Thanks for Dua

We thank from the depth of our heart for the Dua done for fast recovery of brother Mufeed Mahdi Rizvi. Alhamdolillah, he is fine and is recovering fast. Today, he has been flown back to Bombay from Lucknow.

Urgent Request for Dua

We make an urgent request for dua for our younger brother Mufeed Mahdi Rizvi who is admitted in ICCU in Allahabad City after he suffered a very severe heart attack last Friday afternoon and is in a very critical position.
Please recite dua "Ammain Yojeeb..." for his quick recovery. Mufeed is an Asst. Editor in Mid-Day newspaper in Bombay.

The Mission of Mismanagement

This Indian Hajj Mission office is in Mina Valley. The same old story of our country. The workers are appointed on the basis of influence and not on merit. So, the chaos is obvious. When the appointees do not know how to execute their jobs professionally, then how will they give the proper services to the Hajis. Hajis are on the mercy of the Agents (Moallim). The agent doesn't care about the problems of Hajis. Poor quality drinking water supply, worst sanitation, scarcity of food, insecurity, lack of medicine, no sockets for charging mobiles in the tents, confusing tent addresses, 2 ft x 5.5 ft broad poor quality mattresses, lack of capacity and space in the tents, poor transport service from Arafat to Mina. Improper guidance, etc. None of the Indian Hajj Mission office representative visits these tents for the redressal of the Haji's difficulties. The Hajj Committee of India has no say in Makka and Madina. It is the job of Indian Consulate in Jeddah. The picture is inside view of the tent in Mina. Hajis are packed in a Cattle Class tent.

Exit from Mina Valley

Slow Internet Connection & Hajj Expenses

Due to weak and a very slow network connection it is very difficult to post. One post takes at least 45 minutes and loading a picture irritates. This has caused interruptions. Suddenly the connection goes off. This has affected the regular blogging from Makkah. But, I have nice collection of the Hajj event which I will continue putting on this blog. InshaAllah.

There are not more than 10 Internet Cafe in this holy city. A minute telephone call to India costs Rs. 26.00. A local call is Rs.6.50 a minute.

The prices are 4 to 5 times high. Three litre petrol costs Rs. 13.00 only but the taxi fare is Rs.65.00 per person for 3-4 kms.

Normal flight from Mumbai to Jeddah and back costs Rs.18,000/- while in Hajj season the airlines charge above Rs.42,000/-

Hotels in Makkah charge Rs. 500-600, while for Hajj they charge upto Rs. 38,000/- per head.

A glass of tea is min Rs.13/- and goes to Rs. 26/- nearby Haram. A simple sandwich costs Rs. 26 t0 Rs. 39/-.

So, only the mustatee survives. Here the marketing golden phrase that the demand brings the cost down is totally reverse. Here the demand shoots the price upwards.

Its Raining in Makkah

At the moment while posting this news its raining heavily in Makkah with heavy clouds and thunderstorm. 80% Hajis at present are in Mina tents. Tonight, we will be going to Arafaat. But, our collegues are anxious as the tents might have been wet by now and might have collapsed due to water. How they will sit or lye down on the wet ground?

Anyway, it will be a double mercy for the Hajis. Here is the video clip of the rains from our hotel room.

Mehfil-e-Qur'an in Masjidul Haraam

In the Holy City of Makkah, on the second floor of Masjidul Haraam, opp. Hijre Ismail a programme was held on the recitation of holy Qur'an. Here the top and best Qaarees of Iran gathered and presented their art of recitation of the Book of Allah. Many had been brought to recite Qur'an in Haramayn Shareefayn. About 70 Qarees are given opportunities to perform Hajj every year and show their talent to the International Muslim Community.

This holy Qur'an recitation programme is conducted from 1st - 7th Zilhijjah. Once a Haji attended this programme he remained till the finish. The photo is of the same session.

Interior of Masjidun Nabawi in Madina

Offices of Ayatullah Ezam

In Madina there are the offices of various Ayatullahs for their muqalledeens for their guidance to the Hajj rituals. The to be haajis visit these offices and seek the guidance from the representatives of the Ayatullahs for the upcoming Hajj masaels. These offices operate in Madina before hajj and shift to Makkah during the Hajj period. The photos show banners of the offices of Hazrat Ayatullahil Uzma Hazrat Makarim Shirazi and Hazrat Ayatullahil Uzma Hazrat Abdul Karim Musawi Ardbeli.

The photograph shows the interior of the office of Hazrat Ayatullahil Uzma Hazrat Makarim Shirazi. Here Hujjatul Islam Aqa-e-Farshad delivered a beautiful speech on "Hajj & Intezar", putting good points on Imam Zaman (a.s.).

I had a lengthy discussion on a mas'alah from Ayatullah Makarim about the Najasat of mushrikeen. It is being propogated that Ayatullah Makarim has permitted to intake najis food through them. The representative denied this and said there are conditions for this. He also said that we will discuss this in detail in Makkah. I will post the detail after Hajj. InshaAllah.

More Restrictions on Zaireen

More restrictions are tightened for the Zaireen of Baqee irrespective of their sect. The Barelvis are under watch this year. The Shias cannot recite ziyarat from the books, they are asked to shut their ziarat booklets. The zaireen hide themselves in crowd and recite ziarat. Sometimes the alloted One hour to visit Baqee is shortened by 30 minutes and the entrance is closed. Now the Mutawwas (religious police) mingle among the zaireen and try to prove the crowed that what they are doing is Shirk. They qoute sentences randomly from the ziarat . They do not listen to the answers and provoke the zaireen to become emotional and lose their temper.

On the way to Hajj

I have this opportunity to perform Hajj. Inshallah I will try to share the news from the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Pray for success.

You can see the green dome of the Rawdha of the Holy Prophet during night time. Beside it on the left is the white or silver dome under which was the house of second Imam, Imam Hasan (a.s.)

Be Safe from LPG Mishap

Have U ever heard about LPG gas cylinder's expiry date....!!

I also didn't know how to find LPG cylinder's expiry date? Expired Cylinders are not safe for use and may cause accidents. In this regard please be cautious at the time of accepting any LPG cylinder from the Vendor.

Here is how we can check the expiry of LPG cylinders:

On one of three side stems of the cylinder, the expiry date is coded alpha numerically as follows A or B or C or D and some two digit number following this e.g. D06.

The alphabets stand for quarters -

1. A for March (First Qtr),

2. B for June (Second Qtr),

3. C for Sept (Third Qtr),

4. D for December (Fourth Qtr).

The digits stand for the year till it is valid. Hence D06 would mean December qtr of 2006.

Please Return Back the Cylinder that you get with a Expiry Date, they are prone to Leak and other Hazardous accidents ...

The second example with D13 allows the cylinder to be in use until Dec 2013

Hajj Training Camp at Zainabia

Those who are going to perform Hajj this year or planning for the next year are invited to attend the weekend Hajj Camp under the guidance of Hujjatul Islam Maulana Sayed Hasnain Kararvi saheb. Register your name by calling Zainabia Imambada (022) 23461019, (022) 23412773 Mobile 9920276708 or email: rizvi59@gmail.com

How to Manage Your Anger

The Qur'an 42:47 speaks of forgiveness, "And those who avoid major sins and immoralities and when angry they forgive"
The glorious Qur'an (15:58) speaks also of kindness and wing lowering, "and lower your wing (show kindness) to the believers." In addition to these two virtues,
the Qur'an 5:54 talks about humility, "they are humble toward the believers."
Getting angry is nothing to be proud of; it is not even a sign of strength.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) said," Strong is not the one who wrestles others to the ground, but strong is the one who controls himself when angry."
The Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) said,
"I am warning you of zun which is thinking badly of others; zun is the most unreliable form of interaction; don't follow each other's shortcomings; don't spy on each other; don't envy each other; don't hate one another; don't plan evil to each other; be true servants of Allah-brothers in faith."
The last four virtues of forgiveness, kindness, humility and zun-avoidance bundle together to develop a shield against anger.

The glorious Qur'an (3:133, 3:134, 5:13) reminds Muslims directly and indirectly to forgive others before asking forgiveness from Allah. To build the Islamic personality with built-in defense against anger, the Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) describe the Muslim who does not forgive as akir (evil one), "The awakirs (evil ones) are three: a leader who doesn't thank you if you do well and who does not forgive you when you make a mistake; a bad neighbor who burry your good deeds and broadcast your bad deeds; and a woman who hurts you in your presence and cheats on you in your absence." Who wants to be an evil one? Who wants to be an akir? Islam is practical; it acknowledges the imperfect nature of people. Interaction between people could be positive and could be negative. Muslims should continue interacting with people in spite of the negative possibilities. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) teaches Muslims to be active in their communities and mix with people and tolerate their hurts with patience. He said, "The believer who mixes with people and tolerate their hurts is better than the believer who doesn't mix and doesn't tolerate." This is only a sample of how Islam builds the forgiving personality that is capable of dealing with anger properly. The article so far dealt with the first step, protection / prevention aspects of anger.

Now let us turn to the second step, the cure / treatment aspects of anger. So, when angry there are at least seven things to say or to do. First, seek refuge in Allah. "And if an evil suggestion comes to you from shaytan, then seek refuge in Allah, He is hearing and knowing." (Qur'an 7:200) Second, do wudu (washing specific parts of your body according to the tradition of the Prophet who said, "Anger from shaytan, shaytan from fire; fire is put out by water; so when angry do wudu" Third, change body position. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) said, "If one of you gets angry while standing, he should sit. If he is still angry, he should lie down." We may understand this hadith as follows: when angry, lying down is better than sitting; sitting is better than standing: standing is better than walking; walking is better than sa'y (which is some what between walking and running). Minimum energy positions are better because they are more restrictive.

Fourth, stick your cheek to the ground. Since anger is a product of pride, the Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) said, "Whoever gets a little angry should stick his cheek to the ground." Fifth, divert attention away from the cause of anger and participate in strenuous physical activity aiming at letting steam out and relaxing muscles. Present day psychologists advice housewives to collect empty beverage cans to flatten them with a hammer when they become angry.

Sixth, be silent, don't speak. The Prophet (peace and blessings be unto him) said, "Teach, simplify, don't complicate and if you get angry be silent." Seventh, interpret events positively.

Today 26th Shawwal

This day in 310 A.H. a great scholar of Ahle Sunnat, Mohammad Tabari Shaafeii, passed away. He was a historian, mohaddith, writer of Tafseer-e-Kabeer. He has penned down a famous the famous book, "Al Wilyah" in Two Volumes in which he collected ahadeeth (traditions) from various sources on "Gahdeer-e-Khum".

A Dua from Sahifa Sajjadiya

My God,
as Thou hast fed us through Thy gentleness
and nurtured us through Thy benefaction,
so also complete for us lavish favours,
repel from us detested acts of vengeance,
and of the shares of the two abodes,
give us their most elevated and their greatest,
both the immediate and the deferred!
To Thee belongs praise
for Thy good trial and the lavishness of Thy favours,
a praise
conforming to Thy good pleasure
and attracting Thy great goodness and magnanimity.
O All-mighty,
O All-generous!
By Thy mercy,
O Most Merciful of the merciful!

25th Shawwal, Shahadat of 6th Imam (a.s.)

Imam Ja'far as Sadiq (AS) was poisoned and martyred on 25th of Shawwal, 148 Hijrah by caliphe of the time al-Mansur. His pure body was buried in the graveyard of Baqee in Madina.

Last and The Fourth Speical Representative of Imam Mahdi (a.s)

Abul Hasan Ali Ibn Mohammad Seymouri:
He was appointed as the fourth special deputy of Imam Mahdi (a.s) after the demise of Husain Ibn Rauh. He is remembered as one of the companions of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) and the special representative of Imam Mahdi (a.s) in Baghdad. For three years, he held the coveted post of deputyship. Unlike the previous deputies he could not perform any major task due to his truncated tenure. One of his extra ordinary feats was his prediction of Ibn Babway's demise.
The last Tawqee from Imam (a.s) received by Ali Ibn Mohammad announced the termination of the period of minor occultation Its contents are as follows:

IN THE NAME OF GOD THE BENEFICIENT, THE MERCIFUL:
O Ali Ibn Mohammad Seymouri May increase the reward of your brothers on account of the difficulties born by you. You will die within six days. Regulate your affairs and sum them up. Do not make a will to any body. After you, this chain (of special deputyship) will end and it will mark the beginning of the major occultation. Now, I will re-appear on divine command. But that will be after a long time when the hearts of the people will become hardened and the world will become full of injustice, tyranny and oppression. Yes! There will be some who will claim to be my special deputes. Whoever claims to consult me before the emergence of Sufyani and the heavenly Voice, he is a deceiver and liar. There is no power and strength except that of Allah, the Al-mighty the High".
This is the last letter received from Imam (a.s) in the minor occultation. After three years of deputyship, Ali Ibn Mohammad Seymouri left this world in Shaban, 329 A.H. He is buried on the Khanlanji High way near Bab-jul-Mahool on the bask of the Abi Eqaab river. His last words were "For God is the Affair and He will himself execute it". He lived during the reign of Muttaqui, the Abbaside Caliph.
For 69 years between 260 A.H. till 329 A.H. four people acted as the medium between Imam (a.s) and his followers. This duration is called as the Minor occultation. Some people deem this duration to be 74 years. That is because they calculate it from the birth of Imam (a.s) in 255 A.H. It is certain that the birth of Imam (a.s) in 255 A.H. It is certain that the Imam Mahdi (a.s) did not shoulder the responsibility of Imamat in the life time of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s). Therefore, there was no need for Imam Mahdi (a.s) to be in contact with the people directly, since his respected father was executing it. Hence, the question of the commencement of minor occultation does not
arise right from the birth of Mahdi (a.s).

Answering Maulana of Moghul Masjid

It has been reported by our correspondent that in the Khutba of Eidul Fitr, Imam-e-Jama'at of Moghul Masjid has said that he doesn't consider marhum Ayatullah al-Uzma Abul Qasim alKhuie as an Aa'lam. Replying to his statement, below is a very brief list of the scholarly works of the late Ayatullah. Allah knows best the intentions of Maulana Nasiri saheb.

Grand Ayatollah Abul-Qassim Khoei - Teaching Juristic and Writing Merits

Khoei wrote on various topics, ranging from Islamic jurisprudence to mathematics and astronomy and was a prolific writer in the these disciplines. He wrote 37 books and treatises, most of which have been published. His works include:

• Lectures in the Principles of Jurisprudence - 10 volumes
• Biographies of Narrators of Tradition - 24 volumes.
• Islamic Law - 18 volumes.
• Al-Bayan fi tafsir al-Qur'an (The Elucidation of the Exegesis of The Qur'an)
• Minhaju-us-Saliheen (The Path of the Righteous) - 2 volumes, reprinted 78 times (guide book on religious practice and law) .
• Anthology of Religious Questions - Concise version of the Path of the Righteous - in Arabic, Urdu, Persian, English, Turkish, * * Thai, Malay, Indonesian, and Gujarati.
• Mabani al-Istinbat (Edifices of Deduction) Principles of Jurisprudence.
• Ajwad-at-Taqrirat (The Best of Regulations) Principles of Jurisprudence.
• Sharh-el-Urwatul-Wuthqa (Commentary on The Steadfast Handle) - Jurisprudence.
• Treatise on Suspected Attire - Risala fil Libas Al-Mashkok, Evidential Jurisprudence.
• Nafahat-ul Ijaz (the Fragrance of Miracles), in defence of the Qur'an.

Due to his prominent position as a teacher and scholar in Najaf, he became an important leader of worldwide Shias. He was made the most prominent Grand Ayatollah in 1971 after the death of Ayatollah Sayed Muhsin al-Hakim. In this position, he became a patron of numerous institutions across the globe that sought to provide welfare, and also provided scholarships to theological students from across the Muslim world.

He is considered as the architect of a distinct school of thought in the priciples of jurisprudence and Islamic law, and one of the leading exponents of 'kalam'-scholastic theology- and 'rijal'- study of the biographies of transmitters of ahadith, the Prophetic traditions, 'fiqh'- jurisprudence- and 'tafseer'- exegesis of The Holy Qur'an. His interests included astronomy, maths, and philosophy.

His post-graduate institute normally accommodated some 150 students, at any given time. Among the students who attended classes and were personally supervised by Khoei included

• Ayatullah Al-Shaheed As-Sayyid Mohammad Baqir As-Sadr, Iraq
• As-Sayyid Mahdi Al-Hakim Mohammad Mahdi Shamsuddin (Lebanon)
• Imam Mousa As-Sadr (Lebanon)
• As-Sayyid Mohammad Husain Fadhlallah (Lebanon)
• Ayatullah Seyyid Mohammad Al-Rohani (Iran)
• Abdolkarim Mousavi Ardebili, former Chief Justice of Iran
• As-Sayyid Mohammad Ali Makki (Syria)
• As-Sayyid Mohammad Ali Bahrul 'Uloom (UK)
• Poet Mustafa Jamaluddin (Syria).
• Ayatullah shirzai (Iran)

..::read more::..

Today, 15th Shawwal in Islamic History

Battle of Ohod, 3rd year of Hijri calendar. It occurred a year after the battle of Badr. Abu Sufyan (grand father of accursed Yazeed) came with allies with a huge army to fight Muslims. Abu Sufiyan brought along their women to boost the morale of their armed forces. The battle of Ohod took place on the outskirts of Madina. The mushrikeen were over confident that they will defeat the Muslims. Although the Muslims suffered heavy causalities but in the end they were victorious.

The martyrs were Hamza, the uncle of holy Prophet (pbuhp) and his 70 other ashaab (followers).

In this battle, Hind the grand mother of Yazeed ate the liver of Hadhrat Hamza after he was killed by her black slave.

All the martyrs were buried on the battlefield of Ohod. Every year lacs of Hajis visit their graves and recite ziyarat.

Baabul Baqee, A Gate of Masjidun Nabawi facing Jannatul Baqee

This photograph is of Madina. When a pilgrim exits after performing the ziyarat of the zareeh of the holy (pbuhp) he faces Jannatul Baqee standing at this gate. This entrance/exit is named "Baabul Baqee"

On the extreme right of this Baab is "Baabo Jibrael" from which Angel Jibrael sought permission to enter the house of the holy Prophet (pbuhp).

May Allah give us opportunity that we visit this holy shrine cum Masjidun Nabawi. Aameen

I photographed this in the Hajj Season of year 2006. As the Hajj was in December end, I reached Madina from Makka in Jan 2007.

I clicked this photo on the 10th day of Jan.

It looks more beautiful if you save it as your desktop wall paper.

Protest of Jannatul Baqee Demolition in Malad, Mumbai

There was a procession protesting the demolition of Jannatul Baqee by Muslims at Malad Malony on last Sunday evening. There was a huge turnout. Speaker after speaker gave a very lively speech venting their ire on the Saudi regime who is preventing to re-build a Rauza at Jannatul Baqee graveyard in Madina which was razed by the Wahhabis in 1925.

Prominent Olama and Zakereen attended this protest procession from different parts of the Mumbai City. For more than 10 years this programme is going on in Malad.

They demanded that the tombs should be urgently build under which there were graves of the 4 holy Imams and the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet of Islam (pbuhp) Hadhrat Fatema Zahra (s.a.). In Jannatul Baqee there are graves of historical personalities of Islam; Ummul Baneen, Martyrs of Ohod, Wives of the holy Prophets and number of Ashaab (followers of the Prophet).

In the end the gathering prayed for the early re-appearance of Imam-e-Zamaana (a.s.) so that he can fill this world with Justice and Equity.

Jannatul Baqee Demolition Protest at Zainabia Imambada

Last night a majlis was held at Zainabia Imambada followed by Nauha and Maatam. The Majlis was recited by Hujjatul Islam maulana Sayed Hasnain Kararvi in which he described the criminal action of Saudi regime of the demolition of Jannatul Baqee in Madina and Jannatul Mualla in Makka. Maulana gave a brief history of the crimes of Wahhabis who had attacked holy shrines at Karbala also.
Anjuman-e-Abidia (Nawgawan) did nauha and maatam after the majlis.

The participants in this programme later gave their opinions that the Wahhabi ideology has made the world unsafe for the mankind. Abrar Ahmad said that these terrorist have a brutal and cruel mentality and they have been engaged in mass killings of unprotected and innocent citizens around the world consisting mainly women and children.

Safdar Abbas looked concerned, he said "Suicide bombers have killed thousands of Muslims in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq. But, they did not target other Arab countries such as Jordan, Egypt and Saudia Arabia (the friends of Israel) as these countries are supposed to be their financiers."

"They have a very wrong concept, that killing Muslims will lead them straight to Paradise. In fact these are the fuel of the Hell fire. The alQaeda and Taliban are the stooge of western powers. These fanatics are used by these imperialists. " Mujawir Husain explained.

A teenager reacted to these statements and questioned: "How the Jannatul Mualla and Jannatul Baqee can be re-built?"

I invite my readers to give an answer to this boy's question, which is a step ahead to this Protest Programme.

Anti Wahhabiyat Day

Tonight and Tomorrow.

Protest at number of places by not only Shias, but, also by Sunni brothers on the demolition of Rauzas in Jannatul Baqee. The tombs under which were the graves of 4 holy Imams, Uncle of the Holy Prophet (pbuhp) Janabe Abbas and Hadhrat Fatema Zahra (s.a.), the only and beloved daughter of Holy Prophet of Islam (pbuhp).

Since the construction of Zainabia Imambada in 1988, Eighth shawwal is remembered as the day of mourning. The day of Protest. The founder of this Protest Day at Zainabia Imambada was my marhum father, Sayed Ghulam Hasnain Rizvi Kararvi.

Tonight at 8.30 pm at the same venue, a Majlis will be recited by Maulana Syed Hasnain Kararvi followed by Nauha and Maatam by 2 Anjumans. Anjuman-e-Abidya, Nawgawan Sadaat and Anjuman-e-Imamia, Lucknow.

Some person asked, why we do maatam to protest?

The answer is; We protest to let the world know that this Wahabis destroyed the tomb of the grandsons of their own Prophet (pbuhp) in 1925.

We mourn as the Imam of the time is in ghaybat. We await his re-appearance. His occultation is a great tragedy for us. We pray that Almighty Allah hastens his Zohoor (re-appearance). This mourning and maatam proves that we are alive and concern, and also our love and affection towards our holy Imams (a.s.).

We also pray that the rule of this wahabi regime comes to an end soon so that the tombs at Jannatul Mualla and Jannatul Baqee can be rebuild.

Answer to Wahabis

For Demanding Graveyard, Shias forced out of Gujarat Village

Even during the 2002 Gujarat riots when eleven people were burnt alive in neighbouring Sardarpura, this village with a population of over 3,200 remained an island of peace, the bond between majority Hindus and minority Muslims here unshaken. But seven years later, that has changed completely.
All 85 Momins, a Shia sub-sect, have quit Kharavda, blaming the Chaudharies who make nearly 50 per cent of the village population.
The Momins have sought refuge in a Jamaatkhana at Vadnagar, 40 km away, and say they will never return to the village. And it is all because the Momins sought one acre from the village panchayat to bury their dead — burials so far were being done in Kharta Parsa, 30 km away, and it was not easy transporting bodies.

..+>Click for complete story<+..

Migrants from Kharavda village sitting with their household goods outside the Momin Jamaatkhana in Vadnagar where they are taking shelter currently.

Jannatul Baqee Demolition Protest

The Special Distinction of the Day of Eid

Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Azha prayers are obligatory during the time of Imam (A.S.), and it is necessary to offer them in congregation. However during the present times when the Holy Imam is in Occultation, these prayers are Mustahab, and may be offered individually as well as in congregation. The time for Eid prayers is from sunrise till Zuhr. Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (as) delivered on the day of Eid al-Fitr, in which he said: "O people! Verily this day of yours is the day when the righteous are awarded and the wretched are losers. It is a day which is similar to the one on which you shall be standing (before your Lord). Therefore, when you come out of your homes to go to places of your prayer, remind yourselves about the day when you (your souls) shall come out of your bodies to go to your Lord. When you stand on places of your prayer, remind yourselves of your standing in presence of your Lord (on the day of Judgement). And when you return to your homes (after prayer), remind yourselves about your returning to your homes in Paradise.(Nahjul-Balaghah)
That is why It is recommended that Eid prayers be performed in the open fields, to walk barefooted to attend Eid prayers and to perform Sajdah on earth and to do Ghusl before namaz, and to place a white turban on one's head.

What is the actual meaning of Eid? At first, it may be proper to seek the meaning of Eid in the books of the scholars. (1) Eid is the day of special attention of Allah (SWT) to His servants, recalling them to His presence and the day of loving Him. Eid is the day of activeness, happiness, and granting of servant's requests. This day, is the day of awarding and writing a secure chit from hellfire for servants. Further it is the time one may gather things that benefit him in the hereafter.Eid is a day, which Allah (SWT) showers His servants with His blessings and generosity. So at this time that the merciful Allah (SWT) extended his generosity, how great it would be for pious people and sinners to confess (their defects and faults), and hope for receiving His grants. Surely they won't be dispossessed from Allah's (SWT) grace.Now on this Holy day that we have returned to our Lord, how should we talk to Him and call Him? What is better than accompanying with our kind Master when he is calling his Lord in a caring manner? it!

(thanks abbas lalani)

Namaaz of Eid in Mumbai City

All the Imambadas and Masajid have arranged Namaaz of Eid in the city tomorrow the 21st September. Few of them are mentioned below:

• Bandra, Rizvi College, at 8.30 am. (contact no. 9820156444)
  
• Mahim, Mehfil-e-Panjatan, at 8.30 am. (contact 9773762043)
  
• Zainabia Imambada, Bori Mohalla at 8.00 am (contact 9881444658)
  
• Moghul Masjid 7.30 am (contact 23740456)
  
• Dongri: Khoja Jama' Masjid 7.30 am
  
• Imamia Masjid 7.00 am
  
• Bombay Central (east) : Azakhana Abu Talib at City Mall,
  
• Bandra Masjid (west), Bazar Road: 3 jamats-7.30 am-8.30 am & 9.30 am.
• Andheri (west) Yari Road, Zaib Palace: 7.45 am & 8.30 am (contact no. 26336786)
  
• Andheri (west) Versova, Daray Zainab: 8.00 am (contact no. 9870153276)
• Malad (west) Malony Colony: Mehfil-e-Mohibban-e-Aal-e-Rasool, 8.00 am (contact 9769589570)
• Vasai (west) : 3 Jamats; 8.30 am-9.30 am & 10.30 am (contact 9322264666)
  
• Mira Road (east): Haidery Masjid, 8.00 am (contact 9224146005)
  

Eid Celebrated today by Mumbai Shias

Followers of Sayed Khoei (RA) – Eid is today, Sunday 20th September 2009

Following various confirmed sighting reports from South Africa and other countries, it confirms today is the 1st Shawwal and hence Eid-ul-Fitr for those who remain on the taqleed of Marhum Ayatullah Sayed Khui was today Sunday 20th September 2009. This is based on Marhum Khoei’s fatwa on a united horizon.

The Mumbai Shias offered their Eid Namaaz in different parts of the city.

The followers (muqallideen) of Ayatullah Sayed Sistani, Eid will be tomorrow (Monday 21st September).

Jashn-e-Quran at Zainabia Imamada

Seventy Three participants were given away prizes tonight for their month long recitation at Zainabia Imambada at the programme of Jashn-e-Quran. Hujjatul Islam Maulana Sayed Hasnain Kararvi shared few important points on regular recitation of the Holy Quran in their daily lives. Also present at the function was Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi who talked about the award of reciting the Holy Quran to an individual. Salman had been working very hard for the full holy month with the reciters, who consisted mainly of childred and teenagers. A 9 year old boy was perfect in his Arabic accent.

Petition to Oman government to show our concerns for inviting Narendra Modi.

Friends:

The Sultanate of Oman is inviting Gujarat CM Mr. Narendra Modi to lead a business delegation (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/narendra-modi-may-lead-business-delegation-to-oman_100242843.html) to develop a port in Gujarat. It is a well-know fact that in February-March 2002, as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Modi presided over and orchestrated widespread riots in which about 2000 hapless Muslims were massacred and more than 200,000 were rendered homeless. Tens of thousands of displaced Muslims are still unable to return to their homes for the fear of further attacks. The process of justice has been subverted in Gujarat in order to deny justice to the Muslims. There have been many incidences of harassment of Christians and burning of their Churches. With the well-deserved harvest of global condemnation, Mr. Modi is desperately courting foreign investments and collaboration to mend his image as a progressive in an effort towards a political restitution. The U.S. and many countries in Europe have banned his entry, by denying him visa. We want Oman government to reconsider the invitation extended to Mr. Modi, as a mark of respect for humane values enshrined in all religions and the declaration of universal human rights under the UN Charter. Please sign the petition to Oman government to show your concerns about their invitation to Mr. Modi.

The petition URL is: http://www.petitiononline.com/modi2009/petition.html

Quds Day

Disturbing Attitude of Rich Arabs

"The government of Abu Dhabi is giving $150 million to the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, with the aim of developing tools and processes to reduce the pain children experience before, during and after surgery. “Our hope is that this gift will be transformative and lead to new medical technology and breakthroughs that improve health care for children around the world,” said Yousef Al Otaiba, the United Arab Emirates ambassador to the United States. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the U.A.E." This is quite disturbing. If this was done for pure scientific, medical, or charitable purposes, I would have no qualms. But this is clearly for political purposes to win favors for the corrupt, polygamous royal families of the UAE. Also, can you imagine what that $150 million would have done for hospitals in the Middle East?

On the other side the distressed expats in UAE suffer and return to their homes empty handed.

The pains and sufferings of children of Gaza, Palestine has no value in the eyes of Rich Arabs of UAE where Wah-habis have a greater influence over the ruling class.

Ramadhan Dua: DAY 27

ALLAH, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, change my affairs from (being) difficult to (being) easy, accept my apologies, and decrease for me [my] sins and burdens, O the Compassionate with His righteous servants.

Liberating Quds

The Holy Quran

The Holy Quran

Ramadhan Dua: DAY 26

ALLAH, on this day, make my efforts worthy of appreciation, and my sins forgiven, my deeds accepted, my flaws concealed, O the best of those who hear.

Inside Video of Holy Ka'ba

Fasting reduces the effects that desires have on Youths

This is addressed to young men, it may become more essential when there is more temptation and the means and motives for committing evil increase, especially for those who live in societies in which there is a great deal of wanton display and promiscuity.
So they should be keen to do this act of worship in order to protect their chastity and religious commitment. As well as fasting, a person may seek help though praying to Allah to protect his religious commitment and honour, and to make it easy for him to get married, as marriage protects one’s chastity. He may also help himself by remembering the reward in Paradise that Allah has prepared for those who steadfastly obey His commands and guard their chastity, namely al-hoor al-‘iyn.

(Thanks Shaikh Mohammad)

Ramadhan Dua: DAY 25

ALLAH, on this day, make me among those who love Your friends, and hate Your enemies, following the way of Your last Prophet, O the Guardian of the hearts of the Prophets.

Fasting and Medical Benefits

by Shahid Athar, M.D.

Most Muslims do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting. Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets. Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadhan is at or slightly below the national requirement

guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadhan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.

Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one's entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadhan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities.

The only difference between Ramadhan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity.

The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadhan", held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients' health or baseline medical condition. On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast.

There are psychological effects of fasting as well. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes.

Recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory. Therefore, I encourage my Muslim patients to fast in the month of Ramadan, but they must do it under medical supervision. Healthy adult Muslims should not fear becoming weak by fasting, but instead it should improve their health and stamina.

Ramadhan Dua: DAY 24

ALLAH, on this day, I ask You for what pleases You, and I seek refuge in You from what displeases You, I ask You to grant me the opportunity to obey You and not disobey You, O One who is generous with those who ask