Sakina Bibi's Shrines in Lucknow(India)

Shrine of Bibi Sakina at Dargah Hazrat Abbas in Rustam Nagar

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Lucknow, considered to be Azadari capital of the world, also has the distinction of having perhaps the maximum number of shrines dedicated to Hazrat Sakina, the little daughter of Hazrat Imam Hussain. There are as many as four shrines of Hazrat Sakina in Lucknow that also happens to be capital of the most populous Indian state-Uttar Pradesh.

The oldest Rauza of Hazrat Sakina is located behind Jama Masjid in Tahseenganj. It is an independent structure with a green dome. It was built by Late syed Baqar Hussain Sahib of Sharif Manzil. A mosque also exists adjacent to the shrine. Another shrine of Bibi Sakina happens to be part of Imambara Kaiwan Jah complex near Talkatora Karbala in Raja Ji Puram area.

Two shrines dedicated to Janab-E-Sakina are situated in two popular dargahs of Hazrat Abbas Alamdar in Lucknow. Of the two, Dargah Hazrat Abbas is very popular and draws huge crowd of devotees every day.This Dargah believes to contain the  Alam(standard)used by Hazrat Abbas himself during the tragic battle of Karbala. His love for Janab-e-Sakina is well-known so his Dargah has a shrine dedicated to her. Those who visit Dargah make it a point to visit the portion dedicated to Hazrat Sakina near the place where the sacred alam is preserved.

Like Rustam Nagar, Dargah Hazrat Abbas situated at Karbala of Musahib- Ud- Daulla near Ali colony in Lucknow. Apart from these shrines, Imamis in Lucknow also remember Hazrat Sakina’s persecution by Yazidi soldiers by organizing a mourning ceremony omn 4^th and last sundayt of Muharram month every year at Chiota Imambara in Hussainabad. As part of the ceremony,  a temporary small scale replica of the "Qaid Khana" (Prison ) is erected  with a small grave of Bibi Sakina inside  to depict the her agony in the dungeon of Yazid in Damascus. Thousands of mourners visit the "Qaid Khana" and  pay tribute to Bibi Sakina. The ceremony was introduced in 1990 by Late. Muhammad Sarfaraz Khan Sahab, endearingly known as  Banney Miyan. He resided in  Beal Wala Tila locality of Muftiganj. Anjuman-e-Gulzaar-e-Panjatan takes active part in the organization of the event. May Allah bless members of Anjuman with the strength and resources to keep this sorrowful to more greater heights.(References available on request .Photo Courtesy-Google Images)  .

'Muharram Wale Baba'-His Band & Successors

Usman Bhai-Successor of Muharram Wale Baba 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Successors of “Muharram Wale Baba” heralded the arrival of Muharram in the down town area of Kanpur City of India yesterday. They urged people to donate generously for observance of Muharram related rituals at Imam Chowk of Badar Ali near Dr. Beri crossing in Beconganj locality. Led by Usman Bhai, these devotees of Hazrat Imam Hussain played mournful tunes on the beating of drums. Carrying a small ‘Alam’(Standard) with ‘Ya Abbas’ inscribed with embroidery work, Usman Bhai roamed in Nawab Sahib Ka Hata with ‘Muharram Band’ of Badar Ali Imam Chowk to raise funds for preparation of ‘Tazia’ that is kept on Imam Chowk on 9^th of Muharram and considered to be the oldest and tallest in Kanpur. Beats of the drum aimed at informing people that Muharram is round the corner and they should get ready to mourn the martyrs of Karbala.

‘Muharram Wale Baba’ was unique feature of Muharram rituals in Kanpur. As a child blogger himself saw him walking barefoot with his band  to collect funds for Badar Ali Ka Tazia in 1971.In his old age, he carried on the practice on a wheel chair. People used to wait for his arrival in their localities. His appearance with Alam and band was considered as a signal for devotees to begin preparation for arrival of Imam Hussain. Nobody knew his actual name but he was extremely popular   as ‘Muharram Wale Baba’ in view of his novel way to raise funds for Tazia and performance of other ceremonies at Imam Chowk. In India, he was probably the only person to roam on the streets with Muharram band and Alam for fund raising. Baba died at the age of 90 in early 90s and his disciple Munni Baji became carrier of his legacy. She became the first woman to raise fund for Taziadari by roaming on the street with Alam and Muharram band. So long as her health permitted, she walked barefoot in thickly populated areas of Pechbagh,Chamramandi, Gammu Khan, ka Hata, Gwaltoli Maqbara,Patkapur,Kusawan,Ram Narayan Bazar , Gammu Khan Ka Hata and Babupurwa.She continued the tradition even when her health deteriorated. Being bulky, she found wheel chair difficult to use. A defiant Munni Baji used Thelia(Cart) to roam with Alam. Till her last breath about six years ago,Usman Bhai became her successor. Now he roams alike Muharram Wale Baba with his band. Even he ties Kalawa(Sacred thread) on the wrist of donors. His several disciples excel in the art of Muharram drumming. Four of them permanently accompany him. Usman Bhai has also got renovated Imam Chowk and liberated it from encroachers. He fought a long legal battle to save Imam Chowk. Tears roll down his cheeks whenever anyone mentions name of Imam Hussain. He reveals that he accompanied Muharram Wale Baba from his childhood due to his love for Imam Hussain. He remembers his days with Munni Baji as well.He regrets the emergence of Wahabism and Barelvees and recalls how heused to get donation generously from hide merchants and Barelvis a few years back and how they avoid him now by becoming followers of Salafi ideology. He however told the blogger yesterday that his spirit can never be dampened as he knows that Imam Hussain and Hazrat Zainab are custodians of  Taziadari and azadari will continue till the day of judgment as prophesized by Khatun-E-Jannat.(Contents are based on the personal observation and conversation  of the blogger)  

Eid-E-Mubahila- A Fresh Perspective

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Heartiest greetings on Eid-E-Mubahila.  

Even though event marks victory of Muslims over Christians of Najran, its celebration remains somewhat restricted to Imamis only. Non-Imamis unfortunately don’t attach much significance to the event, little-realizing that Muslims have paid a very heavy price for adopting apathetic attitude towards the event of Mubahila. They need to realize relevance of the event in the contemporary world. Everyone knows that Muslim nations are not doing well. Most of them have been puppets of western world for long. The relation between the followers of Islam and Christianity can’t be described as cordial at all. Followers of both the religions remain apprehensive to each other. There are a number of countries where Christians and Muslims have been at loggerhead for the past several decades. In some countries, Muslims are oppressed severely whereas in several others Christians are subject to constant persecution. Names of  Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan,Thailand,China,Syria,Bangladesh,Indonesia,Mynamar, Sudan,Iraq,Afghanistan,Chechanya ,Palestineand Philipines can be taken in this context. The grim situation continues to remain unabated despite efforts at international level to dispel doubts responsible for  strained Christian-Muslim relation.    

    

 The history of Christian-Muslim has been very complex in nature .Christians have viewed Islam in a variety of ways. Those living in Europe and North America have different views about Islam as compared to those who have lived historically amidst or in proximity to Muslims. Christians often perceive Islam as a political, economic and theological threat. Views of Ronald Trump are the latest example. Similarly, a section of Muslims brand Christianity as an ongoing crusade against Islamic world. Ironically, such people don’t appreciate the value of dialogue and discussions. They should read event of Mubahila. History reveals that Najran was a fertile land  of Yemen . About 40,000 Christians inhabited the land. They were idol worshipers. A priest Femeon  preached Christianity in the area and soon all the population converted to Christianity and Najran emerged as a powerful center of Christians. After conquest of Mecca, the Holy Prophet started sending emissaries to the tribes who had not yet accepted Islam. In 10 A.H. a similar message was sent to the Christians of Najran.The Bishop of Najran  invited all the scholars and influential people and  asked them to think and find a solution. Some Najranis  got infuriated but the Bishop  pacified them and advised them to be mindful of the military might of the Islamic regime and try to find a peaceful solution. After much deliberations, it was decided to send a mission to Madina and have a dialogue  with the Muslims. A 14 member delegation headed by Aqib Saidawar and Abu Harisa proceeded to meet the holy Prophet with pomp and show . Abu Harisa was considered as the greatest Bishop and scholar of the Christian world at that time and Aqib Sadawar was the biggest strategist and negotiator of the time. After exchange of views on various issues, the delegation did not accept the logical explanations given by Muslims. At this stage, Allah sent down the famous Ayat-e-Mubahila of the Quran:

“And unto him who dispute with thee therein after the knowledge hath come unto thee, Say ! (O' Our Apostle Muhammad !) (Unto them) come ye, let us summon our sons, and (ye summon) your sons, and (we summon) our women and (ye) your women, and (we summon) ourselves and then let us invoke the curse of God on the liars !” The Holy Prophet   recited the ‘Ayat’(verse) and invited them for Mubahila - praying to God to destroy and banish the liars.
The Prophet selected a place close to Medina for the Mubahila and on 24^th Zil Hijj  the Christian delegation reached the designated place. The  Holy Prophet  took with him Imam Hasan , Imam Hussain , Bibi Fatima and Imam Ali. He   sat down under a tree and said that when I pray to God, you all should say\'Ameen'. When the Christian delegation saw a woman, two children and only one man with the Prophet, they got scared and worried. Abu Harisa said\"O my Christian friends, I am seeing such bright faces that if they pray that God move this mountain from its place then the mountain will be moved. I warn you do not have Mubahila with them or you all will be destroyed and banished."
Brother of Abu Harisa, Karz ibn-e-Alqama also stated my fellows, it appears that Mohammad is the same last apostle and prophet that has been mentioned in our sacred books. We should not have Mubahila with them because anyone who had Mubahila with the prophets in the past was destroyed. Look around you and observe that the signs of your destruction are appearing." When they looked around, they observed that the entire atmosphere had changed and it appeared that a furious storm is in offing. Witnessing the changes, delegation backed off from the contest and requested that their friendship be accepted. The Prophet accepted their request.

The event needs to be examined more than the victory of Islam. It should also be viewed as triumph of the character of the Prophet and his companions. Muslims should ponder as to what kind of character they are exhibiting in the modern world ? Are they true followers of what the Holy Prophet and his progeny preached ?The situation is just the opposite. In the name of Islam, rulers of Muslim nations are sponsoring bloodshed. They bow down their head against Western Powers. They also persecute Imamis and followers of Ahle-bait. Christians have been using the deviation of Muslims from Shariat-e-Muhammadi to their advantage. They control the middle-East and have also contributed to the growth of Salafi ideology to distort the picture of true Islam. This could be as a retaliation of their defeat at the hands of the Holy Prophet and progeny at the event of Mubahila. Christians learnt from Mubahila as to how could they check Islam by supporting Israel and fanaticism in Islam in the name of purifying it. They encouraged propagation of Islam through Salafi Ideology that has no regard for the holy Prophet and his progeny. Christians realized from Mubahila that they could never match the might of Islam so long as its followers tread on the path shown by the Holy Prophet and his Ahle-bait. The British with the help of spies and agents found Ibn Abdul Wahab to divide Muslims and they succeeded in their bid as well. They got installed Sauds and they did the maximum damage to the teachings of the Holy Prophet. On the other hand, Muslims have fallen  prey to well- laid trap of Christians  and continue to ignore the message emanated from Mubahila. It is high for initiating the process of rethinking by both Christians and Muslims. There is need to begin a new understanding based on a reciprocal willingness to listen and learn how to co-exist ?The Holy Prophet and his progeny never preached intolerance or oppression. He always advocated a society based on justice and equity. He exhibited the same principles at Mubahila. There is need to portray correct picture of Islam by highlighting the character of the Prophet and his companions at the event of Mubahila to dispel doubts surrounding Islam thanks to western media that always derive pleasure in distorting the religion of Hazrat Muhammad(S).

( References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Imambara Built by Nawab Shuja- Ud- Daula

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Tomb of Shuja Ud Daula in Faizabad

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Nawab Shuja Ud Daula is best known for his pivotal role in two significant battles fought on Indian soil namely Third Battle of Panipat and Battle of Buxar. Historians have however not written much about his love for Ahle-Bait-E-Athar. People also don’t know much about the Imambara he built at Faizabad.       

Shuja Ud Daula was born on January 19, 1732 and breathed her last on January 26,1775.He served as Subedar of Awadh from October 5,1754 till his death. During his lifetime, he developed Faizabad as a flourishing city and also constructed his own mausoleum that is considered to be a masterpiece of architecture of later Mughal period. As stone was not available In Awadh, his tomb is made of ‘Lakhauri bricks’ and erected on a raised platform in Charbagh style.

While erecting his own tomb, Shuja Ud Daula did not forget to build an Imambara near his tomb. He also built a mosque inside the complex. Imambara is on the right hand corner of the tomb complex while the mosque is in the left. Both the structures are in good condition.

Nawab Shuja Ud Daula like a true Hussaini was a man of liberal views. He adopted policy of tolerance towards his subjects  and even granted land for construction of temples and Dharamshalas to Hindus and Jains. He promoted Faizabad as a great city  and encouraged poets and artists to settle down there. Faziabad lost its sheen however after his death.His son Asaf Ud Daula shifted capital to Lucknow and erected Bada Imambara.Since the days of Asaf Ud Daula, Lucknow has been a prominent center of Azadari.

One should however not ignore the role played by Shuja Ud Daula in promoting Azadari.He spent lavishly on Muharram ceremonies and used to observe Muharram rituals even on the battle field. (References available on reqest.Photo by Blogger himself)   

Karbala Nawabganj With Majestic Entrance

Gate Under Construction at Nawabganj Karbala 
Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

A majestic gateway is being erected at Badi Karbala in Nawabganj area of Kanpur city of India. Hectic efforts are being made to complete the gateway before commencement of Muharram-2016.After completion, the gateway will surely enhance the beauty of Karbala that has emerged as a spiritual hospital of late. It is also famous for being the culmination point of the mammoth Nishan-E-Paik ‘Julus’(Procession).Over three lakh paikees with ringing bells tied around their waist and holding swords in their hands move on the streets of Kanpur from 5^th day of Muharram onwards. On 9th night of Muharram, they assemble at Parade ground and reach Karbala where ‘Niyamat’ is distributed among them. Niyamat refers to a bottle containing sweet milk that is buried every year in the Ganges and taken out every Muharram. Nowhere else in the world ,such a procession n of Paikees who consider themselves as Messengers of Janab-E-Sughra(Daughter of Imam Hussain) is taken out. This procession is the most unique feature of Muharram ceremonies in Kanpur.  

Karbala Nawabganj has witnessed much expansion in the past one decade. 

There was a small shrine dedicated to Hazrat Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain. It used to draw devotees only during Muharram. But after the construction of Ganga Barrage and a road connecting Kanpur and Unnao, Karbala has become quite popular. Scores of people even stay to get rid of their various ailments. Karbala also has the distinction of being the only Islamic shrine on the bank of Ganges with an Alam of Hazrat Abbas.Some generous Imamis like Late Syed Nazre Hasan  has contributed to the modern building of the shrine with a golden dome. The present Mutwalli, Nawab Imtiyaz has prepared an ambitious plan to introduce Ashra-e-Majalis and regular recital of Manqabat on each Thursday at Karbala.The upcoming gate is also an outcome of his efforts.May Allah give him courage and financial strength to complete the task before Ayam-E-Aza.                   

Hazrat Muslim's Shrine in Lucknow

Replica of Masid-E-Kufa In Lucknow 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Before Baqreed, the martyrdom of Hazrat Muslim, the ambassador of Hazrat Imam Hussain,was recalled all over the world.He was martyred on the order of Ibn Ziyad in Kufa(Iraq).Hazrat Imam Hussain had sent Hazrat Muslim to Kufa to assess after receiving numerous letters from Kufians, inviting him to lead them.Upon reaching Kufa,Hazrat Muslim received overwhelmed response and over 18000 people took oath of allegiance.But when Ibn Ziyad was appointed Governor of Kufa and initiated his terror tactics,Kufians deserted Hazrat Muslim.He took shelter in a house but someone tipped off  and he was surrounded by enemy forces.He was thirsty, hungry and wounded but he fouhgt like a true Hashmi prince.To capture him, assailants dug out a pitch and Muslim fell prey to their deceitfulness.He was brought to Governor House where he was beheaded on the roof top on 8th Zil Hijj in 60 AH and his head was hung at the gate.Later on, his two sons were also imprisoned and martyred.Since then, Hazrat Muslim is regarded as first martyr of Karbala revolution and his shrine is inside Mosque of Kufa in Iraq.

His two shrines are also located in Lucknow in India but much is not know about them. The first and the oldest Rauza of Hazrat Muslim  is located at Masjid-e-Kufa adjacent to Kaizmain complex in Sahadat Ganj locality.The second shrine is situated at Rais Manzil in Hussainabad. 

Mosque at Rais Manzil

Lucknowites have also not forgotten the martyrdom of Hazrat Muslim's two young sons ,namely Muhammad and Ibrahim.    The shrine of  Muhammad and Ibrahim is at Karbala Munshi Fazl-e-Husain Khan Sahab in the Bazar Khala area.

Apart from shrine of Hazrat Muslim,Lucknow based Masjid -e-Kufa also has shrine of Hani Ibn Urwa who too was executed for supporting Imam Hussain's ambassador.All the shrines are ina good condition and attract devotees in large number,especially during Ayam-E-Aza.(References available on request and Photo Courtesy-Google Images)

Eid-E-Ghadeer-Celebration With Guidance

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi
Heartiest Greetings to all the lovers of Maula-e-Kaynaat Hazrat Ali Ibn Abu Talib on the occasion of Eid-E-Ghadeer.
Imamis have been attaching great importance to the widespread celebration of Eid-E-Ghadeer to create awareness about the declaration of Maula Ali as successor of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad at the place known as Ghadeer-e-Khum on 18^th day of Baqreed month. The event has been recorded in detail by companions of the Prophet, contemporary historians, poets and even western scholars. However, elements who had opposed the Prophet initially and embraced Islam not from heart but as a tactical move strived to cast a doubt over the declaration to suit their political moves after the death of Hazrat Muhammad. Scholars on their pay roll penned down the event in such a manner that a large section of Muslims remain unaware of the significance of the declaration. Their hostility towards Ghadeer-Declaration has restricted the celebration to Imami community only. It is ironical in the wake of repeated attempts being made by anti-Islam forces to tarnish its image and brand it as a religion advocating terrorism, violence, intolerance and anti-democracy. Western Media has played a vital role in tarnishing image of Islam and their attempt is still going unchecked. Even the western scholars have not done justice with the event of Ghadeer-E-Khum. Instead of researching the event rationally, they preferred to rely on the work of anti-Imami authors. It was an intentional move on their part to divide Muslim community into various sects and they succeeded in their objective to a great extent. As a result, Ghadeer-E-Khum that should have served as a base for keeping Muslim Ummah united unfortunately emerged as a source of division among the followers of Islam. Unfortunately, such efforts continue to be unabated whereas there is urgent need to portray the event in its right perspective to frustrate the design of those whose sole agenda is to promote Wahabi ideology. This ideology has been floated by successors of those who wanted to reintroduce the practices abolished by the Holy Prophet and killed his grandson at Karbala when he refused to sanction them. Western world patronized this ideology as Islam brought by the Holy Prophet does not suit their interest-based economy or tendency to hoard and make profit through at the cost of even humanity.
Hence, it is imperative for the lovers of Hazrat Ali to greet and celebrate Eid-E-Ghadeer. Such endeavor on their part let the en tire world know how Islam was hijacked vested interest from the house of the Holy Prophet through fake traditions, diplomacy, treachery and bloodshed. The blogger would like to sum up with what Vaglieri has remarked  in the Encyclopedia of Islam about Ghadir Khum:   
'It is, however, certain that Muhammad did speak in this place and utter the famous sentence, for the account of this event has been preserved, either in a concise form or in detail, not only by Al-Ya'kubi, whose sympathy for the 'Alid cause is well-known, but also in the collection of traditions which are considered as canonical, especially in the Musnad of Ibn Hanbal; and the hadiths are so numerous and so well attested by the different isnads that it does not seem possible to reject them.Several of these hadith are cited in the bibliography, but it does not include the hadith which, although reporting the sentence, omit to name Ghadir Khum, or those which state that the sentence was pronounced at al-Hudaybiyya. How numerous these hadiths(traditions) are is evident from the pages in which Ibn Kathir has collected a great number of them with their isnads.'

Time has come for the western scholarship to view the event of Ghadeer from the perspective of Imamis as their patronage to Wahabi ideology has plunged the world into orgy of terrorism. Imami  scholars have produced great works on the issue of Ghadir Khum. 'Abaqat al-Anwarwritten in Persian by Allama Mir Hamid Husayn al-Musawi (d. 1304 AH) of India. Allama has devoted two bulky volumes (consisting of about 1,080 pages) on the isnad, tawatur and meaning of the hadith of Ghadir.Another significant work has been produced  in 11 volumes in Arabic by Allama Abdul Husayn al-Amini.He has  given full references and also names of 110 sahaba of the Prophet and also 84 tabi'un (disciples of the sahaba) who have narrated the hadith of Ghadir. He has also chronologically given the names of the historians, traditionists, exegetists and poets who have mentioned the hadith of Ghadir from the first until the fourteenth Islamic century. 

Eid-E-Ghadeer in Poetry of Hassan Ibn Thabit

A View of Ghadeer Mountain

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Imamis all over the world celebrate Eid-E-Ghadir with great rejoicing. They do so as the holy Prophet had introduced at Ghadeer-E-Khum Maula Ali as his successor and master after him. Enemies of Holy Prophet’s household have been raising objections over the celebration of Eid-E-Ghadir but their efforts have not dampened the spirit of Maula Ali’s devotees and admirers. Their efforts to misinterpret the word Maula has also not gained much significance because of abundance of reliable non-Imami sayings, traditions and literature available on the declaration of Hazrat Ali as successor of the holy Prophet. Eid-E-Ghadeer instills the Mastership and love for Maula-E-Kaynaat in the hearts and minds of people. Infallibles too always insisted on celebrating Eid-E-Ghadeer with grand fanfare to remind people of all ages  the incident of Ghadeer is certain and irrefutable and its authenticity can be found in the books of history. Eid-E-Ghadeer also reminds devotees that the Holy Prophet, on divine command, not only announced and appointed Hazrat Ali as his successor but also made his obedience obligatory upon every. He also considered his enemies accursed and regarded his lovers as successful.

Those who suspect declaration by the Holy Prophet and undermine significance of Ghadeer-e-Khum should read about Hassan ibn Thabit. He was an Arabian poet and a close companion of the Holy Prophet. He had sought permission from the Prophet to compose a few verses of poetry about Imam Ali  for the audience that had heard the declaration at Ghadeer. In reply, the Prophet had  said: "Say with the blessings of Allah". Then, Hassan stood up and said: "O' people of Quraysh. I follow with my words what preceded and witnessed by the Messenger of Allah . He then composed the following verses at the scene:

“He calls them, (on) the day of Ghadir, their Prophet 
In Khumm so hear (and heed) the Messenger's call, 
He said: "Who is your guide and leader? (mawlakum wa waliyyukum)" 
They said, and there was no apparent blindness (clearly): 
"Your God, our guide, and you are our leader 
And you won't find from among us, in this, any disobedient," 
He said to him: "Stand up O' Ali, for I am 
pleased to announce you Imam and guide after me (min ba'di imam(an) wa hadiy(an)), 
So whomever I was his leader (maula), then this is his leader (maula) 
So be to him supporters in truth and followers," 
There he prayed: "Allah! Be a friend and guide to his follower 
And be, to the one who is Ali's enemy, an enemy"

Hassan was born in Yathrib (Modern day city of Medina).He belonged to Banu Kharaz.After Prophet’s death, Hassan is believed to have traveled up to China to preach Islam.He reportedly  lived for 120 years.(References available on request.Photo Courtesy- Google Images).