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This Persian calligraphy invokes prayers that are dedicated to our
Prophet Muhammed and Hazrat Ali. I think it reads: "O Allah Give your blessings
to our Prophet Muhammed and his great disciple Ali. (The Salwaat) Purify
our hearts and souls, bless us all, and group us with your virtuous children"
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Dear Nina:(My humble apology for spelling errors.I had
to extract the gist of the subject from hundreds of researched handwritten
manuscripts and papers and to type, has undoubtedly a telling effect)
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Friday, June 30, 2000 at 15:24:33 (CDT)
Part Dear Nina: ARABS:THE MOST DIVERSE AND INFLUENCIAL MUSLIMS:ARABS
number more than 120 million and forming the major populationsm of 15 nations,and
they play dominant role in Southwest Asia and North Africa, and their actions
affectthe lives of millions beyond their homeland. Their involvement with
ther nations of Muslim world, whether through oil or politics, is profound.Their
influence within the Muslim world is deep and broad.Arabic is the sixth
most widely spoken language in the world as mother-tongue, but it is used
by nearly three-quarters of a billion people as a language of religion.No
ethnic group of this size can be homogeneous. There are no universal racial
characteristics:Arabs are tall and short, black-haired and blond, with
skin colors ranging from fair to dark; but predominent racial characteristics
is "Mediterranean"- swarthy, black-haired, and medium height.Nearly 2 million,
of whom one-third are Muslims, live in the United States.It is not enough
to say that 95 percent of the Arabs are Muslim(the rest are largely Chriastian
or Druze). Muslim Arabs adhere to number of sects-Shia(Ishna Ashri and
Ismaili), Alawi, Zaidi, and Sunni.They all speak Arabic and identify with
heritage of Arabs and those cultural values and aspirations unique to Arabs,
wheather they be Moroccan or Syrian,Christian or Muslim, farmer of businessmen.
Arab culture draws upon a heritage several thousand years old that includes
periods of glory but more of travail. Arab camel-riding tribesmen fought
in the armies of ancient Romans and Persians. Arab caravans and ships carried
merchandise to trading centres of South and Southeast Asia before the birth
of Christ. Some Arab tribal kingdoms in southwestern Arabia were powerful
and prosperous.It was among Arabs, early in the seventh century and then
largely confined to Arabian peninsula, that Muhammad first, preached his
gospal of Islam. Withy remarkable rapidity Muhammad's successorsn spread
the word of Allah into SSouthwest Asia, westward across North Africa and
into Spain, eastward to Persia, Afghanistan, and Central Asia and southward
to the east coast of Africa.Whereever these new and fervent Muslims went,
they implanted elements of Arab culture alongside the religion.Muslim Arab
leaders created great empires that lasted several hundred years. Following
the original Casliphate of Muhammad, the Ummayad dynasty in Damascus(661-750)
established a governing system whereby religious and ethnic minorities
were given a large measure of self-rule, provided that they paid the taxes
levied against them and remained peaceful.The succeeding ABBASID dynasty
ruled the Muslim world from Capital at Baghdad for nearly 500 years, the
first 200 of which(750-950) were called the GOLDEN AGE OF ARAB CIVILIZATION.Arab
rulers encoiuraged scholarship mby bringing to Baghdad and other centres
of learning intellectual Jews, Chritians. Greeks, Persians, Indians- each
contributing from their own cultures to the development of Arab culture.
PLATO AND ARISTOTLE were first translated from Greek to Arabic and later
into European languages.Indian scientists brought the concept of ZERO to
Baghdad, the Arab combined it wityh Arabis numerals and transmitted to
EUROPE the mathematical system of ALGEBRA,GEOMETRY, and TRIGOMETRY. While
THE DARK AGES BLANKETED EUROPE, ABBASID SCIENTISTS WERE EXPLORING the fields
of OPTICS(disproving EUclid's theory that the eye emnates rays), CHEMISTRY(introducing
such words an ALKALI,ALCOHOL, AND ANIMONY to the world's vocabulary), and
MEDICINE(compiling the first MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA; IBN SINA'S was major
medical work in Europe until seventeenth century)Histrogrphy became a siscipline
under the Abbasids, and what happened in most of the world then was told
to later civilizations by Arab historians. Arab ARCHITECTURE, best examplified
in MOSQUES, TOMBS, AND PALACES, create styles popular to this day.BY THE
THIRTEENTH CENTURY Arab might and slondor were fading. With the discovery
of sea routes around Africa and latyer European colonization of North and
South America, trade roiutes from Europe shifted from the Mediterranean
Sea. Trade route through Arab world did not return until opening of the
SUEZ CANAL in 1869. Meanwhile outlying provinces broke away from the empire
with separate kingdoms appearing in North Africa.From North came invasions
of Turks and Mongols, destroying irrigation system, cities, whole economics
from which the Arabs never recovered. By sisteeth century first SELJUK
the OTTOMAN TURKISH RULERS had conquered the Arab homeland and ruled until
Wordl War I when the Turkish empire itself was broken into European mandates.Throughout
this period Aran economic, political and intellectual initiative lay dormasnt
under the domination of foreign imperialism. The awakening (NADHA) appeared
in 1920, manifested by the writing of intllectual and political activism,
but not until after World War II did the Arabs once again ruled most of
their own lands. By then, however, imported system of political nationalism
had divided the Arabs into separate states, undermining the political unity
of the ethnic group.While Arab political unity is still adream, language
remains a common denominator. Arabic, written from righyt to left in a
flowing shorthand script is, like Hebrew,a Semitic language of the Afro-Asiatic
linguistic family.Evidence of its first use appears in accounts of war
as long as 853 B.C. As the language of Quran, it brings prestige to the
Muslim who can speak and read it.Arabic has developed in two forms:Classical
Arabic, the religious and literary language, spoken and written uniformly
throughout the Arab world and serving as a bond among all literate Muslims;
and colloquial Arabic, the informal spoken language which varies by dialect.
An educated Arab thus uses two languages.Arab culture developed on the
desert side of the island among the peoples of Arabian peninsula who lived
either as tribal nomads,BBEDOUIN, as as town dwellers engaged in commerce,
but two were nevertheless greatly influenced by BEDOUIN ways and values.
While Muhammad himself was atownb trader, his tribe QURASH, included many
Bedouin and Muhammad and his followers were deeply imbued with pre-Islamic
TRIBAL TRADITIONS. These traditions, born in harsh environment of the desert,
included strict codes of proper economic and social behaviour which became
legitimized by Islam and accompanied the ASrabs as they emerged from the
desert and its oasis towns.Bedouin are tribally organized, with each family
belonging to a lineal segment or clan and it to a tribe, which assures
a measure of social and economic control of each segment.The family, which
moves with others-mostly near relatives- as a semi-autonomouds unit, it
ispatrilocal,petrarchal, and patrilineal. Then individual is subordinated
to group and, in return, received protection nand security so long as tribal
mechanism functions. Marriage is endogamous except marital tie outside
is importamnt for political or economic reasons.The preferred marriage
for males is to father's brother's daughter.With few occupational variations,
social distinctions are based on family membership, not job status.Unlike
villagers,Bedouin live an erratic life-on the move, where and when to move
next, and concerned wity daily care of animals and family needs.They are
group-oriented society.To these values ideal values may be added an attitude
towards religion which is both Islamic fundamentalistic and supetstitious.The
"SHARIA" in interpreted literally, gives divine support to Beduoin values.This
conservatism in religious practices is best examplified on Arab Peninsula
by Wahabism, illuastrated by the ban in Saudi Arabia,Kuwait, and Emirates
on alcohol,dancing, and women drivers.The opposite extreme of Arab culture
developed along Mediterranean shores of Arab "island," where Arabs met
and mingled with different cultures of Europe. Compromise with DIVERSITY
replaced RIGIDITY; religious fundamentalism gave way to accommodation to
new ideas. The cities of Beirut,Cairo, Alexandria, Tunis,A;lgirs, and Casablance,
diversified economies offered new professions for the traditional Aranbs.
Universities iopened minds to CHANGE. Political NATIONALISM replaced tribal
allegiance and came into conflict with European imperialism.Children are
a villager's greatest asset.They are his work force and social security.Islamic
rules of inheritance, which give more to boys than togirls, particularly
in nterms of real estate,and traditional patrilineal ties lend importance
to having boysn in the family/A girl'ds asset is in her function of tying
one family with the another through marriage and ,ofcourse,he primary role
as mother.The birth of children particularly a boy, is cause of celebration.It
is often surrounded by non-Islamic ritual as in some Lebanese and Egyptian
villages, where the placenta is buried(either under the front doorstep
ofminside mud-floored home) so enemy spirits cannot enact magic against
the child or the mother,. For some reason, boys are often dressed as girls
to decieve EVIL SPIRITS; the first posssession of a child is an AMULET
or blue bead to ward off malevolence. The first word a babu hears is the
name of Allah whispered into its year.Nmaing of the child will reflect
three dismentions of the village life:kin,home, and religion.Thus a boy
will have a name such as Muhammad ibn Ibrahim al Hamza:Muhammad(rel(Part
gius name), son than 120 million and forming the major populations of 15
nations.They play a dominent role in Southwest Asia and North Africa, and
their actions affect the lives of millions beyond their homelands. Their
involement with the Muslim world, whether oil or politics, is profound.Their
influence within Muslim world is deep and broad. Arabic is sixth most widely
spoken language in the world as mother tongue, but it is nearely used by
three-quarters of a billion people as a language of religion.No ethnic
group this size can be homogeneous.Arabs are tall and short and black-haired
and blond, with skin colors ranging from fair to dark; but the predominant
racial characteristic is "Mediterranean"-swarthy,black-haired, and medium
height. It is not enough to say that 95 percent of Arabs are Muslims(the
rest are largely Christian or Druze), Muslim Arabs adhere to number of
sects-Shia(Ishna Ashari and Ismaili),Alawi,Zaidi, and Sunni, the last being
overwhelmingly the largest.Arabs speak Arabic and their cultural values
and aspirations unique to Arabs whether they be Moroccan or Syrian,Christian,
or Muslim, farner or businessmen.Arab culture draws upon heritage of several
hundred years old that includes periods of glory but more of travail. Arab
camel-riding tribesmen fought in the armies of ancient Roamns and Persians.Arab
caravans and ships carried merchandise to trading centres of South and
Southeast Asia before birth of Christ. Some Arab tribal kingdoms in southwestern
Arabia were powerful and prosperous.It was among Arabs, early in the seventh
century and then largely confined to Arabian Penunsula, that MUHAMMAD preached
his first gospal of Islam.With remarkable rapidity Muhammad's successors
spread the world of Allah in Southwest Asia, westwards across North Africa
and into Spain, eastwards to Persia,Afghanistan, and Central Asia and southward
to east coast of Africa. Wherever these new and fervent Muslims went, they
implanted elements of Arab culture along side the religion.Muslim Arab
leaders created great empires and lasted several hundred years. Following
the original Caliphate of Muhammad, the Ummmayad dynasty in Damascus(612-750)
established a governing system whereby religious and ethnic minorities
were given a large measure of self-rule, provided that they paid the taxes
levied against them, and remained peaceful.The succeeding Abbasaid dynasty
ruled the Muslim world from capital Baghdad for nearly 500 years, the first
two hundred of which(750-950) called the GOLDEN AGE OF ARAB CIVILIZATION.
Arab rulers encouraged scholarship by bringing to Baghdad and other centres
of learning intellectual Jews,Christians,Greeks,Persians,Indians-each contributing
from their own cultures to the development of Arab culture.PLATO AND ARISTOTLE
were first translated from Greek to Arabic and later into European languages.
Indian scientists brought the concept of ZERO to Baghdad. The Arab combined
it with Arabic numerals and transmitted to Europe the mathematical systems
of algebra,geometry and trigonometry. While the DARK AGES blanketed Europe,
Abbasi scientists were exploring the fields of OPTICS,(disproving EUCLID'S
theory that the eye emnates rays),chemistry(introducing such words ALKALI,ALCOHOL,
AND ANTIMONY to the world's volcabulary), and MEDICINES(compling the first
medical encyclopedia;IBN SINA'S WAS THE MAJOR medical work in Europe until
SEVENTEENTH CENTURY).Histrograpohy became a discipline under the Abbasids,
and what happened in most of the world was told to later civilizations
by Arab historians.Arab ARCHITECTURE,best examplified in mosques,tombs,
and palaces, create styles popular to this day.By the thirteenth century
Arab might and splendor were fading.With he discovery of sea route around
Africa and later European colonization of North and South America, trade
routes from Europe shifted from the Mediterranean Sea.Trade through Arab
world did not return until the opening of SUEZ CANAL in 1869.Arab empire
in Spain dwindled to shakey foorhold in the south,then disappeared from
the Penunsula completely. Elsewhere Arab power was too weak to resist the
incursion of outsiders. From the north came the invasion of Turks and Mongols,
destroying irrigation systems, cities, whole economics from which Arabs
never recovered. By sixteenth century first SELJUK, the OTTOMAN TURKISH
rulers had conquered the Arab homelands and ruled until WORLD WAR I.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Friday, June 30, 2000 at 10:14:59 (CDT)
Dear Nina:THE TENDENCY TO POINT FINGERS AT ISMAILIS: The last segment
is on "ARABS"Thereafter there will be one writeup:WHAT IS SHIISM-the faith
Ismailis belong to and WHAT IS ISMAILI CULTURE?Todate all these artciles
on ETHNICITY IN ISLAM are to prove that in ISLAM, there are 300 groups
exceeding 100,000 in each group world wide. They are Muslims but follow
their original,ethnic traitions as we Ismailis do.All ethnic groups differ
in their cultures and if stict Islamic standard were applied to these world-wide
spread groups, it would pose a question: WHO IS A TRUE MUSLIM? Example:ALAWI(ALAWITES)
who live in Lebanon,Syria and Southern Turkey.They believe not only in
divinity of ALI,but in trinity which includes Prophet Muhammad and a Persian
named SULMAN.Their tenets are mostly secret, includes seven incranations.
Another departture from usual Islamic practice is the partaking of WINE
during religious cerimonies.Some Alawi have become powerful in BAATH party
of
Suyria(including the late President).Many examples abound.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 16:22:40 (CDT)
Dear Nina:SOMALIS-(the Muslim ethnicity-brief notes):The Somali are
one of the major peoples of northeast Africa. Of estimated more than 6
million Somalis, about half compose 95 percent of the population belonged
to Somali Democratic Republic.Most of the remainder live beyond Somali
boundries in northern Kenya, Djibouti and the Ogaden Province of Ethiopia
which is named after Somali Ogaden clan for political reasons. In addition,
there are immigrant Somali communities in most of major cities of East
Africa and Arabian peninsula, notably in Yemen People's Republic. Racially,
the Somalis are, lilke most of the people in the area:intermidiate Negroid
and Caucasian.Their language belongs to the East Cushitic family, being
most closely related to those of the neighboring Afar and Oromo(Galla)
peoples. While their language has not been written until recently, the
Somalis have distinguished oral poetic tradition. The Somali were among
the earliest peoples to be converted to Islam. Since they accepted it in
the ninth and tenth centuries, Islam has been an integral part of their
culture- to be Somali is to be Muslim. Most are Sunni and folow the SHAFI
school of law, although there are a few Ahamadiya.They originated as separate
people, in Horn of Africa- near the Gulf of Aden coast. Here the conversion
to Islam first took place.The major external cultural influence on the
Somali has been that of Arabs, largely funnelled through string of cities
,which were founded by Arab traders along East African coast during the
Middle Ages.During the Colonial period, Somali teritory was divided among
four foreign powers, three Eiuropean and one African. Itly colonized the
Riverine area, and the Center. Most of the north became British Protectorate,
and France occupied a samll enclave around the port of Djibuti.It boardered
that of Afar.The Soimali of extreme south came under the British Kenya
Administration, while Ogaden region was taken over by Ethiopia.In 1961
the former British and Italian territories gained their independence and
amalgamated to form the Somali Republic; but the colonial heritage left
its mark on the national culture.The remianing Somalis are citizens of
the other three states.Somalis practice polygny.The camels are objects
of prestige as well as pack animals, since they can go for long period
of time without water.Somalis are grouped into clans such as Ogaden or
the Issa.Among the northern nomadic Somalis, Issa are warlike and constantly
fighting between the groups. Burton called them "a fierce and turbulent
race of republicans".Somali women are never veiled or segregated from the
world.Sexual morality is nevertheless strict, and a girl's virginity is
traditionally safeguarded by INFIBULATION(the sugical joining of the lips
of the private part), carried out with excision of the clitoris.Marriages,
atleast first marriages are traditionally arranged bewteen the father of
the couple and sealed by series of payments from groom to bride's family
and marriage by ELOPEMENT is, however, something of a national institution.
Islam is fundamental to Somali culture. Among the pastoralists, "Shaikhs"
have traditionally stood apart from politics and warfare, often acting
as peacemakers.Ancesters of the clan and linages are venerated as saints,
and the founding ancesters of the people are believed to have been of Muhammad's
lineage. Sufi order principally the QADIRIYA AND SALIHIYA.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary,, AB. Canada. - Thursday, June 29, 2000 at 07:26:27 (CDT)
Loved you site ;-)
By the way if you are looking
information about fashion photography you can go and visit this site by
clicking here ! Erickps:
you should redeclare you URL to search engines as they seem to consider
your site as non updated. seban-meyer Erick <info@photographedemode.com>
Monte-Carlo, mc France - Wednesday, June 28, 2000 at 16:00:48 (CDT)
.Dear Nina:BERBER MUSLIMS-PART II(Conclusion)-(LaIla_To love is to
forgive trespasses)-Although Berbers are Sunni Muslims, mostly following
the MALIKI school,they have maintained an unusually strong presence of
pre-Islamic SAINT WORSHIP in their region.Cenrtain religious leaders, 'MARABOUTS"
are assigned charismatic and healing qualities and supernatural powers(BARAKA)
to the point that they are considered living saints.Each Berber community
or group of communities has its SHRINE(KUBBA) of a local SAINT, a small
whitewashed domed building visited regularly by those in search of DIVINE
BLESSINGS or CURE.The saint cult is associated with SUFI BROTHERHOOD(tariqa),
each established under the protection of a particular MARABOUT.In Rif region
there are 30 Berber tribes. Dress and language differences distinguish
Rif Berbers of Morocco.Further east is transitional zone of Steppes. Here
live black Berber-speaking group called "haratin". Of all Berber sub-groupps,
the TUAREG is the one only still largely transitional in habitat, unique
customs and social organization, resistant to supertribal pressure, and
marginal in its opposition in national society in those countries where
its people live.They are poor but proud people.They have retained their
distinctiveness often ROMANTICIZED in film and novel. Sometimes they are
called people of THE VEIL, the men wear an indigo headdress which covers
their faces from PUBERTY TO DEATH, while the leaders wear splendid blue
robes indicating their noble status.There are seven Tuareg groupos found
in southern Algeria, Niger,Mali and southwestern Libya.They were traditinally
GUADIANS OF SAHARA", furnishing guides and prpotections to CARAVANS transiting
the desert between western and norther Africa. With FRENCH pacification
of the area ending in 1902, the TUAREGS no longer functioned as desert
policemen.As with Berbers, the name TUAREG, meaning "the forsaken ones.They
have extensive SAINT WORSHIP.Taureg language is both oral (Tamarshak)and
written(Tifinagh),pictographic in nature but using lines,circles, and dots
rather than pictures as with Egyptian hierographic.TUAREG WOMEN exert parallel
authority and play roles not shared by many other Muslim women, particularly
in rural areas. They are the guardians of the language. Tuareg child inherits
its mother's social status, and women carry their status with them when
they marry including property owned by them before mariage.Another departure
from Muslim practice of other Berbers that Tuareg first cousins never marry.MALE-FEMALE
RELATIONSHIP among them are described in the proverb"MEN AND WOMEN TOWARDS
EACH OTHER ARE FOR THE EYES AND FOR THE HEART, NOT ONLY FOR THE BED".Women
are central figures in the 'AHAL", a cerimony reminiscent of medieval court,
at which they recite LOVE POEMS accompanied by chnating choir, finger drums
or one=-stringed gourd violen called IMZAD and accept or reject the attention
of male suitors.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Wednesday, June 28, 2000 at 07:31:19 (CDT)
Ya Ali Madad/Salaam: I wish to ask a question to the person (I hate
Ismailies). Would you please give me a name of any other Spiritual Leader
in the world who has contributed financially, including his whole life
towards the Muslim communities, including Ismailies and Mankind of this
world, especially the third world countries? Our Beloved Hazar Imam Noor
Mowlana Shah Karim Al-Husayni has done that. He will forgive you for what
you have said against him, because he is very merciful, and that is the
teachings of our religion Islam, "Peace", and that is his guidance to us.
Islam does not teach us hatred, terrorism, but it teaches us "Peace". May
Allah bless all the souls on this earth. Khudahafiz.
Yasmin Mawani <yallah@better.net>
Toronto, Ont Canada - Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 11:16:40 (CDT)
To the guy who used the name: 'I hate ISMAILIES' below. Just to let
you know that the true Muslim believer doesn't send people to hell because
only Allah can. It is completely clear from your comments that you are
an ignorant of the Quran and Islam. I'd like to advice you to follow the
Quran exactly like what the Ismailis do. If you read the Arabic text of
the holy Quran you'll find that the Ismailis are on Sirat-al-Mustaqim and
the Imam takes the right to guide the believers as a successor of the Prophet
Muhammed (PBUH) from the Quran and Hadith. Ismailis respect all people
because Islam is the faith of pease, compassion and tolerance. Go and read
the Quran and follow it instead of accusing people what Allah will not
forgive you.
Advisor <a123312@hotmail.com>
UK - Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 07:48:40 (CDT)
Dear Nina:THE BERBERS-THE MUSLIMS:(Brief Notes):Part I-The name probably
comes from Barbari, the word meaning :"barbarians" applied to them by Romans
and which owe the English designation for that area, the Barbary Coast.
Some linguistics classify their language as Hamitic. Berbers have no names
for themselves as a people..The individual Berber identifies himself as
a householder or family member, a clan member(e.g., Ait Iggadaren of the
Ait Ndir), and a tribe member(Beni Mtir,Ait Waryaghar,etc) by the linked
series of his own name, his father's name, and the name of recent ancestor.
Only in relation to outsiders does he belong to a regional group, such
as Kabyle,Taureg or Mzabirte. Despite Arab invesions and domiance,Berbers
nevertheless have their times of greatness. The Arab General, Tarik ibn
Zaid, enlisted Berber troops to invade Spain in A.D. 711 where his sight
of disembarcation today is called Gibralter, from Jabel-tarik, or Mountain
of Tarik. Berbers subsequently establsihed two large and powerful empires,
dynasties of Islamic puritanism. The ALMORAVIDS(frontier warriors for the
faith) in the elventh century founded a dynasty in MOROCCO which extended
Islam into the Southern oases and sub-Sahara Africa abd controlled most
of SPAIN.THIS GROUP WAS FOLLOWED BY THE "almohads"(UNITARIANS), BUILDERS
OF THE GREAT MOSQUE IN Seville AND SO PURITANICAL AND INTOLERANT THEY IGNITED
CHRISTIAN OPPOSITION WHICH FINALLY DROVE THE MUSLIMS OUT OF SPAIN. MOROCCO
has the largest concentration of Berbers, about 34 percent of the population.
In ALGERIA the proportion of Berbers is 21.7 percent. Elsewhere the pecentages
are: NIGER,10 percent, MALI 6 percent;LIBYA 5 percent; TUNISIA 2.0 percent.Algeria
has four groupos:Kabyles, the Shawia, the Mzab communities of Central Sahara,
and the TAUREG.Rather than being absorbed by Islam,Berbers were surrounded
by it, grasping intensively to some aspects, and rejecting others.Their
adaptation to Islam established the pattern of Muslim tradition in North
Africa.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 07:48:09 (CDT)
Dear Nina:THE TARTARS-MUSLIMS:(Brief Notes):(Recently the Preident
of Russia,Mr. Putin visited Autonomous Tratar Republic and joined in cultural
festivities of the people. Also in one cerimony,Mr. Putin had to dip his
face into a bawl of cream to retrieve a coin, according to local custom.
He succeeded). The terms "Tartar" (meaning "archer") and its European pejorative,"Tartar,"
conjure images of marauding Mongol hordes with all manner of barbaric customs
wreaking violent disruption in civilized European communities. Tartar especially
synonymous with terror, the term ostensibly deriving from the legendry
people of TARTARUS who rose up from depth of earth.One of the most confusing
ethynonyms, Tartar is a name the Russians gave to variety of both Turkic-
and non-Turkic-speaking people along before the coming of Islam. After
Islam arrived, Russians tended to call all Muslims, Tartar.The name today
appies to several related, but spatially disparate, peoples.Modern Tartars
cannot be regarded as direct descendents of the Tartar-Mongols of Manchuria
who overran much of EURASIA in the thirteenth century. Instead, they are
distant scions of the Turkic-speaking Volga-Kama Bulgars, to whom they
owe their Islamic heritage.During World War II the Soviet Union forcibly
removed Crimean Tartars from their homeland. They were resettled in several
locations in Siberia and Central Asia, mostly UZBEKISTAN. Within (then)
Soviet Union Tartars are the fifth largest ethnic group in the country-60
percent are found is Volga-Kama basin, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.Tartars
are also located with Tartar Autonomous Republic. Tartars are dispersed
widely in over 30 differnt provinces of the then U.S.S.R.Non-Soviet enclaves
of Tartars are situated in Communist China, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.Linguistically,
the Tartars belong to northwest Turkic Kipchak branch of Asiatic family
of languages. In Tartaria and capital city of Kazan, Tartars head up 30
percent small enterprises, and 20 percent in top management. Among places
of their work are:shipyard,railroad yards, auto repair shops, clothing,
shoe ,and felt boot industries; machine building(typewriters,calculators,agaricultural
implements and aircraft).Tartars comprise 30 percent of the faculty of
University of Kazan, one of the most respected institute of higher learning.Soviet
studies indicate the state of Islam very much alive.30 percent questioned
were true believers, whereas one-fifth were undecided. Moreover 51 percent
favoured circumcision and 40 percent said they celebrated Muslims holidays,
Kurban Bayram and Seker Bayram.Social structure remains strongly patriachal,
with father serving a legal head of the household.His word is final in
all matters.Legal inheritage is transmitted according to traditonal system.Formal
religious wedding, while declining, are still observed.The rituals of marriage,
prior to revolution, were a complicated process steeped in deep formality
and ritual lasting as long as a year of more.Polygyny is categorically
proscrivbed in the U.S.S.R. Although instances of it are alleged to occur
in Central Asia.Compared to other Muslim groups, Tartars, particularly
those living in cities , reflect high frequency of intermarriages with
Russian and Volga Finnns.Aside from Kurban Bayram and Ramadhan most Tartars
observe the Rites of Spring(Sabantuy), ancient post-plating festival.Contemporary
festivities during sabantuy include instrumemntal music, singing, dancing,
wrestling and mixed competitions, comprising horse racing and track and
field events. The spring rites have their origin in shamanism, many of
the sects of which are said to exist in rural areas even now(for example:ANCESTER
CULTS, TREE CULTS,ANIMAL CULTS).THEY SEND 11 DEPUTIES TO THE SOVIET OF
NATIONALITIES.MAJORITY of Tartar are Sunni Muslims of the Hanafi School.
A strong and growing minority is composed of nonbelievers or convert to
other religion.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Monday, June 26, 2000 at 07:33:37 (CDT)
Thanks for the good work.I am impressed by your dedication.
Jamil T.Sheikh
<jamil@jsarchitects.net>
New York, NY USA - Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 23:38:59 (CDT)
Dear Asif, these followers of extremist Islam do not have "charity
& good deeds" in their creed either. They can cite almost hundred ways
on "how to answer call of nature". The best Jehad is practised by Ismailis
who contribute their zakat, khums, nazrana to the Imam which is then spent
for the good of humanity. Their Jehad has to do with waging war & bloodshed.
They will claim that Sharia'h means flexibility & fluidness but cannot
show any flexibility in their 7th century shariah. I agree with you 100%
that they are worshippers of Satan. So, sadru, aamir, akber, & company
- NAUJABILLAH & TOBA ASTAKFAARALLAH!
Hafeez Ali <lgical@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 13:01:10 (CDT)
To Sadru who's using a nick "i hate ismailis" -- Did I not kick your
behind in the debate when you couldn't even give one example to prove that
your "Heretic Wahabi creed" is based on Allah's Compassion & Mercy.
If you cannot prove that 'your creed' is based on peace, tolerance &
compassion then it is "of and from the gutters" and, you all worship Iblis/Satan
and not Allah! (Tauba Astakfaar). Care to write to me so I can bash some
more sense into you empty head!
Asif Khan <faceupdown@yahoo.com>
USA - Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 11:28:46 (CDT)
LISTEN ALL U ISMAILIES/DISBELIEVERS. MAY ALLAH GUIDE YOU AND HEY!!!
WHEN WE SEE U ALL IN HELL FOR FOLLOWING SOMEONE WHO IS DOING ALL HIS TO
GET MONEY INTO HIS ACCOUNT THROUGH, MEHMAANEEE, DONATIONS FOR MAJALIS,
ETC. AND GETTING SO AMAZINGLY RICH BUT I GUESS ALL U PEOPLE ARE BLIND TO
ALL THAT............WHATEVR HAPPENED TO THE POPHET MUHAMMAD'S SAYINGS????????????
AND HEY ONE OF U HAS A PROBLEM SAYING KHUDAHAFIZ............READ THE EMAILS
BELOW...............I MEAN IS ALLAH SMALLER THAN ALI IN ANYWAY!!!!! WHATEVER................
DON' TELL ME I DIDNT WARN U. REGARDS PS THERE WERE ONLY 30 PARAY IN QURAN
AND IT IS ALLAH'S PROMISE TO THE UNIVERSE THAT IT WOULD REMAIN IN ONE PIECE
TILL QAYAMAT..........SO WHAT IS THIS BAKWAAS ABOUT 40 PAARAY THAT YOU
GUYS BELIEVE IN.........I MEAN YOUR HAZIR IMAM OR THOSE BEFORE HIM, WHO
GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ALLAH'S SAYINGS????NAOOZOBILLAH
I hate ISMAILIES
<ihateismailies@hahaha.com>
Karachi, Pakistan - Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 11:13:52 (CDT)
Dear Mina:ASIANS OF EAST AFRICA(Part II-conclusion)- The "MUKHI"(Chief)
and KAMADIA(deputy chief) and their counterparts for women are in charge
of an Ismaili congragation. They are appointed directly be Aga Khan,the
Imam, for the term of thee years.Their services to the community are voluntary.
Most of the Ismailis accept ther appointments of Mukhi and Kamadia with
great honour. Unlike the leader of the Ithna Ashari congragation, the leaders
of the Khoja community do not have to be trained or qualified in religious
education, say like Mulla.Ismaili celebrate Ids and birthday of Aga Khan,
the day of accesion to the throne, the Nauroz(the Persian New year) and
Chandrat(the eve of new month). On these occasion Ismailis offer special
prayers to Allah and Imam for foregiveness of their trasgrations. Many
make payments of "dasond" or Zakat. There is NO SECT or COMMUNITY in ISLAM
WHOSE MEMBERS MAKE GREAT FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONM TO THEIR RELIGIOUS AND
SECULAR INSTITUTIONS AS DO ISMAILIS.The dasond and other contributions
are absolutely VOLUNTARY.The community organozation under the guidance
of the IMAM have provided the Ismailis some of the best material services
in East Africa, for use of very citizen, such as schools, housing, and
hospitals.Khoja have missionaries but theuy don't do converstion work.
They are students of Ismailism AND Islam in general and are the ones most
knowledgeable about Ismailism and Islam. They travel to differant countries
and impart knowledge of Ismailism to differant conghragations to strengthen
members' faith. There are religious schools run to teach students about
their faith and Islam.The third and smallest Shia Muslim Asian Communituy
of East Africa is the BOHRA(MUSTALI ISMAILIS). Most of the Est African
BOHRAS are DAUDI BOHRAS, as opposed to SULAIMANI Bohras who live in India
and Yemen.Bohras mean traders. They are largely Gujarati-speaking community
and there is emphasis to learning Arabic.LIKE THE kHOJAS, THEIR PRAYER
HOUSE TOO IS CALLED jamat khana OR LATELY masjid. THEY RECITE PRAYERS THREE
TIMES A DAY.The head of Bohras' prayer house is "MULLA" and trained in
Bohra sect and appointed by "CHIEF MULLA" who resides in India. Bohras
MAKE SUBSTENTIAL FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MULLAH THROUGH ZAKAT PAYMENT
AND OTHETR DONATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH RELIGIOUS RITES.THEY BELIEVE IN hidden
Imam.THEIR CHIEF GUIDE IS Dai IN iNDIA., WHOSE DECISION IN ALL MATTERS
IS final.The polygynous marriage is rare, the first cousin marriage are
not as common.All Shia Muslims are busines oriented. All three Shia sects
commemorate the martyrdom OF IMAM HUSSEIN, but they do so in their separate
ways.They take part in POLITICS SPARINGLY.DURING OBOTE REGIME IN UGANDA,
OUT OF SIX ASIANS IN PARLIAMENT , FOUR WERE MUSLIMS AND IN TANZANIA ONE
Asian was appointed to cabinet was a Muslim. The reigious differences between
Hindus and Muslim do not hinder interaction between them and have a great
neighbourly love.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 07:20:23 (CDT)
may allah bless you all
nizar manji <fellah64@hotmail.com>
don mills, ontario, canada canada - Saturday, June 24, 2000 at 16:16:41
(CDT)
Dear Nina:ASIANS OF EAST AFRICA-Part I-(THE SHIAS): The Asian presence
in East Africa can trace back to several centuries, but the bulk of Asian
settlement has occured within past 100 years. At its maximum, the size
of Asian population of Kenya, Uganda,Malawi and Tanzania numbered about
850,OOO. The last some years have witnessed a substantial exodus voluntary
and involuntary. Close to many thousands have left for resettlement elsewhere.
ASIAN MUSLIMS have generally been in the minority, making about some percentage
of the total or some 274000.They are mostly first generation of descendants
of earlier settlers from the Indian sub-continent.The overwhelming majority-
about 85 percent - of the Asian MUSLIMS of East Africa are SHIA and beong
to one of three sects:the ITHNASHARI(Twelvers), THE NIZARI ISMAILIS(Khojas),
amnd MUSTALI ISMAILIS(Bohra). SUNNI MUSLIMS(North Punjabi speakers) consitute
about 10 to 15 percent of the Asian Muslims and include large AHAMADIA
community.Linguistically, the Shia Muslims speak either GUJARATI or KUTCHI.
Among Ithna Asharis, there are few who speak Sindhi. The Shias of the Tanzania
and Kenyan coast tend to to be more Kutchi speaking,but on the whole, perhaps
about 60% of the Shia Muslim Asians are Gujrati speaking. Many who speak
Kutchi also speak Gunjarati. Kutchi is mainly a dialect and does not have
the script, where Gujrati is used both orally and in writing.Because of
the majority of Asian Muslims of East Africa are descendants of converst
from Hinduism,NEVERTHELESS EVOLVING TO ISLAMIC CULTURE. one aspect of Hindu
past, many of them have retained their Hindu family name, or 'ATAK". The
Ismailis have assimilated numerous other Hindu customs and practices into
their version of Islam. These are reflected in the "Ginanas"(hymns), Juro(communion),
and at times there was reverence of the book"Das Avtar" which deals with
ten incarnations of Hindu God,Vishnu, and tenth incarnation of ALI and
the succeeding Ismaili Imam,present holder of Imamat or living guide is
Aga Khan.Of the three Shia sects of East Africa, the Ithna Asharis are
oriented to Quran. In their mosque women are not allowed in the same section
as men. Many observe "purdas". Ithna Asharis do charge INTEREST on loans
to other members of the community THEY COMBINE AND PRAY THREE TIMES A DAY.It
is believed Women too are allowed to smoke.THEY BELIEVE IN HIDDEN IMAM.In
recent years they have begun missionary activities through the "Bilal Muslim
Mission of Kenya.The Khoja(Nizari Ismailis)believe in guidance of their
Imam. He guides them according to wordly conditions that prevail at the
particular time in history. The imam, the direct descendant of the Prophet,
provides guidance to the "Momins"(followers) through "FIRMANS"(pronouncement).
The Imam is divinely guided.Ismaili Dua, contains excerpts, from Quran.The
prayers is recited in Arabic.The centre of Khoja activities, religious
or some non-religious, is the Jamat Khana, basically a prayers house existing
whereever Ismailis are. In large towns there are libraries, community administrative
offices, and offices of socioeconomic organizations attached to the prayers
house.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Saturday, June 24, 2000 at 07:31:33 (CDT)
Your site is very informative. Thanks for keeping it so.
S. Meghji <meghji@hotmail.com>
Vancouver, BC USA - Friday, June 23, 2000 at 18:22:13 (CDT)
Dear Nina:Starting TOMORROW look forward to reading on ASIANS OF EAST
AFRICA-THE SHIAS AND later to conclude this segment in the series:THE ARABS:FOUNTAINHEAD
OF ISLAMIC UMA.
H.E.Mohamed <hmphamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Friday, June 23, 2000 at 15:19:42 (CDT)
Dear Nina(KURDS-PART II-Conclusion).Marriages are nontheless accompanied
by payment of bride price substatial sum of money paid to to the father
of the bride. A dowery value than the bride price is commonly, but not
uniformly, given to bride's family to the daughetr.RELGION in Kurdish society
is of great importance. The large part of Kurds are Sunni of the SHAFI
school of law except in Iran and Iraq where many are Shia. The division
between the two is significant politically.Furhter many Sunni communities
are of various SUFI orders, such as QADIRIYA AND THE NAQSHABANDIYA found
throughout Kurdistan or the QIZILBASH in Turkey and the AHL-I-HAAQ in Iraq
and Iran. There are some Kurds who are YEZIDIS, living in Mosul. Religious
leaders or SHEIKHS have political and social influence in the local level
throughout the region, although their "tariqas" are outlawed in Turkey.The
route to achieve a position of religious influence is to study with already
acknowledged SHEIKHS at the completition of which one becomes MULLAH.A
successful MULLA may attract substential following and sustain oneself
from the OFFERINGS.They have been engaged for autonomy for years. With
the division of Kurdistan within the Ottoman Empire between Anglo-French
spheres of influence in 1918, Kurdish nationalist movements became more
millitant and better organized. In Iran Kurdish uprising occured in 1920
to 1925 with cordinated efforts in Iraq. REZA SHAH was able to pacfiy the
region. However in 1945, following collapse pof Iranian authority around
Lake Mrmiyah, the Kurdish republic of MAHABAD was established only to fall
in 1946 with the withdrawal of Soviet support. Turkey became republic in
1924, the Kurds of Diyatbakir and Elazig province revolted but were put
down.Their struggle continues.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Friday, June 23, 2000 at 07:35:18 (CDT)
Dear Nina:THE MUSLIM KURDS:(Part I)-ETHNICITY IN MUSLIMS:THE KURDS
are nation without a politically recognized homeland, a people numbering
more than 8 million with common ethnic identity overriding the established
pattern of diversity in tribal affliation. A unformly Muslim people, although
locally adhering to different sects and orders.There are some millions
in Iraq and Turkey. In Iran they thought to number more than 2 million.
They occupy a rugged mountain system. Kurdish, an Indo-Iranian language,
is gramatically distinct from Persian and is thought to have developed
separately for a long period of time. It is spoken in two mutually intelligible
dialects: Kermanji in northern western Kurdistan and Kurdistani in the
south and southwest. Memnbers of Qizibash Turkey speak Macho-Macho, a third
dialect. It is sometime referred to Luri as a Kurdish dialect. The primary
literary language today is Kurdi(Sorani) largely because it is the dialect
of most of Iraq and Iran where it has been posssible to publish it freely.Kermanji
was more widely publsihed before Word War I. The Arabic alphabet is employed
except for some publication in Soviet Union.In Ankara university, the Kurdish
students are from the same village. Despite varied life-styles, tribal
identity is still very important to majority of Kurds.For urban prifessionals,
artisans, and merchants in predominantly Kurdish cities, such as Kirkuk,Mosul,
and Sulaymaniyah, tribal identity is of limited economic and social importance.
Their basic identity is to their alligience to particular region and its
political party.Villages form a tightly nucleared pattern, with houses
close to one another and kinship group clustered together.The closest external
ties are agnatic and are reinformed with marriage. Throughout Kurdistan,
close cousin marriage and marriage within the tribal section is preferred.Father's
brother's daughter marriage is ideal and many recognize the right of girl's
paternal uncle to claim her hand in marriage for his son.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada, - Thursday, June 22, 2000 at 07:43:25 (CDT)
I have read the misconceptions on Nahjul Balagha and find the arguments
very strong on the authenticity of the Author as being Al-Radi. I shall
be grateful if you could e-mail me in support of the authenticity of Nahjul
Balagha itself as compiled by Al-Radi. His sources are essential for authenticity.
regards
Shaukat Omari <taurus@paknet3.ptc.pk>
Karachi, Pakistan - Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 11:09:54 (CDT)
Dear Nina:(KSAHMIRI MUSLIMS (PART II-CONCLUSION). Only Hindu Pandits(Brahmins)
among the Kshmiri-speaking subjects of the maharaja had some opportunity
in the later years of DOGRA rule to join the ruling elite. Thus, there
has been, until the generation which entered into politics in 1931, no
Muslim leadership comparable to Muslim aritrocracy and professional upper
middle class of the United Province of British India which played such
a conspicuous part in founding of Pakistan.Since overthrow of Dogra rule
in 1947, power was shifted to the largely Muslim National Conference Party(Prime
Ministers Shaikh Abdulla, Bakkshi Gulam Mohammed, and G.M.Sadiq).Like Muslims
all over South India,Kashmiris exhibit ranks and divisions which show similarity
to the VARNA and JATI as among Hindus.This is not surprising since most
of them are probably descendants of converts from Hinduism since the fourteenth
century.The boundries of these groupings are less rigid than among Hindus
because they are supported by the formal theology of Islam. There is for
instance, no elemnts of "pollution", except perhaps regarding lower rank
which handle the night soil.Endogamy is observed only in highest and lowest
catagories. SYEDS AND SHAIKHS at the top and the HANJIS at the bottom.Syeds
claim Arab descend from the Prophet and SHAIKHS from early missionaries
or their disciples. The former monopolize the functions of offices associated
with religious learning. The later tend to be traders. Moghuls and Pathans(Pushtuns)
who occupy next rank in North India, do not have the same high status in
Kashmir because they are still feared as outsiders and unless KASHMIRI-
SPEAKING, they really do not belong to the Kashmiri.Lowest of sub-castes
are the TELI(oil presser), LOHAR(blacksmith),HANJI(boatmen and fishermen),HAJJAM(barbers)
and leatherworkers.The Muslims of Kashmir are 95 per cent are Sunnis and
5 per cent Shias. They are monogamous and endogamous than the "castes".The
Shia, minority are persecuted by Sunni rulers and therefore enjoyed more
urban life and are adaptable.The Sunnis are also divided by the movement
and practices of some who are attached to saint or pir worship and other
superstitions.One manifestation of this anomaly is that the Muslim law(Sharia)
still governs in matters of marriage, divorce,adoption and inheritance
for Muslims in Kashmir as in the rest of India, despite the secularist
posture of the rulers.Muslism Kashmiris are distinguished from Hindus from
mode of their dress, the wearing of beards, dialect,method of salutation,
and name. Pandits and Muslims practice various degree of mutual avoidance,such
as not interdining, but for lack of Hindu service castes, the Pandits must
surreptitiously accept physical contact with Muslim barbers, midwives,
and even butchers. The Pandit sterotype Muslims as "dirty", polluted, unprimncipled
and lustful." while the Muslims reciprocate with sterotypes of Hindu KAFIRS
as "faithless, double-dealing, mean, cowardly and corrupt."Since Muslim
quasi-castes are not well organized except for artisan guilds in urban
wards, the extended family is the most salient social unit for Kashmiri
Muslims. Since marriage custom refelects Hindu -Muslim syncretism, practices,
such as first-cousin marriage and dowry, owe more to Islam than to Hinduism.The
reforms brought by Muslim Nation Conference Party have ameliorated the
depressed income and status of Kashmiri Muslims. The land reform of 1950
which abolished "JAGIRDARI"(landlotrdism), in effect without compensation
and made the bulk of poor tenants landholders in heir own right.The burden
of indebtness to landlords and moneylanders was removed by a moratorium.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 07:58:09 (CDT)
I was wondering about why on the bottom of the guest page you put Khuda
Haffiz instead of Ya Ali Madad, which what Ismailis use for greeting?!
Salman Khoja <XsHaWn786X@aol.com>
Lewisville, TX USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 02:02:44 (CDT)
You have an awesome web site. Congratulatons!!
N. Jamal <nnjamal2@hotmail.com>
Edmonton, AB Canada - Wednesday, June 21, 2000 at 01:20:51 (CDT)
For the upcoming ISMAILI YOUTH CONFERENCE in Nairobi, check out http://www.infectious-energy.org
CYBERKNIGHT UNIMATRIX ZERO SECTOR C12
CYBERKNIGHT <azizm@earthlink.net>
UNIMATRIX ZERO, CA USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2000 at 23:26:16 (CDT)
Please check out www.toonscape.com to see the coolest in animation,
artwork, comic book, and comic strips... some are historically bent.
Jake Neely <ar@toonscape.com>
San Diego, CA USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2000 at 18:09:16 (CDT)
Keep up the good work!!! Hello to my friends, this is Zahida Bandali
of Morogoro. If you happen to find me on this guest book, e-mail me!!!!!
Zahida Bandali
(Virjee) <ZahidaV@aol.com>
Toronto, ONT Canada - Tuesday, June 20, 2000 at 16:16:53 (CDT)
Dear Nina:KASHMIRI MUSLIMS:(Part I)-There are several Muslim groups
numbering some millions in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and divided unequally
between India and Pakistan(now called Azad Kashmir).Large Muslim group
speak language called KASHMIRI-an Indo-Iranian language. They are culturally
distinguishable not only distinct from Hindus,Sikhs, and Buddhists, but
also from other Muslims of the region who speak Punjabi,Pushtu,Dogri,Pahari
and Shina.Kashmiri- speaking, who number 95 per cent are concentrated in
Vale of Kashmir-the heart of the former princely states located high in
Himalayan Mountains of north India.There are more than one million Muslims
in Azad Kashmir.They can be likened to the dispute of Indo-Pakistan politics
to Bengal but unlike north Indian and West Pakistan Muslims, the Kashmiris
have no ruling elite outlook.Although there was an INDEPENDENT MUSLIM SULTANATE
in Kashmir for two centuries(1346-1586) and it was a province of Moghul
Empire for another century and a half(1586-1752), it has more recent history
is one of subjugation, first to PUSHTUNS OF AFGHANISTAN(1752-1819) then
to SIKH KINGDOM of Ranjit Singh(1819-1846), and lastly to the BRITISH ruling
through a HINDU DOGRA dynasty from neighbouring Jammu state (1846-1947).
Under these three sets of alien rulers, the Muslim ruling class disappeared,
and the peasantry amnd artisans were systematically exploited through oppressive
taxation, forced labor, and usurious debts. Kashmiri Muslims were excluded
from the state's army, civil service, and education in favour of outsiders,
so they naturally developed a deep suspicion of all governmentts.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Tuesday, June 20, 2000 at 07:50:33 (CDT)
I do hope this page will provide me most of the information about HH.
Aziz Ahmad Jan <AKHBPF@brain.net.pk>
Lahore, Pakistan - Tuesday, June 20, 2000 at 07:12:43 (CDT)
I have been trying to locate the entire anant akhado typed on the ismaili
web I have read it before but cant seem to find the sit e now help
Salman Lilani <Shat45@aol.com>
Racine, wi USA - Monday, June 19, 2000 at 19:24:32 (CDT)
We are trying together all ismaili friends on chat.It seems that much
of our mission is getting a success.If you would like to share a part in
this mission,join #ismaili on Random US Dalnet server on IRC.It would be
real fun. Hope to see you there soon. For further information, plz email
us
ismaili-channel
<ismailichannel@usa.net>
Karachi, Pakistan - Monday, June 19, 2000 at 10:14:43 (CDT)
CA, USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2000 at 00:33:06 (CDT)
WE REALLY LIKED YOUR PAGE, THE WORDINGS YOU HAVE USED ETC. PLEASE CAN
YOU SEND ME PRINCE KARIM AGAKHAN'S EMAIL ADDRESS AND IF POSSIBLE THE POSTAL
ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NO. TOO. THANKYOU VERY MUCH.
M.M.WADHWANIA <nanji@wahanet.com>
USA - Monday, June 12, 2000 at 10:08:18 (CDT)
WAHABIIYA-(In ARABIA-ESPECIALLY SAUDI ARABIA)Part I- Historical notes-
Wahabiya, ISLAMIC COMMUNITY was founded by Muhammad b. Abd al-WAHAB(1703-1787
A.D.). This name was given to the community by its opponents in the founder's
lifetime, and is used by Europeans; it is not used by its members in Arabia,
who call themselves 'MUWAHBIDUN"(Unitarians) and their system(tarquah).
They regard themselves as Sunnis. following the school of IBN HANBAL, as
interpreted by IBN TAIMAIYA, who attacked the cult of saints in many of
his writings, especially in a 'RISALA" condemning the visitation of tombs-Cairo
1323 A.D. The founder studied at Madina under Suleiman al-Kurdi and Muhammad
Hayat al-Sindi.He travelled a lot and went to Isfahan at the commencement
of Nadir Shah's reign(1736 A.D.).Here he studied for four years in perpatetic
philosophy, the Ishrakya and the Sufi system.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Monday, June 12, 2000 at 09:44:50 (CDT)
(WAHABISM in India-conclusion).After creating untold trouble to governmet,the
Muslim communities of SUNNI AND SHIA in 1870 AND 1871 ISSUED AN OFFICAIL
DECLARATRION DISSOCIATING THEMSELVES FROM WAHABI MOVEMENT.Since then the
sect exists but draws little attention.Wahabi literature is full of lithgraphed
printing extolling war aginst ENGLISH.They are in volumes.A work by Muhammad
Ismail, nephew of Sayid Ahmad, "al-sirat al-mustakim" is said to be the
"Quran" of Wahabis in India.`
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Monday, June 12, 2000 at 07:41:22 (CDT)
I became aware of the Aga Kahn award in architecture while studying
architecture at Oklahoma State University almost twenty years ago. Although
I never graduated, I still am fortunate enough to work in the construction
industry. Also, though I am not muslim, Islam does fascinate me to no end
and I do look forward to the day when soon I may be practicing the faith
as a convert from christian catholocism. Shiite Islam is the bloom on the
vine in my heart's desire to serve G-d, or Allah, the Most Just, the Most
Beneficent. How may I keep abreast of Shi'i Islam, paricurlarly in my area
here on the southern plains of the North American Continent, and subsequently
how can I get my fellow citizens to better understand this georgeous religion?
How May I serve the Aga Kahn in this world? Thank You, J e r r e l M. A
t k i n s o n
Jerrel M. Atkinson
<sir5n@earthlink.net>
Tulsa, Ok USA - Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 23:38:57 (CDT)
in INDIA by one SAIYID AHAMAD, native of British district of RAI BARELI,
born in 1786.In 1823 he incurred the hostility of authority while on pilgrimage
to Mecca and was expelled. He adopted Wahbism.He started getting followers
and established the centre IN PATNA where he appointed four Khalifas and
an Imam.His numbers swelled in Bombay and Culcutta.On 1824 he preached
Jihad against the Sikh cities of Pubjab.In Dec.31,1826 fixed the date of
the war- with a call to all Muslims to join.Sikh's put up fierce resistence.
Saiyid Ahmad took Peshawar towards the end of 1830.. He proceeded to to
take the title of KHALIFA and strike coins in his own name. But his reign
was ephimeral as he was killed by Sikh army the following year..The followers
propogated that Sayid was not dead but would reapper. His followers extended
Jihad to Hindus and British and started insurrection in lower Bengal by
his desciple TITU MIYAN,but was defated and killed by government forces.
in November 17,1831.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 15:01:42 (CDT)
The web page is very intreging, it has inspired me and my sister to
research more into our religion.
TAZNEEM ALLIDINA <tazallidina@tazallidina.screaming.net>
Essex, UK - Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 13:38:08 (CDT)
I am Professor of leading University. I have written some books and
presently doing research on "Ismailism". It seems though it is a facinating
faith in Islam. I am interested in what H.E.Mohamed is writing on ethnicty
of Muslims in Islam.It seems today's a billion Muslims world over do carry
their traditional background and still be Muslims.
Professor Ismail <sismail@ab.org>
Ottawa., Ont. Canada. - Sunday, June 11, 2000 at 10:26:49 (CDT)
Dear Nina:URDU SPEAKING MUSLIMS OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN:MUSLIM ETHNICITY-(Brief
notes):MUSLIM UMA(11 )(Look forward to reading about SHIAS of East Africa).URDU
speakers of north India and Pakistan Muslims are collection of ethnic groups.They
are spread over Pakistan and Indian states of Punjab, Utter Pradesh and
Bihar. There are pockets of them spread all over ,including Bengal, Bombay
and Hydrabad-Deccani. Their group identity is based on cultural and historical
factors. This includes Islamic religion and Persian cultural tradition,
and its Indian offspring.- The Urdu language and the tradition of Muslim
supremacy in North India,especially during Moghul rule.North Indian Muslims
are historically differentiated by their descent from immigrant groups
of Arabs who entered the subcontinent in smal numbers as early as the eighth
century, then from Turks,Persians, and Pushtuns who came as conquering
armies beginning of eleventh century and who establsihed political dominance
in the eleventh century to eighteenth sentury. They were both SHIA AND
SUNNI Muslims adding to sectarian diamension to their ethnic differences.
Secondly they were Indian converts to the new faith, conversion from among
high
and low Hindu castes,made for reasons varying from conviction to convenience,
and continuing from earliest period of contact with Islam down to the present.The
historical diversity of the north Indian Muslims has ben offset over time
by intermarriage among the different groups, but there remain today endogamous
groups among the north Indian Muslims who indentify themselves according
to their claimed immigrant origins:SAYYIDS, SHAIKHS,(ARABS AND PERSIANS),
MOGHULS(CENTRAL ASIAN TURKS), AND PATHANS(PUSHTUNS). The four groups are
known as 'ASHRAF"( nobles). Their claimed foreign origin place them at
the top of Indo-Muslim social order. Beneath them are ranked the "ajlaf",Indian
convert groups which retain Hindu CASTE system. Headed by Rajputs(warriors)
followed by occupation groups:Momin Julahas(weavers),Qassab(butchers),
Darzi(tailors), etc. with Muslim UNTOUCHABLES at the bottom.These Muslim
groups functionm in society very much as Hindu caste system;they are endogamous.
The status of the "ashraf" resulted from long tradition of military and
administrative service to various Muslim rulers and then to British.The
Urdu-speaking ex-Moghul officialdom retained predominance in the legal
profession and in education in United Provinces and the Punjab until beginning
of twentieth century. Under the guidance of SIR SAYYID AHAMED KHAN,AGA
KHAN III, AND ALIGHAR UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, the Urfu-speaking Muslim elite
of north India sought to retain their political position and administrative
importance by reconciling their Islamic and Moghul culture WITH ENGLISH
EDUCATION. The Alighar movement was a political as well as cultural movement.Through
the medium of English education, the Muslim elite sought success in new
corridor of power.URDU is an Indo-Iranian language developed during the
500-year period of Muslim rule from vernacular spoken in the Dehli region,
heavily laden with Persian and Arab words written in Persian script.Persian
was language of the court, but Urdu was lingua-franca providing means of
communication among court,army(Urdu means"language of the camp") and the
population.It gained status in eighteenth and nineteenth century with distingushed
literature and poetry written with the imagery of persian poetry.Urdu was
not only spoken by Muslims but also Hindus in U.P.- used it.Hindi is close
to Urdu but written in Devnagari-Sanskrit script.The role of Urdu, in the
creation of Muslim political self-conciousnesss in the early twentieth
century was significant.They formed numerous 'ANJUMANS" or Associations
for improvement of education among Muslims and its regeration.Anjuman-i-Himayat-i-Islam
of Lahore, the Muhhammadan Association of Culcutta, Muhammadan Education
Conference of Aligarh headed by Urdu elite and gradually from it sprang
the nucleus of the ALL-INDIA MUSLIM LEAGE, founded in 1906.It was founded
by AGA KHAN and was its first President.As Muslim political forces developed
before 1947,Urdu-speaking elite became the leaders of Muslim League and
emerging nationalism demanded creation of Pakistan(Sind,Baluchistan,the
Punjab, and the Northwest Frontier,Bengal. Ironally U.P. the home of Urdu,did
not become part of Pakistan.Urdu is national lanuage of Pakistan. Dear
Nina:TAJIK MUSLIMS:MUSLIM ETHNICITY-(brief notes-some years):MUSLIM UMA(12):TAJIK:
of Central Asia speak various dialects of Indo-Iranian group of the greater
Indo-European language family. Some million live in northern and northeastern
Afghanistan, mainly Badakhshan,Parwan, Samangan, and Thakar provinces,
but also extending into central Hindu Kush Mountains. Another millions
live in U.S.S.R; but many are scattered in four Central Asians republics
of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan,Kirgizistan, and Turkmenistan. About some thousand
have been reported living in Chinese Sinkiang.Tajiks are also called Sarts
or Sarjkolis.The term Tajik probably comes from "taz" or "taj", used by
early Arab invadors to refer to Central Asian Persian speakers.There was
struggles between two factions:Persian speaking and Turkic speaking Tajs
for political and cultural domination-continued even in seventh century.Tajik
group exhibit increasingly Mongoloid characteristics as one moves north
from Kabul into Badakhstan. The resulting genetic admixture have produced
Tajik with red or blond hair, blue or mixed eye color combinations, in
association with high cheekbones and epicanthic eyefolds. Most Tajik are
Hanafi Sunni, the major Muslim sect in Central and south Asia, but SIZEABLE
NUMBERS OF ISMAILI SHIA live scattered from Bamiyan area to Wakhan Corridor,
the entrace to the PAMIR MOUNTAINS. ISMAILI GROUPS in eastern Badakhshan
and Wakhan sometimes speak PAMIRI(East Iranian) dialects. Because of the
versiomn of Islam practised by the ISMAILI, many Tajik consider them to
be a separate, non-Tajik ethnic group, in spite of identical,nonreligious
cultural pattern.Most Tajik are mountaineer farmers and herders.The system
of mountainside irrigation, they grow unirrigated wheat,Barley on higher
altitude.Other crops include maize,potatoes,various vegitables and cotton
called "spinzar" or white gold- an important cash criop in northern Afghanistan
and north of Amu Darya(Afghan-Russian boundry).Fresh and dried fruits are
grown and exported in tons.Bread is staff of life among Afghan Tajiks.In
many places they live in mud bricks and "pise"(pressed mud).Just as annual
cycle is partly dominated by nature, the life cycle of Tajik is largely
shaped by Islam. Birth,puberty(circumcision for boys; commencement of menstruation
for girls), marriage, and deaths are ritually marked., either with a celebration
or a mourning.Tajik society is described as patriarchal(male dominated)
and patrilineal( inheritance through male line) and patrilocal(bride moves
to husband's household). The females seclusion is more assumed than real.Few
decision are made by the "majlis"(village council) without consulting women.
Village women rarely wear "burqa".Women wear :Chadar", a multi-purpose
head shawl which permits women a modicum of modesty if stanger appraoches.Babies
can be wrapped and fed in the privacy of the fold. Women wear distinctive
cylindrical caps uncer the chador and chadry. Sophisticated women have
started coming out of purdah.A functional three generations pattern permeates
the lives of rural Afghan Tajiks-Grandparents represent the past they are
walking encyclopedias of the society. The mother-fathetr represent the
present-economic and procreating element. The children represent the future.Preferred
marriages is still with father's brother's daughter, which siometimes creates
competition among cousins and sometime result in family feuds.In rural
areas the "Majlis" consist of the head of traditionally important families,
and the "Malik"(headman) is selected from one family. Pakistan and Indian
states of Punjab, Utter Pradesh and Bihar. There are pockets of them spread
all over ,including Bengal, Bombay and Hydrabad-Deccani. Their group identity
is based on cultural and historical factors. This includes Islamic religion
and Persian cultural tradition, and its Indian offspring.- The Urdu language
and the tradition of Muslim supremacy in North India,especially during
Moghul rule.North Indian Muslims are historically differentiated by their
descent from immigrant groups of Arabs who entered the subcontinent in
smal numbers as early as the eighth century, then from Turks,Persians,
and Pushtuns who came as conquering armies beginning of eleventh century
and who establsihed political dominance in the eleventh century to eighteenth
sentury. They were both SHIA AND SUNNI Muslims adding to sectarian diamension
to their ethnic differences. Secondly they were Indian converts to the
new faith, conversion from among high and low Hindu castes,made for reasons
varying from conviction to convenience, and continuing from earliest period
of contact with Islam down to the present.The historical diversity of the
north Indian Muslims has ben offset over time by intermarriage among the
different groups, but there remain today endogamous groups among the north
Indian Muslims who indentify themselves according to their claimed immigrant
origins:SAYYIDS, SHAIKHS,(ARABS AND PERSIANS), MOGHULS(CENTRAL ASIAN TURKS),
AND PATHANS(PUSHTUNS). The four groups are known as 'ASHRAF"( nobles).
Their claimed foreign origin place them at the top of Indo-Muslim social
order. Beneath them are ranked the "ajlaf",Indian convert groups which
retain Hindu CASTE system. Headed by Rajputs(warriors) followed by occupation
groups:Momin Julahas(weavers),Qassab(butchers), Darzi(tailors), etc. with
Muslim UNTOUCHABLES at the bottom.These Muslim groups functionm in society
very much as Hindu caste system;they are endogamous. The status of the
"ashraf" resulted from long tradition of military and administrative service
to various Muslim rulers and then to British.The Urdu-speaking ex-Moghul
officialdom retained predominance in the legal profession and in education
in United Provinces and the Punjab until beginning of twentieth century.
Under the guidance of SIR SAYYID AHAMED KHAN,AGA KHAN III, AND ALIGHAR
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, the Urfu-speaking Muslim elite of north India sought
to retain their political position and administrative importance by reconciling
their Islamic and Moghul culture WITH ENGLISH EDUCATION. The Alighar movement
was a political as well as cultural movement.Through the medium of English
education, the Muslim elite sought success in new corridor of power.URDU
is an Indo-Iranian language developed during the 500-year period of Muslim
rule from vernacular spoken in the Dehli region, heavily laden with Persian
and Arab words written in Persian script.Persian was language of the court,
but Urdu was lingua-franca providing means of communication among court,army(Urdu
means"language of the camp") and the population.It gained status in eighteenth
and nineteenth century with distingushed literature and poetry written
with the imagery of persian poetry.Urdu was not only spoken by Muslims
but also Hindus in U.P.- used it.Hindi is close to Urdu but written in
Devnagari-Sanskrit script.The role of Urdu, in the creation of Muslim political
self-conciousnesss in the early twentieth century was significant.They
formed numerous 'ANJUMANS" or Associations for improvement of education
among Muslims and its regeration.Anjuman-i-Himayat-i-Islam of Lahore, the
Muhhammadan Association of Culcutta, Muhammadan Education Conference of
Aligarh headed by Urdu elite and gradually from it sprang the nucleus of
the ALL-INDIA MUSLIM LEAGE, founded in 1906.It was founded by AGA KHAN
and was its first President.As Muslim political forces developed before
1947,Urdu-speaking elite became the leaders of Muslim League and emerging
nationalism demanded creation of Pakistan(Sind,Baluchistan,the Punjab,
and the Northwest Frontier,Bengal. Ironally U.P. the home of Urdu,did not
become part of Pakistan.Urdu is national lanuage of Pakistan. Dear Nina:TAJIK
MUSLIMS:MUSLIM ETHNICITY-(brief notes-some years):MUSLIM UMA(12):TAJIK:
of Central Asia speak various dialects of Indo-Iranian group of the greater
Indo-European language family. Some million live in northern and northeastern
Afghanistan, mainly Badakhshan,Parwan, Samangan, and Thakar provinces,
but also extending into central Hindu Kush Mountains. Another millions
live in U.S.S.R; but many are scattered in four Central Asians republics
of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan,Kirgizistan, and Turkmenistan. About some thousand
have been reported living in Chinese Sinkiang.Tajiks are also called Sarts
or Sarjkolis.The term Tajik probably comes from "taz" or "taj", used by
early Arab invadors to refer to Central Asian Persian speakers.There was
struggles between two factions:Persian speaking and Turkic speaking Tajs
for political and cultural domination-continued even in seventh century.Tajik
group exhibit increasingly Mongoloid characteristics as one moves north
from Kabul into Badakhstan. The resulting genetic admixture have produced
Tajik with red or blond hair, blue or mixed eye color combinations, in
association with high cheekbones and epicanthic eyefolds. Most Tajik are
Hanafi Sunni, the major Muslim sect in Central and south Asia, but SIZEABLE
NUMBERS OF ISMAILI SHIA live scattered from Bamiyan area to Wakhan Corridor,
the entrace to the PAMIR MOUNTAINS. ISMAILI GROUPS in eastern Badakhshan
and Wakhan sometimes speak PAMIRI(East Iranian) dialects. Because of the
versiomn of Islam practised by the ISMAILI, many Tajik consider them to
be a separate, non-Tajik ethnic group, in spite of identical,nonreligious
cultural pattern.Most Tajik are mountaineer farmers and herders.The system
of mountainside irrigation, they grow unirrigated wheat,Barley on higher
altitude.Other crops include maize,potatoes,various vegitables and cotton
called "spinzar" or white gold- an important cash criop in northern Afghanistan
and north of Amu Darya(Afghan-Russian boundry).Fresh and dried fruits are
grown and exported in tons.Bread is staff of life among Afghan Tajiks.In
many places they live in mud bricks and "pise"(pressed mud).Just as annual
cycle is partly dominated by nature, the life cycle of Tajik is largely
shaped by Islam. Birth,puberty(circumcision for boys; commencement of menstruation
for girls), marriage, and deaths are ritually marked., either with a celebration
or a mourning.Tajik society is described as patriarchal(male dominated)
and patrilineal( inheritance through male line) and patrilocal(bride moves
to husband's household). The females seclusion is more assumed than real.Few
decision are made by the "majlis"(village council) without consulting women.
Village women rarely wear "burqa".Women wear :Chadar", a multi-purpose
head shawl which permits women a modicum of modesty if stanger appraoches.Babies
can be wrapped and fed in the privacy of the fold. Women wear distinctive
cylindrical caps uncer the chador and chadry. Sophisticated women have
started coming out of purdah.A functional three generations pattern permeates
the lives of rural Afghan Tajiks-Grandparents represent the past they are
walking encyclopedias of the society. The mother-fathetr represent the
present-economic and procreating element. The children represent the future.Preferred
marriages is still with father's brother's daughter, which siometimes creates
competition among cousins and sometime result in family feuds.In rural
areas the "Majlis" consist of the head of traditionally important families,
and the "Malik"(headman) is selected from one family.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Saturday, June 10, 2000 at 13:39:26 (CDT)
" THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING WE CAN EXPERIENCE IS THE MYSTERIOUS. IT
IS THE SOURCE OF ALL TRUE ART AND ALL SCIENCE. HE TO WHOM THIS EMOTION
IS A STRANGER, WHO CAN NO LONGER PAUSE TO WONDER AND STAND RAPT IN AWE,
IS AS GOOD AS DEAD: HIS EYES ARE CLOSED !! " -Albert Einstein.
AZIZ CyberKnight MADHANI
<azizm@earthlink.net>
CYBERTEK, CA USA - Saturday, June 10, 2000 at 12:56:06 (CDT)
Dear Nina:WEST AFRICAN MUSLIMS:MUSLIM ETHNICITY-(Brief notes-past years)HAUSA:
MUSLIM UMA(10 ):HAUSA:(NEXT-Look forward to reading segments on "Urdu-speaking
Muslims" and the mysterious"WAHABIS")Back to The Hausa are a large and
diverse West African group, collectively the most numerous Muslims people
south of Sahara.Hausa live in the northern state of Nigeria ansd southern
part of Niger Republic.Their language is spoken by more than 31 million
people.The large part of Hausa identity is that they are Muslims.Prior
to European conquest they lived in a walled city-states with hierarchial
social organization reminiscent of the European feudal era. Sunni Islam
first came to the region in the fourteenth century, brought by Western
Sudanic and Arab merchants. The Maliki school of law, is still followed
by Hausa, dates to early period.Almost as old is the AJEMIC SCRIPT- a form
of medieval Arab writing- which made Hausa a literate people before Europeans
arrived. This Islamic influence has a long history among Hausa. The purity
of Islam was questioned by a FULANI-SPEAKING scholar and religious leader,UTHMAN
DON FODIO, who in 1802 declared JIHAD against traditional Hausa rulers.
Ultimately, most of Hausa aristocracy were replaced by followers of UTHMAN,
and Islam was extended far to the south-YORUBA.The old Hausa states became
emirates linked to centre of Muslim learning and orthodoxy. They became
linked to central caliphate in the new city of SOKOTO.British when conquered
northern Nigeria found practical to retain FULANI system of government-the
policy of indirect rule. In many areas of Jihad left Fulani ruling Hausa.
Soon these Fulani intermarried with Hausa and most part lost distinctive
languasge and custom. Fulani became Hausa-ized.Hausa kinship systems vary.
Sometimes they are based on organized clan which trace descent through
male line.Individual are expected to show their parents and older, a great
respect, while grandparents may be joked at along with mother's brothers
and father's sister's children.The firstborn is often given to relative
to raise.Divorce is not uncommon and any children of the marriage are considered
to belong to husband's family in accordance with Maliki law. Circumcision
is universally practised. Children spend some years studying with "Mallam"
or Quranic scholar. The Hausa Mallam has great moral authority. MALLAMS
ARE ALSO CHIEF SUPERNATURAL PRACTIONERS OF THE HAUSA, DISPENSING ALL KINDS
OF PROTECTIVE TALISMEN AND MEDICINES. One of these (rubutu) is the water
used to wash the ink from prayer board on which has been written Sura of
the Quran.Children studying with Mallam are given food by the community.Many
in Urban areas belong to MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD or "tariqas"-the most powerful
is the TIJANIYA. They perform Haj to Mecca.Hausa who resist Islam believe
in traditional religion. The traditional religion is tied specific gods
and spirit associated with each clan.Hausa version of Islam includes seclusion
of women. Most women engage is some trade. Hausa language is spoken not
only in Nigeria and Niger, but also in Ghana, the Coast,and Sudan, Upper
Volga, Benin, and Togo. Gausa belong to CHADIC branch of Afro-Asiatic family
derives portion of its vocabulary from Arabic.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Friday, June 09, 2000 at 07:19:11 (CDT)
This is a beautiful website!
Anne Lechartier
<alechart@cybercable.fr>
Paris, France - Thursday, June 08, 2000 at 10:09:19 (CDT)
it was very good but you have not inculed ginan audio
hassan .h. lakhani <hassan@nobleplanet.com>
bombay, india - Thursday, June 08, 2000 at 01:47:09 (CDT)
VERY INFORMATIVE, THANKS
aa a <aa@emirates.net.ae>
United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 23:29:44 (CDT)
We very much enjoy your fine webpage and its contents- religious and
artwise. Keep up the good work! Peace and Greetings! ZillusSultan
Dr. Kamal Amin as Safa Sabur Gur Khan ZillusSultan <zillusultan@hotmail.com>
PHILA., PA USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 15:48:37 (CDT)
Ya ali madad
sadiq mohamed
edmonton, alberta casnada - Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 09:30:27 (CDT)
Dear Nina:PERSIANS MUSLIMS: MUSLIM ETHNICITY-(Brief Notes-years back):MUSLIM
UMA(9 ):Persians belongs to the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European
family languages and is related to such diverse languages as English and
Bengali. It is offical language of Iran. Dari, a dialect of modern Persian,
is language of the elite in Afghanistan. Standard Persian called Farsi
by its speaker stems from Pahlavi, also lknown as Middle Persian, which
was language of the Sassanian period(A.D.224-642) prior to Aryan conquest
of Iran in seventh century. During succeeding centuries Pahlavi underwent
structural transformation by absorbing large amounts of Arabic elements.The
Arabic element succeeded because of Iranian men of letters who adopted
Arabic as their literary medium.The religion before advent of Islam was
Zoroastrian known in Iran as GABRES, a belief system based on eternal conflict
between the forces of good and evil. As universal doctrine it recognises
Ahura Mazda as god of good and the divine light. They are still concentrated
in areas of Yazd and Kerman-a large number of Parsees in South Asia and
east Africa.Today most of the Persians are Shia Muslims of the Ithna Ashari
denomination.The beginning of the first millennium B.C. marked the arrival
of the Aryans. Like others of Indo-European origin came before them. The
Iranians comprise several tribal groups: Medes,Persians(Parsa), Parthians,
Bactrians, Soghdians,Sacians, and Scythians..The loosely federated tribal
group bacame amore cohesive political unit under the Achaemenian clan.
In 553 B.C. Cyrus, the ruler of Parsa, overthrew Median dynasty and formed
Medes and Persians into the great empire. From the fifth century B.C. to
seventh centuries A.D. with various groupings like rulers, priests,warriers,artisans,scribes,
and producers, a structure became more complex and rigid. Towards the end
of the period a small priveleged class domimnated growing mass of disfrenchised
people with few avenue for mobility. The condition worsened with costly
and long campaigns against Eastern Roman Empire. It led to internal decay
and ripe for Arab invasion. The 13 centuries from Arab invasion until today
Persia has seen fluctuation in monarchial powers.Religious leaders can
be considered in the same context as the Bazaaris. They and their last
following are the last source of power to creeping seculerization and westernization.Although
predominating Shia Muslims and Persian, it incorporates many other groupings.Religious
observances are practised regularly with deep conviction particularly the
fast in Ramadhan and Ashura ceremony during Muharram.The basic social and
economic unit in Persian society is the elementary family. Some combine
in large units.Persians practise polygyny.ANOTHER IMPORTANT VALUE IS HOSPITALITY
AND LAVISH AT THAT.Essentially "ta'aruf" is symbolic demonstration of one's
hospitality, generosity, humility and modesty.Perians have rich asthetic
aspects of their culture. Artistic expression are found in inricately design
tile work and highly stylised Quranic inscriptions decorating the walls
of major mosques, to handicrafts, miniature painting and calligraphy. The
universally admired Persian art form is POETRY. With its uncompromising
insistence of meter and rhyme, Persian poetry is much more than expression
of emotion.It contains subjecive truth and the wisdom of past. Sometime
it functions as an effective medium of satire and social commentry on inequality,injustice,
and repression in masterly use of metaphor and allegory; other poets guide
the reader through the labyrinth of SUFI mysticism. An appreciation for
poetry is cultivated early in Persian life.The epic poetry of Fardousi
recounts the heroic heritage. Primary school children are required to memorize
long passages from FARDOUSI, SAADI, HAFEZ, AND OTHER POETS.A frequent theme
in both literature and ordinary conversation is QESMAT(Kismat), or fate.
Knowing caprice of all natural and supernatural force, Persians commonly
use phrase 'INSHALLAH"(If God wills). It is also this unpredictability
in life which justifies to a Persian the pursuit of pleasure, as reflected
in hedonistic philosophy of OMAR KHAYYAM.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Wednesday, June 07, 2000 at 07:34:50 (CDT)
YAALIMADAT best wishes may HazarImam bless us all with health and happiness
amen.
Parin Jaffer <parin_2000@yahoo.com>
Toronto, Ont CANADA - Monday, June 05, 2000 at 18:16:43 (CDT)
YAM Hi It is really good site to visit & share views & diverse
Culture
Dr akbar Ali <drakbarali@yahoo.com>
Sultanabad No:2, Sindh Pakistan - Monday, June 05, 2000 at 12:36:38
(CDT)
Dear Nina:WASWAHILI MUSLIMS-THE ETHNICITY-(Africans of East Africa):(Brief
notes-some years):MUSLIM UMA(8 ):WASWAHILI The East African littoral, including
islands of Lamu,Mombasa,Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia, Stretching from Somali-Kenya
boarder in the north to southern extreme of Tanzania. This narrow coastal
strip of Kenya and Tanzania, separated by 300 miles exapanse of arid land
is the homeland of Waswahili. They number nearly a million live in cities
and towns principally Lamu,Malindi,Mombasa,Vanga,Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar-long
centres of trades with the Persian Gulf. The Swahili language is basically
Bantu,but modified through the need of medium of communication with Arab
traders. They are mostly Sunni.Waswahili is not name of any tribal group;
it rather collection of some groups who share the common culture.The term
SWAHILI is derived from Arabic word meaning"coastal".They are believed
to be descendents of the children of Arab traders and Bantu women. Persian
influences cannot be denied.The people who originally settled in Mombasa
were divided into twelve groups(hence the appellation Thenashara Taifa,
or twelve tribes) in two factions: Maji Tisa(Nine tribes-Kilifi,Mvita,Mtapa,Shaka,Pate,Faza,Bajun,Gunya,Jomvu,Akatawa)
and the Miju Mitatu(Three tribes-Kilindini,Tangana,Changamwe).Through subsequent
migration and influx of peoples from countries of the Persian Gulf, these
peole were joined by other Muslims, predominanantly the Shirazi,purporting
an ancestry traced back to Persian city of Shiraz, and two Arab groups;the
Omani, descedentants of Arabs from Oman; and Hadrami or Shehiri, more recent
arrrivals,descendants of Arabs from the Hadramaut. They are now not culturally
distinguishable.KISWAHILI language is rich source of wit and subtle irony,
the sophisticated use of which adds to a person's prestige.Some games and
contests involving the interpretation of archaic Kiswahili forms,proverbs,
and riddles are frequent among the group. To have well-mannered children
is to demonstrate one's own achievement of the Islamic ideal. As a result,
for child to be told "huna adabu"("you have no manners") is a severe admonishment,
reflecting the child's family as well.Swahili culture represent mixture
of many elements. Dress is according to Muslim tradition. Although "purdah"
is perhaps less strict than before. Swahili women wear robes called "buibui"
when in public. worn over brightly colored apparel called "Khanga" or "Kitenge".
Men, when attending mosque wear white "Khanzu" robe over colorful "Kikoi"(loincloth)
or "Sarani"(sarong), headgear of emroidered "kfia" cap and on special occasion,
the turban(kilemba).Daily life is organised around five daily Islamic prayer
hours, announced by the call of the "wadhini".They follow laws of "Shafi"
school, as interpreted by local "qadi".The ASPECTS THAT DIVERGE FROM THE
TENETS OF ISLAM, are traditional Swahili poetry, symbolic of long tradition
of oral and written literature of East African coast.LEGENDRY EPICSHISTORICAL
ACCOUNTS,OR TROPICAL NARRATIVES, THE FORM CALLED 'UTENZI", have existed
in written form for centuries. Other forms include "mashahiri" to be recited
or sung and "wimbo", songs. Dances(ngoma) are community affairs.Handclapping,
accompaniments in syncopation embellish the drum beat and cadences, signalled
by cue invisible to the outsider.Swahili art flourished for a long period.
Many houses are elaborately decorated with carved wooden doors featuring
geogrophical pattern . Lamu is known for its large square chairs and cane
seats with inland pattern of bone and ivory.God jewelry, including ear
plugs(vipuli) is another developed art form.Swahili society is distingushed
by their wedding, initiation rites for young girls upon reaching puberty,
belief in the 'MASHETANI"(DEVILS) who is supposed to live in baobad tree
and the "EVIL EYE"(Jicho la hasidi)."Wamiji" the elder women, the "masomo"
instructors of girls undergoing initiation,"Waganga" those trained in folk
medicine.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Monday, June 05, 2000 at 07:24:02 (CDT)
Great Web site! you bet I will share with my friends.
Nadir
Walji <nwalji@hotmail.com>
Vancouver, bc canada - Sunday, June 04, 2000 at 14:57:01 (CDT)
Dear Nina:PUNJABI MUSLIMS:THE ETHNICITY(Brief notes- some years):PUNJAB:-MUSLIM
UMA(7): In A.D. 712 the Arabs extended their power to the lower Punjab
but Islam failed to take effective grip on the lives of the people until
after eleventh century when the Turks under Mahomud of Gazni invaded the
land. The religion spread rapidly during 300 year sovereignty of the Turkish
Sultanate of Dehli. Another period of growth came with the foundation of
the Moghul Empire under Babur in the sixteenth century,particularly upon
Emperor Aurengzeb's enforcement of the "Jizya", a tax on non-Muslims. Lahore
became the centre of Muslim dynamism.Since it was the Turks who brought
Sunni Islam to the Punjab, the Hanafi school of the Sharia dominates Punjabi
Muslims thought. However, one out of every twelve Punjabis is SHIA, either
Ithna Ashri or ISMAILI. Two-thirds of Punjabi Muslims are under SUFI influence.
The two major orders in Pakistani Punjabi are QADIRIYA AND NAQSHABANDIYA.
Another important order, especially in East Punjab is CHISTIYA, a group
peculiar to the subcontinent exhibiting several unorthodox practices, such
as musical accompaniment to the DHIKAR(recitations). Thus many Punjabi
SUFIS are noted for following their PIRS more avidly than the most Muslim
areas. Punjabis are tightly bound in kin groupings.Kinship is traced particularly
in extended family. The noble class,or "ashraf" consist of several ethnic
elements. One other group, the Rajputs(literally, prince's son) are descendants
of living Aryans of Central Asia; princes, warrior, and ruler later converted
to Islam, during Moghul period. The LOWER class are the castes, or "ajlaf",
are the Bilochs, descended from Baluch tribesmen, who are particularly
farmers, animal husbandmen, and camel drivers, inhabitating the southwest
Punjab, the Awans from Northwest Punjab and Gujars originally from Northwest
Frontier area form a single functional caste devoted to agriculture. The
Lohars and the Tarkhas also form one functual caste of smiths, carpenters
and artisans. Beneath them in social rank are the Julahas, or weavers,
the shoemakers, and cobblers, the oil pressers, potters, and the water
carriers.The Musallis are sweepers, and scavengers, corresponding the Hindu
untouchables.Of overbearing importance to the Punjabi is the notion of
"IZZAT", or social and financial prestige demonstrated by appearance and
ostentation. Punjabi marriages are endogenous, contracted within one's
own 'BIRADERI", WITHIN ONE'S OWN CHAK(VILLAGE) AND WITHIN ONE'S OWN ETHNIC
GROUP.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Sunday, June 04, 2000 at 08:01:38 (CDT)
First Time Logged On! Beautiful Sight. Keep Up The good Work. Can I
be informed of any new additions??
Naseem Premji <naseem786@postmark.net>
USA - Saturday, June 03, 2000 at 08:56:06 (CDT)
Dear Nina:AZARIS OF CENTRAL ASIA:MUSLIM ETHNICITY-Brief notes of some
years-MUSLIM UMA(6 ):The Azari Turks, sometimes called Azerbaijanis are
divided into two groups-Iranians and Russians.They are found in Azarbaijan.
The common self-designation of the Azaris are Turkler and Azarbaijanlilar.They
are even called Shahsevan,Afshar,and Kajar. The language they speak is
Ogiis.Azar language has a written traditon going back to fourteenth century.
It is written in Arabic script and Cyrillic alphabet in Soviet influenced
Azaris.Azaris are spread in Iran, Southern Kurdistan. The Azari, some are
demographically characterised extreme longevity and a high birthrate.They
have clan system called hoj,modiam, or imejilik.The racial origin and cultural
tradition of Azaris are more Persian than Turkic. Majority are Shias. Traditional
pilgrimage is to holy shrine in Iran than to Mecca.The Perisian influence
could be seen in their heritage of Zoroastrianism. In rural areas of Azarbaijan,
PRE-ISLAMIC PRACTICES may be still encountered in them.Holy places called
PIR, are still revered.The holiday among Azari,"SU JEDDIUM" in which they
seek communion with their ancesters through bathing in sanctified streams.
Certain TREES, especially the oak and the iron tree(parrotia Persica),
are venerated and may not be felled. Pieces of bark of iron tree are worn
about the neck and persons and horses as AMULETS and are tied to crib in
order to ward off illness and effects of EVIL EYE. A cult of FIRE, which
is regarded by the Azaris as the holiest are purest element in nature(from
influence of Zoroastrianism), has had many adherents, and there has been
cult of ROCKS, particularly of certain kind of black rock to which they
attribute curative powers.Nouroz is celebrated on 21st.Azari settlements
are divided into "mekhelle".Marriage with non-Aari was unheard of until
Soviet period.Pollygamy was not normally resorted except in case of infertiltiy.
In marriage "Mehr" is given in the divorce- paid to the bride. The family
of bride receive the "bashlyg". or bride price, also called "yopulu" (money
for the road),"atalyg pulu"(money for the father) and "Suepulu"(milk money).
During Russian time in Baku, there were only two mosques.There is chance
of divergence between two factions-Iranian and Soviet influenced.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Saturday, June 03, 2000 at 08:11:10 (CDT)
Dear Nina:THE ALBANIANS:Brief notes of some years.(MUSLIM UMA-5) ALBANIANS
ARE ALL MUSLIMS.There are expatriate Albanians in Itly,Greece.Bulgaria
and United States who are Christians.Towards the end of Roman Empire, much
of the region was converted to Christianity.Later, follwoing the Ottoman
Turkish conquest in the late fourteenth century, great numbers were converted
to Islam.Many served Ottoman armies and played an important role in administration.A
national conciousness developed very late and independent Albania was not
created until 1912. Majority of Albanians are Sunni. Over more than 300,000
or more are followers of Bektashi Sufi order, a "tariqa" of the Shia Branch
of Islam. Most Bektashi Sufi live in southern Alabania and historically
constitute a more libral and progressive group than their Sunni coreligionists.Many
Albanians served as "Janissaries".Historically Albanians were tolerant
of different religious groups. Social and cultural distinctions between
Muslims and Christians were minimal. INTERMARRIAGE was common in many part
of Albania and children, even of homogeneous marriages, were often both
CIRCUMCISED AND BAPTISED and both given MUSLIM AND CHIRSTIAN NAMES.There
were Christian women who wore veils and Muslim women who did not. Crypto-Christianity-
the continuation in secret of Chritian beliefs and practice even after
CONVERSION to Islam- was not uncommon.The Albanian language has two principles
dialects:Gheg and Tosk.The population is divided into number of patrilineal
clans(fis).The Cheg society patrilocally extended to a group of more than
90 people.The Bajraktars(Standard-bearere) extended to group of villages
from head appointed by Ottoman Government.Tosk structure is more feudal
and orthodox.
H.E.Mohamed <hmohamed@cadvision.com>
Calgary., AB. Canada. - Thursday, June 01, 2000 at 22:24:05 (CDT)
Subject: $500 Challenge, Payable to Charity of Your Choice! A challenge
to Akberally Meharally and his "Tariqa of Islam" has been made. Very simply
- All they have to is prove that "Their Tariqa of Islam" is: A religion
of Peace and, It is Tolerant and Compassionate. They are free to consult
any or all your religious scholars (a'lim). I am, now, extending that challenge
to Akberally's supporters amongst our Ismailis as well! Prove that who
you support is the Islam of Peace, Tolerance & Compassion; After all
that is the message of Islam, is it not? Good Luck!!
Asif Khan <faceupdown@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, June 01, 2000 at 11:06:28 (CDT)
"You can't shake hands with a clenched fist." -- Indira Gandhi.
alnoor jaffer <amjl@sprint.ca>
calgary, ab canada - Thursday, June 01, 2000 at 10:57:26 (CDT)
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