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Mahdaviah Insight (A Publication of Islamic Center of Chicago )

JANUARY 2017 (Rabi ul Awwal/Rabi us-Thani, 1438 H) | Issue 19

Editorial: Need for a Centralized Institution

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Inside this issue: Only those communities would survive in the long run who have the ability to set up strong institutions. As people come and go, the institutions remain active in serving the community. There was a time when Mahdavis used to live in a Daira or around the Daira and they were well connected with the head of the Editorial 1 Daira (). As the time passes, Dairas and Mahdavis migrated to new places and settled down in a few major locations such as , Channapatna, and some places in , though small number of Mahdavis are also spread over in other cities. Currently Mahdavis are spread over globally with signifi- Advent of 2-3 cant numbers in, , Middle East, Europe, Austrialia, and North America. (A.S.) - A Reli- gious Necessity One of the major institutions that was serving the religious needs of Mahdavis was the institution well known as the Majlis e Ulema e Mahdavia e Hind (MUMH). Whenever, we had any issues, or any ques- Qur’anic verse 2 tions, Mahdavis used to approach this institution to get their issues resolved. Hazrat As’ad ul Ulema Mou- lana Abu Sayeed Syed Mahmood Tashrifullahi RA (Murshid Miyan Sahab) was a dynamic personalitiy Kids’ Story 3 and was the General Secretary of the MUMH and Hazrat Afzal ul Ulema Moulana Syed Najmuddin Sa- hab Mujtehdi (Ahl e Bichpudi) RA was the president. The MUMH issued Fatawas wherever necessary and provided guidance to the community on many religious matters. The work this institution did was enor- mous. Hazrat Murshid Miyan Sahab RA passed away in 1982 and Hazrat Najmuddin Sahab RA probably and Naql 3 in 1985. Since then the organization has lost its luster and reputation, leaving a void for the Mahdavis when they need scholarly help. Although some Murshideen are doing constructive and concrete work individually. However, it does not have the same effect had it been initiated at the institutional level.

Terminology 4 Today when Mahdavis are spread out in different regions of the world, we don’t have such a robust organ- ization to guide them on the different issues that are arising due to changes in time, society, technology, language, and the human behavior. The current MUMH is an inactive organization and nobody knows if Urdu Poetry 4 this MUMH has done any important work in the recent past. Since we have Mahdavi scholars Recipe of the 4 (Murshideen) in other parts of too, there is a need to include them in the MUMH and allow repre- sentation from other cities and states of India. Why not the current MUMH include competent Mahdavi Month scholars from , Gujarat and other places. A collective effort through the MUMH will have more effect on the community and it also shows the UNITY and consensus among the scholars and that will

eventually bring the entire community on one platform. The community wants to see this organization to

be more active and dynamic in resolving many of the challenges that Mahdavis face today. Here are a few suggestions and we respectfully ask the members of the current MUMH to implement them:

Editorial Team 1. Zareen Syed 1. MUMH should set up a research wing to study, analyze, and evaluate the current status of Mahdavis Editor-in-Chief and their religious needs. 2. Set up a separate wing to create Mahdavia literature in other languages, particularly in Englsih. We cannot thank enough our Murshideen and scholars who have translated our literature into Urdu from MICC has an Editorial Team Persian and recently some who did from Urdu to English. and a Review Board to 3. We should have an English translation of Commentary of Qur’an (Tafseer) ensure the quality of the publication. 4. Set up a Darul Ifta within MUMH so that people can approach for Fatawas as Mahdavis used to do with the old MUMH. We had competent Murshideen who used to issue Fatawas as Muftis. The Newsletter, being a collaborative 5. MUMH should have a broader representation and some Mahdavi observers from other countries. project, will also be available at www.miccusa.org, 6. Today, a majority of our kids even in Hyderabad have no skills in reading and writing Urdu, nonethe- www.promisedmehdi.com, less the kids residing in other countries. It is important that our scholars, irrespective of age, should promisedmehdi yahoo group, and learn English to remove any language barriers from the message giver and the message receiver. Promised Mehdi facebook page. 7. Using technology MUMH can set up a web site or have an active email address of MUMH. The authors are responsible for the contents of their article; editorial 8. We hope that an initiave will be taken in this regard on the sacred occasion of the Milad of Imamuna board may or may not agree with the Mahdi Al-Ma’ud Alahis-Salaatu Wassalaam. opinions expressed by authors. We are pleased to present the January issue of Mahdaviah Insight. You will find an article The advent of We wish our readers a Mahdi—A Religious necessity (Part I), a kids’ story, a thoughtful poetry in Urdu, recipe of the month, and Blessed New Year! Terminology. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Editorial Team

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Mahdaviah Insight JANUARY 2017 page 2

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful Prophet S.A.S. said: The Mahdi will be of my fami- Quote from the ly, of the descendants of Fatima. Abdullah ibn On the subject of the advent of Mahdi, we find the Ja’far said: I heard AbulMalih praising Ali ibn Article) Muslim Ummah divided into 3 groups: Nufayl and describing his good qualities. (Sunan

“The first group, who Abu Dawud, Book 37, Hadith 4271) 1. The people who have completely rejected the doc- has rejected the trine and the opinion that there is no need for the Besides presenting the words of the Prophet S.A.S, advent of Mahdi. doctrine of the we are presenting a few logical reasons for the advent of Mahdi: advent of Mahdi, is in 2. The people who believe in the advent of Mahdi but do not accept Hazrat Syed Jaunpuri Reason 1: The advent of Mahdi is necessary to direct contradiction A.S. as the Promised Mahdi and are waiting for their transmit the teachings of Wilayat and Baseerat: with the sayings of Mahdi to come. RZ Prophet Muhammad Narrated Abu Huraira : I have memorized two 3. The third group is ours, who believe that Hazrat kinds of knowledge from Allah's Apostle. I have propa- A.S. (S.A.S.). The Ahadith Syed is the Promised gated one of them to you and if I propagated the sec- Mahdi, who came, completed his mission, and left (plural of Hadith) on ond, then my throat would be cut (i.e. Killed).” (Sahih this world for heavenly abode. Bukhari, Vol. 1, Book 3, Number 121) this subject have The first group, who has rejected the doctrine of the reached the level of The reason for the second type of knowledge advent of Mahdi, is in direct contradiction with the that was hidden by Hazrat Abu Huraira shows S.A.S Muthawatira, sayings of Prophet Muhammad . The Ahadith that the people at that time were not mentally (plural of Hadith) on this subject has reached the meaning that there ready to absorb this knowledge. This level of Muthawatira, meaning that there are so knowledge relates to the teachings of Wilayat-e- are so many Ahadith many Ahadith on the advent of Mahdi that it cannot Muhammadi. This knowledge is important to be reasonably denied or ignored. SWT on the advent of know Allah or to have His . As far as the second group is concerned, they believe Mahdi that it cannot in Ahadith about the advent of Mahdi, but most of In a Hadith Qudsi, Prophet Muhammad S.A.S. them are still waiting for such a figure to appear. be reasonably denied described that Allah said “I was a Treasure but was not known. So I loved to be known, and I created the or ignored.” Now the question is “Why Advent of Mahdi A.S. is creatures and made Myself known to them. Then they a religious necessity? ——————— came to know Me.” (The Sufi Path of Knowledge, page 66 by , who took it from Al-Qur’an Before we look into this question of “Why”, let’s Futuhatul Makkiya, chapter146). make a few observations: (Desire for this 1. It is not for us (human beings) to decide whether It is clear from this Hadith Qudsi that the basic or not there is a need for the advent of Imam Mahdi purpose of our existence in this World is to World) in the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad S.A.S. know our Creator, which is possible through the “ Whoever desires the teachings of Wilayat. 2. It is Allah SWT Who holds absolute authority over life of this world and its when and where to send a Prophet, a Messenger, or If we look at the facts, in the progeny of Ibrahim His Caliph for the guidance of mankind. A.S. adornments - We fully most of the prophets are descendants of Is’haq A.S. (Banu Is’haq) and only Prophet Mu- repay them for their 3. Although we have several Ahadith on the advent hammad S.A.S. came from the progeny of Isma’il of Mahdi, but even a single Hadith on the advent is A.S. deeds therein, and they In fact, he is the first and the last prophet good enough to have in this doctrine. The im- from Banu Isma’il and also the last in the chain therein will not be portance of Hadith can be understood through of all the prophets (Khatimul Anbiya). It means Qur’an. Prophet Muhammad S.A.S. did not say any- deprived. Those are that there is a gap of more than 2000 years be- thing but what was sent to him as a revelation tween Isma’il A.S. and Prophet Muhammad S.A.S. the ones for whom (Wahi). “And he does not say anything by his own de- Quresh at the time of the birth of Prophet Mu- sires. It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to S.A.S. there is not in the hammad were idol worshippers, they had him.” (Al Qur’an, 53:3-4) installed idols within the . Therefore, the Hereafter but the Fire. foremost task for the Prophet S.A.S. was to remove Below are two Ahadith on the advent of Mehdi: the element of (Explicit Shirk) (Shirk And lost is what they Shirk e Jali 1. Narrated Ali ibn Abu Talib: The Prophet S.A.S. = polytheism) from among the Arabs and bring did therein, and said: If only one day of this time (world) remained, them towards Tawheed. History shows how Allah would raise up a man from my family who worthless is what they difficult this task was, and how much persecu- would fill this earth with justice as it has been filled tion the Prophet S.A.S. and the early Muslims had used to do. ( Al Qur’an, with oppression (Sunan Abu Dawud Book 37, Hadith 4270) to face at the hands of Quresh when Prophet 2. Narrated Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu’minin: The Muhammad S.A.S. had started preaching . 11:15-16) (Continued on page 3) Email: [email protected] | www.miccusa.org

Mahdaviah Insight JANUARY 2017 page 3

He had to migrate to Madina and he, along with his “And when Abraham was tried by his Lord with Hadith: followers fought several battles to propagate and pre- commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, serve the message of Islam. This was not the time for "Indeed, I will make you an Imam for the peo- Abdullah (b. Mas’ud. teaching of Wilayat. Indeed, the Prophet S.A.S. has cer- ple." [Abraham] said, "And of my descend- Reported the Mes- tainly given this knowledge to a few of his companions ants?" [Allah] said, "My covenant (or promise) senger of Allah SAS as RZ which is evident from the saying of Hazrat Abu does not reach the Zalimeen (unjust)." Sahih saying: Huraira as mentioned above. International (2:124)

SWT A.S. Whom do you con- Allah has sent Imam Mahdi to transmit the Four important points emerge from this Qur’anic teachings of Wilayat. Imamuna Mahdi A.S. said that he verse. sider a wrestler was specially sent by Allah to transmit and explain the 1. Allah has promised to make or send an Imam among you? The teachings and commandments that relate to the Wila- in the progeny of Ibrahim A.S. people replied: (the yat-e-Muhammadi (Safeena e Najam, p50) 2. Since Ibrahim A.S. is made the Imam for the man) whom the men mankind, therefore, the promised Imam will also cannot defeat in The teachings of Wilayat are essential to seek the vi- be the Imam for all the Mankind, and not restrict- wrestling. He SAS sion of Allah (Baseerat). Inviting people towards the ed to any region or geographical area. said: No, it is he who A.S. vision of Allah is the mission of Prophet Muhammad 3. Since Ibrahim was a Ma’soom, the Imam controls himself S.A.S. and his perfect follower (Taba-e-Taam), Imamuna coming in the progeny should also be Ma’soom. Mahdi Al Ma’ud A.S. as indicated in verse 108 of Surah 4. Allah’s promise does not extend to the unjust when he is angry” Yusuf. (Zalimeen). (Sunan Abi Dawud, Book “Say thou (O Muhammad) "This is my way, I do invite So it is clear that Ibrahim A.S. not only supplicat- 42, Hadith 4761) unto Allah on an insight clear as the seeing with one’s eyes, I ed (Dua) for a messenger but also asked Allah SWT (English version) and the one who followeth me. Glory be to Allah! and I am to make or send an Imam in his progeny. not of the polytheists!" (12:108) Prophet Muhammad S.A.S. said that he is the Dua The city of Jaunpur was the center of Islamic scholar- of Ibrahim A.S., referring to the verse 129 of Surah ship at the time of the birth of Mahdi AS. Despite this, Baqra. Similarly, our Imam, Mahdi Al-Ma’ud A.S. Naql: Imamuna Mahdi A.S. has said that he came into this said that he is the same Imam that has to come in AS world at a time when the Deen was limited among the the progeny of Prophet Ibrahim A.S., referring to Imam Mahdi Majzoobs (Majzoob refers to pious person who is al- verse 124 of Surah Baqra. ways in the state of being immersed in the inner plane (Note: The second part of the article will be and divorced from the outside world, or a person in published in February) the state of Ecstasy). Kids’ Section A.S. Mahdi said “I have brought the of Insight- SIMPATHY Zareen Syed ful people “. This path requires one to be free from all kinds of shirk – Explicit and Implicit (Shirk e Jali and Khafi). One dark and damp night, a nightingale was The advent of Mahdi A.S. is to bring people towards perched on the branch of an oak tree, swinging Allah by removing Shirk e Khafi. This hidden shirk is nervously and unable to find his nest. much more complex and dangerous. This mission of "The night is here," he was thinking. "I spent the Mahdi A.S. resonates with the verse 124 of Surah Baqra whole day flying around and feeding." in which Allah SWT said that His promise will not be extended to the unjust (Zalimeen). In fact, the worst He quietly chirped, "how can I ever get to my form of Zulm is the Shirk as Luqman has instructed to nest? It's too dark for me to see." his son in verse 13 of Surah Luqman. A firefly was buzzing past and overhead the nightingale. The firefly felt sorry for the bird, he “And [mention, O Muhammad], when Luqman said to his was much bigger than him... but so helpless too. (Hashia Insaf Nama RZ, # 52, son while he was instructing him, "O my son, do not associ- Marag is a Hyderabadi spe- page 14) (English version) ate [anything] with Allah. Indeed, association [with him] is "With my heart and , I am ready to help!" he cialty commonly found in great injustice." (31:13) (translation: Sahih International) offered. "Though I am only a small insect, Allah weddings. has given me a light inside me." Thus, Imam Mahdi A.S. has a mission to propagate the The nightingale was touched. The firefly then flew beside the nightingale until they reached his teachings of Wilyat and to invite people toward Basee- rat, therefore, his advent is an important necessity for nest. the religion of Islam. Being good knows no size or shape. Just a desire

Reason 2: The advent of Imam Mahdi, in the proge- to be there for those who need it. ny of Prophet Ibrahim A.S., is a necessity because it is (Adapted from Iqbal’s poem) promised by Allah SWT.

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Mahdaviah Insight JANUARY 2017 page 4

Terminology: Abu Naimat Shahab Urdu Poetry

KASIB: It is an word, derived from the root word KASAB. which generally means to earn. This word has oc- curred in the holy several times in different forms.

In our Mahdavia terminology, the term KASAB is used to de- note earning a living, and a person who strives to earn a living is called KASIB. and there areKids distinctSection: guidelines and set of rules on how to conduct this activity in our lives. Those guidelines are called HUDOOD E KASAB.

TARIK: Again, this word is also derived from the Arabic root word TARAKA, means to leave, or to renounce. The person who renounces is TARIK.

In our Mahdavia terminology, it is used as a short form for TARIK UD DUNIYA or to denote a FAQEER. The person, man or woman, who renounces the love of this world and the activi- ties of earning a livelihood is called Tarik ud duniya or Faqeer. The essence of TARK E DUNIYA lies in renouncing the love for the material world. There are also guidelines and set of rules that govern the con- duct of a person, during this phase of one's life, and they are called HUDDO E FAQEERI.

Recipe of the Month: Kali Mirchi Ka Gosht Syeda Nikhat Mahdi

Ingredients:

2 pounds of Goat/Lamb with bone 10 medium Onions cut julienne style 8 tablespoons of oil 3 tablespoons of Adrak Lahson (Ginger & Garlic) 1 1/2 tablespoons of Salt 2 tablespoons of Black Pepper 1 tablespoons Haldi (Turmeric) Cilantro 3 Green chillies Couple of Curry Leaves Apoll fish is a Hyderabadi specialty. Marinated fish fil- Method: lets are dp fried and lightly (Please alter the oil, salt, and pepper to your's and your tossed in a masala seasoning. family's preference. It may differ from above. Also, be Serve as an etizer or with the main course. sure to check for taste throughout cooking process). Ingredients: Combine first 8 ingredients and place in the pressure cooker. Allow meat to tenderize. Fish 250gms A cup of curry leaves After uncapping the pressure cooker, continue to cook 4-5 green chillies, chopped and stir the onions and meat until majority of the water 1 teaspoon chopped garlic evaporates. At this point add a teaspoon of Kawab Chini ¼ tsp turmericpowder 1 tsp chilli powder Powder. For the finishing touches, add some green chil- lies (de-veined, preferably) cut lengthwise, cilantro and 1 tsp ginger garlic paste 1 egg curry leaves. 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tsp corn starch 1 ½ tsp chilli paste

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