Mawlana Hazar Imam accepted, in person, this gift submitted by the global Ismaili Jamat and expressed his warm appreciation, describing it as “wonderful” and “special”
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, the worldwide Ismaili community joyfully celebrated the 87th birthday of their beloved 49th Imam, Mawlana Hazar Imam [Shah Karim al-Hussaini], His Highness the Aga Khan. On this occasion, the global Ismaili Jamat presented their Imam with a special gift.
A unique aspect of the most recent birthday gift to Mawlana Hazar Imam is that it included a calligraphic panel from Mughal India dating to the mid-18th century. The calligraphy, written in black nasta’liq script and enclosed within a broad band of naturalistic flowers and a narrower border with stylised floral motifs, comprises the well-known prayer known as the Nad-e ‘Ali:
Nade ‘Aliyyan mazhar al-‘aja’ib
tajidahu ‘awnan laka fi’l-nawa’ib
kullu hammin wa ghammin
sayanjali bi-wilayatika,
Ya ‘Ali, Ya ‘Ali, Ya ‘Ali
Translation
Call upon ‘Ali who manifests wonderful things,
You will find him a help for you in difficulties.
Every grief and sorrow will be cleared away
through your friendship,
O ‘Ali, O ‘Ali, O ‘Ali
According to tradition, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his progeny) was unable to break through the fortified walls of the Khaybar fort, where he had laid siege. It is related that the archangel Gabriel asked the Holy Prophet to recite the Nad-e ‘Ali prayer, after which Hazrat ‘Ali won the battle for the Muslims.
The Nad-e ‘Ali is an especially significant supplication in Ismaili religious practices and is synonymous with spiritual strength and protection in Shi‘i piety. In history, the Ismailis have sought help, strength, and protection from the Imam-of-the-Time, who is the bearer of the Light (Noor) of Imamat.’
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The panel is signed by Muhammad Murad, who was a student of Muhammad Husayn Kashmiri, a master of nasta’liq calligraphy. Another calligraphic panel signed by this artist is in The Royal Collection, UK.
This folio is from one of the famed Polier Albums. Antoine Louis Henri Polier, born in Lausanne in 1741, entered the service of the British East India Company as a surveyor in 1757. He lived in India for thirty years and, during this period, Polier collected Persian manuscripts and Indian miniatures, and assembled numerous albums for his collection of paintings and calligraphies.
The folio was presented to Mawlana Hazar Imam by a delegation of senior Ismaili leaders on the 13th of December. Mawlana Hazar Imam accepted, in person, this gift submitted by the global Jamat and expressed his warm appreciation, describing it as “wonderful” and “special.” In expressing his gratitude for the gift, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that his Jamat always spoilt him and that he is a very fortunate Imam. It is for the Imam to spoil the Jamat, he added. In response, the leaders graciously said that the Jamat is blessed that the Imam is always with them.
This special post assumes added significance as it is published on the birth anniversary of Hazrat ‘Ali, which falls this year on January 24, 2024 — the 13th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. We wish everyone immense happiness, strength, and courage as we observe this important occasion of Yawm-e ‘Ali.
We invite readers to watch the following video produced by The Ismaili on the occasion of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s 87th birthday. The video has an excellent recitation of the Nad-e ‘Ali prayer (starting at the 2:40 minute mark).
Date posted: January 24, 2024.
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