Reflections on Wa‘z and Wā‘izīn

1. Reflections on Wa‘z and Wā‘izīn Kamaluddin Ali Muhammad Honorary Wā‘izīn Refresher Programme ITREB for Pakistan 17-12-2008

2. Farmans on Wā‘izīn-1 "The immediate religious duty of all my spiritual children is to learn perfect infant care from conception till maturity. The unnecessary death rate must be reduced. It is not only saving of lives but if souls. Each child saved may be someday a Missionary-a teacher of faith and love of God, the Prophet, Aly and his successors.” (Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah s.a.)

3. Farmans on Wā‘izīn-2 “The missionaries have devoted their lives to the service of their Imam and the Ismaili Faith. They deserve from my spiritual children respect but even more so their affectionate thoughts.” (Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah s.a.)

4. Farmans on Wā‘izīn-3 Wā‘izīn the Ashāb • I am happy to hear that the Vaezin have started a paper of their own. It is very important that Vaezin who are carry(ing) on the big work of Ashāb at the time and immediately after the Holy Prophet's leaving this mortal world to the Companionship on High are doing so under the pressures of the modern world which is more necessary than ever it was in the past and I wish them every success. (continue…)

5. Farmans on Wā‘izīn-4 Continue… The young Vaezin should each try and find new arguments based on the discoveries of all branches of science for keeping the human soul like the ocean with Divine wisdom and power. (Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah s.a., Cairo, 06-02-1956, Message given to Alijah Mahomedali G. Fazulbhoy, president, Ismailia Association for India).

6. Farmans on Wā‘izīn-5 "Best paternal maternal blessings to all beloved spiritual children assembled on the occasion of this conference. It is for you waezins, for the Association and for those who are ready to sacrifice time and thought to see that the teaching given and the examples set are worthy of the high cause to which you are giving your time and attention. (continue…)

7. Farmans on Wā‘izīn-6 Continue… Your ideals should be to devote most of your time to the service of Ismaili Faith and you should consider the work allotted to you your sacred duty and perform it to the best of your abilities. (13-03-1956, Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah's message for All-India Waezin Conference held on 31-03-1956)

8. Farmans on Wā‘izīn-7 To all Wā‘izīn sitting in the pendal Mawlana Hazar Imam graciously desired to convey: “I give you special blessings. I hope you find happiness from your work and that you serve the Jamat and the Imamat. You should lead an exemplary life. Wā‘izīn are pillars of faith. Khanavadan” (Gilgit 14-05-1983 After didar, conveyed by Wazir Kassim Ali Muhammad Jaffer.)

9. Farmans on Wā‘izīn-8 For Alwa'iz Wazir Ali Muhammad Daya “Though he has departed physically, the family of Murids should be happy to have had within it a spiritual child who has rendered such remarkable services to the Imam of the time.” (Mawlana Hazar Imam, hand written, 24-02-1987)

10. Title of Missionary-1 “I have much pleasure in giving you title count for your devoted services with best blessings. But highest title you have is that of Honorary Missionary.” (Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah’s Taliqah for Count Hassanali Paroo of Mombasa. Telegram received on 8-9-1954)

11. Title of Missionary-2 (Not exact wording) “…I have asked my Missionary…though he was my president but I call him Missionary and he cannot ask for a higher title because there is no higher title than that. That is why I call him Missionary…” (Mawlana Hazar Imam said about Late Alwa‘iz Wazir Kassim Ali Muhammad Jaffer at Mubarak Colony Jamatkhana Hyderabad, Sindh, on 13-03-1989 during Baytul Khayal Mulaqat (Promotion).

12. Qualities of an effective wa‘iz-1 • Ideally one should be the best scholar of his/her time • Intellectual/academic level should always be higher than that of the Jamat • Full control on the topic one is dealing with • Continuously update oneself • Should be fully aware of the basis of the faith one is propagating

13. Qualities of an effective wa‘iz-2 • Try to specialize in a particular area. • Be yourself, and you’ll seldom go wrong. Don’t copy others • Be originative rather than routinely conveying other’s thoughts. • Not to take this responsibility lightly. Need lifetime commitment. • Not to run after recognition or glamour

14. Qualities of an effective wa‘iz-3 • Action speaks louder than the words. • Should gain strength from knowledge and action • Self-respect is most important treasure, not to trade it for anything. • Try to become a fruit-bearing tree with the passage of time. Patience and time required

15. Quality of wa‘z-1 • Convey the vision of the Imam • Address the needs of the Jamat • Strengthen the faith of the Jamat. • Spread inspiration, hope, satisfaction, courage and confidence with positive message.

16. Quality of Wa‘z-2 • “I send best loving blessings for all Waezeen for inspired waez to be delivered at these Majlises.” (Mawlana Hazar Imam, Taliqah Mubarak March 30th 1966) • Ask yourselves how can you help and serve the Jamat

17. Blessings of this work • Highest recognition in the heart of the Imam. Highest designation after Imam is the Pir/Hujjah which is reserved for service of faith • Personal satisfaction, productive life • Opportunity for personal spiritual development • Esoteric leadership of the Jamat • Special relationship with the Jamat • Making a difference in someone’s life

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