TAFADI - is derived from the root Arabic word ‘fida’ which is widely used by mumineen , and it means unconditional sacrifice. ‘Tafadi’ is much more encompassing and elevating than doing ‘khidmat’. While doing ‘khidmat’ one gets some tangible things in return, such as, titles, status, recognition etc: in the society, whilst ‘tafadi’ is unconditional sacrifice resulting out of pure love and affection, seeking nothing in return.
We generally recite in loud chorus – ‘lakho jaan thi fida thai javu’ but does our actions reflect our words. It is time for introspection, and what better time than the 40 days of Ay’yamul Ta’abudat, when if one is sincere in purpose, he is sure to receive the nazara’at and doa mubarak of his beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) To implement our words into action is indeed a difficult proposition. However, during Ay’yamul Ta’abudaat, our efforts if sincere and done with true valayat and ma’refat will surely yield rich rewards.
In order to inculcate the noble virtue of ‘tafadi’ and to remain focused and measure our progress, we generally set bench marks. Akbar is anwa’ar which illuminates, and by turning the pages of our rich history, we find many ordinary persons, mumineens like you and me, by true ‘tafadi’ and valyaat have attained eminence and posterity and spiritual bliss and manazil e roohani in akherat.
The ‘tafadi’ with which they served their Moula, and sacrificed for their belief should be a source of inspiration, to all of us.
The first converts of Islam - many men of very humble origins bore with fortitude and courage the hardships perpetuated by Koreish chieftains opposed to the teachings of RASULALLAH (S.A.)
The hills of RAMDAH and the place called BATHA became scenes of cruel tortures. BILAL the first Muezzin of Islam was taken each day to Batha by his master Ommeya, son of Khalf, when the heat of the sun was greatest and there exposed him bare back, with his face to the burning sun, and placed on his chest, a large block of stone with the words - ‘ thou shalt remain until thou art dead or thou has abjured.
He answered to the heathen Koreish ‘ I would not wish to be with my family, my substance, and my children, on condition that Mohammad (S.A.) was only to be pricked with a thorn.’
This was the ‘tafadi’ of BILAL – an ordinary mortal who attained posterity.
When Rasulallah (S.A.) did Hijrat from Mecca Moazzam and arrived at Medina, he performed an act, unparalleled in history. He assembled the Ansars and to the care of each of them, he entrusted the Muhajereens, who were bereft of their possession and livelihood.
They readily agreed to take care of their brethren although their own means were limited, and were themselves living a frugal life. They did not show their preference, but gladly took into their fold those whom Rasulallah (S.A.) entrusted.
This then was the ‘tafadi’ of the Ansar, people like you and me with limited means, but a large heart.
Likewise, numerous incidents and events may be sighted from the glorious lives of Ahle - Baite Rasulallah (S.A.)
The last mubarak safar of IMAM HUSAIN (S.A.) to Karbala is full of events where the followers of IMAM HUSAIN (S.A.) had shown exemplary courage and conviction in their belief -
During the course of journey IMAM HUSAIN (S.A.) calls ZOHER BIN KAIN who is traveling in another caravan. The messenger of Imam (S.A.) comes at a time when Zoher is having lunch. He immediately leaves the thal, comes in the presence of Imam (S.A.)
He immediately joins with the Karbala bound caravan. He returns to his people, divorces his wife making ample provisions for her, distributes his possession amongst his family, and rushes back to become SAHEED in the path of Allah.
On the night of ASHURA Imam Husain (S.A.) assembles his Ashabe Kiram and after a moving address tells them to leave him alone to fight Yazid and his henchmen.
We mumeneen know the answer they gave. Led by none other than ABBASE ALAMBARDAR each one got up to say that Moula we will never ever forsake you, even if we are made to die a hundred times.
This is ‘tafadi’ in its all encompassing meaning.
Countless are such events in the annals of our Fatemi Dawat,and our glorious history is resplendent with ‘tafadi’ of humble servants, ordinary mortals like you and me, who attained glory and posterity.
Let us serve our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) with ‘tafadi’, let us inculcate this noble virtue in our daily life.
May Allah grant our bawa shafiq, who is nawjawan in doing ‘tafadi’ of his Moula Imam-uz-zaman (S.A.) a long and healthy life with sehato – aafiyat-ta-kiyamat. Ameen.
