Thursday, April 10, 2008

Aga Khan: 50 years of Imamat

http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2008/04/aga-khan-50-years-of-imamat.html

Aga Kha: 50 years of Imamat
His Highness, Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community.

Congratulations for leading the community to create a better world through interaction with all of God’s creation.

During the 50 Golden years of Imamat, his highness has dutifully followed Qur’aan, Prophet Muhammad and Hazrat Ali.

Hazrat Ali taught one to maintain a balance between spirituality and the world. We are born to live on this earth as well as be ready for the life hereafter. His highness Aga Khan has led his community to be successful in business not only for themselves, but through their service for the human kind. The Aga Khan Development is one of the most honored human service organizations dedicated to helping the downtrodden lift themselves on to a level playing field.

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) described a good deed as an act which benefits others, such as planting a tree that serves generations of wayfarers with fruit and the shade. The world is a better place today because of a good legacy bequeathed to humanity by people of all faiths that came before us. We owe it to coming generations to leave the world a little better than we found it, to usher an era of justice and peace.

Aga Khan indeed has led his community to precisely do that through the net work of schools, hospitals and other institutions to serve humanity.

God addresses the mankind in Qur’aan, Al-Hujurat, Surah 49:13: "O mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. The noblest of you, in sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Allah Knows and is Aware."The Aga Khan has initiated one of the first institutions in the world committed to developing understanding between peoples of different faiths and traditions. Alhamdu Lillah, Praise the lord for his wisdom in initiating the Pluralism Center in Canada, a beacon of light for generations to come.

Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community. We are pleased to congratulate the Imam for leading a vibrant community that is seeking to create a better world through interaction and co-existence. The pluralism center indeed aspires to promote goodwill amongst people of different affiliations, regardless of their faith, gender, race, nationality, culture or any other uniqueness blessed by the creator.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations are carried on a grand scale in San Antonio, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta with a massive religious gathering of Ismaili Muslims. The event, called the Golden Jubilee, will bring nearly 100,000 followers of Aga Khan in four venues shown below starting second week of April, 2008. He will also meet Governors and top officials of four states during his visit.May God bestow him with a long life to do more good to the humankind. Amen.

TEXAS GOVERNOR HONORS; AGA KHAN SPEAKS

Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at theDinner hosted by the Governorand First Lady of TexasAustin, Texas12 April 2008

Governor Perry and First Lady Anita PerryDistinguished GuestsLadies and Gentlemen
Governor Perry, you have been very generous in your remarks - even as you have been most gracious in your hospitality. We are deeply grateful for the warmth of the Texas welcome which you have extended to us. Of course we have known from previous experience about the wonders of Texas hospitality. As I am told one might say in Texas, “this is not our first rodeo”. But I must also say that you have outdone yourselves today - and you have our deepest appreciation.

Of course, I know that Governor Perry is highly experienced as an official host - I understand you are about to become the longest serving governor in Texas history. And this accomplishment has only been the recent culmination of your long career in public service.

I am also looking back at a long career this year, as I mark my fiftieth anniversary as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. I have been celebrating this Golden Jubilee by visiting places which have been of particular importance to the Ismaili Community over the last half century.

As many of you know, I was studying in the United States when I succeeded my grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam in 1957. My ties here thus go back to the very beginning of my Imamat.It is fitting that the first stop on this current visit is in Texas. Of course, Texas is known around the world as a place which likes to be first and foremost in just about every area of accomplishment! So it should come as no surprise that for the Ismaili community - as for so many others - Texas is a place where superlatives apply.

Our community’s life in the United States began only a few decades ago - as our people, like so many others, found here a welcoming land of opportunity. So many of them settled in Texas, in fact, that the Ismaili community here has recently been the fastest growing anywhere on earth.
At the heart of that growth of course, is the fact that Ismailis have felt so welcome here. And the critical reason for that compatibility, I believe, is captured in the word “opportunity”. The American ethic and ideal – the Texan ethic and ideal - has always been one of openness to others and openness to the future. It is an ethic of opportunity, which the Ismaili Community deeply shares.

This commitment to opportunity is exemplified in the vitality of your diverse multi-ethnic society. It is rooted in a deep respect for the individual human being - independent of one’s background or origins.

The Governor has cited words from the Quran about the affinity of our religious commitments. The teachings of the Quran, like those of the Bible, also resonate with the words that rang out from Philadelphia in 1776: affirming that “all men are created equal, and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Those words express our common ideal.
One of the purposes of my trip this week is to meet with the Ismaili community - all across this country. But another purpose is to meet with civic and government leaders, and to discuss ways in which the Ismaili Imamat, the institutions of our Community and the Aga Khan Development Network can partner with them even more effectively.We would like to build, for example, on the encouraging start we have made, working with educational institutions here in Texas and elsewhere, to span the cultural gap which too often has separated the Islamic World from the West. As you may know, I see this problem not as a clash of civilizations but rather a clash of ignorances - on all sides - and ignorance is a condition that we can do much to remedy.
Similarly, I believe that we can work together to encourage the development of sustainable democracies in parts of the world where democracy has not flourished - reflecting even more rigorously on the conditions which make democracy possible, and helping democratic institutions adapt more effectively to local conditions.

Thirdly, I believe we can partner effectively in applying the world’s most advanced expertise to the challenges of development in parts of the world which are less advanced.
The United States’ position as a world leader, in my view grows directly out of its accomplishments as a Knowledge Society - and this Knowledge - rightly applied - can continue to be a resource of enormous global value.

I thought it might be appropriate for me to say a few words at this point about the Ismaili community and my role as Imam. The Ismailis are a diverse community within the Shia branch of Islam, living in many parts of the world, and encompassing numerous ethnic and linguistic traditions. Their diversity reflects the profound pluralism of the Muslim world. The diverse Ismaili community has been united over many centuries by an allegiance to the living hereditary Imam of the time.

Let me also emphasize the inseparable nature, within Islam, of faith and world: the intertwining of spiritual responsibility with the conduct of daily life. My responsibilities as Imam for interpreting the faith are thus accompanied by a strong engagement with issues relating to the quality of life, affirming the dignity of all peoples.

As many of you know, Ismaili institutions everywhere are anchored in the community’s Jamatkhanas, our places of congregation. Governor Perry has honored us by being present at the ceremonies in years past when we have laid the foundations and opened our Jamatkhanas in Texas, both in Sugarland and Plano. Most recently, the Governor’s encouragement has been instrumental in our decision to build the Community’s first high-profile Ismaili Center in the United States - and to situate it in Houston. For this support, Governor, we are profoundly grateful.

This new edifice will take its place along with six other Ismaili Centers - now located or soon to be located - in London, Vancouver, Lisbon, Dubai, Dushanbe and Toronto. You have mentioned, Governor, your own visit to the Dubai Center, which I had the honor of opening officially last month. We are confident that the new Ismaili Center in Houston, like the Center in Dubai, will not only enhance the physical fabric of the city, but will also serve as a tangible symbol of the values we share with our good neighbors here in Texas.

Shared values are what underly successful partnerships. We look forward to continuing and expanding our partnerships with the people of Texas as we work to extend the blessings of opportunity throughout our communities - and throughout the world.
My thanks to all of you for sharing in this memorable evening.
## # Comments:

I appreciate the material Hasni Essa has shared below, indeed, we, the people of the world, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike should seriously pursue HH Prince Karim Aga Khan to head the Organization of Islamic Countries. His leadership will certainly be good for Muslims and good for the World. He is one of the rare humans who is packed with spirituality, statemenship, political acumen and business savvy. His approach to solutions will build confidence in the community of Nations to raise every one up towards peaceful and prosperous societies.
The cry for leadership is there, and we will face a few people who wll oppose the moves, indeed it will augur the need for HH's leadership. We have to work towards this goal, and God willing let's take a few small steps and turn it over to the big people.
By the way, the gentleman who has written umpteen comments assumes I am a Ismaili, and even if I am, one should look to the work of HH Aga Khan and not my affiliation or admiration for HH's work, which is very Islamic; serving others. Look at the cash Middle East has and see what their leadership has done with it, and look at the Work done in Africa and Asia by AKDN and the fine management of far fewer resources. He has the ability to make that Middle East wealth benefit the World in general and Muslims in particular.

Mike Ghouse
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From Hasni Essa
Aga Khan

Aga Sultan Mohammed Shah, President of League of Nations representing Indian Muslim population in 1935 - 1937 to promote international peace and security

Excerpt from speech by Sir Sultan Shah at the conference of League of Nations:

"I am speaking here for many millions of my fellow countrymen,who place the love of peace and the repudiation of violence among the first of the human virtues; with them, the ideal of peace is no mere economic expedient; it is an element deep-rooted in their very nature. That is the spirit which it is my task to reflect in making what contribution I can to the proceedings of this Conference."

Excerpted from:

Star of India, Calcutta, 15 March 1934

A Call To The Islamic World..................

"The world of Islam to-day is at a turning point of its history.The Middle Ages are over and either Islam must now go foreward or be added to the other might-have-beens of history.The Muslims must now awake and taking their example from the glorious life and the marvellous teachings of the holy the Holy Prophet,build their spiritual and religious faith on Muhammed and work for the development in Science,Knowledge and and Politics, and social advancement along the lines of the most progressive races of mankind. My fellow Muslims,I implore you,I beg of you, to work for the advancement of the whole world of Islam, but never forget our spiritual debt to our Holy Prphet." - Aga Sultan Mohd. Shah

Aga Khan IV - destined for leadership of world-wide ummah

The Aga Khan says a “clash of ignorance” has led to friction between Islam and the West.

The Aga Khan said that pluralistic education is as important in the West as it is in the developing world. He proposed that the International Baccalaureate community of educators work together with the Aga Khan Academies to build a bridge between the developing world and the developed world, between North and South, and between the Muslim world and the West.

Together, we can help reshape the very definition of a well educated global citizen. And we can begin that process by bridging the learning gap which lies at the heart of what some have called a clash of civilizations, but which I have always felt was rather a clash of ignorances," he said.

Brother Mike,

First, let me congratulate you for fair and impartial presentation of "Aga Khan : 50 years of Imamat." on your community blog, which indeed is highly commendable by Ismaili Muslim Community.Hope leaders of Organization of the Islamic Conference would get to see your excellent blog and approach Aga Khan to lead OIC to build bridge between east and west for world peace and security.

We Ismaili Muslims believe, like his grand father, Sir Sultan Mohd. Shah, present Aga Khan who teaches and preaches the message of virtue, love and compassion and respect for other religions and sects is well fitted and capable to be president of OIC which represent 57 Islamic states.We also believe he is the right man who could represent world-wide ummah to stabilize international disequilibrium brought about by economic, political and social forces.

It's possible to settle minor political clashes between smaller nations.But, it's almost impossible to settle a conflict,if major power is involved.Aga Khan understands the realities of global politics and is well equipped socially, politically and theologically to be a liason between east and west and could contribute his time and knowledge to bring peace, pluralism and security in the world.

Since the fall of the Taliban in December 2001, the Aga Khan Development Network has channeled $380 million into Afghanistan, of that, $145 million came from the Ismaili imamate, and the balance came from donors, lenders and other investors in the Aga Khan's companies.The network fed 500,000 during a drought in 2002; built three bridges, 12 health centers and 26 schools; and repaired cultural sites including the mausoleum of former Afghan king Timur Shah in Kabul, says Mawji, the Kabul representative. It has also extended 6,400 microloans to farmers and traders and trained 189 midwives and doctors.

Hasni Essa
###

COMMENTS::
Rashid Samnakay;
Folks, Salaams.
Congratulations to The Aga Khan on the 50th Anniversary. It is an achievement to have lead an organization for half a century and that too with out any scandal attached to the personality of the leader, which is in itself quite some thing in this day and age.
"His Highness, Prince Karim Aga Khan completes 50 years as the Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslim community".

There is one thing that leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth though, and that is to see the prefix attached to the community of Muslims, like Sunni or Shia etc. To my humble understanding any adjective attached to Muslims renders it UNISLAMIC (6-159 etc).
teri nazar mey mai hun kaafir meri nazar mey tuu hai kaafir!- said Iqbal.

Muslims today, more then ever NEED a worldly-wise Leader to lead a extra ¡religious¢, that is Islamic Nation and represent it in the non Muslim world forum. That is what an Imam is to me.
One would be correct in jumping to the defense of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) , in this role. Unfortunately in this context its record to date is dismal to say the least . Does any body know the name of the Secretary of OIC? I would like some body to show me what it has done to date to stem the tide of Islam bashing (and correctly I might add as depicted by Muslim practices world wide) that has gone on say since 911.
My vote goes for The Aga Khan for this job, much to the chagrin of majority of "good" Muslims, I am sure!!!!
Rashid.

Mike Ghouse:
Rashid, beautiful sentiments. In one of my earlier postings I have expressed my thoughts as to who should invite the Pope for a dialogue - My suggestion was HH Aga Khan. He has demonstrated the leadership in business, spirituality, inclusivness and above all service to mankind. I am certain an overwhelming majority of Muslims, regardless of their suffixes or prefixes and differences would nominate him to represent Muslims in the dialogue for peaceful co-existence.

The other Muslim leaders who could join the Aga Khan are Syedna Burhanuddin, spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani spiritual leader of the Shia community, Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Nations Prof .Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Shaista Amber, President of All India Muslim Womens Personal Law Board. These Men and woman can perhaps speak for the Muslim Community at large as they are the legitimate representatives who have earned their position and are well respected around the globe. It is time for them to step up to create a better world for the human kind, by reducing conflicts and nurturing good will.

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer and a Moderator. He is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing Pluralism, politics, Islam, Religion, Terrorism, India and civic issues. His comments, news analysis, opinions and columns can be found on the Websites and Blogs listed at his personal website http://www.mikeghouse.net/. He can be reached at mailto:MikeGhouse@gmail.comor (214) 325-1916
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11 comments:

  1. Quote:
    The other Muslim leaders who could join the Aga Khan are Syedna Burhanuddin, spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani spiritual leader of the Shia community, Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Nations Prof .Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Shaista Amber, President of All India Muslim Womens Personal Law Board. These Men and woman can perhaps speak for the Muslim Community at large as they are the legitimate representatives who have earned their position and are well respected around the globe. It is time for them to step up to create a better world for the human kind, by reducing conflicts and nurturing good will.
    Unquote
    Brother Ghouse, Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatahu. Your proclaimed approach to promoting peaceful co-existence and harmony is GREAT. Your claim to be working to reduce conflict between religious sects within Islam sounds so good and inspiring. Alhamdolillah! May Allah show the path of the righteous and keep you away from the path of the misguided! Brother, by declaring [HH Aga Khan, Syedna Burhanuddin, spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani spiritual leader of the Shia community, Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Nations Prof, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Shaista Amber, President of All India Muslim Womens Personal Law Board] as the ONLY true representatives of Islam, and thus, declaring every other representative (acceptable to the majority of Muslims) as UNTRUE or unworthy, what are you doing? Reducing the conflict!! By declaring yourself to be on the side of few leaders and opposing the ways of all others, but still claiming yourself to be a moderator, what are you branding yourself as? Sorry to say, but this is exactly the definition of a hypocrite. May Allah keep us strongly glued to the path of His deen and keep us away from the path of those who proclaim themselves as His competitors (the His Highnesses)!
    By the way, I am surprised that you don't use the title of "His Highness" for yourself? You are doing such great work after all!
    Please do forgive me if you found my words as offensive in any way, but do show your commitment to promotion of the moderate ways by allowing my comments to be posted.

    ReplyDelete
  2. [[[[[ RESPONSE TO SHAKEEL ]]]]]

    Brother Shakeel,

    No leader would ever be acceptable to all that is the beauty of freedom and democracy. I wish you could see things in positive terms.

    The names suggested (not appointed) represent different groups of Muslims. It is a start. There was no declaration ever made that others are not acceptable, every one is includable. The lists starts with Zero, then you start adding the names.

    We do have a choice to do nothing, do we not?

    Using titles is customary; His Highness is used for the Pope, Aga Khan and a few other individuals. There is nothing wrong in using the titles. When you go in front of a Judge, it is customary to address him or her as your honor. When you address your grand father or mother, you use the title – Dada Jaan, Dada Saab (assuming you are a Subcontinentian), Daadi Ma, Daadi Jaan.

    Prophet Muhammad showed us the way, if people stoned him, he did not get offended, he set us an example of good will and prayed for those miscreants instead. I practice democracy, the most cherished system for humankind, and your note is published and your questions are legitimate.

    May Allah bless us all with open mindedness to contain the whole universe.

    Mike Ghouse

    ReplyDelete
  3. Brother Ghouse, Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatahu. Simple logic tells us that if you choose one person to lead you, you have left everyone out automatically. Democratic means is to ask people their choice and then include all the choices. You may possibly put a cap and declare that those who get votes above a specific percentage will be considered. By choosing leaders on your own what kind of democracy are you promoting? You claim you are starting with zero, but unfortunately there is a clear conflict between what you claim and what you do. Or, may be I got the democratic definition of "ZERO" as wrong!! You start with some names that are considered as unacceptable to the majority of Muslims, and still you claim you started with ZERO. I never knew democracy meant excluding the majority!!
    If democracy allows using any title, even those that may dwarf the title of prophets, why do you leave out those who proclaim themselves as avatars of God or those who are accepted by great number of people as gods?
    What democracy do you proclaim to be following?
    May Allah keep us strongly glued to the path of His deen and keep us away from the path of those who proclaim themselves as His competitors (the His Highnesses)!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Shakeel it is very easy to talk about who is guided and who is misguided, It is another thing when we fail to use our intellect and fail in our words, deeds and obligation as a Muslim, this intellect does not exist in Vacuum, it constantly requires guidance and wisdom of wise and exemplary men and requires divine understanding of his diverse creation, including Kings, Amirul Momineen or Amirul Muslimin, His Higness, Prince or princes it is their action and deeds and words when they reflect the face of Islam, living your Faith matters and Aga Khan truly represent Islam and is worthy of high mention amongst others, and then, there are people stuck in failed dogma and beliefs operating at lower level of consciousness. So look for God within you, how can there be any competition, with God except the one you have with your Ego and your beliefs. Lighten up!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mike,
    Agha Khan, your Highness, not mine nor a highness for Allah - the only High and Mighty, deserving to be praised as such - fortunately represents a sect, only one out of a possible 173. Allah's designs are better than the designs of all the worldly souls put together, that's why even Agha Khan himself chooses to designate himself as the representative of Isma'ilies, not as a representative of the whole world.
    Your democracy, and the hypocritic attempts at reconciliation leaves the vast majority out of your spectrum, but your claim still remains tall!!
    I am fortunate to have learnt through this discussion that you are promoting one sect of Islam (and all religions other than Islam), not Islam.
    Thank you for enlightening me!
    But if We give him a taste of (Our) favours after adversity hath touched him, he is sure to say, "All evil has departed from me:" Behold! he falls into exultation and pride.
    ( سورة هود , Hud, Chapter #11, Verse #10)
    One who "falls into exultation and pride" may start calling himself by any name (e.g., His Highness) ... competing with the "exultation and pride" wothy of the God Almighty.
    That's not my ego ... I didn't crown myself with even the lowliest of glory. My God is the one and only.
    "And swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth not any arrogant boaster.
    ( سورة لقمان , Luqman, Chapter #31, Verse #18)
    Only those believe in Our Signs, who, when they are recited to them, fall down in adoration, and celebrate the praises of their Lord, nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride.
    ( سورة السجدة , As-Sajda, Chapter #32, Verse #15)
    To Him belong all (creatures) in the heavens and on earth: Even those who are in His (very) Presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they (ever) weary (of His service):
    ( سورة الأنبياء , Al-Anbiya, Chapter #21, Verse #19)
    Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious (proud and boastful);-
    ( سورة النساء , An-Nisa, Chapter #4, Verse #36)
    No amount of good deeds, recognition, worldly possession, riches or wealth can raise the level of a mere mortal to a "High" that is not reachable by other human beings [Can you become Agha Khan because of your good deeds or is it reserved for his clan?].
    Alhmadolillah-e-Rabbil-Aalameen. Al-Hamd is "The Praise", not just "praise".
    All praise be to God alone. Whenever there is any beauty, any excellence, any perfection-in whatever thing or in whatever shape it may manifest itself- its ultimate source is none other than God Himself. No human beings, angels, Demigods, heavenly bodies-in short, no created beings-are possessed of an innate excellence; where excellence exists, it is a gift from God. Thus, if there is anyone at all whom we ought to adore and worship, to whom we ought to feel indebted and grateful, towards whom we should remain humble and obedient, it is the creator of excellence, rather than its possessor.
    May Allah show you and me the RIGHT PATH, and keep us steadfast on that path only, and save us from the designs of the shayateen and the worldly gods!

    ReplyDelete
  6. =================================

    ***** RESPONSE TO SHAKEEL *****

    Shakeel, I am deeply saddened for your inability to see this blog - out of 340 Articles, there are about 6 on HH Aga Khan and you say we are promoting one sect?

    We are not about a sect, we are about Muslims and Islam. As Muslims we should not push God to the corner and take over his role of judging people. Allah does not like any one to take over his job, or he does not like to share that responsiblity, which he performs on the day of judgement. Let God make those decisions and not you or I or any one. God is the master of the day of Judgment and alone we accept judgments from.

    Don't you like to see mankind united, then Muslims also United? It won't happen if you don't put in the effort.

    The good news is only a few, just a few misunderstand the work of moderation and inclusiveness and I pray that you will not be one of those few.

    I spend my time in uniting people, bringing not only Muslims, but all of God's creation together, it is what God wants us to do. Please refer to the Mission statement on our website www.WorldMuslimCongress.com

    I invite you to spend your time in building bridges among people of different affiliations, Masha Allah it is rewarding.

    Mike Ghouse

    ===============================

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear brother Shakeel,

    Allah's Prophets, Solomon and David were His Royal Highnesses of their time. They were not in competition with Allah and by the same token Aga Khan is not in competition with Allah.

    The 4 Caliphs were Amirul Momineen of their time. Were they competing with Allah S.W.T. by calling themselves "leaders of the faithful"?

    Prophet S.A.W. title was Rahemat-tulil-Aalmeen! This is even higher than His Highness! It is very close to God's own title.

    Aga Khan always stresses the importance of Zikr of Allah and submission to Allah throughout the day. He refers to the Universe and people in it as Allah's creation.

    Brother, let me give you an example.

    Say A and B were neighbors. A's family has 4 children and B's family has 11. A's children are well disciplined, respectful to their neighbors, educated, ethical, etc. and follow the dictates of their parents including sharing their wealth with the less privileged ones.

    On the other hand B's family is also very rich, in fact richer than A's family and owns lots of oil wells but they want to destroy their neighborhood because people do not share their beliefs; they want to amass their wealth and do not wish to share with others, except during Ramadhan. They are not educated because they do not think they need to be.

    Now, would you still accuse A of being dysfunctional without looking at what makes them so successful under the headship of their Parents?

    Remember, you have not seen how each family is brought up because you do not care to.

    I think brother Shakeel, we have to use our Aql (intellect)before judging people. Quoting Qur'an conveniently does not make family A bad and family B good.

    I can quote you many suras wherein Allah S.W.T. has mandated his people to do good for humanity. Doing good does not make you look as though you are competing with Allah.

    I challenge you to find one person, a Muslim or a non-Muslim who does for humanity as much as Aga Khan and his community do.

    I doubt this will be printed, but as usual I always speak my mind.

    ReplyDelete
  8. FROM MIKE GHOUSE:

    Dear Anonymous,

    I am annoyed with your last line," I doubt this will be printed".

    If you have read the article, and hopefully a whole lot of it on this blog, you probably would not have judged this blog.

    You comment answered a question and it needs to be printed.

    Shakeel has a right to say his view, but he does not represent the majority view of Muslims, who care about others.

    Kindly read our mission statement and just about every thing with my comments... it about Islam, that I know,which cares for humanity, respects other humans that God has created.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear brother Shakeel
    Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatahu

    I know it’s been 4 years since you raised some issues about ‘His Highness’ Prince Aga Khan, His practice and community, etc.


    I am ali kenadian, an Ismaili Muslim follower of ‘His Highness’ Prince Aga Khan.


    Brother Shakeel, you have raised some interesting issues, but have been a little too harsh and judgmental – might I add, without much QUR’ANIC evidence to back up your denunciation of my Imam and faith.

    That is your right and prerogative.

    often it is said that ‘ignorance is bliss’ - but it is no excuse to deride another person. Remember, that if you point a finger at someone, only you will point the remaining 4 at yourself. That is the law of nature.


    WHOSE PATH is Şirāţaal-Mustaqīm?

    Sūrat Al-Fātiĥah (THE OPENING)

    1: 5. Thee we worship; Thee we ask for help.

    1: 6. Show us the straight path ---- Şirāţaal-Mustaqīm,

    1: 7. The path of those …. Şirāţal-Ladhīna…
    Pickthal's Quran Translation

    You probably recite the QUR’ANIC text of this Surah several times in your daily salah, do you?



    Question
    1. Now first of, WHOSE PATH is Şirāţaal-Mustaqīm?

    2. was it the path of Allah? Please prove it from only Sūrat Al-Fātiĥah.

    3. was it the path of the Holy Prophet [sas]? Please prove it from only Sūrat Al-Fātiĥah.

    4. According to Sūrat Al-Fātiĥah only Şirāţaal-Mustaqīm was / is NEITHER the path of Allah nor that of the Holy Prophet [sas].

    5. WHO WERE THEY, who were EXALTED by Allah unto HIMSELF and WORSHIP in the Holy Qur’an & ISLAM?,

    6. which you like 1 1/2 billion OTHER MUSLIMS acknowledge IT daily in your salah, DO YOU NOT??


    The path of those …. Şirāţal-Ladhīna… WHO WERE THEY??


    40:50
    They say: Came not your messengers unto you with MANIFEST PROOFS-- Rusulukum Bil-Bayyināti?

    They say: Yea, verily. They say: Then do ye pray,

    although the prayer—Du’aa of disbelievers is in vain.
    ^^^^^^


    'Amara Allāhu Bihi 'An Yūşala
    ordered Allah Bihi—UNTO HIM be joined


    2:27
    Al-Ladhīna Yanquđūna `Ahda Allāhi Min Ba`di Mīthāqihi Wa Yaqţa`ūna Mā 'Amara Allāhu Bihi 'An Yūşala

    Wa Yufsidūna Fī Al-'Arđi 'Ūlā'ika Hum Al-Khāsirūna (2:27).


    Those who break the covenant of Allah after ratifying it, and sever THAT-HE WHO/ WHICH ORDERED ALLAH BIHI—UNTO HIM BE JOINED ,

    and make mischief in the earth: Those are they who are the losers.




    So, my dear brother despite all your piety and faithfulness or whatever, you cannot ever hope to get onto Şirāţaal-Mustaqīm on your own, in your complete life time, period!


    Saying your mechanized-salah in a parrot-like fashion is one thing and understanding your prayer and what you are saying, is quite another.


    Do you still believe that our Holy Imam [sa] and his faith and community are on the wrong path?


    Then please use your intelligence and answer my simple questions which even a grade 12 student can understand and reflect upon.

    ali kenadian
    canada

    march 02, 2012

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear brother Shakeel
    Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatahu


    [Shakeel Apr 14, 2008 09:40 PM -- Brother Ghouse, Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatahu.]



    i am sorry Shakeel, i had to copy and paste the QUR’ANIC greeting and prayer posted by you earlier.


    Frankly, I did not think twice about it until my 'meditation' time this morning.


    The above and the following verses came to mind all at once and suddenly, I was wide awake.



    73: 5. For we shall charge thee with A WORD OF WEIGHT.

    73: 6. LO! THE VIGIL of the night is (a time) when

    IMPRESSION is more keen and SPEECH more Certain.
    Pickthal's Quran Translation



    I had to ask you because you appear to be very intelligent and well versed in the Holy QUR’AN.


    Perhaps you could shade some light on this matter better than most I have spoken to both at home [Canada] and overseas.


    1. do you practice the prescribed IBADAH – worship vis-à-vis SLAVERY, specifically - the MEDITATION aspect of it??



    73: 1. O thou wrapped up in thy raiment!


    73: 2. KEEP VIGIL
     the night long,
     SAVE A LITTLE –



    73: 3. A half thereof,
     or abate a little thereof



    73: 4. Or add (a little) thereto –
     AND CHANT THE QUR'AN
     IN MEASURE,



    73: 5. For we shall charge thee
     WITH A WORD
     OF WEIGHT.



    73: 6. LO! THE VIGIL
     OF THE NIGHT IS (a time)


     when IMPRESSION is more keen


     SPEECH more CERTAIN.
     Pickthal's Quran Translation



    Alhamdulillah if you do, otherwise think about it.




     now, tell us /me when was the QUR’ANIC greeting namely, ‘Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatahu,’ revealed for the first time ever in the Holy QUR’AN;


     that is, before the Holy Prophet [sas] used it as an ‘all encompassing’ greeting / prayer and blessing, simultaneously?


     What were the circumstances and DIVINE CONDITIONS under which it was revealed?


     do you know what they were?


     And do you abide by those DIVINE CONDITIONS,


     BEFORE uttering the stupendous HEAVENLY GREETINGS


     to another muslim, your family or friends?


    Alhamdulillah if you do, otherwise think about it.



    Then please tell us / me what is the meaning of the following?


    74:30.

     Above it are NINETEEN.
    Pickthal's Quran Translation




    15:87.
    • Wa Laqad 'Ātaynāka


    • Sab`āam Minal-Mathānī –
    • 7-SEVEN OF THE OFT-REPEATED


    • Wal-Qur'ānal-`Ažīm



    • We have given thee


    • 7-SEVEN of the oft-repeated
    • Sab`āan Minal - Mathānī


    • and the great QUR'AN
    (15:87).




    Please note that although most muslims apply this to Surah 1) Al-Fātiĥah ; because the verse under discussion speaks of



    1. ‘Sab`āam Minal-Mathānī –
    2. 7-SEVEN OF THE OFT-REPEATED



    that application still IS secondary from the QUR’ANIC perspective.


    Please tell us what is the primary application thereof?



    And finally have you ever read and applied the following verse in your own lifetime?


    49:11.
     O ye who believe!

     LET NOT A FOLK DERIDE A FOLK
     WHO MAY BE BETTER THAN THEY (are),


     not let women (deride) women
     who may be better than they are;



     neither defame one another,


     nor insult one another by nicknames.


     Bad is the name of lewdness after faith--imaan.


     And whoso turneth not in repentance,


     such are evil-doers.

    Pickthal's Quran Translation




    Rest assured, every thing mentioned herein was directly related to your earlier questions and anti-ismaili position.



    this was the QUR'ANIC PERSPECTIVE which was directly related to our Tariqah since its revelation.


    With Salaam,


    ALI kenadian,
    canada

    ReplyDelete

MUSLIM SPEAKER

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quraan burning

Planned Muslim Response to Qur'an Burning by Pastor Jones on September 11 in Mulberry, Florida

PRESS RELEASE
August 19, 2013| Dallas, Texas

Mike Ghouse
Text/Talk: (214) 325-1916
MikeGhouse@aol.com

Mirza A Beg
(205) 454-8797
mirza.a.beg@gmail.com

www.WorldMuslimCongress.com


PLANNED MUSLIMS RESPONSE TO QUR'AN BURNING BY PASTOR JONES ON 9/11/13 IN MULBERRY, FLORIDA

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.






URL- http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2013/08/planned-muslim-response-to-quran_18.html



Thank you.

CIVIL DIALOGUE

The people in Dallas are making an effort to understand and clean their own hearts first, when we are free from bias, it would be easy to share that with others. Islam teaches us in so many ways to "respect the otherness of others" and it is time we find simple practical ways of doing it.