The Merits, Teachings and Universality of Allah’s Last Prophet: Reflections by Three Ismaili Imams
Please click for Reflections on Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.)
Reflections on Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) by Three Ismaili Imams
The Mevlud/Mawlid Tradition by Omid Safi
Nativity of the Prophet Muhammad
….The birth of Muhammad is told first through the experience of his mother, and the wonders that she beheld. A light fills her heart, and her house is circumambulated. Her house becomes like the Ka‘ba, as it were, and the various mentions of “opening” are reminiscent of the Qur’an’s recalling of the need to have one’s heart opened….
Please click on image to read Omid Safi’s piece on Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s)
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See also:
Readings on Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.): Ismaili Ginanic Literature, Two Songs and a Maulid in Lamu
Readings on Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.): Ismaili Ginanic Literature, Two Songs and a Maulid in Lamu
PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN ISMAILI GINANIC LITERATURE
While the Holy Qur’an describes the Nabi as ‘Bright Lamp’, the Ginans use the symbol of ‘Chandni’ (Moon Light) for the Prophet. Both in the Holy Qur’an and the Ginans, the Prophet is seen as a Rahemat (Mercy) to mankind.
Please click: Prophet Muhammad is Symbol of Moon-Light, a Mercy to All Nations, and Intercessor
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TWO SONGS FOR MILADUN-NABEE
The songs introduce us to some of the titles by which Prophet Muhammad came to be known and how the first mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Masjeedun-Nabee, was built.
Please click: Two Songs for Miladun-Nabee
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EXTERNAL WEBSITE
And a Maulid in Lamu, East Africa, in 2012
….the festivities and events in Lamu lasted for more than a week. Donkey races, dhow races, various cultural activities including the singing of qasidas and a koran memorization contest lent the town a carnival atmosphere, while free medical care and educational workshops represented more serious social aspects of the event.
Please click: Understanding a Diaspora Through Lamu Maulid
Webcasts: Jonathan Lyons, Bernard Lewis and the late Mohammed Arkoun on Islam and the West
“ISLAM THROUGH WESTERN EYES” BY JONATHAN LYONS
Jonathan Lyons, who spent twenty years as a foreign correspondent and editor for Reuters, much of it in the Islamic world, addresses the issues of Islam and modernity, Islam and violence, and Islam and women and proposes new ways of thinking about the Western relationship to the Islamic world.
Please click for presentation by Jonathan Lyons. To bypass preliminaries, please fast forward to the 9:05 minute mark
Please click: Library of Congress – Islam Through Western Eyes
(note: a transcript is also available)
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“WHAT WENT WRONG” BY BERNARD LEWIS AND MOHAMMED ARKOUN
Bernard Lewis of Princeton University and the late Mohammed Arkoun of the Sorbonne University, who was a member of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Ismaili Studies at the time of his death, discuss relations between the Middle East and the Western nations.
Please click on image to view the the presentations by Bernard Lewis and the late Mohammed Arkoun
Please click: Library of Congress – What Went Wrong
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See Simerg’s piece: Professor Mohammed Arkoun: A Courageous Intellectual Who Advocated A Tolerant, Liberal and Modern Islam
Exclusive @Simergphotos: The Investiture of Prince Amyn Mohamed Aga Khan as Chief of Ismaili Scouts by Khizar Hayat
….Prince Aly Khan passed away on 13th May 1960 in a tragic accident. A loss and a lull was created. In 1965 Mawlana Hazar Imam graced the request as successor of the post, from the Aga Khan Association for Ismaili Scouts, Guides, Band and Orchestras, Karachi. He sent a holy talika to the President of the Ismaili Scouts Association appointing Prince Amyn Mohamed as Ismaili Chief Scout….….Read More
A Scout Greeting….Prince Amyn with Khizar Hayat. Please click for photos and article. Photo Credit: Khizar Hayat Collection, Canada,
Historical Images: The Naad-e-Ali Prayer “Call Upon Ali….Oh Ali, Oh Ali, Oh Ali” in Ottoman Calligraphy @ Simergphotos
Call Ali call Ali call Ali,
the manifestation of marvels
He will be your helper in difficulty
Every anxiety and sorrow will end
Through your friendship.
O Ali, O Ali, O Ali
Photo Credit: The Trustees of the British Museum. Please click for Naad-e-Ali
Mohezin Tejani, Brilliant Author, Humanitarian and Global Nomad Dies at 61
“I’m afraid I have some awful, awful news to share. Our dearest, most beloved Mo passed away today on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at approximately 2.30 a.m. in our home here in Chiang Mai, Thailand” — Lisa S. Keary….Read More
Mohezin Tejani – author and humanitarian
The Blue Qur’an from the Fatimid Period, “A Spiritual Piece” @Simergphotos
On Sunday November 25, 2012, Simergphotos began a series of historical illustrations that underline an artistic, ethical, moral, religious or scientific theme. The latest piece is on the exquisite Blue Qur’an which has been referred to as “the Picasso of Islamic Art.” More….
A folio of the Fatimid Blue Qur’an which was recently on display at an exhibition on Islamic art at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Please click for more images and text
“Crystal Clear” – A New Year Observation by Navyn Naran
here’s to crystal magic, clink!
and starlight.
shimmering
cool and clearest,
p e a c e
in the vacuum of purple night
of unseen and
unheard
a magic so hidden
you scarce believe in its reality..
for they say, it is the most real thing there is.
look!
light of all light
shimmering ….
impenetrable,
but yes, conscionable.
clinking glass and platefuls..
musically cheery and
mirrors, mirrors,
reflecting glamour and light
what a happy night!
faces are smiling, lips moving, masterful chatter
practising attitudes.
beautiful shimmers, radiant!
glitter and glory
oh, happy night and new year!
there are sparkles of crystal and bangles
rushes of laughter and giggles
all in tonight…thank you God for this another moment,
thank YOU.
what we have learnt and gained this year,
are Blessings beyond truths.
who have we hurt and cared for?
been hurt by and healed from?
only children make it real delight,
a time of play and being,
a reality of truth
ah yes, a respectable consort you are indeed.
how beautifully perfect.
behind festivities and food and dance and happiness
grateful for the safety and health of your space.
and the world crumbles on
hurting exposures, crying and deceit
lies and lip service
a rich, heavy deep velvet
fertile for an inner fortitude ..
here’s to a very happy new year
in these mirrors of charm.
and he rewards you for your heights and emblems,
‘ there are those i see with my eyes and
there are those i feel with my heart’.
which one am i?
which? in the limelight?
in the mirror perhaps?
flight…
in the crystal shimmers
there’s a seen.
and in magic, we are told,
and perhaps we pray,
and maybe we can really try to believe..
a practice of faith,
in action, yes, perhaps there IS
the unseen.
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Navyn Naran
About the author: Navyn Naran was born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, to Anaar and Badrudin Naran. After beginning her high school in the UK, her family immigrated to the USA where she has lived since. Navyn went to medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. Dr Naran, has a subspecialty in Paediatric Critical Care.
Simerg’s 2012 “Insights from Around the World” From (just under) 50 Authors – A Click Away
Please click for links to 2012 pieces contributed by authors listed above.
Simerg - Insights from Around the World 