The Crust of Life

Muharram is the first month of Islamic Hijri Calendar. Today is 2nd of Muharram of Hijri year 1433. Muharram is one of the most significant month for Shia Muslims because it marks the martyrdom of Husain Ibn Ali (A.S), grandson of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). During this month there are special congregations for the first 10 days where the life and time of Husain Ibn Ali (A.S.) and his family is narrated. Let me limit this note to Muharram for Dawoodi Bohra community of which I am a member. For Dawoodi Bohra community, who are followers of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS), month of Muharram is very significant. People of the community would travel long distances to listen to the sermons by Syedna (TUS). This year, Syedna(TUS) is presiding the congregation in the city of Mumbai (India) and people from all over the world are pouring in there. Resident Bohras of Mumbai would make comfortable arrangements for stay and food for people coming from outside of Mumbai. Apart from...

Eid-ul-Adha is the festival in Islam that marks the end of annual Hajj pilgrimage. The ritual of sacrificing an animal is in fact an irony of this festival! This ritual has its roots in an event that supposedly took place 4000 years ago. Prophet Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice something that is most dear to him. For Abraham, his son Ismael was most dearest since after several decades of yearning and prayers he was blessed with his son Ismael. So, he chose to sacrifice Ismael. Ismael, as an obedient son, consented to his father's wish and willingly chose to give up his life. God, supposedly pleased with this devotion, spared Ismael's life and happily accepted sacrifice of a lamb instead. The spirit is that the believer must give up something that is dear to him/her for the needy (personifying God). The spirit also highlights the willingness and obedience of a son in fulfilling his father's wish. In today's material world it is very much appl...