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تدمر يوم 9-1-2010 - كاميرا مصطفى أسعد - PALMYRA , SYRIA ,sunset at 9,1,2010 , by MUSTAFA ASSAAD (45)
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Seventh highest price of the day.
1957 Chrysler Ghia 400 Super Dart story photo 6 of 7
There is a lot to unpack here.
o Photo 1 in this series shows Donald Osborne -- opera singer (I videoed him singing the National Anthem at Concours on the Avenue in Carmel, 2021), Audrain Museum CEO, and international business owner -- introducing the car, which I believe he had been hired to sell at the auction.
o Photos 2 & 3 in this series show Evan Ide -- works with Bonhams, has been featured on Wayne Carini's "Chasing Classic Cars" several times, and is an advisor to several major museum collections around the world -- driving the car on stage.
o Photo 4 in this series shows the video projection of the car onstage. Interestingly, we had just seen this car place 3rd in its class at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Here's a photo of its in-console record player. In addition, three days before concours day, we met friends (Don & Kathy and Frank & Laura) of the car's late owner, John White, as we were enjoying beverages at The Inn at Spanish Bay who were there to show the car. Both couples were fun, lovely, down-to-earth people.
o Photos 5-7 in this series show a happy Andy Reid who succeeded in purchasing this car for a client.
1957 Chrysler Ghia Super Dart 400
Sold for US$819,000 inc. premium
From the catalog:
Chassis no. 202
392ci OHV FirePower Hemi V8 Engine
Dual 4-Barrel Carburetors
400bhp at 5,400rpm
Push Button Torqueflite Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes
*Offered from the John White Ramshead Collection
*Striking, era-evoking one-off concept car shown at the Torino and New York Auto Shows
*2022 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Preservation Class Award Winner
*Equipped with powerful 400HP Hemi and optioned with Chrysler 'Highway Hi-Fi' record player
*Highly original and preserved example with less than 49,800 miles and 3 owners from new
THE SUPER DART 400
Proudly offered as one of the most important cars from the renowned Ramshead Collection thoughtfully curated by the late john White, this stunning and impressive, one-off Ghia-styled concept car - the Super Dart 400 - boasts not just uniqueness in is visual presence and auto show history, but also impeccable originality and preservation, having been collected by discerning custodians as a truly important show car since it was brand new.
Carrozzeria Ghia was founded by Giacinto Ghia in Turin in 1919, and soon established a reputation not just for luxury coachwork but also for bodying competition cars. After WW2, the company provided the training ground for many of Italy's rising-star designers - Michelotti, Boano, and Frua all making a contribution to its continuing success. Chrysler had two bespoke show cars built by Carrozzeria Ghia to be shown on the Turin firm's stand both in 1956 and 1957; the Dart and the potent 400-horsepower Super Dart 400 offered here. Its sister car, the Dart was shown the year before in 1956. Based on a 1957 300C Chrysler chassis, the Super Dart 400 emblems on the tail fins are appropriate for telling the world that this car has a 400-horsepower Chrysler Hemi under the hood fed through two massive 4-barrel carburetors. The engine was assembled on Chrysler's industrial engine line, and fitted with combination of performance parts, paired with the optional "Power Pack" offered by Chrysler at the time with 10:1 compression ratio, resulting in the higher horsepower rating.
The striking Ghia designed and built Coupe bodywork was extremely elegant yet fast and futuristic looking, while reminiscent of its Gilda and Dart predecessors. The exaggerated high-rise fins, artistic front grill, and rakish roofline add to the uniqueness of this automobile. Perhaps one of the most notable design features is the custom recessed side trim joining the front and rear bumpers in a pleasing and practical wraparound fashion. Inspired Virgil Exner and his "forward look" for Chrysler designs that would shortly follow the introduction of these Ghia designs and merge into the look and design of Chryslers future production cars. The one-ff show car was finished in a soft yellow exterior color, just as seen on the car today, while the roof was covered in contrasting black nappa.
On the inside of the Super Dart, it has a very fine custom Italian feel with 4 sporty individual bucket seats trimmed in black and white, the instrument panel trimmed with the large round gauges that Ghia was known for, a push button 3-speed Torqueflite automatic and a full front to rear flowing center console. Very over-the-top, beautiful, futuristic and showy, yet very usable and comfortable. Additional features included Chrysler Airtemp air conditioning, power windows, front power operated seats, AM radio, and Chrysler's impressive Highway Hi-Fi record player. Power steering was fitted to better maneuver the big car, while front disc brakes would help it stop.
Following its unveiling at the 1957 Turin Motor Show, the Super Dart 400 would make its way to the United States where it would be sold to Dual Motors and then showed it under their name on their stand at the 1958 New York Auto Show. At this time the hubcap centers were modified to say 'Dual Ghia', and 'Dual Ghia' badging was added to the hood and trunk lid. Why Ghia sold this car to Dual Motors at this time is not known, as it was not originally intended for Dual Motors. It is speculated that as they were a good client for Ghia, it was an easy sale for them once they were done showing the car themselves and for Chrysler.
During the 1958 New York Auto Show, the Super Dart 400's first private owner, Mr. Alex Freeman, would see the car for the first time and promptly approach the owner of Dual Motors, Mr. Gene Cassarol, proposing to buy the car. Mr. Cassoral did not want to sell the Superdart, but Mr. Freeman would not take no for an answer and reportedly handed Mr. Cassoral a blank check, resulting in a selling price of $15,000 for the Super Dart; a large sum of money in the 1958! Mr. Cassoral demanded payment up front, while delivery could not be taken until Dual Motors was finished showing the car for 1 year, presumably in hopes of calling Mr. Freemans offer to pay $15,000 dollars a bluff. But Mr. Freeman paid and would become the first private owner of the one-off show car. After taking delivery, Mr. Freeman would drive the Super Dart 400 regularly, putting a total of around 38,000 miles on the car during his almost 20-year ownership tenure, while keeping it in impeccable original condition. The Super Dart 400 would change again in in the late 1970s and would then stay with the next owner for another 40 years. Continuously preserved and never restored, the Super Dart 400 finally joined the Ramshead collection a few years ago.
In August of 2022, in honor of the late owner John White, the Super Dart 400 was invited to be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it participated in the Tour d'Elegance while deservedly winning a Class Award in the Postwar Preservation Class, testimony to just how well preserved this car is. Today, the Super Dart 400 presents itself in original condition with original paint, chrome, and upholstery. It is a beautiful time capsule and an incredible piece of custom coachbuilding. Just 49,725 miles are recorded on the odometer at time of cataloging. Photos of the car at the auto shows back in the day are offered with the car, along with some cool black and white images taken presumably at the first private owner Mr. Freeman's house. This one-off Ghia show car presents itself just as it did when it left the show circuit in 1958 and remains a historically significant piece of automotive history and custom coachbuilding. Subject to many concept car articles over the years, the Super Dart 400 is arguably one of the most significant post war Ghia show cars.
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It's Bonhams day!
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This year I was able to escape the snow and join Fred in Scottsdale for sunshine, cars, and music! I also drove down to Tucson to meet Doug for lunch and spend a nice evening visting with Richard and Lola.
THE HISTORY OF THE DRIVE IN THEATER:
The DRIVE IN THEATER was the creation of Camden, New Jersey, chemical company magnate Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr., whose family owned and operated the R.M. Hollingshead Corporation chemical plant in Camden. In 1932, Hollingshead conducted outdoor theater tests in his driveway at 212 Thomas Avenue in Riverton. After nailing a screen to trees in his backyard, he set a 1928 Kodak projector on the hood of his car and put a radio behind the screen, testing different sound levels with his car windows down and up. Blocks under vehicles in the driveway enabled him to determine the size and spacing of ramps so all automobiles could have a clear view of the screen. Following these experiments, he applied August 6, 1932, for a patent of his invention, and he was given U.S. Patent 1,909,537 on May 16, 1933.
Hollingshead's drive-in opened in New Jersey June 6, 1933, on Admiral Wilson Boulevard at the Airport Circle in Pennsauken, a short distance from Cooper River Park. It offered 400 slots and a 40 by 50 ft (12 by 15 m) screen. He advertised his drive-in theater with the slogan, "The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are." The first film shown was the Adolphe Menjou film Wife Beware. The facility only operated three years, but during that time the concept caught on in other states. The April 15, 1934, opening of Shankweiler's Auto Park in Orefield, Pennsylvania, was followed by Galveston's Drive-In Short Reel Theater (July 5, 1934), the Pico Drive-In Theater at Pico and Westwood boulevards in Los Angeles(September 9, 1934) and the Weymouth Drive-In Theatre in Weymouth, Massachusetts (May 6, 1936). In 1937, three more opened in Ohio, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with another 12 during 1938 and 1939 in California, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Texas and Virginia. Early drive-in theaters had to deal with noise pollution issues. The original Hollingshead drive-in had speakers installed on the tower itself which caused a sound delay affecting patrons at the rear of the drive-in's field. In 1935, the Pico Drive-in Theater attempted to solve this problem by having a row of speakers in front of the cars. In 1941, RCA introduced in-car speakers with individual volume controls which solved the noise pollution issue and provided satisfactory sound to drive-in patrons.
The drive-in's peak popularity came in the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly in rural areas, with some 4,000 drive-ins spread across the United States. Among its advantages was the fact that a family with a baby could take care of their child while watching a movie, while teenagers with access to autos found drive-ins ideal for dates. Revenue is more limited than regular theaters since showings can only begin at twilight. There were abortive attempts to create suitable conditions for daylight viewing such as large tent structures, but nothing viable was developed.
In the 1950s, the greater privacy afforded to patrons gave drive-ins a reputation as immoral, and they were labeled "passion pits" in the media. During the 1970s, some drive-ins changed from family fare to exploitation films, as a way to offset declining patronage and revenue. Also, during the 1970s, some drive-ins began to show pornographic movies in less family-centered time slots to bring in extra income. This allowed censored materials to be viewed by a wide audience, some for whom viewing was illegal, and it was reliant upon the whims of local ordinances controlling such material. It also required a relatively remote location distant from populated areas such as towns and cities.
Over time, the economics of real estate made the large property areas increasingly expensive for drive-ins to operate successfully. Land became far too valuable for businesses such as drive-ins, which in most cases were summer-only. Widespread adoption of daylight saving time subtracted an hour from outdoor evening viewing time. These changes and the advent of color televisions, VCRs and video rentals led to a sharp decline in the drive-in popularity. Drive-ins were subject to the whim of nature as inclement weather often caused
cancellations. They eventually lapsed into a quasi-novelty status with the remaining handful catering to a generally nostalgic audience, though many drive-ins continue to successfully operate in some areas. By 2013, drive-ins comprised only 1.5 percent of movie screens in the United States. At the industry's height, 25 percent of the nation's movie screens had been in a drive-in. As of 2012, a figure of 368 drive-ins has been published as for how many Drive-Ins remain in use through out the United States.
THIS DRIVE IN THEATER....
opened for business on August 12, 1949. As developed by Courtney Evans, on land owned by Mildred and Albert Steele, the drive-in, in 1949 was quite different than what remains of it today. tod During its first year of operations, two large speakers mounted on opposite sides of the screen broadcast the sound. When conditions were right, it was possible to hear the movie three miles away in the town. When the Steeles' purchased Mr. Evans’ interest in the operation in 1950, the sound system was replaced by in-car speakers.
The original screen was also quite different from the one that still stands today. Transplanted from Camden, New Jersey, it was constructed of fabric and could be raised or lowered on a supporting framework. A well-corroborated story has it, that one night some local boys cut the tethers during a show, sending the screen to the ground just as a plane in the picture went down in flames. This screen was eventually replaced by a rather small but more conventional movie screen, which was succeeded, in 1972, by the steel screen structure that remains today.
While the amenities of public accommodations have changed along with popular expectations, those found along rural roadsides in the 40’s and 50’s were often quite rudimentary by contemporary standards. The facilities featured at this Drive-In Theater during this period were no exception. Until the Roller Rink opened on the premises in 1954, ladies and gentlemen were offered restroom accommodations in outhouses concealed behind a rose trellis. When the adjacent roller rink opened in ‘54, women were offered accommodation inside and the men's outdoor facilities remained until 1968 when separate indoor restrooms were constructed.
During the drive-in’s early years, this states Blue Laws prohibited the exhibition of motion pictures on Sundays. To circumvent these restrictions, the Steeles presented music shows on a stage in front of the screen. Albert’s band, The Blue Hen Ramblers, was a familiar attraction, as was Pollie Peach Tree, a comedy routine between sets, featuring Mildred Steele. Bill Haley performed at the Drive-In, without his Comets, as did Tex Ritter.
In 1966, the Drive-In was leased to a Baltimore-based exhibition circuit for the next 20 years. Disappointed with the results from their initial engagements, R/C Theaters ventured into the burgeoning field of adult entertainment. Though tame by the standards of contemporary features, the adult films of the late 60’s were an instant success at the drive-in. By the mid 80’s, though, even this market had lost its vitality, and as occurred with so many outdoor theaters at the time, and the Drive-In closed its doors in 1986 as audiences migrated to a new generation of indoor theaters and patrons stayed at home choosing movies on cable and video cassette instead.
In 1996, veteran New England drive-in operator Don Brown leased the Drive-In Theater property, renovating and reopening it again and bringing it back to its glory days of mass-appeal drive-in entertainment. But, This would end in November 2008, and the last Movie to screened at this Drive-In was Madagascar 2, this is when the Steeles' heirs opted not to renew the lease in order to put the land on the market.
Much good this did the family as the land, 5 years later still sits Abandoned to this day...
I don't usually add people pictures but I am in this case. This is Ray, no last name. He was a friend of my moms during World War II in England. Mom is now 80. Ray was in the Merchant Navy and used to talk with my mom, he was a casual friend. Every time he was to go on a trip to deliver supplies to Europe during WWII he would say see you when I get back. One day he stopped showing up and mom joined the Land Army and never saw him again. As far as she knows he died in one of the convoy ships to Europe. We are hoping someone will remember him and can tell us the real story of what happened to him. I am posting this on some of my English sites.
Day 103
We don;t have long before the holidays, when we must go our separate ways for a while. How can someone (me) so independent, who spends most of her time alone, miss someone who isn’t even gone yet?
The referee steps in quickly as things get heated. Both players seem to think the other side is at fault.
Portland Timbers vs California Victory, PGE Park, 25 May 2007.
Christine grabbed my camera at her dad's wedding and snapped a few shots of me... I love this one. The narrow depth of field from the ƒ/1.8 lens looks so good!
Unfortunately, moving out meant leaving Titan behind. I miss him following me around the house wagging his tail. Last night I stopped by my mom's house to pick him up and took him for a walk... I love my puppy! I had to upload a photo of him, assuming that Flickr misses him just as much as I do.
Mr USAMI Toshiharu
with a fox pelt that was given to him by Aleut Villagers at Chichagof Harbor, Attu, between June and September 1942.
Photographed at his home in Furano, Hokkaido, Japan. Photo 7 March 2010
bighugelabs.com/onblack.php?id=4413379380&posted=1
Mr Usami is now 101 years old and veteran of the Aleutian Campain in World War II
Brief synopsis: Born on 23 December 1909 (= Meji 42) in Fukushima Prefecture. On 1 June 1928 enrolled to Second Regiment Konoe Infantry. On 1 August 1939 graduated from IJA officers school and assigned to 25th Regiment, 7th Division as a Second Lieutenant. Participated in war in Nomohan (Russia) was injured in both legs and neck), invalided a hospital in China, promoted to first lieutenant and moved to Asahikawa district; on 19 May 1942 he joined the 103rd regiment Hosmi Troop; on 8 June 1942 they landed at Attu (came on Kinukasa Maru) where his group occupied Chichagof Harbor and raised the Japanese flag in US territory.—On 16 September 1942 his regiment (Hosmi Troop) was moved to Kiska aboard the small cruiser; Usami appointed Commander 4th Company of Independent Infantry Batallion 301 (ie became of commander of Usami troop). Evacuated fom Kiska 29 July 1943 aboard the light cruiser Abukuma to Hokkaido (Shimuzu Isands). On 1 December 1944 became Shoza of the Japanese Army. On 18 July 1945 he was promoted Batallion Commander of 250 Airfield in Okayama Prefecture. After atomic bombing of Hiroshima he commanded rescue troops for the event. In December 1945 be was moved to the Army Reserve. After the war Mr Usami resided in Kami-Furano (Furano Prefecture, Hokkaido) and managed the Nippon Gekijo (theatre; he was a member of town council / legislature and filled anumber of public positions.
© Dirk HR Spennemann 2010, All Rights Reserved
The actual book arrived today, so it would be highly unlikely that you could do anything to ruin my mood, even if I woke up quite cranky this morning. Which I did.
Terry Bain » Bain Books Blog » Amazon Connect author blog
We Are the Cat » book (Harmony/Random House, Aug. 29, 2006) | blog
You Are a Dog » book | blog
It's him again, repainted now. I was aiming to paint a doll that didn't look like he was about to shank you. I think Wally is the only doll I've painted that doesn't have a serious glare going on.
My sister said, "He doesn't look like he's about to shank you, but he looks like he's thinking about it."
I really wanted him to be my nice guy but I think he's turning out to be horrible.
Also, he seriously needs better clothes.
Horrible shoddy black shirt is made by me, the rest is Ken clothes.
Brett Holden/Capt Ahab and his ability to find and catch fish have propelled him to be a top player in the sport-fishing world. With his finely honed crew and a battleship called the Booby Trap, he has become an unstoppable fishing machine. His desire for excellence has led the Booby Trap to become the top private boat in the Houston Big Game Fishing Club for 5 consecutive years! Capt Ahab is a pioneer and has become the most recognized sword fisherman in the Gulf of Mexico (read about it in the June 2011 issue of Sportfishing Magazine) catching a record 8 daytime swords in one day and has logged over 500 swordfish to date. Capt Ahab was also was behind the helm of the Booby Trap for the first ever recorded Super Grand Slam in the Gulf of Mexico, catching 2 Blue Marlin, 2 Swordfish, 2 Sailfish and a white marlin in a single day. When he fires the Booby Trap up he no longer sees her as a vessel but as a weapon, 40 knots in forward and 10 knots in reverse, he fears no seas only the fuel bill…
Axis Powers Hetalia shoot
Cosplayers: Luxirus as Iggy (England) and Sidarthur as Francis (France) from Axis Powers Hetalia
Photography: Gisella Guerrero
The search for Malaysia's Hottest Hunks for year 2008/2009. Fashion Show by Camel Active, performances by the hunks, shirtless catwalks and more. Organised by NewIcon For Him & Newtide.
HIM
Alcatraz - Milano
15 Ottobre 2013
Ville Valo
Mikko Lindström
Mikko Paananen
Mika Karppinen
Janne Puurtinen
ph © Mairo Cinquetti
© All rights reserved. Do not use my photos without my written permission. If you would like to buy or use this photo PLEASE message me or email me at mairo.cinquetti@gmail.com
HIM is a Finnish rock band from Helsinki. Formed in 1991 by vocalist Ville Valo, guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström, and bassist Mikko "Migé" Paananen, HIM's current lineup consists of Valo, Linde, Migé, Janne "Emerson Burton" Puurtinen on keyboards and Mika Karppinen on drums. They have released eight studio albums to date, their latest, titled Tears on Tape, was released April 26, 2013. On September 5, 2006, HIM's fifth studio album Dark Light was certifiedgold by the RIAA, making HIM the first Finnish band to have a gold album in the United States. HIM had five of their studio albums certified platinum in Finland with Razorblade Romance being certified double platinum in Finland and platinum in Germany.
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La formazione finlandese guidata da Ville Valo ha pubblicato il nuovo album dal titolo "Tears On Tape" lo scorso aprile, il disco ha messo d'accordo sia stampa che fans.
Gli HIM sono un gruppo rock finlandese di Helsinki, fondato nel 1991 dal cantante Ville Valo, dal chitarrista Lily Lazer (Mikko Lindström) e dal bassista Mige Amour (Mikko Paananen). L'attuale formazione comprende anche il tastierista Emerson Burton (Janne Johannes Puurtinen) e il batterista Gas Lipstick (Mika Kristian Karppinen). I temi toccati da questo gruppo sono principalmente l'amore e la morte. Il nome corretto della band è scritto tutto maiuscolo, in quanto formata originariamente col nome di His Infernal Majesty.
Ville Valo - voce
Lily Lazer - chitarra e voce
Mige Amour - basso
Emerson Burton - tastiere
Gas Lipstick - batteria
The imposing South Face of Gurja Himal (7193 m) in the Dhaulgiri region of Nepal. The face rises nearly 4000 m from the valley floor and remains unclimbed.
(Nikon FE, Fuji Velvia 50)
When his mother was pregnant with him and other four kittens the cat shelter, in which she lived, caught fire. She could be rescued and gave eight weeks ago birth to five cute little kittens. This is Smoky Joe - the strongest of the litter. He is living in another cat shelter (from where I adopted Momo) and will soon go to his new home.
Normally he is quite active and is fighting and playing with his siblings - here he looks quite serious and thoughtful.
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).
Proverbs 31New International Version (NIV)
Sayings of King Lemuel
31 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3 Do not spend your strength[a] on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel—
it is not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 31:3 Or wealth
Proverbs 31:10 Verses 10-31 are an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
New International Version (NIV)
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