0 Welcome and some ground rules!

• Blog Rules
• by Administrator
• 01/11/2023

Salam Alaikum and Welcome to our blog page.  While blogging or commenting it's important to be respectful, inclusive, and mindful of our audience. Here are some recommended rules to consider: Respect diverse beliefs: Recognize and respect that people may hold different religious beliefs or perspectives. Encourage open dialogue and promote understanding rather than engaging in debates or trying to convert others. Be mindful of language: Use language that is inclusive and respectful. Avoid derogatory or offensive language that may demean or belittle any religious group or individual. Share reliable information: Make sure the information you share is accurate and supported by reliable sources. Cite your sources whenever possible to give credibility to your claims. Maintain a positive tone: Foster a positive and uplifting atmosphere in your blogs and comments. Encourage discussions that focus on the positive aspects of faith, spirituality, and personal growth. Encourage constructive dialogue: We welcome different viewpoints and encourage respectful discussions among our readers. Our guidelines for comments maintain a healthy and respectful comment section. Avoid personal attacks: Refrain from personal attacks or criticizing individuals based on their religious beliefs. Focus on discussing ideas and concepts rather than attacking individuals. Be sensitive to cultural contexts: Recognize that religious practices and beliefs may vary across different cultures and regions. Be sensitive to these differences and avoid making assumptions or generalizations. Maintain privacy and confidentiality: Respect the privacy of individuals and their personal experiences. Avoid sharing personal details or sensitive information. Be transparent about your intentions: Clearly communicate your intentions and goals for your blog. Let readers know if you represent a specific religious tradition or if you aim to provide a platform for multiple perspectives. Respond to feedback and questions: Engage with your readers by responding to their comments, questions, and feedback. Foster a sense of community and encourage further exploration of religious topics. Remember, these rules are just guidelines to help create a respectful and inclusive environment for your readers. 

0 Chishti Mission and Indian Muslims

• Chishti
• by Zishan Misbahi
• 05/25/2023

Chishti Mission and Indian Muslims Zishan Misbahi First of all, we should know what is the mission of the Sufis. In fact, the Sufi mission is the moral aspect of Islam. Sufis represent the morals of the Prophet of Islam with their open hearts and calm minds. It was the true greatness of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, that attracted even his enemies. One who once met the Prophet became his devotee. This is the reason why the enemies of the Messenger of Allah prevented people from going to him. They propagated that Muhammad was a great magician. In fact, Khawaja Gharib Nawaz is the representative of the Prophet of Islam in the Indian subcontinent. Everyone he met fell on his path or at least joined his circle of lovers. It should be noted that all Sufis have the characteristics of love for the Creator and service to creation, but this aspect is very prominent in Chishti Order. Love and service are its hallmarks. The Chishti Mission is a movement of unconditional love and harmony in the Indian subcontinent. Khwaja Hasan of Ajmer, known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz, came to India without any weapon or army under the special spiritual guidance of Hazrat Muhammad. But he was a mighty king, a king of hearts. He has been ruling the hearts of all Indians for the past eight centuries with his unconditional love and spiritual power. One of his beloved titles is Sultan-ul-Hind, King of India. Until now every Prime Minister of India sends a special chadar (a cover for his grave) to Ajmer every year. It is a symbol which says that whoever may be on the outward throne of India, but the real ruler of the hearts of Indians is only one and that is Khwaja Sahib. Like all religious and secular systems, Islam also has legal and moral principles that govern society. Khawaja Gharib Nawaz was a man of morals and not of law. He tried his best to establish moral values in Indian society. He created an inclusive culture which is known as the culture of Ganges and Jamuna. He also left a spiritual line of true successors in the form of his trained disciples and caliphs to continue his spiritual and moral movement in India. Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Baba Farid and then Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya and Khwaja Alauddin Sabir Kalyari are the four main pillars of the Chishti mission in the Indian subcontinent. After these great Sufis the Chishti Mission spread all over India. Undoubtedly, this movement of love has seen many ups and downs in its history, but the legacy of organizing love and harmony among different religious and cultural groups in India and overcoming the growing hatred in the subcontinent continues till now. It is a pity that the Muslim Sultans and common Muslims could not follow the path of Chishti Sufis. Moreover, many fatwas have been issued and are being issued against Chishti wisdom which is appropriate to Indian nature. Chishti Sufis always emphasized inclusiveness with Indians. They kept their doors open to all. They cared about the needs of every person irrespective of his creed, caste, color and race. On the other hand, the Ulamas always distanced themselves from the non-Muslims, which created misunderstanding among different religious groups. Thus, although the Chishti Sufis ruled over hearts of the Indian people, the system of Muslim sultans and scholars was based on law rather than love, and this resulted into the conditions which were not expected for a community which ruled over India about thousand years. It is also worth noting that both Fatwa and Taqwa and ethics and law are needed to keep society peaceful and orderly, but moral values are necessary and effective in all situations. This means that Indian Muslims who are not in power today need Chishti Mission more than yesterday. But it is very shameful that even today they are not ready to follow the Chishti mission. They are completely entangled in sectarianism, fatwaism and takfirism which are slowly weakening them. If Indian Muslims are to rebuild themselves, they will need to follow the Chishti mission of love, service and inclusiveness.

0 Lal Shahbaz Qalandar: The Divine Flame of Sufism

• Saints of India
• by Faizulla Khan
• 06/09/2023

Introduction: Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, has produced numerous influential figures throughout history who have illuminated the path of spiritual enlightenment. One such luminary is Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a legendary Sufi saint who continues to captivate hearts and minds with his profound teachings and devotion to God. This blog explores the life, work, and enduring impact of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar on Sufism and his remarkable contribution to Islam.   Early Life and Spiritual Journey: Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, whose birth name was Syed Muhammad Usman Marwandi, was born in 1177 CE in Marwand, now known as Afghanistan. From an early age, he displayed a deep inclination towards spirituality and sought knowledge under the guidance of eminent Sufi masters. It is said that at the age of seven, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, traversing across various lands to seek wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.   Teachings and Spiritual Practices: Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's teachings emphasized the core principles of Sufism, including the remembrance of God, self-purification, and love for humanity. He believed in the concept of "Tasawwuf," which involves attaining a direct experience of God through inner purification and mystic practices. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar advocated for the path of love and unity, emphasizing the importance of transcending the superficial differences that divide people. He often used music and dance, particularly the ecstatic whirling known as "Sama," as a means to achieve spiritual ecstasy. Through these practices, he aimed to reach a state of "fana," the annihilation of the self in the Divine presence. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's teachings resonated with people from all walks of life, cutting across social and religious boundaries, and his shrine in Sehwan Sharif, Pakistan, remains a hub of spiritual devotion to this day.   Impact on Sufism: Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's impact on Sufism cannot be overstated. His teachings and spiritual practices have influenced generations of Sufis, inspiring them to delve deeper into the realms of spirituality and seek a profound connection with God. He advocated for a universalistic approach to Islam, emphasizing the unity of all creation and the importance of tolerance and compassion. Through his teachings, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar sought to bridge the gap between various religious and cultural communities, promoting harmony and mutual respect. His message of love and spiritual unity resonated with people across different faiths, making him a unifying figure in a divided world. His shrine in Sehwan Sharif continues to attract millions of devotees annually, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of his teachings.   Contribution to Islam: Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's contribution to Islam lies in his embodiment of the core values of the faith. He exemplified the principles of love, compassion, and selflessness, which are at the heart of Islamic teachings. Through his spiritual practices, he demonstrated that the path to God can be found through inner purification, devotion, and service to humanity. Furthermore, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's teachings revitalized the spirit of Islam by reminding Muslims of the importance of spirituality and the inner dimensions of faith. In a world often preoccupied with materialism and external rituals, his emphasis on the inner journey and the experience of God's love brought a profound sense of meaning and purpose to countless individuals.   Conclusion: Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, with his profound teachings and spiritual practices, continues to be an influential figure in the realm of Sufism and a revered symbol of devotion for Muslims worldwide. His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of love, unity, and spirituality. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's enduring legacy reminds us of the timeless wisdom embedded within Sufism and the rich tapestry of Islamic spirituality. May his teachings continue to inspire and guide seekers of truth on their spiritual quest.    

0 Nurturing Muslim Youth in America: The Transformative Power of Sufism

• Sufism
• by Faizulla Khan
• 06/09/2023

Introduction: Muslim youth in America face a unique set of challenges as they navigate their faith and identity in a multicultural society. From cultural assimilation and discrimination to Islamophobia and the pressures of modernity, young Muslims often find themselves grappling with complex issues. In this blog, we explore some of the challenges faced by Muslim youth in America and delve into how the teachings and practices of Sufism can provide them with solace, resilience, and a deeper connection to their Islamic roots.   1. Cultural Assimilation and Identity Struggles: Muslim youth in America often face the pressure of balancing their religious and cultural identities within a predominantly non-Muslim environment. The struggle to maintain a sense of authenticity while adapting to a different culture can lead to identity conflicts. Sufism can offer them a spiritual framework that embraces diversity and encourages a balanced integration of cultural values while staying rooted in Islamic principles. Sufi teachings emphasize the inner dimension of faith, allowing young Muslims to embrace their cultural heritage while nurturing a profound connection with their Creator.   2. Islamophobia and Discrimination: Islamophobia remains a pervasive issue in American society, with Muslim youth often subjected to prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping. Sufism can provide a powerful response to these challenges by promoting values of love, tolerance, and compassion. By practicing and embodying these teachings, young Muslims can counteract negative perceptions, challenge stereotypes, and foster understanding and respect. Sufism teaches that the true essence of Islam lies in peaceful coexistence and engaging with others in a spirit of mutual respect.   3. Finding Meaning and Purpose: Many Muslim youth in America grapple with finding meaning and purpose in a fast-paced, consumer-driven society. The teachings of Sufism offer a profound spiritual path that can help young Muslims navigate the pressures of materialism and societal expectations. Sufism emphasizes the importance of inner reflection, self-awareness, and the cultivation of a deep connection with God. Through practices such as meditation, contemplation, and seeking a direct experience of the Divine, Sufism enables young Muslims to find solace, inner peace, and a sense of purpose rooted in spirituality.   4. Nurturing Resilience and Emotional Well-being: The challenges faced by Muslim youth in America can often result in feelings of isolation, anxiety, and mental health struggles. Sufism provides tools for emotional well-being and resilience. Sufi practices such as mindfulness, gratitude, and self-reflection can help young Muslims cultivate emotional resilience, manage stress, and find balance in their lives. The teachings of Sufi masters emphasize the importance of surrendering to a higher power, seeking solace in times of hardship, and finding strength through spiritual practices.   5. Interfaith Engagement and Dialogue: Sufism encourages interfaith engagement, dialogue, and the promotion of harmony among diverse communities. By embracing the principles of love, respect, and unity, young Muslims can foster understanding and build bridges with people of different faiths. Sufi teachings emphasize the universality of spiritual experiences and highlight the commonalities between different religions. Engaging in interfaith dialogue allows Muslim youth to challenge misconceptions, dispel stereotypes, and contribute to a more inclusive and cohesive society.   Conclusion: Muslim youth in America face a range of challenges as they navigate their faith and identity in a diverse and sometimes hostile environment. Sufism offers a transformative path that can provide solace, resilience, and a deeper connection to their Islamic heritage. By embracing the teachings and practices of Sufism, young Muslims can navigate cultural assimilation, counteract Islamophobia, find meaning and purpose, nurture emotional well-being, and engage in interfaith dialogue. Through Sufism, Muslim youth can cultivate a strong sense of self, rooted in spirituality, and contribute positively to their communities, fostering understanding, love, and unity in the multicultural fabric of America.