Various issues

[shak00]

As I was browsing through the various questions/statements through this forum, I have come to the conclusion that we need to indulge more into our faith and gain more knowlegde. Hazar Imam has given us some guidance in Farmans but obviously Imam cannot go into great detail on some issues, but the rest is up to us to decide what is moral and what is not in today's society. We have to strive and work hard according to Imam SMS Farman, as there can not be any salvation without knowledge of the faith.

We can go into all sorts of details for instance learning the meaning of the Du'a, The pronounciation and where the Ayats have derived. The Du'a is in Arabic which means we have more work to do to study it's meaning etc, because it is not our language, had it intended then it could have been in Gujarati, English etc.

Then there is the cleanliness side, where we come to Jamat Khanna in a state of purity inside and outside and not in a state of Junabah (Not having a bath after Marital Conjugal meeting) etc. If we study certain authentic Ahadiths then this goes into details such as shaving of the arm pits and around private area etc. To wash with water after passing wind, stools, urine etc. As there is plenty of water for all of us. In the old times water had to be brought from far and was insufficient so Tahara (Cleaning with sand) used to be performed at certain times.

Because we have little knowledge we should know about the practises of our traditions. Hazar Imam always talks of the traditions of our Beloved Prophet [PBUH]or during the times of Hazrat Ali or Imam Hussain.

Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah's Farmans are hardly mentioned in Jamat Khanna as they are very strong and would make a momin cry for our sins commited...Hazar Imam has also made strong Farmans but when a sensitive issue has been raised Imam does not go into detail and says I expect my spiritual children know what I am talking about.

What we have in todays societies are gathereings for senior citizens - trips to the cinemas for instance where they show any types of bollywood films with disgusting unnecessary scenes, then indulge in non Halal foods like burgers etc or perhaps a gathering to the Casino ar to play cards with friends. What impression are we trying to create?. I have seen/heard our senior ladies flirting with the youths saying he's my boyfriend/toy boy.
This is the time to concentrate more on our faith, Hazar Imam has said to take a tasbih and call upon Ya Ali Ya Muhammad or Ya Allah and to give thoughts about our faith throughout the day.

We say Our Shariat has been taken away, so that leaves less for us to do during the day, for instance us Ismailis say we do not Fast In the month of Ramadan only to suit our own needs as we enjoy the odd Tepla with a cup of chai or we have business meetings with clients, so out of the question. Then we say no need to Fast as we have Hazar Imam. Why then do all the Majalis (Mowlo Rojo), normally held during the morning are held in the evening during the month of Ramadhan? and the refreshments are kept in the evening too. Reflect.

Other Ummahs pray throughtout the day or read the Qu'ran, there is no excuse for them, as they even have permission to pray during work times. Nowadays major companies (banks, superstores etc) allow Islamic women to wear the Hijab and custom made uniform, to suit their needs, which I thought was supposed to be a thing of the past.
Then the youngsters of these faiths know so many Surahs etc and are really committed to the faith, not missing any of the prescribed times for prayers and full of knowledge about the history of the Din and are so enthusiastic. The young in Jamat Khana are either running around creating mischief and the teens are only interseted in meeting with the boys or girls and getting the latest info.

We have little knowledge about illegal practises within our din questions arising about homosexuality etc which are condemned and always has been from the beginning. Wake up...Allah Tala wants us to be pure and lead a simple life on this earth as an example and not for our greed and lust. The proper place is the hereafter, and if we are not careful then we will have difficulties as Hazar Imam has stated and Imam SMS shah has used the word Dozak Hell.

All the commotion in Jamat Khana, the noise the Gup Shup (talk).
The amount of chairs needed in Jamat Khana for seniors who do not genuinely need a chair, ok fine for the few who really need it, but look around, switch onto the Islam channel and see how many seniors, possibly 80 - 90 year olds are with the gathering around the Kaaba, standing, bowing, making a straight line (which we have a problem with, even to move closer to our brother/sister next to us) and performing proper full Sajada, at the right time during Du'a etc. When a senior who normally sits on a chair has a waro for Ginan seated on the floor he/she can go on for ages. Sorry I do not want to taunt any brothers or sisters but this is what is happening in Jamat Kanna, as even our youngsters are picking up on these things.

I could go on and on, yet we have to take step by step. Inshallah we pray Allah Tala guides us through our beloved Hazar Imam for strength and faith in practising the Din and I ask for forgiveness if I have overstepped my bounds.

[Virgo2]

Dear brother Shak00,

You have made many valid points. I agree 100 percent with your statement re:cleanliness. Our brothers and sisters are very lax in cleanliness. They will have the best of clothes but their cleanliness stinks!
In this day and age, as you say, we have plenty of water, this "filth" is inexcusable.

However, Ismailis are not the only ones. Try going to other Masjids. They bath on Friday only, because
The Prophet said so Otherwise they will run water over their hands, face, feet, etc. This is their Sharia. Our Sharia, as taught by our Imams, is to be clean inside and out, i.e. full bath and clean hearts. We are also told to use our intellect. Just running water over face, hands, feet does not make you clean, that is not what intellect dictates.

As regards Muslims praying all day and Ismailis not. I think reverse is true. Muslims pray five times a day and they are done. Ismailis pray 3 times a day, plus baitul Khayal in the morning which most Muslims don't have. And Ismailis do a lot of seva during day time in addition to their jobs. Also, our Imam has told us to constantly remember Allah S.W.T. every minute we have free, we are asked to take out our Tasbih and Submit to Allah, and invoke Prophet and Ali S.A.W.s

Grass always seems greener on the other side.

How much charity, volunteer work Ismailis and Imam do? Isn't that part of our faith? Can any Muslim match this? They are more than us. Put their charities on one side and ours on the other, we will definitely tip the balance.

Please see Ismailism for what it is under the direction of our Imam and do not judge it on the basis of our sister faiths.

As regards halal food, in one of Bukhari ahadith I read that some Jews had brought meat for the Prophet's household and Hazarat Ayesha told the Prophet that the meat was not halal so what should they do? Prophet replied to say Bismillah before partaking it.

A Muslim butcher in our area always puts his hand on Mizan and shortchanges his customers. In the back you can hear Qur'an blaring. Shot changing in wazan is the greatest sin as stated in the Qur'an. Do you think this food is Halal? You be the judge.

In another thread you had a question as to why we do not say Bismillah in our Tasbih.

Read Sura Al Tauba, which is without Bismillah. Why? If you do not have the answer I can give it to you.

You claim to be reading qur'an. It is good. However, you cannot interpret it on your own. You need a Guide to do so for you. That is why, non-Arabic speaking Muslims are told not to attempt to interpret the Qur'an nor to learn its meanings, but to rely on their muftis - and a good job they have done of interpreting it! Look at Islam today and look how they have interpreted it!!!!

Please also read my post on the subject again. I was not quoting a saying only, I was stating a fact. Nobody can be more authentic than Qazi Noa'man and Imam Jaffar As-Sadiq. I advise you to re-read my post on that subject and read the ayah in reference. You will understand why we pray to Ali and not Allah directly.

Also in the qur'an Allah S.,W.T. has said to "Seek means of Approach (Wasila)". Why? Because we, human beings cannot reach him direct. We need an Imam.

Virgo2

[shak00]

However, Ismailis are not the only ones. Try going to other Masjids. They bath on Friday only, because The Prophet said so Otherwise they will run water over their hands, face, feet, etc. This is their Sharia. Our Sharia, as taught by our Imams, is to be clean inside and out, i.e. full bath and clean hearts. We are also told to use our intellect. Just running water over face, hands, feet does not make you clean, that is not what intellect dictates.[/b]

They have bath as well as Fridays.
Also believe in inward (of the heart and soul) by continuous Zikr and outward cleanliness too. Cleaning various body parts are important too, for instance smelly feet/socks in Jamat Khana can put any one off. Even when someone sneezes in their hands then offers hands for Shah jo Deedar. I have noticed in gatherings that no one hardly washes their hands before and after eating, even after sucking the food from their fingers.

[shak00]

You claim to be reading qur'an. It is good. However, you cannot interpret it on your own. You need a Guide to do so for you. That is why, non-Arabic speaking Muslims are told not to attempt to interpret the Qur'an nor to learn its meanings, but to rely on their muftis - and a good job they have done of interpreting it! Look at Islam today and look how they have interpreted it!!!!

Please also read my post on the subject again. I was not quoting a saying only, I was stating a fact. Nobody can be more authentic than Qazi Noa'man and Imam Jaffar As-Sadiq. I advise you to re-read my post on that subject and read the ayah in reference. You will understand why we pray to Ali and not Allah directly.

Also in the qur'an Allah S.,W.T. has said to "Seek means of Approach (Wasila)". Why? Because we, human beings cannot reach him direct. We need an Imam.

Virgo2
[/b]

I really appreciate your reply and some have reassured me, and I wish I could set my heart upon it, but after reading the Qu'ran it states that We have to only worship Allah Tala alone (No Partners). I do not want to express my concerns too much as everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the amount of times it is mentioned makes the hair stand up and about the Fire hell etc. whereas when you stated that in the Qu'ran "Seak a means of approach," it is only a single Ayat compared to the latter mentioned quite a few times.

In this world we want the best of everything and want to invest properly. It is the same for Akhirah. Whatever we do we want to do according to being a Farman Badari, but as Imam has said, it's no good thinking that we have Imam we are saved. No, we have to work hard and ensure everything we do is done to the best in the way of Islam. we think about our kids future too and want the best for them etc.

I have not read your post yet but Inshallah I'll look for it and hopefully find some answers.

Thanks

shak00

[kmaherali]

Please also read my post on the subject again. I was not quoting a I really appreciate your reply and some have reassured me, and I wish I could set my heart upon it, but after reading the Qu'ran it states that We have to only worship Allah Tala alone (No Partners).

Ya Ali Madad.

Consider the following two Firmans printed in the 'Precious Pearls'.

No. 45

"If you desire the emancipation of your soul, then keep your soul, in the love and affection of God. Never forget God even for one moment but always think of Him."

No.46

"Nothing is more glorious than keeping love and affection for your Hazar Imam."

Wouldn't you conclude that praying to HazarImam is equivalent to praying to God. Both being our objects of love and affection.

No.43

"... While the material conditions of life change, the spiritual conditions which are not only limited to this life but go beyond, are based on one fundamental principle, namely search for enlightenment by the right spiritual contact with the light of your holy faith."


I think it is important to realize that the Quran caters for all kinds of interpretation and is not restricted to those who have taken Bayah of the Imam. Hence it will as a first principle mention only God which is acceptable to all interpretations and hence is the 'lowest common denominator' of faiths. Then it also caters for those who understand God as manifested in the Imam and hence there are verses such as "We have manifested everything in the manifest Imam' to cater for those who have evolved their understanding of God.

It is indeed a matter of pity and shame that once one has found the right contact he/she reverts back to the 'lowest common denominator' of understanding.

[Virgo2]

They have bath as well as Fridays

Then they are not following what the Prophet told them, i.e. bath on Fridays or at least once a week. Please read: Bukhari, Vol. IIhadith No. 877: Abdullah bin Umar narrated: Allah's apostle PBUH said: Anyone of you atending the Friday prayers should take a bath.

881: Any one who takes a bath on Friday like the bath of ritual impurity and then goes for the prayer, it is as if had sacrified a camel for Allah's sake....

I quoted you Imam Jafar as-Sadiq:

Qazi No'aman's grand parents were 12er Shi'as and they came in search of Imam the way Hasan bin Sabah. al-Tusi, Khusraw, etc. did. If they obeyed and prayed through Imams, who are we to question them? Look at our Ginans and our Pirs - You think they all went to hell because they prayed through the Imams?

Qazi Noaman quotes Imam Jafar as-Sadiq: God is worshipped through us and is obeyed and disobeyed through us. He who obeys us obeys God and he who disobeys us disobeys God.

In Qazi No'aman's Code of Conduct: God has emphatically declared that He will not take notice of the good deeds of anybody if they are not done throu us, i.e. according to our instructions. ...We are the depositories of His Knowledge.

When Imam says, Allah is worshipped through us, will you then say, No Qur'an says Allah is worshipped directlly? In that case you are not a Shi'a! Qur'an also says, Obey the Ulil Amr! It says "Seek the means of Approach". When Allah S.W.T. says worship Him only, he means not to worship idols. He means to worship Him only through proper means of Approach. You cannot speak to the King directly, you have to follow the protocol.

Please read our 4th part of du'a. That is part of our bayah. Now when we give our Imam the Bayah we then have to Obey him. Imam says to remember Ali, Allah or the Prophet or any Imam during the day, we cannot say, We will remember only Allah because that is what the qur'an says.

Prophet S.A.W. says "By Him, in whose Hands is my life, no one of you will be a believer till he loves me more than his father and his child".

There is a Bukhari hadith that one day Prophet went to the Mosque and a man was praying. The Prophet asked the man to come to him. The man saw the Prophet bidding him to go to him but did not go to the Prophet. He went to the Prophet after he finished the prayer. The man explained to the Prophet that he was praying that is why he did not go to the Prophet. The Prophet reminded him the position of Ulil Amr and told him that when Allah said to Obey the Apostle, He also meant whenever the Apostle calls him he has to leave everything and listen to the Prophet. He told the man that he should have gone to the Prophet and dropped his prayers when he was summoned by the Prophet.

In another hadith the Prophet also says without the love of the Prophet, peoples prayers are useless. If you need the ahadith numbers I can provide you as I do not have time to research them all.

Hadith 7137: Sura 4:59:

Prophet says: Whoever obeys me Obeys Allah and whoever disobeys me disobeys Allah, Whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys the ruler disobeys me".

Re cleanliness:
(Bukhari hadith 1252: .. And Ibn Umar applied Hunnu to the dead body of the son of Said bin Zaid and carried it and then offered the funeral prayer


but he did not perform ablution.

Ibn abbas said: A Muslim never becomes (impure) whether dead o alive. And the Prophet said: A faithful believer is never impure

Remember in the days of the Prophet there was lack of water so people were asked to cleanse themselves with dirt. How can one clean oneself with dirt has always baffled me. Today we have "wet ones", napkins, etc. to clean or wipe our hands. But this does not mean not to clean our hands with water when available. It is a good habit but I would not compare that to the non-Ismaili Muslims. They too do not wash their hands after dinner at peoples homes. And when they perform ablution in your bathrooms they mess up the whole bathroom so the next person who goes to perform the ablution has to tip toe between puddles. This is not an exaggeration. I have more non-Ismaili Muslim friends than Ismaili friends.

Many people carry tissues in their pockets. I hope our people who have read your posts here will pay heed to what you are saying. Cleanliness is necessary inside and outside JK. I have heard a lot about men not washing their hands after visiting bathrooms. Mukhisahebs and Kamadiasahebs should be made aware of this!!!! afterall they come into contact with this more than the rest of us.According to Dept. of Health most illnesses are transmitted through improper handwashing.

Virgo2

[zubair_mahamood]

Ya Ali Madaad,

They have bath as well as Fridays

Then they are not following what the Prophet told them, i.e. bath on Fridays or at least once a week. Please read: Bukhari, Vol. IIhadith No.
Virgo2
[/b]

Prophet Muhammad said to take bath on Fridays or at least once a week, it doesn’t mean that Sunnis take bath only on Fridays….

However, Ismailis are not the only ones. Try going to other Masjids. They bath on Friday only, because
The Prophet said so Otherwise they will run water over their hands, face, feet, etc. This is their Sharia. Our Sharia, as taught by our Imams, is to be clean inside and out, i.e. full bath and clean hearts. We are also told to use our intellect. Just running water over face, hands, feet does not make you clean, that is not what intellect dictates.

when I was practicing sunni perception me and my friends always used our intelligence… what Imam said we felt that… we didn’t run water over face, hands, feet as they don’t clean our soul… even when I was a kid I didn’t do wazu if I was fresh when I went to masjid! If I was travelling or when I felt I need to clean myself I use to do wazu…. I think we need to understand that pointing finger towards Prophet Muhammad teaching is like pointing finger towards Hazar Imam…. Me and my Sunni friend read hadiths but understand in what situation they were written…. In masjid we are always thought to see things for both sides…. Try to understand sunni concept as they understand them not as you understand them! even Sunnis use intelligence to support their perception like ismailies do….

Zubair Mahamood