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

February 2017 (Rabi us-Thani/Jamadi ul Awwal, 1438 H) | Issue 20

Editorial: Perfection of Religion

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Inside this issue: Allah SWT sent His Caliph, Mahdi Al-Ma’ud AS, for the guidance of humankind for propagating the teachings of Vilayat of Prophet Muhammad SAS in this month. The Milad of Mahdi AS will occur on 14th of Jamadi ul Awwal that corresponds to February 11 this year. Let us pray our Lord, Almighty Allah to Editorial 1 guide us and keep us firm on our faith. Our faith is more comprehensive as we not only believe in Allah SWT, His angels, the day of judgement, His books, His prophets, but also His Caliph who came after 847 years from the beginning of Islamic calendar. Advent of Mahdi 2-4 (A.S.) - A Religious We know that Prophet Muhammad SAS did not say anything on his own but whatever he said, it is the Necessity Part-II revelation (Wahi) that was sent to him by Allah SWT.As Qur’an says: “He does not speak out of his own desires. It is a revelations which has been revealed to him.”(Al-Qur’an, 53:3-4) Therefore, even a single Qur’anic verse 2 Hadith is more than enough to believe in the advent of Mahdi. However, there are people who believe that after the revelation of Qur’an and after the advent of the last prophet, Muhammad SAS, there is no need of Hadith and Naql 3 any other person to come or to be sent by Allah. Some of these people also try to present a Qur’anic verse in support of their argument. “…This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion; …” (Al-Qur’an, 5:3). There is consensus among the schol- th SAS Terminology 4 ars that this verse was revealed on the day of Arafat (9 Zul Hijjah) and Prophet Muhammad passed away from this world on 2nd Rabi ul Awwal, after about 60 days.

Urdu Poetry 4 Since this verse talks about completion and perfection of the religion and Islam as a way of life for us, there is a misconception among some of the Muslims in believing that there is no need for anything to be revealed or any personality to come. This argument would have been stronger had there been no other Qur’anic verse being revealed after the above verse (5:3). In fact, the verse about the perfection of religion is not the last Qur’anic verse, neither in terms of revelation, nor in terms of sequence of verses presented in the Qur’an. Thus, if this verse were taken as the completion and perfection of religion in total, then what would be the status of the Qur’anic verses that were revealed after this verse? Are they not the part of religion? Can we take them out from Qur’an? If not, then we can say that it would be a misinterpretation of the verse 5:3 to say that everything is perfected and completed on the day this verse was revealed. Since the staying in Arafat is the major element of Hajj and this verse was revealed on that day, it can be said

that on that day all the five pillars are completed and perfected that consist of Tawheed, Prayers

(Namaaz), Zakaat, Fasting, and now the Hajj.

Editorial Team The scholars have difference of opinion on the question of the last verse of the Qur’an but there is consen- 1. Zareen Syed sus that verse 5:3 is not the last Qur’anic verse. Mostly three verses are presented in this regard. One that Editor-in-Chief is related to Al-Kalalah, which is verse 4:176. (About inheritance), the second one that relates to Riba or usury: “O you who believe! Fear Allah and abandon your remaining usury, if you are indeed believers. (2.278) , and the third one that says “And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall MICC has an Editorial Team be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt unjustly.” (2:281). and a Review Board to ensure the quality of the Thus, advent of Mahdi is an important necessity that cannot be ignored or denied nor it can be taken as publication. something of secondary importance. Teachings of Vilayath or Ihsan, that were conveyed to a few eligible SAS AS The Newsletter, being a collaborative companions by the Prophet were to be revealed to the masses through Mahdi , are an integral part of project, will also be available at Islam. Imamuna Mahdi Al-Ma’ud AS said that he was being sent to present the teachings relating to the www.miccusa.org, AS www.promisedmehdi.com, Vilayat-e-Muhammadi. Whatever Mahdi has presented, it is completely in accordance with the Qur’an. promisedmehdi yahoo group, and He revives the Sunnah of Prophet SAS through his practices. Promised Mehdi facebook page.

The authors are responsible for the We are pleased to present the 20th issue of Mahdaviah Insight. It has an article on Zikr, an article that is contents of their article; editorial board may or may not agree with the the continuation of last month’s article on the advent of Mahdi, a recipe for the month, terminology, and opinions expressed by authors. Urdu poetry. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Milad e Mahdi (AS) Editorial Team Mubarak !

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Mahdaviah Insight February 2017 page 2

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful who still believe that at least 5 verses of the pre- (In January, we published the part I of this article to cover two important aspect of why the advent of Mahdi AS is a religious necessity. sent Qur’an should be considered as abrogated. Quote from the We will present a few additional reasons in Part II) Imamuna Mahdi AS has clarified this point per- Article) Reason 3: Resolving the conflict arising from abro- fectly, saying that no verse of the Qur’an (in its gation of Qur’anic verses – The Doctrine of Nasikh final form) is abrogated or replaced, in terms of AS “One clear example of wa Mansookh: text or meaning. He also said that the Qur’an such a difference lies It would be relevant to note that Prophet Muham- is so perfect that it does not have any extra or mad SAS was sent for the whole Mankind and his unnecessary letter (Harf-e-Zayed). Thus we, Mah- with the doctrine of message is going to stay as the last message from davis, believe in the Qur’an in its entirety, with Nasikh Wa Mansukh God until the end of this World. For this reason, the text and meaning, and we believe that all the message of Prophet Muhammad SAS and the teach- commandments of Qur’an are as applicable to- (Abrogating and ings of Qur’an are much more universal and compre- day as they were at the time of revelation, and Abrogated) whereby hensive. that all the commandments will remain applicable until the Last Day. Imamuna Mahdi Al- AS the commands Though the Qur’an was revealed in the Arabic lan- Ma’ud also said that the Qur’an is fully con- nected (Marboot). (Ah’kaam) of some guage, the Arabs were not able to fully comprehend the message of Qur’an. Allah has sent Prophet Mu- AS Qur’anic verses are hammad SAS as the best interpreter and the most per- The status of Mahdi is Ma’soom (free from fect practical example to follow. During the period of error) as indicated in a Hadith in which Prophet canceled or superseded SAS Prophet SAS, the Qur’anic verses used to be recorded said that Mahdi is from me, he will follow by some other Qur’anic on parchments of paper or pieces of leather, but for my footsteps and will not err. (Al Mahdiyyu the most part the verses were safeguarded through Minni, Yakhfu Athari wala Yukhti). Since Mah- verses.” AS memorization by Huffaz and transmitted orally. di has been sent by Allah as His Caliph and he ——————— How Qur’an was compiled in a book form is not the is the Ma’soom, he has the authority to declare scope of this article but we all know that Allah SWT whether or not any Qur’anic verse is abrogated. Al-Qur’an has taken the responsibility of protecting Qur’an Thus, he has resolved this controversy. There is from any fabrication. “Verily We: It is We Who have no other person in the Ummah of Prophet Mu- SAS AS (One who has clear sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely, We will hammad who is Ma’soom except Mahdi , therefore, his words are final. proof from Lord) guard it (from corruption) (Al-Qur’an 15:9).

“ Is he who stands on a Though there was full agreement about the content Hence, Another necessity for the advent of Mah- of the Qur’an, there were plenty of differences re- di in the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad SAS is manifest proof from his garding the interpretation and extraction of meaning to declare that no Qur’anic verse is abrogated or Lord, and whom a from Qur’anic verses. One clear example of such a replaced. difference lies with the doctrine of Nasikh Wa Man- witness of his own sukh (Abrogating and Abrogated) whereby the com- Reason 4: Mahdi AS has to explain the true mands (Ah’kaam) of some Qur’anic verses are can- [family] follows? And meaning of Qur’an (Mubaiyyan-e- celed or superseded by some other Qur’anic verses. Kalaamullah): before him there was On the doctrine of Nasikh wa Mansukh, the Islamic As we see today, there are numerous translations the Book of Moses, a scholars are of the view that some Qur’anic verses are abrogated/replaced by some other verses. Allah and commentaries of Holy Qur’an. These are all guide and mercy. It is says in Qur’an “None of Our revelations do We being done by individuals and organizations they who have faith in abrogate or cause it to be forgotten, but We substi- with their own knowledge and interpretation. tute something better or similar: knowest thou that These interpretations are based on the social and it, and whoever defies God has power over all things?” [Qur'an 2: 106]. geographical context, and the mindset of the (translation from Minhajul Qur’an website) him from among the commentator. For instance, a commentary from

factions, the Fire is The scholars were of the view that there are about a Barelvi scholar would be different from one by their tryst. So do not 500 Qur’anic verses that come under this doctrine. a Deoband scholar. How does a reader know Historically, the replacement of one verse by a new which commentary is closer to the true meaning be in doubt about it; it Qur’anic verse happened, as Allah wills, throughout of the Qur’an? Perhaps it is for this purpose Al- is the truth from your the period of revelation (23 years). Now that the lah has taken the responsibility of providing a SAS Qur’an is completely revealed and the Prophet clear explanation of Qur’an as indicated in verse Lord, but most people has departed this world, no other person has the 19 of Surah Al-Qiyama: “Thumma inna Aalayna do not have faith. ( Al authority to declare any verse of Qur’an as abrogated. One would wonder, if a verse of the Qur’an is bayanahu” ( Then, it is undertaken by Us to Qur’an, 11:17) meant to be abrogated, then why would it still be a explain it. (75:19) part of the Qur’an? There is much debate on this doctrine in Islamic theology, and there are people (Continued on page 4)

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Mahdaviah Insight February 2017 page 3

“Verily, in the Remembrance of Allah Do Hearts Find Rest”(13:28) Nasser Khan

Perhaps one of the most overlooked and these verses, that it becomes more and more Hadith: poorly understood practices within Islam is the act of evident that this is an exceptionally valuable dhikr. Dhikr is the simple, straightforward remem- practice as it not only purifies the heart, but can Narrated Umm brance of Allah, which when done properly can be a lead to our personal salvation. In fact, The Salmah, Ummumul Prophet suggested "The best dhikr is La ilaha illal- profoundly comforting and spiritually cooling experi- Mu’mineen: ence, as well as rewarding in both this life and the lah." So, we have been taught by Mahdi AS to next. I myself am guilty of not being adequately aware perform the Dhikr of this Kalima with our The Prophet SAS breaths in such a way that no breath should be of the spiritual benefits and power that comes along said: The Mahdi will inhaled without this Dhikr. with this practice, as I will admit that I lack the spiritu- be of my family, of al maturity and discipline to appropriately carry out Therefore, we begin to see that the importance of the descendants of the act of dhikr. Nonetheless, after somewhat educat- dhikr is going to be a cornerstone of achieving Fatimah. Abdullah ing myself on this incredibly esoteric practice, (albeit spiritual oneness, as we would be reminded about ibn Ja’far said: I my research has been rather rudimentary considering this very important fact by the Imam Mahdi AS. heard AbulMalih the scope of this topic) I am greatly taken aback by the praising Ali ibn pure elegance and spiritual cleansing that will come There are a few special features with respect to Nufayl and describ- along from this incredibly simple act, and will result in dhikr in the context of Mahdavi practice. For ing his good quali- any being to establish a direct line of connection with one, it is often performed silently, (khafi) without ties. his or her creator, the one true God, Allah SWT. It is any special or particular movements. There is my firm belief that all forms of life, in this world or also importance placed upon the practitioners another, are essentially born with the intrinsic ability (Sunan Abi Dawud, Book breathing, as it is said within Mahdavi mysticism 37, Hadith 4271) to establish this connection with Allah, and once we that “a breath without remembrance is wasted”, be- (English version) successfully achieve it, the result is what we can con- cause the spirit, (ruh) permeates the entire physi- sider to be dhikr. It is a concept that has been recom- cal body. And ideally a Mahdavi will carry out mended to us by our Prophet Muhammad (May Al- perpetual dhikr, “dhikr dawwam, da’imi” as ex- lah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him) as the powerful plained in Persian “Har ja ke bashed bay ad e khuda properties of this practice are described to us through a bashed.” Mahdavi dhikr has a unique feature as variety of rich hadith. But it is also described to us by well, in that it not only attempts to please Allah the Imam Mahdi AS., as he would recommend dhikr SWT by means of remembering him, but actually as not only a means of purifying the heart, but an ob- adds to the intimacy of the experience by promis- ligatory fardh practice. ing those who perform it correctly with the incredibly powerful experience of “Dheedar-E- The Imam Mahdi AS. was born on 14, Khuda” or the “Vision of God.” Due to this in- Jamadi ul Awal 847 (September 9, 1443), in Jaunpur, credibly powerful spiritual experience that is said Naql: Uttar Pradesh, India. By the command of Allah SWT, to result from the appropriate practice and AS he made his first proclamation as the promised Mahdi Imam Mahdi amount of dhikr, the Imam Mahdi AS would in Mecca, between Rukn and Mukkahm in 901H. This actually tell his followers that this is not just an is followed by two more proclamations, in 903H and accessory practice that they may perform in addi- 905H. His proclamation of 905H is known as Dawah-e tion to all their other spiritual duties, but rather - Muakkadah. Amongst his many teachings and prac- an obligatory one, as it is divinely mandated for tices, he placed a particular value on the act of dhikr, all living beings to establish this connection with as he suggested that it was an essential duty for every God. true Muslim to partake in it, as it would serve as perhaps one of the most important cornerstones of their Yet the concept and interpretation of this practice faith and close relationship with Allah SWT. The still varies slightly among the very diverse Islamic many traditions, sayings, and teachings that we have Ummah, although these differences perhaps lie (Hashia Insaf Nama RZ, # 459, on record from him are all in accordance with Qur’an not so much in the understanding of what dhikr page 107) (English version) and Hadith as it serves as an exceptionally important is and how it is to be carried out, but rather by characteristic of Mahdavi mysticism. the level of emphasisMarag that is ais Hyderabadiplaced on itspe- by the various respective sects and schools of thought in In Surah Nisa, we have been ordered to per- cialty commonly found in Islam. Fortunatelyweddings. for us, it is emphasized em- form Dhikr in all our postures- standing, sitting and phatically by Caliph of Allah, Syed Muhammad lying down and in Surah Al-Imran, verse 191, such Jaunpuri, Imam Mahdi A.S. (May Allah be people are praised by Allah as the men of understand- Pleased with him). It can very well be considered ing; “Verily, in the creation of Heavens and Earth and one of his most passionate teachings, as he was in the alternation of day and night, there are indeed able to recognize the incredible power that dhikr signs for men of understanding (wise people) who re- holds for the believer. member Allah always standing, standing and lying down on their sides”. We begin to see after examining

(Contd. On page 4)

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Mahdaviah Insight February 2017 page 4

Advent of Mehdi.. (Contd. From page 2) Urdu Poetry

Verse 19 starts with the word “Thumma,” meaning “Later” or “Then.” In fact, Later is closer to the literal meaning of the word “Thumma.” According to several scholars, “Thumma” does not necessarily refer to the immediate future; it generally means “in the long-term.”

SAS Of course, Prophet MuhammadKids Section: had pure knowledge, and he knew the deepest meanings of every Qur’anic verse. But he revealed these complete and comprehensive meanings only to a few companions. Some among them were Khulafa e Ra- shideen, Ibn Abbas RZ, Abu Huraira RZ, and a few more. But for the Ummah at large, a more in-depth teaching of Wilayat might have been beyond their comprehension at that time. This was the era when people in Arab Peninsula were to reject the idol worshipping and accept the oneness of God (Tawheed). There- fore, the teachings relating to Nabuwat were fully disseminated for the masses and as Allah Wills; the task of disseminating the teachings of Vilayat (Wilayat-e-Muhammadiya) was given to the Guided one who came after the Prophet SAS with the status of the Caliph of Allah (Khalifatullah) since there was no prophet to come after Prophet Muhammad SAS. The Prophet SAS has himself described the status of this holy personality as Caliph of Allah in one of the hadiths (commonly known as Hadith e Thouban).

Allah revealed the Qur’an (Tanzeel) to Prophet Muhammad SAS , who is free from any error (Ma’sum), to securely pass on the message to all mankind. Similarly, the explanation and broad dissemination of its deepest meanings (i.e. Vilayat) should also come through someone who is free from error. Since the word “Thumma” in verse 19, does not necessarily mean immediately after revelation, this explanation (Bayaan-e- Qur’an) could come at any time in the future, even centuries after the initial revelation. Terminology: Dugana Mr. Abu Naimat Shahab Thus, the advent of Mahdi is a religious necessity to explain the This is the term every Mahdavi is familiar with, since infancy and is inner meaning of Qur’an as promised by Allah SWT. (We will present the third and last part of this article next month) absolutely unique to our community in the sense of its usage. This word evokes and echoes the most important event of the year for us.

Remembrance of Allah (Contd. From page 3) DuganaApoll isfish a word is a Hyderabadi derived from Persian (Farsi). It means 2 cycles of prayerspecialty. (2 rakaat Marinated of namaz fish ). fil-In our community, this term is used for: He would adamantly advise his followers that none of them lets are dp fried and lightly were true believers of the religion of Allah until they would ade- Duganatossed Lailatul in a masala Qadr seasoning.: This 2-cycle (2 rakaat) namaz is offered by quately recognize and practice dhikr, which is essential for the MahdavisServe as on an the etizer occasion or with of the Lailatul Qadr, as a thanksgiving to Allah purification of the heart, and the vision of Allah. I sincerely hope formain revealing course. the exact date of this night, bestowing this night to Imamu- that I can achieve my obligation as a Mahdavi Muslim and slave na Alaihis Salam and through him to all Mahdavis and by extension to of Allah to perform dhikr correctly and sincerely, and I will all Ingredients:the humanity. As we all know, this prayer is offered on the interven- make that same du’a for all of my brothers and sisters that share ing night of 26th and 27th of Ramadan. This namaz is our identity and Fish 250gms my faith and conviction. Insh-Allah we all will practice our per- identifies us as Mahdavis. This namaz is followed by sajda e munajaat A cup of curry leaves sonal act of dhikr with the utmost proficiency and sincerity, and (prostration for invocations). 4-5 green chillies, chopped we will all see our rewards for this beautiful act in both this life 1 teaspoon chopped garlic and the next, Ameen. Dugana¼ tsp turmericpowderTahiyatil Wuzu : This prayer is also 2 cycles. (2 rakaat of namaz). MICC Events in February: 1 tsp chilli powder We1 offertsp ginger this prayer garlic alsopaste as a thanksgiving to Allah, as per the com- 1. 11th February: Young Mahdavis Forum at 1:00 PM mand1 egg of our beloved Imam AS. These two rakaat also identify us as Mahdavis1 tablespoon and is all also-purpose followed flour by sajda e munajaat (prostration for invo- 2. 18th February: Jalsa e Milad e Mahdi AS at 7:30 PM cations).1 tsp corn starch 1 ½ tsp chilli paste

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