Allah and the Nur of Allah

[kmaherali]

Nazar e Karam plays important role to open the inner eyes, and batuni eyes are open because of his Karam, it is not meaningless

I agree that the Karam is important to open the Batuni eyes. However your mentioning of it after the batuni eyes have been open and the person is experiencing constant noor, is meaningless.

[swamidada]

Nazar e Karam plays important role to open the inner eyes, and batuni eyes are open because of his Karam, it is not meaningless

I agree that the Karam is important to open the Batuni eyes. However your mentioning of it after the batuni eyes have been open and the person is experiencing constant noor, is meaningless.

It is because of His Karam 'YAHDILLAHU LI NOORIHI MU(N)YASHA'. 24/35

[kmaherali]

It is because of His Karam 'YAHDILLAHU LI NOORIHI MU(N)YASHA'. 24/35

What is that?

[swamidada]

It is because of His Karam 'YAHDILLAHU LI NOORIHI MU(N)YASHA'. 24/35

What is that?

It is graciousness of Allah Who guides Momins towards His Noor.

[kmaherali]

Poem: “Like the sun in the sky he is manifest in the world”
Posted by Nimira Dewji

Selected verses from a poem titled Recognition of the Imam by Fida’i Khurasani:

He is always present, a witness with his followers;
but who has seen his beauty except the blessed?

He who is the cupbearer of the fount of paradise,
is aware altogether of the hearts of his followers.

He is the Imam of the time, the guide and comforter,
the protector of his followers, whether young or old.

Like the sun in the sky, he is manifest in the world,
but the blind bat cannot see his luminous face….

If you do not see Ali in this world, know that on
the Day of Judgement, you will be resurrected blind.

If you fail to recognize the Imam of the time, you will
take nothing to your grave but sighs and remorse.


Fida’i Khurasani
“Fida’i” was the pen-name of Muhammad b. Zayn al-Abidin Khurasani, a descendant of the poet Khaki Khurasani of Dizbad. He was born in the same village in northern Khurasan around 1850. After completing his early education, Fida’i went to Mashhad for higher studies, which included theology and jurisprudence. As the most learned of the Khurasani Ismailis, he travelled to India several times to meet the 48th Ismaili Imam, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III (d. 1957), who appointed him as mu’allim, the chief religious instructor of his community in Iran. Besides being a prolific poet, Fida’i was the author of several works on Ismaili theology, law, and history. He died in 1923 and was buried next to the grave of Khaki Khurasani in Dizbad. The poem is from his Mathnawi-i nigaristan, also known as Qasida-i nigaristan ed. A.A. Semenov, in Iran (1929).

Source: Shimmering Light An Anthology of Ismaili Poetry tr. Faquir M. Hunzai, I.B. Tauris, London, 1996
(p 117-120)

https://nimirasblog.wordpress.com/2021/ ... the-world/

[mahebubchatur]

You should be rest assured that the Light (noor) of Murtza Ali is in me, present and apparent before you. We put on the (bodily) dress (jama) and put off in the world, but our One Light (noor) is descended since eternity, therefore, you must see One Light (in different bodies). There was One Light (noor) of Ali in Aga Ali Shah and my grandfather, even in their forefathers, and that very Light (noor) is descended in me. I am their heir apparent. The Light (noor) is present and apparent all the times, only the names are different. The Throne (gadi) of Mawla Murtza Ali is present and will remain till the Judgment Day. You jamat have no reason to deject in any way. I am present before you. There is no difference between me and them (only) the bodies have to change, therefore, the true believers must comprehend the foregoing point.” (Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah (Bombay, 8th September, 1885

Link.
https://library.ismaili.net/content/div ... -all-imams

[swamidada]

You should be rest assured that the Light (noor) of Murtza Ali is in me, present and apparent before you.

Chatur ji will you explain the phrase 'PRESENT AND APPARENT BEFORE YOU'?

[mahebubchatur]

You should be rest assured that the Light (noor) of Murtza Ali is in me, present and apparent before you.

Chatur ji will you explain the phrase 'PRESENT AND APPARENT BEFORE YOU'?

The meaning seems to me that Imam e Zaman is Present and Manifest, at all times before mankind having the same Nur & divinely ordained authority from the time of Hazrat Ali & that of Hazrat Adam, and before creation

Two thousand years before creation, Muhammad and ‘Ali were one Light (nur) before God.” – Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq, (Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi, The Divine Guide in Early Shi ‘ism, p. 31)

[mahebubchatur]

“Light as a symbol of eternal knowledge has come down to mankind ever since creation. God communicates his love and guidance to humanity which He created in a variety of ways, one of which is the inner mystical experience, known in various traditions by different terminologies. Muḥammad’s own phe- nomenological experience is readily reflected in the Qur’ān and in the way he responded to situations as well as in his interactions with his fellow beings. The first eighteen verses in Sūra al-Najm clearly demonstrate his epiphanic vision8 as do other occasions including his ascent (mi‘rāj) in Sūra al-Isrā’.9 This is more explicit in the “light verse” of Sūra al-Nūr:
God is the light of the heavens and of the earth; His light is like a niche in which there is a lamp; the lamp is in a glass and the glass is like a shining star; it is lit from a blessed tree, an olive-tree, neither an eastern nor a west- ern one; its oil almost shines alone even if no fire touches it; light upon light. God leads to His light whom He wills, and He creates allegories for man, He indeed is all-Knowing (Q.24:35). ( Arzina R. Lalani Institute of Ismaili Studies, UK) CONCEPT OF LIGHT
IN ISMAILI PHILOSOPHY)

Full article https://1drv.ms/b/s!AnsqfmWHeYTZnBOfm1LIUMvDOITK

[swamidada]

In ayat e Noor, Allah says, 'ALLAHU NOORUS SAMAAWATI WAL ARDH', pay attention to SAMAAWAT AND ARDH, skies (plural) and earth (singular). It shows there are unlimited skies, heavenly bodies in universe but Allah mentions earth (planet earth) in singular form. What is the significance? Is there only one earth in universe populated by by humans and other creatures, but science proves other way, billions of stars, planets, and milky ways!!

[Admin]

The present Imam used to talk of the Creation but in one Farman he says Allah creates in Time and Dimensions (in plural)

[kmaherali]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfOm1y3DkCI

[swamidada]

The present Imam used to talk of the Creation but in one Farman he says Allah creates in Time and Dimensions (in plural)

Did Hazar Imam explained the above statement in relation to SAMAWAAT WAL ARDH?
Physical creation happens in Time and Dimensions, but spiritual creation is KUN FAYAKUN.

[mahebubchatur]

According to Shi'i Ismaili teachings, the Qur'an was inspired upon the heart of Prophet Muhammad as a spiritual universal light (nur) beyond sound, letter and language; the Prophet through his perfect intellect and pure soul translated this light into the Arabic recitations known as the Qur'an.

Thus, the Qur'an is both the Speech of God and the words of the Messenger of God. Dr Khalil Andani

https://x.com/khalilandani/status/17155 ... hqfO552USg

[swamidada]

According to Shi'i Ismaili teachings, the Qur'an was inspired upon the heart of Prophet Muhammad as a spiritual universal light (nur) beyond sound, letter and language; the Prophet through his perfect intellect and pure soul translated this light into the Arabic recitations known as the Qur'an.

Thus, the Qur'an is both the Speech of God and the words of the Messenger of God. Dr Khalil Andani

https://x.com/khalilandani/status/17155 ... hqfO552USg

Mowlana Rumi said;

GAR CHE QURAN AZ LUBB E PAYAMBAR AST
HAR KE GUYAD HUQQ NA GUFT UU KAFIR AST
Trasn: Though Quran is said (narrated and explained) by Prophet Muhammad but if any one who says it is not the word of Allah (kalamullah) is kafir.

Is Noor light (worldly or spiritual)? Is Noor pleasant and cool light with fragrance?
MAIN TUJH KO AGAR LAKH WATTS KA BULB KAHUN
TEREY RUTBEY KI TOUHEEN HAI YEH

[mahebubchatur]

You should be rest assured that the Light (noor) of Murtza Ali is in me, present and apparent before you.

Chatur ji will you explain the phrase 'PRESENT AND APPARENT BEFORE YOU'?

The meaning seems to me that Imam e Zaman is Present and Manifest, at all times before mankind having the same Nur & divinely ordained authority from the time of Hazrat Ali & that of Hazrat Adam, and before creation

Two thousand years before creation, Muhammad and ‘Ali were one Light (nur) before God.” – Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq, (Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi, The Divine Guide in Early Shi ‘ism, p. 31)

Noor in Ismaili Muslim thought isn’t just your average light bulb moment. It’s more like the cosmic LED, the divine illumination that’s brighter than a thousand suns, but without the UV rays.

Noor is the eternal source of the manifestation of knowledge and guidance for creation and of God. This comes through and from the prophets and has continued through Imams under the Ismaili Muslim school and interpretation.

A summary of breakdown:

Divine Light: In Ismaili philosophy, Noor represents the divine light of God, which is not just any light but the essence of God’s presence. This Noor is independent but, by divine will and authority, guides mankind and creation through the Noor of prophets, which is eternal. Imagine if God decided to be a lighthouse, guiding ships (or in this case, souls) to safety. The Quran mentions Noor in several verses, such as Surah An-Nur (24:35), which states, "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp…"1.
Imam as Noor: The Imam in Ismaili tradition is often seen as the embodiment of this Noor. Not in a literal “he glows in the dark” kind of way, but in a spiritual sense where he’s the beacon of guidance, wisdom, and divine knowledge. Think of him as the GPS for spiritual navigation. The Aga Khan has emphasized the role of the Imam as a source of spiritual and ethical guidance, reflecting the divine Noor2.

Spiritual Enlightenment: Noor isn’t just about seeing the light; it’s about being the light. It’s the process of spiritual enlightenment where one’s inner self becomes illuminated with divine knowledge and love. It’s like upgrading from a candle to a laser pointer in terms of spiritual insight. Scholars have discussed how Noor represents inner enlightenment and the journey towards spiritual perfection3.

Cosmic Connection: This light isn’t confined to earth or even the universe as we know it. It’s a connection to the cosmic, the eternal, suggesting that the Noor transcends physical realms. It’s like Wi-Fi for the soul, connecting you to the divine network. The Quran often juxtaposes light (Noor) with darkness (Zulumat), symbolizing the transition from ignorance to knowledge4.

Philosophical and Mystical: In Ismaili tariqa, Noor isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a profound philosophical and mystical concept. It’s about understanding the universe, the self, and God in a way that’s beyond the mundane. It’s like the ultimate cheat code for life’s big questions. The Aga Khan has spoken about the importance of intellectual and spiritual enlightenment, which aligns with the concept of Noor as a guiding light5.

So, in essence, Noor in Ismaili tariqa is about divine light, spiritual guidance, and the enlightenment of the soul. It’s not just about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel; it’s about being that light yourself. And remember, in this spiritual journey, it’s not about how bright your light is, but how well you can light up others’ paths!

Some assisted by AI

M Chatur

References

1 http://heritage.ismaili.net/node/38731

2 https://www.al-islam.org/hayat-al-qulub ... verse-noor

3 https://www.iis.ac.uk/

4 https://www.iis.ac.uk/research-publicat ... i-studies/

5 https://quran.com/an-nur

6 https://previous.quran.com/24

7 https://bing.com/search?q=Noor+Nur+in+Quran

8 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An-Nur

9 https://legacy.quran.com/24

10 https://www.latestlaws.com/latest-casel ... law-570-sc

11 https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1584447/

12,http://heritage.ismaili.net/node/15497

13 https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... -education

[mahebubchatur]

You should be rest assured that the Light (noor) of Murtza Ali is in me, present and apparent before you.

Chatur ji will you explain the phrase 'PRESENT AND APPARENT BEFORE YOU'?

The phrase “present and apparent before you” in the context of divine knowledge and guidance (Noor -Nur) means that the divine truth knowledge or guidance is not hidden or obscure, but is clearly visible and accessible to those who truly seek.

Here’s a deeper explanation, particularly in the context of the Noor of the Imam in the Ismaili school of thought interpretation and theology

Divine Presence: This phrase emphasizes that God’s presence and guidance are always available and evident to those who seek and are open to receiving it.
In the Ismaili tradition, the Imam is seen as the living embodiment of the Noor (divine light), making the divine presence “present and apparent” through his guidance and teachings. The Imam, as the Noor, is the tangible connection to the divine will, ensuring that God’s will and assurances of guidance is known and accessible to every individual who seeks

Clarity of Guidance: It suggests that the guidance provided by the divine, through the Noor of the Imam, is clear and unmistakable. Just as something present and apparent is easily seen and understood, the Imam’s guidance is meant to be straightforward and comprehensible to those who seek it with a sincere heart -Niyat4
The Quran mentions Noor in several verses, such as Surah An-Nur (24:35), which states, "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp…"1.

Spiritual Awareness: The phrase encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of spiritual awareness and mindfulness. By being present and attentive, one can recognize the signs and guidance that are already apparent in their lives. In the Ismaili context, this means being attuned to the teachings and guidance of the Imam, who embodies the Noor. Ismaili Gnosis discusses the concept of Noor as the divine light that guides humanity2.

Accessibility of Divine Knowledge: It underscores the accessibility of divine knowledge. In many spiritual traditions, it is believed that divine wisdom is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who earnestly seek it. This phrase reassures believers that they do not need to look far or undergo extraordinary efforts to find divine guidance; it is already present and apparent before them through the Noor of the Imam. The Aga Khan has emphasized the role of the Imam as a source of spiritual and ethical guidance, reflecting the divine Noor3.
Ismailimail also highlights the Imam’s role as the manifestation of Noor.

Cosmic Connection: This light isn’t confined to earth or even the universe as we know it. It’s a connection to the cosmic, the eternal, suggesting that the Noor transcends physical realms. It’s like Wi-Fi for the soul, connecting you to the divine network. The Quran often juxtaposes light (Noor) with darkness (Zulumat), symbolizing the transition from ignorance to knowledge.

Ismaili.NET provides extensive discussions on the metaphysical aspects of Noor.

In summary, “present and apparent before you” in the context of the Noor of the Imam in the Ismaili school affirms & highlights the immediacy and clarity of divine presence and wisdom, encouraging individuals to be aware and receptive to the guidance that is already available to them through the Imam which is divinely ordained and so for all, abd to be shared with all

1. viewtopic.php?t=894

2. https://www.reddit.com/r/ismailis/comme ... llah_imam/

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizari_Isma%27ilism

4 Niyat http://ismaili.net/timeline/2018/chatur-nyat.pdf

[swamidada]

Dua is foundation of ourTariqah. Noorullah and Noor e Imamat is basic in Ismaili philosophy. Why the word NOOR is not used in our Dua?

[kmaherali]

Why the word NOOR is not used in our Dua?

Allah is used. According to the Quran Allah is the Light (NOOR) of the heavens and the earth.

[swamidada]

Why the word NOOR is not used in our Dua?

Allah is used. According to the Quran Allah is the Light (NOOR) of the heavens and the earth.

In asal Dua the phrase Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah and after 11 July 1957, in old Dua Noor Mowlana Shah Karim al Hussaini was used but in new Dua the word Noor was omited by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah!!!

[kmaherali]

In asal Dua the phrase Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah and after 11 July 1957, in old Dua Noor Mowlana Shah Karim al Hussaini was used but in new Dua the word Noor was omited by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah!!!

"And I wish it to be clear therefore that in Tariqah matters, I am aware and there will be no change in the essence of our faith. But there will be nonetheless a search to enable the Murids to come together in an ever wider Jamat practising their faith together even if they don't speak the same language. There will be an attempt to take account of the pressures of modern life. There will be an attempt to make sure that traditions are understood within the Jamat and outside and that they do not give offence." (Dar es Salaam, Oct 6th, 1988)

Mentioning NOOR in Dua may give offence to others

[swamidada]

In asal Dua the phrase Noor Mowlana Sultan Muhammad Shah and after 11 July 1957, in old Dua Noor Mowlana Shah Karim al Hussaini was used but in new Dua the word Noor was omited by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah!!!

Mentioning NOOR in Dua may give offence to others

Not Ismailis followers of Hazar Imam. Who are those others???

[kmaherali]

Not Ismailis followers of Hazar Imam. Who are those others???

As the Imam has stated, those outside the Jamat.

[Admin]

"Yes, Since My Grand Father, the last Aga Khan, died, I have been the bearer of the Noor, a word that means The Light..."

Interview by Nicholas Tomalin Sunday Timed 12 Dec 1965

[swamidada]

Not Ismailis followers of Hazar Imam. Who are those others???

As the Imam has stated, those outside the Jamat.

Can you mention the Farman or the statement, who are they out side the jamait, non Ismailis or non Muslims?