Syedna Al Qadi al Noman RA states in one of the chapters of Kitaab al Himmah, the Fatemi aadab or the protocols, values and expressions of Daawat Fatemiyah, whilst accompanying the Imam. The great tradition of Al-Mawkib al Nooraniyah (grand procession) of the Imam has been mentioned extensively, which along with various other aspects of Fatemi culture, throws light upon the discipline, unity and obedience a Fatemi follower should follow. This further enlightens the importance of physical training in a Muslim’s life.

In the era of Syedna Taher Saifuddin, this tradition was revived on the occasion of Misaq of his successor Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS in 1347H.  Miyasaheb Shaikh Ibrahim bhai Yamani gives us a detailed account of this revival with the first Mawkib held on  Jumua, 11th Jamadil Ukhra in Surat. Talabat al Ilm from India and Yemen were specifically honored with respective posts in the Mawkib, some carrying swords in their hands.

Similarly when Aqa Maula TUS was returning from the Safar of Yemen in 1381, a special physical trainee was assigned the job of training Talabat Ilm for walking in straight line orders, shoulder to shoulder, such that even their feet more together, like those in Army parades. In  Jamea, Talabat are trained spiritually, mentally & physically to become respected soldiers of the Army of Fatemi Dawat, which helps us to learn to stick to our designated posts with valour,  patience and humility.

By Murtaza Mustafa bhai