Being a Young and Proud Mahdavi - by -Zayd Syed

Nahmaduhu Wa Nusalli Ala Habibihil Karim Wal Mahdi Al Maood Al Azim

Al Hamdu Lilahi Tala Wo Sanaoo Rasoolilahi Wo Sale Ala Khalifatullahi Tala Ama Bath

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

“…they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them, – that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil)” [Quran, 9:122]

السَّـــــــلاَمُ عَلَيــْــكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكـَـاتُه

I want to thank Mehdavia Times Welfare Trust for giving me the opportunity and a platform to share my thoughts with my fellow mahdavi students. I would like to provide my perspective on how to increase our knowledge about Mahdaviat, and keep a strong faith as we live around those who believe otherwise.

It is very important to learn about Mehdaviath because it is the true path. If we don't have strong knowledge about our faith, then we will easily be misguided. If we increase our knowledge about Mahdaviat we can then stand up and say that “you are wrong for this reason”. If we don't understand our faith, we won't have anything to say against the non Mehdavis, and we will be forced to believe them. The Prophet Muhummad ^(sas) said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.”- ibn Maja. Especially in school, where we spend hours and hours around people who can have a positive and negative impact on us. There are many ways to increase and fortify our knowledge about Mahdaviat, such as reading literature on the topic, reaching out to our murshids and elders; and even discussing among friends.

 First of all there are countless books and websites that speak about Mahdaviat. The books range from the biography of Imam Mehdi ^(as), to his very detailed teachings. You can read from “Maulud”, which is a complete biography of Imam Mehdi (as), or you can search for Murshideen’s lectures on youtube for some quick facts or answers to your questions. You can also find some hard cover books, such as “Rahbar-e-Rawan Sadi'' which is a compilation of all the quran, hadith and sayings of Imam Mehdi (as). These books and websites are the easiest ways to increase your knowledge on Mehadaviath, especially as we are in a time where we can’t gather around people to seek knowledge. In the quran Allah says: ”[They] say: We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding” (surah al-imran, verse 7).There are many resources written by non Mehdavis that have a slightly different translation to various hadith and quranic ayahs. It is important for us to not blindly accept their teachings and translations as it is known that the meanings to those hadith and Quranic ayats are manipulated to support the beliefs of non mehdavis. We should look at our own literature first if we have any questions, before looking at non Mehdavi literature. On the slight chance that there is no answer to your questions in Mehdavi literature, then look through the background of the non-Mehdavi author who wrote the book you are reading for answers. If they are a biased author or have no valid or backed up information then know that their book probably has incorrect information.

 The next way to increase our knowledge about Mehdaviath is to ask our elders questions and listen to their speeches. You can ask your parents or you can reach out to your Murshid if you have any questions. It is important to ask the elders of our community directly because they have a good understanding of the topic. There are also less chances of information getting altered through various people. In the Quran, Allah says, 'It is those who have knowledge among His slaves that (most) fear Allâh” (surah fatir verse 28). This ayah refers to the pious scholars in our community. (surah fatir verse 28). This ayah refers to the pious scholars in our community. Try attending speeches and bayans by murshid’s or visit your nearest Mehdavia masjid. During these times you can even set up an online meeting via zoom or skype. Often, real people can relate and help you understand the topic better than reading from a website or book. If you don't understand them you can ask them to elaborate further, until you really understand it. They even have a different perspective of looking at things and will give you good advice.

 Discussing Mahdaviat among your friends is a great way to increase your knowledge. If you discuss these things then the questions you have will be answered while you will get an opportunity to answer your friend’s questions. You can even discuss with your family because it will allow you to reinforce each other's beliefs. In school or friendly gatherings where not everyone is Mehdavi, your discussions will expose them to Mahdaviat. They can later do their own research and decide if they want to come on the right path. But the same goes for you, if you stay around friends that don't believe in Mahdaviat, and then they will have an impact on you. It is important that you do not believe them or follow their teachings blindly. You should hang around with them, talk with them, but when they do something that is different from our beliefs, we should stay strong. We shouldn't go with the flow and follow them, just so we won't look bad or be left out. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Man models himself after his companion; so let each one of you see who he chooses for companion” (At-Tirmidhi). This goes to show us the importance of choosing good friends to be around.

 In conclusion, it is very important to learn about Mehdaviath and stay strong on our beliefs. A few ways to increase our knowledge on Mahdaviat are to read literature written on the topic, to contact our elders and Murshids, and to discuss it among our friends and family. Mahdaviat is the true path and it is very important to not waver from the teachings of Imam Mehdi (As), while increasing our knowledge about his teaching every day. We can start by reading his biography, then memorizing some of the important hadith related to mahdaviat, and then learning how to rebuttal non mehdavis’ “proofs”.

 May Allah make us strong in our Iman and keep us all safe. Aameen

About the Essay and the writer: Janab Khundmir Syed Sahab s/o Janab Asad Syed Saheb and a Hz. Peer-o-Murshid Abulfatah Syed Nusrat Miyan Tashreefullahi Saheb is a resident of Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is originally from Musheerabad and has moved to USA for his education in 2000. He has done his Masters in 2002 and have been working in USA, and currently working for a global manufacturing company as a Manager in IT field. In his free time he likes to participate in activities to support our Mehdavia community thru Global Mahdavia Club and other such organisations. We Wish him all the best for all his future endeavors, May Allah Bless him with success in both the worlds. Aameen.

About the Essay & writer: Master Zayd Syed son of Janab Khundmir Syed Sahab s/o Janab Asad Syed Saheb and a Mureed of Hz. Peer-o-Murshid Abulfatah Syed Nusrat Miyan Tashreefullahi Saheb is a resident of Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is originally from Musheerabad and has moved to USA for his education in 2000. He is 13 years old and studying in 8th Grade at MCC Academy which is a Islamic School and Alhamdulillah he is also a Hafiz-e-Quran too. We Wish him all the best for all his future endeavors, May Allah Bless him with success in both the worlds. Aameen.

This Essay is a part of the Second International Essay Writing Competition conducted by Mehdavia Times Welfare Trust during the Ramazan of 1442 hijri / 2021 taking the opportunity of the Pandemic Lock-down.  Master Zayd Syed son of Janab Khundmir Syed Sahab secured First Prize in the Junior English Category of this Competition. 

The results of the competition can be seen here ->>> https://mehdaviatimes.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcement-of-results-of-second.html

Note: We will be publishing selected essays periodically for you to read. We take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all the participants, winners and evaluators and those who were directly or indirectly involved to make this initiative a grand success. Fresh Write-ups/Articles/Essays are always solicited you may send them to MehdaviaTimes@gmail.com . 

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