SIJILL A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF FATEMIDAWAT.COM Issue 98

Fatemi Dawat Art and Architecure Series: Jame' Anwar Photo Essay. Featured updates:

بسم الل ه الرحمن الرحيم

مَنْ رَزَقَهُ الل ه ُ وَلاي َة َ ع َل ِي ب ِن ابيطالب ص ف َقَ ْد

َأ َصا َب خَيْرَ الد ُنْي َا والآ ِخرةِ، ولا أ ُش ُك له ُ بِالجنَةِ،

وإ نَ في ُح ِ ب ع َلي وَوَلاي َت ِهِ عِشْرِي َن َخ ْصل َة، عَش َرةً ٍ مِنها في الدُنيا وعَشَرةً في الآخرة* )1( الزهد بسم الل ه الرحمن الرحيم )2( والحرص على العلم )3( والورع في الدين QASIDA ME’AWIYYAH E-BOOK: )4( والرغبة في العبادة )5( وتوبة نصوح )6( فمَِ َن الن َا ِس مَن ي َقُو ُل رَب َن َا آتنَِا ف ِي الد ُنْي َا وَمَا ل َه ُ ف ِي Shukur-Recounting & Giving Thanks for the Achievements, Milestones & Ihsanaat of Syedna والقيام في الليل للصلوة )٧( والإياس من الخلق ا ْلآ ِخرَةِ مِ ْن خَل َا ٍق، وَمِ ْنه ُم م َن ي َقُو ُل رَب َن َا آتنَِا ف ِي Mohammed Burhanuddin RA (from Sijill 47)

الد ُنْي َا َحسَن َةً وَف ِي الْآ ِخرَةِ َحسَن َةً وَقِن َا ع َذَا َب الن َارِ، )8( والحفظ للقرآن )9( وبغض الدنيا

(Surat al-Baqara: 200-201) (Rasulullah SAW)

There are men who say: " Lord! He who is given the bounty (rizq - rozi) Give us (Thy bounties) in this of the valaayat of Ali has attained the world!" but they will have no goodness of this world and the portion in the Hereafter. And there Hereafter, and I do not doubt that he are those who say: "O Lord! Grant will enter jannat. Ali’s love and us the benefits of this world and valaayat entail twenty virtues: 10 in this world (dunya) and 10 in the the blessings of the hereafter. Hereafter (aakherat). 1) renouncing

materialism, 2) desire to seek knowledge, 3) piety and scrupulosity, 4) eagerness for worship, 5) sincere repentance, 6) waking up in the night NAZARAAT: for prayer, 7) putting your trust in God, “Abu Mohammed, Your Father – Taher not people, 8) memorizing the Quran, Saifuddin” 9) aversion to this world (dunya).

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SIJILL ARTICLE: Ten Virtues of a beware of it the most. For each time its live life in this world to the fullest but Mumin – (9) Aversion to Dunya companion rests confidently in a happy with the Hereafter and our purpose in Rasulullah SA said, “he who is given the event, an adversity forcefully removes mind. Living life in this world according gift (rizq, rozi) of the valaayat of Ali has him from it. the guidance of our Hudaat Kiraam and attained the goodness of this world Syedna al-Mu’ayyad al-Shirazi stresses the precepts of Shari’at ensures that all and the Hereafter, and I do not doubt time and again that this world is worldly pursuits also garner sawaab. that he will enter Jannat.” Ali’s love transient. In one instance, he describes The key is prioritization. Amirul and valaayatentail twenty virtues: 10 in it as a series of trials and tribulations Mumineen SA said that this World (dunya) and 10 in the and its inhabitants as those trapped in when dunya and aakehrat go hand in Hereafter (aakherat). The ten in this a cave, drunk with its temporary lures. hand that is the best. But in the case of world are: 1) renouncing materialism Our Mawali Tahereen AS make such a conflict between the two, Eisa (Sijill Article 90); 2) desire to seek strong statements about the Maseeh’s AS teaching is proverbial: if knowledge (Sijill Article 91); 3) piety temptations of this world because there is a situation in which you must and scrupulosity (Sijill Article 92); 4) these temptations are enticing. The choose between dunya or aakehrat, eagerness and desire for worship (Sijill purpose of these statements is to then you must prioritize aakherat. Article 93); 5) sincere repentance (Sijill remind us of the passing nature of this May Allah Ta’ala grant us the wisdom Article 94); 6) waking up in the night world and to emphasize the endurance to prioritize everlasting Hereafter over for tahajjud prayers (Sijill Article 95); 7) of the Hereafter (aakherat). a transient material world. May we to put trust in God and not people (Sijill continue to follow the guidance of Article 96); 8) memorizing the Quran His awliya’ to live a full and fulfilling life Majeed (Sijill Article 97). in this world and prepare for the This year during Ashara, Syedna TUS Hereafter. narrated this Hadith and explained the In our increasingly materialistic world, many facets of this Hadith and the we are fortunate that we have a living individual virtues. Syedna introduced guide, a Dai, who continuously reminds the Hadith saying that this is us of the permanence of the Hereafter, a bishaarat for the Shi’a of Amirul and the balance required to achieve Mumineen SA. He added that in one happiness in this world and the aakherat. May Allah Ta’ala grant sense, those with truevalaayat would That is not to say that one should not Syedna Qutbuddin TUS longest life necessarily have these virtues. If for live a full life in this world. Amirul some reason one withvalaayat does till qiyamat to continue to guide us and Mumineen SA said that the pious not possess these virtues, then upon our children. (muttaqeen) share this world with the hearing this bayaan he/she should We end with the prayer that is quoted people of this world (ahlud-dunya), but make a firm commitment to acquire in the ayat in the beginning of this the people of this world do not share article. Not the prayer of those who them. The ninth virtue is aversion to the Hereafter with the pious. The seek dunya with no share this world (bughdud-dunya). former live the best life in this world Rasulullah SA said, “this world (dunya) in aakherat (Surat al-Baqar: 200), but and they also journey to the Hereafter is a prison for the believer (mumin) and the prayer of those who say, “O Lord! with adequate provisions and a paradise (Jannat) for the disbeliever Grant us the benefits of this world and profitable trade. Conveying a similar (kafir).” Amirul Mumineen SA wrote to the blessings of the hereafter” concept, Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA (Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanatan Salman al-Farisi RA, refers to dunya and deen in his qasida Indeed, this world is like a snake—its wa fil aakherati hasanatan waqina as twins. He counsels mumineen that touch is smooth, its poison fatal. The azaab an-naar – Surat al-Baqara: 201). their worldly affairs should be foolish lad rushes towards it, and the conducted in accordance with their intelligent man is wary of it. Turn away NAZARAAT: “Abu Mohammed, religion, and that religion should in fact from its attractions, for it will only be Your Father – Taher Saifuddin” be the moral compass that directs their with you for a short time. Shrug off its worldly affairs (see Sijill Article 84 “The On the auspicious occasion of cares, for you will soon depart from it. Twinship of Deen & Dunya”). Tabarrukaatu Ayyamil Urs, the second When you are most comfortable with it, Urus of Syedna Mohammed Our Hudaat Kiraam AS encourage us to

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Burhanuddin’s RA, we are pleased to all mumineen, muminaat and their In the 19th century AD, the Masjid was present the following Nazaraat Entry children. Ameen. damaged in an earthquake after which prepared by Shz Dr Husain Bhaisaheb: it remained in a ruinous state for Fatemi Dawat Art and decades. In his bayaan, Syedna In the unmatched letter which he wrote Architecture Series: Jame’ Anwar Burhanuddin narrated that after Hajj with his own hand to Syedna Khuzaima Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA visited Photo E-book Qutbuddin (TUS), Syedna Taher Misar and he prayed Namaz in Jame’ On the auspicious occasion of Saifuddin (RA) inscribed several Anwar and committed to one day Tabarrukaatu Ayyamil Urs, the second indications of Syedna Qutbuddin’s high rebuilding the Masjid. This niyyat of Urus of Syedna Mohammed destiny of becoming Dai. One of these Syedna Taher Saifuddin was fulfilled by Burhanuddin’s RA, we take the was his signing the letter in this his successor, Syedna Mohammed opportunity to present this annotated manner: “(From) Mohammed’s father, Burhanuddin. photo gallery of Jame’ Anwar by Shz Dr your father, who thinks of you in every Aziz Bhaisaheb. moment, with utmost love and The renovation of this Fatimid Masjid longing, Taher Saifuddin.” Upon was a great milestone and a testament reading this letter, Syedna Mohammed to theshaan of zuhoor reserved for the Burhanuddin (RA) recited the Qur’anic 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq. Syedna ayat “khitamuhu misk” (Surat al- Burhanuddin often said, “since the day Mutaffifeen, Ayat 26), which means “It we reconstructed Jame’a Anwar, is sealed with musk.” the barakaat in Dawat has multiplied Syedna Taher Saifuddin normally exponentially and by the virtue of referred to himself in his Jame’ Anwar hundreds of Masjids have correspondence as “Mohammed’s been built all over the world.” father”. In this letter, he used the Jame’ Anwar (also known in Cairo as unique expression “Mohammed’s Jame’ al-Hakim) was built by the 15th father, your father”, thereby indicating Imam Aziz Billah and completed by the the special status of these two sons 16th Imam al-Hakim Biamrillah. It was near him. This special status was one of the four Masjids in Fatimid Cairo frequently highlighted by Syedna (al-Qahera al-Mu’izziyya) in which the Burhanuddin during his lifetime, most Fatimid Imam lead Friday Namaaz and notably at the time of performing nass Khutba. The other three masjids are on Syedna Qutbuddin, and also at the Jame’ Azhar – built by Moiz Imam AS, very beginning of his ehed mubarak Jame’ Atiq, and Jame’ Ibn Tulun. There In 1398H (1978), after the iftitah of the upon the wafaat of Syedna Taher are multiple grand gates that guarded Zarih of Maulatuna Zainab AS, in which Saifuddin (details in this palatial city, and Jame’ Anwar is Syedna Qutbuddin TUS accompanied future nazaraat article inshaallah). immediately inside one of them called Syedna Burhanuddin, the 52nd Dai

Babul-Futuh (Victory Gate). announced his intention to begin work The Masjid was built based on the on the reconstruction of the massive model of Jame’a Azhar. All four sides of Masjid. The task was extraordinarily challenging because within the ruins of the Masjid have covered prayer halls, and in the middle is a large open the Masjid, a school, stables, and May Allah give Afdal-ul-Jaza to both courtyard. The main covered hall, on warehouses had been constructed. his Dais, our Waliyyun-Nemat, Syedna the side of the qibla, is highlighted by Only the two minarets and parts of Taher Saifuddin RA and Syedna its larger size, the raised ceiling leading the qibla prayer hall remained intact. Mohammed Burhanuddin RA. May to the qibla, and the three domes. The The Egyptian government accepted their nazaraat froma’la Masjid has two prominent Minarets in Syedna Burhanuddin’s request to illiyeen continue to flow towards their the western side near the entrance (the renovate the Masjid. Within the short successor and waris Syedna Khuzaima top parts of the minarets are later time of two years the Masjid was Qutbuddin TUS, and from him towards additions from the Mamluk period). vacated of encroaching structures and

Page 3 of 6 SIJILL A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF FATEMIDAWAT.COM Issue 98 the entire Masjid was rebuilt to its replicated based on the design and al-Anwar and was used in many new former glory. Syedna Qutbuddin’s shape of the surviving pillars. The masjids constructed in Syedna great khidmat in this project is little ceiling was also rebuilt using timber Burhanuddin’s era. known to most people and will perhaps similar to that of the original. Although The mishkats have ayat un-noor written be narrated at a future time. the original layout, structure, and on them in beautiful Kufic calligraphy. In the year 1400H (1980), Syedna design was maintained, a new element A deep well in the middle of the Mohammed Burhanuddin was added: beautiful white marble was courtyard of the masjid emerged performediftitah of Jame' Anwar and laid on the floor of covered prayer halls during construction. A minister from then performed Ashara Mubaraka in and the courtyard. The addition of the the Egyptian government commented 1401H in Fatimid Misar. Ten thousand marble was a manifestation of the idea to Syedna Qutbuddin that perhaps the mumineen from around the world that the renovation was not simply a sweet water of the well was connected gathered for Ashara. That same year, restoration for the sake of architecture, to the sweet and holy water of Zam Syedna Burhanuddin also observed but also so that these ruins could once Zam. Lailatul Qadar in the grand Masjid. more be used effectively as a sanctuary May Allah Ta’ala give Afdalul-jazaa’ to Syedna Qutbuddin accompanied for prayer. A masjid that is used as Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin from Syedna Burhanuddin in the iftitah, a masjid. our Fatimi Imams. This tremendous Ashara and Lailatul Qadar. A unique The towering qibla of Jame’a Anwar is achievement and revival of this Fatemi photo of the 52nd and 53rd Dais unique, and it survived the earthquake Masjid will be etched in the history of praying Namaz in Lailatul Qadar was that damaged most of the masjid. Dawat as one of the great glories of the captured by a mumin from Dubai. On a After the renovation, the original place 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq Syedna visit to Dubai Syedna Burhanuddin saw of the qibla was maintained. The Mohammed Burhanuddin. the photo while gracing Shk Taher architecture and engravings It is apt to end with this bayt from the Saasa’s home for ziafat. Syedna surrounding the qibla are replicated qasidas written by Syedna Qutbuddin Qutbuddin was also in Dubai and was from the original design of the Fatimid in remembrance of Syedna attending the ziafat but was in a qibla in Jame’ Azhar, but instead Burhanuddin: different room at that time. Syedna executed in white marble and gold leaf. Burhanuddin summoned Syedna The iconic and beautiful qibla of Jame’ He brought to life the Jame’ Masjids of Qutbuddin and showed him the photo Anwar marks the place of namaaz of all the Fatimid Imams and said, “ghano acho photo che.” the Imams from Imam al-Aziz billah SA Proclaiming their magnificence to all. until Imam Aamir Biamrillah SA. جوامع مصر الفاطميين عامرا * لشاناتهم آياتهم كان Syedna Burhanuddin RA namaaz on all his visits to Misar in Jame’a Anwar in معلنا themubarak mehraab (qibla) in which the Imams led namaaz in time of zuhoor. All others who were given Anwar, Azhar and Aqmar raza to lead namaaz in Jame’a Anwar Are longing and yearning for him.

were instructed to pray outside وأنورهم مع أزهر ثم أقمر * اليه هياما واشتياقا تحننا the mehrab niche (i.e. immediately behind the actual qibla), except Syedna Qutbuddin. As per Syedna NEWS & EVENTS: 52nd Dai al- Burhanuddin’s instructions and raza, Mutlaq Syedna Mohammed Syedna Qutbuddin also led namaaz Burhanuddin RA Urus – Tabarrukaatu praying in the mubaraka Ayyamil-Urs mehraab (qibla) of the Imams. On the occasion of 52nd Dai Syedna The mishkat (lantern) in Jame’a Anwar Mohammed Burhanuddin RA second is also unique. The design was derived The Masjid was almost entirely rebuilt Urus Mubarak – Tabarrukaatu Ayyamil from a carving in one of the original except for the minarets, parts of the Urs, Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin TUS stucco grill window in Masjid al-Aqmar. qibla-side-covered-prayer-hall, and the presided over Khatmul Quran Majlis on This mishkatbecame known as Mishkat qibla. All the pillars were rebuilt and the eve of the 14th and 15th of Rabiul

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Awwal in the Poconos, USA. On eve of Before his death, Socrates’ students Zikrun-ne’mat is shukrun-ne’mat. This Urus Mubarak, 16mi raat, Syedna TUS gathered around him and wept, they saying means that presided over Urus Mubarak Majlis and knew that they could not prevent his recounting ne’mats is part of offering Darees. After Sadaqallah, Qasida death. Socrates asked them, “Why do gratitude for ne’mats. Syedna Mubaraka written by Syedna you cry for me when you know that I Burhanuddin’s ihsanaat and ne’mants Qutbuddin TUS in remembrance of am leaving your company for the are innumerable and we offer gratitude Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA company of great philosophers and for them by recounting them. As the was recited. Bayaan recording of noble men?” The students replied, “We Dai of Imamuz Zaman, Syedna Syedna Burhanuddin RA bayaan was know that you will be in Paradise. We Burhanuddin RA guided us for 50 years. then played. do not cry for you, we cry for us. We cry He gave us the bounty of Aale May Allah Ta’ala elevate Syedna for the benevolent and wise father we Muhammad’s ilm. He graced us with Burhanuddin RA in the highest are losing. We cry for our loss.” his priceless do’a day and night. His echelons of Jannat in A’la ‘iliyyeen. As we approach Syedna achievements in the khidmat of the May Syedna Burhanuddin’s Urus Mubarak, it is the Imam’s Da’wat are immeasurable. In Burhanuddin’s nazaraat continue upon time for Shukur – remembrance of his Qasida Me’awiyya (100 verse qasida us, the followers of his successor, and gratitude for his written on the 100th Milad of Syedna Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin TUS. countless ihsanaat and bounties— Burhanuddin), Syedna Qutbuddin TUS May we receive the ne’mat of Syedna and it is also the time for Sabar – narrated the events celebrating the Burhanuddin’s RA ziarat in Rozat fortitude and forbearance. 100th Milad and also recounted some Tahera with his Mansoos. The two ayat-s quoted above counsel of the milestones and achievements of us to offer shukur and to take refuge Syedna Burhanuddin’s era. Using this SIJILL ARTICLE: Sabar & Shukur – in sabar. These two ayats are the 152nd qasida as a framework, we are pleased Remembrance of Our Beloved and 153rd in Surat-ul-Baqara. As we to present an e-book presentation Syedna Mohammed remember Syedna Burhanuddin RA highlighting Syedna Burhanuddin RA(from Sijill 47) and offer shukur for hisihsanaat, we are Burhanuddin’s ihsanaat. Nearly a full year has passed since certain that he remembers us The abyaat in the Qasida recount thewafaat of our beloved father, the mumineen. For we are those who have Syedna Burhanuddin’s long and 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq, Syedna pledged ourselves to his living legacy, auspicious era. It also recounts the Mohammed Burhanuddin RA. He was his true successor Syedna Khuzaima renovation of the Jamea Anwar and the the personification of love, piety, Qutbuddin TUS. Indeed Syedna construction of many other masjids in humility, sincerity, and compassion. He Burhanuddin RA’s greatest ihsaan upon towns and cities where mumineen was part of our consciousness day and us is that he left in our midst his reside, particularly the renovation of night. His voice still echoes in our ears - successor to guide us and pray for us Jame’ Kufa and the reconstruction of delivering bayaan, reciting Imam just as he did. As we seek refuge Masjid-e-Mu’azzam in Surat. The Husain’s shahaadat and doing do’a for in sabar and prayer, our pain is eased qasida also recounts Syedna us. With our own eyes, we saw the by the presence of his successor Burhanuddin’s construction of Zarihs brilliance of Imam-uz-zaman’s noorin Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin TUS. and particularly the mihrab of Amirul his luminescent face. With our own It is in this spirit Mumineen in Kufa. It recounts Syedna hearts, we felt the awe of his presence, of Shukur and Sabar that we present Burhanuddin’s tireless travels to cities the warmth in his eyes, and the this special issue of Sijill. Click here to and towns where mumineen resided. It earnestness in his voice. Throughout read the full article written by Shz Dr recounts Syedna Burhanuddin’s our lives, it was impossible to imagine a Aziz Bhaisaheb and published last year. construction of madrasas and schools time without him. Two years after his for education of our children. The wafaat, it is still painful to accept that QASIDA ME’AWIYYAH E- qasida recounts Syedna Burhanuddin’s he is no longer among us. BOOK:Shukur-Recounting & Giving pilgrimages with thousands of The Rasa’il Ikhwanus-Safa’ narrates Thanks for the Achievements, mumineen to Baitullah and for ziarat of this anecdote about the time when the Milestones & Ihsanaat of Syedna Awliyaa’ kiraam. The qasida recounts wise philosopher Socrates was Mohammed Burhanuddin RA (from Syedna Burhauddin’s practice of imprisoned and forced to drink poison. Sijill 47) hosting a meal for all mumineen

Page 5 of 6 SIJILL A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF FATEMIDAWAT.COM Issue 98 around the world twice a year. It These abyaat are presented in an e- online Quran recitation workshop on recounts Syedna Burhanuddin’s book format with accompanying December 22nd, 29th, and January 5th reconstruction of Saify Hospital, which photographs. Some of these photos from 7-8pm EST. The workshop will became a landmark in the city of are being published for the very first focus on learning how to recite suras Mumbai. The qasida recounts Syedna time and have been taken by Shz. Dr. from the 30th Sipara according to the Burhanuddin’s construction and recent Aziz Bhaisaheb, who was fortunate to rules oftajweed. Additionally, children renovation of Rozat Tahera. The qasida travel often with Syedna Burhanuddin will also have the opportunity to work recounts Syedna Burhanuddin’s efforts and also fortunate to have the on tajweedon a one-on-one session at a for the upliftment of Mumineen. opportunity to capture close, personal later time. All students between the and religiously significant memories ages of 10-20 are welcome to attend. from Syedna Burhanuddin RA’s era. Please email Shireen ben Hamza This presentation is at [email protected] to register on Fatemidawat.com. for the workshop by December 17th. Shireen ben is Hafizatul Quran, a FATEMI MADRASA: Quran former student of Jamea tus Saifiyah, Workshop and she is currently working on her

Fatemi Madrasa will be conducting an PhD at Harvard University.

This Newsletter This newsletter will inshaallah be published every Friday. It will include the latest news and instructions from Syedna Qutbuddin’s office and will be published in Dawat-ni-zaban and Gujarati. It will also highlight the latest updates on fatemidawat.com. Please register to receive the newsletter regularly at [email protected] Sijill is an Arabic word which literally means official letter. It was a term often used in the Fatimid chancery.The name is inspired by the most auspicious letter 'Sijill-ul-Bisharat'.

Updates this week Upcoming updates  SIJILL ARTICLE: Ten Virtues of a Mumin – (9) Aversion to  Cradle to the Grave – Part 6 Dunya  Ikhwanus Safa Article Series  NAZARAAT: “Abu Mohammed, Your Father – Taher  Quran recitation with commentary analysis (regular). Saifuddin”  Hikayaat: Morals & Fables from Dawat Kitaabs  Fatemi Dawat Art and Architecture Series: Jame’ Anwar  Article Series: Women in Islam Photo E-book  Fatemi Dawat Architecture – Galleries and  NEWS & EVENTS: 52nd Dai al-Mutlaq Syedna Presentations Mohammed Burhanuddin RA Urus – Tabarrukaatu  Fatimid Literature Article Series Ayyamil-Urs  Q&A series on pertinent issues: Shari’a compliant  SIJILL ARTICLE: Sabar & Shukur – Remembrance of Our finance, qasar namaz. Beloved Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA (from Sijill 47)  QASIDA ME’AWIYYAH E-BOOK: Shukur-Recounting & Giving Thanks for the Achievements, Milestones & Ihsanaat of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA (from Sijill 47)  FATEMI MADRASA: Quran Workshop

If you have any suggestions for updates and content please email [email protected] If you wish to unsubscribe to this newsletter please email to above address with subject line ‘unsubscribe’

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