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. 

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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)