This newsletter includes several articles and poems related to the letter "Alif", which is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet. It can be written as a vertical line made of connected ascending and descending dots. The first article tells a story of the Sufi poet Bulleh Shah struggling to learn the letter "Alif" as a child in school. Other poems and passages discuss the spiritual meanings and insights related to the letter "Alif". The newsletter was created by Rumi Ikhtiyari to be a platform for members of their order to share writings, ideas, and experiences.
This newsletter includes several articles and poems related to the letter "Alif", which is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet. It can be written as a vertical line made of connected ascending and descending dots. The first article tells a story of the Sufi poet Bulleh Shah struggling to learn the letter "Alif" as a child in school. Other poems and passages discuss the spiritual meanings and insights related to the letter "Alif". The newsletter was created by Rumi Ikhtiyari to be a platform for members of their order to share writings, ideas, and experiences.
This newsletter includes several articles and poems related to the letter "Alif", which is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet. It can be written as a vertical line made of connected ascending and descending dots. The first article tells a story of the Sufi poet Bulleh Shah struggling to learn the letter "Alif" as a child in school. Other poems and passages discuss the spiritual meanings and insights related to the letter "Alif". The newsletter was created by Rumi Ikhtiyari to be a platform for members of their order to share writings, ideas, and experiences.
Quarterly Newsletter of Jama’at Salikeen Aghaia Murtazviya The Shaikh writes: tainly, he will utter in every breath: “I am Editor’s note: (We include here an extract from the book the absolute ruler and the monarch of the Studying literature is an enjoyable experi- ‘Mazameen-e-Kaef’ (Page 13) written by time. There is no other absolute ruler and ence, even in the classrooms …. if the our Murshid Dr. Ikhtiyar Hussain Mirza) monarch beside I.” ’ (Ilhamaat-e-Ghausia) meaning of the text is not given to the students. Meaning blocks the experience. INSAAN-E-KAAMIL (The Perfect Human Rumi’s Corner: Literature helps in clear thinking, forming Being): I read it somewhere that ‘words’ exist like independent judgment and responding A human being is a great mystery! With an a wooden bridge, which can only be used sensitively to ideas and feelings. Experi- inherent paradoxical nature, he is such a to cross the river. However, if one stops ence of life derived from literature is a secret that has surprised the thinkers and there and tries to check the strength of combination of readers’ imagination with it philosophers alike. He is mortal yet immor- that bridge then not only he loses sight of rather than the intrinsic feature of writing. A tal; confined but free too; feeble to such an his destination, but may even break the literary piece is more like a sculpture. One extent that a minor excuse brings death bridge. is impelled to move around it and admire to him but powerful enough to control and it and in doing so acknowledge that part of use ferocious energies of nature to his Maulana Jelaluddin Rumi tells a parable in the meaning that his unique psyche and advantage; born as a small piece of flesh his Mathnawi:- ideology manifest. In our case .. Love! but capable of realizing the Universal Soul Four people were given a piece of money. The Newsletter in your hand is another within. He is an infidel and/or a polytheist, The first was a Persian. He said, I will buy bridge that brings us closer to many expe- Muslim and/or a monotheist; destructive in with this some angur.’ The second was an riences which we may share on the basis character but also compassionate by na- Arab. He said, ‘No, because I want inab.’ of commonality of our faith .. more so, as ture; sinner and mean, but also a Prophet The third was a Turk. He said, ‘I do not mentioned afore .. our love! This Newslet- and a friend of God. He may be worst than want inab, I want uzum.’ The fourth was ter is a platform to share our views and dead in life and can be eternally alive after a Greek. He said, ‘I want Stafil.’ They creations. It will provide us all with the op- death. He is the King and he is the sub- started to fight because they did not know portunity to contribute positively towards ject. He is illiterate and he is a scholar. what lay behind the words. They had in- our order. Whatever does not exist, he is! Whatever formation, but no knowledge. One man Brainchild of non other than Rumi Ikhtiari exists, he is! An inexplicable shrouded of wisdom could have reconciled them all sallamahu, the idea evolved during the pe- mystery! Allama Iqbal (RA) says: as such a man could know that each in riod when our website “Agha Rung” was his own language wanted the same thing, being put together. After a volley of emails Tilism bood-o-adum jiska naam hai grapes. between Pakistan and Canada, the form Adam, Khuda ka raaz hai qadir nahin and the substance for the newsletter has hae jis pae sukhan Words may be quite illusory. For instance, been finalized .. and is now in your hands. ‘Music’ as a word does not mean anything. The first issue has been designed and put Mystery of existence and non-existence, It is not possible to produce a melody out together with efforts from a few amongst whose name is Adam (Man) of words. The rhythm and vicissitudes of us .. mainly due to the reason of this being Is a secret of God that is beyond language alaap are beyond words. Likewise, a poet the first issue and also to make it a founda- and description uses same words of day-to-day conversa- tion stone, over which the building can be tion to convey something more than those erected fully through contribution from all Zamana roz-e azal sae raha hai mehwae words. ‘Ocean’ as a word appears static of us. Last, but not the least, its you who kharaam, Magar yeh uski tag-o-duo - like a stop sign, though in reality exists will make it a successfully continuing ef- sae ho saka na kuhan as an ‘oceaning’ – i.e. always in motion fort. Your contributions in the form of origi- with a roar of waves all around. The words nal pieces of writing, sharing of poetry and Since creation’s immemorial dawn, time are impotent in many such ways and only prose are required to carry the flagship constantly moves on And tried to subdue serve a utilitarian purpose to survive in the forward. The context of every contribution, Man but without any success material world where sun is just a ‘sun’ as you all know, must be the teachings without warmth and light. As one moves and love which our Shaikh has inculcated Agar na ho tujhe uljhan tou khol kar keh away from the gross presence of material in us. We aim to make it regular quarterly doon, Wujood Hazrat-e-Adam na ruh hai world towards the realm of subtle pres- phenomena and you can easily identify na badan ence, he again and again feels the futility the columns where your contributions will of words. When one discovers the depth appear. Feedback and suggestions via If it does not disturb you, let me tell you of love, words appear extremely shal- email and letters are encouraged. openly, Presence of Man (Image of God) low and helpless. In such a state, a song We pray for the continued blessings of is neither frame of clay nor soul may happen or poetry can be born, but a Sarkaar and thank the elders for their pa- speech will be a lie. tronage. Hazrat Ghaus-ul-Azam (RA) also says in one of his revelations: All of us know that words of ‘DUA’ do Karam e peer e mughaan aam hae not reach God as such; rather it is one’s maekhanay maen, Do jahan aek Allah says, ‘A human being is My secret attitude and intention, which bear fruits of ch.halaktay huay paemanay maen and I am his secret. If he understands his qubooliat. - Rumi Ikhtiyari self and recognizes his reality, then cer- And we all remain …- Talib ALIF ity. It all started, when he was sent to at- At another place, Bulleh Shah says: by: Rumi Ikhtiyari tend the school with boys of his own age. The class teacher started the lesson with Alif Allah naal ratta dil mera.. ‘’ﺍ - As this is our first NEWSLETTER, first letter ALIF. Other boys in his class finished the whole lesson of alphabet in a mainoon ‘bay’ di khabar na kai.. ‘bay’ parhdian mainoon samajh na ALIF appears to be the most appropriate letter to start with. few days, while Bulleh Shah kept on try- aaway.. ing to learn that first alphabet ALIF. When lazzat alif di aayee.. Linguistically, ALIF is the first Arabic al- weeks had passed, and the teacher saw phabet. It is written as a vertical line, which that the child did not advance any further, My heart is coloured with the oneness of in turn comprises of connected dots that he thought him to be mentally incapable Allah (Alif) ascend and/or descend at the same time. of learning and sent back to his home and I have no awareness of “Bay” (2nd letter of Nothing comes before ALIF and in writing mentioning it to his parents, ‘Your boy is the Alphabet). a sentence, it can only be connected to a deficient, I cannot teach him.’ I do not understand anything about letter appearing before it, otherwise it re- His parents tried their best by placing him “Bay”.(Bay signifies duality) mains independent and stands on its own. under the tuition of various teachers but, I taste only oneness i.e. see Allah (Alif) in It shows dependency of other letters on to their disappointment, he made no prog- every thing. it, but not otherwise. Allah and Adam are ress. One day, the little boy escaped from both written with ALIF depicting a mysteri- home and started living in a forest. He Another Sufi Sultan Bahu says: ous intimacy just as Ahadiyat and Insan kept on trying to learn his first lesson. His Alif Allah Chambe de booti reflect two extremes of proximity. concentration turned into contemplation, Murshid mun vich laee Hu which then transformed into meditation Nafi Asbaat da pani millia Numerically, ALIF symbolizes ‘one’; rep- making him aware of ALIF’s manifestation si har rage har jaee Hu resenting door to the world of multiplicity. everywhere. ALIF as ONE became im- Andar booti mushk machaya As written before, ALIF itself has originat- minent in diverse forms. He saw one, felt jaan phulan te aee Hu ed from a continuation of dots and each one, realized one, and none else besides. Jeevay Murshid mera kamil Bahu dot numerically denotes zero or nothing- Several seasons passed by and he turned Jain aee booti laee Hu ness. ALIF arises out of nothing while at older. the same time becomes a door to all the After mastering his lesson, he returned to Alif. My Spiritual Guide planted words/worlds. Such is the significance of the school. Upon reaching there, Bulleh the Love of Allah in my ALIF where it is not just a letter rather a Shah immediately recognized the teacher, heart just like a jasmine plant. Hu key to the treasure of letters and forms. who had expelled him but taught him the How succinctly, our Murshid Hazrat Dr. most inspiring lesson of his life. He paid With every vein [of mine] being Ikhtiyar Hussain Meerza, has alluded to respect to the teacher and said, ‘I have watered by nothing but [the truth the ALIF in the following verses: learned the lesson you had taught me; will of] negation and affirmation [i.e. you teach me anything more?’ The teach- La ilaaha illa Allah]. Hu Urr kae meri khaak pohnchi aastaan tak er laughed and thought, ‘This mentally aap kae, Mehrbaani, khaak mein mujh ko deficient simpleton wants to learn more.’ This plant has caused much turmoil milaya aap nae, Still, he asked Bulleh Shah to write his of fragrance within me upon learned lesson on the wall. Bulleh Shah reaching its full bloom. Hu Upon becoming dust, ‘I’ ascended to your then made the sign of Alif on the wall, and abode, Thank you indeed for annihilating to teacher’s surprise, the wall divided into Bahu! Long live my perfect Spiritual ‘me’ to dust, two parts. The teacher was astounded at Guide who sowed [within this wonderful miracle and said, ‘you are me] this plant of Love of Allah Just by slight contemplation on the above my teacher! What you have learnt in one Almighty. Hu verses, ALIF can be visualized in its total- letter Alif, I have not been able to master ity. Repitition of (khaak) dust in both the with all my learning,’ and Bulleh Shah Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai says in Sur Yaman verses not only creates a poetic play of sang this song: Kalyan: language but also has esoteric relevance. “Peruse letter Alif alone, rest of the pages If we visualize these verses as ALIF, then Ikko Alif Teyrey Darkaar forget, first or higher verse reflects the ascending Ilmon Bus kareen Oh Yaar Turn not more leaves, brighten your inner part (Aastan tak aap kae) of ALIF signify- Parh Parh Likh likh Laawen dheyr self.” ing the path to higher self (Ana-e-Haqiqi), veyd Kitaaban chaar chafeyr while the lower or second verse shows Girdey chaanan wich anheyr Last but not the least, Omar Khayyam the descending aspect (khaak mein mujh Apnay Aap dee Khabar Na saar also comes up with a relevant quatrain: ko milaya) alluding to the commanding Once and again my soul did me implore, or egoistical self. Unless and until lower One Alif is all you need To teach her, if I might, the heavenly self is transcended, real self remains an All knowledge will be of no avail to you lore; illusion. At two extremes of ALIF, it is the You read and read and pile your books I bade her learn the Alif well by heart. same dust yet with different capabilities into a heap, Who knows that letter well need learn no – a metaphor for a seeker who at a lower Sacred books are lying all around you, more stage exists as a denser aspect of creation Surrounded by light you carry darkness that needs to be transformed into a subtle within you, presence in order to be reborn at the zenith You have no self-knowledge at all. of existence. Interestingly enough, above verses start with letter ALIF too. It is the same ALIF that carved a special niche for Baba Bulleh Shah in the world of spiritual- Sufi Humor: where I began from.” Naseruddin coolly Chronicle of Major Events Mullah Naseruddin replied, “Fine, I was just checking whether Urs of Hazrat Dr. Meerza Murtaza Hus- you could follow the directions. Now I will sain Niazi (RA), Aghai by: Tauseef Ansari give you proper directions”. by: Imran Mirza and Sheeza Asim Mullah Naseruddin in the subcontinent, *********************************** Murshid o rehnuma hain aap, aap ka naam Murtaza. Nasreddin Hodja in Turkey and the best- The house of the in-laws is referred to in The 72nd Urs Shareef of Maulana-o-Mur- known trickster in perhaps all of Islam. His the Sufi poetry as the material world we shidna Hazrat Dr. Shah Meerza Murtaza time period is contemplated to be in the live in. Sufi poets have always mentioned it Hussain Niazi Aghai (RA) was celebrated 13th century. This mystic jester brought as the opposite of the real life which would under the patronage of Qibla-o-Kaaba humor to the Sufi tradition. His stories ap- be the here-after. Normally the worldly Hazrat Dr. Meerza Ikhtiar Hussain Kaif pear in literature and oral traditions from or extrovert teachings of the religion ap- Niazi in Karachi, Pakistan at Khanqah- nations in the Middle East to China. Some pear to go in the opposite directions when e-Aghaia Mu rtazviya on Saturday 1st believe him to be a mythical character it comes to the intricacies of the Sufism Safar 1429AD i.e. February 9, 2008. The while most people claim this lovable son and its seemingly un-orthodox concepts. actual date of visa’l of Hazrat Meerza Mur- of the soil to be their own native. This can be deciphered from the follow- taza Hussain (RA) is 2nd Safar which fell on Sunday February 10th. In line with the ing joke. basic Sufi doctrine of love & care, Hazrat Whether it’s the Sufi teachings that enable *********************************** Meerza Ikhtiar Hussain (lovingly referred its followers to look at the witty tricks and The Contrary Mother-in-Law as Sarkaar by the followers) fixed the date seemingly foolish attitude of Naseruddin A neighbor came running to Naseruddin of the Urs as February 9th so that the peo- as having a deeper meaning or; he him- house with the news that his mother-in-law ple, especially the ones taking active part self was a mystic; the fact remains that had fallen into the river and drowned. “And in organizing and arranging the event, can he can be interpreted equally well in the we cannot find her body,” he continued. have a day’s rest before start of the next context of each of the gnosis, ethics and “We searched everywhere downstream week. The concern and love for salikeen analogy. for her, but all to no avail”. (the dwellers of Sufi path) has always “You should have searched upstream,” been the principal practice of Sufi Masters As per Sufi teachings, the Divine Truth is replied Naseruddin. “My mother-in-law is of Niazia Aghaia order. Just like any other gathering, the salikeen everywhere and is hidden behind the veil so contrary that she would never go with know that occasions, like Urs, require a lot of relativity. Those who do not see beyond the flow”. of preparation and their efforts. This hard the veil and are engrossed in futile efforts *********************************** work is blended into the festivities of the that outwardly take them to their assumed The Sufis believe that everything, whether day through the love of Shaikh which acts goals are best explained by the following apparently unfavorable, is from Allah and as a catalyst for the salikeen. The prepa- joke. they accept it with the faith in Him that it ration reminds one of the wedding day; as *********************************** definitely has a positive side to it. Mullah true to the word, Sufis consider this as the Restoring the Moon Naseruddin explains it differently. day when the lover meets the beloved. One night the Naseruddin looked into his *********************************** Sarkaar himself takes a lot of interest in well and exclaimed “Oh no! The moon has Pumpkins and Walnuts the organizational activities and all the sa- likeen have his blessings and guidance. In fallen from the sky and into my well!” Naseruddin was lying in the shade of an fact the dwellers of the Sufi path believe He ran into his house and returned with ancient walnut tree. His body was at rest that it is not them who decide to put in the a hook attached to a rope. He then threw but his mind did not relax. Looking up into efforts for such auspicious occasions rath- the hook into the water and commenced the mighty tree he considered the great- er it’s the Shaikh who chooses the ones to pull it up again, but it became stuck on ness and wisdom of Allah. who can have the honour of serving him the side of the well. Naseruddin tugged “Allah is great and Allah is good,” said - (Wohi suhaagan jo piya mun bha’e). and pulled with all his might. The hook Naseruddin, “but was it indeed wise that For this Urs, the management committee suddenly came loose, and Naseruddin fell such a great tree as this be created to had designed new invitation pamphlets over backwards and badly hurt his back. bear only tiny walnuts as fruit? Behold the which were printed and distributed to the He looked up into the sky and saw the full stout stem and strong limbs. They could salikeen quite in advance. This marked moon above him. easily carry the pumpkins that grow from the start of preparation for the big day. Concurring to the past practice, a meeting “I may have injured myself in doing so,” he spindly vines in field, vines that cannot be- was convened by Asim Meerza, the khalifa said with satisfaction, “but at least I got the gin to bear the weight of their own fruit. and youngest son of Sarkaar to chalk out moon back into the sky where it belongs.” Should not walnuts grow on weakly vines the plan and to delegate responsibilities *********************************** and pumpkins on sturdy trees?” to appropriate personnel. The meeting, A deeper message of the importance of So thinking, Naseruddin dosed off, only to as usual, got an overwhelming response the guide and teacher can be derived from be awakened by a walnut that fell from the and was attended by a lot of peer-bhais the joke below. Doubts about the teacher tree, striking him on his (brethren of the order), especially the ac- and his abilities and, most of all, a subtle forehead. tive members of the younger generation. indication of not recognizing one’s desti- “Allah be praised!” he exclaimed, seeing Their love for their Shaikh should be com- nation is beautifully addressed. what had happened. “If the world had been mended as they voluntarily assumed the responsibilities delegated to them and *********************************** created according to my meager wisdom, then carried them out wonderfully. Directions it would have been a pumpkin that fell from On the day of the Urs, Asim Meerza and Once Naseruddin was standing by the the tree and hit me on the head. It would family paid a visit to Khanqah-e-Aghaia road near his house. A car came by and have killed me for sure! Allah is great! Al- Murtazviya which was the venue for the the man inside the car asked about direc- lah is good! Allah is wise!” activities of Urs. He observed the prepara- tions. Naseruddin gave directions and the Never again did Naseruddin question the tions that were underway and participat- driver left thanking him. After a while he wisdom of Allah. ed with his advice and appreciation. He came back to him and annoyingly said, greatly appreciated the aura of love and “What is this? I followed all your directions harmony encircling the salikeen who were properly and here I am at the same place busy with their tasks at Khanqah.
The day of the Urs turned out to be an ex- Poetry of Hazrat Shah Meerza Agha tremely cold one for the Karachiites. Tem- Muhammad (RA) Niazi perature dropped to a single degree mark by: Owais Ansari and people could feel the chill as they Translation Original Poetry traveled to the venue. The venue was fully protected by tents and emanated a cozy Coming to life from nothingness; from Berangi say rang mein aaye, Ahad say feeling. Sarkaar had reached the venue at Ahad to Ahmed identified Ahmed hum kehlai Maghrib prayers and graced the occasion Present in every guise; the foremost mani- Har har rang mein aap hi aai, awal mazhar till late in the night (yet another gesture of festation – is none other than ME love for his spiritual children). Quran Khua- hum hi tou haen ni that commenced after Maghrib prayers, continued till the Isha prayers. After the From unity to diversity; defined as ‘one’ to Wahdat say kasrat mein aai, aik say doo prayers, qawwal Javed Taufiq Niazi and ‘many’ char kahai his troupe started the Samaa’. The qaw- From many to Infinite; both scarce and Phir tou unginty kahlai, aqal aur aksar wali, and most of all the spiritual influence abundant – is none other than ME hum hi tou haen of Sarkaar on his salikeen, infused the no- tions of spirituality and instilled the warmth The Wajib and the Mumkin; the Creator Wajib hum hain mumkin hum hain khaliq of love throughout the audience, so much and the Creation aur makhluq hum hi hain so that the hardships of cold weather were Concealed within every excellence; cher- Har har shan mein paida pinha, banda nowhere in anyone’s mind. Keeping the isher of mankind – is none other than ME traditional milieu of Samaa’ in mind, which parwar hum hi tou hain emphasizes more on the poetry and the underlying meaning, the qawwal rendered The evident and the visible; the quintes- Zahir aur zahur hum hi hain batin aur bu- beautiful pieces from the poetry of Hazrat sence and the hidden tun hum hi hain Niaz be Niaz Shah Niaz ahmed (RA), Haz- Greatness unparalleled; before and after Bay ghayat hai shan hamari, awwal aakhir rat Ameer Khusro (RA) and of Sarkaar. It - is none other than ME hum hi tou haen was an occasion where ecstasy seemed to have been materialized: Recognition of own self begets the love Aap apni pehchan mein aai; apnay oupar for it aap lubhaiy Chaandni se ch-haa gayee aafaaq per The lover and the beloved; the admirer Aashiq aur mashooq hum hi hain, shaida Hae kisi ka roo-e-anwer be-naqaab and the admired – is none other than ME Ru-ba-ru tum ho, mujassim Kaif maen dilbar hum hi tou haen Ho gaya hae mast saagher be-sharaab The Sheikh in the mosque; the monk in Sheikh banay masjid mein aae, qashqa The poetry selection by Javed Taufiq Ni- the monastery kheencha daer mein baethay azi qawwal was excellent and had the Love leads to both the paths; believer and Ishq nay donon ghar dikhlai momin kafir listeners in a state of bliss, but again one apostate – is none other than ME hum hi tou hain should remember the main force behind these feelings – that is – of Sarkaar, his Titled as ‘Lion of Allah’; challenges great Sher-e-khuda hai laqab hamara bala-pun presence and his ever present blessings. triumphed during youth mein deo pacharra The Samaa’ continued for good two hours Uprooted the gate of Khyber ; Safdar and Der Khybar ka hum nay ukharra, Safder and as per the tradition of Chishtiyah or- Haider - is none other than ME der, started with Qaul and culminated with Haider hum hi tou haen the rendition of Rung. Disciple of Shah Nizam; dear who is to Shah Nizam hain peer humaray, Shah Samaa’ was followed by the Fateha ren- Shah Niaz Niaz kay raaj dularay dered by salikeen after which the Tabar- Beloved of our Lord; Lost in his Love – is Hain rab kay mehboob piyare, ashiq in par ruk was served to the attendees. Tabarruk none other than ME hum hi tou haen was prepared at the venue and arrange- ments were made to serve it in one sit- Transfigured into a physical form; named Ashiq ho nasout mein aae, Agha Muham- ting to all the attendees. Although an uphill Agha Mohammad mad hum kehlai task, this was immaculately accomplished Every name converges to one; Humble Jitney hain sub naam humaray, Asgher with the help of many volunteers to whom and Mighty – is none other than ME the responsibility was delegated, who Akbar hum hi tou haen served both the ladies and gents simulta- neously. After the tabarruk, people depart- Poetry of Maulana Rumi (R.A) ed with satiated spiritual selves. Notable by: Owais Ansari and worth mentioning is the contribution of peer-bhais who wonderfully carried out You’ve no idea how hard I’ve looked for a Newsletter Team the tasks assigned to them and made this gift to bring You event one of the most disciplined and well- organized ones. It would be injustice to Nothing seemed right. Patron: name a few of them as everyone served What’s the point of bringing gold to the Rumi Ikhtiari Sarkaar to the best of his capability and gold- mine, or water to the Ocean. the unity and discipline with which it was Everything I came up with was like taking Editor: all carried out must be lauded. spices to the Orient. Muhammad Tauseef Ansari It’s no good giving my heart and my soul mtauseefansari@yahoo.com Sarkaar stayed till late and observed the because you already have these. final wrapping up of the proceeding giving So- I’ve brought you a mirror. Team members: a boost to the salikeen who already had Look at yourself and remember me. - Asim Meerza worked through the day. Late after mid- night all the people departed the venue. - Imran Ahmed Mirza Everyone who attended the Urs left with - M. Owais Ansari a line resonating in their mind from the - Sheeza Asim Rung, recited at the end of Samaa’ “maen - Zeeshan Meerza tou aiso rung aur nahin daekho re”