A Great Azadar-Ustad Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan in a Mourning Procession

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The 2016 is Birth centenary year of the legendary ‘Shehnai’ exponent Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan. Much is known about his contribution to elevate the status of Shehnai in classical music. His  collaborations with sitar maestro Vilayat Khan, and violinists VG Jog, N Rajam and L Subramaniam has also been written in detail. His devotion to goddess Saraswati has also figured prominently in the articles written on him. But his ardent love for Imam Hussain has certainly remained unknown to the world at large.Very few people know that he led the  mourning procession on 5th of Muharram to every year from Dalmandi localityof Varanasi to Faatman for decades, reciting Nauha on his especially earmarked Silver Shehnai. Though music is not played during Muharram but the late Shehnai maestro used to observe it by playing the  Nauha(lamentation).

Ustad Bismillah Khan was born on 21 March, 1916 in village Dumraon of Bihar(India). He was the second son of Bachaie Khan and Mitthan. His parents had initially named him Amiruddin, to rhyme with their first-born son Shamshuddin. However, his grandfather, Rasool Bux Khan, the shehnai master of the court of Bhojpur, exclaimed "Bismillah!" ("In the name of Allah!") at the sight of him and thereafter he came to be known by this name. At the age of six, he moved to Varanasi and received training from his uncle, the late Ali Baksh 'Vilayatu', a shehnai player attached to Varanasi's Vishwanath Temple.

After his first performance, he did not look back. He had the privilege of playing live at New Delhi’s Red Fort on the eve of India’s Independence Day and Republic Day. It was former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s decision to have his recital telecast on Doordarshan every year on August 15. Ustad was a true gem. Being Imami he had love for martyrs of Karbala beyond description. Apart from hosting majalis at his residence, he also used to ensure his participation in Muharram processions. On 5^th of Muharram, he used to recite Nauha with his Shehnai “Har Soz Saz Ghame Hussain Mein Ro Raha Hai”. He patronized Anjuman Haideri Varanasi and several other institutions dedicated to azadari and propagation of Hussaini Mission. Anjuman -e- Haideri is considered to be one of the most popular Imami outfits of India.It organizes a series of Muharram ceremonies and processions. Some of the initiatives of Anjuman such as  Juloos e Haideri on the night of 18th Ramadan to commemorate the martyrdom of  Imam Ali from the Masjid of Meer Nade Ali, Juloos e Alam on the night of 5th of Moharram,Juloos e Alam & Taboot on 8th of Moharram from Imambara Khwaja Nabbu Sb. Juloos Gasht – E - Alam on Shabe Ashur and  Juloos e Zuljanah on 10th  Muharram from the house of Syed Baqar Hussain Sahab in Beniabagh werre greatly supported by Khan Sahib.

In his early days, he avoided performances at the concerts during Ayam-E-Aza but later on reduced the period to Ashura not to disappoint his admirters world over. In his life time. He had reserved a grave for himself at Fatmaan-the shrine dedicated to Bibi Fatima that also serves as local Karbala. His family buried him at Faatman after his death. After him, his son Ustad Nayyer Hussain continued the tradition during Muharram but he too died a few years later. Since then, his progeny has been playing Shehnai on 5^th Muharram.(References available on request-Photo Courtesy Google Images)

Ustad's Grave at Faatmaan-Varanasi

Shrine of Prophet's Sahabi Hazrat Ukkhasha

Shrine of Prophet's Companion Hazrat Syedina Ukkhasha in Tamilnadu

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Shrine of Hazrat Ukkhasha-another great companion of the holy Prophet is also longing for the recognition it deserves. The popularity of the shrine has traditionally been restricted to coastal region of Tamilnadu (India) whereas it should have been one of the most favored destinations among the Muslims of Indian Sub-Continent. The shrine fondly called as “Kandeduttha Dargah Shareef” by locals is located in Parangipettai (historically called Porto Novo) town of Cuddalore district. The shrine is famous since 7^th century as Hazrat Ukkhasha is believed to have arrived there in Parangipettai Shareef along with his favorite disciple Hazrat Syed Saheb Ganj who also lies buried near his spiritual master.

Legends say that Hazrat Ukkhasha was among the 313 companions who had taken part in the battle of Badr and belonged to Baddu tribe of Arabia. He also ranks as the only companion (Sahaba) who kissed the seal of prophet hood (Mohar-e-Nabuwat).Keepers of the shrine tell an interesting account of how Hazrat Ukkhasha earned the distinction of kissing the seal. They reveal that before proceeding to perform his last hajj, Prophet called all his companions and people for an open announcement in Masjid-e-Nabuwi. He declared that anyone from the crowd can come in front of him if  ever he  cheated anyone, ever done wrong to anyone, ever beaten anyone, or ever had dues with anyone.

After the announcement, Prophet waited for people to respond and suddenly Hazrat Ukkhasha  came forward told Nabi Kareem  that he was once beaten by the latter and wanted  justice. All the Sahabas became stunned and their anger rose. One of them took out the sword to kill Hazrath Ukkhasha .But Nabi- Kareem asked them to stop and not to interfere. Hazrat Ukkhasha explained to the Prophet that when he was without a Jubba in the Masjid standing for the Jamat in the first saf(row), Rasul Allah  instructed him to stand straight and make proper saf and also beat him. After hearing it, the Prophet attempted to remove his Jhubba but Hazrat said that he was beaten by a rope. Rasul Allah then ordered Hazrat Bilal to bring the rope (Kolda) from his house.

When Hazrat Bilal went to the holy house , he narrated the complete incident to Prophet’s  daughter of  Hazrat  Fatima  Zahra, her husband Hazrat Ali  and sons,  Imam Hassan and Hussain. They all cried and told Hazrat Bilal that they would accept the beatings from Hazrat Ukkhasha since Nabi was suffering from illness. When Hazrat Bilal insisted on the plea that he was bound to obey the command of the prophet, they gave rope to him. Bilal rushed back to Masjid gave the rope to Nabi Allah who in turn gave it to Hazrat Ukkhasha and asked him to settle his score. Hazrat Ukkhasha then told that he was without ‘Jhubba’ when he got beating. Then, Rasul-e-Khuda removed his Jhubba and a jubilant Hazrat Ukkhasha threw the rope and kissed the seal with excitement and reverence. Everybody present on the spot then realized as to why Hazrat Ukkhasha wanted justice. Finding Ukkhasha crying with tears in his eyes, Rasul-e-Khuda tightly hugged him and announced Paradise for the companion. All the companions heard the declaration with happiness and the entire mosque plunged into an elated status.

Hazrat Ukkhasha also went into a state of ecstasy and arrived in India like many other companions to propagate the message of Islam. He reached   Parangipettai and settled there with his disciple. As his influence grew, more people joined his mission and became Sufis. The influence of Hazrat Ukkhasha is evident from the fact that Parangipettai town boasts of more than 2360 Dargahs of Sufis.(Reference available on request-Photo Courtesy: Google Images).

Prophet's Cloak in Afghanistan-Kerqa Sharif

Inside View of Shrine of the Cloak-Kerqa Sharif-Kandahar

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The shrine of the Cloak, known as Kerqa Sharif in Pashto language, deserves more awareness. Located adjacent to the main mosque of Afghanistan’s Kandahar city, the shrine contains a cloak believed to have been worn by Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. For Afghans, the site is not only one of the holiest and they also consider it as ‘Heart of Afghanistan’, outside world largely remains unaware of Kerqa Sharif.

History reveals that Amir Murad Beg of Bukhara had given the cloak to Amir Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1768 to promote goodwill between the two leaders. Another legend however says that Ahmad Shah had seen the cloak during his visit to Bukhara. He thought of taking the relic with him to Afghanistan and asked the keepers as to whether he could borrow the cloak for some time. Apprehending that Ahmad Shah might take the relic with him, the keepers refuse to accede to his request. Then, Ahmad Shah is stated to have pointed to a heavy stone firmly planted in the ground and assured the keepers that he would never take the cloak far from the stone. Satisfied with the assurance, the keepers handed over the sacred relic to Ahmad Shah. The Afghan ruler then ordered   the stone to be dug up. He carried cloak and stone back with him to Kandahar.

Since then, the relic has been guarded by a family and it is rarely shown. The cloak has traditionally been displayed by  its keepers to recognized leaders of Afghanistan in times of natural calamities. It is displayed at the time of any great crisis as a means of assurance to the worried people. It was shown to the public few decades ago when cholera swept Kandahar, leaving hundreds of its citizens dead. After display of the cloak, the disease disappeared from the city.

Tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani

The relic is conserved inside a small silver box, itself protected by two wooden chests. The legendary relic is guarded by Akhundzada family. Ever since Afghanistan's founder, Ahmed Shah Durrani brought the relic, the family  has held the sacred responsibility of protecting the cloak in its shrine that stands at clean square with a lavishly decorated building. The box was  opened for King Muhammed Zahir Shah,  last monarch of Afghanistan. He had wished to see the relic but changed his mind at the last minute and decided not to look at it. In 1996, Mullah Mohammed Omar took the cloak out of its box and displayed it to a large crowd.

The silver box then remained closed until Mr. Gul Agha Shirzai seized power in Kandahar with a team of U.S. Special Forces in 2001 as Governor.He viewed the cloak with his few senior officials. The keeper who took out the relic for Mr.Shirzai had later told the people that the relic is very soft, like silk. Its color can’t be described as many people saw in different colors during displays. It is said to be made with hair from the camels in Paradise.The exteriors of the shrine are of green marble from Lashkar Gah with tiled surfaces and gilded archways. The stone brought with cloak also stands nearby.(References available on request-Photo Courtesy-Google Images )

Allah Has No Daughter & Only Lord of All the Worlds

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

At the outset, blogger would like to clarify that this article has been written in response to the claim made by a fanatic who says that Allah is an idol and Al Lat was his daughter.As he has done it as a part of the ongoing campaign to make claim over Islamic places of worship,the blogger is producing below the text to prove the allegation as malicious and false: 

The Qur'an mentions a number of the idols revered by the Arabs but interestingly makes no mention of Hubal, said to have been the chief deity in the Ka`aba. The Quraysh attributed victory to Hubal when overcoming Muhammad's warriors at the Battle of Uhud of which more will be said later. His identity probably derives from Baal, the pagan deity to whom the Israelites were so often distracted and whose existence was challenged by Elijah on Mount Carmel. Hubal's image stood over a well in the hollow of the Ka`aba and was destroyed by Muhammad when he conquered Mecca towards the end of his life. A Nabatean inscription predating Islam still exists on which his name is inscribed and it is said that an image of the idol existed in carnelian with a golden hand attached after the original had broken off. The pagan Arabs are said to have consulted Hubal by divination with arrows.

Three feminine deities mentioned by name in the Qur'an were al-Lat, al-Uzza and Manat(Surah 53:19). Al-Lat belonged principally to the Thaqif tribe at at-Ta'if, a settlement to the east of Mecca, and a massive statue of the goddess was venerated in the town. When Muhammad set about destroying all the idols around Mecca the demise of this one alone brought cries of grief from her worshippers.

A certain `Amr b. Lu`ayy was said to have set up the image of al-Uzza at Nakhla, a village nearby, and her devotees did not consider themselves discharged from their pilgrimage to Mecca until they had made a circuit of her shrine as well. Manat was worshipped by the Aus and Khazraj tribes to the north of Mecca at a town called Yathrib, later to be known as al-Madina (Medina) when Muhammad became the leader of the peoples there and converted these two tribes to Islam. The same `Amr set up an image of Manat at Qudayd on the shore of the Red Sea and pilgrims to Mecca who revered her would not shave their heads until they had paid their respects to her shrine as well. `Amr b. Lu`ayy is also said to have erected an image of Hubal in the Ka`aba, having obtained it during one of his journeys to Syria.

These three feminine deities were apparently believed to be the "daughters of Allah", the Supreme Being to whom the Ka`aba is today dedicated (being known as baitullah, the "House of Allah"). The Qur'an ridicules the idea that Allah should have daughters while the pagan Arabs preferred to have sons as offspring (Surahs 16:57, 52:39). They were also believed to be intercessors with Allah.

The Qur'an recognises Allah alone as the Supreme Deity, the one and only Lord of all the worlds. The worship of Allah was known before the advent of Islam as the Qur'an itself shows. It speaks of the pagans as calling on Allah exclusively to protect them when they set sail in a boat but as being ungrateful to him when he delivers them safely to dry land, giving a share of their worship to other gods as well (Surah 29:65). On another occasion it states that they swear their strongest oaths by him (Surah 6:109). No record of an image of Allah exists and, although some writers have tried to identify Allah with other Arabian gods, no real evidence exists to support the theory.(References available on request)

Prophet's Critics & Their Double Standard

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The misuse of social-media by fanatics to level baseless accusations against the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad needs to be curbed immediately. In the absence of any legal mechanism to stop- or punish such hate-mongers, barrage of insults and false allegations are leveled every day to hurt the sentiments of Muslims. Under the tag of freedom of speech, Fanatics use even vulgar language against the Prophet to promote their own personal and political interests. The most frequent and common accusation leveled against the Prophet  is the claim that he was a pedophile(MA), for he consummated his marriage to Hazrat Aisha when she was 9-years old. As the allegation is unsubstantiated and fanatics have been deliberately ignoring the refutations based on Quranic verses and  authentic traditions, the blogger has decided to frustrate attempts being made to defame a man who was apostle of peace and have been described as the best in morals and character even by his greatest enemies.

The blogger admits his mistake of having posted a refutation earlier. It should have been avoided, for any attempt to refute with relevant evidences give such fabricated accusations a sort of legitimacy. Rather, they should be ignored and efforts should be made to expose the hypocritical actions of individuals who have conveniently appeared in the last century to tarnish the image of the holy Prophet and whose present admirers are following the suit, especially in India.

It should be clarified to such fanatics that Islam does not support pedophilia or child abuse in any shape or form. The Quran clearly states that marriage can only take place between individuals who have matured in their biological and psychological development (puberty). It also needs to be clarified that there is just one tradition that is used to prove that the Prophet married Hazrat Aisha when she was 6 years old and their marriage consummated when she reached puberty at the age of 9.But the material that  suggest she was older are ignored even though they are  derived from very tenuous assumptions based on events that occurred during her life. Many scholars’ have successfully refuted the allegation of pedophilia against the Prophet. However, their efforts have led to a volley of further onslaught of similar claims against him without any substantiation. It indicates that they are going ahead with an agenda to defame the Prophet despite knowing very well that their claims are false.

It is worth mentioning here that accusations against the Prophet were leveled during the last century. No false allegations were leveled against the Prophet before 1905. David Margoliouth, a British historian associated with the Zionist movement leveled baseless allegations against the prophet for the first time in the history. He did so because 100 years ago in many countries around the world, including India and USA, the general age of consent for marriage was 10 years and in one state it was even 7 years. It is evident from this fact that the very nations and individuals who accuse the Prophet of despicable crimes (MA) 1400 years ago, allowed the same practices within their dominions till the turn of the century. In India, child marriages still take place and even ministers participate in them. Further, anti-Islam forces look at the actions of the Prophet against the norms and customs of the present era. They ignore the practices that occurred 1400 years ago. Anthropologists assert that a society and people must be judged by the rules and cultural norms that existed in their era. If marriage to a 9 year old was a normative practice throughout various civilizations over 14 centuries ago, the practice should be viewed against the current legislation in the UK, stating that people cannot be married until they reach the age of 16.Likewise, the current minimum legal age for marriage in a state of USA is 13.Similarly,the Western kept mum when non-Muslims married girls between the ages of 7 and 10.The hypocrisy of individuals who accuse the Prophet of pedophilia is also established from the fact that they conveniently choose to ignore cases where central figures of other religions married children under the age of 12.it is rarely mentioned that Guru Gobind Singh married a 12-year-old girl but nobody questioned whether she had reached puberty before she consummated her marriage with the Holy Guru. Similarly, this fact is also not highlighted that Mary married Joseph when she was around 12 or 14 years and Joseph was 90.

Moreover, Judaic traditions reveal that 3-year-old prepubescent girls were forced to have sex with men under the guise of Mosaic Law. Furthermore, Jewish law states that the age of consent for girls to marry is 12,irrespective of whether they have reached puberty or not. Such facts clearly expose the double standard being adopted by those involved in the slander of the Holy Prophet. These individuals do so as they dislike Islam and its Prophet and also to achieve their political objectives. (References available on request)

Status of Women in Islam-The Myth & Reality

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

It is often projected as if Islam does not give respect, honor, dignity and equality to women. Media controlled by Western powers always make scathing attack on Islam and try to project it as an anti-female religion. As such allegations are not true; I decided to post an article on the status of women in Islam on the occasion of International Women’s Day(IWD). Prior to advent of Islam, women were illiterate, treated as commodities and were given literally no value. After arrival of Islam, women were given rights, fairness, equity and justice. People also started looking at them with high esteem in compliance of Allah’s orders about proper treatment and deference to women in the Quran in Surat An-Nisa (4:1):

"Fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual (rights) and (revere) the wombs (That bore you): for Allah Ever watches over you."

During the time of the Prophet, social change with respect to gender relations was implemented. He prevented the wider Arabian socio-cultural society from ill treating women and brought about radical change to the lives of women who were now seen as individuals with hope and aspirations. In the new environ, many women took leaps and strides .The history of Islam is replete with examples of women who achieved excellence. They were empowered to excel by the teachings of Islam. These women demonstrated flair to achieve and make a contribution to their own well being and others, thus feeling empowered. Three such women namely Hazrat Khadija, Nusayba and Khawla were discussed in the article posted on the eve of IWD. In the second phase, names of Hazrat Fatima Zahra, His daughters Hazrat Zainab and Bibi Umme Kulsum can be taken. While Bibi Fatima’s exalted status is well known, her daughters are also remembered till today for their role after the battle of Karbala. Hazrat Zainab shook the foundation of Yazidi Empire through her fiery speeches and sermons in most trying circumstances. Bibi Kulsum also did likewise. While these ladies showed exemplary courage against forces wanting to destroy the true Islam, some women also excelled as able administrators and enjoyed high positions in the early Islamic period.

 For example, Shaff’a Bint Abdullah was appointed to supervise the markets by second Islamic Caliph. Another woman Arwa bint Ahmad  headed an Islamic province and served as governor of Yemen under the Fatimid Caliphs in the late fifth and early sixth century. 

Today we face a challenging situation where we have the teachings as our guidance yet not all women have the circumstance and opportunity to rise up and flourish as individuals. Central to Islam is justice and the right for human beings to have freedom of choice, opportunity and rights.

Sadly, today the reality for over 1.4 billion people is that they are living in poverty. This comprises largely of women and children. This prevents women from experiencing augmentation, high self esteem, self confidence, and liberating themselves from the shackles of poverty. Many women do not experience empowerment because of the lack of financial independence. Microfinance is just one way empowering women; it offers those skills, training and opportunity to use their talents. Social justice is at the core of Islamic teachings and every woman and every human being deserves this chance in life. But the most pertinent question is as to who will ensure gender equality –Rulers, Preachers or Muslim Women themselves. Women in Muslim nations have achieved remarkable successes in different spheres and now they are surely in a position to uplift their less empowered counterpart. They should treat such efforts as Sunnat-E-Rasul as the Holy Prophet always showed to the world the exalted status of women by respecting her own daughter and calling her as his own mother.(More  prominent Muslim women will be covered in days to come).    

International Women's Day & Muslim Women

Holy Grave of Hazrat Khadija In Mecca-An Old Photograph

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

International Women's Day (IWD) will be celebrated tomorrow. IWD first emerged from the activities of labor movements at the turn of the 20th century in America and across Europe. Since then, the day has assumed global dimension for women and their achievements are recognized irrespective of caste, creed, religion, economic status, nationality and political affiliations. With the help of United Nations, IWD has emerged as a great platform for women empowerment. Felicitation of women achievers marks worldwide IWD celebrations each year. Prior to emergence of IWD, there was no such platform for women. Only in the history books names of extra-ordinary and legendary figures such as the Empress Theodora, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, Anne Boleyn, Caterina Sforza and  Elizabeth-I. But their counterparts in the medieval and early modern Muslim world remain forgotten to the world at large. It is surprising, for Women played an important role in the pre-modern Muslim world as scholars, poets, mystics, rulers, and warriors. In a bid to introduce such Muslim women, the blogger is introducing three of them in the first phase and the role played by them during the time of the Holy Prophet.   

The first lady of eminence is Janab-E- Khadija binte Khuwaylid. Even before her marriage to the Prophet, she was an important figure in her own right. She was a successful merchant and one of the elite figures of Mecca. Janab-E-Khadija was known as Malikat-ul- Arab9Queen of Arabia) in view of her immense wealth. She played a pivotal role in supporting and propagating the new faith of Islam and has the distinction of being the first Muslim. The Prophet himself is believed to have stated in a hadith preserved in Sahih Muslim: “God Almighty never granted me anyone better in this life than her. She accepted me when people rejected me; she believed in me when people doubted me; she shared her wealth with me when people deprived me; and God granted me children only through her.” Hazrat Khadija was also mother of Khatoon-E-Jannat (Woman of Paradise) Bibi Fatima. It is only through Hazrat Fatima Zahra and her two sons, Imam Hasan and Hussain that the lineage of the Prophet is preserved. These facts make Hazrat Khadija who died in 620 AD among the most revered female personages in Islamic history.

Hazrat Nusayba b. Kab al-Anṣarriya also deserves a mention here. Also known as Umm Ammara, she came from Banu Najjar tribe. She was one of the earliest converts to Islam in Medina. As a Companion of the Prophet, many virtues are attributed to her. Hazrat Nusaiba is most remembered, however, for taking part in the Battle of Uhud in 625 AD. She carried a sword and shield and fought against the Meccans. She shielded the Prophet from enemies during the battle and sustained several lance wounds and arrows as she cast herself in front of him to protect him. It is said that she dropped unconscious after receiving the twelfth wound. Upon regaining her senses, the first question she asked was “did the Prophet survive?”. She passed away in 634 AD.

Jordanian Stamp on Khawla

The third woman is Janab-E- Khawla binte Al-Azwar. She was a contemporary of the Prophet and famous for her participation in the Battle of Yarmuk (636) against the Byzantines. In another battle, Khawlah was captured after falling from her horse. After being taken to a camp with other women prisoners, Khawlah was to be taken to the leader's tent for pleasure. Instead, Khawlah roused the other prisoners, who used the tent poles as weapons and attacked the guards. According to Al Waqidi, they managed to kill thirty Byzantine knights with Khawlah taking credit for five, including the leader who intended to  insult her. She probably died at a young age during a plague in 639 A.D, along with her brother Zarrar. Many Arab cities have schools and institutions named after honor. Jordon has even issued a stamp as a mark of respect to her in her honor.Even though some leading scholars on the basis of  later narratives of the Islamic conquests doubt whether she even existed at all, it is notable here that scholars such as Al-Waqidi and Al-Azdi while  writing in the eighth and ninth centuries found it essential  to ascribe  importance Hazrat  Khawla as a skilled warrior. The mystery surrounding her personage makes her legendary figure more interesting. She is stated to have breathed her last in 639 AD.(The article is being posted to mark the eve of International Women Day and covers only three Great Muslim Women. Other exalted Women of Islam will also be covered in Second phase. Photo Courtesy Google Images. References available on request.)