Mahdaviah Insight (A Publication of Mahdavia Islamic Center of Chicago )

February 2019 (Jamadi ul Awwal/Jamadi us-Thani, 1440 H) | Vol. 4, Number 8

Editorial: The Acid Test

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Vilayat (Sainthood) and Nabuwat (Prophethood) are the two sides of the same coin of Islam. Every prophet Inside this issue: is also a saint. The Sainthood can be defined as the relationship of a Prophet with his Creator (Allah SWT), whereas the Prophethood is the relationship of a Prophet with Allah’s creations such as the Prophet’s Ummah and others. In other words, Prophet Muhammed SAS is the last in the chain of Prophets (Khatim ul-Anbiya) and he is also a Wali. It is the Vilayat of Prophet Muhammed SAS (Vilayat-e-Muhammadi) that has been manifested through Caliph of Allah, Imam Mahdi ASWS. Therefore, Islam includes not only the teachings and practices of Prophethood (Nabuwat) but equally important are the teachings and practices of the Sainthood (Vilayat) of Editorial 1 SAS The Acid Test Prophet Muhammed . In fact, the Vilayat is the soul of Islam due to its spiritual height.

SAS Supreme Miracles of At the advent of Prophet Muhammed , the Arabs were indulged in idol worship and they even installed the Mahdi AHS 2& idols within the premises of Ka’ba, nonetheless it was originally built by Ibrahim AS as a symbol of Tawheed 4 (Unity of God). Unlike other Books of Allah that have been revealed to different messengers, such as Torah, Gospel, and the Book of Psalms, Allah SWT sent the verses of Qur’an over a period of twenty-three years to Terminology— 3 Prophet Muhammed SAS. Although Prophet Muhammed SAS taught and explained the teachings of Nabuwat to Khatim-e-Deen SAS (Concluder of Religion) everyone but he gave the teachings of Vilayat to a few companions, those who were capable of understand- ing those teachings. Once Abu Huraira RZ said that he got two containers of knowledge from the Prophet SAS, Kids’ Section 3 one that he has revealed to others and had he revealed the knowledge of the other container, people would AHS Biography of Mahdi RZ have killed him. Probably these are the teachings of Vilayat that was given to Abu Huraira . Likewise, some other companions also received the same knowledge from the Prophet SAS and prominent among them was Ibn Abbas RZ. Urdu Poetry 4 Thus, Allah SWT sent Imam Mahdi ASWS as His Caliph to present the teachings of Vilayat to the masses and to Qur’anic verse 2 explain the true meaning of Qur’anic verses (Bayan-e-Qur’an). In a Hadith, as quoted by Shaik-e-Akber,

RA SAS SAS Hadith 3 Mohiuddin Ibn Arabi , Prophet Muhammed is narrated to have said that Mahdi is from him , he (Mahdi) Naql 3 will follow his (Muhammed) footsteps and will not err.

ASWS SAS Imamuna Mahdi has said that his religion is the Book of Allah and the following of Prophet Muhammed (Mazhab-e-Ma Kitabullah, Wa Ittiba-e-Rasoolullah). He also said that if anybody wants to know the truth of his

claim of Mahdiyat, it should be judged or tested on the criteria of Qur’an and the perfect following of Prophet

Muhammed SAS. He ASWS asked the people to compare his sayings, actions, and the state in which he lives

(Qaul, fale aur Haal) with the Qur’an and perfect following of Prophet Muhammed SAS. If they find him perfect in his claim, they should accept him as Mahdi, otherwise, show him where it is against the criteria, as mentioned above, then arrest him and kill him. Alhamdulillah, in the last 600 years, there has not been a single scholar

who could refute his claim and a large section of non-Mahdavi Muslims accept him as a saint (Wali). Mulla Ab- Editorial Team dul Qader Badayuni, an eminent 15th Century historian, wrote “Vilayat and eminence of Mir Syed Mohammed 1. Zareen Syed were unquestionable”. The scholars of Herat were compelled to inform their Shaik-ul-Islam that Syed Moham- Editor-in-Chief med was “one of the symbols of the Almighty.”

MICC has an Editorial Team Whenever the religion of Islam goes through any crisis, the scholars start talking about the possibility of the and a Review Board to advent of Mahdi. It means they are anxiously waiting for their Mahdi to appear. It is a universally accepted doc- ensure the quality of the trine in Islam that the appearance of the Mahdi in the Ummah of Prophet Muhammed is a must before the publication. doom’s day and Ummah has to do covenant (Baith) of him. Unfortunately, some Qur’anic verses and Ahadith

The Newsletter, being a collaborative relating to Mahdi have been so misinterpreted that it brought a veil on the understanding of Muslim masses on project, will also be available at www.miccusa.org, this subject. As a result of which they are unable to find the truth. www.promisedmehdi.com, Allah SWT says in Qur’an, “O People who Believe! Enter Islam in full – and do not follow the footsteps of the promisedmehdi yahoo group, and Promised Mehdi facebook page. devil; indeed he is your open enemy.” (2:208). Entering Islam in full requires accepting and following the teach- SAS SAS The authors are responsible for the ings of Prophethood (Nabuwat) of Muhammed , and teachings of Saithood (Vilayat) of Muhammed as contents of their article; editorial manifested through Imam Mahdi ASWS. O’ our Lord, show us the truth as truth (Haq) and give us the strength to board may or may not agree with the opinions expressed by authors. follow it and show us the falsehood as false (Batil) and give us the strength to avoid it, O’ Greatest merciful of all the mercifuls. May Allah guide us to the right path, Aameen! Editorial Team Email: [email protected] | www.miccusa.org

Mahdaviah Insight February 2019 page 2

SUPREME MIRACLES OF HAZRAT MAHDI (AHS) Syeda Khundza Nida Mahmood

Quote from the In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent; Most Merciful. ground and at once it turned into a green plant with leaves. Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) then told: “Miya Ni- Article) Miracles are extra-ordinary marvellous occurrences zam, it is the work of the jugglers. The real mean- carried out by the Prophets, messengers and the Ca- ing of the hadees is that Mahdi will revive the liphs of Almighty Allah by the help of Allah alone. hearts which have become dead due to the love of These events transcend the laws of nature and so are this world.” “One of the greatest not explicable by natural or scientific laws. When we miracles of Hazrat read the Holy biography of Khalifatullah Hazrath Mahdi One of the greatest miracles of Hazrat Mahdi Mahdi (AHS) was his (AHS), we see that the emanation of miracles began (AHS) was his Bayaan-e-Quran. Hazrat Mahdi Bayaan-e-Quran. even before his birth. Bibi Amena (RZ), the mother of (AHS) himself said that his Bayaan-e-Quran was Imam Mahdi (AHS) was highly virtuous, pious and a Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) always based on what he learned from Almighty devout lady. One day she fell in a reverie and saw that himself said that his Allah. He (AHS) said: “I daily receive teachings Bayaan-e-Quran was the sun descended from the sky, entered her garments and went out from her sleeve. The higher it rose, the directly from Allah without any medium.” Thou- always based on brighter it became. This vision made her fall in trance sands of people used to come and listen to his what he learned from (divine absorption). Her brother, Qayam-ul-Mulk, a Bayaan and the miracle of his Bayaan was that Almighty Allah. He very pious person came and saw her and said: “There nobody could write it. Also, the people sitting very (AHS) said: “I daily is nothing to worry about it. This is a divine absorption far were able to listen with the same volume of receive teachings (Jazba-e-haq).” When Bibi Amena (RZ) recovered voice as the people who were very near to him. directly from Allah from this condition, she gave the details of her vision to Moreover, people of different languages used to without any her brother. After hearing this, he said: “It appears that listen the Bayaan in their own language. The effect medium.” by the grace of Allah, you will give birth to Khatim-e- of his Bayaan-e-Quran was such that most of the Vilayat-Mohammadia.” He became so overwhelmed listeners (men, women, children) used to lose their that he kissed the feet of his sister and said: “You have interest and inclination towards the world at once

honoured us and our seven generations.” and choose the path of salvation then and there by performing Tark-e-Dunya. On 14th Jamadi-ul-Awwal, 847 Hijri, at the birth of ———— Imam Mahdi (AHS), all the idols in the city of Jaunpur Like our Prophet (SAW), our Imam Mahdi (AHS) fell on their faces just like the idols of Makkah had Al-Qur’an had no shadow; no fly would sit on his body and fallen at the birth of our Prophet (SAW) and an un- anyone who shook hands with our Imam (AHS) (The voice heard at the known voice announced: “Truth has come and false- would enjoy the fragrance for several days. The birth of Imam Mahdi hood is perished. Verily, falsehood was bound to per- fragrance of Mahdi (AHS) used to spread so far AS in the city of ish.” (17:81) At the age of only seven years, Hazrath that Hazrat Bandagi Miya Shah-e-Dilawar (RZ) Jaunpur) Mahdi (AHS) memorised the whole Quran and got the came to Ahmedabad from Danapur by making this ability to resolve the questions of great scholars of that fragrance as his guide. The paskhurda (leftover time in a single answer. eatable) of Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) had instant healing “ And say: effect for the suffering patients and could make the "Truth has After the war with Raja Dalpath Rai, Imam Mahdi salty and bitter water of well, sweet. come and (AHS) went into trance (Jazba-e-Haq) for twelve years. During early seven years, neither a single morsel nor a As our Prophet (SAW) is the Noor of Almighty Al- falsehood has drop of water was consumed by him. For the remain- lah, so also is our Imaam Hazrat Mahdi (AHS). ing five years, a very little amount of food was taken by Once Bibi Ilahdati, the wife of Imaam (AHS) kept vanished. him. Even in this divine absorption, not a single prayer his tooth very safely in a box, but later on when she was missed by him. At the time of prayer, he used to Surely, opened the box, the tooth was not there. Hazrat wake up from his trance to perform namaz. Almighty falsehood is Allah said: “O’ Syed Mohammad, since We have made Mahdi (AHS) said: “It is Allah’s Noor and has gone ever bound to you the seal of the sainthood of Mohammad (SAW), to Allah.” We make you perform the Faraiz. This is Our Mercy In Makkah, during the circumambulation of the vanish." and Favour on you.” Kabatullah, Mahdi (AHS) asked Bandagi Miya

(Al Qur’an, Once Hazrat Shah-e-Nizam (RZ) asked the Imam Shah-e-Nizam (RZ): “What are you seeing now (AHS); “Meeranji, the scholars say that one of the which is different from your previous visit?” He 17:81) signs of Mahdi according to a hadees is that withered answered: “Miranji, at that time I only saw the trees will become fresh and green.” Hazrat Mahdi (AS) Kabatullah, without its Master, but now, had a miswak in his hand then. He planted it in the (Contd on Page 4)

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Mahdaviah Insight February 2019 page 3 -- - In the Name of Allah, the Most High. Note: The Mahdaviah Insight will bring a se- Hadith ries on the biography of our beloved Imam, Khatim is an Arabic word derived from khatm. Khatam RZ means end, finish, seal, signet etc. Deen is also an Hazrat Mahdi –e-Ma’ood Alaihis-Salaam for Abu Hurairah Arabic word meaning religion, creed etc. Kids. narrated that the One of the titles of the Prophet Muhammed SAS is Kha- Name: Syed Muhammed Messenger of tim un Nabiyeen, meaning the Seal of the Prophets as (Mahdi is the title given by Prophet Muhammed SAS) mentioned in Surah Ahzaab, “Muhammad is not the Allah SAS said: father of any man among you, but a messenger of God, Father ‘s name: Syed Abdullah and the seal of the prophets. God has knowledge of Mother’s name: Bibi Amina “A man is upon everything”. (Al Qur’an 33:40) Meaning that he is the last Prophet, and no more prophet will be sent by Allah, Both father and mother were direct descendants of the religion of his except that Hazrath Isa AS would return to earth, before Prophet Muhammed SAS. the doom’s day but as a Caliph of Allah, following the friend, so let one SAS Born on 14th Jamadi ul Awwal 847 Hijri (1443 CE) Sharia’ah of Prophet Muhammed . Likewise, one of of you look at the titles of Imamuna Mahdi e Ma’ood AS is Khatim e Place of birth: Jaunpur (India) Vilayath e Muhammadia i.e. the Seal of the Sainthood Jaunpur is a city in India and was renowned for Is- whom he of Muhammad SAS. In addition, Imam Mahdi AS another tile is Khatim-e-Deen as is clear from one of the lamic learning at that time and it’s known as “Shiraaz- befriends.” Ahadith. e-Hind”.

HIfz: Memorized the Qur’an at the age of seven As has been quoted and explained in Muqaddama Siraj (Jami al-Tirmidhi # 2378) RZ years ul Absaar thus: "Asked Ali ibn Abi Talib : Whether Mahdi AS is from us? The holy Prophet SAS informed that Bismillah: The Bismillah (Tasmia-Khawni) was held Mahdi (AS) is from Ahl e Baith and Allah would con- on 18th Ramadan, 851 H. Hazrat Shaik Daniyal ad- clude the Deen on Mahdi (AS) as it started from us in ministered the Bismillah cemerony. Hazrat Khawja the beginning. This hadith has been mentioned by a Naql: Kizr AS was also present at the event to say “Aameen” group of traditionalists. Imam Baheqi also quoted a at the end of his recitation. He started attending the Hadtih thus, "Narrated Ali RZ that the holy Prophet SAS O friend! Know it informed that Mahdi AS is from us who would conclude school of Hazrat Shaik Daniyal. The teacher used to give him utmost respect due to his charcteristics.. He well that Imam the Deen as I had started in the beginning.” AS knew that this is not an ordinary kid. He received the Mahdi has These and similar ahadees vouchsafe that Imamuna AS title of “Asad-ul-Ulema” (Lion of the Scholars) at that prohibited joining has the rank of "Khatamiat" (Seal) by claiming himself School. In fact, his going to School was just a formali- prayers (namaaz) ty. He is already the Guided one as the title “Mahdi” to be Khatim ul Auliyah (Seal of the Sainthood), who led by those who would conclude the purpose of Deen E Islam. suggests. disavowed him. Regarding the Ayath: “Thumma inna Alaina Baya- At the age of 12 years, Hazrat Khawja Khizr asked He has said that, nahu… “(Al Qur’an 75:19) (and then, behold, it will be Hazrat Shaik Daniyal RA to bring Hazrat Syed Mu- “if you have hammed (Mahdi AS) to Khokri Masjid. At this place for Us to make its meaning clear.), Imamuna AS said it offered prayers pertains to him and he explained the Quran as was Hazrat Khizr AS gave Mahdi AS the Amanat as sent by meant to be, and as the meaning of the Quran were Prophet Muhammed SAS. Hazrat Khizr AS said “I have under the revealed to him directly by Allah, without any intermedi- brought a gift given by your great grandfather, Proph- leadership ary. Thus, fulfilling the promise Allah made in the et Muhammed SAS as an Amanat which I hereby en- Marag is a Hyderabadi spe- (Imamat) of such Quran, and thereby concluding the Deen. trust it to your honoredcialty self”. commonly This was the found Amanat in of a person by Zikr-e-Khafi (Concealedweddings. remembrance of Allah). The Faraiz e Vilayath (the mandatory acts of Vilayath), mistake, say your which were actually practiced by Prophet Muhammed Abbreviations used in this article prayers again.” SAS and a few of his chosen and selected companions, but were not made obligatory to the common Muslims, AS= Allaihis Salaam were made mandatory and obligatory for all the Mus- SAS=Sallallhu Alaihi wa Sallam (Naqliyat Bandagi Miyan lims, thus concluding the Deen. The closest translation RA=Rahmat ullahi Alaih Abul-Rasheed RZ. # 42) of the term “Khatim-e-Deen” would be “Concluder of the

Religion”.

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Mahdaviah Insight February 2019 page 4

Supreme Miracles of Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) ,

(Contd. From page 2)

I am seeing it with its Master.”Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) again en- quired: “Do you see anything else?” He replied: “Yes. The Kabatullah is circumambulating around Miranji (Mahdi-e-Maood

(AHS)).” Kids Section:

One day when Malik Gauhar (RZ) was going along with Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) in a nearby forest, he saw that all of a sudden all the mountains around became those of gold and all the pebbles became gems. Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) told Hazrat Malik (RZ): “If you want anything you can take it.” Malik Gauhar (RZ) said: “By God! I need nothing.” However he took a handful to show the other companions. On reaching the dairah, Malik Gauhar (RZ) showed these precious stones to his friends and asked them to take if they wanted. All the companions said that they did not need these things. Then Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) said: “One who desires wealth (maal) cannot reach Allah and one who desires Allah does not like wealth.” He further said that the scholars are deprived of the meaning of this Hadees. According to Hazrat Mahdi (AHS) the actual meaning is: “Extracting wealth from the Earth and giving it to people to lead them astray is the attribute of Dajjal (Anti-Christ). The real meaning of the Hadees is that Mahdi will reveal the teachings of Vilayat and guide them to be close to their Lord, Almighty Allah.”

The most outstanding miracle was the battle of Badr-e-Vilayat, which was the last Hujjat (proof) of the Mahdiat of Mahdi Maood (AHS). The victory on the first day was a miraculous one proph- esized by Hazrat Mahdi (AHS). The martyrdom of Bandagi Miya Syed Khundmeer (RZ) with his followers provided a valid proof of the truth of Mahdi Maood (AHS)’s prophecy and completed Hujjat-e-Mahdiat.

Hazrat Mahdi Maood (AHS) in his last moments said: “If anyone has any doubt about my Mahdiat, he should look for my body after it is placed in the grave. If it is found there, I was not The Promised Mahdi.” At the time of burial, when the body was placed in the grave, Hazrat Syed Mahmood (RZ) opened the Apoll fish is a Hyderabadi shroud and found it empty. This miracle was seen by all the specialty. Marinated fish fil- companions which proved the Prophecy of Mahdi (AHS) to be lets are dp fried and lightly true and thus established the Hujjat of his Mahdiat. tossed in a masala seasoning. Serve as an etizer or with the A Note on Karamat: main course.

If any supernatural event occurs through a Vali (saint or a highly Ingredients: pious person), it is called Karamat. However, Hazrat Mahdi AHS HaqFish RZ. 250gms After a few days he intended to leave the Da’ira telling that he did did not like this for his followers. When a Kaamat was manifest- notA see cup any of curryKaramat leaves there. The Murshid of the Da’ira asked him whether ed through one of his companions, Hazrat Shaikh Bheek RZ, he 4saw-5 green any chillies,act, contrary chopped to the Shari’ah by any of the members of the Hazrat Mahdi AHS performed a three days of fast and supplicat- Da’ira,1 teaspoon he replied chopped in negative. garlic ed Almighty Allah to protect his followers from the evil of Kara- ¼ tsp turmericpowder mat. Hence we don’t find the pious of Mahdavia Community By1 thistsp chilli event powder one can understand that all the practices of the Mahdavi Da’iras1 tsp wereginger strictly garlic in paste accordance with the Shari’ah of Prophet Muhammed indulging in such things. Once a man came to stay in the 1 egg Da’irah of Hazrat Bandagi Miyan Syed Shahabuddin Shahab ul- SAS. May Allah bless us with the Faiz of erstwhile Da’irahs of Mahdi AHS, his1 companions, tablespoon alland-purpose other pious flour Murshideen of those Da’irahs, Aameen! 1 tsp corn starch 1 ½ tsp chilli paste

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