Precious Treasure - Token of Appreciation
Token of Appreciation
Respected `Allamah Sahib,
You have brought to us the spiritual heaven which sends torrential rain of love and affection. You have introduced us to the unfathomable ocean of the Pearl of recognition, the precious treasure of the secrets of Khudawand Mawlana Hazir Imam.
Sahib, we wonder how to address you! Your vast and unfathomable knowledge reminds us time and again of the great da`is of Ismaili history. We often wondered about the work and achievements of those magnificent personalities of our history, but after meeting you we realise that the Ismaili tariqah is truly a living and dynamic faith in which there is room for a true mu'min through cishq, `ibadat and endeavour to have access to the direct knowledge of the Imam. The vastness of your knowledge and the profound nature of your teaching are a living example of the great miracles of our tariqah.
We have particularly appreciated the way you have explained our faith and the holy Qur'an in the light of present scientific advancement. For instance, your article on "Kiraman Katibin" shows how Islam is a natural religion. We have been completely absorbed and amazed by your ta'wilat of our holy Qur'an – you have truly shown us that everything is contained in the holy Qur'an, as Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah, salawatu'llahi calayhi, says: "The beauty of the Qur'an is that its conception of Reality automatically adapts itself to the highest and most up to date as well as the most primitive thought."
Above all, Sahib, we will never be able to express our gratitude for the way you have explained how the sacred light of Imamat shines forth from the sublime knowledge of every verse of the glorious Qur'an, which enables a mu'min to live a meaningful life and encourages him to search constantly for the knowledge of the higher realities, such nurani didar, asl men wasil, the secrets of monoreality, etc.
The way you have explained the difficult concepts of azal and abad, ibdac and inbicath to us, confirms the depth of your knowledge and spiritual experience and affirms your mission in life, which is to spread the real `ilm of the Ismaili tariqah. Further, the way you practically act upon your teachings leaves a lasting impact on all who have the good fortune to listen to you.
The logical and clear way in which you convey difficult concepts, your patience in the face of opposition, your love and affection for your students and your utter humility – these are the qualities which will console us in the days ahead when physically you will be far from us.
The experience of participating in majalis of giryah-u zari with you is an unforgettable one for all of us – they leave us feeling purified and free of rust and hardness of the heart which so easily affect us. We feel sure that the burning love for Khudawand Mawlana Hazir Imam can overcome any hindrances and obstacles in the spiritual journey to subjugate our nafs-i ammarah (carnal soul).
In the last two visits to London, during your personal presence amongst us and through your books, articles and correspondence you have given us so generously and unstintingly of the pure teachings of the Imam of the time, that no words can do justice to the gratitude we feel. Sahib, pray for us that we make the greatest, the best and the widest use of the `ilm you have given us for the benefit and progress of the Jamacat.
During your stay here, while you have been teaching regularly and writing without pause, we your humble students have been unable to give you as much time and attention as we should. Please forgive us our shortcomings, and accept our sincere gratitude for the enormous trouble you have taken in coming so far to give us the benefit of your knowledge.
May Mawlana Hazir Imam grant you a safe journey, good health, happiness and may He bless you with his holy didar. Amin.
Your humble students, London,
11th August, 1984.
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