Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra

SR No.: 006540
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
Publication Year: 1944
Total Pages: 635
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Culture
File Size: 18 MB

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INTRODUCTION
ASMA-UL-'HUSNA
As amongst Tantrikas Mantras are recited, SO among the Darvishes and Mohammedans generally, the names of God are recited. Miraculous effects are attributed to them. Ninety-nine names of God are generally known, although according to Redhouse they may go upto a thousand and one (See also 'The Darvishes' p. 135). In the latter case they may be compared to 'Sahasranama' and in the former to 'Satanama' well-known amongst the Tantrikas. These names are called in the Quran the Asma-ul-'husna or 'excellent names.' These names are used as invocations, or as calls upon Him. The Moslems call them the Asma-ul-sifat or names expressing atlributes. It is believed, these include the famous Ism-e-Azam or His great name which has the most miraculous powers. The names are divided into two groups, the Asma-ul-jalälia, or 'awe inspiring,' and the Asma-ul-jamalia, or 'glorious' attributes, the former being the more numerous. Another more common division is into three classes, of wisdom, power, and goodness, each class containing thirty three names. The tasbih-rosary of ninety-nine beads is also divided into three corresponding sections by oblong separators at which (separators) Kalima is repeated. Most people say 'Allah' at each bead while some say the ninety-nine names or attributes of God one at each bead. The practice has its origin in the following verse of Quran. "O believers (in the unity of Allah, and the mission of His Prophet) repeat the name of Allah, and count His names, night and morning". The rules of almost all darvishes* require them to repeat often during a day the seven first attributes of the Divinity. They call these attributes asma-e-Ilahi (Names of God). These are as follows:
*The Qadiris recite the following seven names:-(1) La ilaha ill' Allah, 100,000 times, light blue (2) Allah, 78,586 times, light yellow (3) Ism-e-Hu, 44, 630 times, light red (4) Ism-e-Hai, 20,092 times, light white (5) Wahid 93420 times, light green (6) 'Aziz, 74,644 times, light black (7) Wadud 30,202 times, no light. See p. 106 'The Darvishes' for further information.