WHAT OUR CITY HAS TO OFFER

our city is famous for innovative pandal makers, and their art and expertise can be used by our community to recreate exclusive enclosed spaces having Fatemi architecture and elegance. The mawaid, the reception area, the temporary accomodation tents, can all be constructed in Fatemi style by our city artisans.

Our city is also famous of its light decoration and the town of Chandernagore has a vast pool of talent for decorative lights. One name stands out and that is of Mr. Sridhar Das who has frequently traveled to US and other countries with his decorative synchronized light creations, simply breath taking and marvelous. I have personally seen his magic decorative light works.

His artistry and talent can be utilized for creating a a boat/ ship used in the armada of Imam Moiz (SA) I had read about it, and hope in the Dawat archive there may detail discription of the armada, from which a model can be created, to be placed in the lake area in front of the haveli mubarak, so that each night, when lighted up, Aqa Moula (TUS) can see the beautiful spectacle from his room.

It is widely known that the light-makers for the Durga puja are from Chandernagore. What is less known is the manner in which this craft has grown into an industry. Sridhar Das set up shop 50 years ago when he was only 17. Today, his SD Electrical Company employs 200 workers who create magic on bamboo strips. His success has prompted 200 other companies to engage in similar crafts, employing around 12,000 artisans. (from a Telegraph Report)

So our community can utilize such talents to recreate a totally Fatemi ambiance during Ashara Mubarak, so that all those who are fortunate to attend can go back with vivid memories of the city and the enthusiasm and creativity of city.

So these are the few ideas I share before traveling to Rampura and Ujjain for ziyarat, with friends, where we will be specially seeking that the aspirations and prayers, the long cherished dream is realized.

KHIDMAT

Calligraphy by : Mulla Moiz Husainbhai Nagpurwala.

http://mindmints.blogspot.com/2009/04/they-also-walked.html

Having a Moula like we mumineen are so fortunate and blessed to have , it is but natural that we all will have the sentiments , as expressed above that may ALLAH sacrifice me on my Moula.

After many long years of waiting and pining, the mumineen of Kolkata for the first time are witnessing a dream turning into reality. The ‘ohbat’ started in real earnest during Sehrullah has raised hopes and different core committees are meeting regularly and finalizing reports to be submitted to Shazada sahebs, for evaluation - the first step. This is just the beginning of a long journey.

The enthusiasm of youngsters is very evident in their group discussions and club meetings, every one is trying and eyeing for a niche khidmat. I happened to have a quick glance at the ‘ohbat’ forms filled by my young friends, and found many wanting to do ‘masjid tanzeem khidmat’ and all other khidmats , that would ensure, that they are not far removed from their Moula’s presence. Every one wants to be near and around him, who will not want to be.

But friends let us introspect on the subject of ‘khidmat’ and I will share with you a few examples of what real ‘khidmat ‘ of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) is , in the context of Ashara Vaaz and other miqaats, when thousands gather from different parts of the world and if we are fortunate to get a chance of a life time, what is expected from us by Janab Amil Saheb and the Steering Committee, overseeing and in charge of the arrangements.

Serving Aqa Moula’s mehman is serving Aqa Moula (TUS). Let this be very clear at the onset. If you are entrusted with any form of khidmat ,say at the Airport or at the Railway Station, overseeing toilet hygiene, doing number of unassuming services, for the comfort and the well being of the mehmans, you will be said to be truly serving your beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

There are a number of examples, but I will just narrate a few. This incident has been narrated by Bhai Zoeb Rangoonwala of Shabbir Volunteers, who were entrusted with overseeing the arrangements of VIP Dinner to be hosted at Mahalaxmi (Mumbai) on the occasion of the 80th Milad Mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) As the voulunteers were laying the tables and seeing to the arrangement, they found that a dirty chocked nulla, (ditch)was coming in the way of the arrangement, and time was running out.
As they were discussing how best to tackle the issue , they approached Shz: Abbasbhai Saheb who happened to be there. He immediately came near the chocked nulla (ditch) and without much ado, rolled up his sleeves, went down in to the nulla and started removing the dirt. He led by example, and in no time others joined in the effort and the task was accomplished. Now this is ‘khidmat’ which earns you nearness, in the real sense.

I have been blessed with performing various khidmats since late seven tees, when Aqa Moula (TUS) used to bless our city, every few years. I fondly recall the day when in my enthusiasm of escorting Aqa Moula(TUS) to Saifee Masjid in a procession from Pollock Street, played the Base Drum of the Newly formed Burhani Scouts, with such gusto, that the drum skin broke, on its very first maiden outing. There are a host of fond memories.

However, the incident that I witnessed at Badri Mahal Masjid after Ashara vaaz in Mumbai was an eye opener. All khidmatguzars had assembled for kadambosi sharaf. As usual after one and half hour or so, when many were still left, patience became a premium, cordons were broken and there was a mad rush towards Aqa Moula ‘s betakh.
In the mad scramble I somehow managed to do kadambosi, and as I was being pushed back along with an elderly bhai who had somehow managed to do kadambosi like me, to his surprise Aqa Moula (TUS) loudly called out pointing to him, ‘bhai ne bulavo’ He was immediately ushered into Aqa Moula’s presence, he did kadambosi again, and in spite of the mad scramble all around I saw Aqa Moula (TUS) smiling benignly at him and asking what khidmat he did, to which he replied with folded hands ‘ Moula mari VT Station upar harroj duty hati.’
So Moula knows, what others know not. This bhai had volunteered sincerely through out Muharram vaaz attending to the needs of passengers alighting daily, and he was thus rewarded. His khidmat was appreciated, he was singled out amongst hundreds of others.
Volunteers , specially those doing duty as escorts of Kasrea’li sahebs will do well to remember the glorious episode from our Dawat history. I would just narrate it in short. It pertains to Syedna Qutbuddin as - saheed (AQ) who worked un tirelessly throughout the evening, overseeing the arrangements for dinner to be hosted by his father Syedna Dawwod bin Qutubshah Burhanuddin saheb (28th Dai) Before dinner time Syedna Qutbuddin Moula, quietly left for his house, the reason, he had not been invited , a lapse on the part of the person entrusted to send out invitation.
When Syedna Dawood came to know of the absence of his illustrious son, he immediately sent his emissary, and Syedna Qutbuddin Moula came to the ziyafat.

I had done escort duty in the past, and it is much desired that one should not loiter around the gate of the household hosting ziyafat, as limited persons are invited, and seeing the escorts standing late into the night, makes the host very uncomfortable. The best thing is to move out, not to make your presence obvious, and when it is time for the guests to depart, to return back to your duty.

I hope to share more thoughts on the subject in near future. Insa Allah.

The Ashara ohbat has started showing results. I strongly feel, that when the pursuit of the goal is in earnest, the results are evident. For the first time Burhani Volunteers, who have been serving the community and have been rendering excellent khidmat on different miqa'ats, specially khidmat each year at Rozat Tahera during Urs Mubarak, have been called to render khidmat as follows, a singular blessing, and an achievement, for which we all are proud and feel blessed.

Two members of Burhani Volunteers, namely Sk: Hasanbhai Maimoon and Mulla Saifuddin Faizullabhoy will be traveling to Najf and Karbala Shareef by this month end to render khidmat in Hazrat Aliyah Imamiyah. Mubarak ! Mubarak !

Another 10 members will be leaving by the middle of Oct: '09 and will be staying for 2 months rendering khidmat for hujjaj kiram during Haj. A singular blessing. Hope the khidmats by the dedicated members of Burhani Volunteers, who will have the chance to offer prayers and serve, will surely bring our Aqa Moula (TUS) to our beloved city.

This then is a very positive development, immediately after Sehrullah. One step nearer to the goal being pursued.

TALKING OHBAT - GET MOVIN'

Surprised at the subject of the blog. Read on and you will comprehend. Being Sunday after Laylatul Qdr, feeling relaxed and radiant after having been blessed with a memorable Laylatul Qdr, one of the best, as mumineen worldwide got the ‘sharaf’ of deedar ibadat during the night of Qdr.

I would like to share my thoughts with friends. During vasila Aqa Moula (TUS) farmayu ke mamluk e A’le Muhammad nasibdaar chhe, ke mane tamara jeva mumineen mila chhe. (not the exact words but explicit implication)

Now this set me thinking : Because of us Moula ? Now how to find it out? Do I deserve to be the one ? One thought led to another and in the end I came to the conclusion that yes I will surely deserve if I capitalize on the opportunity, that has presented itself to us – the mumineen of Kolkata, for the first time in many years.

I should involve myself fully in Ashara Ohbat 1431H, I should not wait to be called but volunteer. I have already registered a blog and published the first post, without any one telling me to do so. I have been ‘talking ohbat’ all these days, and Sherullah provides a good opportunity to meet mumineen daily, to share to interact.

Here is an example. The other day we in the ‘thal’ were discussing about accommodation. I pointed out that some one should approach Punjab Biraderee, who have land adjacent of the Masjid complex, presently construction work has stopped on account of internal problem. Immediately Bhai Noman V (now he is not in any committee as yet, nor myself) said that he knows the President of PB and I suggested, yes he should talk with him.

Two days later he gave us the news, that the President is willing to consider the proposal, for temporary use of the land on terms, if a formal offer is made. The information was passed to Mulla Saifuddinbhai F who is in the core team of Ashara Ohbat, and also our thal member. Now it is up to the core committee to take up the matter.

In this way individuals, specially youngsters can do the ground work, take the initiative and pass on the information, which they feel may be useful.

Herein below are a few of my suggestions. Out of the box ideas but worth a try.

First and foremost our presence should be felt in the city – that we the Bohras are up to something. For starters simple jumpers like those worn by construction site workers, should be distributed to enthusiastic youngsters with the emblem ‘ Ashara Ohabat 1431H – Kolkata one for ACCOMMODATION the other for TRANSPORT. Those with bikes can form into groups, demarcate the city and try to find out the best and reasonable accommodations available. Talk with local guys and you will be surprised, as to the wealth of information that be thus gathered.

Now just pass it on to the core committee members, and you have done your khidmat well. Now it is up to them to work on the ‘lead’ you have provided.
Our city has a large network of public transport. A group of enthusiastic youngsters, with TRANSPORT jumpers can gather at the Park Circus round about in the morning between 7.30 to 9 (the approx: time most are likely to make their way to Masjid) and study the traffic pattern, the number of public buses, autos etc: plying, the capacity, the public buses are plying full or half empty etc: Just observation, data collection and passing on the information, to the core committee.

Many will approach you and you can start talking with many, and a wealth of information can be gathered. Likewise approach Bus terminus – the main one at Esplanade and Howrah, and find out the timings of buses going through EM Bypass.
Whacky ideas at time bring in surprsing result – and it is fun also.
During Sherullah I had the opportunity to attend two ohbat meetings, under the sadarat of Janab Amil Saheb. The first one was that of ‘Ay’an ul Jamaat’ and to be invited in that meeting was a surprise for me. The second one was an eye opener of sorts, when at short notice, youngsters numbering more than 300 gathered at Badri Hall. When I was walking back home, a very short distance from Badri Hall, I found a group of young ladies waiting for public transport at around 12 pm when the meeting got over.

This speaks volumes of the enthusiasm of the youngsters, the longing and expectations of the youth , who are seeing an opportunity of a life time, and will go all out to see that it is not missed this time. They have grown up, have traveled to other cities and attended Ashara vaaz and other mika’ts, but they have not played host, now they want to see their beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) grace their city, they want to serve, test their talents and put in hard work, to earn the khusi of their beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

This positive energy and zeal has to be channelized properly. The other day I was talking with my young friend Muffadal F who with his group had distributed accommodation forms to around 140 households, in our Taheri Mohalla. He told me only 40 Forms till date have been received. It is a learning experience for the youngsters, we have to reach out, we have to go again and again, no matter, it is in their interest, but it is also in our interest, that only when all the Forms are received, we will be able to file a report. Pursue, cajole, help them in getting the e-jamaat numbers of the family members, if possible.

I did a random test of the khidmat forms received, and from 14 e mail I/D’ s I found out that 4 were discontinued or have ‘no account’ so it is along road ahead. Puja Holidays is the best time to concentrate on the task in hand.

To conclude I will just share with you the comments on my Face Book to prove how deep the yearning is among youngsters for Aqa Moula (TUS) to grace our city.

My very young and talented friend Moiz Tundawala wrote on the Face Book:
'mashki wala saheb hawe kiware mashki lai ne tashreef lawse'

So moving full of deep yearning, to which I replied as follows:

Asgar Fakhrudin :
Laylatul Qdr ni mubarak raat ma baland niyat ane ikhlas na saath apne sagla ne 'ekjaan' bani ilteza karvi padse - Insa allah jaroor tashreef lavse
Fri at 8:35pm

'ekjaan' bani khidmat karvu is the expectation of our Janab Amil Saheb from all of us. He had emphasized this point repeatedly on all he meetings. Just attending meetings and deliberations will not suffice, each and every one has to GET MOVIN' and that to fast, as time is running out.

Friends till things fall into place, you can use this blog to interact and share your ideas, your dreams, your commitments.

THAT WAS IN THE YEAR 1988

I WAS BLESSED to WALK THE TALK at MALANCHA (Barrackpore) way back in 1988

The memories are still fresh as I walked a few yards with Aqa Moula (TUS)
on the banks of Hoogly

KEEP PRAYING FOLKS - YOU NEVER KNOW

ONE OF YOU MAY BE THE BLESSED ONE

IN 2009 INSA ALLAH

AFTER A LONG LONG WAIT

A MEMORABLE ARCHIVE PHOTO OF SHABAB PICNIC

THOSE WERE THE HEADY DAYS - THE MEMORY STILL LINGERS

WISHING -PRAYING THAT ONCE AS I HAD MY MOMENTS IN THE SUN SO DO MY YOUNG FRIENDS HAVE THEIRS IN YEAR 1431 H
AGAIN MAY I BE ABLE TO STAND BEFORE MY MOULA AND MAKE HIM SMILE

In all humility I start this blog on 21st Sehrullah 1431 H after being witness to a very concerted effort for the first time by Kolkata Jamaat, under the sadarat of Janab Yunusbhai Saheb (DM)It has been 21 long years of waiting and pining.

The new Masjid complex is fast nearing completion, and the task ahead is indeed challenging, but for a change I feel that all strata of the community, for once after many years are feeling that YES THIS TIME IT CAN BE DONE


One can easily feel the positive under currents and Janab Amil Saheb has set the momentum with single minded determination, which is fast percolating amidst ayan ul Jamat, various committees and mumineen in general.

During the course of Vaaz on 19th Shadat of Moulana Ali (SA) his most inner thoughts, his feelings and his determination found expression in the following words, uttered repeatedly with flowing tears - 'MOULA !! aapne aavuj parse
Moula you have to come Moula you have to come !!

NOTE: This Blog is my personal quest, my way of doing a small khidmat. I will be sharing my observations and feelings and would like others to share their efforts and their aspirations. Let the journey begin till OHBAT turns into reality and long cherished dreams are finally realized.