubborn, in another, the Girls Hack, she got the Second Prize, while in the third she emerged the first! In total a large number of participants were awarded.

The first prize was in the Fancy Dress event in which she dressed as ‘Nurjahan’, the Mughal Queen (though the announcer identified her as “a Mughal Princess”. I can but say that my Princess looked everybit a Mughal queen riding a horse with a sword in hand!

Congratulations Beta! May many awards in life come your way!

Last year her scores had been deliberately tampered with and her name struck off from the list where she had been originally awarded second rank! It had also been announced on the mike soon after that particular event. But then last year the organisers were out to please their master who, they thought was anti her father! They had even removed her name from the official list of participants released to the press. That is another matter that she was very much reported in the photographs published by many newspapers!

This year, the event was held as a sport and no scores were settled! Thank you the present dispensation at AMU!

Sab Thāth Para Reh Jaye Ga Jab Lād Chale Ga Banjara

April 30, 2018 nadeemrezavi

#ForAllDictatorsTraitorsCollaborators!

Sab Thaath Para Reh Jaye Ga Jab Laad Chale Ga BANJARA.

Tuk hirs-o-hawas ko chhod mian, mat des bides phire mara,

Qazzaaq ajal ka loote hai din raat, baja kar naqqara;

Kya badhiya, bhainsa, bel, shutar, kya goien, palla, sarbhara,

Kya gehun, chawal, moth, matar, kya aag, dhuvaan, kya angara,

Sab thath para reh jayega jab laad chale ga BANJARA.

_____________________________

Gar tu hai lakhhi banjara, aur khaip bhi teri bhari hai,

Ae ghafil, tujh se bhi chadhta ik aur bara beopari hai,

Kya shakkar, misri, qand, giri, kya sambhar, meetha, khari hai,

Kya daakh, munaqqa, saunth, mirch, kya kesar, laung, supari hai

Sab thath para rah jayega jab laad chale ga BANJARA.

_____________________________

Ye badhiya laade, bail bhare, jo purab pachhim jawe ga,

Ya sood barha kar lawega, ya tota, ghata, pawe ga,

Qazzaq ajal ka raste mein jab bhala mar girawe ga,

Dhan, daulat, naati, pota kya, ik kunba kaam na aawe ga,

Sab thath para rah jayega jab laad chale ga BANJARA.

_____________________________

Har manzil mein ab sath tere ye jaana, dera,daanda hai

Zarr, daam, diram ka bhaanda hai, bandooq, sipar aur khaanda hai

Jab nayak tan ka nikal gya,jo mulkon mulkon baanda hai

Phir haanda hai na bhaanda hai, na halwa hai na maanda hai

Sab thath para rah jayega jab laad chale ga BANJARA.

_____________________________

Jab chalte chalte raste main ye joon teri dhal jave gi,

Ik badhya teri matti par phir ghaas na charne ave gi,

Ye khep jo tune laadi hai, sab hisson main batt jave gi

Dhan, pot , jamai ,beta kya, banjaran pas na ave gi

Sab thath para rah jayega jab laad chale ga BANJARA.

_____________________________

Ye khep bhare jo jata hai,ye khep mein miyan mat gin apni

Ab koi ghr,pal,saa’at main ye khep badan ki khapni hai

Kya thaal,katore chandi ke,kya peetal ki dabbiya dhapni,

Kya bartan sone,rupe ke,kya matti ki handiya dhapni,

Sab thath para rah jayega jab laad chale ga BANJARA.

_____________________________

Kuch kaam na ave ga tere, ye laal,zamurrud,seem-o-zarr,

Jab poonji baat main bikhre gi,phir aan bane gi jaan ooper,

Naqqaare nobat baan nishan,dolat hishmat fojen lashkar,

Kya masnad takiya,milk,makaan,kya choki,kursi,takht,chakkar,