Dear Hinna,
Islam is a religion of intellect. We have already discussed fasting in detail in this forum. Please go through it. Decide for yourself if fasting is prescribed for us or not. There are differing opinions. Shias have 7 pillars of Islam instead of 5 and as logical has rightly said, Qur'an does not state that Islam is made of 5 pillars. Fasting is fourth or fifth pillar of Shia Islam. Number One is Walaya of Imam. The Prophet has said that a person who dies without knowing his Imam will die a death of Jahaliya. Ask your Sunni friend if this is true. If she says that this not true then ask her to ask her Sheikh. Without this number one pillar all the rest are useless, sister. Imam-Jafar As-Sadiq has said this. The Prophet has said also that those who do not love him, their prayers, rozas, hajj are useless.
Qur'an is found in Masjid only because they have no Imam. We have a Living Imam and Living Qur'an present in JK everyday. Imam's farmans that are read everyday in JK are no different from the prescriptions of the Qur'an; our ginanic literature that is recited in JK is from the Qur'an and all other books of other religions. There is no limit to our faith whereas the others draw a line around themselves.
As regards Namaz, there are 73 sects in Islam and they all have a different Namaz - so which Namaz would your Sunni friend ask you to recite? Within Sunnis there are divisions and all of them have some difference in their Namaz. None of these sects have a Living Imam who adjusts the rituals according to times. There was a time when Ismailis used to recite Salah the way Muslims recite Namaz (bobbing up and down). I have heard young and old with arthritis who say, "thank God Imam has asked us to pray sitting down, otherwise we would not be able to "bob up and down" like other Muslims. Imams have long vision unlike narrow and tunnel vision the Mullahs have.
Islam is a peaceful and ethical faith. Look around you sister and decide for yourself. Shias and Sunnis killing each other during the month of Ramadhan is ethical or peaceful? But they were fasting! Are these true Muslims? Only Allah is the Judge.
You do not owe any explanation to your friend. Whether or not you should have fasted is only upto you. There is no sin in not fasting, but it is a sin to kill somebody or slander somebody. What is going on in Pakistan, Kashmir, Iran, Iraq is not Islamic. May be your friend can give you an explanation about the Islamic nature of Muslims in these countries.
Virgo2
Fasting
Dear brother,first off wow...our Prophet pbuh fasted. A couple posts down says fasting is more physical. Does that mean our Prophet didnt fast correctly?
Cmon, fasting is a pillar of Islam...why turn to Farmans...just read the QURAAN
I have seen a lot of ignorant people on this site but you take the whole cake.
I advise you to read my post above and let me know your views.
Fasting is a pillar of Islam, I agree, but it does not give you authority to kill Muslims and people around the world during the month of Ramadhan. Most Muslim wars take place in Ramadhan; most killing happens in Ramadhan.
Prophet did not ask us to refrain from eating only during the month of Ramadhan. He asked us for more Ibadat (and how many Muslims do that. They stuff themselves at night and cannot get up in the morning for prayers, but they still fast the next day! LOL. This is called hypocrisy at best!)
Can you show me one Muslim community wherein men, women, children run to the Mosques in the wee hours to do Ibada, not only in Ramadhan but the year round! Ismailis do. I have lived in Middle East long enough to know that during Ramadhan, hardly anybody goes to the Mosque. They don't even go to work. Did the Prophet say, we should stop going to work?
Prophet asked us to do more charity and show me one Muslim community doing more charity than Ismailis. You take 72 sects together against one Ismaili Muslim sect, and you will see with billions of people in your basket, you will still not match the Ismailis.
Ushr is compulsory in Islam according to the Qur'an. So why only Ithnas and Ismailis are paying this? Zakat is also a pillar, and Ushr is a part of Zakat.
And as to your comment, why follow farmans! follow Qur'an!
Well, on whose authority are you following the Qur'an? Who gave you the farman to follow the Qur'an? Or did it drop in your lap?
Who taught you the Qur'an? Your teacher, mother, father? Gabriel did not appear to your directly, or did he? The Prophet is not among us. So you are following somebody's farmans, aren't you? So your advise is useless.
Virgo2
Fasting
YAM brother,
I do have close friends who wake up in the morning at the appropriate time during Ramadhan, fast, and complete all of their prayers during the day.
While we are asked a question, i.e. 'why do Ismailis not fast', I do not think that the appropriate response would be pointing out what we perceive as defects in other sects in other religions.... as it makes our own faith and beliefs seem weak.
I think that what we should be doing, is finding out why the Imam doesn't make a physical fast mandatory, as stated by the Qu'ran. By finding this out, we can embrace our own intellect while following our religion and stand as ourselves when being questioned by Sunnis.
Thank you,
S.
I do have close friends who wake up in the morning at the appropriate time during Ramadhan, fast, and complete all of their prayers during the day.
While we are asked a question, i.e. 'why do Ismailis not fast', I do not think that the appropriate response would be pointing out what we perceive as defects in other sects in other religions.... as it makes our own faith and beliefs seem weak.
I think that what we should be doing, is finding out why the Imam doesn't make a physical fast mandatory, as stated by the Qu'ran. By finding this out, we can embrace our own intellect while following our religion and stand as ourselves when being questioned by Sunnis.
Thank you,
S.
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From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
Re: Fasting
Ya Ali Madad brother and as-salamualy-kum
Are you crazy shellyza, how can you say that why do we Ismaili Muslim do not fast? and our faith is getting weak? My brother go to Afghanistan and Tajakistan any where is the tradition of Dia, Hujjat Nasir Khusraw (peace be upon him). It is not only Ramadan for them to fast, they fast above them. They do 3 kinds of fasting. The first one is like every Muslim ummah does during month of Ramadan, the second one is spiritual fasting, it is higher then the physical fasting, through that fasting, your 7 sense must be pure, I mean you must have: a pure though and mind, pure eyes,ears,tongue,heart,hands and feet. Each of them has a purpose and meaning, if I explain it, it may be long,but maybe later on. The third kind of fasting is not for everybody, it is only for Sufis,saint,Pirs or Dias and Hujjat and those who are desiring for Enlightenment and truth. According to that fasting level, you must remember nothing except God. If you remember anything else during that fasting, you break it. I mean you should not even think or remember a bad things nor good things, but except Allah and His Noor. Those people who are trying this kind of fasting, you do not see them on street or Bazaar[Market]. They are in a Cave in a Mountain. It is said that, just as almsgiving is a form of wealth purification, fasting is a form of self-purification. Fasting teaches self-control and patience. Like prayer, fasting is a way of turning to God in sincere whorship. Also, through fasting you fight and kill your lower egoism. It is the Great Jahid Akbar[to fight against your lower self]. Mowlana Sultan Mohammad Shah (Peace be upon him and his family) said in his Farman: If a mumin who loves fasting, worship and reading, he does not have judgment on the day of resurrection. Also, Shellyza brother, our beloved Imam-e-zman, he too himself is fasting during month of Ramadan, so how come we Ismaili do not fast? Even our late Imam Al Mustansir Billah II (SA) said in his book "Pandiati jawanmardi " that we must fast every month of Ramadan like a regular Muslim does.
My brother Shellyza, I love fasting, it is part of my life. For me it is not only Ramadan. I fast in month of Ramadan 100% like a regular Muslim and always doing the spiritual fasting[second fasting level]... I also fast too every Friday[physically fasting], I find peace in my heart when I fast, because I am controlling my egos, my negative mind etc much more..... When I fast there is always peace and remembering of God in my heart... My fasting starts after morning Jamat Khana untill evening Jamatkhana... Then I break my fasting with Oba Shafa[ divine water] in the name of my beloved Imam of the time.
Are you crazy shellyza, how can you say that why do we Ismaili Muslim do not fast? and our faith is getting weak? My brother go to Afghanistan and Tajakistan any where is the tradition of Dia, Hujjat Nasir Khusraw (peace be upon him). It is not only Ramadan for them to fast, they fast above them. They do 3 kinds of fasting. The first one is like every Muslim ummah does during month of Ramadan, the second one is spiritual fasting, it is higher then the physical fasting, through that fasting, your 7 sense must be pure, I mean you must have: a pure though and mind, pure eyes,ears,tongue,heart,hands and feet. Each of them has a purpose and meaning, if I explain it, it may be long,but maybe later on. The third kind of fasting is not for everybody, it is only for Sufis,saint,Pirs or Dias and Hujjat and those who are desiring for Enlightenment and truth. According to that fasting level, you must remember nothing except God. If you remember anything else during that fasting, you break it. I mean you should not even think or remember a bad things nor good things, but except Allah and His Noor. Those people who are trying this kind of fasting, you do not see them on street or Bazaar[Market]. They are in a Cave in a Mountain. It is said that, just as almsgiving is a form of wealth purification, fasting is a form of self-purification. Fasting teaches self-control and patience. Like prayer, fasting is a way of turning to God in sincere whorship. Also, through fasting you fight and kill your lower egoism. It is the Great Jahid Akbar[to fight against your lower self]. Mowlana Sultan Mohammad Shah (Peace be upon him and his family) said in his Farman: If a mumin who loves fasting, worship and reading, he does not have judgment on the day of resurrection. Also, Shellyza brother, our beloved Imam-e-zman, he too himself is fasting during month of Ramadan, so how come we Ismaili do not fast? Even our late Imam Al Mustansir Billah II (SA) said in his book "Pandiati jawanmardi " that we must fast every month of Ramadan like a regular Muslim does.
My brother Shellyza, I love fasting, it is part of my life. For me it is not only Ramadan. I fast in month of Ramadan 100% like a regular Muslim and always doing the spiritual fasting[second fasting level]... I also fast too every Friday[physically fasting], I find peace in my heart when I fast, because I am controlling my egos, my negative mind etc much more..... When I fast there is always peace and remembering of God in my heart... My fasting starts after morning Jamat Khana untill evening Jamatkhana... Then I break my fasting with Oba Shafa[ divine water] in the name of my beloved Imam of the time.
shellyza wrote:YAM brother,
I do have close friends who wake up in the morning at the appropriate time during Ramadhan, fast, and complete all of their prayers during the day.
While we are asked a question, i.e. 'why do Ismailis not fast', I do not think that the appropriate response would be pointing out what we perceive as defects in other sects in other religions.... as it makes our own faith and beliefs seem weak.
I think that what we should be doing, is finding out why the Imam doesn't make a physical fast mandatory, as stated by the Qu'ran. By finding this out, we can embrace our own intellect while following our religion and stand as ourselves when being questioned by Sunnis.
Thank you,
S.
Last edited by From_Alamut on Tue Dec 23, 2008 3:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Fasting
Salaam,
Thank you for your reply.
I am actually a <b> female </b> university student, and have lived in the Western World (UK, US, Canada) all of my life so far. From my observation, most Ismailis in these countries, regardless of age, do not undergo the physical (food) fast as Mowlana Hazir Imam has never deemed it mandatory in his farmans.
However, I don't think he discourages the physical fast either, he just hasn't made it mandatory. I congratulate your family for going through these fasts
Secondary, you mentioned a spiritual fast which means that you should be 'pure of thoughts' during this month. I am a bit confused about this, as our previous Imam said that we should be pure every day. I am also confused about how one should become pure, as our current Imam has said that we are humans and not machines.
I think we should start off by not letting our stray negative thoughts build actions.... for example, if we do not like someone, we should not say something bad about them. Guidance towards this sort of thing can be provided in "The True Meaning of Religion" by Sultan Muhammad Shah's uncle... I think his name was Shihab al-Din Shah, and he was one of the sons of Aga Khan II.
I also underline my point in my previous reply, I think that by finding out why Mowla Bapa hasn't made the fasts mandatory, we can embrace our intellect and our faith at the same time.
Thank you,
S.
Thank you for your reply.
I am actually a <b> female </b> university student, and have lived in the Western World (UK, US, Canada) all of my life so far. From my observation, most Ismailis in these countries, regardless of age, do not undergo the physical (food) fast as Mowlana Hazir Imam has never deemed it mandatory in his farmans.
However, I don't think he discourages the physical fast either, he just hasn't made it mandatory. I congratulate your family for going through these fasts
Secondary, you mentioned a spiritual fast which means that you should be 'pure of thoughts' during this month. I am a bit confused about this, as our previous Imam said that we should be pure every day. I am also confused about how one should become pure, as our current Imam has said that we are humans and not machines.
I think we should start off by not letting our stray negative thoughts build actions.... for example, if we do not like someone, we should not say something bad about them. Guidance towards this sort of thing can be provided in "The True Meaning of Religion" by Sultan Muhammad Shah's uncle... I think his name was Shihab al-Din Shah, and he was one of the sons of Aga Khan II.
I also underline my point in my previous reply, I think that by finding out why Mowla Bapa hasn't made the fasts mandatory, we can embrace our intellect and our faith at the same time.
Thank you,
S.
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imranramji2008
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2008 11:14 pm
Re: Fast
shamsu i have been reading many many of your post. Your just like my parents. Any ways getting to the point yes our faith is esoteric. i must agree but that doesnt means their is no exoteric meaning in our faith. mowla has no wear said that we must not fast in ramazan infact i think it is the opposit of what HI wants. I dont think hazar imam wants us to just fast during ramazan because it is manditory but i think hazar imam wants us to learn the meaning of fasting and fast during ramazan and after the fast we must keep those values with us unlike some muslims who just fast and forget about what it meantshamsu wrote:Imam has only said that if you tie up an animals mouth that animal will also fast by not eating.
Now if you want to starve yourself and you think you are doing something spiritual then you need to consult Imam's Farman of Baitul Khayal.
Our Faith is esoteric. Nowhere do our Imams describe our Faith as exoteric.
Look up esoteric in Imams Farman of Baitul Khayal
Ya Aly Madad
Shams
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Now that being said i would like to say yes the ramazan fast is not manditory for us because HI has given us an option of fasting on friday chandrat I personally think this is one of the options to make our faith easier to practice but if we dont undergo this fast we must undergo ramazan fast. I personally undergo ramazans fast
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imranramji2008
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2008 11:14 pm
Re: Namaz
shams you sayed that namaz isnt mentioned in the quran correct but salat is and when we say the word namaz we are talkig about salatShamsB wrote:Just for the record..we have folks here freely brandishing the word "namaz" around..
Namaz is a word never mentioned in the Qu'ran.
Namaz is a word used by Zorastrians for Fire Worship..
As these questions have always confused us (Fasting etc) and there are different views, then why has the matter not been directed to Hazar Imam by an Alwaez etc - either should we fast? or shouldn't we fast? 
. This would clear the whole matter. After all, Imam SMS did state that you all bring matters of worldly things to me but no one approaches me with matters of the Din. Hum se Din ka sawaal pooche (Ask me about the matters of the Din).
Or is it, that if Fasting is made compulsary by HI, that the majority would not be able to keep it? As with the Shukrawari Beej, which to my understanding, majority cannot keep anyway (enjoy their Chai with Tepla)
The actions associated with Fasting for 365 days of the Year (Not Lying or cheating, Being Honest, Good deeds, Not doing Bud Nazari etc) is necessary in our faith anyway (whether fasting or not), to be a good Ismaili Muslim (As advised by our Pirs). Food or drinks will not be served in Jamat Khana during the Ramadhan day (Refreshments are therefore served in the evenings)...so, reflect upon this matter.
Imam SMS said 'Hakikati Momins do not fast ONLY in the Month of Ramadhan....' Which means we do have to fast in Ramadhan, as well as 360 days. If we follow the majority of Ismailies who don't really have a clue of the Din, bring in other unislamic traditions etc, use the washrooms without shoes on a filthy wet floor (Urine is very unclean) then go into Jamat Khana where Sajdah is performed (If know how to do Sajdah properly), not cleaning ourselves properly etc etc, then we will be doing wrong. Hence we have to do our personal search in these matters by reading Quran and Hadiths etc.
Ismailis who fast the so called 'Zaheri fast' experience the hunger and thirst, by not eating or drinking, as well as doing good deeds etc, during the month of Ramadhan (which is such a beautiful feeling), and above all we have the guidance of our beloved Hazar Imam, who encourages the practise of Traditions in Islam. Also we have to do personal searches ourselves on what is right and wrong as Farmans only give brief guidance, rest is up to us according to the Tariqah. Guidance which includes from Quran, Farman, Authentic Hadiths and Ginans. Read Pandiyati Jawan Mardi, and that would be enough to make anyone think twice. These practices still stand today and not lightened, what with media access and corruptions of todays societies.
Also I believe that Zahir and Batin is just to do with Hazar Imam interpreting those ayahs of the Quran (according to the times) which are hidden and not clear for us i.e. 'Ulil Amr' or 'light'- which has a lot of meanings to other sects of Muslims. The Qu'ran has stories of prophets, basic guidance for mankind (present and past) and hidden meanings which can be interpreted by Hazar Imam and practised by us to lead a righteous life, according to the modern times. After all the Farmans by Hazar Imam are not in Batin and is plain and clear to understand.
Although 5 times prayers was practised by the Prophet (PBUH) during his times, it is not stated in the Qu'ran to pray 5 times, which makes it clear for us by Hazar Imam for us to pray 3 times. This is just my thought...Many of you will be surprised that the word Namaz is being used now by HI. (New Farman)
I know this has been discussed deeply in other topics, but just my thoughts on the matter.
. This would clear the whole matter. After all, Imam SMS did state that you all bring matters of worldly things to me but no one approaches me with matters of the Din. Hum se Din ka sawaal pooche (Ask me about the matters of the Din). Or is it, that if Fasting is made compulsary by HI, that the majority would not be able to keep it? As with the Shukrawari Beej, which to my understanding, majority cannot keep anyway (enjoy their Chai with Tepla)
The actions associated with Fasting for 365 days of the Year (Not Lying or cheating, Being Honest, Good deeds, Not doing Bud Nazari etc) is necessary in our faith anyway (whether fasting or not), to be a good Ismaili Muslim (As advised by our Pirs). Food or drinks will not be served in Jamat Khana during the Ramadhan day (Refreshments are therefore served in the evenings)...so, reflect upon this matter.
Imam SMS said 'Hakikati Momins do not fast ONLY in the Month of Ramadhan....' Which means we do have to fast in Ramadhan, as well as 360 days. If we follow the majority of Ismailies who don't really have a clue of the Din, bring in other unislamic traditions etc, use the washrooms without shoes on a filthy wet floor (Urine is very unclean) then go into Jamat Khana where Sajdah is performed (If know how to do Sajdah properly), not cleaning ourselves properly etc etc, then we will be doing wrong. Hence we have to do our personal search in these matters by reading Quran and Hadiths etc.
Ismailis who fast the so called 'Zaheri fast' experience the hunger and thirst, by not eating or drinking, as well as doing good deeds etc, during the month of Ramadhan (which is such a beautiful feeling), and above all we have the guidance of our beloved Hazar Imam, who encourages the practise of Traditions in Islam. Also we have to do personal searches ourselves on what is right and wrong as Farmans only give brief guidance, rest is up to us according to the Tariqah. Guidance which includes from Quran, Farman, Authentic Hadiths and Ginans. Read Pandiyati Jawan Mardi, and that would be enough to make anyone think twice. These practices still stand today and not lightened, what with media access and corruptions of todays societies.
Also I believe that Zahir and Batin is just to do with Hazar Imam interpreting those ayahs of the Quran (according to the times) which are hidden and not clear for us i.e. 'Ulil Amr' or 'light'- which has a lot of meanings to other sects of Muslims. The Qu'ran has stories of prophets, basic guidance for mankind (present and past) and hidden meanings which can be interpreted by Hazar Imam and practised by us to lead a righteous life, according to the modern times. After all the Farmans by Hazar Imam are not in Batin and is plain and clear to understand.
Although 5 times prayers was practised by the Prophet (PBUH) during his times, it is not stated in the Qu'ran to pray 5 times, which makes it clear for us by Hazar Imam for us to pray 3 times. This is just my thought...Many of you will be surprised that the word Namaz is being used now by HI. (New Farman)
I know this has been discussed deeply in other topics, but just my thoughts on the matter.
Sal,saleemsadruddin1 wrote:7 pages of discussions and there is no conclusion? It really shows conflicts of opinion among us?
Why do we have such conflicts?
Saleem
For better or worse conflict IS the pursuit of knowledge and truth in the western tradition (which includes Islam). Our legislative houses debate policy, our judiciary is entirely based on confrontation and debates and conflict are the hallmarks of academia. Conflict is good, provided all parties have constructive ends in mind. Since Ismailism claims to be a faith of intellect I see no reason why we should turn our noises up at conflict. How are we suppose to grow and adapt to the changing world and improve our doctrines and practices if we just perpetually agree with one another.
-qif
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dr.hasnani.rikin
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 9:40 am
There are several pages and a lot of discussion on this subject in this thread. Before re-starting the whole debate from zero, go to the beginning of the discussion and start reading all the posts and educate yourself on the subject from the Ismaili point of view. Thanks
It is very disappointing that on this day which is the anniversary of the Declaration of the Great Resurrection, there are still people preaching for the zaheri fast.
dr. Admin [yes , we all are dr. on the Internet, its free!]
1164, August 8: Qiyamat-i qubra or Qiyama al-qiyama was declared in Alamut on 17th Ramdan, 559/August 8, 1164 by Mowlana Hassan Ala' Zikri-his-salaam. On this date the Imam made one of the most passionate and important Farman ever heard. The Declaration was addressed to "men, djin, angel of the Universe". Ten weeks later, a token ceremony of Qiyama was commemorated at the fortress of Muminabad, to the east of Birjand in Kohistan, where Hasan II had sent his messenger, Muhammad Khaqan to Rais Muzaffar, his deputy who headed the Ismailis of Kohistan since 555/1160. It was celebrated in the fortress of Muminabad on 8th Zilkada, 559/September 18, 1164, where the written sermons of Hasan II were read. In Syria too, the Qiyama was announced, evidently a while later in 560/1165.
It is very disappointing that on this day which is the anniversary of the Declaration of the Great Resurrection, there are still people preaching for the zaheri fast.
dr. Admin [yes , we all are dr. on the Internet, its free!]
1164, August 8: Qiyamat-i qubra or Qiyama al-qiyama was declared in Alamut on 17th Ramdan, 559/August 8, 1164 by Mowlana Hassan Ala' Zikri-his-salaam. On this date the Imam made one of the most passionate and important Farman ever heard. The Declaration was addressed to "men, djin, angel of the Universe". Ten weeks later, a token ceremony of Qiyama was commemorated at the fortress of Muminabad, to the east of Birjand in Kohistan, where Hasan II had sent his messenger, Muhammad Khaqan to Rais Muzaffar, his deputy who headed the Ismailis of Kohistan since 555/1160. It was celebrated in the fortress of Muminabad on 8th Zilkada, 559/September 18, 1164, where the written sermons of Hasan II were read. In Syria too, the Qiyama was announced, evidently a while later in 560/1165.
Clarification: namaaz is a Persian word that means prayer. The Sanksrit cousin word is namah (namo) and both mean "praise".
It is like calling God "God" in English, "Khodå" in Persian and "al-Laah" in Arabic. Sajdah just means "prostration". A masjid is a "place of prostration" - and was what pagan ritual sites like temples and shrines were called before Islam. They are labeled in ancient script in Syriac and other languages: MASGID OF X.
So namaaz means "ritual prayer" in Persian. It was used in Persian by Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians and then later by Muslims. There is nothing particularly pagan about it, especially since Zoroastrians are People of the Book and follow a prophet we Muslims should revere highly. The Zoroastrians pray 5 times a day after ablution and recite: "There is no god but the Wise Lord, and Zardosht is his Prophet." All of these precede Islam; we have written records of this from before the time of Muhammad.
So don't quibble about language issues. After all, a "god" is a dev in Sanskrit but the cousin word in Persian (div) means "demon", and the reverse is true for asura versus Old Persian and Avestan ahura, modern hor (as in hormazd "the Wise Lord"). Language is only a tool.
It is like calling God "God" in English, "Khodå" in Persian and "al-Laah" in Arabic. Sajdah just means "prostration". A masjid is a "place of prostration" - and was what pagan ritual sites like temples and shrines were called before Islam. They are labeled in ancient script in Syriac and other languages: MASGID OF X.
So namaaz means "ritual prayer" in Persian. It was used in Persian by Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians and then later by Muslims. There is nothing particularly pagan about it, especially since Zoroastrians are People of the Book and follow a prophet we Muslims should revere highly. The Zoroastrians pray 5 times a day after ablution and recite: "There is no god but the Wise Lord, and Zardosht is his Prophet." All of these precede Islam; we have written records of this from before the time of Muhammad.
So don't quibble about language issues. After all, a "god" is a dev in Sanskrit but the cousin word in Persian (div) means "demon", and the reverse is true for asura versus Old Persian and Avestan ahura, modern hor (as in hormazd "the Wise Lord"). Language is only a tool.
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From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
What kind of fasting is that? Not eating... or remembering the Beloved?Biryani wrote:I fast every night…from 11 pm till 7 am…then I break fast…is it good and so am I gonna go to heaven?
Mowlana our Lord Imam Sultan Mohammad Shah(sa) said for Shia Ismaili Muslim fasting is not only Month of Ramadan but it is the whole year. We Shia Ismaili Muslim fast for 365 days.....
Oh yeah, that’s pretty much the whole year ‘fasting’ schedule for me and my beloved wife…you know, I even take her with me on my business trips.
And if I can get some sorta guarantee of heaven’s entry…I can fast from, as early as, 8 pm till 7 am…as, you know, most doctors have recommended not eating after 8 pm anyways for better health and even more thrilling sex life…
And if I can get some sorta guarantee of heaven’s entry…I can fast from, as early as, 8 pm till 7 am…as, you know, most doctors have recommended not eating after 8 pm anyways for better health and even more thrilling sex life…
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From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
You do not understand the batin meaning of fasting..... Fasting is not all about eating and not eating.....Fasting is of two kinds, apparent, zahir, and hidden, batin........ but you only talks of zahir form of fasting that is which is at level of your understanding in fasting.... But in fact that zahir fasting is symbolism in reality it has such a deep and deep meaning... For example, we fast in order we fight against our lower desire which is into the illusion of the world....The fasting person should avoid such actions that might arouse passion in oneself or in others such as casting lustful eyes at a woman, and abstain from thinking of carnal thoughts and fantasizing pleasures incompatible with the regimen. .........Biryani wrote:Oh yeah, that’s pretty much the whole year ‘fasting’ schedule for me and my beloved wife…you know, I even take her with me on my business trips.
And if I can get some sorta guarantee of heaven’s entry…I can fast from, as early as, 8 pm till 7 am…as, you know, most doctors have recommended not eating after 8 pm anyways for better health and even more thrilling sex life…
One of the objectives of fasting is to bring unruly passions under control. One who can rule his desires and make them work as he likes, has attained true moral excellence. We fast in order to purify our self, we do not fast because of paradise, we fast in order that we Inshallah return to our origin.
In holy Quran said "Return back to your origin where ever you belong"....
Fasting teaches self-control and patience...
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From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
There is a Farman explaining the true meaning of fasting on Page 6 of this thread.From_Alamut wrote:Can someone Please explain the Batin and Allegorical meaning of fasting? What is fasting in Batin Allegorical form and how should one fast in that way?
The following are the seven pillars of religious law and their esoteric meaning as explained by Nair Tusi in the "Tasawwurat".
1. Cleanliness (taharat) - to dissociate oneself from previous religions and traditions.
2. Confession of faith (Shahadat) - to know God through Himself.
3. Prayer (Namaz) - to be always speaking about recognition of God.
4. Fasting (Sawm) - to speak with the followers of falsehood using precautionary dissimulation (taqiyyah) in order to maintain continual fasting.
5. Charity (Zakat) - to give to other brothers in religion part of that which God, the Exalted, has given you.
6. Pilgrimage (hajj) - to abandon this temporal world and seek the eternal abode (of the hereafter).
7. Holy war (jihad) - to annihilate oneself in the essence of God, the Exalted.
Man!…this is very confusing…all this time, I thought I was getting some credits, if not much, in my account with Karim Shah…and now you guys are giving me the impression that fasting is just symbolism of some kinds…and this and that…
well…I don’t think I have any unruly passion…or upper or lower desires for anyone other than for my “Beloved” wife…which, I thought, was said to be good…right?
So does it mean…I don’t have to fast since I am already kinda having this other kind of hidden fasting…? please don’t tell me otherwise...or I am going to give up on all kinds of fasting altogether…>>>Serenity nowww>>>…..
well…I don’t think I have any unruly passion…or upper or lower desires for anyone other than for my “Beloved” wife…which, I thought, was said to be good…right?
So does it mean…I don’t have to fast since I am already kinda having this other kind of hidden fasting…? please don’t tell me otherwise...or I am going to give up on all kinds of fasting altogether…>>>Serenity nowww>>>…..
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From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
Thank You Kmaherali brother for your kind answer.... I really appreciate it..kmaherali wrote:There is a Farman explaining the true meaning of fasting on Page 6 of this thread.From_Alamut wrote:Can someone Please explain the Batin and Allegorical meaning of fasting? What is fasting in Batin Allegorical form and how should one fast in that way?
The following are the seven pillars of religious law and their esoteric meaning as explained by Nair Tusi in the "Tasawwurat".
1. Cleanliness (taharat) - to dissociate oneself from previous religions and traditions.
2. Confession of faith (Shahadat) - to know God through Himself.
3. Prayer (Namaz) - to be always speaking about recognition of God.
4. Fasting (Sawm) - to speak with the followers of falsehood using precautionary dissimulation (taqiyyah) in order to maintain continual fasting.
5. Charity (Zakat) - to give to other brothers in religion part of that which God, the Exalted, has given you.
6. Pilgrimage (hajj) - to abandon this temporal world and seek the eternal abode (of the hereafter).
7. Holy war (jihad) - to annihilate oneself in the essence of God, the Exalted.
For Mr. Biryani, you have not understood the meaning of fasting yet, that is why you are confused... Please do some research until you understand what is fasting all about... I think you still do have unruly passion, for loving your wife more then loving Almighty Allah, if you do that then salvation is impossible for you.....We should love our Almighty Creator above all things..... I do not say that you should avoid your wife, all I say is that everything has a time.... There is a time you sleep, there is a time your awake, eat, work etc...... Our Beloved Lord Mowlana Imam Jafar Sadiq(pbuh) said There is time when you eat, sleep, work, there is time when it is night and day, but there is no such a time that you shall avoid remembering God, you should remember God all the times......
Dude… I love God too…but it’s different kind of love…you know. Just like my love for my dad or the love for mutton Biryani…they are just different type of “Loves”…
So, how can I find out if my love for the God is more than all other kind of loves I have? And just between you and me, is God really so much hungry for the love from people?
So, how can I find out if my love for the God is more than all other kind of loves I have? And just between you and me, is God really so much hungry for the love from people?
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shiraz.virani
- Posts: 1256
- Joined: Thu May 28, 2009 2:52 pm
for some reason i agree with biryani because it is very clearly mentioned in quran that fasting is a must no matter you are shia/sunni/ismaili etc etc...
Here is 48th Imam, Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah's view:
"The healthy human body is the temple in which the flame of the Holy Spirit burns, and thus it deserves the respect of scrupulous cleanliness and personal hygiene. Prayer is a daily necessity, a direct communication of the spark with the Universal flame. Reasonable fasting for a month in every year, provided a man's health is not impaired thereby, is an essential part of the body's discipline -through which the body learns to renounce all impure desires. Adultery, alcoholism, slander and thinking evil of one's neighbour are specifically and severely condemned. All men, rich and poor, must aid one another materially and personally. The rules vary in detail, but they all maintain the principle of universal mutual aid in the Muslim fraternity. This fraternity is absolute, and it comprises men of all colours and all races: black, white, yellow, tawny; all are the sons of Adam in the flesh and all carry in them spark of the Divine Light. Everyone should strive his best to see that this spark be not extinguished but rather developed to that full "Companionship-on-High" which was the vision expressed in the last words of the Prophet on his deathbed, the vision of that blessed state which he saw clearly awaiting him. In Islam the Faithful believe in Divine justice and are convinced that the solution of the great problem of predestination and free will is to be found in the compromise that God knows what man is going to do, but that man is free to do it or not."
2-183 - O you who believe, fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.
2:185 - The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.
Here is 48th Imam, Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah's view:
"The healthy human body is the temple in which the flame of the Holy Spirit burns, and thus it deserves the respect of scrupulous cleanliness and personal hygiene. Prayer is a daily necessity, a direct communication of the spark with the Universal flame. Reasonable fasting for a month in every year, provided a man's health is not impaired thereby, is an essential part of the body's discipline -through which the body learns to renounce all impure desires. Adultery, alcoholism, slander and thinking evil of one's neighbour are specifically and severely condemned. All men, rich and poor, must aid one another materially and personally. The rules vary in detail, but they all maintain the principle of universal mutual aid in the Muslim fraternity. This fraternity is absolute, and it comprises men of all colours and all races: black, white, yellow, tawny; all are the sons of Adam in the flesh and all carry in them spark of the Divine Light. Everyone should strive his best to see that this spark be not extinguished but rather developed to that full "Companionship-on-High" which was the vision expressed in the last words of the Prophet on his deathbed, the vision of that blessed state which he saw clearly awaiting him. In Islam the Faithful believe in Divine justice and are convinced that the solution of the great problem of predestination and free will is to be found in the compromise that God knows what man is going to do, but that man is free to do it or not."
2-183 - O you who believe, fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.
2:185 - The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.
Ok,
So it looks like the fasting vs not fasting debate has been going in this thread for the past 5 years now. I was hoping to find some absolute answers, but i guess that won't happen.
I am an Ismaili Muslim that has been fasting during Ramadan for the past 7 years now. Lately though, my feelings around fasting have started to deteriote due to what I see around me. For the most part, I do not see ismaili muslims fasting. I have many shia and sunni friends, all of which fast. Which is how i've been influenced so greatly to also keep rozas. Lately though, im starting to really question if this is really something we are required to do. As you all know, non-ismaili muslims all pray and fast according to the lunar calender and timings. This makes it very simple for them to know when they can eat and pray. However, we Ismaili go by exact times for prayer. For example in the midwest, Dua is said at 7:30pm mon-fri, sat-sun it is at 7pm. Now that Rozas are much longer due to the summer, if we go with the islamic schedule of Ramadan for 2009, our Du'a times and the ifthar times are conflicting!
So the burning question is, How can we say dua on time or get to jamatkhana on time? If ismailis are really required to fast, wouldnt the Jamati boards change Du'a prayers to go with the Ramadan schedule?
Hopefully I can get a valid answer from someone on this. I would really like to know as i'm starting to question ismaili fasting now.
So it looks like the fasting vs not fasting debate has been going in this thread for the past 5 years now. I was hoping to find some absolute answers, but i guess that won't happen.
I am an Ismaili Muslim that has been fasting during Ramadan for the past 7 years now. Lately though, my feelings around fasting have started to deteriote due to what I see around me. For the most part, I do not see ismaili muslims fasting. I have many shia and sunni friends, all of which fast. Which is how i've been influenced so greatly to also keep rozas. Lately though, im starting to really question if this is really something we are required to do. As you all know, non-ismaili muslims all pray and fast according to the lunar calender and timings. This makes it very simple for them to know when they can eat and pray. However, we Ismaili go by exact times for prayer. For example in the midwest, Dua is said at 7:30pm mon-fri, sat-sun it is at 7pm. Now that Rozas are much longer due to the summer, if we go with the islamic schedule of Ramadan for 2009, our Du'a times and the ifthar times are conflicting!
So the burning question is, How can we say dua on time or get to jamatkhana on time? If ismailis are really required to fast, wouldnt the Jamati boards change Du'a prayers to go with the Ramadan schedule?
Hopefully I can get a valid answer from someone on this. I would really like to know as i'm starting to question ismaili fasting now.
-
From_Alamut
- Posts: 666
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:22 am
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
Holy Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of Arab and Islamic calendar. Fasting is prescribed for this month according to the following verse of the Holy Qur'an:
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and (He desires) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful." Picktall 2:185
Teachings of Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Mustansir bi'l-laah II (a.s.)
In Pir Pandiyat-i Jawanmardi, Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Mustansir bi'l-laah II (a.s.) teaches us about external and internal ablutions and fasts, and enlightenment:
1. External and Internal Ablutions
"The ablution of the head means to keep oneself obedient to the Imam. The ablution of the hand is swearing allegiance (bay'at dadan) to the Imam of the time. The ablution of the foot is to advance along Imam's way in obedience to him. The ablution of the heart is to keep steady in affection for the Imam. The ablution of the tongue is to keep on continually remembering (dhikr) the Imam. The ablution of the eye is to have the chance of the didar of the Imam of the time." (page 61)
2. Fasting as a Lifestyle
"The whole year you must fast, just as ordinary Muslims (zahiriyan) fast for one month. The meaning of this fast is austerity. Control yourselves, keep yourselves away from bad qualities, evil and indecent actions and devilish acts, so that the mirror of your hearts may be gradually polished.
...—you must be patient, persevering in austerities, and keeping your inner self fasting as long as you live." (page 59-60)
3. Fasts for Inner Self
"Here we specify the parts of the fast of the inner self: the fast of the head means to treat one's own head with the same humility as the feet of other people, casting out from one's head the lust of superiority, greatness and pride, because greatness and superiority are only suitable to the all-great substance of the Truth (Haqq), who is eternal, the King of the Authority. The fasting of the eye means that one must keep away coveting looks from the women who are not lawful to one. The fasting of the ear means that one should abstain from listening to slander. The fasting of the tongue means that one should keep one's tongue from uttering abuse or slander. The fasting of the heart means to keep the heart free from doubt. The fasting of the foot is to hold one's foot back from a wrong step. The fasting of the hand is to keep all one's limbs away from treachery so that they may not do evil. This especially applies to one's tongue which must be kept from uttering lies. And there is no greater lie than the denial of (the existence of) the Imam, saying that he has disappeared." (page 59-60)
4. Preparing for the Eternal Life
" Therefore, O believers, if you want to be alive in both worlds, perfect your faith, because (only) by the light of faith may you attain eternal life. And faith comes from and is perfected by the recognition and knowledge (ma'rifat wa shinakht) of the Imam of the time, and obedience and love for his followers. Therefore, follow your Imam, and be happy and united with each other amongst yourselves in order that you may be alive in both worlds, and in the hereafter you may become resurrected with the pious, with prophets and saints in the presence of the Imam, with the greatest joy at meeting each other again. " (Pages 4-5)
Teachings of Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Sultan Mahomed Shah (a.s.)
The following excerpts of two firmans of NOOR Mowlana Shah Sultan Mahomed Shah (a.s.) pertaining to the month of Holy Ramadan were published in a booklet titled 'Laila-Tul-Qadr' by Alwaez Abualy A. Aziz (Page 11, Read Know No. 50; Shia Imami Ismailia Association for Tanzania, Dar es Salaam):
1. Month of Ramadan
Mumbai, 27-4-1891
"Now I am going to tell you about Iba'dat (worship). Always worship God. This is the month of Ramadan. In this month do more iba'dat. Every hour, every minute remember God. Do not forget Him. If you have forgotten Him and have become lazy then take heed that I am reminding you to remember and worship Him."
(Source: Kalame Imame Mobin Volume 1, page 23
2. The True Spirit of Fasting
Rajkot, 21-10-1903
"The life in this world is of two days (meaning a short time). So you should think of getting purified through worship of God. A true momin does not fast only during the month of Ramadan but all 365 days of the year. He does not commit any sin during all these 365 days of the year. This is the true spirit of fasting. It is not (the spirit) of fasting not to eat anything and indulge in evil acts at the same time. It is an illusion."
(Source: Kalame Imame Mobin Volume 1, page 168)
Reference
http://salmanspiritual.com/ramadan_2008/index.html
Please Click here for more info about Holy Month of Ramadan....
Resources for Holy Ramadan & Idd-ul Fitr
http://salmanspiritual.com/ramadan_knowledge.html
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
Holy Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of Arab and Islamic calendar. Fasting is prescribed for this month according to the following verse of the Holy Qur'an:
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and (He desires) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful." Picktall 2:185
Teachings of Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Mustansir bi'l-laah II (a.s.)
In Pir Pandiyat-i Jawanmardi, Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Mustansir bi'l-laah II (a.s.) teaches us about external and internal ablutions and fasts, and enlightenment:
1. External and Internal Ablutions
"The ablution of the head means to keep oneself obedient to the Imam. The ablution of the hand is swearing allegiance (bay'at dadan) to the Imam of the time. The ablution of the foot is to advance along Imam's way in obedience to him. The ablution of the heart is to keep steady in affection for the Imam. The ablution of the tongue is to keep on continually remembering (dhikr) the Imam. The ablution of the eye is to have the chance of the didar of the Imam of the time." (page 61)
2. Fasting as a Lifestyle
"The whole year you must fast, just as ordinary Muslims (zahiriyan) fast for one month. The meaning of this fast is austerity. Control yourselves, keep yourselves away from bad qualities, evil and indecent actions and devilish acts, so that the mirror of your hearts may be gradually polished.
...—you must be patient, persevering in austerities, and keeping your inner self fasting as long as you live." (page 59-60)
3. Fasts for Inner Self
"Here we specify the parts of the fast of the inner self: the fast of the head means to treat one's own head with the same humility as the feet of other people, casting out from one's head the lust of superiority, greatness and pride, because greatness and superiority are only suitable to the all-great substance of the Truth (Haqq), who is eternal, the King of the Authority. The fasting of the eye means that one must keep away coveting looks from the women who are not lawful to one. The fasting of the ear means that one should abstain from listening to slander. The fasting of the tongue means that one should keep one's tongue from uttering abuse or slander. The fasting of the heart means to keep the heart free from doubt. The fasting of the foot is to hold one's foot back from a wrong step. The fasting of the hand is to keep all one's limbs away from treachery so that they may not do evil. This especially applies to one's tongue which must be kept from uttering lies. And there is no greater lie than the denial of (the existence of) the Imam, saying that he has disappeared." (page 59-60)
4. Preparing for the Eternal Life
" Therefore, O believers, if you want to be alive in both worlds, perfect your faith, because (only) by the light of faith may you attain eternal life. And faith comes from and is perfected by the recognition and knowledge (ma'rifat wa shinakht) of the Imam of the time, and obedience and love for his followers. Therefore, follow your Imam, and be happy and united with each other amongst yourselves in order that you may be alive in both worlds, and in the hereafter you may become resurrected with the pious, with prophets and saints in the presence of the Imam, with the greatest joy at meeting each other again. " (Pages 4-5)
Teachings of Imam NOOR Mowlana Shah Sultan Mahomed Shah (a.s.)
The following excerpts of two firmans of NOOR Mowlana Shah Sultan Mahomed Shah (a.s.) pertaining to the month of Holy Ramadan were published in a booklet titled 'Laila-Tul-Qadr' by Alwaez Abualy A. Aziz (Page 11, Read Know No. 50; Shia Imami Ismailia Association for Tanzania, Dar es Salaam):
1. Month of Ramadan
Mumbai, 27-4-1891
"Now I am going to tell you about Iba'dat (worship). Always worship God. This is the month of Ramadan. In this month do more iba'dat. Every hour, every minute remember God. Do not forget Him. If you have forgotten Him and have become lazy then take heed that I am reminding you to remember and worship Him."
(Source: Kalame Imame Mobin Volume 1, page 23
2. The True Spirit of Fasting
Rajkot, 21-10-1903
"The life in this world is of two days (meaning a short time). So you should think of getting purified through worship of God. A true momin does not fast only during the month of Ramadan but all 365 days of the year. He does not commit any sin during all these 365 days of the year. This is the true spirit of fasting. It is not (the spirit) of fasting not to eat anything and indulge in evil acts at the same time. It is an illusion."
(Source: Kalame Imame Mobin Volume 1, page 168)
Reference
http://salmanspiritual.com/ramadan_2008/index.html
Please Click here for more info about Holy Month of Ramadan....
Resources for Holy Ramadan & Idd-ul Fitr
http://salmanspiritual.com/ramadan_knowledge.html
Majority of Jamat Khannas have Niyaz everyday during the month of Ramadhan, for those who have kept Fast. If the Iftari time coincides with Jamati Ceremonies, then I wait till ceremonies are over (about half an hour) and take Niyaz, or I simply eat a date at the Iftari time (in between ceremonies).frchi wrote:For example in the midwest, Dua is said at 7:30pm mon-fri, sat-sun it is at 7pm. Now that Rozas are much longer due to the summer, if we go with the islamic schedule of Ramadan for 2009, our Du'a times and the ifthar times are conflicting!
So the burning question is, How can we say dua on time or get to jamatkhana on time? If ismailis are really required to fast, wouldnt the Jamati boards change Du'a prayers to go with the Ramadan schedule?
During the winter times, Iftari times are earlier and do not conflict with Du'a times, so no probs there.
During Sehri, eating etc can be done before precribed time of prayer, or after about 5.40 am if there is still time for Sehri, which is a blessing in itself.
Mawlano Rojo is normally held here in the morning/afternoon...But during Ramadhaan it is held in the evenings (for refreshment purposes)...According to your above quote about Most Ismailis not Fasting, then why the T board is bothered with the change of time?frchi wrote:For the most part, I do not see ismaili muslims fasting.
Alhamdulillah, I have been Fasting for 20+ years now (Love it and Insha'Allah, look forward to it) and there has never been a problem regarding Sehri times and Iftari times, so no worries
.There are different types of Fasting...The month of Ramadhaan is mainly to do with eating and drinking etc as it states in the Qur'an...and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn...S2:V187.
Of course, the true meaning of Fasting is to keep away from undesirable things/acts, such as, lying and cheating, etc (Which is necessary anyway, to be a true good Ismaili, whether he or she is Fasting or not), and there must be quite a few out there, else there would not have been a few minutes worth of recent Farmans regarding brothers cheating brothers etc...So in my opinion, Fasting is good for you, as well as being healthy...So those not Fasting, go on, give up the Chai and Tepla during the day
. Again just my opinion, so I hope I haven't offended anyone 
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YaAliYaMowla
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2008 1:43 pm
Was that a farman of Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah? From reading it I'm assuming not, but just want to clarify.shiraz.virani wrote:for some reason i agree with biryani because it is very clearly mentioned in quran that fasting is a must no matter you are shia/sunni/ismaili etc etc...
Here is 48th Imam, Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah's view:
"The healthy human body is the temple in which the flame of the Holy Spirit burns, and thus it deserves the respect of scrupulous cleanliness and personal hygiene. Prayer is a daily necessity, a direct communication of the spark with the Universal flame. Reasonable fasting for a month in every year, provided a man's health is not impaired thereby, is an essential part of the body's discipline -through which the body learns to renounce all impure desires. Adultery, alcoholism, slander and thinking evil of one's neighbour are specifically and severely condemned. All men, rich and poor, must aid one another materially and personally. The rules vary in detail, but they all maintain the principle of universal mutual aid in the Muslim fraternity. This fraternity is absolute, and it comprises men of all colours and all races: black, white, yellow, tawny; all are the sons of Adam in the flesh and all carry in them spark of the Divine Light. Everyone should strive his best to see that this spark be not extinguished but rather developed to that full "Companionship-on-High" which was the vision expressed in the last words of the Prophet on his deathbed, the vision of that blessed state which he saw clearly awaiting him. In Islam the Faithful believe in Divine justice and are convinced that the solution of the great problem of predestination and free will is to be found in the compromise that God knows what man is going to do, but that man is free to do it or not."
2-183 - O you who believe, fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.
2:185 - The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.
-
shiraz.virani
- Posts: 1256
- Joined: Thu May 28, 2009 2:52 pm
shiraz.virani wrote:
for some reason i agree with biryani because it is very clearly mentioned in quran that fasting is a must no matter you are shia/sunni/ismaili etc etc...
Here is 48th Imam, Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah's view:
"The healthy human body is the temple in which the flame of the Holy Spirit burns, and thus it deserves the respect of scrupulous cleanliness and personal hygiene. Prayer is a daily necessity, a direct communication of the spark with the Universal flame. Reasonable fasting for a month in every year, provided a man's health is not impaired thereby, is an essential part of the body's discipline -through which the body learns to renounce all impure desires. Adultery, alcoholism, slander and thinking evil of one's neighbour are specifically and severely condemned. All men, rich and poor, must aid one another materially and personally. The rules vary in detail, but they all maintain the principle of universal mutual aid in the Muslim fraternity. This fraternity is absolute, and it comprises men of all colours and all races: black, white, yellow, tawny; all are the sons of Adam in the flesh and all carry in them spark of the Divine Light. Everyone should strive his best to see that this spark be not extinguished but rather developed to that full "Companionship-on-High" which was the vision expressed in the last words of the Prophet on his deathbed, the vision of that blessed state which he saw clearly awaiting him. In Islam the Faithful believe in Divine justice and are convinced that the solution of the great problem of predestination and free will is to be found in the compromise that God knows what man is going to do, but that man is free to do it or not."
2-183 - O you who believe, fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.
2:185 - The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.
Was that a farman of Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah? From reading it I'm assuming not, but just want to clarify.
yes, the above para is taken from the memoirs of aga khan, please note that the jamat was told to return KALAME IMAME MUBIN by the 49th imam as it had errors but i guess that was not the case because thousands of people still got the firmans of sultan muhammad shah [as] and sometimes they get carried away.
for some reason i agree with biryani because it is very clearly mentioned in quran that fasting is a must no matter you are shia/sunni/ismaili etc etc...
Here is 48th Imam, Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah's view:
"The healthy human body is the temple in which the flame of the Holy Spirit burns, and thus it deserves the respect of scrupulous cleanliness and personal hygiene. Prayer is a daily necessity, a direct communication of the spark with the Universal flame. Reasonable fasting for a month in every year, provided a man's health is not impaired thereby, is an essential part of the body's discipline -through which the body learns to renounce all impure desires. Adultery, alcoholism, slander and thinking evil of one's neighbour are specifically and severely condemned. All men, rich and poor, must aid one another materially and personally. The rules vary in detail, but they all maintain the principle of universal mutual aid in the Muslim fraternity. This fraternity is absolute, and it comprises men of all colours and all races: black, white, yellow, tawny; all are the sons of Adam in the flesh and all carry in them spark of the Divine Light. Everyone should strive his best to see that this spark be not extinguished but rather developed to that full "Companionship-on-High" which was the vision expressed in the last words of the Prophet on his deathbed, the vision of that blessed state which he saw clearly awaiting him. In Islam the Faithful believe in Divine justice and are convinced that the solution of the great problem of predestination and free will is to be found in the compromise that God knows what man is going to do, but that man is free to do it or not."
2-183 - O you who believe, fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.
2:185 - The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew.
Was that a farman of Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah? From reading it I'm assuming not, but just want to clarify.
yes, the above para is taken from the memoirs of aga khan, please note that the jamat was told to return KALAME IMAME MUBIN by the 49th imam as it had errors but i guess that was not the case because thousands of people still got the firmans of sultan muhammad shah [as] and sometimes they get carried away.
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YaAliYaMowla
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Sun Aug 24, 2008 1:43 pm
If it was from the memoirs then it was not a Farman. Remember that the memoirs and farmans are two different things. The Memoirs is for a wider audience and will communicate things with respect to that. For example, Krishna is referred to as a divinely inspired messenger to the public in the memoirs, however we understand Krishna as an Imam of his time.
You might want to read about the farmans actually made by Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah regarding roza and Ramadhan. Yes, it is the obligation of every Ismaili to do more ibadat during this month. However, the physical fast is not required. It's very clear from His farmans which practices are shariat and which are haqiqat. After so much trouble Mowlana Ala Zikrihi Salam and our latter Imams finally took us out of shariat, why do people want to go back in so much????
Remember that the Imams can override anything no matter what the source.
You might want to read about the farmans actually made by Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah regarding roza and Ramadhan. Yes, it is the obligation of every Ismaili to do more ibadat during this month. However, the physical fast is not required. It's very clear from His farmans which practices are shariat and which are haqiqat. After so much trouble Mowlana Ala Zikrihi Salam and our latter Imams finally took us out of shariat, why do people want to go back in so much????
Remember that the Imams can override anything no matter what the source.