Mir Momin-The Man Behind Introduction of Alams

Pic Courtesy - Deccan Chronicle

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Alams (Standard Flags) are an integral part of Muharram processions in Indian sub-continent. But very few are aware of the man behind the introduction or installation of Alams as part of Muharram ceremonies is Mir Momin. Mir Sahab was a saintly figure who arrived from Persia (modern day Iran). He did so in the name of twelve "Holy Imams" with the intention to integrate various social groups in the observance of Muharram ceremonies. He preached Shia faith to the extent that the ruling sovereign himself adopted Imami faith and declared Muharram as a National festival.

What is the history of Alams in Hyderabad?

History reveals that after the death of Ibrahim Qutub Shah, his son Sultan Quli Qutub Shah ascended the throne in 1580. He established cordial relations with Persia. As a result, a number of Shia scholars arrived in Golconda and  settled there permanently. King of Persia, "Shah Abbas", in 1603, sent Ughzlu Sultan as ambassador to Golconda, along with 100 officers, and valuable presents, jewels, horses, carpets and velvet. Qutub Shah received the ambassador and his presents, with respect and accommodated the guests at Dilkusha Palace. They resided in Dilkusha for nearly 6 years.

Also Read: Hyderabad not see the procession of historic Bibi ka Alam

How did Sultan come to profess Shia faith?

The Sultan adopted the Shia faith when he came into contact with Mir Momin. Later on, he appointed him as Prime-Minister of his kingdom. At the instance of Mir Momim, Qutub Shah encouraged holding of Majlis, taking out Alam processions and organizing langars (Community Kitchens). The later Qutub Shahi rulers also followed this tradition, especially Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah. By 17th century, Hyderabad had emerged as an important centre of mercantile enterprise. As the rulers were Shias, more Persian traders visited the city, among them was Mir Mohammad Syed. He came to Golconda from Anlistan, Iran. He too contributed immensely to promotion of Shia faith.

So to all my Hussaini friends, do pay your tributes in the form of prayers to Mir Momin Sahab as he was a true lover of our Holy Imam and dedicated his life in propagating the word of Ahlulbayt.

Also Read - Yogi Adityanath and his connection with Hussaini Imambara

References available on request.

Image Courtesy Google 

Facelift of Nawabganj Karbala Kanpur

 Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Courtesy an anonymous generous man, a facelift is being given to nawabganj Badu karbala in Kanpur.The dome of the shrine has already been painted golden and al minarets of the impressive shrine whtewashed.In the next phase,the remaining work  of the imposing entrance to the Karbala will be undertaken told the caretaker Amanat hussain.

Ironically, the suspended construction of Maula Abbas's shrine has not been restarted due to objection from the local municipal corporation due to dispute over the title of teand.The case is being contested in court of law..Nawabganj Karbala is extremely popular among people from all walks of life and people throng in large number each thursday and Sunday to get rid of their problems.The history of  Karbala dates back to Awadh Dynasty and nawabs of Shamsabad us credited with its initial construction.In this blod utself,there various articles about Karbala which viewers can refer to for additional inputs.

References Available on Request.Photos by Blogger himself..

Holy Quran's Motivational Verses

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

We are passing through a difficult phase.Depressing tendencies are on the rise.The following verses can help you in overcoming the difficult times : 

·         Is there any reward for good other than good? Quran 55:60

·         No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah . And whoever believes in Allah – He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things. Quran 64:11

·         Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. Quran 3:31

·         … And whoever holds firmly to Allah has [indeed] been guided to a straight path. Quran 3:101

·         Say, He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah , the Eternal Refuge. Quran 112:1-2

·         And We have not sent you (O Muhammad SAW) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not. Quran 34:28

·         And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you, and you have no protectors other than Allah, nor you would then be helped. Quran 11:113

·         And We have sent you (O Muhammad SAW) not but as a mercy for the Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). Quran 21:107

·         And the slaves of the Most Beneficent (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness. Quran 25:63

·         And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]. Quran 2:45

·         you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. Quran 2:153

·         you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful. Quran 3:200

·         Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, “When (will come) the Help of Allah?” Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near! Quran 2:214

·         Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muhammad], nor has He detested [you]. And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life]. And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied. Quran 93:3-5

·         And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient. 

R

Loss of an Alamdar (Flag Bearer)

 Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Shia community has suffered a great loss with the  death of former Alamdar of Anjuman-E-Rizviya Janab Afsar Hussain Zaidi.He was in his late 80s and died of paralysis and multiple organ failure.He was admitted to GSVM medical college in a critical condition on November 16,2020 with acute breathing problem.He went into coma and his brother Janab Israr Hussain Zaidi Parvez,Chairman of Hussaini Federation brought him when he showed no signs of recovery. The following day around 4 PM he breathed his last.he carried Alam in the famous torchlight procession of Anjuman-E-Rizviya for over 40 years each year on 8th of Muharram.As his only son Athar is settled abroad,his nephew Waqar has been carrying on the family tradition.

Afsar Hussain ,popularly known as Afsar Bhai,was a successful entrepreneur and once he was considered as a leading merchant of the city.He had sole distributorship of many a leading products.his death left the city Shias mourning and they attended his last rites at Nawabganj Badi Karbala in large number.His Sanyum ceremony took place yesterday.Maulana Syed Hamid Hussain, Shia Shahar Qazi addresses the majlis/his Chaliswan will take place on December 6.   

   

Ashurkhana of Unsung Azadar Mama Sharifa

 Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

In the history of Hyderabad, Mama Sharifa is recalled as the most influential lady in the palace of 6^th Nizam but her great devotion to Ahlebait-E-Athar remains unknown to even Shias. Much is not known or discussed about Ashurkhana built by Sharifa. Orators too avoid taking her name in their addresses for the reasons best known to them only. The blogger feels that such approach is grave injustice to those who promoted the cause of Azadari and remains strangers to the new generation. Why their contribution is neither acknowledged or appreciated ? Likewise, no one seems to be interested in repair or renovation if the buildings erected by them in memory of martyrs of Karbala. Many a shrines have simply disappeared. Mama Sharifa is one such woman who deservd more awarenesss among the devotees of Imam Hussain .When Asaf Jahi dynasty established an office known as Daftar – e- Nishat or Kanchan Kacheri, she was appointed as the superintendent .She held a high status in the society and enjoyed maximum  patronage and prestige among all Mamas during the reign of 6^th Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan. She had a Jamadar and four other subordinates. All cases relating to courtesans or dancing girls were presented before her for trial or disposal.

Mama was suitably rewarded for her work and she spent most of it on Muharram ceremonies. It is said that she used to prepare for observance of Muharram rituals months in advance. She erected Ashurkhana in old city and ensured its maintenance till her last breath.

(Reference available on request

Unique Mosque built by Hindu Maharaja in Kapurthala

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The Moorish Mosque of Kapurthala is unique in several ways and needs more awareness about its history and features among Muslims as a symbol of harmony. The Masjid is designed on the pattern of grand Mosque of Marrakesh in Morocco and was commissioned by the last ruler of Kapurthala State Maharajah Jagatjit Singh. Considered to be one of the most in South Asia,the ruler had facilitated its construction to please his Muslim subjects ,constituting about 60 per  cent of the total population of the princely state.

Maharaja’s penchant for social integration could be gauge from his reply to the then Viceroy questioned him a letter as to why large sums were being spent on the construction of the mosque .Jagatjit simply gave a befitting reply: "Your Excellency may be unaware that 60 per cent of my population comprises of my loyal Muslim subjects. It is only in the fitness of things that the best place of worship in my state be constructed for them.”

Built at a cost of Rs.6 lakhs in a span of four years,the mosque was inaugurated by Nawab Sadiq Bahadur Khan of Bhawalpur state( now in Pakisan) in 1930.It is replication of Kaoutobia Mosque in Marrakesh in terms of architectural design. Its uniqueness also lies in the fact that it was erected without any external domes or minarets but has a tall tower at one end of the edifice.  The mosque is painted in light red color with  the doors and windows are   green. Maharaja had retained the French architect Monsieur M.Manteaux to design the mosque.For inner artwork, He had engaged the aertists of mayo school of art,Lahore.

(references available on request.

Images Courtesy Google 

Story of 'Karbala' Built under the Direct guidance of Imam Hussain(AS) in Hyderabad

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Naqsh-E-Karbala, over two century old Imambargah or Ashurkhana in Hyderabad , is perhaps the only shrine with wooded replicas  of the battlefield of Karbala, mausoleum  of Imam Hussain(AS) and other martyrs prepared under the guidance of Imam himself in apparition. Located in Irani Gali near Charminar, the shrine remains open throughout the year and people visit it regularly for ‘Ziyarat’ of replicas.

According to the caretakers,one Maulvi Mir Qurban Ali was great devotee of Imam. He wanted to visit the original Zari Mubarak of Imam at Karbala in Iraq along with his wife. He could not fulfill his ardent desire because of poor health and financial constraints. He used to weep bitterly for his inability and sought intercession of Imam to facilitate his Ziyarat. One night Imam answered his prayers by appearing in his dream with the instruction to prepare replica of his mausoleum and battlefield of Karbala and he would consider his effort equal to Ziyarat of his original shrine.

A delighted Qurban Ali complied and began carving replicas under the instructions of Imam in 1811 CE in apparition. As Maulvi sahib was not a carpenter nor had means to arrange wood or oil for lighting ,Imam even guided him how to carve. Imam used to leave a gold coin so as to enable Qurban Ali to meet the expenses.

All the replicas have striking resemblance of the shrines at Iraq and considered as masterpiece of art of wooden carving. They give message to the visitors that a true devotee of Imam Hussain would attain positively what he aspires?

Reference available on request.Image Courtesy Google )      

Bibi Fatima's Name on Gold Coin of Tipu Sultan

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Tipu Sultan, Lion of Mysore,is perhaps the only ruler in India who issued gold coins as a mark of respect to Hazrat Fatima Zahra ,the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet,Wife of Hazrat Ali and mother of Hasnain. The coin was called Siddiqa,one of the honorific titles of Khatun –E-Jannat. He also issued coins with names of Imams known as Abidi,Jafiri,Baqri ,Kazmi and Imami. Siddiqa was small in size as tpu had issued 4 Pagoda coin in the name of her father Prophet Muhammad(PBUH).Coin issued in her name was known as 2 Pagoda. However, it goes to the credit of Tipu for having shown great respect to Lady of paradise.Apart from him, none of Shia kingdoms of Deccan issued coin in her name.

These kingdoms however issued coins with the name of Hazrat Ali.Ali Adil Shah I of Bijapur (965 -988 A.H.) issued coin mentioning " Asad Allah al ghalib Ali Ibne Abi Talib " .Ibrahim Adil Shah II (988- 1037 AH)  had " Ghulaam-e-Murtaza Ali Ibrahim abla bali" Ali Adil Shah II (1068-1083 A.H.) had "Ghulaam-e-issued coins with Haider-o- Safdar Ali Adil Shah written.

Murtaza Nizaam Shah I of Ahmadnagar (973-997 A.H.) had Shia Shahada on his Gold Coins. Burhan Nizaam Shah II (1000-1003 A.H.).also did likewise.Another Nizamshahi ruler Murtaza(1009-1019 A.H.) had "Murtaza on epithets .murtaaza is one of the names of Hazrat Ali .

Qutb Shahs of Hyderabad (Golkonda) also focused on Hazrat Ali.Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah (957-988 A.H.) had "Fuloos-e- ja iz Ibrahim Quli Sa'aadatmand-e-Ali Golkonda"  on his coin., meaning  valid fuloos of Ibrahim Quli happy in the faith of Imam Ali ( A.S.).Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (988-1020 A.H.) had some small gold coins minted with " Fakhr- e-Ali.

Reference available on request.

 

Caliph Harun Rashid's Hatred against Imam Hussain

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Harun al-Rashid is usually portrayed as one of  the greatest caliphs of Abbasid dynasty.howefer, his  hatred gainst the family of Holy Prophet and its admirers is rarely highlighted by those still opposed to Hazrat Imam Hussain’s mission.

Harun al Rashid means  "Aaron the Orthodox" or "Aaron the Rightly-Guided". He was orthodox  but not rightly guided. He nursed great hatred against the family of the holy Prophet and martyrs of Karbala.He always believed that commemoration of martyrdom of Imam Hussain had the capacity to awaken the conscience of people to overthrow any tyrannical regime.So he never allowed anyone to eulogize Imam Hussain and persecuted allthose loving the family of the Holy Prophet.

Just one incident is enough to exhibit his hatred against progeny of  the prophet Muhammad(PBUH).Once Harun heard of the ode of poet Mansur al-Numayri in lament for Imam Husayn and praise of the Holy Family.He got so infuriated that he ordered his general Abu Isma to arrest the  poet, cut his tongue out, kill him and send his head to him.

However, When Abu Isma arrived at Raqqa to apprehend the poet, he saw the funeral cortege of Numayri emerging out.The general returned and  told the caliph about the death of  the poet. Instead of realizing the intervention of divine will in saving the poet from a brutal killing, Rashid remarked: 'If I had found him dead, I would have burnt him in the fire. 'Such was the character of Harun Rashid who is held in western world as the greatest ruler.

(Reference available on request.)

Shah Shuja's Role in Promotion of Shi'ism

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The role of Mughal Prince and the second son of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal in propogation of Shi’ism in Bengal has not been portrayed the way it deserves. It was he who introduced Shi’ism in Bengal during his governorship.Thanks to his inclination towards Shi’ism,Bangal had shia Nawabs from 1707 till 1880.he is believed to be instrumental behind the construction of the second Imambargahs of the sub continent Hussaini Dalan in Decca.,the capital of the province.

He was born on 23 June 1616, in Ajmer.He was designated as governor of Bengal and Bihar by Shah Jahan from 1641 folllowed by Orissa from 25 July 1648.he developed interest in Shi’ism under the influence of his tutor who was son of Shaheed-E-Salis Qazi Nurullah Shustri who was executed on the orders of his grandfather Jahangir.He patronized Iranian merchants in his province and they promoted Azadari with freedom in Murshidabad,Hooghly and Decca.

The  groundwork done by Shah Shuja  was capitalized by Shia Nawabs kater.They built huge imambargahs.The first Nawab Murshid Quli Khan would have not been adopted by as son by Shia merchant Haji Shafi Isfahani ,had Shuja not patronized Persian merchants.The fifth Nawab Ali Vardi Khan later promoted Shi’ism . he was a practicing Shia. He used to pray whole night on a piece of earth from the grave of Hazrat Imam Hussain at Karbala whenever confronted with ware or any other political trouble. He invited Shia scholars to Bengal to teach in 'maktabs', mosques and Imambargahs.like a Hussaini,he never discriminated between Hindus or Muslims .He also groomed his Nawab Siraj ud Daula as a Shia. Ironically,Siraj lacked farsightedness and   lost battle of Plassy in 1757,paving way for the British to install puppet Shia  Nawabs on the throne .   In the process, the efforts initiated by Shah Shuja were frustrated.

(Reference available on request)  

Image Courtesy Google 

Unsung Devotee of Panjatan-Martyr Mir Inder of Kashmir

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Imami community needs to know about the martyrdom of Yousuf Inder in the most brutal manner in 16th century Kashmir. He was a brave soldier and loved progeny of the Holy Prophet more than his life.once he happened to meet Qazi Habib who was infamous for his malice against the household of the Prophet and Shia Imams.Upon seeing Inder on the road , Habib  hurled abuses against Rafizi(followers of Shia faith) and spat.Yousuf Inder retaliated by spitting at Habib.in a fit of rage,Qazi lashed Inder with a whip on his head.Inder then took out his sword and inflicted one or two injuries to Habib.Then,he left the scene ,leaving behind profusely bleeding Qazi.Two influential nobles Ali Koka and Dhuli Koka dispatched search parties for Inder.They got him arrested and brought back to the capital.Then duo conspired to obtain permission from the ruler Hussain Shah for the trial of Inder under Shariah rules.They got Qazi Musa, Mulla petcheh Ganai also called Mulla Firuz and Mulla Yusuf Almas to try Inder. As expected the three Qazis sentenced inder to death despite the fact that Habib was alive and only wounded in the scuffle.The conspirators arranged execution hurriedly and body of Inder was cut into pieces. Anti- Shia people took parts of his flesh as a souvenir or gift for their womenfolk. Many over zealots even drank his blood as ‘Sherbet’(syrup).           

The most ironical part of Inder’s tragic execution was the role played by the ruler Husain Shah who himself was a Shia.He had succeeded Ghazi Chak and assumed the throne in 1563.It is said that Koka got the execution order approved when Husain was under the influence of narcotics. Husain used to call him a just Sultan and his subject spoke high about his sense of justice and welfare activities. He patronized Hindus and Muslims.Husain allowed Hindus  to celebrate  Naureh, and Sripanchmi festivities in which  the participants drank and danced. Ruler did so despite being a follower of Mir Shamsu'd-Din Iraqi who always discouraged such practices  Sultan Husain Shah is also known for having divided his week to attend special business on special days. And while he used to spend Fridays with the ‘ulama’, he kept Saturdays exclusively for discussions with the Hindu and Buddhist priests.

It still remains a mystery as to why Husain did not initiate exemplary action against those responsible for the uncalled for and un Islamic execution of a devotee of Ahlebait-E-Athar.It is also not known where Yousuf Mir Inder lies buried where?Surely he deserved due acknowledgement and more awareness among the admirers of ‘Martyrs of Karbala’.    

(Reference :BaharistanE-Shahi and Ejaz Malek)

"Waan" -Kashmiri Marsiya and its Advent

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Marsiya is derived from an Arabic word Marthiyya. It means lamentation for a departed soul. In contemporary world , it is however considered to be a poem composed mainly for commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (a.s) and other martyrs of Karbala. In Kashmiri language, it is known as “Waan”.The origin of Waan is traced to 14th century A.D, and great Sufis like Bulbul Shah and  Mir Sayed Ali Hamadani contributed much to its advent and popularity in congregations and recitals of Kashmiri Azadari.

Another noteworthy name behind the flourishing of Waan is  Hassi Bhat (1389 A.D). it was during the Chaks’ rule that Waan truly blossomed. Apart from Chaks, during the later phases of Afghan Rule due to efforts of  governors like Kifayat Khan and Amir Khan Kashmiri elegiac poetry also flourished. Initially the practice of reciting Marsiya was hereditary and upon reciting a Majlis, tokens of appreciation were presented to the authors and reciters but later on the practice of reciting and writing Marsiya didn’t stick to hierarchy. Even during Sikh rule Marsiya  progressed thanks to the efforts of devotees like  Khwaja Hassan Mir, Hakim Azim, Mirza Abul Qasim and many others .

Structure wise, a Kashmiri marsiya is called Mazmoon and is not restricted to just expression of grief but has many parts. It starts with praise of Almighty called (Hamd) as exemplified below :

Ya Allah Tche Baayis Mann-Fil-Quboor, Tchey Rahim Tchey Rahman,

Paanay Yohyi wa Yumeet Doputh Ya haya.

(Mazmoon-e-Marg)

This is followed Naat or praise for the Prophet (pbuh)

Yeli Aaw Hazrat Tis Qudratas Sapin Roshniyaah,

Taaban temi saayi ki anhaare Lail o Naharay

(Mazmoon Subuh by Zakir Khawaya Naqi).

Naat is followed by praise for Imam Ali (a.s) and the poem traverses the domains of Mojizas (divine miracles). Finally it reaches the core purpose of laments for Imam Hussain and martyrs of Karbala .

Myani Kani Maalikas Daepzem Salaam Lagas Qurbaano,

Dapith Ismailas Zabeeh-ul-lah Su Khaleel-ul-lah sapun ne Qurbaano,

Badal Fidyi suuzthas temi ma toti Hadiya korun paano,

Myani Hussainan Wandnas Jaan hyeath Zuv-e-Daano,

Tas ne kahn Qatal Gaah taani aav yeki draav chani wati marne maidaano….

(Mazmoon Asul-e-Din)

Reference ; Aerticle of Dr.Ejaz Husain Malek of JNU

 

 

Kashmiri Hindu Poet Premnath Shad

 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

An octogenarian Kashmiri Hindu poet Premnath Shad deserves special acknowledgement  in Azadar World both as a great devotee of Hazrat Imam Hussain.

He has inherited  love for Imam Hussain (AS) from his father who was a regular participant in Tazia processions at Budgam.He recalls  “My father had three daughters. He was longing for a son. Therefore, he participated in Tazia and prayed for a son. One and a half years later, I was born. Since then, my father and I have been the biggest Hussainis,”

Born at Qazibagh, Budgam in 1934, Shad has been regular to Majalis and Mehfils organized to mourn and euologize Imam Hussain and his companions despite migrating to Jammu. “In fact, I have participated in the Majalis  when militancy was at its peak. I used to come from Jammu and recite Nauhas and Marsiya,” he proudly admits. .

Holding BA and B.Ed degrees, Shad retired as a government teacher in 1992. “I have also done a diploma in agriculture besides my BA and B.Ed. I served several schools and taught different subjects. In fact, I was doing farming till I migrated to Jammu,” he said.

Despite his old age and migration, Shad’s love for the Kashmiri language has not diminished. “I have written several poetry books in Kashmiri.  I am presently writing three books and they are all prose. In fact, in one of my books, I have a dedicated a chapter on Tazia. It is titled Marsiya,” he said.

In fact, Shad describes himself as `Hussaini’ and has been writing `Marsiya and Nawha’ even after migrating from Kashmir in 1990.  “Az tchu baye hajat zamanas sui Imam Aali Muqam…  Sui safar draaw wan rafaqat beqasan sui pasaban…., Loul chum, zun chum, yaqaan chum, toath chum Moula Hussain… Shad sarkham akh Hussaini ashiqa dar ashiqan,” these lines enumerate his love for Imam Hussain (AS) and martyrs of Karbala.

Reference ; Kashmir Monitor

Image Courtesy Google

Contribution of Chak Rulers in Revival of Shism

 Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

It is ironical that very little effort has ben made to create awareness about the immense contribution made by Chak rulers of Kashmir to protect persecution of Shias and promote Muharram related rituals during their reign. Two rulers Kaji Chak and Daulat Chak deserve special mention in this context.

It was Daulat Chak who revived the practice of reciting homily (khutba) with names of 12 holy Imams whereas Qazi Chak was the one to construct Imambara in 1518 in the valley.The blogger intends to write two three articles on the subject. Viewers are requested to enlighten with their suggestions and opinions. Appropriate references will also be given.  

Campaign for inclusion of Imam Hussain's name in Guiness Book of World Record

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

I wish to initiate a worldwide campaign for inclusion of Hazrat Imam Hussain and Karbala  in the Guiness Book of World Records as the historic figure who has been subject of the greaytest subject of poetry among all the languages of the world. 

I would like to specify here that the status of Imam Hussain's personality and his supreme sacrifice at Karbala is not going to be exalted by any such inclusion but the campaign aims at simply creating awareness about him among those not aware of his role in saving humanity and Islam from barbaric regime.

I request the readers to enlighten with their valuable suggestions on the proposed campaign.

Labbaik Ya Hussain 

Forgotten Shia General Ali Mardan Khan

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

The role played by Amir- Ul- Umra, All Mardan Khan in promoting the cause of ‘Hussainiyat’ has so far remained out of the gaze of history of Azadari in India.In Shahjahan's reign, he played an influential role in propagation of  philosophy behind ‘Karbala Revolution’ in Kashmir valley despite hostile atmosphere. His father, Ganj All Khan Zig of a Kurdish tribe, was close to Shah Abbas, the ruler of Persia (Modern Iran). He served as Governor of Kirman for over thirty decades.

After his death, Shah Abbas appointed his son, Ali Mardan Khan as his

Successor in Qandahar. After Shah Abbas’s departure for heavenly abode Mardan felt his future uncertain as his enemies and he surrendered in 1637-38, fort of Qandahar to Shahjahan's and joined his court at Lahore. He was given a mansab of 6000/6000.His 10 servants also received appropriate positions. Mardan was made governor of Kashmir. In 1639-40, he was given the additional charge of Punjab. He also led expeditions for capture of the Balkh and Badakhshan. In Kashmir, Mughal General Mardan constructed many canals, gardens and palaces.He also laid a garden was laid out on high ground.

During his second term as governor of Kashmir, he erected several water channels and fountains made. Mardan also erected a big garden in the  village Til with four stone walls. A large channel brought water from the back of the mountains to irrigate the garden. He gave the income from the fruit of the gardens for expenditure on Imam Raza’s tomb in Mashhad in Iran. In the middle of the Pir Panjal, he constructed a caravanserai in the name of the twelve Imams. At the exit of the Baramula pass he founded two villages and named a village after Hazrat Ali’s name. Ali Mardan died in 1656-57.

Source: Internet/Photo Courtesy Google images

Devotee of Holy Imams -Mughal General Mahabat Khan

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Zamana Beg Mahabat Khan Khan-i Khanan had, by a coup de main, seized Jahangir was a Shia by faith. He is the only Shia who captured the royal couple of Jahangir and Nurjahan for about six months.He lies buried at Dargah Shah-E-Mardan in New Delhi.He was a formidable General who took under captivity the royal couple while they were crossing Jhelum river and enjoyed regal favor under the regime of Shahjahan, a rare feat indeed.   

Mahabat Khan’s ancestors had descended from Imam Raza,8^th Shia Imam. His father Ghayur Beg had relocated from Shiraz to Kabul. Initially, Mahabat Khan did not exhibit his faith publicly due tohostile attitude of Mughal emperors but later on, he openly started professing his faith. He had costly jewels engraved with the names of the twelve Imams and wore them round his neck. He also placed on his head a costly woolen scarf embroidered with their names.

The General was in the habit of waiving of all debts ,irrespective of the amount involved if the defaulter swore in the name of holy Imams that he had no means to pay back debt.

Source: internet/Photo Courtesy Google images

Marsiya Writers before Anees & Dabeer

Dr. Mahar Naqvi

The incredible popularity given by Mir Anees and Mirza Dabir to Marsiya writing and recitation prompts one to believe as if there were no composers of elegiac poetry on ‘Karbala Revolution’.As a result, a large number of Marsiya reciters and composers remain unknown to Muharram mourners.   

For example, no one seems to be aware of the existence of a famous Marsiya reciter Shaykh Sultan. He belonged to the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh, most probably Ghazipur and garnered  mastery over his contemporaries in the royal curt of Delhi. Sultan used to recited Marsiyas eloquently with style. His voice was sensitive, deep and full of sorrow. Although he had no formal training in music yet he captivated the mourners with his tunes befitting for paying tribute to the martyrs. The mourners always responded to his presentation with wailing and grief.

Likewise, Mir Abu Turab and Mirza Ibrahim were also gifted Marsiya reciters of their era. Another was, Mir Darvish Husain who too enjoyed considerable popularity among mourners. In the declining days of Mughal empire, Mir Abdullah also emerged as an excellent marsiyago. A barber by profession, Jani developed taste for Marsiya reciting and soon earned much popularity. He was quite handsome with good command over music. An affluent landlord lavished Jani with costly gifts worth Rs. 1 lakh but he squandered money on extravagance. 

Next worth mentioning name is that of Muhammad Nadim. He was expert in selecting nerve-raking phrases and used most appropriate metaphors in his compositions. At times, He liberally used Marsiyas written by others in his    stanzas in an unusual manner. In 1803 one of Mir Abdullah Miskin's poems was printed in Nagri characters. Gilchrist has quoted Miskin's verses in his Hindustani Grammar,published in 1796. Garcin de Tassy translated some of them into French.

Another poet Khalifa Muhammad All Ghlasi, adopted  Sikandar as his

nom de plume(Takhallus). He hailed from Punjab but rsettled in Delhi. He was not mu educated but still his Marsiyas were free from linguistic pitfalls. His popularity did not fade despite refinements I the art of  Marsiya writing.

In the second half of the 18th century, names of several other many  Marsiya poets also figure.They included Mir Sayed Muhammad Taqi, alias Mir

Ghasi, Qiyamud-Din Qaim Chandpuri, Mirza All Qui! Khan Nadim Dehalvi, Banda  Ali Khan Lakhnavi, Mir Amani Dehalvi, Mirza Zuher

Khaliq Dehalvi, Shah Nuruf l-Haqq Tapan Azimabadi, Shah Mu-hammad Abul Hasan Fard Azimabadi, Qalandar Bakhsh Jurrat Dehalvi, Sheikh Ghulam Hamadani Mushafi, Ghulam Ali Rasikh Azimabadi, Ahmad Beg Qizilbash Dehalvi, Sadiq All Shah Haideri Farrukhabadi, Khwaja Ihsanullah Bayan Dehalvi, Mirza Muhammad Ismail alias Mirza Jan Tapish Dehalvi, Shah Zahurul-Haq Azimabadi, Qasim Lakhnavi, Ghulam Ghaus Khan Ehsan and Mazhar Mushtaq, Shani Azimabadi, Mahzun Azimabadi, Maulvi Jawwad All Azimabadi and Zahik.

Their names suggest that most of them were either from Delhi or Azimabad(Now Patna).Lucknow too had several prominent Marsiya writers. Another feature is that a number of them were Sunnis, indicating poets did not believe in Shia-Sunni ideological conflict and kept away martyrs from their own ideology or faith. These Marsiya writers enriched the Urdu literature and refined both Marsiya writing and presentation.

Source: Available on request

Hazrat Ali's Name on Sword of Aurangzeb

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

Mughal Emperor Alamgir Aurangzeb is perceived in India as a fanatic who destroyed temples, banned Muharram processions,slaughtered Hindus and  Shias alike and prohibited Music in is regime.Since his death in 1707, he has always been projected as a person who was fanatic and had no respect for Ahlebait-E-Athar. Howcver, his sword at display in the National Museum, New Delhi tells otherwise and exhibits his respect for at least Maula Ali. 

The inscribed verses on the regal sword read “Bismillah-i-Rehman-Al-Rahim. Nasrun Min-Al-Allah-I-Wa Fathun Qarib. La Fataha illa Ali, La Saifa-Illa Zulfiqar. La Yasmaoon Fiha Laghwan Wa La Kizzaban. Jazaun Min Rabbika Qabiyan”.(In the name of God, the beneficent, the merciful, (With) help from Allah, a speedy victory is near. There is no warrior but Ali .There is no sword but Zulfiqar. No vanity shall they hear therein (in Heaven), nor untruth (One will receive) recompense from the Lord, a gift." These lines echo the inscription that is said to have been written on the famed 'Zulfiqar' sword that the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) gifted to his nephew and son-in- law, Hazrat Ali. In the center of the blade is a 'Tughra' with the name of Aurangzeb..

The sword is a single-edged 'Shamsheer'(Sword) and is made of fine watered steel. From the forte to the middle, the blade is profusely inscribed in golden letters with Arabic verses written in the 'Naskh 'script. However, the name of Aurangzeb is written in Nastaliq script. Calligraphically, the inscription is one of the best examples of its kind in the world and reflects Iranian influence. .

The sword is beautifully decorated with figures of fish, a tiger and a deer, accompanied by floral designs all in gold. The hilt is unique. It consists of straight quillons and a rectangular grip of steel fitted with ivory pieces on both sides. These ivory pieces are decorated with floral and fish-scale patterns. The sides of the grip and the quillons are also having floral and creeper designs like one of its blade.



Aurangzeb was born onn November 3,1616 in Dhod Malwa(part of modern Madhya Pradesh state of india to the famous couple Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal of Taj Mahal fame. His original name was Muhi Uddin Muhammad. He assumed title of Alamgir Aurangzeb after ascending throne and ruled India from 1658 to 1707.

Source: National Museum New Delhi

Qaseem Soleimani -Part-2

Dr. Mazhar Naqvi

Soleimani seemed to have sealed his fate in 2018 when for the first time he spoke what can be termed as an ‘emotional outburst.’ When Trump tweeted ““To Iranian President [Hassan] Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!”

Soleimani retorted in a speeh delivered in Hamdan, about 300 kms away from Capital City Tehraan and tore the tweet of trumpt.the world saw for the first time, Soleimani could yell, wage his fingers and could shun his image as a cool leader if anyone dared to threaten Iran. He said “  The U.S. president … made some idiotic comments on Twitter. It is beneath the dignity of the president of the great Islamic country of Iran to respond, so I will respond, as a soldier of our great nation. You threaten us with a measure that the world has not seen before. First of all, it has been over a year since Trump became U.S. president, but that man’s rhetoric is still that of a casino, of a bar. He talks to the world in the style of a bartender or a casino manager.”

Trump took it as his personal insult and cast a dragnet to eliminate Qaseem Soleimani. White House should look at how huge crowds wailed, beat their chest and heads to mourn the death of a man who was a terrorist in the eyes of the marketer of violence all over the world to sell arms and ammunitions and infamous for assassinating powerful and popular leaders of the third world with the help of CIA.

Can millions of mourners cry, clutch pictures of martyr general and pass his coffin over their heads for a terrorist.?  Certainly  not. Now his blood is speaking through his daughter who is warning US like her father. She said “US will face a "dark day" for the killing. Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over with my father's martyrdom".

In sharp contrast, Trump is trying to repeat what Yazid and Pirates turned Royal family of Saudi Arabia did after capturing power. Trump has declared to demolish holy shrines and heritage sites like Saudis and Taliban. Who can forget how Saudis demolished shrine of Lady Fatima and attempted to cause damage to the blessed resting place of her father and Prophet. Likewise, world still remembers how Taliban exploded with dynamite the statues of Lord Buddha in Afghanistan, fully ignoring appeals made by many governments. Iran is a culturally rich nation with two dozen Unesco World Heritage sites.

It is surprising Trump is not listening to the voice of his own people.US citizens have been on the street for preventing the impending war. They turned up in thousands to demand withdrawal of American soldiers from the Middle East. Their gesture is amazing and deserve appreciation, for none of them uttered even a single word against Soleimani. Can there be a better certificate for unblemished record of slain commander? While leading funeral prayers, supreme leader was in tears .So was the case with other leaders. It was a rare sight with head of the nation unable to control his emotions. Millions of mourners also expressed solidarity and behaved as if a calamity has befallen.

The developments are indicating that martyred Soleimani would indeed prove dangerous as compared to a living entity. His memory will haunt Iranians, Iraqis, Lebanese, Palestinians, Nigeria, Iraq, Yemen and wherever  Hussainis are settled worldwide. It is rightly said “every day is Ashura, Every land is Karbala” as world keeps churning out Yazid who had scant regard for the principles of equity and justice. He was full of lust , drunkard, perverted and gambler. It is irony that like Yazid he is occupying the position of the most powerful man of the world with almost similar track record.US citizens should hang their heads in shame for a man who is purely example of the old saying “Power Corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  Soleimani is yet another victim of power hungry politicians or rulers and his death is an irreparable loss to all those who firmly believe that only Hussaini philosophy is answer to all wordily problems.May his soul rest in peace and his martyrdom should become cause for the collapse of all tyrannical regimes.May his martyrdom make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.    
Source:Internet/Google Images