"O the Light of Imamat" by Ghulam Abbas Hunzai in Urdu. Please click for enlargement.
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O the eternal light, O the motivating spirit of my poetry, when I take your name, every
difficulty in my life becomes easy. The Jubilee is a kind of fruit of your light, and
nowadays there is abundance of this fruit all around.
O the light of Imamat reveal your face, O the light of Qiyamat reveal your countenance.
Yes, this Jubilee is your Golden Jubilee, and may I sacrifice my life for it. Yes, this is the
year of your holy deedar as well. Therefore, because of this possibility of universal
deedar, our world has become like a rose garden.
O the light of Imamat reveal your face, O the light of Qiyamat reveal your countenance.
In your hand is the message of the holy Prophet. Therefore, through your holy Farman
which is a continuation of this message, every difficulty is solved. Due to your
friendship we have become spiritually rich. O the true generous, I have full conviction
in what I am saying.
O the light of Imamat reveal your face, O the light of Qiyamat reveal your countenance.
Nowadays, the entire Jamat is emotionally charged with your love because they
have the true spirit of faith residing in them. Although, apparently, you look like
a human being, in truth you are the image of God on earth.
O the light of Imamat reveal your face, O the light of Qiyamat reveal your countenance.
O the light of the holy Prophet, O the direct descendant of Hazrat Ali, your fame is
spreading everywhere in the world, your holy face is the most attractive face
on earth, and on every lip I hear the tasbih of Ali, Ali.
O the light of Imamat reveal your face, O the light of Qiyamat reveal your countenance.
Abbas is the servant at your door, and he bows down in veneration and offers salaam
to you. He says: O the soul of the universe, come and reside in my heart, then only
will my life become life in true sense.
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Ghulam Abbas Hunzai, born in Murtazabad, Hunza, completed his undergraduate and post graduate degrees in philosophy at Karachi University before proceeding to do his Masters in Islamic Studies at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, where he focused on the works of Ismaili philosopher and da’i Nasir Khusraw. For almost three decades now, Abbas has actively pursued institutional services as a scholar, an Alwaez, and lecturer through the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Boards (ITREB) in Pakistan and the United Kingdom as well as the Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) in London, England. He has contributed numerous articles in community religious magazines including ITREB UK’s former flagship publication, Ilm.
Thorughout his career Ghulam Abbas has sought to engage in bridge-buiding between communities of different religious persuasions. He has also served as a member of the International Ethical Committee, linked with Aga Khan Health Service (AKHS) network worldwide. Mr Hunzai’s wide ranging work and expertise in many areas have taken him to numerous countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zaire, South Africa, Rwanda, Burundi, France, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Portugal, Russia and Tajikistan.
Some of his current assignments in London include the translation of Zad al-Musafirin (“Provision for the Travellers”), the Magnum Opus of Nasir Khusraw, and the review of the Urdu translation of the secondary curriculum prepared by the IIS.
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Please click Expressions of the Golden Jubilee: “The Festival of Poetic Expressions” for links to more poems and photos from the event.
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Mashallah sahib!
Abbas uncle, Your words are depicting your clear understanding of faith and Ismaili Tariqa. May Khudavand bless you more with intellect and strength to spread this message of love for Imamt through your pen.
Mashallah! You personally inspire me as an Al-Waez and I always look forward to your live appearance in a Jamatkhana where you happen to attend. You were our Co-ordinator for the pioneer Misbah-al-Ilm Course. Since then by your encouragement I went to Hunza and stayed in your very village of Murtazabad getting to know your family well and feel the atmosphere of this uplifted place where Ismailis were fortunate to be taught our faith via Pir Nassir Khusraw. In the mountains of Karakorum this realisation was profound and I returned a transformed person. The lasting memory of this experience is imprinted on my very being. You bring Imam’s Noor close to our heart and soul. Thank you, as I cannot say any more..
SubhanAllah! The heart of a true murid comes forth in your rendition of these beautiful words, MashAllah.
Wonderful. Sir Ghulam Abbas – you are one of my Dream personalities. You have a deep knowledge of Ismailism , Imam, philosophy and and tawil. May Mawla give you even more potential and power to your pen, so that we are able to benefit from you about our supreme tariqah.
Mashaallah, Mr. Hunzai, your expressions of Imami Davr is blissful. It appears that your spiritual connection to him is very close. In your verse you say: “Although, apparently, you look like a human being, in truth you are the image of God on earth.”
This is so beautiful. May Ali bless you.
This was a pleasure to read.
Respected Nana,
God bless you and all your family members. Your poetry is a reflection of your devotion for the Imam of the Time, and it filled my spirit with ecstasy and spiritual bliss.
Subhanallah, Respected sir, you are indeed among one of those pearls, which are rarely found after thousands of years. May Mawla bless you….. Ameen!
Abbas Sahib,
You are a blessed soul full of true knowledge that is rare in this world. God Bless You And Your Family.
Beautiful expression of Imam in poetry. Mr Ghulam Abbas has a strong emotional attachment with the concept of Imam, and so his poem reflects that. He is a blessed soul.
It is very beautiful and touching. It expresses the soul’s search…..Thank you!
Bravo, Abbas Hunzai.
You have captured so very much about the concept of the Imam as well as the Murid/Murshid relationship in the stylized format of Central Asian (?) poetry. I wish I had been there to hear it in person, and not reading it in English on my monitor.
Expressive and very touching.
Mesmerising, Absolutely wonderful… God Bless.