Concept of Azaan in Ismailism

arzimood · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 31

Ya Ali Madad to all..
i wanted to know as to how has azaan transformed in our practice. it is that every day b4 dua in evening we recite Asha Jee(Annant Akharo) does that symbolizes azaan?

kmaherali · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 6873

Ya Ali Madad,

An interesting way of considering Anant Akhado! It never crossed my mind when I was translating it. In my opinion it could serve as an Azaan.

If one considers the "varanni" - refrain that we recite after each verse, that is, "Hari Anant Anant Hari Anant tejo sami shah..." which translates as "Hari the eternal one, Hari the lord of the countless ones", one is invited to participate in the timeless gathering of the countless liberated ones and hence to felicity.

Consider the verses that we normally recite at that time:

Aashaajee Sandhyaa velaa tame mat koi chuko
eh chhe Gur-nee endhaannee jee
ehi velaa tam-ne deedhee
keedhee te deen nee baaree..............Haree anant..252

Oh Lord Don't miss(the prayers) at the time of the command
This is the sign(seal) of the Guide(upon your soul)
That time is given to you
and it is the gateway to(window of) religion( and hence to success and felicity)
Haree You are eternal...

A typical Azaan would recite "Hayaa Salaat, Hayaa Falaa" which would translate as "Come to prayer, come to success or felicity".

star_munir · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 1371

In my opinion there is not any concept of Azan in Ismailism. Azaan is not among the obligatory principles of Islam like Dua or Prayer. It was for that period of time 1400 years ago when there were no clock or hand watches but now adays every one can see the time of prayer in hand watch that its the time of dua so there is not any need for calling out loudly azan.

arzimood · Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 31

YAM
i agree there is not need... but still there are certain things that have transformed in our practices lately n we ofcourse can brainstorm over them. if there is no such azan practice in our religion then when has it been put off(not a good word but cant think of anything else, sorry) n wht is the significance of Annant Akharo wwhich has same meanins as azan.
i realize it a very good practice that in our religion, people do not have t o called to offer prayers for themselves.. but they realize themselves their responsibilities n turn up in time.

ShamsB · Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 795

kmaherali · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 6873

s786 · Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 90

I have recited/yelled Bando myself in Jamatkhana (Vancouver), about 10 years ago. In my recent visit to Africa in March, I heard the Bando everyday in Kampala's Jamatkhana. The "jamatbhai" recites/yells it

arehmat · Joined: 22 Jun 2005 Posts: 1

ShamsB · Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 795

star_munir · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 1371

Azan is not among the principles of Islam. Its just tradition for that particular period of time to keep people aware for the timings of prayers.

ahsatan · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 5

YAM,

Azaan means a call to prayer. Back in the days, when Islam was spreading quickly, they needed to call Muslims for prayers. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) held a meeting, and several ideas were rejected, but finally the Holy Prophet called upon Bilal bin Riyah to say the first Azaan, which he taught to him.

The main objective of the Azaan was to call people for prayers. It was necessarily back in the day, but it is not anymore. We can now keep track of the time ourselves and know when to go to jamat khana and when to pray Dua'a.

Bando was not replacement for the Azaan, it is known as iqama. In many mosques, the Muazzin (person who recites the Azaan/Adhaan) announces, "Qadd Qamatis Sala", which means stand for prayer. Everytime the Jamat Bhai says Bando, it means the prayer is ready.

I hope this helps.

- tashh

hemani · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 11

Azaan- Azaan means call to prayers. In the time of Prophet Mohamed when he established the congregation prayers before the masjid was established he advised that it is the responsibility of the Leader( imam mustekar) who leads the prayer, should call all others to prayers. As discussed by some one else herebefore Bilal was asked to say Azaan. His voice was so pleasant to ears that he continued thereon for his life time.
In Shia before the split with Ithanashree the tradition continued. AS our Jamatkhana were established ( see Dubai Speech how this changed over a period) the system took a new approach. In Indian continent Pir Sadardeen introduced Jamatbhai to make call.
Two minutes before starting the recitation of Dua, Mukhi will call upon Jamatbhai and he will respond " Bando" means I am ready. THen he will go out in the corridor and call loudly " DUA KE RASO ALLAHMAHERIA" means BY mercy of Allah join the prayer(dua). This continued in Canada also. At one point in time (Mukhi?) introduced ringing of the "bell" instead of Jamatbhai. This was immediately stopped by our institution that this was not in our tradition. After that they continued calling Jamatbhai. Just as our community became more responsible they entered the hall as soon as they arrived. THe Leaders decided that we do not need to call Jamatbhai. THis did niot sit well. So now Mukhi Kamadia decided to stop the Ginan before two minutes. However when we stand up for Tasbih Mukhisahebs holds the amra for a minute or so to allow letecomers to join in.
( It may also be a reason that the leaders thought that it was old fashion). Reciting Ashajee three stanzaz is not Azaan. It is an explanation of the necessity and the significance of three prayers. The fourth & fifth Stanza signify the BaitulKhayal & Dasond.
It is my belief and understanding that we should not limit recitation to three stanzas only. Ahsajee has a wide perspective and a greater significance. . Many Ginans are cut off at two or three stanzaz limiting the understanding of the message in Ginan. I hope some one will stand up and clarify this

kmaherali · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 6873

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