Imam Muhammad Taqi- Greatest Scholar of His Era

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Belated joyous greetings and felicitations to all the admirers of the Holy Prophet and his progeny on the birth anniversary of Imam Muhammad Taqi al Jawad.The blogger could not post article on the ninth infallible Imam on his birth anniversary on 10^th Rajab due to unavoidable circumstances but thought it appropriate to post an article on the greatest miracle of his age known to the world as Imam Muhammad Taqi. During his imamate he enriched  the Islamic thought and played a divine role in preserving the true tenets of Islam. Born in Medina  on 10th Rajab 195 A.H ,Imam Taqi dedicated his life to defend true  Islam and countered perverse ideas and deviated philosophies and ideologies that  existed among the Muslims during his period due to anti-Islam policies of  Abbasid caliphs. The significance of 9^th Imam could be gauged from the fact that the holy Prophet (S) had stated  “My father be sacrificed on the mother of the 9th Imam who will be a pure and pious woman.”

He was the only son of 8^th Imam Imam Ali Ridha. He lost his father at the age of nine. His sayings has the capacity to change the life of believers. He says “   “He who listens to any caller is actually serving him.If the caller was Allah’s representative, he is then serving Allah, and
If the caller was Satan’s representative, he is then serving the Satan”.
His another popular saying says “Three features cause love in the hearts of people:
Being fair in association with others,comforting others in misfortunes and having a good (generous) heart”.
Imam’s another quote reveals “There are three things that whoever had will not regret:Avoiding hastiness, consulting with others (before commencing any important task) and relying on Allah when determining a mission.”
On relations with brother, Imam says “He, who advises his brother secretly, does him good and he who advises his brother openly, does him wrong”. His another suggests as to how should be Allahs’s message be preached. He says “Let the guardian of Allah’s message in the openness not be an enemy to Him in privacy. He, who pretends to be religious and faithful before people but disobeys Allah secretly, is a liar and a hypocrite”. “Beware of accompanying an evil doer because he is like a drawn sword whose look is nice but its effect is extremely bad!”The words of Imam Taqi are pearls of wisdom. They should be taught at schools all over the world to get rid of evils confronting the society at large across the globe.

Tazia of Ustad &Shagird in Multan

Tazia of Ustad and Shagird in Multan (Pakistan)

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The historic city of Multan is a leading center of Taziadari. Two of the oldest and huge Tazias of Indian sub-continent are taken out on Yaum-E-Ashura every year ibn Multan. Thousands of devotees assemble on both sides to have a glimpse of both the tazias, popularly known as Tazia of Ustad (Teacher) and Shagird (Student). The Tazia of the Ustad is a remarkable 27-feet structure with seven storey. It is made of teak wood completely. Ustad Mundo Khan and his 23 companions took thirteen years to produce the Tazia. They built the constituents of Tazia  painstakingly by hand after starting work in 1812 and finally finishing in 1825.

While Ustad was busy in preparing Tazia of his dream, one of his student Salman Ali also began preparing another Tazia. He worked as part of Ustad’s team in day time and worked on his Tazia in the wee hours of the night. Ali completed the Tazia in 1854.It is 32-feet high and larger than the Tazia of the Ustad. The Tazia of the student was reportedly burnt by fundamentalists in 1944.It was however quickly   repaired with the financial help of the local tribes, especially the Gardezis of Afghanistan. 

A 1950 Photograph of Ustad's Tazia 

Every year during Muharram, both the Tazias are taken out  together in a procession. The Tazia of the Ustad leads the procession with the Tazia of the Shagird at the back, symbolizing the student’s respect for his teacher. Around 150 people carry the Ustad’s Tazia while 200 are required to carry Ali’s masterpiece prepared in memory of Imam Hussain. The first official license for the Muharram processions was given by the British government to the Tazia of the Ustad in 1860.Since then Ustad’s Tazia has been main attraction of Muharram ceremonies in Multan (Pakistan).Tazia refers to replica of Imam Hussain’s mausoleum in Karbala (Iraq) and they are taken out to mark his martyrdom of 10^th of Muharram every year.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy-Google Images) 

Karbala In 'Possession' of Freemasons

Front view of Agha Meer's Karbala at Narahi-Lucknow

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Nawab Mutmuddaula Bahadur Agha Meer, the Prime Minister of Awadh, had built many shrines dedicated to martyrs of karbala and holy Imams in his life time.He lies buried in Kanpur where he was banished after the death of his patron King Ghazi Uddin Haider. His tomb is in Gwaltoli locality and famous as Maqbara. Anjuman Muhammadi Moin- Ul- Aza takes care of his mausoleum and converted into an Imambargah.

In Lucknow too, Agha Meer had built Imambaras, Karbalas and Palaces.Ironically, none of his buildings has survived in Lucknow and fallen prey to either land grabbers or government sponsored organizations.

Only Karbala built by him in Narahi area has remained in somewhat satisfactory  position. It is not because of Imamis or any NGO working for the upkeep of old monuments but Freemasons have been responsible for the upkeep of Karbala.Gifted by the British, Freemasons used Karbala as their headquarters and not vacated it till date despite protests from Lucknow Imamis.

It is stated that Agha Meer had erected Karbala on almost 11 acres of land and decorated it richly. Karbala had four imposing minarets and a small mosque in the middle.It is unfortunate that Karbala built by Agha Meer after remaining under British possession is still away from the reach of devotees of Imam Hussain due to rigidity of Freemasons.The organization is notorious for its mysterious activities and often blamed for spreading hatred. In view of the secretive nature of the organization, locals call Karbala even as Jadughar(House of Magic).  

(References available on request.Photo Courtesy Google Images)  

Hussaini Gate Escapes Demolition In Kanpur

Muslim Orphanage-Kanpur 
Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Hussaini Gate of Muslim Yateemkhana (Orphanage) in Kanpur has escaped a bid initiated by some builders to demolish it. Thanks to the initiative taken by Haji Muhammad Salis, General Secretary, All India Sunni Jamiat Ulema Council, the builders had to leave the gate intact in its original form. Due to the pressure exercised by Haji Salis, builders  not only revised design of their map but also renovated the gate. It now stands on Yateemkhana road in its full glory.

The gate that was once the main entrance of Yateemkhana near Parade  Market had come under the threat of demolition recently. It all started when the Managing Committee of Yateemkhana decided to undertake an expansion plan of  the old structure. They entered into builders’ agreement and they started razing the old structures of the orphanage complex. Since Hussaini gate was no longer in use due  to erection of a much larger Gate by Hafiz Abdul Halim Sahib facing the Parade crossing, builders decided to demolish Hussaini gate. They wanted to erect shops and residential complex around the Hussaini gate.

Haji Salis appeared on scene when they tried to demolish Hussaini gate finding its existence as a barrier to their plan. He warned the builders of serious consequences if they demolished the gate.He also garnered support of area residents. The stiff resistance forced the builders to leave the gate intact and they revised their design. They also got painted the gate and it is now an integral part of the expansion plan.

In a chat with me, Haji Salis told me the whole story and said” any harm to Hussaini gate would have been  much disrespectful  to the soul of its builder who had not onkly helped orphanage in  its infancy but also gave it an impressive entrance. The gate may not be in use but it does not grant license to any9me to demolish it. It is a landmark of Kanpur and a part of city’s history would have died had the builders succeeded. I have done nothing extra ordinary .It was my duty to oppose any such move” (Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Martyrdom of Imam Ali Naqi -Rajab 3rd

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Imam Ali Naqi who was martyred on Rajab 3^{rd has the distinction of serving the longest period of Imamate besides the awaited 12th Imam. He was poisoned at the behest of most cruel Abbasid Caliph in 254 AH. His imamate lasted for 34 years that can be divided into two parts-17 years of freedom and 17 years under house arrest.}

Born in Madina on 15th Zilhij 214 Hijri, the period of Imamate of   Imam coincided with the decline of the power of the Abbasid Empire.. He was only 6 years old when his father Imam Muhammad Taqi (as) was martyred in Baghdad when poisoned by Mutasim Billah Abbasi. His mother Janabe Samana al-Maghribiya was a very pious lady who spent her whole life fasting. The 10th Imam has said about her that she was one of the ladies of paradise and one of those from 'Ahlul Haqq' (people of truth).

Like his illustrious father, Imam Naqi, also famous as Imam Al Hadi,  suffered persecution from the Abbasid tyrants. They spared no effort in oppressing and harming him. Al-Mutwakkil surpassed all the Abbasid Caliphs in harassing and torturing Imam. He moved the Imam from Yathrib to Samarra' and put him under house arrest and deployed security men who watched even Imam’s breathes. The caliph also  prevented ulema', jurisprudents, and narrators from  taking  fatwas and opinions.  He also  imposed economical blockade against Imam Ali Naqi by prevented people not to offer him  dues obligatory to him. Al Mutwakkil also  ordered his men to search the house of  Imam at regular intervals, hoping that his soldiers might stumble upon any material against him so as to enable him order the execution of Imam but nothing objectionable was ever found.

Sometimes, Mutwakkil ordered his men to bring him the Imam in whatever state he was. Once, the Imam was brought while al-Mutwakkil was drunk and before him there were vessels and cups of wine and he was surrounded by groups of male and female singers, but the Imam was sharp with him and began advising him, reminding him of the afterlife, and scolding him for the corruption he was in. When al-Mutwakkil saw the Imam insist on keeping away from him, he ordered his men to arrest and put Imam behind the bars.
It is narrated that some man heard Imam  saying from inside the prison, 'I am more exalted near Allah than the she-camel of (Prophet) Saleh.' Then he recited this Quaranic verse, (Enjoy yourselves in your abode for three days, that is a promise not to be belied).After three days, the tyrant was killed by his son al-Muntasir.
The death of al-Mutwakkil provide some respite for Imam as the new emperor Muntasir bin Mutwakkil reversed the policies of his father towards the Ahle-Bait.He even returned the property of Fadak to the descendants of Bibi Fatima . Unfortunately he ruled only for more than six months and died in 248 A.H. Imam once again found him in much trouble when Mustain succeeded Muntasir and restarted  the oppressive policies of his ancestors. The Abbasid government longed for his elimination because of his knowledge and popularity enjoyed by him among the people. The caliph bore malice towards Imam because he was respected more as compared to the ruler. Moreover, majority of the people considered him   worthier of the Islamic caliphate than the Abbasids who indulged in pleasures and lusts and governed the nation, like the Umayyads, with violence, oppression, and haughtiness. Fortunately, Mustain’s  own Turkish troops rebelled against him and pledged allegiance to Mo‘taz whom they rescued from prison. Finally, Mo’taz killed Mustain to become the new caliph.

It was during the reign of Mo’taz that Imam  was martyred by poisoning. The caliph arranged for the poisoning of Imam through an ambassador on Monday 3rd Rajab. The poison reacted sharply and Imam suffered violent pains. When he felt the inevitable death, he turned towards the qibla and began reciting some suras of the Qur'an. He breathed his last while the mention of Allah was still on his lips. His son and 11^th Imam Abu Muhammad al-Hasan al-Askari  washed the  pure body of his father, enshrouded it, and offered the prayer of the dead on it while his heart was full of pain and sorrow. Samarra' was shocked by his death. People from all walks of life hurried to get the honor of escorting the pure body of the great Imam. State offices and shops were closed. Viziers, Ulema, judges, prominent leaders of the army, and the eminent members of the Abbasid family walked before the bier, mentioning the virtues and favors of the Imam. People felt in his death the loss of a great leader, guide, and defender of the rights of the weak and the oppressed.

In the last abode, his pure body was carried to his house that he had assigned to be a site of his burial. Imam al-Hasan al-Askari put the body of 10^th Imam in the grave with tears rolling down over his cheeks. He buried his father and buried with him also the values of knowledge, patience, and  piety.(References available on request.Photo Courtesy Google Images.The article has been posted to mark the martyrdom of Imam Ali Naqi)

Rare Photograph of Tazia In Nawabi Bhopal

The Muharram at Bhopal: Procession of the Tazias by Louis Rousselet.  In India and its Native Princes, Bickers & Son, London, 1878

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Bhopal, the capital of Indian province Madhya Pradesh, is no longer considered to be a leading centre of Taziadari.But during the rule of Begums of Bhopal, Tazias (replica of the shrine of Imam Hussain at Karbala in Iraq) were taken out with royal pomp and show. Both ruler and ruled, Hindus and Muslims used to pay their respect and tributes to the martyrs of Karbala like many other princely states of British India. An idea about the grandeur of Taziadari in Bhopal can be formed about the portrayal of Muharram observance by Louis Rousselet and brought out by Bickers & Son, London, 1878.In the picture,Tazuia is placed on a richly embellished elephant with well-attired Mahaout. Another elephant follows the elephant carrying the tazia with two attendants.A third elephant also seems to be part of the procession. People are however exhibited rallying around the elephant with tazia placed on it . 

 Apart from religious importance,  Muharram also believed to be at the bottom of the introduction of famous Bhopali Gutka. The Gutka came into existence during the mourning month. The famous Zari Batua (pouch) also originated as a sequel to keep and carry Gutka. Besides Begums, Raja of Islam Nagar Vijay Ram also had a Tazia prepared. Besides making Tazias and holding Majlis several other acts of philanthropy are undertaken. They included offering water and Sharbat, feeding poor and have-nots and distributing alms. The biggest and oldest Tazia of Bhopal is said to be that of Mangalwara eunuchs. The Tazia of courtesan Nanhi Bai was also was also a major attraction before Independence. But when she moved to  Mumbai she took her Tazia with her and the city lost an important constituent of Muharram, ceremonies. In Bhopal, Tazias are made of Bamboo sticks and papers of various kinds.They are  lightweight and eco-friendly as they degrade in water sometime after the submersion. Tazias are mostly submerged in the Upper Lake on the banks of Karbala. But many people also bury them. (Reference Available on request) 

Imam Muhammad Baqir-A Matchless Personality

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Greetings to Momneen from Muharram Mirror on the Yaum-E-Wiladat (Birthday) of Imam Muhammad Baqar. His birth was prophesized by Apostle of Allah and his features bore striking similarity to the holy prophet. He had soft skin with moles. Imam had a thin waist, good voice and  always bowed his head. Born to Imam Zainul Abedeen on 1^st Rajab, Imam was brilliant  and genius during his childhood. The Companions (of the Prophet) knew that he was  endowed with outstanding merits and abundant knowledge. So, they consulted him concerning the problems which they did not understand.  Everybody respected and admired him. For example, Qatta`da, the jurist of the people of Basrah, met him. His heart trembled because of the Imam's solemnity. He said to him: "I sit before the jurists but my heart does not tremble because of them as it does because of you. 

 Among those who admired the Imam's solemnity included a Moroccan poet, who described him  saying

 “O you who was the son of him by whose tongue and eloquence people were guided and the revelation was sent down. 

The Book talked about his outstanding merits. The Torah and the Bible announced his coming. 

Were it not for the cessation of the revelation after Mohammed, we would say: Mohammed was the alternative to his grandfather. 

He was similar to him in outstanding merits, but Gabriel did not bring him a message.” 

Nobody saw  Imam laughing. When he laughed, Imam  said: "O Allah, do not detest me.He refrained from all that  contradicts solemnity and high character. Among his prominent qualities was that he always praised Allah. The inscription of his ringmstated : "All might is for Allah.He wore the ring of his grandfather, Imam Hussain whose inscription was: "Surely Allah attains His purpose. He  resided in Medina throughout his life. He did not leave it for another city. He served Medina as the first teacher and great pioneer for scientific cultural movements. He used the Prophetic Mosque as school for him to give  lectures to his students.

Imam Baqar was in Karbala also when Yazidi forces slaughtered Imam Hussain and persecuted the survivors. He also suffered pangs of thirst and hunger. His Kurta also caught  fire when tents were set ablaze. Tragic events of Karbala moved him but his faith in Allah remained unmoved and he dedicated his life to spread of knowledge.His sheeer devotion to allah and knowledge earned him the title of Baqar ul Uloom.

Bibi Fatima-Best Woman in Both Worlds

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

At the outset, I offer my sincere apologies for posting the article on Bibi Fatima a few days after her birth anniversary (Yaum-E-Wiladat).I admit my mistake and don’t want to seek any excuse also. I feel that more than preoccupation with regular assignments, it was procrastination that caused the delay. I might have  skipped to post an article on Bibi even tonight but I decided to post it immediately after finding message on Google+ congratulating Momneen on the birthday of Imam Muhammad Baqar .As I wanted to write an article on the 5^th Imam, it dawned upon me that I should write on Bibi first to clear by indebtedness followed by a post on Imam Baqar.

Hazrat Fatima Zahra and Her Excellence

Bibi Fatima Zahra  is the best women in both the worlds, as no lady excels her in love, obedience and nearness to God. Her triple relationship, as daughter of God’s best and last messenger, wife of the first Imam Hazrat Ali and mother of Hasnain and other Imams in her progeny, is another excellence without a parallel. She sacrificed her life in defending the right of her husband to emerge as a perfect model of character for all women to raise voice against any kind of oppression.
Hazrat Fatima was the only woman who accompanied the Holy Prophet t for Mubahila in the challenge against the doubting party, although the holy Quran (Sura 3 : 59) indicated any number of women for the event. This is her yet another matchless excellence.
Imam Khomeini has however considered SAHIFA E FATIMA, revealed to her by angel Gabriel as desired by God to pacify her, as her greatest excellence. It contains the future events and is now possessed by the awaited Imam Mahdi.

The Holy Prophet once asked" what is best for a woman?" People present failed to offer any convincing reply. Then, Bibi gave the reply, "A woman should not see a man who is' namahram' nor a man who is 'namahram' should see her" The holy messenger derived much pleasure from the reply  and declared " Fatima is part of myself." (Fatima baz'ato minni). During the era of Jehaliyat(Ignorance, women were considered as a disgrace and girls were buried alive by their fathers in Arabia. In such an environment ,the last messenger of God was sent for guidance. He always stood up to respect his daughter Fatima to exhibit how believers should treat their  daughters.

According to the Islamic calendar, Hazrat Fatima  was born in the 20th day of Islamic month Jamadi al-Thani, five years after appointment of Hazrat Muhammad as God’s messenger. A wonderful story surrounds her birth. The Holy Prophet was ordered to seclude himself from contact with Khadija for 40 days through a divine command. The Holy Prophet remained in seclusion in compliance. His seclusion was marked by  prayers, fasting, and spiritual connections with his Lord. The Holy Prophet  had sent a courier to Khadija to notify her of the matter and assure her that there was nothing wrong with her and that the event had happened as a result of Allah’s command.
When the seclusion ended, the prophet heard the voice of l Gabriel saying “Allah sends His salaams to you! Get ready to receive the celestial gift from your Lord!” Then angle brought down a tray full of heavenly fruits for the Messenger of the lord  and  said “Eat from this heavenly dish tonight; then go to Khadija; Almighty Allah has willed to create a pure child out of this blissful food.” Allah fulfilled the promise with the birth of Bibi Fatima. An idea about the pure soul and character of Hazrat Fatima can be formed from some of  her teachings  such as -  God has prohibited Polytheism, so that all people pray to Him alone with sincere love, God has made Patience helpful in attaining its fruits (compensation), God has assigned reward for his Obedience and ordained punishment for His disobedience in order to prevent His obedient servants from His punishment and to direct them towards His Paradise, God has commanded virtues and excellence and prohibited vices and wickedness for general welfare, God has ordered Justice for making hearts intimate & upright and  God has prescribed' Jehad ' for honor and glory of Islam and for disgrace and humiliation of disbelievers and hypocrites.

Rare Painting on Panjatan from India

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

The above painting ranks among the rare ones.It shows a Darvesh receiving a visitor at his  place and dates back to 1610-20.The painting belongs to Bijapur School and it has not been yet ascertained as to who is the Darvesh and who is the visitor.For lovers of Ahle-Bait, the painting is important from the point of view of the presence of Alams(Standards) in the left corner.

These Alams prepared in Deccani style contain the names of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (S),Maula -E-Kaynat Hazrat Ali, Maula Hasan and Imam Hussain.The main flag shown in the painting is also black in color and symbolizes mourning.It is perhaps the only Bijapuri painting with visible names of the infallibles. 

A  darvesh refers to someone guiding a Sufi to the  path or " Tariqa",.They live in  extreme poverty and austerity and focuses  on the universal values of love and service, deserting the illusions of ego to reach God. In most Sufi orders, a dervish is known to practice 'dhikr' through physical exertions or religious practices to attain the ecstatic trance to reach Allah. 

Bijapuri school of painting had flourished during Adil Shahi Kings who were great patron of arts.The kingdom also patronized Sufis and some of the emperors professed Imami faith.Hence, influence of 'Shism' is found in the paintings.(References available on request-Image Courtesy Google) 

Tomb of Indian Hindu King Turned Indian Sahabi

Outside View of the Tomb of Cheraman in Salalah(Oman)

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Salalah, the historic port city of Oman, has the distinction of having the tomb of the first Indian to embrace Islam. History reveals that the Indian was King Cheraman Perumal of Kerala and had witnessed the miracle of moon splitting with his own eyes, His curiosity to meet the Holy Prophet arose when some Arab traders visited his kingdom and narrated as to how the miracle had taken place. As the King himself had seen the miracle, he joined traders to visit Mecca with them after handing over the authority of his empire to his kin.

In Mecca, he embraced Islam but died in Oman during his return journey. He was buried in Salalah. After performing his last rites, his companions however, reached Kerala with a letter written by the King.His kin and courtiers treated them respect and also allowed them to preach Islam. They  established their faith  in 629AD, the first mosque in India was constructed at Kodungallur.

The tomb of Perumal who had taken the name of Tajuddin after embracing Islam is a popular place of pilgrimage in Salalah and visited by a large number of people. The holy pace is simple in structure but the grave is quite large and covered with richly decorated ‘Chadars’(Sheets). There is a small Masjid beside the tomb and cocoanut trees and gardens in front of it.

(Grave of the India Emperor Cheraman who embraced Islam and considered as a Great Sahabi )

In 2011, a high-level team, as part of the Muziris Heritage Project of Kerala's Ministry of Tourism, had visited the tomb. Former Indian Ambassador to Oman Anil Wadwa had also visited the last resting place of King Cheraman. Though the tomb does not have any kind of restrictions but those willing to visit it are expected to seek permission from the Keralites settled in  Salalah or  Al Baleed area. All the Taxi drivers in Salalah are well aware of the tomb of the great companion of the Holy Prophet in view of its popularity.

' Ashura Afternoon'-Most Popular Painting

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The painting posted above is perhaps the most popular among the admirers of Hazrat Imam Hussain.Originating from Iran, the painting has found entry into majority of the Imami houses in Indian sub-continent.Most of the Imambaras prefer to keep a copy of this painting while decorating them on the arrival of Muharram.  

In Iran,this famous painting  is called as Ashura Afternoon.It depicts the return of Zuljanah,the horse of Imam Hussain from the battle field without rider, indicating to survivors that the grandson of the Holy Prophet has been martyred with three days hunger and thirst on the arid plains of Karbala.

One can easily see in the painting that the wounded Zuljanah is keeping its head low and trying to offer solace to a wailing lady of Hussaini Camp.Other ladies are also see lying on the ground almost unconscious on coming to know about the martyrdom of Imam.It is believed that Ashura Afternoon was first printed in 2009 and taken the Azadar world by storm of popularity due to its emotional appeal based on the theme of post-martyrdom scene of Hussaini Camp.(References available on Request-Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Muharram in Painting of Sewak Ram

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

The above painting was done by a non-Muslim Sewak Ram.He has depicted ,a Muharram Scene of  Patna, the capital of Bihar province of India.It is evident from the painting that Muharram was observed with great solemnity by all sections of society and even women used to take part in the processions.The painting also clarifies that there has not been much change in the design and structure of Tazia and Alams(standards).A number of devotees are also seen observing the ceremony  from a nearby mound with reverence.Considering the population of Patna in 1807, the number of people shown in the painting are quite large in number.There are no  Burqa clad Muslim women but presence of Hindu women is exhibited.The painting proves that Muhammad was observed in early colonial India by Muslims and Hindus alike.(Reference available on request-Photo Courtesy Google Images)