Mashallah!
A shower of Allah's Blessings and
Barakah upon the Holy Progeny of Prophet Muhammad - Allahuma salli ala
Muhammadin wa Aali Muhammad!
Every year Imamat Day brings great joy in the hearts of the Mumins (believers) for this is a unique occasion where the continuance of Allah's covenant is celebrated. This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the Present Living Imam's accession to this divine institution and is remembered and celebrated since Hazrat Ali was appointed at Gadhir Khumm over 1400 years ago. This occasion brings joy and reverence to every Murid (follower) of the Murshid (Master) i.e. Mowlana Hazar Imam. The Mumin renews his vows to help the Imam in his work in secular and spiritual realms and recognizes the magnitude of this pledge.
This tradition is highlighted in the Holy Quran by many verses. The arrival of the greatest Prophet of Allah and his message was also observed by Allah and all the Prophets in a special gathering where Allah recited and discussed the characteristics and attributes of the Holy Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) and He took a pledge, a covenant from all the Prophets that they would believe in him and be his helpers:
Behold! Allah took the covenant of
the Prophets, saying: I give you a book and wisdom: then comes to you a
messenger, confirming what is with you; do ye believe in him and render
him help. Allah said: Do ye agree, and take this my covenant as binding
on you? They said: We agree. He said: Then bear witness, and I am with
you among the witnesses. If any turn back after this, they are perverted
transgressors. (3 :81,82)
Those who are active in helping the Imam are nourished by His Barakah and bask
in the glory of the bargain they have made. Ask anyone who is in love with the
Spirit. The invitation to Allah's Grace is a veritable gift.
"Surely Allah has bought of the believers their persons and their property for this, that they shall have the
garden; they fight in Allah's way, so they slay and are slain; a promise which is binding on Him in the Taurat (Torah) and
the Injeel (Gospel) and the Quran; and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Rejoice therefore in the pledge
which you have made; and that is the mighty achievement." Quran 9.111
"O Prophet! Truly have we sent thee as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner and as one who invites to Allah's grace by His leave and as a lamp spreading light. Quran 33:45,46
As explained in my intro
pages this Grace,
this Lamp spreading Light is none other than the Living and Present Imam
of our time, Noor Mowlana Shah Karim Al Hussaini Hazar Imam. And as Ismailis,
we are very fortunate indeed, to have been gifted with this unique opportunity
to be called his spiritual children.
This year when you dance at Dandia
Raas, when you wonder why there has always been that particular spark in
the eyes of an Ismaili lady with her graceful movements in the Dandia Raas,
well, she is rapt in the joy of belonging to his community (Ummah). Rejoice!
I know I will be rejoicing, and also dancing and so will my husband and
three children this year, as every year. The girls are really getting very sophisticated
in their Indian dancing. Alyssa created an uproar in her talent show entry
at school and I had goose bumps all over, especially since Miss India had
just become Miss Universe and I felt special, being in the limelight
due to Alyssa's cultural dance. Alhamdulillah!
"They rejoice on account of favor from Allah and (His) grace, and that Allah will not waste the reward
of the believers." Quran 3.171
Mashallah!
47th Imamat Day Page - 2004
46th Imamat Day Page - 2003
45th Imamat Day Page - 2002
44th Imamat Day Page - 2001
43rd Imamat Day Page - 2000
42nd Imamat Day Page - 1999
41st Imamat Day Page - 1998
40th Imamat Day Page - 1997
66th Birthday Page - 2002
65th Birthday Page - 2001
64th Birthday Page - 2000
63rd Birthday Page - 1999
62nd Birthday Page - 1998
61st Birthday Page - 1997
Imamat Day 1998 41 Glorious Years!
Mowlana Hazar Imam's 62nd Birthday Page View my favorite picture of
his, Mashallah!
Aga Khan Development Network Website
The Institute of Ismaili Studies will be debuting their new website soon.
Please look for a link in my What's
New Page when it goes live.
