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nothing says mint-condition or some approximation of sterilized, in china, quite like clingfilm does.
For bringing awareness about cleanliness Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Movement has left no stone unturned. This was proved today at the Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi where convergence of 1000 students from various schools of Delhi who are members of Sulabh School Sanitation Club, along with member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan participated in the event. The crowd gave a big round of applause when Shri Vijay Goyal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Mrs. Amola Pathak joined these school children in this walkathon carrying replicas of toilet pots over their heads and slogans of cleanliness drive in their hands with the message “Toilet for All by 2019”. The unveiling of the replica of India’s largest toilet pot was another attraction of the day. All these events were part of celebrations of International Toilet Festival in view of ‘World Toilet Day’ that falls tomorrow: November 19, 2014.
Around 2000 people including 1000 school children, 200 liberated and rehabilitated manual scavengers from Alwar and Tonk (Rajasthan), 100 widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi and women from Mewat (Haryana) and others from all walks of life actively took part in the event and made a HUMAN CHAIN to create awareness about the importance of toilets in keeping with ‘Swachch Bharat’ campaign of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation joined the students in this HUMAN CHAIN.
On this occasion students released 1000 balloons in the air with the message of cleanliness drive.
During the event Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak called upon the participating students and others for a PLEDGE to make India clean.
The largest tri-coloured Flag of India was unfurled with pride in Connaught Place when Dr. Bindeshwer Pathak, icon of Sanitation along with 2000 people including erstwhile untouchables of Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan and widows of Vrindavan and Varanasi recited “JAN-GAN-MAN’. This was part of the International Toilet Festival being celebrated by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.
On the occasion Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Sulabh Sanitation Club’s member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared the dais and lighted the Lamp.
Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar delivered a motivational speech on Clean India Drive (Swachch Bharat Campaign).
Sulabh International Founder, Dr. Pathak addressed the audience and said that our aim is to create awareness about toilets and sanitation. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of having a toilet built in every household by 2019, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak said that the country will finally realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of total sanitation.
"Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister to have emphasised this much on the issue of sanitation. Even the developed countries have not emphasised as much," he said. Lamenting the fact that previous governments did not adopt the "Sulabh model" he expressed hope that the Modi Government will replicate it, which he claimed will help the government in achieving its objective of total sanitation.
"Our model has helped in putting an end to large scale open defecation in many areas apart from liberating many manual scavengers. The Alwar and Tonk model should be replicated all over the country," he said.
A skit “Ghar Ghar Alakh Jagane Wale” was played to show the importance of Sulabh Shauchalayas in our lives.
ASTRELLA'S
ICE CREAM IS PURE AND PERFECT.
Lovers of Ice Cream can be certain of this—that by specifying Astrella's Ice Cream they get a pure, healthful product, made in the most modern fashion, of which cleanliness is Its prime essential.
Our milk comes to us twice daily in scalded cans, and is at once put through steam pans, that, sterilise it thoroughly.
The purified milk is immediately churned and made into Ice Cream, from whence it is at once supplied to the retailers, and from them. In turn, to you.
Slgnor Astrella himself comes from the home of Ice-Creaming making, and has a knowledge on the subject passed down from generations of Ice Cream manufacturers. No wonder that his output is the largest In the Province— in fact, the largest In the whole of New Zealand.
ASTRELLA AND SONS,
ICE CREAM MANUFACTURERS,
LINCOLN ST., PONSONBY.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19230217.2.42.3
Link to biography of Nicola & Emily
discoverwaikumetecemetery.blogspot.com/2022/02/nicola-ast...
Plot 81: Burial
Plot 83: Nicola Astrella (66) 1937 – Manufacturer – Pernicious Anaemia – at Huia Private Hospital
Emily Rosetta Astrella (62) 1939 – Toxaemia, Acute Cholangitis, Diabetes
Sacred To The Memory Of
R.I.P.
NICOLA
beloved husband of
E. R. ASTRELLA
died 30th June 1937
aged 66 years.
EMILY ROSETTA
beloved wife of
N. ASTRELLA
died 10th Feb. 1939
aged 62 years.
DEATHS
ASTRELLA.—On June 30, 1937, at a private hospital, Auckland, Nicola dearly-loved husband of Emily Astrella, of 87 Lincoln street; aged 60 years.—R.l.P.
Funeral from J. Weir's chapel, 70 Ponsonby Road, to-day (Frjday), at 2 p.m., for Waikumete.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19370702.2.2.4
ASTRELLA.—On February 10, 1939 at Auckland, Emily Rosetta, widow of the late Nicola Astrella, of 87, Lincoln Street, Ponsonby, in her sixty-third year R.I.P. The funeral will leave the chapel of J. Weir and Co., 70, Ponsonby Road, on Monday, February 13, at 2 p.m., for Waikumete.
ASTRELLA.—On February 10, loving mother of Joe and granny of Nick, Ivan and Teresa. R.I.P.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19390211.2.5
IN MEMORIAM.
ASTRELLA. —In ever loving memory of my dear husband Nicola, who passed away June 30, 1937.
Perhaps they think I've forgotten you
When sometimes they see me smile,
But little they know the heartache
That's hidden beneath that smile.
Inserted by his loving wife.
ASTRELLA. —In loving memory or our dear father, who passed away June 30, 1937. Memories are treasures that no one can steal,
Death leaves a wound no one can heal.
Sunshine passes, shadows fall.
But love and remembrance outlast all.
Inserted by his loving daughter and son-in-law. Doris, Malwa, Minerva and Mark.
ASTRELLA. —In loving memory or our dear father and grandpa, who passed away June 30, 1937.
A day of remembrance, so sad to recall,
Still in our hearts you are loved by all.
We who loved you, sadly miss you
As it dawns the first sad year.
Inserted by Adelaide and Ray and grandchildren.
ASTRELLA. —In memory of our dear father, who passed away June 30, 1937.
Resting where no shadows fall,
In perfect peace he awaits us all,
God will link the broken chain.
As one by one we meet again.
Inserted by his son and daughter-in-law, Mattie and Venus.
ASTRELLA. In loving memory or our dear father, who passed away June 30, 1937.
The call was sudden, the shock severe.
To part with one we loved so dear,
A loving nature, true and kind.
A beautiful memory left behind.
Inserted by his loving sons, Ange, Nick, Mars.
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory or our dear father, who passed away June 30, 1937.
Not just to-day, but every day,
In silence we remember.
Inserted by his loving daughter, son-in-law, Stella and Mate.
ASTRELLA. —In loving memory ot our dear father and grandfather, who passed away June 30, 1937.
Ever remembered.
Inserted by his loving son Joe, and grandchildren Nicola. Ivan and Teresa.
ASTRELLA. —In loving memory or our dear father, who passed away June 30, 1937. Sweetest memory will never fade,
or one we loved but could not save.
Inserted by his loving son and daughter-in-law, Orient and Peggy.
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory or my dear brother, Nicola, who passed away June 30, 1937.
Love's greatest girt, remembrance.
Inserted by his loving brother, Salvalore.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19380630.2.5
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory or our dear mother, who passed away February 10, 1939. You often said we'd miss you.
Your words have proved too true.
We lost the best pal in the world.
Dear mother when we lost you.
Inserted by Minerva and Mark, Stella and Mattie.
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory or our dear mother, passed away February 10, 1939.
God saw, mum, you were suffering
And the hill too hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyes, mum,
And whispered "Peace be thine.''
Inserted by her loving daughters, Malwa and Doris.
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory or our deal mother, who fell asleep on February 10 1939. Dearest mother, the world could hold
A loving pal, a heart of gold.
To those who knew her all will know
How much we lost a year ago.
Inserted by her loving sons, Ange and Nick.
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory or our dear mother, who passed away February 10 1939. Why, we do not know:
But hope one day to understand.
Inserted by her son and daughter-in-law, Milly and Venus.
ASTRELLA.—In memory or our dear mother and granny, who passed away February 10, 1939.
Oh for the touch of a vanished hand,
And the sound or a voice that is still.
Inserted by Mars, nose and Marie.
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory of our dear mother, passed away February 10 1939.
A silent thought brings many a tear
Of one we miss and love so dear.
Inserted by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Orient and Peggy.
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory or our dear mother and grandmother, who passed away February 10, 1939.
To memory ever dear.
Inserted by her loving son Joe, grandchildren Nick, Ivan and Teresa.
ASTRELLA.—In loving memory or our dear mother and grandma, who passed away February 10, 1939.
A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we loved is stilled,
A vacant place Is In our home
That never can be filled.
Inserted by Adelaide, Roy and grandchildren Olive, Mary, Gordon.
ASTRELLA.—In memory of Emily, who passed away a year ago to-day.
Sadly missed.
Inserted by her brother-in-law Salvalore.
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Allah’s peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), the glorious Prophet of Islam, and on his Companions and his followers.
TASAWWUF
"There is no doubt that Tasawwuf is an important branch of Islam. The word itself may have been derived form the Arabic word "Soof" (Wool) or from "Safa" (cleanliness), but its foundation lies in one’s personal sincerity in seeking Allah’s nearness and trying to live a life pleasing to Him. Study of the Quran, the Hadith, and the practical life of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his faithful Companions provide unmistakable support to this reality." (Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A)
SUFISM, AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ISLAM
Doubts exist not only in the minds of the Muslim faithful but also among the Ulema, notably the exoteric about Tasawwuf and its votaries. Often they lead to misunderstanding, as if Shariah and Tariqah were two separate entries, or that Tasawwuf was some obscure discipline foreign to Islam, or that it was altogether above the established laws and injunctions of our Religion. To help remove these misgivings and to reassure seekers, as well as scholars, our Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), Sheikh Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia, wrote Al-Jamal Wal Kamal, Aqaid-O-Kamalaat Ulmai-e-Deoband, Binat-e-Rasool (S.A.W), Daamad-e-Ali (R.A), Dalael-us-Salook, Ejaad-e-Mazhab Shia, Hayat-un-Nabi (S.A.W), Hayat Barzakhia, Ilm-o-Irfan, Niffaz-e-Shariat Aur Fiqah-e-Jaferia, Saif-e-Owaisi, Shikast-e-Ahdai Hussain and Tahkeek Halal Haram books.
BIOGRAPHY
Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chakrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The very year, he met Shaykh Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Shaykh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was right away established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years. In 1962 he was directed to carry out the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular enthusiasm and devotion for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss as per his/her sincerity and capacity. Shaykh Allah Yar Khan's mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and distinction.
Although Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A) have lived a major portion of his life as a scholar, with the avowed mission of illuminating the truth of Islam and the negation of fallacious sects, and this would appear quite removed from Tasawwuf, yet the only practical difference between the two, namely the use of the former as a media to expound the truth, and the latter to imbue people with positive faith. Nevertheless, people are amazed that a man, who until the other day, was known as a dialectician and a preacher of Islam, is not only talking of Mystic Path, but is also claiming spiritual bonds with the veteran Sufi Masters of the Past. This amazement is obviously out of place in the view of Quranic injunction: This is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills. (62:4)
THE PURIFICATION OF THE SOUL
The purification of the soul always formed part of the main mission of the Prophets; that is, the dissemination and propagation of the Devine Message. This responsibility later fell directly on the shoulders of the true Ulema in the Ummah of the last Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), who, as his genuine successors, have continued to shed brave light in every Dark Age of materialism and sacrilege. In the present age of ruinous confusion, the importance of this responsibility has increased manifold; of the utter neglect of Islam by Muslims has not only driven them to misery, but also grievously weakened their bonds of faith in Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The decay in their belief and consequent perversion in their conduct has reached a stage that any attempt to pull them out of the depth of ignominy and the heedless chaos of faithlessness, attracts grave uncertainties and apprehensions rather than a encouraging will to follow the Shariah, to purify the soul and to reform within. The Quranic Verse: Layers upon layers of darkness… (24:40) provides the nearest expression of their present state.
SHARIAH & SUFISM
Any action against the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) cannot be called Sufism. Singing and dancing, and the prostration on tombs are not part of Sufism. Nor is predicting the future and predicting the outcome of cases in the courts of law, a part of Sufism. Sufis are not required to abandon their worldly possessions or live in the wilderness far from the practical world. In fact these absurdities are just its opposites. It is an established fact that Tazkiyah (soul purification) stands for that inner purity which inspires a person’s spirit to obey the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If a false claimant of Sufism teaches tricks and jugglery, ignoring religious obligations, he is an impostor. A true Sheikh will lead a believer to the august spiritual audience of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If you are fortunate enough to be blessed with the company of an accomplished spiritual guide and Sheikh of Sufism, and if you follow his instructions, you will observe a positive change in yourself, transferring you from vice to virtue.
ISLAM, AS A COMPLETE CODE OF LIFE
Islam, as a complete code of life or Deen, was perfected during the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). He was the sole teacher and his mosque was the core institution for the community. Although Islam in its entirety was practiced during that blessed era, the classification and compilation of its knowledge into distinct branches like ‘Tafsir’ (interpretation of the Quran), Hadith (traditions or sayings of the holy Prophet- SAWS), Fiqh (Islamic law), and Sufism (the soul purification) were undertaken subsequently. This Deen of Allah passed from the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to his illustrious Companions in two ways: the outward and the inward. The former comprised the knowledge defined by speech and conduct, i.e., the Quran and Sunnah. The latter comprised the invisible blessings or the Prophetic lights transmitted by his blessed self. These blessings purified the hearts and instilled in them a passionate desire to follow Islam with utmost love, honesty and loyalty.
WHAT’S SUFISM
Sufism is the attempt to attain these Barakah (Blessings). The Companions handed down Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) teachings as well as blessings to the Taba’een. Their strong hearts were capable of infusing these blessings into the hearts of their followers. Both aspects of Islam were similarly passed on by the Taba’een to the Taba Taba’een. The compilation of knowledge and its interpretation led to the establishment of many schools of religious thought; famous four being the Hanafi, the Hanbali, the Maliki, and the Shafa'i, all named after their founders. Similarly, in order to acquire, safeguard and distribute his blessings, an organized effort was initiated by four schools of Sufism: The Naqshbandia, the Qadria, the Chishtia, and the Suharwardia. These schools were also named after their organizers and came to be known as Sufi Orders. All these Orders intend to purify the hearts of sincere Muslims with Prophetic lights. These Sufi Orders also grew into many branches with the passage of time and are known by other names as well. The holy Quran has linked success in this life and the Hereafter with Tazkiyah (soul purification). He, who purified, is successful. (87: 14) Sufi Orders of Islam are the institutions where the basics of Tazkiyah (soul purification) and its practical application are taught. They have graded programs in which every new seeker is instructed in Zikr-e Lisani (oral Zikr) and is finally taught the Zikr-e Qalbi (Remembrance in heart).
ZIKR-E QALBI
However, in the Naqshbandia Order, Zikr-e Qalbi is practiced from the very beginning. Adherence to the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) is greatly emphasized in this Order, because the seeker achieves greater and quicker progress through its blessings. The essence of Zikr is that the Qalb should sincerely accept Islamic beliefs and gain the strength to follow the Sunnah with even greater devotion. ‘If the heart is acquainted with Allah and is engaged in His Zikr; then it is filled with Barakaat-e Nabuwwat (Prophetic blessings) which infuse their purity in the mind and body. This not only helps in controlling sensual drives but also removes traces of abhorrence, voracity, envy and insecurity from human soul. The person therefore becomes an embodiment of love, both for the Divine and the corporeal. This is the meaning of a Hadith, “There is a lump of flesh in the human body; if it goes astray the entire body is misguided, and if it is reformed the entire body is reformed. Know that this lump is the Qalb”.’
PAS ANFAS
Recent History Khawajah Naqshband (d. 1389 CE) organized the Naqshbandia Order at Bukhara (Central Asia). This Order has two main branches – the Mujaddidia and the Owaisiah. The former is identified with Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi, known as Mujaddid Alif Sani (literally: reviver of the second Muslim millennium), a successor to Khawajah Baqi Billah, who introduced the Order to the Indo- Pakistan sub-continent. The Owaisiah Order employs a similar method of Zikr but acquires the Prophetic blessings in the manner of Khawajah Owais Qarni, who received this beneficence from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) without a formal physical meeting. The Zikr employed by the Naqshbandia is ‘Zikr-e Khafi Qalbi’ (remembrance of Allah’s Name within the heart) and the method is termed ‘Pas Anfas’, which (in Persian) means guarding every breath. The Chain of Transmission of these Barakah, of course, emanates from the holy Prophet- SAWS.
SPIRITUAL BAI’AT (OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
It is necessary in all Sufi Orders that the Sheikh and the seekers must be contemporaries and must physically meet each other for the transfer of these blessings. However, the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order goes beyond this requirement and Sufis of this Order receive these Barakah regardless of physical meeting with their Sheikh or even when the Sheikh is not their contemporary. Yet, it must be underscored that physical meeting with the Sheikh of this Order still holds great importance in dissemination of these Barakah. Sheikh Sirhindi writes about the Owaisiah Order in his book ‘Tazkirah’: ‘It is the most sublime, the most exalted, and the most effective…and the highest station of all others is only its stepping stone.’ By far the greatest singular distinction of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order is the honor of Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance) directly at the blessed hands of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
SHEIKH HAZRAT MOULANA ALLAH YAR KHAN (R.A)
The Reviver Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chikrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The same year, he met Sheikh ‘Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Sheikh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was immediately established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century CE) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years, after which he was directed to undertake the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular zeal and dedication for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss commensurate with his/her sincerity and capacity. Sheikh Allah Yar Khan’s mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and eminence. He authored eighteen books, the most distinguished being Dalael us-Sulook (Sufism - An Objective Appraisal), Hayat-e Barzakhiah (Life Beyond Life) and Israr ul- Haramain (Secrets of the two holy Mosques). He was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished Sufi saints of the Muslim Ummah and a reviver of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order. He passed away on 18 February 1984 in Islamabad at the age of eighty.
THE CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION OF NAQSHBANDIA OWAISIAH
1. Hazrat Muhammad ur-Rasool Allah (Sall Allah-o Alaihi wa Sallam), 2. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhi Allah-o Unho), 3. Hazrat Imam Hassan Basri (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 4. Hazrat Daud Tai (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 5. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 6. Hazrat Ubaid Ullah Ahrar (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 7. Hazrat Abdur Rahman Jami (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 8. Hazrat Abu Ayub Muhammad Salih (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 9. Hazrat Allah Deen Madni (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 10. Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi).
THE SPIRIT OR RUH
The spirit or Ruh of every person is a created reflection of the Divine Attributes and it originates in Alam-e Amar (Realm of Command). Its food is the Light of Allah or the Divine Refulgence, which it acquires from the Realm of Command through the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him), whose status in the spiritual world is like that of the sun in the solar system. The Quran refers to him as the ‘bright lamp’. Indeed, he is the divinely selected channel of all Barakah. All Exalted Messengers themselves receive these Barakah from him.
LATAIF
The human Ruh also possesses vital organs like the physical body; through which it acquires its knowledge, food and energy. These are called Lataif (singular Latifah: subtlety). Scholars of various Sufi Orders have associated them with specific areas of the human body. The Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order identifies these Lataif as follows. First - Qalb: This spiritual faculty is located within the physical heart. Its function is Zikr. Its strength increases one’s capacity for Allah’s Zikr. Second – Ruh: The site of this Latifah, which is a distinct faculty of the human Ruh, is on the right side of the chest at the level of Qalb. Its primary function is concentration towards Allah. Third – Sirri: This is located above the Qalb and functions to make possible Kashf. Forth – Khaffi: This is located above the Ruh and functions to perceive the omnipresence of Allah. Fifth – Akhfa: This is located in the middle of chest, at the centre of the first four Lataif and makes it possible for the Ruh to perceive the closeness of Allah, Who is closer to us than our own selves. Sixth – Nafs: This Latifah is located at the forehead and functions to purify the human soul. Seventh – Sultan al-Azkar: This Latifah is located at the top centre of the head and serves to absorb the Barakah of Allah into the entire body, so that every cell resonates with Zikr.
FIVE EXALTED MESSENGERS OF GOD
There are Five Exalted Messengers among the many known and unknown Messengers of Allah. They are Hazrat Muhammad, Hazrat Nuh (Noah), Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham), Hazrat Musa (Moses), and Hazrat Esa (Jesus), peace be upon them all. Hazrat Adam is the first Prophet of Allah and the father of mankind. Each Latifah is associated with a particular Prophet. The Barakah and lights from Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him), descend on the first Latifah Qalb; its lights are reflected from the first heaven and are yellowish. The second Latifah is associated with Hazrat Nuh and Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon them). Its lights descend from the second heaven and appear as golden red. The lights descending upon the third Latifah are from Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) and are white. One the fourth Latifah, the lights of Hazrat Esa (peace be upon him) descend from the fourth heaven and are deep blue. The fifth Latifah receives its Barakah directly from the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him). The lights associated with this Latifah are green, descend from the fifth heaven, and overwhelm all the first four Lataif. The Lights descending upon the sixth and seventh Lataif are the Divine Lights, whose color and condition cannot be determined. These are like flashes of lightening that defy comprehension. If Allah blesses a seeker with Kashf, he can observe all of this. The vision is slightly diffused in the beginning, but gradually the clarity improves.
SULOOK
Stages of the Path After all seven Lataif of a seeker have been illuminated with Divine Lights through Tawajjuh of the Sheikh and his Ruh has acquired the ability to fly, the Sheikh initiates its journey on the sublime Path of Divine nearness. The Path is known as Sulook, and its stages are not hypothetical imaginations but real and actually existing stations on the spiritual Path. These are also referred to as Meditations, because a seeker mentally meditates about a station while his/her Ruh actually ascends towards it. The first three stations that form the base of whole Sulook are described as; Ahadiyyat, a station of Absolute Unity of Divinity. It is above and beyond the seven heavens. It is so vast a station that the seven heavens and all that they encompass are lost within Ahadiyyat as a ring is lost in a vast desert. Its lights are white in color. Maiyyat station denotes Divine Company, ‘He is with you, wherever you might be.’ This station is so vast that Ahadiyyat along with the seven heavens beneath are lost within it as a ring is lost in a desert. Its lights are green in color. Aqrabiyyat station denotes Divine Nearness, ‘He is nearer to you than your life- vein.’ Again, Aqrabiyyat is vast as compared to Maiyyat in the same proportion. Its lights are golden red and are reflected from the Divine Throne. It is indeed the greatest favor of Almighty Allah that He blesses a seeker with an accomplished Sheikh, who takes him to these sublime stations. The final station that a seeker attains to during his/her lifetime becomes his/her Iliyyeen (blessed abode) in Barzakh and his/her Ruh stays at this station after death.
ZIKR
Why is Zikr Necessary for Everyone? Allah ordains every soul in the Quran to Perform Zikr. This not only means reciting the Quran and Tasbeeh but also Zikr-e Qalb. It is only through Zikr-e Qalbi that Prophetic Lights reach the depths of human soul and purify it from all vice and evil. Zikr infuses a realization of constant Divine Presence and a seeker feels great improvement in the level of sincerity and love towards Allah and the holy Prophet- SAWS. Such levels of sincerity, love and feelings of Divine Presence can never be obtained without Zikr. It would be a mistake to believe that Zikr may be a requirement only for the very pious and virtuous people. Zikr provides the Prophetic blessings which are in effect the life line of every human soul. It transforms even the most corrupted humans into virtuous souls by bringing out the best in them. The fact is that Zikr is the only way to achieve true contentment and satisfaction in life. The holy Quran has pointed to this eternal fact that it is only through Zikr Allah that hearts can find satisfaction. Such satisfaction and peace are the ultimate requirements of every person, regardless of religion, race and ethnicity. Practicing Zikr regularly removes all traces of anxiety and restlessness, and guides the human soul to eternal bliss and peace.
KHALIFA MAJAZEEN
Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), during his life time in 1974, presented a nomination list to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), during Maraqba, of expected Khalifa Majazeen for Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) approved some names, deleted some of the names, and added down the name of Major Ghulam Muhammad as also Khalifa Majaaz of Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia (which was not previously included in the list)
The approved names at that time included:
1. Mr. Muhammad Akram Awan Sahib,
2. Mr. Sayed Bunyad Hussain Shah Sahib,
3. Mr. Major Ahsan Baig Sahib,
4. Mr. Col. Matloob Hussain Sahib,
5. Mr. Major Ghulam Muhammad Sahib of Wan Bhachran Mianwali,
6. Mr. Molvi Abdul Haq Sahib,
7. Mr. Hafiz Abdul Razzaq Sahib,
8. Mr. Hafiz Ghulam Qadri Sahib,
9. Mr. Khan Muhammad Irani Sahib,
10. Mr. Maolana Abdul Ghafoor Sahib,
11. Mr. Syed Muhammad Hassan Sahib of Zohb.
These Majazeen were authorized to; held Majalis of Zikar (Pas Anfas) in their respective areas, arrange Majalis of Zikar in neighboring areas, train them on the way of Sulook, prepare them for Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance), and present them to Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan for Spiritual Bai’at at the Hand of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), in the life of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), and were all equal in status as Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
Presently we are following Hazrat Major ® Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
File name: 10_03_000577b
Binder label: Soap
Title: Soap for all nations. Cleanliness is the scale of civilization. Did you ever try B. T. Babbitt's Best? & 1776 powder [back]
Created/Published: New York : The Hatch Lithographic Co.
Date issued: 1870-1900 (approximate)
Physical description: 1 print : chromolithograph ; 9 x 13 cm.
Genre: Advertising cards
Subject: People; Wash tubs; Washboards; Household soap
Notes: Title from item.
Collection: 19th Century American Trade Cards
Location: Boston Public Library, Print Department
Rights: No known restrictions.
For bringing awareness about cleanliness Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Movement has left no stone unturned. This was proved today at the Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi where convergence of 1000 students from various schools of Delhi who are members of Sulabh School Sanitation Club, along with member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan participated in the event. The crowd gave a big round of applause when Shri Vijay Goyal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Mrs. Amola Pathak joined these school children in this walkathon carrying replicas of toilet pots over their heads and slogans of cleanliness drive in their hands with the message “Toilet for All by 2019”. The unveiling of the replica of India’s largest toilet pot was another attraction of the day. All these events were part of celebrations of International Toilet Festival in view of ‘World Toilet Day’ that falls tomorrow: November 19, 2014.
Around 2000 people including 1000 school children, 200 liberated and rehabilitated manual scavengers from Alwar and Tonk (Rajasthan), 100 widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi and women from Mewat (Haryana) and others from all walks of life actively took part in the event and made a HUMAN CHAIN to create awareness about the importance of toilets in keeping with ‘Swachch Bharat’ campaign of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation joined the students in this HUMAN CHAIN.
On this occasion students released 1000 balloons in the air with the message of cleanliness drive.
During the event Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak called upon the participating students and others for a PLEDGE to make India clean.
The largest tri-coloured Flag of India was unfurled with pride in Connaught Place when Dr. Bindeshwer Pathak, icon of Sanitation along with 2000 people including erstwhile untouchables of Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan and widows of Vrindavan and Varanasi recited “JAN-GAN-MAN’. This was part of the International Toilet Festival being celebrated by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.
On the occasion Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Sulabh Sanitation Club’s member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared the dais and lighted the Lamp.
Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar delivered a motivational speech on Clean India Drive (Swachch Bharat Campaign).
Sulabh International Founder, Dr. Pathak addressed the audience and said that our aim is to create awareness about toilets and sanitation. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of having a toilet built in every household by 2019, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak said that the country will finally realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of total sanitation.
"Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister to have emphasised this much on the issue of sanitation. Even the developed countries have not emphasised as much," he said. Lamenting the fact that previous governments did not adopt the "Sulabh model" he expressed hope that the Modi Government will replicate it, which he claimed will help the government in achieving its objective of total sanitation.
"Our model has helped in putting an end to large scale open defecation in many areas apart from liberating many manual scavengers. The Alwar and Tonk model should be replicated all over the country," he said.
A skit “Ghar Ghar Alakh Jagane Wale” was played to show the importance of Sulabh Shauchalayas in our lives.
Logan, Ohio
Valued Customers:
To ensure the highest cleanliness standards and employee and customer safety, this store will close nightly from 2AM-3AM in order to thoroughly clean and disinfect all customer touch points and surfaces in addition to an already enhanced cleaning program that has been implemented.
The fuel dispensers will be open for pay at the pump service from 2AM-3AM.
In addition, the CDC defines Social Distancing as maintaining 6 feet in distance from others whenever possible.
We appreciate your adherence to Social Distancing while waiting in checkout lines & other areas of the store.
TEMPORARY MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY: 21
You comprehend the significance of good oral cleanliness and brush and floss persistently. Be that as it may, is it conceivable to be excessively determined in your toothbrushing? Dental practitioners state it is!
Unnecessary tooth brushing, or overbrushing, can really make harm your teeth and gums. What is overbrushing and what sort of harm would it be able to cause? Is there something you can do about it? Our article will answer these essential inquiries for you.
Brushing consistently is imperative for solid teeth and gums, yet dental specialists caution that you can exaggerate something worth being thankful for. Known as "toothbrush scraped spot," overbrushing can prompt delicate teeth and retreating gums.
When you brush excessively hard, you can wear out the external layer of your teeth. Lost lacquer implies less defensive covering for your teeth, which can make your teeth end up touchy to hot and cold. Brushing hard additionally harms delicate gum tissue and can in the long run reason it to subside, uncovering touchy tooth roots and abandoning them defenseless against periodontal illness and rot.
Those most in danger for tooth or gum harm from overbrushing are the individuals who brush too enthusiastically utilizing medium-or hard-bristled toothbrushes. What are a few signs to search for that may show you are overbrushing?
Beginning phases of gum illness can be effortless, so it's vital to see your dental specialist normally so you can recognize the signs and side effects early!
Early periodontitis can be treated by your dental hygienist. A profound cleaning strategy called scaling and root planing expels the development and microscopic organisms from beneath the gum line or in zones your toothbrush can't achieve, in this way enabling your gums to start the mending procedure. After this treatment, the ailment can be held under tight restraints with brushing, flossing, and normal upkeep cleanings by your dental group.
Dr Abhinav Singh is a standout amongst the most commended dental tranquil dental practitioner in Lucknow. He has been marvelous in taking the field of dentistry to next dimension as far as treatment and research.
"Best specialist gives least drug"
His interminable quest for administration makes him a standout amongst the most acclaimed dental specialists in the City of Nawabs. He moved on from MS Ramaiah Dental College. He later finished his temporary position from King George medicinal school and lined it up with his post graduation in traditionalist and endodontics.
Gum sickness, otherwise called periodontitis or periodontal infection, is a typical disease among grown-ups. You may ponder, "What's going on here? What are its causes? Also, is it preventable?"
At the point when plaque isn't evacuated by brushing, flossing, and standard dental visits, it can turn into an issue. Microorganisms in plaque produce poisons that can contaminate gum tissue, causing redness, bothering, and dying.
As gum ailment advances, gums pull far from teeth, making pockets. After some time, these pockets can end up further, and as they load up with microorganisms and poisons, gum tissue and bone are decimated. This could at last outcome in tooth misfortune.
Dr. Abhinav has setup his own Dental Clinic with the point of bringing the most elevated standard of dental consideration monitoring worldwide patterns and developments. His center has been molded on the lines of dental treatment gave in the United States. His center offers bleeding edge innovation which is furnished with the most recent and most developed hardware. Dr. Abhinav is a specialist in torment the executives. He is the main dental specialist in Lucknow who offers free substitution guarantee on dental filling inserts, crown/RCT's.
website: drabhinavsingh.com/
At MCRD Parris Island, preventive medicine is important to keep recruits in good health for training. Staff Sgt. Phil Grondin shows us how recruits are scrubbing harder and faster to ward away illness.
File name: 10_03_000577a
Binder label: Soap
Title: Soap for all nations. Cleanliness is the scale of civilization. Did you ever try B. T. Babbitt's Best? & 1776 powder [front]
Created/Published: New York : The Hatch Lithographic Co.
Date issued: 1870-1900 (approximate)
Physical description: 1 print : chromolithograph ; 9 x 13 cm.
Genre: Advertising cards
Subject: People; Wash tubs; Washboards; Household soap
Notes: Title from item.
Collection: 19th Century American Trade Cards
Location: Boston Public Library, Print Department
Rights: No known restrictions.
At Krishna Temple, Hampi.
Taken with Sigma 10-20mm lens at 10mm.
(Strong watermarks are intended. I could not fight with the photo stealers. )
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!
© Muralidharan Alagar Arts and Photography
Contact: muralidharan.alagar@gmail.com
@ Facebook Muralidharan Alagar Arts and Photography
Hotel Baba Palace (A Grand Hotel), a Palace of Mughal and Rajput architecture with all modern amenities.
Hotel Baba Palace located a short Distance from City Palace and just opposite to Jagdish Temple is remarkable Hotel noticed by the Clients for its Cleanliness and Magnificant view.
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Udaipur is a city, a municipal corporation and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is located 403 kilometres southwest of the state capital, Jaipur and 250 km northeast from Ahmedabad. Udaipur is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. The Sisodia clan of Rajputs ruled the Mewar and its capital was shifted from Chittorgarh to Udaipur after founding city of Udaipur by Maharana Uday Singh. The Mewar province became part of Rajasthan after India became independent.
Udaipur is a very popular tourist destination. Apart from its history, culture, and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the "Venice of the East", and is also nicknamed the "Lake City" or "City of Lakes". Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.
HISTORY
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the final capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom, located in the fertile circular valley-"Girwa" to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River, the first capital of the Mewar kingdom. This area already had a thriving trading town of "Ayad" which had served as capital of Mewar for over 200 years and 17 rulers of Mewar had ruled from Ayad town of Girwa Valley (~10-12th centuries, Ruler #18-34), still earlier (4+1) Rawals ruled from Nagda; so the “Girwa” (& adjoining) valley was already well-known to Chittaud rulers who moved to it whenever the vulnerable tableland (Mesa)Chittaudgadh was threatened with enemy attacks. Maharana Udai Singh II, in the wake of 16th century emergence of artillery warfare decided to move his capital to a more secure location, importance of which he had realized during his exile at Kumbhalgadh. Ayad was flood-prone, hence he chose the ridge east of Pichola Lake to start his new capital city, where he came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it would be well protected. Udai Singh II consequently established a residence on the site. In November 1567, the Mughal emperor Akbar attacked & laid siege of the venerated fort of Chittor, which was reduced to one of the 84 forts of Mewar.
As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later maharanas (also called the Guhilots or Suryavansh), who had always tried to oppose Mughal dominance, reasserted their independence and recaptured most of Mewar except for Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained safe from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure. The rajvansh of Udaipur was one of the oldest dynasties of the world. Maharana Mahendra Singh Mewar (the Royal Family of Udaipur),is the current symbolic ruler of the city.
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
Udaipur is located at 24.525049°N 73.677116°E. It has an average elevation of 598.00 m. It is located in the southern region of Rajasthan and is close to Gujarat. It has five major lakes, which are under restoration with funds provided by the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) of the Government of India:
Fateh Sagar Lake
Rangsagar Lake
Pichola Lake
Swaroopsagar Lake
Dudh Talai Lake
Udaisagar Lake
Udaipur's autumn / winter climate is the most appealing time to pay her a visit. Tourists arrive in numbers, anytime between mid-September to late March or early April. Even in January, the coldest month, the days are bright, sunny and warm with maximum temperature around 28.3 °C. Mornings, evenings and nights are cold with minimum temperature around 11.6 °C especially if there is a slight breeze in the air.
CITY PALACE
Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel). They also have views of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal and Krishna vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day. Celebration mall (Highest rated mall of Rajasthan) that is India's first and only Heritage mall, is now serving as a tourist attraction destination.
The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace have been converted into heritage hotels.
LAKE PALACE
The Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746. It is made of marble and is situated on Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. It was originally built as a royal summer palace, but is now a luxury 5 Star hotel, operating under the "Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces" banner.
JAG MANDIR
Jag Mandir is another island in Lake Pichola which is known for its garden courtyard. Shah Jahan took refuge here while revolting against his father. There is a restaurant run by the HRH group of hotels.
MONSOON PALACE
Monsoon Palace also known as Sajjan Garh Palace The summer resort of the Maharajas is atop the hill overlooking all of the lakes. This palace had a way to collect rain water for consumption all year around.
Jagdish Temple
The Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D. It is an example of Indo - Aryan architecture. This temple is a great example of architecture and art. The area is the main tourist place in the city. You can also find some special kind of things like rajasthani dress, paintings etc.
FATEH SAGAR LAKE
Fateh Sagar Lake is situated in the north of Lake Picholas. It was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1678 AD, but later on reconstructed and extended by Maharana Fateh Singh after much destruction was caused by heavy rains. In 1993-1994, the water vanished from the lake, but in 2005-2006, the lake regained its water.
LAKE PICHOLA
Lake Pichola has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is 4 km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II. There are many ghats, like the bathing and washing ghats, which can be approached through boats from the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat). In the heart of the lake the Lake Palace stands, which is now converted into a heritage palace hotel. The lake remains fairly shallow even during heavy rains, and gets dry easily in times of severe drought.
SAHELION KI BARI
Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fatah Sagar Lake have lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose.
UDAIPUR IN POPULAR CULTURE
Udaipur is mentioned under the spelling Oodeypore in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book as the birthplace of Bagheera, the fictional panther in the king's Menagerie.
Because of its picturesque and scenic locations, Udaipur has been the shooting location for many Hollywood and Bollywood movies. Indian sections of the James Bond film Octopussy were filmed in the city,[10] the Lake Palace, and the Monsoon Palace. The nearby desert was the backdrop of the remarkable rescue of Octopussy (Maud Adams) by Bond (Roger Moore). Some scenes from the British television series The Jewel in the Crown were filmed in Udaipur. The Disney channel film, The Cheetah Girls One World, was shot in Udaipur in January 2008. Additional non-Indian movies/TV serials filmed in Udaipur include: Darjeeling Limited, Opening Night, Heat and Dust, Indische Ring, Inside Octopussy, James Bond in India, Gandhi, and The Fall.
Some of the Bollywood movies shot here are Guide, Mera Saaya, Phool Bane Angaray, Kachche Dhaage, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Jalmahal, Yaadein, Return of the thief of the bagdad, Eklavya: The Royal Guard, Dhamaal, Jis Desh Mei Ganga Rehta Hai, Chalo Ishq Ladaaye, Fiza, Gaddaar, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Khuda Gawah, Kundan, Nandini, Saajan Ka Ghar,Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,Ramleela, In addition, many Bollywood films' songs were filmed in Udaipur. Udaipur is also the setting of Star Plus's hit serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. TV serials Swayamber of Rakhi Sawant and Swayambar of Rahul Mahajan on NDTV Imagine also filmed here at Hotel Fatehgarh. A hit historical show by Contiloe Telefilms named "Maharana Pratap" on Sony is shooting in that place. The pop Star Shakira performed in a party on 15 November 2011 of real estate tycoon owner of DLF Kush Pal Singh.The Party was held in Jag Mandir Palace.
WIKIPEDIA
Dutch postcard by PEB. Collection: Geoffrey Donaldson Institute.
American film star Joan Crawford (1904-1977) had a career that would span many decades, studios, and controversies. In her silent films, she made an impact as a vivacious Jazz Age flapper and later she matured into a star of psychological melodramas.
Joan Crawford was born Lucille Fay LeSueur in 1904, in San Antonio, Texas. Her parents were Anna Belle (Johnson) and Thomas E. LeSueur, a laundry labourer. By the time she was born, her parents had separated. The young Lucille was bullied and shunned at Scaritt Elementary School in Kansas City by the other students due to her poor home life. She worked with her mother in a laundry and felt that her classmates could smell the chemicals and cleaners on her. She said that her love of taking showers and being obsessed with cleanliness had begun early in life as an attempt to wash off the smell of the laundry. Her stepfather Henry Cassin allegedly began sexually abusing her when she was eleven years old, and the abuse continued until she was sent to St. Agnes Academy, a Catholic girls' school. By the time she was a teenager, she'd had three stepfathers. Lucille LeSueur worked a variety of menial jobs. She was a good dancer, though, and she entered several contests, one of which landed her a spot in a chorus line. Before long, she was dancing in the choruses of travelling revues in big Midwestern and East Coast cities. She was spotted dancing in Detroit by famous New York producer Jacob J. Shubert. Shubert put her in the chorus line for his show 'Innocent Eyes'(1924) at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. Then followed another Schubert production, 'The Passing Show of 1924'. After hours, she danced for pay in the town it-spot, Club Richman, which was run by the 'Passing Show' stage manager Nils Granlund and popular local personality Harry Richman. In December 1924, Granlund called Lucille to tell her that Al Altman, a NYC-based talent scout from MGM had caught her in 'The Passing Show of 1924' and wanted her to do a screen test. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) offered Crawford a contract at $75 a week. On New Year's Day 1925 she boarded the train for Culver City. Credited as Lucille LeSueur, her first film part was as a showgirl in Lady of the Night (Monta Bell, 1925), starring MGM's most popular female star, Norma Shearer. Crawford was determined to succeed, and shortly after she also appeared in The Circle (Frank Borzage, 1925) and Pretty Ladies (Monta Bell, 1925), starring comedian ZaSu Pitts. She also appeared in a small role in Erich von Stroheim's classic The Merry Widow (1925) with Mae Murray and John Gilbert. MGM publicity head Pete Smith recognised her ability to become a major star but felt her name sounded fake. He told studio head, Louis B. Mayer, that her last name, LeSueur, reminded him of a sewer. Smith organised a contest called 'Name the Star' in Movie Weekly to allow readers to select her new stage name. The initial choice was 'Joan Arden', but after another actress was found to have a prior claim to that name, the alternate surname 'Crawford' became the choice. She first made an impression on audiences in Edmund Goulding's showgirl tale Sally, Irene, and Mary (1925). The film, which co-starred Constance Bennett and Sally O'Neil, was a hit. Joan's popularity grew so quickly afterwards that two films in which she was still billed as Lucille Le Sueur: Old Clothes (Edward F. Cline, 1925) with Jackie Coogan, and The Only Thing (Jack Conway, 1925) were recalled, and her name on the billings was changed to Joan Crawford. In 1926, Crawford was named one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars, and she starred opposite Charles Ray in Paris (Edmund Goulding, 1926). Within a few years, she became the romantic female lead to many of MGM's top male stars, including Ramón Novarro, John Gilbert, and action star Tim McCoy. She appeared alongside her close friend, William Haines in the comedy Spring Fever (Edward Sedgwick, 1927). It was the second film starring Haines and Crawford (the first had been Sally, Irene, and Mary (1925), and their first onscreen romantic teaming. Then, Crawford appeared in the silent horror film The Unknown (Tod Browning, 1927), starring Lon Chaney, Sr., who played Alonzo the Armless, a circus freak who uses his feet to toss knives. Crawford played his skimpily-clad young carnival assistant whom he hopes to marry. She stated that she learned more about acting from watching Chaney work than from anyone else in her career. Her role as Diana Medford in Our Dancing Daughters (Harry Beaumont, 1928) elevated her to star status. Joan co-starred with Anita Page and Dorothy Sebastian, and her spunky wild-but-moral flapper character struck a chord with the public and zeitgeist. Wikipedia: "The role established her as a symbol of modern 1920s-style femininity which rivaled Clara Bow, the original It girl, then Hollywood's foremost flapper. A stream of hits followed Our Dancing Daughters, including two more flapper-themed movies, in which Crawford embodied for her legion of fans (many of whom were women) an idealized vision of the free-spirited, all-American girl." The fan mail began pouring in and from that point on Joan was a bonafide star. Crawford had cleared the first big hurdle; now came the second, in the form of talkies. But Crawford wasn't felled by sound. Her first talkie, the romantic drama Untamed (Jack Conway, 1929) with Robert Montgomery, was a success. Michael Eliott at IMDb: "It's rather amazing to see how well she transformed into a sound star and you have to think that she was among the best to do so."
In the early 1930s, tired of playing fun-loving flappers, Joan Crawford wanted to change her image. Thin lips would not do for her; she wanted big lips. Ignoring her natural lip contours, Max Factor ran a smear of colour across her upper and lower lips. It was just what she wanted. To Max, the Crawford look, which became her trademark, was always 'the smear'. As the 1930s progressed, Joan Crawford became one of the biggest stars at MGM. She developed a glamorous screen image, appearing often as a sumptuously gowned, fur-draped, successful career woman. She was in top form in films such as Grand Hotel (Edmund Goulding, 1932), Sadie McKee (Clarence Brown, 1934), No More Ladies (Edward H. Griffith, 1935), and Love on the Run (W.S. Van Dyke, 1936) with Clark Gable. Crawford often played hard-working young women who found romance and success. Movie patrons were enthralled, and studio executives were satisfied. Her fame rivalled, and later outlasted, that of MGM colleagues Norma Shearer and Greta Garbo. Among her early successes as a dramatic actress were The Women (George Cukor, 1939), Susan and God (1940), Strange Cargo (1940), and A Woman’s Face (1941). By the early 1940s, MGM was no longer giving Joan Crawford plum roles. Newcomers had arrived in Hollywood, and the public wanted to see them. Crawford left MGM for rival Warner Bros. In 1945 she landed the role of a lifetime in Mildred Pierce (Michael Curtiz, 1945). It is the story of an emotional and ambitious woman who rises from waitress to owner of a restaurant chain. The role gave her an opportunity to show her range as an actress, and her performance as a woman driven to give her daughter (Ann Blyth) everything garnered Crawford her first, and only, Oscar for Best Actress. The following year she appeared with John Garfield in the well-received Humoresque (Jean Negulesco, 1946). In 1947, she appeared as Louise Graham in Possessed (Curtis Bernhardt, 1947) with Van Heflin. Again she was nominated for the Best Actress award from the Academy, but she lost to Loretta Young in The Farmer's Daughter (H.C. Potter, 1947). Crawford continued to choose her roles carefully, and in 1952 she was nominated for a third time, for her depiction of Myra Hudson in Sudden Fear (David Miller, 1952) opposite Jack Palance and Gloria Grahame. This time the coveted Oscar went to Shirley Booth, for Come Back, Little Sheba (Daniel Mann, 1952). In 1955, Crawford became involved with the Pepsi-Cola Company through her marriage to company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alfred Steele. Crawford married four times. Her first three marriages to the actors Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. (1929–1933), Franchot Tone (1935–1939), and Phillip Terry (1942–1946) all had ended in divorce. After his death in 1959 she became a director of the company and in that role hired her friend Dorothy Arzner to film several Pepsi commercials. Crawford's film career slowed and she appeared in minor roles until 1962. Then she and Bette Davis co-starred in Whatever happened to Baby Jane? (Robert Aldrich, 1962). Their longstanding rivalry may have helped fuel their phenomenally vitriolic and well-received performances. Crawford's final appearance on the silver screen was in the bad monster movie Trog (Freddie Francis, 1970). It is said Bette Davis commented that if she had found herself starring in Trog, she'd commit suicide. Anyway, Joan Crawford retired from the screen, and following a public appearance in 1974 withdrew from public life. Turning to vodka more and more, she became increasingly reclusive. In 1977, Joan Crawford died of a heart attack in New York City. She was 72 years old. She had disinherited her adopted daughter Christina and son Christopher; the former wrote the controversial memoir 'Mommie Dearest' (1978). In 1981, Faye Dunaway starred in the film adaptation Mommie Dearest (Frank Perry, 1981) which did well at the box office. Joan Crawford is interred in a mausoleum in Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York.
Sources: Stephanie Jones (The Best of Everything), Michael Elliott (IMDb), Encyclopaedia Britannica, Wikipedia, and IMDb.
And, please check out our blog European Film Star Postcards.
The cleanliness of the surroundings are not important. The important thing is the meals are good clean and taste great.
For bringing awareness about cleanliness Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Movement has left no stone unturned. This was proved today at the Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi where convergence of 1000 students from various schools of Delhi who are members of Sulabh School Sanitation Club, along with member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan participated in the event. The crowd gave a big round of applause when Shri Vijay Goyal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Mrs. Amola Pathak joined these school children in this walkathon carrying replicas of toilet pots over their heads and slogans of cleanliness drive in their hands with the message “Toilet for All by 2019”. The unveiling of the replica of India’s largest toilet pot was another attraction of the day. All these events were part of celebrations of International Toilet Festival in view of ‘World Toilet Day’ that falls tomorrow: November 19, 2014.
Around 2000 people including 1000 school children, 200 liberated and rehabilitated manual scavengers from Alwar and Tonk (Rajasthan), 100 widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi and women from Mewat (Haryana) and others from all walks of life actively took part in the event and made a HUMAN CHAIN to create awareness about the importance of toilets in keeping with ‘Swachch Bharat’ campaign of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation joined the students in this HUMAN CHAIN.
On this occasion students released 1000 balloons in the air with the message of cleanliness drive.
During the event Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak called upon the participating students and others for a PLEDGE to make India clean.
The largest tri-coloured Flag of India was unfurled with pride in Connaught Place when Dr. Bindeshwer Pathak, icon of Sanitation along with 2000 people including erstwhile untouchables of Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan and widows of Vrindavan and Varanasi recited “JAN-GAN-MAN’. This was part of the International Toilet Festival being celebrated by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.
On the occasion Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Sulabh Sanitation Club’s member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared the dais and lighted the Lamp.
Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar delivered a motivational speech on Clean India Drive (Swachch Bharat Campaign).
Sulabh International Founder, Dr. Pathak addressed the audience and said that our aim is to create awareness about toilets and sanitation. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of having a toilet built in every household by 2019, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak said that the country will finally realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of total sanitation.
"Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister to have emphasised this much on the issue of sanitation. Even the developed countries have not emphasised as much," he said. Lamenting the fact that previous governments did not adopt the "Sulabh model" he expressed hope that the Modi Government will replicate it, which he claimed will help the government in achieving its objective of total sanitation.
"Our model has helped in putting an end to large scale open defecation in many areas apart from liberating many manual scavengers. The Alwar and Tonk model should be replicated all over the country," he said.
A skit “Ghar Ghar Alakh Jagane Wale” was played to show the importance of Sulabh Shauchalayas in our lives.
I found this sheep trough at the top of a hill with an awesome view down the valley and the Hector Range with it's new coat of early snow, to The Remarkables. It just needed that human element, so, surrounded by turnips, I stepped in to the murky water.
Here at Fitness For You health club cleanliness is essential. Our staff focuses on servicing their members to the fullest. We have created a sterile environment as our entire fitness facility is cleaned and power washed on a regular basis. Free towel service, keyless mahogany lockers, private showers, saunas, and all amenities are provided in our executive locker rooms and included in your gym membership!
Clean washed unironed summer clothes with a fresh fragrance stacked in a wicker laundry basket with a bright green shirt on top overhead view on rustic wooden boards with copyspace to the right
The relative cleanliness of Colas 56105 blends nicely with the autumnal colours at Hatherley as 3S32 goes into Lansdown Loop. 56090 at the rear in this picture was leading yesterday, with 56105 arriving from Nottingham Eastcroft as a replacement for 56094. 3S32 departs Gloucester Horton Rd. at 2237 and it’s tour takes in Worcester, Hereford, Craven Arms, The Cotswold Line, and Barnt Green. After letting 1V48 pass, this service will become 3S33 to Horton Rd. via Newport, although it usually stops at STJ. 6th November 2019.
For bringing awareness about cleanliness Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Movement has left no stone unturned. This was proved today at the Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi where convergence of 1000 students from various schools of Delhi who are members of Sulabh School Sanitation Club, along with member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan participated in the event. The crowd gave a big round of applause when Shri Vijay Goyal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Mrs. Amola Pathak joined these school children in this walkathon carrying replicas of toilet pots over their heads and slogans of cleanliness drive in their hands with the message “Toilet for All by 2019”. The unveiling of the replica of India’s largest toilet pot was another attraction of the day. All these events were part of celebrations of International Toilet Festival in view of ‘World Toilet Day’ that falls tomorrow: November 19, 2014.
Around 2000 people including 1000 school children, 200 liberated and rehabilitated manual scavengers from Alwar and Tonk (Rajasthan), 100 widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi and women from Mewat (Haryana) and others from all walks of life actively took part in the event and made a HUMAN CHAIN to create awareness about the importance of toilets in keeping with ‘Swachch Bharat’ campaign of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation joined the students in this HUMAN CHAIN.
On this occasion students released 1000 balloons in the air with the message of cleanliness drive.
During the event Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak called upon the participating students and others for a PLEDGE to make India clean.
The largest tri-coloured Flag of India was unfurled with pride in Connaught Place when Dr. Bindeshwer Pathak, icon of Sanitation along with 2000 people including erstwhile untouchables of Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan and widows of Vrindavan and Varanasi recited “JAN-GAN-MAN’. This was part of the International Toilet Festival being celebrated by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.
On the occasion Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Sulabh Sanitation Club’s member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared the dais and lighted the Lamp.
Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar delivered a motivational speech on Clean India Drive (Swachch Bharat Campaign).
Sulabh International Founder, Dr. Pathak addressed the audience and said that our aim is to create awareness about toilets and sanitation. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of having a toilet built in every household by 2019, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak said that the country will finally realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of total sanitation.
"Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister to have emphasised this much on the issue of sanitation. Even the developed countries have not emphasised as much," he said. Lamenting the fact that previous governments did not adopt the "Sulabh model" he expressed hope that the Modi Government will replicate it, which he claimed will help the government in achieving its objective of total sanitation.
"Our model has helped in putting an end to large scale open defecation in many areas apart from liberating many manual scavengers. The Alwar and Tonk model should be replicated all over the country," he said.
A skit “Ghar Ghar Alakh Jagane Wale” was played to show the importance of Sulabh Shauchalayas in our lives.
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Allah’s peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), the glorious Prophet of Islam, and on his Companions and his followers.
TASAWWUF
"There is no doubt that Tasawwuf is an important branch of Islam. The word itself may have been derived form the Arabic word "Soof" (Wool) or from "Safa" (cleanliness), but its foundation lies in one’s personal sincerity in seeking Allah’s nearness and trying to live a life pleasing to Him. Study of the Quran, the Hadith, and the practical life of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his faithful Companions provide unmistakable support to this reality." (Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A)
SUFISM, AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ISLAM
Doubts exist not only in the minds of the Muslim faithful but also among the Ulema, notably the exoteric about Tasawwuf and its votaries. Often they lead to misunderstanding, as if Shariah and Tariqah were two separate entries, or that Tasawwuf was some obscure discipline foreign to Islam, or that it was altogether above the established laws and injunctions of our Religion. To help remove these misgivings and to reassure seekers, as well as scholars, our Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), Sheikh Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia, wrote Al-Jamal Wal Kamal, Aqaid-O-Kamalaat Ulmai-e-Deoband, Binat-e-Rasool (S.A.W), Daamad-e-Ali (R.A), Dalael-us-Salook, Ejaad-e-Mazhab Shia, Hayat-un-Nabi (S.A.W), Hayat Barzakhia, Ilm-o-Irfan, Niffaz-e-Shariat Aur Fiqah-e-Jaferia, Saif-e-Owaisi, Shikast-e-Ahdai Hussain and Tahkeek Halal Haram books.
BIOGRAPHY
Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chakrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The very year, he met Shaykh Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Shaykh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was right away established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years. In 1962 he was directed to carry out the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular enthusiasm and devotion for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss as per his/her sincerity and capacity. Shaykh Allah Yar Khan's mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and distinction.
Although Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A) have lived a major portion of his life as a scholar, with the avowed mission of illuminating the truth of Islam and the negation of fallacious sects, and this would appear quite removed from Tasawwuf, yet the only practical difference between the two, namely the use of the former as a media to expound the truth, and the latter to imbue people with positive faith. Nevertheless, people are amazed that a man, who until the other day, was known as a dialectician and a preacher of Islam, is not only talking of Mystic Path, but is also claiming spiritual bonds with the veteran Sufi Masters of the Past. This amazement is obviously out of place in the view of Quranic injunction: This is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills. (62:4)
THE PURIFICATION OF THE SOUL
The purification of the soul always formed part of the main mission of the Prophets; that is, the dissemination and propagation of the Devine Message. This responsibility later fell directly on the shoulders of the true Ulema in the Ummah of the last Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), who, as his genuine successors, have continued to shed brave light in every Dark Age of materialism and sacrilege. In the present age of ruinous confusion, the importance of this responsibility has increased manifold; of the utter neglect of Islam by Muslims has not only driven them to misery, but also grievously weakened their bonds of faith in Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The decay in their belief and consequent perversion in their conduct has reached a stage that any attempt to pull them out of the depth of ignominy and the heedless chaos of faithlessness, attracts grave uncertainties and apprehensions rather than a encouraging will to follow the Shariah, to purify the soul and to reform within. The Quranic Verse: Layers upon layers of darkness… (24:40) provides the nearest expression of their present state.
SHARIAH & SUFISM
Any action against the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) cannot be called Sufism. Singing and dancing, and the prostration on tombs are not part of Sufism. Nor is predicting the future and predicting the outcome of cases in the courts of law, a part of Sufism. Sufis are not required to abandon their worldly possessions or live in the wilderness far from the practical world. In fact these absurdities are just its opposites. It is an established fact that Tazkiyah (soul purification) stands for that inner purity which inspires a person’s spirit to obey the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If a false claimant of Sufism teaches tricks and jugglery, ignoring religious obligations, he is an impostor. A true Sheikh will lead a believer to the august spiritual audience of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If you are fortunate enough to be blessed with the company of an accomplished spiritual guide and Sheikh of Sufism, and if you follow his instructions, you will observe a positive change in yourself, transferring you from vice to virtue.
ISLAM, AS A COMPLETE CODE OF LIFE
Islam, as a complete code of life or Deen, was perfected during the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). He was the sole teacher and his mosque was the core institution for the community. Although Islam in its entirety was practiced during that blessed era, the classification and compilation of its knowledge into distinct branches like ‘Tafsir’ (interpretation of the Quran), Hadith (traditions or sayings of the holy Prophet- SAWS), Fiqh (Islamic law), and Sufism (the soul purification) were undertaken subsequently. This Deen of Allah passed from the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to his illustrious Companions in two ways: the outward and the inward. The former comprised the knowledge defined by speech and conduct, i.e., the Quran and Sunnah. The latter comprised the invisible blessings or the Prophetic lights transmitted by his blessed self. These blessings purified the hearts and instilled in them a passionate desire to follow Islam with utmost love, honesty and loyalty.
WHAT’S SUFISM
Sufism is the attempt to attain these Barakah (Blessings). The Companions handed down Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) teachings as well as blessings to the Taba’een. Their strong hearts were capable of infusing these blessings into the hearts of their followers. Both aspects of Islam were similarly passed on by the Taba’een to the Taba Taba’een. The compilation of knowledge and its interpretation led to the establishment of many schools of religious thought; famous four being the Hanafi, the Hanbali, the Maliki, and the Shafa'i, all named after their founders. Similarly, in order to acquire, safeguard and distribute his blessings, an organized effort was initiated by four schools of Sufism: The Naqshbandia, the Qadria, the Chishtia, and the Suharwardia. These schools were also named after their organizers and came to be known as Sufi Orders. All these Orders intend to purify the hearts of sincere Muslims with Prophetic lights. These Sufi Orders also grew into many branches with the passage of time and are known by other names as well. The holy Quran has linked success in this life and the Hereafter with Tazkiyah (soul purification). He, who purified, is successful. (87: 14) Sufi Orders of Islam are the institutions where the basics of Tazkiyah (soul purification) and its practical application are taught. They have graded programs in which every new seeker is instructed in Zikr-e Lisani (oral Zikr) and is finally taught the Zikr-e Qalbi (Remembrance in heart).
ZIKR-E QALBI
However, in the Naqshbandia Order, Zikr-e Qalbi is practiced from the very beginning. Adherence to the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) is greatly emphasized in this Order, because the seeker achieves greater and quicker progress through its blessings. The essence of Zikr is that the Qalb should sincerely accept Islamic beliefs and gain the strength to follow the Sunnah with even greater devotion. ‘If the heart is acquainted with Allah and is engaged in His Zikr; then it is filled with Barakaat-e Nabuwwat (Prophetic blessings) which infuse their purity in the mind and body. This not only helps in controlling sensual drives but also removes traces of abhorrence, voracity, envy and insecurity from human soul. The person therefore becomes an embodiment of love, both for the Divine and the corporeal. This is the meaning of a Hadith, “There is a lump of flesh in the human body; if it goes astray the entire body is misguided, and if it is reformed the entire body is reformed. Know that this lump is the Qalb”.’
PAS ANFAS
Recent History Khawajah Naqshband (d. 1389 CE) organized the Naqshbandia Order at Bukhara (Central Asia). This Order has two main branches – the Mujaddidia and the Owaisiah. The former is identified with Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi, known as Mujaddid Alif Sani (literally: reviver of the second Muslim millennium), a successor to Khawajah Baqi Billah, who introduced the Order to the Indo- Pakistan sub-continent. The Owaisiah Order employs a similar method of Zikr but acquires the Prophetic blessings in the manner of Khawajah Owais Qarni, who received this beneficence from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) without a formal physical meeting. The Zikr employed by the Naqshbandia is ‘Zikr-e Khafi Qalbi’ (remembrance of Allah’s Name within the heart) and the method is termed ‘Pas Anfas’, which (in Persian) means guarding every breath. The Chain of Transmission of these Barakah, of course, emanates from the holy Prophet- SAWS.
SPIRITUAL BAI’AT (OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
It is necessary in all Sufi Orders that the Sheikh and the seekers must be contemporaries and must physically meet each other for the transfer of these blessings. However, the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order goes beyond this requirement and Sufis of this Order receive these Barakah regardless of physical meeting with their Sheikh or even when the Sheikh is not their contemporary. Yet, it must be underscored that physical meeting with the Sheikh of this Order still holds great importance in dissemination of these Barakah. Sheikh Sirhindi writes about the Owaisiah Order in his book ‘Tazkirah’: ‘It is the most sublime, the most exalted, and the most effective…and the highest station of all others is only its stepping stone.’ By far the greatest singular distinction of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order is the honor of Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance) directly at the blessed hands of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
SHEIKH HAZRAT MOULANA ALLAH YAR KHAN (R.A)
The Reviver Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chikrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The same year, he met Sheikh ‘Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Sheikh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was immediately established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century CE) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years, after which he was directed to undertake the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular zeal and dedication for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss commensurate with his/her sincerity and capacity. Sheikh Allah Yar Khan’s mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and eminence. He authored eighteen books, the most distinguished being Dalael us-Sulook (Sufism - An Objective Appraisal), Hayat-e Barzakhiah (Life Beyond Life) and Israr ul- Haramain (Secrets of the two holy Mosques). He was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished Sufi saints of the Muslim Ummah and a reviver of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order. He passed away on 18 February 1984 in Islamabad at the age of eighty.
THE CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION OF NAQSHBANDIA OWAISIAH
1. Hazrat Muhammad ur-Rasool Allah (Sall Allah-o Alaihi wa Sallam), 2. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhi Allah-o Unho), 3. Hazrat Imam Hassan Basri (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 4. Hazrat Daud Tai (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 5. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 6. Hazrat Ubaid Ullah Ahrar (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 7. Hazrat Abdur Rahman Jami (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 8. Hazrat Abu Ayub Muhammad Salih (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 9. Hazrat Allah Deen Madni (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 10. Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi).
THE SPIRIT OR RUH
The spirit or Ruh of every person is a created reflection of the Divine Attributes and it originates in Alam-e Amar (Realm of Command). Its food is the Light of Allah or the Divine Refulgence, which it acquires from the Realm of Command through the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him), whose status in the spiritual world is like that of the sun in the solar system. The Quran refers to him as the ‘bright lamp’. Indeed, he is the divinely selected channel of all Barakah. All Exalted Messengers themselves receive these Barakah from him.
LATAIF
The human Ruh also possesses vital organs like the physical body; through which it acquires its knowledge, food and energy. These are called Lataif (singular Latifah: subtlety). Scholars of various Sufi Orders have associated them with specific areas of the human body. The Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order identifies these Lataif as follows. First - Qalb: This spiritual faculty is located within the physical heart. Its function is Zikr. Its strength increases one’s capacity for Allah’s Zikr. Second – Ruh: The site of this Latifah, which is a distinct faculty of the human Ruh, is on the right side of the chest at the level of Qalb. Its primary function is concentration towards Allah. Third – Sirri: This is located above the Qalb and functions to make possible Kashf. Forth – Khaffi: This is located above the Ruh and functions to perceive the omnipresence of Allah. Fifth – Akhfa: This is located in the middle of chest, at the centre of the first four Lataif and makes it possible for the Ruh to perceive the closeness of Allah, Who is closer to us than our own selves. Sixth – Nafs: This Latifah is located at the forehead and functions to purify the human soul. Seventh – Sultan al-Azkar: This Latifah is located at the top centre of the head and serves to absorb the Barakah of Allah into the entire body, so that every cell resonates with Zikr.
FIVE EXALTED MESSENGERS OF GOD
There are Five Exalted Messengers among the many known and unknown Messengers of Allah. They are Hazrat Muhammad, Hazrat Nuh (Noah), Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham), Hazrat Musa (Moses), and Hazrat Esa (Jesus), peace be upon them all. Hazrat Adam is the first Prophet of Allah and the father of mankind. Each Latifah is associated with a particular Prophet. The Barakah and lights from Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him), descend on the first Latifah Qalb; its lights are reflected from the first heaven and are yellowish. The second Latifah is associated with Hazrat Nuh and Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon them). Its lights descend from the second heaven and appear as golden red. The lights descending upon the third Latifah are from Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) and are white. One the fourth Latifah, the lights of Hazrat Esa (peace be upon him) descend from the fourth heaven and are deep blue. The fifth Latifah receives its Barakah directly from the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him). The lights associated with this Latifah are green, descend from the fifth heaven, and overwhelm all the first four Lataif. The Lights descending upon the sixth and seventh Lataif are the Divine Lights, whose color and condition cannot be determined. These are like flashes of lightening that defy comprehension. If Allah blesses a seeker with Kashf, he can observe all of this. The vision is slightly diffused in the beginning, but gradually the clarity improves.
SULOOK
Stages of the Path After all seven Lataif of a seeker have been illuminated with Divine Lights through Tawajjuh of the Sheikh and his Ruh has acquired the ability to fly, the Sheikh initiates its journey on the sublime Path of Divine nearness. The Path is known as Sulook, and its stages are not hypothetical imaginations but real and actually existing stations on the spiritual Path. These are also referred to as Meditations, because a seeker mentally meditates about a station while his/her Ruh actually ascends towards it. The first three stations that form the base of whole Sulook are described as; Ahadiyyat, a station of Absolute Unity of Divinity. It is above and beyond the seven heavens. It is so vast a station that the seven heavens and all that they encompass are lost within Ahadiyyat as a ring is lost in a vast desert. Its lights are white in color. Maiyyat station denotes Divine Company, ‘He is with you, wherever you might be.’ This station is so vast that Ahadiyyat along with the seven heavens beneath are lost within it as a ring is lost in a desert. Its lights are green in color. Aqrabiyyat station denotes Divine Nearness, ‘He is nearer to you than your life- vein.’ Again, Aqrabiyyat is vast as compared to Maiyyat in the same proportion. Its lights are golden red and are reflected from the Divine Throne. It is indeed the greatest favor of Almighty Allah that He blesses a seeker with an accomplished Sheikh, who takes him to these sublime stations. The final station that a seeker attains to during his/her lifetime becomes his/her Iliyyeen (blessed abode) in Barzakh and his/her Ruh stays at this station after death.
ZIKR
Why is Zikr Necessary for Everyone? Allah ordains every soul in the Quran to Perform Zikr. This not only means reciting the Quran and Tasbeeh but also Zikr-e Qalb. It is only through Zikr-e Qalbi that Prophetic Lights reach the depths of human soul and purify it from all vice and evil. Zikr infuses a realization of constant Divine Presence and a seeker feels great improvement in the level of sincerity and love towards Allah and the holy Prophet- SAWS. Such levels of sincerity, love and feelings of Divine Presence can never be obtained without Zikr. It would be a mistake to believe that Zikr may be a requirement only for the very pious and virtuous people. Zikr provides the Prophetic blessings which are in effect the life line of every human soul. It transforms even the most corrupted humans into virtuous souls by bringing out the best in them. The fact is that Zikr is the only way to achieve true contentment and satisfaction in life. The holy Quran has pointed to this eternal fact that it is only through Zikr Allah that hearts can find satisfaction. Such satisfaction and peace are the ultimate requirements of every person, regardless of religion, race and ethnicity. Practicing Zikr regularly removes all traces of anxiety and restlessness, and guides the human soul to eternal bliss and peace.
KHALIFA MAJAZEEN
Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), during his life time in 1974, presented a nomination list to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), during Maraqba, of expected Khalifa Majazeen for Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) approved some names, deleted some of the names, and added down the name of Major Ghulam Muhammad as also Khalifa Majaaz of Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia (which was not previously included in the list)
The approved names at that time included:
1. Mr. Muhammad Akram Awan Sahib,
2. Mr. Sayed Bunyad Hussain Shah Sahib,
3. Mr. Major Ahsan Baig Sahib,
4. Mr. Col. Matloob Hussain Sahib,
5. Mr. Major Ghulam Muhammad Sahib of Wan Bhachran Mianwali,
6. Mr. Molvi Abdul Haq Sahib,
7. Mr. Hafiz Abdul Razzaq Sahib,
8. Mr. Hafiz Ghulam Qadri Sahib,
9. Mr. Khan Muhammad Irani Sahib,
10. Mr. Maolana Abdul Ghafoor Sahib,
11. Mr. Syed Muhammad Hassan Sahib of Zohb.
These Majazeen were authorized to; held Majalis of Zikar (Pas Anfas) in their respective areas, arrange Majalis of Zikar in neighboring areas, train them on the way of Sulook, prepare them for Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance), and present them to Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan for Spiritual Bai’at at the Hand of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), in the life of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), and were all equal in status as Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
Presently we are following Hazrat Major ® Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
Makes Everything “Spick and Span.”
Old Dutch Cleanser is no longer produced. The mine that supplied the pumice for the cleanser closed in 1947. However, the "Old Dutch" brand name is still used today for a line of laundry and household cleaning products, primarily in Canada, owned by Lavo Inc.
As for the term "spick and span", it predates Old Dutch Cleanser. The phrase originated in the late 16th century and means "spotlessly clean and well looked after.” It's believed to come from the combination of "spick" (a spike or nail) and "span" (a chip of wood), both symbolizing something new and clean.
A well-known household cleaner called “Spic and Span” was introduced in 1933. It was created by housewives Elizabeth "Bet" MacDonald and Naomi Stenglein in Saginaw, Michigan. They named it after the phrase "spick and span" to emphasize its cleaning power. The product was later acquired by Procter & Gamble in 1945 and is still available today, although it's now marketed by KIK Custom Products Inc.
[Sources: DesertReport.org, Wikipedia, Bing.com, and Phrases.org.uk]
Dutch postcard by J.S.A. Photo: M.G.M. / M.P.E. Collection: Geoffrey Donaldson Institute.
American film star Joan Crawford (1904-1977) had a career that spanned many decades, studios, and controversies. In her silent films, she made an impact as a vivacious Jazz Age flapper, and later she matured into a star of psychological melodramas.
Joan Crawford was born Lucille Fay LeSueur in 1904, in San Antonio, Texas. Her parents were Anna Belle (Johnson) and Thomas E. LeSueur, a laundry labourer. By the time she was born, her parents had separated. The young Lucille was bullied and shunned at Scaritt Elementary School in Kansas City by the other students due to her poor home life. She worked with her mother in a laundry and felt that her classmates could smell the chemicals and cleaners on her. She said that her love of taking showers and being obsessed with cleanliness had begun early in life as an attempt to wash off the smell of the laundry. Her stepfather Henry Cassin allegedly began sexually abusing her when she was eleven years old, and the abuse continued until she was sent to St. Agnes Academy, a Catholic girls' school. By the time she was a teenager, she'd had three stepfathers. Lucille LeSueur worked a variety of menial jobs. She was a good dancer, though, and she entered several contests, one of which landed her a spot in a chorus line. Before long, she was dancing in the choruses of travelling revues in big Midwestern and East Coast cities. She was spotted dancing in Detroit by famous New York producer Jacob J. Shubert. Shubert put her in the chorus line for his show 'Innocent Eyes'(1924) at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. Then followed another Schubert production, 'The Passing Show of 1924'. After hours, she danced for pay in the town it-spot, Club Richman, which was run by the 'Passing Show' stage manager Nils Granlund and popular local personality Harry Richman. In December 1924, Granlund called Lucille to tell her that Al Altman, a NYC-based talent scout from MGM had caught her in 'The Passing Show of 1924' and wanted her to do a screen test. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) offered Crawford a contract at $75 a week. On New Year's Day 1925 she boarded the train for Culver City. Credited as Lucille LeSueur, her first film part was as a showgirl in Lady of the Night (Monta Bell, 1925), starring MGM's most popular female star, Norma Shearer. Crawford was determined to succeed, and shortly after she also appeared in The Circle (Frank Borzage, 1925) and Pretty Ladies (Monta Bell, 1925), starring comedian ZaSu Pitts. She also appeared in a small role in Erich von Stroheim's classic The Merry Widow (1925) with Mae Murray and John Gilbert. MGM publicity head Pete Smith recognised her ability to become a major star but felt her name sounded fake. He told studio head, Louis B. Mayer, that her last name, LeSueur, reminded him of a sewer. Smith organised a contest called 'Name the Star' in Movie Weekly to allow readers to select her new stage name. The initial choice was 'Joan Arden', but after another actress was found to have a prior claim to that name, the alternate surname 'Crawford' became the choice. She first made an impression on audiences in Edmund Goulding's showgirl tale Sally, Irene, and Mary (1925). The film, which co-starred Constance Bennett and Sally O'Neil, was a hit. Joan's popularity grew so quickly afterwards that two films in which she was still billed as Lucille Le Sueur: Old Clothes (Edward F. Cline, 1925) with Jackie Coogan, and The Only Thing (Jack Conway, 1925) were recalled, and her name on the billings was changed to Joan Crawford. In 1926, Crawford was named one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars, and she starred opposite Charles Ray in Paris (Edmund Goulding, 1926). Within a few years, she became the romantic female lead to many of MGM's top male stars, including Ramón Novarro, John Gilbert, and action star Tim McCoy. She appeared alongside her close friend, William Haines in the comedy Spring Fever (Edward Sedgwick, 1927). It was the second film starring Haines and Crawford (the first had been Sally, Irene, and Mary (1925), and their first onscreen romantic teaming. Then, Crawford appeared in the silent horror film The Unknown (Tod Browning, 1927), starring Lon Chaney, Sr., who played Alonzo the Armless, a circus freak who uses his feet to toss knives. Crawford played his skimpily-clad young carnival assistant whom he hopes to marry. She stated that she learned more about acting from watching Chaney work than from anyone else in her career. Her role as Diana Medford in Our Dancing Daughters (Harry Beaumont, 1928) elevated her to star status. Joan co-starred with Anita Page and Dorothy Sebastian, and her spunky wild-but-moral flapper character struck a chord with the public and zeitgeist. Wikipedia: "The role established her as a symbol of modern 1920s-style femininity which rivaled Clara Bow, the original It girl, then Hollywood's foremost flapper. A stream of hits followed Our Dancing Daughters, including two more flapper-themed movies, in which Crawford embodied for her legion of fans (many of whom were women) an idealized vision of the free-spirited, all-American girl." The fan mail began pouring in and from that point on Joan was a bonafide star. Crawford had cleared the first big hurdle; now came the second, in the form of talkies. But Crawford wasn't felled by sound. Her first talkie, the romantic drama Untamed (Jack Conway, 1929) with Robert Montgomery, was a success. Michael Eliott at IMDb: "It's rather amazing to see how well she transformed into a sound star and you have to think that she was among the best to do so."
In the early 1930s, tired of playing fun-loving flappers, Joan Crawford wanted to change her image. Thin lips would not do for her; she wanted big lips. Ignoring her natural lip contours, Max Factor ran a smear of colour across her upper and lower lips. It was just what she wanted. To Max, the Crawford look, which became her trademark, was always 'the smear'. As the 1930s progressed, Joan Crawford became one of the biggest stars at MGM. She developed a glamorous screen image, appearing often as a sumptuously gowned, fur-draped, successful career woman. She was in top form in films such as Grand Hotel (Edmund Goulding, 1932), Sadie McKee (Clarence Brown, 1934), No More Ladies (Edward H. Griffith, 1935), and Love on the Run (W.S. Van Dyke, 1936) with Clark Gable. Crawford often played hard-working young women who found romance and success. Movie patrons were enthralled, and studio executives were satisfied. Her fame rivalled, and later outlasted, that of MGM colleagues Norma Shearer and Greta Garbo. Among her early successes as a dramatic actress were The Women (George Cukor, 1939), Susan and God (1940), Strange Cargo (1940), and A Woman’s Face (1941). By the early 1940s, MGM was no longer giving Joan Crawford plum roles. Newcomers had arrived in Hollywood, and the public wanted to see them. Crawford left MGM for rival Warner Bros. In 1945 she landed the role of a lifetime in Mildred Pierce (Michael Curtiz, 1945). It is the story of an emotional and ambitious woman who rises from waitress to owner of a restaurant chain. The role gave her an opportunity to show her range as an actress, and her performance as a woman driven to give her daughter (Ann Blyth) everything garnered Crawford her first, and only, Oscar for Best Actress. The following year she appeared with John Garfield in the well-received Humoresque (Jean Negulesco, 1946). In 1947, she appeared as Louise Graham in Possessed (Curtis Bernhardt, 1947) with Van Heflin. Again she was nominated for the Best Actress award from the Academy, but she lost to Loretta Young in The Farmer's Daughter (H.C. Potter, 1947). Crawford continued to choose her roles carefully, and in 1952 she was nominated for a third time, for her depiction of Myra Hudson in Sudden Fear (David Miller, 1952) opposite Jack Palance and Gloria Grahame. This time the coveted Oscar went to Shirley Booth, for Come Back, Little Sheba (Daniel Mann, 1952). In 1955, Crawford became involved with the Pepsi-Cola Company through her marriage to company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alfred Steele. Crawford married four times. Her first three marriages to the actors Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. (1929–1933), Franchot Tone (1935–1939), and Phillip Terry (1942–1946) all had ended in divorce. After his death in 1959 she became a director of the company and in that role hired her friend Dorothy Arzner to film several Pepsi commercials. Crawford's film career slowed and she appeared in minor roles until 1962. Then she and Bette Davis co-starred in Whatever happened to Baby Jane? (Robert Aldrich, 1962). Their longstanding rivalry may have helped fuel their phenomenally vitriolic and well-received performances. Crawford's final appearance on the silver screen was in the bad monster movie Trog (Freddie Francis, 1970). It is said Bette Davis commented that if she had found herself starring in Trog, she'd commit suicide. Anyway, Joan Crawford retired from the screen, and following a public appearance in 1974 withdrew from public life. Turning to vodka more and more, she became increasingly reclusive. In 1977, Joan Crawford died of a heart attack in New York City. She was 72 years old. She had disinherited her adopted daughter Christina and son Christopher; the former wrote the controversial memoir 'Mommie Dearest' (1978). In 1981, Faye Dunaway starred in the film adaptation Mommie Dearest (Frank Perry, 1981) which did well at the box office. Joan Crawford is interred in a mausoleum in Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York.
Sources: Stephanie Jones (The Best of Everything), Michael Elliott (IMDb), Encyclopaedia Britannica, Wikipedia, and IMDb.
And, please check out our blog European Film Star Postcards.
Shoreland Motel
Comfort-Cleanliness-Courtesy
All 25 modern units with free TV, individual air conditioning and electric heat, tiled baths with tuba and shower, softened water, carpeting. Heated pool. No pets, please. Restaurants nearby. 2 blocks south Bagnell Dam on Highway 54. An oasis in the midst of activities.
Lake Ozark, MO 65049 - Area Code 314-365-2354
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For bringing awareness about cleanliness Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Movement has left no stone unturned. This was proved today at the Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi where convergence of 1000 students from various schools of Delhi who are members of Sulabh School Sanitation Club, along with member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan participated in the event. The crowd gave a big round of applause when Shri Vijay Goyal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Mrs. Amola Pathak joined these school children in this walkathon carrying replicas of toilet pots over their heads and slogans of cleanliness drive in their hands with the message “Toilet for All by 2019”. The unveiling of the replica of India’s largest toilet pot was another attraction of the day. All these events were part of celebrations of International Toilet Festival in view of ‘World Toilet Day’ that falls tomorrow: November 19, 2014.
Around 2000 people including 1000 school children, 200 liberated and rehabilitated manual scavengers from Alwar and Tonk (Rajasthan), 100 widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi and women from Mewat (Haryana) and others from all walks of life actively took part in the event and made a HUMAN CHAIN to create awareness about the importance of toilets in keeping with ‘Swachch Bharat’ campaign of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation joined the students in this HUMAN CHAIN.
On this occasion students released 1000 balloons in the air with the message of cleanliness drive.
During the event Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak called upon the participating students and others for a PLEDGE to make India clean.
The largest tri-coloured Flag of India was unfurled with pride in Connaught Place when Dr. Bindeshwer Pathak, icon of Sanitation along with 2000 people including erstwhile untouchables of Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan and widows of Vrindavan and Varanasi recited “JAN-GAN-MAN’. This was part of the International Toilet Festival being celebrated by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.
On the occasion Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Sulabh Sanitation Club’s member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared the dais and lighted the Lamp.
Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar delivered a motivational speech on Clean India Drive (Swachch Bharat Campaign).
Sulabh International Founder, Dr. Pathak addressed the audience and said that our aim is to create awareness about toilets and sanitation. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of having a toilet built in every household by 2019, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak said that the country will finally realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of total sanitation.
"Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister to have emphasised this much on the issue of sanitation. Even the developed countries have not emphasised as much," he said. Lamenting the fact that previous governments did not adopt the "Sulabh model" he expressed hope that the Modi Government will replicate it, which he claimed will help the government in achieving its objective of total sanitation.
"Our model has helped in putting an end to large scale open defecation in many areas apart from liberating many manual scavengers. The Alwar and Tonk model should be replicated all over the country," he said.
A skit “Ghar Ghar Alakh Jagane Wale” was played to show the importance of Sulabh Shauchalayas in our lives.
File name: 10_03_000662b
Binder label: Soap
Title: Soap for all nations. Cleanliness is the scale of civilization. A fair trial is all I ask for it & 1776 Powder. [back]
Created/Published: Boston : Lith L. Prang & Co.
Date issued: 1870-1900 (approximate)
Physical description: 1 print : chromolithograph ; 12 x 16 cm.
Genre: Advertising cards
Subject: Adults; Household soap
Notes: Title from item.
Statement of responsibility: B. T. Babbitt
Collection: 19th Century American Trade Cards
Location: Boston Public Library, Print Department
Rights: No known restrictions.
UNEP has rebuilt the fish market in Port Salut, improving cleanliness and also access to this local hub of activity. Ines Seide, pictured, is one of twenty fish sellers at the market.
As part of the Côte Sud Initiative, UNEP is working with fishermen in Port Salut and surrounding areas to promote marine ecosystems regeneration and the sustainable management of marine resources while improving the fisheries market, diversifying fisheries products and developing coastal-based eco-tourism activities. The programme - call MER (Marine Environment Regeneration) Sud - aims to help rural coastal communities make the switch from poverty and unsustainable livelihoods to more economically productive and sustainable ecosystem-based livelihoods.
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Le marché au poisson local est un centre d'activité, Port Salut, Département du Sud, Haïti
Le PNUE a reconstruit le marché au poisson de Port Salut, dont les conditions d'hygiène ont été améliorées. Les modalités d'accès à ce foyer d'activité ont également été facilitées.
Dans le cadre de l'Initiative Côte Sud, le PNUE travaille avec les pêcheurs de Port Salut et des environs pour promouvoir la régénération des écosystèmes marins et la gestion durable des ressources halieutiques, tout en améliorant le marché du poisson, en diversifiant les produits issus de la pêche et en développant les activités écotouristiques côtières. Le programme Régénération de l'Environnement Marin (REM) vise à soutenir les communautés du littoral rural, en favorisant la transition de la pauvreté vers la productivité et la durabilité de modes de vie en harmonie avec les écosystèmes.
2014 © UNEP/Marc Lee Steed
For further information go to www.unep.org/disastersandconflicts
La ansiedad era innegable, ambos esperábamos el encuentro e incluso desde antes me hiciste saber que aguardabas por mi llegada con ese mensaje que sólo se puede entender al cerrar los ojos.
Caminé cerca tuyo por una larga y nueva senda mientras veía cosas totalmente nuevas y escuchaba tu canto apaciguante e incesante. También caminé por una senda que ya conocía, y tuve miedo de mi reacción al verla nuevamente pero cerré los ojos y escuché tu susurro, llamándome e invitándome a encontrarte. Enfrenté mi miedo y caminé por ese camino antes recorrido, una mezcla de nostalgia y calma invadió mi alma y ni tú ni él se apartaron de mí.
Tomamos un descanso pequeño bajo la sombra de un árbol sentados en el pasto, una plática, nuestras vidas a flor de piel y la sensación de que había encontrado a alguien especial. Pero me llamabas cada vez más fuerte y yo quería encontrarte. Así que decidimos seguir caminando. Por fin toqué parte de ti con los pies desnudos, la sensación de calma fue indescriptible, contemplé de cerca tu majestuosidad y amplitud, y tu canto me incitaba a ir por ti ya que aún no llegaba de todo. Después de caminar por otro rato encontré un lugar propicio a la hora correcta y junto a la compañía indicada.
Era el momento, así que fui a tu encuentro, me tomaste desde los píes y no pude evitar un escalofrío. Acariciaste mi rostro y desordenaste mi pelo mientras mi mirada no dejaba de contemplarte (era inevitable, después de todo eres simplemente absorbente). Me abrazaste y me hiciste sentir libre, entraste en mi pecho y extirpaste todo rastro de miedo, soledad, angustia y rencor. Me liberaste de todo la culpa de mi pasado, sacaste la cruz de mis hombros, la limpiaste y puliste para luego devolvérmela. Entré en ti y salí renacido, así como el fénix que renace de sus propias cenizas, yo renací de mi tristeza e inseguridades como un hombre nuevo que comienza a vivir la vida de verdad. Su nueva vida.
Photo&Edition by Héctor Barraza
Gracias de nuevo amigo por acompañarme, eres una gran persona, tuve suerte de conocerte <3
Turning Tables by Adele
www.youtube.com/watch?v=omkUG4kugvw
Blogger : mr-phoenix.blogspot.com/
For bringing awareness about cleanliness Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Movement has left no stone unturned. This was proved today at the Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi where convergence of 1000 students from various schools of Delhi who are members of Sulabh School Sanitation Club, along with member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan participated in the event. The crowd gave a big round of applause when Shri Vijay Goyal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Mrs. Amola Pathak joined these school children in this walkathon carrying replicas of toilet pots over their heads and slogans of cleanliness drive in their hands with the message “Toilet for All by 2019”. The unveiling of the replica of India’s largest toilet pot was another attraction of the day. All these events were part of celebrations of International Toilet Festival in view of ‘World Toilet Day’ that falls tomorrow: November 19, 2014.
Around 2000 people including 1000 school children, 200 liberated and rehabilitated manual scavengers from Alwar and Tonk (Rajasthan), 100 widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi and women from Mewat (Haryana) and others from all walks of life actively took part in the event and made a HUMAN CHAIN to create awareness about the importance of toilets in keeping with ‘Swachch Bharat’ campaign of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation joined the students in this HUMAN CHAIN.
On this occasion students released 1000 balloons in the air with the message of cleanliness drive.
During the event Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak called upon the participating students and others for a PLEDGE to make India clean.
The largest tri-coloured Flag of India was unfurled with pride in Connaught Place when Dr. Bindeshwer Pathak, icon of Sanitation along with 2000 people including erstwhile untouchables of Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan and widows of Vrindavan and Varanasi recited “JAN-GAN-MAN’. This was part of the International Toilet Festival being celebrated by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.
On the occasion Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Sulabh Sanitation Club’s member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared the dais and lighted the Lamp.
Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar delivered a motivational speech on Clean India Drive (Swachch Bharat Campaign).
Sulabh International Founder, Dr. Pathak addressed the audience and said that our aim is to create awareness about toilets and sanitation. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of having a toilet built in every household by 2019, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak said that the country will finally realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of total sanitation.
"Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister to have emphasised this much on the issue of sanitation. Even the developed countries have not emphasised as much," he said. Lamenting the fact that previous governments did not adopt the "Sulabh model" he expressed hope that the Modi Government will replicate it, which he claimed will help the government in achieving its objective of total sanitation.
"Our model has helped in putting an end to large scale open defecation in many areas apart from liberating many manual scavengers. The Alwar and Tonk model should be replicated all over the country," he said.
A skit “Ghar Ghar Alakh Jagane Wale” was played to show the importance of Sulabh Shauchalayas in our lives.
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Allah’s peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), the glorious Prophet of Islam, and on his Companions and his followers.
TASAWWUF
"There is no doubt that Tasawwuf is an important branch of Islam. The word itself may have been derived form the Arabic word "Soof" (Wool) or from "Safa" (cleanliness), but its foundation lies in one’s personal sincerity in seeking Allah’s nearness and trying to live a life pleasing to Him. Study of the Quran, the Hadith, and the practical life of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his faithful Companions provide unmistakable support to this reality." (Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A)
SUFISM, AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ISLAM
Doubts exist not only in the minds of the Muslim faithful but also among the Ulema, notably the exoteric about Tasawwuf and its votaries. Often they lead to misunderstanding, as if Shariah and Tariqah were two separate entries, or that Tasawwuf was some obscure discipline foreign to Islam, or that it was altogether above the established laws and injunctions of our Religion. To help remove these misgivings and to reassure seekers, as well as scholars, our Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), Sheikh Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia, wrote Al-Jamal Wal Kamal, Aqaid-O-Kamalaat Ulmai-e-Deoband, Binat-e-Rasool (S.A.W), Daamad-e-Ali (R.A), Dalael-us-Salook, Ejaad-e-Mazhab Shia, Hayat-un-Nabi (S.A.W), Hayat Barzakhia, Ilm-o-Irfan, Niffaz-e-Shariat Aur Fiqah-e-Jaferia, Saif-e-Owaisi, Shikast-e-Ahdai Hussain and Tahkeek Halal Haram books.
BIOGRAPHY
Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chakrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The very year, he met Shaykh Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Shaykh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was right away established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years. In 1962 he was directed to carry out the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular enthusiasm and devotion for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss as per his/her sincerity and capacity. Shaykh Allah Yar Khan's mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and distinction.
Although Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A) have lived a major portion of his life as a scholar, with the avowed mission of illuminating the truth of Islam and the negation of fallacious sects, and this would appear quite removed from Tasawwuf, yet the only practical difference between the two, namely the use of the former as a media to expound the truth, and the latter to imbue people with positive faith. Nevertheless, people are amazed that a man, who until the other day, was known as a dialectician and a preacher of Islam, is not only talking of Mystic Path, but is also claiming spiritual bonds with the veteran Sufi Masters of the Past. This amazement is obviously out of place in the view of Quranic injunction: This is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills. (62:4)
THE PURIFICATION OF THE SOUL
The purification of the soul always formed part of the main mission of the Prophets; that is, the dissemination and propagation of the Devine Message. This responsibility later fell directly on the shoulders of the true Ulema in the Ummah of the last Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), who, as his genuine successors, have continued to shed brave light in every Dark Age of materialism and sacrilege. In the present age of ruinous confusion, the importance of this responsibility has increased manifold; of the utter neglect of Islam by Muslims has not only driven them to misery, but also grievously weakened their bonds of faith in Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The decay in their belief and consequent perversion in their conduct has reached a stage that any attempt to pull them out of the depth of ignominy and the heedless chaos of faithlessness, attracts grave uncertainties and apprehensions rather than a encouraging will to follow the Shariah, to purify the soul and to reform within. The Quranic Verse: Layers upon layers of darkness… (24:40) provides the nearest expression of their present state.
SHARIAH & SUFISM
Any action against the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) cannot be called Sufism. Singing and dancing, and the prostration on tombs are not part of Sufism. Nor is predicting the future and predicting the outcome of cases in the courts of law, a part of Sufism. Sufis are not required to abandon their worldly possessions or live in the wilderness far from the practical world. In fact these absurdities are just its opposites. It is an established fact that Tazkiyah (soul purification) stands for that inner purity which inspires a person’s spirit to obey the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If a false claimant of Sufism teaches tricks and jugglery, ignoring religious obligations, he is an impostor. A true Sheikh will lead a believer to the august spiritual audience of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If you are fortunate enough to be blessed with the company of an accomplished spiritual guide and Sheikh of Sufism, and if you follow his instructions, you will observe a positive change in yourself, transferring you from vice to virtue.
ISLAM, AS A COMPLETE CODE OF LIFE
Islam, as a complete code of life or Deen, was perfected during the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). He was the sole teacher and his mosque was the core institution for the community. Although Islam in its entirety was practiced during that blessed era, the classification and compilation of its knowledge into distinct branches like ‘Tafsir’ (interpretation of the Quran), Hadith (traditions or sayings of the holy Prophet- SAWS), Fiqh (Islamic law), and Sufism (the soul purification) were undertaken subsequently. This Deen of Allah passed from the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to his illustrious Companions in two ways: the outward and the inward. The former comprised the knowledge defined by speech and conduct, i.e., the Quran and Sunnah. The latter comprised the invisible blessings or the Prophetic lights transmitted by his blessed self. These blessings purified the hearts and instilled in them a passionate desire to follow Islam with utmost love, honesty and loyalty.
WHAT’S SUFISM
Sufism is the attempt to attain these Barakah (Blessings). The Companions handed down Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) teachings as well as blessings to the Taba’een. Their strong hearts were capable of infusing these blessings into the hearts of their followers. Both aspects of Islam were similarly passed on by the Taba’een to the Taba Taba’een. The compilation of knowledge and its interpretation led to the establishment of many schools of religious thought; famous four being the Hanafi, the Hanbali, the Maliki, and the Shafa'i, all named after their founders. Similarly, in order to acquire, safeguard and distribute his blessings, an organized effort was initiated by four schools of Sufism: The Naqshbandia, the Qadria, the Chishtia, and the Suharwardia. These schools were also named after their organizers and came to be known as Sufi Orders. All these Orders intend to purify the hearts of sincere Muslims with Prophetic lights. These Sufi Orders also grew into many branches with the passage of time and are known by other names as well. The holy Quran has linked success in this life and the Hereafter with Tazkiyah (soul purification). He, who purified, is successful. (87: 14) Sufi Orders of Islam are the institutions where the basics of Tazkiyah (soul purification) and its practical application are taught. They have graded programs in which every new seeker is instructed in Zikr-e Lisani (oral Zikr) and is finally taught the Zikr-e Qalbi (Remembrance in heart).
ZIKR-E QALBI
However, in the Naqshbandia Order, Zikr-e Qalbi is practiced from the very beginning. Adherence to the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) is greatly emphasized in this Order, because the seeker achieves greater and quicker progress through its blessings. The essence of Zikr is that the Qalb should sincerely accept Islamic beliefs and gain the strength to follow the Sunnah with even greater devotion. ‘If the heart is acquainted with Allah and is engaged in His Zikr; then it is filled with Barakaat-e Nabuwwat (Prophetic blessings) which infuse their purity in the mind and body. This not only helps in controlling sensual drives but also removes traces of abhorrence, voracity, envy and insecurity from human soul. The person therefore becomes an embodiment of love, both for the Divine and the corporeal. This is the meaning of a Hadith, “There is a lump of flesh in the human body; if it goes astray the entire body is misguided, and if it is reformed the entire body is reformed. Know that this lump is the Qalb”.’
PAS ANFAS
Recent History Khawajah Naqshband (d. 1389 CE) organized the Naqshbandia Order at Bukhara (Central Asia). This Order has two main branches – the Mujaddidia and the Owaisiah. The former is identified with Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi, known as Mujaddid Alif Sani (literally: reviver of the second Muslim millennium), a successor to Khawajah Baqi Billah, who introduced the Order to the Indo- Pakistan sub-continent. The Owaisiah Order employs a similar method of Zikr but acquires the Prophetic blessings in the manner of Khawajah Owais Qarni, who received this beneficence from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) without a formal physical meeting. The Zikr employed by the Naqshbandia is ‘Zikr-e Khafi Qalbi’ (remembrance of Allah’s Name within the heart) and the method is termed ‘Pas Anfas’, which (in Persian) means guarding every breath. The Chain of Transmission of these Barakah, of course, emanates from the holy Prophet- SAWS.
SPIRITUAL BAI’AT (OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
It is necessary in all Sufi Orders that the Sheikh and the seekers must be contemporaries and must physically meet each other for the transfer of these blessings. However, the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order goes beyond this requirement and Sufis of this Order receive these Barakah regardless of physical meeting with their Sheikh or even when the Sheikh is not their contemporary. Yet, it must be underscored that physical meeting with the Sheikh of this Order still holds great importance in dissemination of these Barakah. Sheikh Sirhindi writes about the Owaisiah Order in his book ‘Tazkirah’: ‘It is the most sublime, the most exalted, and the most effective…and the highest station of all others is only its stepping stone.’ By far the greatest singular distinction of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order is the honor of Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance) directly at the blessed hands of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
SHEIKH HAZRAT MOULANA ALLAH YAR KHAN (R.A)
The Reviver Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chikrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The same year, he met Sheikh ‘Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Sheikh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was immediately established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century CE) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years, after which he was directed to undertake the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular zeal and dedication for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss commensurate with his/her sincerity and capacity. Sheikh Allah Yar Khan’s mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and eminence. He authored eighteen books, the most distinguished being Dalael us-Sulook (Sufism - An Objective Appraisal), Hayat-e Barzakhiah (Life Beyond Life) and Israr ul- Haramain (Secrets of the two holy Mosques). He was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished Sufi saints of the Muslim Ummah and a reviver of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order. He passed away on 18 February 1984 in Islamabad at the age of eighty.
THE CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION OF NAQSHBANDIA OWAISIAH
1. Hazrat Muhammad ur-Rasool Allah (Sall Allah-o Alaihi wa Sallam), 2. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhi Allah-o Unho), 3. Hazrat Imam Hassan Basri (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 4. Hazrat Daud Tai (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 5. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 6. Hazrat Ubaid Ullah Ahrar (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 7. Hazrat Abdur Rahman Jami (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 8. Hazrat Abu Ayub Muhammad Salih (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 9. Hazrat Allah Deen Madni (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 10. Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi).
THE SPIRIT OR RUH
The spirit or Ruh of every person is a created reflection of the Divine Attributes and it originates in Alam-e Amar (Realm of Command). Its food is the Light of Allah or the Divine Refulgence, which it acquires from the Realm of Command through the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him), whose status in the spiritual world is like that of the sun in the solar system. The Quran refers to him as the ‘bright lamp’. Indeed, he is the divinely selected channel of all Barakah. All Exalted Messengers themselves receive these Barakah from him.
LATAIF
The human Ruh also possesses vital organs like the physical body; through which it acquires its knowledge, food and energy. These are called Lataif (singular Latifah: subtlety). Scholars of various Sufi Orders have associated them with specific areas of the human body. The Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order identifies these Lataif as follows. First - Qalb: This spiritual faculty is located within the physical heart. Its function is Zikr. Its strength increases one’s capacity for Allah’s Zikr. Second – Ruh: The site of this Latifah, which is a distinct faculty of the human Ruh, is on the right side of the chest at the level of Qalb. Its primary function is concentration towards Allah. Third – Sirri: This is located above the Qalb and functions to make possible Kashf. Forth – Khaffi: This is located above the Ruh and functions to perceive the omnipresence of Allah. Fifth – Akhfa: This is located in the middle of chest, at the centre of the first four Lataif and makes it possible for the Ruh to perceive the closeness of Allah, Who is closer to us than our own selves. Sixth – Nafs: This Latifah is located at the forehead and functions to purify the human soul. Seventh – Sultan al-Azkar: This Latifah is located at the top centre of the head and serves to absorb the Barakah of Allah into the entire body, so that every cell resonates with Zikr.
FIVE EXALTED MESSENGERS OF GOD
There are Five Exalted Messengers among the many known and unknown Messengers of Allah. They are Hazrat Muhammad, Hazrat Nuh (Noah), Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham), Hazrat Musa (Moses), and Hazrat Esa (Jesus), peace be upon them all. Hazrat Adam is the first Prophet of Allah and the father of mankind. Each Latifah is associated with a particular Prophet. The Barakah and lights from Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him), descend on the first Latifah Qalb; its lights are reflected from the first heaven and are yellowish. The second Latifah is associated with Hazrat Nuh and Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon them). Its lights descend from the second heaven and appear as golden red. The lights descending upon the third Latifah are from Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) and are white. One the fourth Latifah, the lights of Hazrat Esa (peace be upon him) descend from the fourth heaven and are deep blue. The fifth Latifah receives its Barakah directly from the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him). The lights associated with this Latifah are green, descend from the fifth heaven, and overwhelm all the first four Lataif. The Lights descending upon the sixth and seventh Lataif are the Divine Lights, whose color and condition cannot be determined. These are like flashes of lightening that defy comprehension. If Allah blesses a seeker with Kashf, he can observe all of this. The vision is slightly diffused in the beginning, but gradually the clarity improves.
SULOOK
Stages of the Path After all seven Lataif of a seeker have been illuminated with Divine Lights through Tawajjuh of the Sheikh and his Ruh has acquired the ability to fly, the Sheikh initiates its journey on the sublime Path of Divine nearness. The Path is known as Sulook, and its stages are not hypothetical imaginations but real and actually existing stations on the spiritual Path. These are also referred to as Meditations, because a seeker mentally meditates about a station while his/her Ruh actually ascends towards it. The first three stations that form the base of whole Sulook are described as; Ahadiyyat, a station of Absolute Unity of Divinity. It is above and beyond the seven heavens. It is so vast a station that the seven heavens and all that they encompass are lost within Ahadiyyat as a ring is lost in a vast desert. Its lights are white in color. Maiyyat station denotes Divine Company, ‘He is with you, wherever you might be.’ This station is so vast that Ahadiyyat along with the seven heavens beneath are lost within it as a ring is lost in a desert. Its lights are green in color. Aqrabiyyat station denotes Divine Nearness, ‘He is nearer to you than your life- vein.’ Again, Aqrabiyyat is vast as compared to Maiyyat in the same proportion. Its lights are golden red and are reflected from the Divine Throne. It is indeed the greatest favor of Almighty Allah that He blesses a seeker with an accomplished Sheikh, who takes him to these sublime stations. The final station that a seeker attains to during his/her lifetime becomes his/her Iliyyeen (blessed abode) in Barzakh and his/her Ruh stays at this station after death.
ZIKR
Why is Zikr Necessary for Everyone? Allah ordains every soul in the Quran to Perform Zikr. This not only means reciting the Quran and Tasbeeh but also Zikr-e Qalb. It is only through Zikr-e Qalbi that Prophetic Lights reach the depths of human soul and purify it from all vice and evil. Zikr infuses a realization of constant Divine Presence and a seeker feels great improvement in the level of sincerity and love towards Allah and the holy Prophet- SAWS. Such levels of sincerity, love and feelings of Divine Presence can never be obtained without Zikr. It would be a mistake to believe that Zikr may be a requirement only for the very pious and virtuous people. Zikr provides the Prophetic blessings which are in effect the life line of every human soul. It transforms even the most corrupted humans into virtuous souls by bringing out the best in them. The fact is that Zikr is the only way to achieve true contentment and satisfaction in life. The holy Quran has pointed to this eternal fact that it is only through Zikr Allah that hearts can find satisfaction. Such satisfaction and peace are the ultimate requirements of every person, regardless of religion, race and ethnicity. Practicing Zikr regularly removes all traces of anxiety and restlessness, and guides the human soul to eternal bliss and peace.
KHALIFA MAJAZEEN
Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), during his life time in 1974, presented a nomination list to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), during Maraqba, of expected Khalifa Majazeen for Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) approved some names, deleted some of the names, and added down the name of Major Ghulam Muhammad as also Khalifa Majaaz of Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia (which was not previously included in the list)
The approved names at that time included:
1. Mr. Muhammad Akram Awan Sahib,
2. Mr. Sayed Bunyad Hussain Shah Sahib,
3. Mr. Major Ahsan Baig Sahib,
4. Mr. Col. Matloob Hussain Sahib,
5. Mr. Major Ghulam Muhammad Sahib of Wan Bhachran Mianwali,
6. Mr. Molvi Abdul Haq Sahib,
7. Mr. Hafiz Abdul Razzaq Sahib,
8. Mr. Hafiz Ghulam Qadri Sahib,
9. Mr. Khan Muhammad Irani Sahib,
10. Mr. Maolana Abdul Ghafoor Sahib,
11. Mr. Syed Muhammad Hassan Sahib of Zohb.
These Majazeen were authorized to; held Majalis of Zikar (Pas Anfas) in their respective areas, arrange Majalis of Zikar in neighboring areas, train them on the way of Sulook, prepare them for Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance), and present them to Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan for Spiritual Bai’at at the Hand of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), in the life of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), and were all equal in status as Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
Presently we are following Hazrat Major ® Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
For bringing awareness about cleanliness Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, Founder, Sulabh Movement has left no stone unturned. This was proved today at the Central Park, Connaught Place, New Delhi where convergence of 1000 students from various schools of Delhi who are members of Sulabh School Sanitation Club, along with member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan participated in the event. The crowd gave a big round of applause when Shri Vijay Goyal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Mrs. Amola Pathak joined these school children in this walkathon carrying replicas of toilet pots over their heads and slogans of cleanliness drive in their hands with the message “Toilet for All by 2019”. The unveiling of the replica of India’s largest toilet pot was another attraction of the day. All these events were part of celebrations of International Toilet Festival in view of ‘World Toilet Day’ that falls tomorrow: November 19, 2014.
Around 2000 people including 1000 school children, 200 liberated and rehabilitated manual scavengers from Alwar and Tonk (Rajasthan), 100 widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi and women from Mewat (Haryana) and others from all walks of life actively took part in the event and made a HUMAN CHAIN to create awareness about the importance of toilets in keeping with ‘Swachch Bharat’ campaign of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation joined the students in this HUMAN CHAIN.
On this occasion students released 1000 balloons in the air with the message of cleanliness drive.
During the event Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak called upon the participating students and others for a PLEDGE to make India clean.
The largest tri-coloured Flag of India was unfurled with pride in Connaught Place when Dr. Bindeshwer Pathak, icon of Sanitation along with 2000 people including erstwhile untouchables of Alwar and Tonk, Rajasthan and widows of Vrindavan and Varanasi recited “JAN-GAN-MAN’. This was part of the International Toilet Festival being celebrated by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation.
On the occasion Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar, Vice Chairperson, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak and Sulabh Sanitation Club’s member students from six countries — Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared the dais and lighted the Lamp.
Hon’ble Shri Karan Singh Tanwar delivered a motivational speech on Clean India Drive (Swachch Bharat Campaign).
Sulabh International Founder, Dr. Pathak addressed the audience and said that our aim is to create awareness about toilets and sanitation. Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of having a toilet built in every household by 2019, Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak said that the country will finally realise Mahatma Gandhi's dream of total sanitation.
"Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister to have emphasised this much on the issue of sanitation. Even the developed countries have not emphasised as much," he said. Lamenting the fact that previous governments did not adopt the "Sulabh model" he expressed hope that the Modi Government will replicate it, which he claimed will help the government in achieving its objective of total sanitation.
"Our model has helped in putting an end to large scale open defecation in many areas apart from liberating many manual scavengers. The Alwar and Tonk model should be replicated all over the country," he said.
A skit “Ghar Ghar Alakh Jagane Wale” was played to show the importance of Sulabh Shauchalayas in our lives.
File name: 10_03_000659b
Binder label: Soap
Title: Soap for all nations. Cleanliness is the scale of civilization. Allow me to offer you B. T. Babbitt's Best for trial. [back]
Created/Published: N. Y. : The Hatch Lith. Co.
Date issued: 1870-1900 (approximate)
Physical description: 1 print : chromolithograph ; 11 x 16 cm.
Genre: Advertising cards
Subject: Adults; Household soap
Notes: Title from item.
Statement of responsibility: B. T. Babbitt
Collection: 19th Century American Trade Cards
Location: Boston Public Library, Print Department
Rights: No known restrictions.
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) held its second edition of the Umuganda Cleanliness Campaign in Juba in collaboration of with Juba City Council authority.
UNMISS staff committed to offer support to the City Council of Juba in its effort to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment. Military, Police and Civilian members of UNMISS based in Juba participated to this civic event started from Seven Day’s Roundabout to Gudele road.
Speaking at the sight, UNMISS chief David Shearer said, “ its very important that we are not just seen to be driving around in cars but we actually working with the people and helping the people of South Sudan.”
Appreciating the presence of the Mayor and deputy mayor being at the sight, he said, “its excellent to see them thank you very much for turning and thank you for spending your morning picking up rubbish which is not nice I understand but it is something that I think we contribute to South Sudan.”
Deputy Mayor Thiik Thiik Mayardi directing his speech to South Sudanese, “you should come out and join us to do cleaning. It is not our responsibility alone or the UN; it is our collective responsibility to clean our city so that each everyone who is coming to South Sudan will know that South Sudan people are clean people. But I am really regretting because they are not anything.’’
Acting Mayor Silvestro Minibala said “ our priority in Juba City Council is sanitation to keep the environment clean. And today’s work is different than the previous work that we have been doing because today we the big man UN representative in South Sudan David Shearer. David Shearer thank you very much for coming thank you very for involving in our campaign.”
Thierry Tremblay, UNMISS chief of environment and Occupational Safety & Health said “Well, it is very important cause you know, like basically managing garbage is important for human health so what we are trying to do is making sure that we contribute to city’s effort in cleaning the city to prevent disease, environmental pollution. So it is really our efforts or contribution support the city in basically improving the state of the environment here.”
Participants carried their own reusable water bottles and are also encouraged to wear long pants and a sun hat. Gloves, dust masks and garbage bags were being provided by UNMISS. Officials from the Juba City Council.
UN Photo: Isaac Billy