Chiragh Rowshan

 The  Chiragh-nama: Reflections on the text and their authorship

 A text of the Chirag-nama can be found in the collection of the religious text of any Ismaili Khalifa in Badakhshan, the northern areas of Pakistan and the Xinjiang area of China.

1. Definition and Purpose:

  

Chiragh Rowshan (Persian: "Luminous Lamp") is a ritual ceremony among Ismaili Muslims, particularly in Central Asia, associated with commemorating the deceased. It symbolizes the soul's journey guided by the divine light (Nur) of the Imam, reflecting Ismaili beliefs in spiritual enlightenment and eternal life.

2. Theological Significance: 

 

- **Nur (Divine Light):** Central to Ismaili cosmology, the Imam is seen as the manifestation of Nur, guiding followers. The lamp in Chiragh Rowshan represents this light, aiding the soul's transition.  

- **Imam's Role:** The Aga Khan, as the current Imam, is spiritually central, though the ceremony is typically led by local religious figures (khalifas or waezeen).

3. Ceremony Structure: 

 

- **Lighting of Lamps:** Participants light lamps or candles, symbolizing enlightenment and the Imam's guidance.  

- **Prayers and Recitations:** Includes Quranic verses, Ginans (devotional hymns), and supplications for the deceased's soul.  

- **Communal Gathering:** Strengthens community bonds, often followed by shared meals (Mehmāni) or acts of charity.

4. Historical Development: 

 

- **Medieval Roots:** Likely evolved from Fatimid and post-Alamut traditions, integrating Persian and Central Asian elements.  

- **Soviet Era:** Suppressed under Soviet rule, but preserved clandestinely. Revived post-independence with Aga Khan IV's efforts.

5. Cultural Context in Central Asia: 

 

- **Regional Variations:** In Tajikistan’s Badakhshan and Afghan Pamirs, practices may include local languages (e.g., Wakhi, Shughni) and folk melodies in Ginans.  

- **Syncretism:** Blends Islamic tenets with pre-Islamic Central Asian customs, such as ancestor veneration.

6. Contemporary Practices:

- **Modern Adaptations:** Urban Ismailis may host the ceremony in jamatkhanas (prayer halls), while rural communities maintain traditional home-based rites.  

- **Aga Khan’s Influence:** Emphasizes spiritual continuity and ethical living in recent farmans, aligning the ritual with modern Ismaili identity.

7. Academic References: 

 

- **Scholarship:** Farhad Daftary (historian), Azim Nanji (anthropologist), and Jo-Ann Gross (studies on Central Asian Ismailism) provide insights.  

- **Ethnographic Studies:** Research in Pamir regions highlights ritual adaptations and oral traditions. INTELLECTUAL INTERACTIONS IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD - Edited by Orkhan Mir Kasimov and Published by I.B. TAURIS in association with THE INSTITUTE OF ISMAILI STUDIES London 2020.

8. Distinctiveness:

  

Chiragh Rowshan is distinct from other Ismaili rites like Navroz (New Year) or Salgirah (Imam’s birthday), focusing specifically on mourning, remembrance, and spiritual guidance for the deceased.

Conclusion:

  

Chiragh Rowshan remains a vital expression of Ismaili spirituality in Central Asia, embodying theological depth, historical resilience, and cultural adaptability. Its continued practice underscores the community’s cohesion and reverence for the Imam’s guidance.