13/07/2024
Study Islamic Philosophy at Shah Market Mirpur Village. OAP explores the Old and New Influence of Folk Mystics, Poets, Philosophers, and Bauls of the East:
Join Bangladesh Sufism - “দাদারে সুফি এবং জার্নালিস্ট কে বানাইল রে কে বানাইল, রে...?” - Nati Mahbubur Rahman Hasan
IC: image caption based on Photojournalism - Baul and Sufi of Sunamgonj - Exploring Bangladesh Hagiology and the Mystical Paths: Hason Raja.
Read Dada Ali Ahmed’s short essay on Hason Raja's journey to becoming a Baul. Hope, Nati, Hasan! This read and our live learning and Dada-Nati Conversations are useful and helpful so far...
Let me tell you how Dada read Hason Raja, in Oxonian-English, it is said, he was a renowned baul lover and folk poet from Bengal, began his spiritual journey influenced by various factors.
Born into an affluent zamindar family, Hason's early life was marked by luxury and privilege. However, key experiences and influences eventually guided him towards the Baul path, a unique blend of Sufi and Vaishnavite traditions.
“দাদারে সুফি এবং জার্নালিস্ট কে বানাইল রে কে বানাইল...!.” - Mahbubur Rahman Hasan, Dada-Sufi replied to his original message with this:
The following qualities are essential to become a pious believer and a Muslim with the attributes of greatness, as also described in a Sufi writer and adherent to Mystic Communities of Sufis and Sufism:
লক্ষ্য বা উদ্দেশ্য (Understanding and Finding the Purpose or Aim); চেষ্টা বা প্রচেষ্টা (Effort or Endeavor); চিন্তা করা (Thinking); বোঝার চেষ্টা করা (Trying to Understand); সঠিক পথ (search for Right Path); মূল্যবোধ (Values); আত্মসম্মান (Self-respect);
ন্যায় প্রতিষ্ঠা (Establishing Justice); সৎ বা নিষ্ঠা (Honesty or Integrity); উচিত (Appropriate Conduct); সংগ্রহ (Collection verified and accurate knowledge, wisdom and information ); আগ্রহ (Interest); অর্জন (Achievement);
নেয়ামত (seek God’s Bblessing, রহমত (Mercy) and ask fellow beings to make Du’a) আমল আখলাক (Fo Good Deeds and Morals); শান্তি (Peace); প্রতিশ্রুতি (Commitment); দায়বদ্ধতা (Responsibility);
উচ্চ আকাঙ্ক্ষা (High Aspirations); For more tips, ask Hasan the Philosopher from Nojipur, who wrote these Bengali guidelines on becoming a Sufi. Visit our website www.aliyyahtvbangladesh.com to read more.
Thank you for reading this MIC – Media Image Caption – Oxford English Essay on Hason Raja, authored by Dr. Sufi Aliyyah-Shah, of 4UI International Publishing House, England.
Personal Loss and Disillusionment: The untimely death of his wife deeply affected Hason Raja, creating a profound sense of loss and existential questioning. This personal tragedy was a turning point, compelling him to seek solace beyond material wealth and social status.
Influence of Folk Traditions: The vibrant folk culture of Bengal, rich with Baul music and mysticism, significantly shaped Hason's spiritual outlook. The Baul philosophy, emphasizing simplicity, love, and devotion, resonated deeply with him.
Sufi Mysticism: The Sufi tradition, with its focus on the inner journey towards divine love and truth, profoundly influenced Hason Raja. The teachings of prominent Sufi saints and the practice of zikr (remembrance of God) provided a spiritual framework that guided his transformation.
Social and Cultural Environment: The cultural milieu of Bengal, characterized by a confluence of Hindu and Islamic mysticism, created an environment conducive to Hason Raja's spiritual quest. This syncretic culture encouraged a holistic and inclusive approach to spirituality.
Dada Ali Ahmed's Commitment to Sufism and Literature: Dada Ali Ahmed, a prominent figure in the study and dissemination of Sufi literature, was motivated by several factors in his journey towards becoming a knower, writer, and publisher of Sufism.
Intellectual Curiosity and Academic Pursuits: Ali Ahmed's academic background and intellectual curiosity drove him to explore the depths of Sufi literature. His studies revealed the rich philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Sufism, sparking a lifelong dedication to the subject.
Desire to Preserve and Promote Sufi Wisdom: Recognizing the profound impact of Sufi teachings on Islamic thought and culture, Ali Ahmed was committed to preserving and promoting this heritage. His efforts aimed to make Sufi literature accessible to a broader audience, bridging gaps between cultures and traditions.
Translation and Interpretation: The task of translating Sufi texts involved not just linguistic skills but also a deep understanding of the mystical nuances embedded in the original works.
Ali Ahmed's proficiency in Arabic and Persian Texts, in translation coupled with his interpretative acumen, enabled him to render these texts in a manner that retained their spiritual essence, in his own used language, the Oxonian-English.
Spiritual Calling: Beyond academic and intellectual pursuits, Ali Ahmed experienced a personal spiritual calling that aligned with the core principles of Sufism. This inner drive propelled him to immerse himself in the study and dissemination of Sufi wisdom.
Historical Context and Influence of Early Sufis: The emergence of Sufism in the early Islamic period, particularly under the guidance of figures like Hasan al-Basri, played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual landscape.
Reaction to Materialism: Sufism initially emerged as a reaction to the materialism and moral decline observed during the Umayyad Caliphate. Early Sufis, including Hasan al-Basri, emphasized inner purification and spiritual discipline as antidotes to worldly excesses.
Integration of Mystical Traditions: Sufism absorbed and integrated elements from pre-Islamic mystical traditions, including those from Arabia and Persia. This synthesis enriched Sufi practices and teachings, creating a diverse and dynamic spiritual movement.
Influence of Folk Mystics and Philosophers of the East: The contributions of scholars and mystics such as Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, Ibn ʿArabī,
and Hazrath Abdul Qadir Jilani, a prominent Sunni Hanbali scholar, preacher, and Sufi writer often regarded as the founder of the Qadiriyyah Sufi Order, among many others from their era, were instrumental in formalizing and systematizing Sufi thought.
Their works laid the academic and philosophical foundations of Islamic philosophy and continue to influence contemporary Sufi studies to this day.
Conclusion: The spiritual journeys of Hason Raja and Dada Ali Ahmed underscore the diverse influences and motivations that draw individuals towards mysticism and the study of Sufism.
Shaped by personal experiences, cultural contexts, and intellectual pursuits, their paths reflect the rich tapestry of spiritual seeking that characterizes mystical traditions worldwide.
The study and appreciation of Sufi literature and philosophy continue to provide profound insights into the human quest for divine truth and inner peace. More on this later. Thank you for reading this post on Hason Raja, 13.07.2024.
