IMAM ALI, THE BRAVEST MAN IN HISTORY

Bravery is defined as the ability to stand up for what is right in different situations. Physical bravery involves acting in spite of possible harm to one’s body. Moral bravery involves acting in a way that enhances what one believes to be good in spite of social disapproval and possible back lash.

As a youth, Imam Ali (AS) was strongly built, strong arms, wide chest, and a very strong brave and shining face. Children of his age and even older to him were frightened of him and whenever they tried to mock the Prophet (P), they always ran away when they saw Imam Ali (AS) standing by for protection.

After the death of Abu Talib (AS), the Quraish became more hostile and all the tribes joined together and decided to kill the Prophet (P). One night they surrounded the Prophet (P) ‘s house. Allah informed the Prophet (P) about the possible attempt on his life. The Prophet (P) informed Imam Ali about the plot and asked him to sleep on his bed.

Prophet (P)‘s bed that night was the most dangerous place to be when death was certain. Imam Ali (AS) only enquired that if he slept on his bed his life will be saved. The Prophet (P) replied in affirmative. Imam Ali (AS) gladly slept on his bed. Forty representatives of different tribes were guarding the house with naked swords. Next morning when the swordsmen entered the house and found Imam Ali (AS) sleeping in the bed who was not afraid. When they asked Imam Ali (AS) as to where was the Prophet (P)

He replied “Did you leave him in my custody?” Imam Ali (AS) did not tell any lie even at such a delicate situation.

Imam Ali (AS)’ life in Madina with the Prophet (P) for the next ten years was the most busy in defending Islam. Imam Ali (AS) was the standard bearer of the Flag of Islam in all such battles and his bravery became legendry. Opposite characteristics had  gathered in Imam Ali (AS)’s personality. He was the bravest man in history. Brave men are always hard headed, cruel, and eager to shed blood. On the contrary, Imam Ali (AS) was kind, responsive, sympathetic and warm-hearted. Imam Ali (AS)’ bravery and piety both became legendry. Battles of Ohud, Badr, Khandaq and Khyber were fought in the defense of Islam and victory was always attained by virtue of Imam Ali (AS).

In 5 AH, all the defeated tribes hatched a plan to attack Madina and started advancing with a force of 10,000. When the Prophet (P) became aware of it, with the advice of Salman Farsi, he ordered a trench 5 yards wide and 5 yards deep be dug around the city for safety. At one place the trench was less than 5 yards hence Amr bin Abde Wudd jumped across the trench and struck his spear on the ground. The Prophet(P) said angrily “ who can finish off this dog”. There was complete silence. Umer said that he was a very strong man and used to fight with a baby camel as a shield. Imam Ali(AS) offered to fight. The Prophet reminded him that he was Amr bin Abde Wudd to which Imam Ali (AS) replied that he was also Ali Ibne Abi Talib. The Prophet (P) then wrapped his turban and gave Zulfiqar and prayed for his safety. Imam Ali (AS) invited him towards Islam which he refused. Then he advised him to return and persuade his people to lift siege which was also denied. Then Imam Ali(AS) asked him to dismount from the horse to which he agreed.

The fight began and at one point Amr attacked his helmet and his head was injured. At the opportune moment Imam Ali (AS) attacked him and killed him. On return to the Prophet, he said “Each blow of Ali on the day of Battle of Khandaq is better than all the worship acts of Jinn and men till the Day of Judgement”

 Battle of Khyber was the climax of all these battles, when Imam Ali (AS)’s victory brought prosperity to the Muslims. Muslim army surrounded the fortress of Khyber for 20 days. One day the gate was opened and Merhab appeared leading a column of army. The Prophet (P) sent a detachment under Abu Baker but the Muslims were repulsed. Next day he sent another detachment under Umer but that too failed. The Prophet (P) said “Tomorrow I will give the banner to one who loves Allah and the Prophet (P) and whom Allah and the Prophet love. He will not flee nor return till Allah by him conquers the foe” Next day he inquired where Imam Ali (AS) was. Imam Ali (AS) was suffering from sore eyes. He applied his saliva on Imam Ali (AS)’s eyes and he was cured instantly. Imam Ali (AS) confronted Merhab. Merhab recited this Rajaz “I am Merhab, I dive into my weapons and attack in a daring way”. Imam Ali (AS) said “I am one whose mother has named him Haider. I step into battle field like a ferocious lion”. Imam Ali (AS)’s Zulfiqar cut through his stone helmet and the body and he was killed. His companions fled inside the fortress and closed it. Aided by Divine power, Imam Ali (AS) seized the outer ring of the gate and shook it so violently that the whole fortress trembled. The gate broke away and Imam Ali (AS) used it as a shield. Later, he held it as a bridge on the moat on which all Muslims crossed it. It is reported that the gate was so heavy that seventy persons could not lift it.

After the victory of Makka, many non believers entered the folds of Islam. Some of the Makkans became Muslim for fear of their lives. Others joined the ranks of Islam for greed that Islam was now victorious, so if they joined in, good life would be theirs for free. Very few of them truly understood Islam. Test of the faith of all came immediately at the Battle of Hunain. An army of 20,000 assembled for this encounter. A flood of arches from three directions came on a Muslim army of 15,000. Muslims started running away without resistance. Only ten people stood the ground out of which eight were Bani Hashim. Once again it fell to the lot of Imam Ali (AS). He left six of them to protect the Prophet (P) and took two of them to stop the onslaught of the army. He killed the commander of enemy army and killed thirty others. The enemy lost heart and started to retreat. This gave some heart to the fleeing Muslims who started to come back. 

IMAM ALI (AS), THE UNIQUE PERSONALITY IN ISLAM

The light of Panjetan was created by Allah thousands of years before Prophet Adam was created. There is a Hadees-e-Qudsi that Allah addressed Prophet Muhammad (P) saying that the universe was created but for him (P). Hadees-e-Qudsi are those Divine messages from Allah to Prophet Muhammad (P) which are not part of the Holy Qur’an. Panjetan’s light was placed on the fore head of Prophet Adam, when he was created. At that time, when angels questioned Adam’s creation, Allah tested their knowledge about the names, in which they failed but Prophet Adam recognized those names which were the names of Panjetan. Hence, this light traveled through the pure prophets to Abdul Mutallib(AS) when it was divided into two parts; one part passed through Abdullah (AS) to Prophet Muhammad (P) and the other part passed through Abu Talib (AS) to Imam Ali (AS).

There is a well known hadees in which Prophet Muhammad (P) said “I and Ali are from one and the same light (noor). Hence for forty years, Prophet Muhammad (P) lived with the idol worshippers of Makka and established his reputation as “The Most Truthful” and

“The Most Trustworthy”. The Prophet(P) told the idol worshippers that there is a huge army behind the mountain will they believe him. They replied in affirmative and said that he had never told a lie in their life time. Whereupon he advised them to believe in Allah’s unity and follow Islam. They rejected his advice.Then Allah commanded him to openly invite his kin’s.

The first meeting of Islam was hosted by Abu Talib (AS). This is called “Dawat-e-Zul

Ashira). The Prophet Muhammad (P) delivered a sermon and sought help and assistance in propagating Islam. He also promised that whoever assisted will be his vicegerent and successor after him. No one responded except Imam Ali (AS) who was a young man of eleven or twelve years.

Imam Ali (AS) kept his promise throughout his life at a great cost of enmity which is still prevalent. After his martyrdom, every member of his family paid dearly to protect Islam.

It is generally agreed by every judicious scholars that the addressee of “Ya Aiyyuhal Lazeena Amano” or “O’ The Faithful” in Holy Quran is Imam Ali (as). As per the book

Kaukab-e-Durree, compiled by a Sunni scholar, Syed Muhammad Saleh Kashfi AlHanafi such verses occurred 300 times. Imam Ali (AS) himself said that one fourth of Holy Qur’an was revealed in praise of Aal-e-Muhammad, one fourth against our enemies one fourth about the past prophets and one fourth about commandments. Further, the above scholar had compiled 161 ahadees by Prophet Muhammad (P) in which he had praised Imam Ali (AS).

Imam Ali (AS) excelled in superlative degrees in all the noble qualities of knowledge, bravery, philanthropy, eloquence, worshipping, kindness, magnanimity, judicial expertise etc. That was the reason that a group of people, Nusairites, treated him as god.

Imam Ali (AS) was the standard bearer in almost all the military missions during the life time of Prophet Muhammad (P). The importance of being the standard bearer may be imagined when at the Battle of Khyber, Prophet Muhammad (P) promised to give the standard to the most  brave person and that Allah and his Prophet will love him. The companions of the Prophet (P) did not sleep the whole night and prayed for it.

Imam Ali(AS) was born on Friday in the Holy Kaba in the year 30 year after the year of elephant .His mother Fatima Binte Asad (SA) was near the Kaba when the signs of his birth became evident when she prayed to Allah for help for the sake of the unborn. A crack appeared in the wall of Kaba and she entered inside. The crack is still there in spite of every effort to erase it. Imam Ali was born in side Kaba and became the unique person in history to have been born in the most sacred place on earth. He did not open his eyes for three days till Prophet Mohammad (P) took him in his arms then only he opened his eyes and first thing he saw was the sacred face of the Prophet (P).

As soon as he opened his eyes he started reciting Divine Script.

In Medina, a huge snake was wandering around. Imam Ali’ (AS) mother stepped out for a very short time when the snake entered the house and tried to crawl upon  Imam Ali’ (AS) cradle when he caught the snake and tore apart its mouth. When Fatima Binte Asad (SA) returned and saw the dead snake she exclaimed “My son is Haider”

The Prophet Muhammad (P) had given his tongue into Imam Ali’ (AS) mouth at the time of his birth hence his body drew strength from it and it corroborate Prophet’s (P) saying

“Your flesh is my flesh”. The Prophet (P) raised Imam Ali as there was famine in Medina.

Imam Ali (AS) grew under the Prophet’s (P) patronage and he followed the Prophet (P) every where. As he narrates it in Nahjul Balagha “I would follow the Prophet (P) like a baby camel would follow its mother and could smell the scent of Prophecy and hear the words of revelations …..”

HAZRAT ABU TALIB(AS)

                                         HAZRAT ABU TALIB (AS)

Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) was the son of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (AS) and the father of Imam Ali (AS). At the death bed, Hazrat Abdul Mutallib told Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) that Muhammad will be a prophet so support him with your hand and tongue. Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) was the most respected and influential leader of Makka.

As part of the Bani Umayyad strategy, who ever were attached to Imam Ali (AS), every effort was made to demolish their character. Hence, Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) was on the top of the list. It was emphasized by scholars that, God forbid, he was not a Muslim as he did not say the kalmia of Islam. His eemaan was like that of the momin of Surat al-Yaseen.

Considering the environment in Makka, it was in the best interest of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (P) that he should not openly accept Islam.

Allah(S) says in Surat Az-Zuha verse 6 “ Did He not find you an orphan and gave you refuge”. When Allah(S) is declaring Hazrat Abu Talib (AS)’ acts as His own, can Allah(S) claim a kafir’s acts as His own?

The year of Prophet’s birth witnessed a strange event. Abraha attacked Makka and his forces captured the animals belonging to Hazrat Abu Talib (AS)'s father; Hazrat Abdul Muttalib. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (AS) approached the king Abraha and asked for his animals. Abraha said that he thought that Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (AS) would request him not to attack Khana-e-Kaabaa. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (AS) replied that he wanted his property back, as far Khana-e-Kaabaa; his owner will take care of it. So Allah sent those birds (ababeel) who crushed the entire army.

Makka was hit by famine twice; once when Prophet Muhammad (P) was about 2 years old and another time when Prophet (P) had openly invited people towards Islam. The first time, when the leaders of Quraish were calling on their idols to send rain. When no rain was coming, people approached Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) and he responded by taking the Prophet (P) and praying as “O Allah, please bless us with rain for the sake of this child”. No sooner his prayers finished, it started to rain heavily. The second time, the city was struck with famine when Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) was already dead. On requests from the populace, the Prophet (P) prayed for the rain which started right away and it continued for seven days. The people once again approached the Prophet (P) to request for stoppage of rain. The Prophet (P) prayed and rain stopped. The Prophet (P) said “Alas! If my uncle

(Abu Talib) would have been alive; his eyes would be cool by happiness”. Further, he enquired if any one could recite the poetry of Hazrat Abu Talib (AS).

Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) was a businessman and used to travel to Sham (Syria). On one of such travel he took Prophet Muhammad (P) who was about nine years old. At one of the stopping place, a Christian priest met them and after hearing the name of the Prophet (P) and closely watching his face, the priest warned Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) about the danger to Prophet’s life. Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) cancelled the trip and returned.

On the birth of Imam Ali (AS), Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) and Hazrat Fatima binte Asad (SA) proceeded to Mount of Qubais and invoked Allah’s will about the name of the new born. A green tablet was sent to him on which it was written “I have conferred a special honor for you both by giving you a pure, dignified son. He has been given the name “Ali” from Allah’s side. It is derived from Ali (The Exalted). The tablet was hung in Masjidul Haram

Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) arranged the first open meeting at his house for the Prophet (P) to invite his relatives towards Islam. This is known as “Davat-e-Zulasheera”. Abu Lahab tried to interrupt the Prophet (P) where upon Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) scolded him and told the Prophet (P) “Get up and say what ever you like. Spread your Lord’s Mission, for you are The Truthful, The Trusted one”. After the meeting the third day when every one, except Imam Ali (AS), laughed about it while Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) said that he accepted the call and promised to support him.

The Quraish approached Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) to ask him to restrain the Prophet (P) from attacking their idols but he refused to interfere. When the Quraish were convinced that Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) will not stop his nephew from speaking truth, they unanimously agreed to socially boycott the entire Hashemite clan. Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) took the whole tribe to a valley called “Shib-e-Abu Talib”. This boycott lasted for about three years. In order to protect the Prophet(P), Hazrat Abu Talib(AS) would place his sons on the Prophet’s bed so that in case of an attack at night, his own sons may be killed but the Prophet(P) would be safe.

As per hadees of a Sunni scholar, Amar Ibne Saeed, the Muslims were traveling in the valley of Zil Majaz, when Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) reported that he felt very thirsty but no water was available. He requested the Prophet (P) for water. The Prophet (P) was very upset. When water could not be found, the Prophet (P) hit the ground and a spring of cold sweat water erupted.

Just before his death, the Quraish once again asked him to restrain the Prophet (P) not to insult their idols. Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) replied “If you hear Muhammad’s words and obey his orders you will be happy. So obey him and get happiness here and in the hereafter”.

The Prophet’s nikah was solemnized by Hazrat Abu Talib (AS). When the First Couple, Hazrat Adam was getting married to Hazrat Hawwa, Hazrat Adam enquired of Allah(S) as to what should be the “Meher”, Allah(S) replied that recite Salawaat over Prophet (P).

How a kafir can recite nikah of the Prophet, when the Lady of Paradise Fatima Zahra (SA) and the “Youths of Paradise” Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain and other infallible imams were to be born out of this wedlock.

After Hazrat Abu Talib (AS)’s death, the Prophet (P) came near his dead body and said “Uncle, may Allah(S) have mercy on you. You educated me when I was small, looked after me when I became an orphan and supported me when I became a grown-up”

Hazrat Abu Talib (AS) was a poet also and he had written hundreds of poetry couplets which are collected under “Diwaan-e-Abu Talib”. In one of such poems, he says “O

Quraish, do you not know that we have found Muhammad (P) to be a prophet just as Musa was and his mention has been recorded in the Divine Books”

In the light of the above statements, an impartial and educated person will conform that

Hazrat Abu Talib(AS) was the most perfect Muslim. In the Holy Qur’an, there is a Surat called Surat al-Munafeqoon. A munafiq is a person who who simply recites the kalmia but there is no Islam in his heart.

A NON MUSLIM'S LOVE FOR IMAM ALI(AS)

D.F.Karaka, a Parsi by faith, was the editor of English magazine Current of Bombay, India. He had profound love and respect for Imam Ali (AS). In his autobiography, in one of the chapters titled “Then came Hazrat Ali”, he describes his love for the Imam and how he saw the Imam in his dreams and how he was helped when was in despair.

He was operated for kidney ailment in 1968 and wanted to visit Najaf. He approached the Iraqi counselor and requested for a visa not as a journalist but as an ordinary citizen. The counselor objected about his faith that he was not a Muslim and why he wanted to go to Najaf. Some how, he succeeded in getting the visa and visited Najaf twice.

He described his third visit in detail. He reached Baghdad and took a cab. When he asked the driver to go straight to Najaf, the driver advised him to visit Karbala first as that was the normal practice but he insisted to go to Najaf straight as he had special relation with the Imam. He recited 110 times “Ya Ali”. He said that he had recited “Ya Ali” millions of times in three months.He was carrying a letter for the governor of Najaf. He said that he made a mistake by going to the governor first. The governor had arranged for an escort.As soon as he reached the mausoleum, he was not allowed inside but was restricted to outer courtyard. In desperation, he could hear the Imam as saying “You sought the help of officials while I came in your dreams”. He said that he did not hear any voice but he felt that Imam was not happy with him. In desperation he returned to Baghdad. He stayed in the hotel for 3 days. As a result of some unique event, he was once again driving to Najaf. Because of the unusual rush, he had to abandon the cab and started walking on a road called “Siraat-e-Mustaqeem”. Its name was mentioned in the Bible and also stated that Prophet Iesa (AS) had walked on it. Millions of men, women and children were rushing towards the main gate and he was also trapped with them and at that time he had an attack of angina pain. He was sweating profusely and thought that he was going to die. At that moment he felt that a strong masculine hand picked him up and placed him right inside the mausoleum. He was being pushed by the mammoth crowed. He was greeted by the Caretaker syeds who were standing near the walls. He managed to kiss the golden net of Imam Ali’s zarih. He felt on the top of the world. The heart attack subsided and he felt normal and fresh.

On enquiry, he came to know that it was Shab-e-Mairaaj and that was the reason for the rush.  

THE DIVINE FAITH - QAZA O QADR

Divine Qaza means a Divine decree in respect of the occurrences and events and the Divine Qadar means estimations of the phenomena and the events. Divine Qaza requires that the world order should be based on the system of cause and effect. Allah has decreed that man should have intellect and will and within the limited sphere of his natural and social conditions, should be able, to a great extent; take his destiny in his own hands.

Man is born devoid of any qualities and faculties but is capable of acquiring them and become master of his destiny. All causes are manifestations of the divinely ordained fate and destiny.

Holy Qur’an surat ad-Dahr verse 3 “We showed man the way so that he may choose, of his own accord either the way we showed him and be grateful or go the other way that is the way of ingratitude and disbelief”. Knowledge enables him to make his future as he likes. Faith guides him to choose a way which is beneficial to him self and the society. It gives directions to his decisions and makes them embrace spiritualities in addition to material advancement.

But man’s freedom of choice is limited by these factors; heredity, natural and geographical environment, social atmosphere, history and time factor.

From the above discussions it may be concluded that man is neither completely independent nor completely dependent on his destiny in his actions. Once a man enquired about it from Imam Ali, he ordered the enquirer to lift his one leg and when lifted one leg, Imam Ali asked him to lift the other leg. The man replied that he cannot do it, whereupon Imam Ali said that is your limitation.

Some people have been misled by the Qur’anic verses in which Allah proclaims about His knowledge of events in the world. They falsely presume that man cannot do any thing without Allah’s approval. They disclaim responsibility of their sins claiming that Allah wanted them to do certain acts. The whole concept of rewards and punishment will collapse if Allah, God forbid, forces a person to commit a sin and later send him to Hellfire.

The Thinker of Pakistan, Allama Iqbal said in one of his poems:

            Taghdeer ke paband jamadat o nabatat Momin faqat Ahkaam e Ilahi ka hai paband

Stones and plants are the ones who are bound by destiny but faithful is led by the orders of Allah.

Moreover, Imam Ali has warned his followers not to wander on the path of ‘Qaza o Qadar’ as the chances of being misled are enormous. He said “Our affairs are attached to the destiny decreed by Allah, even our best plans may lead us to destruction” Giving instructions in a battlefield, Imam Ali had advised his son: “My son! Remember that real help comes from Allah” Man is like an electric bulb, which needs to remain connected with the powerhouse (Allah) for remaining on. But he is free to light up either a mosque or a nightclub. Surat al-Talaq verse 3, Allah says “If someone trusts Allah, He will suffice him. He will surely bring about what He decrees”

So the solution to this dilemma is to acquire knowledge, work hard in all pursuits of life, let faith be our guiding light, think of benefiting others and pray for your success in both lives – worldly and hereafter. 

NAMES OF LADY FATIMA ZAHRA

According to Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (AS), Lady Fatima Zahra (SA) had nine names;

Fatima, Al-Siddiqa, Al-Mubarakah, At-Tahira, Az-Zakiya, Ar-Radhiatul Marzia, Al-Muhaddasah, 

and Az-Zahra

FATIMA: Imam Mohammad Baqir (AS) said “By Allah, Allah bestowed knowledge on her and 

safeguarded her from menstruation”. Imam Ali Reza (AS) said “The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said

 that Lady Fatima was given the name ‘Fatima’ because she and her followers are protected from

 Hell”

AL-SIDDIQAH: It means a woman with scrupulous honesty and sincerity. Other meanings of

 Siddiqa are:Truth teller, one who never lies, one whose deeds conform to her words, one who

 believes in the commands of Allah and His prophets, without doubting any of them.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said to Imam Ali (AS) “You have been given three things which have

 been given to no one else, not even me:

1. You have been given a father-in-law like me and my father-in-law was not like me
2. You have been given an honest(Siddiqa) wife like my daughter, and I have not been the like
1.   of her as a wife
3. And, you have been given Hassan and Hussain from your loin and I was not given two sons
1.  like them. But you are from me, and I am from you.”

AL-MUBARAKAH: Barakah means multiplication, felicity and abundance. After the tragedy of 

Karbala, Lady Fatima’s offspring were slaughtered by Bani Umayyad, Banu Abbas and Banu

 Fatima. Surat Al-Kauthar was revealed. Kauthar means abundance. It is estimated that more than

 35 million descendants of Lady Fatima are living around the world. Of course these Syeds are 

traced back to Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain who were considered sons of the Holy Prophet 

(PBUH) in the verses of Mubahela in Holy Qur’an

AT-TAHIRA: At-Tahira means virtuous or pure which is evident from Surat Al-Ahzab verse 33

 “Allah intends only to remove from you all abominations, O people of the (Prphet’s) household, and 

to purify you with (extensive) purification” It is reported that the Holy Prophet(PBUH) had

 gathered the ‘Panjetan’ under the Cloak when Arch-Angel Gabriel descended with this Ayat-e-

Tatheer. Bibi Umme Salma, one of the wives of the Prophet, tried to enter the Cloak but the

 Holy Prophet (PBUH) refused her entry but said that she was alright but not part of the Ahlul Bayt.

AZ-ZAKIYA: The word Zakiya is derived from tazkia, which means attestation of some one’s

 honorable record or to purify one’s self. Purification includes removal of evil characters developed

 from corrupt nutrition, excessive speech, greed, conceit and vanity.

AR-RADHIAH: The famous verse of Holy Qur’an regarding ‘Nafse Mutmainna’ says “To the 

righteous soul will be said: O (thou) soul, in complete rest and satisfaction! Come back to thy Lord. 

Well pleased (thyself) and well pleasing up to Him”

Through out her difficult life, Lady Fatima Zahra (SA) was delighted with what ever Allah ordained

 for her.Her short life was full of inflictions and disasters especially after the demise of her illustrious 

father.

AZ-ZAHRA: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said “Surely my daughter Fatima is the Mistress of all

 women, from beginning to the end. She is part of me and light of my eyes, she is the flower of my

 heart, and is my soul, Fatima is a human houri, who, when ever she stands in prayers in the

 presence of her Lord, her light illuminates the skies for the angels, like stars shine to people on earth”

IMAM-E-ZAMANA CAME TO THE RESCUE

An event has been reported in Badayeul Akhbar written by Mulla Ismail Sabzwari, page 150 and Safeenatul Behar volume one page 536 and Jawaherul Bayan. It is narrated that the king of Bahrain was a Christian and his minister was a Khariji. The minister presented a few pomegranates to the king. The strange thing was that the names of caliphs were imprinted on those pomegranates. The minister tried to convince the king that his religion was correct and the order of khilafat was divine. Somehow, the king was convinced that his minister was right and the Imamia sect was on the wrong path. He invited all the important Shia leaders and showed those pomegranates and asked them to explain it within a day or threatened to kill them.

It caused a lot of anxiety in Shia community. They unanimously agreed-on ten most pious scholars and the scholars planned to go in the jungle and pray and solicit assistance from Imam E Zamana.

After two scholars returned unsuccessful from the jungle after hours of praying and crying, the third scholar whose name was Mohammad bin Ali went and prayed namaz and recited supplications but was unsuccessful in connecting to the Imam. On his way back, he met with a person who enquired about the problem. Mohammad bin Ali replied that he was looking for Imam E Zamana but could not find him. The stranger replied that he was the Imam. Mohammad bin Ali said that if he was the Imam then there was no need to describe the problem.

Imam E Zamana said that there was a wooden box in the minister’s house and there were a few moulds of clay. He said that when pomegranates were still very small, the minister would clamp those moulds on baby pomegranates. The caliphs names were embossed in side those clamps. As the pomegranates grew, the names were imprinted on it distinctly and much larger.

The Shia scholars requested the king to accompany them to the minister’s house and personally see the fraudulent craft of the minister.  Consequently the minister was punished. Hence Imam E Zamana came to the rescue of his followers. It is clear that even today, if we call our Imam sincerely and from the bottom of our hearts, he will respond to our requests. 

EID-E-MUBAHELA

This is the greatest event in Islamic history and a victory of the last divine message against the  Christian faith which was subsequently tampered with by the vested interests. But it is an irony that because of blind following of companions of the Holy Prophet and to ignore every merit and piety of Ahle Bayt or progeny of the Holy Prophet that Muslims in general do not celebrate this Eid. The Holy Script of Injeel was revealed on the Prophet Eisa or Jesus but because of the  alterations in the original Injeel and misleading by certain verses, the Christians started believing in Trinity; Holy Father, Holy Son and Holy Spirit. They said that Prophet Eisa was the son. After the Holy Prophet declared his prophet hood and invited people towards unity of Allah, the Christians of Najran, a city in modern Saudi Arabia came as a delegation of priests headed by their chief Abdul Masih to argue about Prophet Eisa. This was year 10 A.H.

They came in glittering attire and tried to meet the Holy Prophet, who turned away his face.

Upon enquiry, Imam Ali, who was familiar with the Prophetical approach, advised them to return in simple dress. Hence the Holy Prophet discussed the status of Prophet Eisa. On the question of his father, the Holy Prophet repeated the Quranic verse which stressed the resemblance of Prophet Eisa to Prophet Adam who was created without parents (chapter 3 verse 59). When every argument was exhausted, the verse of Mubahelah was revealed: “To those that argue with you concerning Eisa after the knowledge you have received say’ come let us gather our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves. We will pray together and call down the curse of Allah on every liar”. In those days, when God’s curse was invoked, the liars were punished immediately. Hence this was a test not only of the prophecy but also the truthfulness of who ever was taken by the Holy Prophet.

Next day, the Holy Prophet came out with Imam Hussain in his lap, holding the hand of Imam Hasan, followed by Bibi Fatima Zahra and Imam Ali at her back. They came out to invoke the curse of Allah on the liars. Seeing these illuminating faces (of course Bibi Fatima was in hijab)

the chief priest told his colleagues “ I am seeing such faces that if they pray, the mountains will start to move”. Consequently, they refused to do “Mubahelah”.

Conclusion:

1. They accepted the Islamic faith of unity of God.
2. It was established as to who was the Ahle Bayt and also their prestige in Allah’s sight.
3. In the light of Quranic words-bring your sons, we bring our sons, the Holy Prophet took Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain, who were his grandsons.
4. Similarly, to represent women, the Holy Prophet took Bibi Fatima with him. Although the word used was plural. The Holy Prophet did not take any of his wives.
5. Imam Ali represented the Holy Prophet as “Nafse Rasool”
6. The criteria for selection was “absolute and perfect truthfulness” because if any one would have ever lied in their life time, then the curse of God would have befallen on them.It was the greatest challenge to Islam.
7. It is unfortunate that the Christians of the time recognized the Panjetan and accepted their defeat, but the Muslims did not perceive their exalted position with Allah.       

DUAA

The word “Duaa” have been used 212 times in the Holy Qur’an. Duaa means requesting

Allah for one’s needs of this world or for hereafter. Allah says in Holy Qur’an in Surat Al-Ghafir verse 60: “And your Lord says, call upon Me; I will respond to you….” And in Surat Al-Baqara verse186:”And when My servants ask you, O Mohammad, concerning Me –

Indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So

let them respond to Me (by obedience) and believe in Me that they may be (rightly) guided”

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Duaa is the momin’s armament and center piece of faith”

Imam Ali (AS) said: “Duaa is the shield of momin. The door will be opened if you knock continuously”

Imam ZainulAbedin (AS) said: “Duaa will postpone the calamity and bad luck”

Imam Mohammad Baqir (AS) said: “Duaa is the best prayer”

Imam Jaffer Al-Sadiq (AS): “Duaa is more effective than a pointed spear”

Imam Ali Al-Raza (AS) said: “You should be equipped with prophets armaments which is duaa”

Imam Mohammad Taqi (AS) said: “Duaa is means to avoid calamities”

Imam Mohammad Al-Baqir (AS) said: “There are two lights (noor) in momin’s heart;

one is the fear and the other is hope and if it could be weighed they will be exactly equal”. Allah says in Holy Qur’an: “Only losers are contented with Allah’s wrath”, and on the

other hand He says: “Only kafir is dejected from mercy and forgiveness of Allah.” Fear of Allah should be about our sins and failure to discharge our duties towards Allah, to the

 people and to our-selves. Imagine the severity of punishment waiting for the sinners and helplessness against the Might of Allah. Similarly count Allah’s blessings from our birth

 to the time of death. Ponder about Allah’s bounties in life.

From psychological point of view, there are many benefits of making Duaa. To achieve

any objective we need two things: intention and conviction. Duaa is to make connection

with the Omnipotent Powerwith the belief that He can grant success by His enormous resources. Duaa should precede hard work. Only Duaa or only hard work is insufficient.

There are many special Duaas like Duaa e Tawwassul, Duaa e Kumail, Duaa e Mashlool, Hadees e Kisa, Ziarat e Aashoora , Saheefa e Kamila; which have 54 Duaas for different occasions, apart from numerous Duaas recited by Chaharda Masoomeen(AS). Duaa made

 by parents for their children and vice versa is more likely to be accepted.

Some time we ask for certain things which are not beneficial for us, but Allah knows better.

Duaa asked for sincerely is normally accepted subject to Allah’s “mashiyyat”.It is better to

 give sadaqa before making Duaa. According to the nature of Duaa, Allah’s “Asma ul Husna” should be used. Recite salawaat before and after making Duaa and make Duaa for other momineen before making Duaa for himself. Timing and days of making Duaa is also

 important; Duaa made on Eid ul Fitr, Eid uz Zuha, in Arafa during Hajj, namaz e shab, between dawn and sunrise, after obligatory prayers, between azan and aqamat, during rain and storms. Also Duaa made during Majlis-e Hussain(AS) while crying, is more likely to be accepted.Similarly Duaa made at Mecca near Khana e Kaaba, inside Masjid e Nabavi, at the graves of Chaharda Masoomeen (AS) is more likely to be granted. All Duaas are subject to Allah’s “Mashiyyat”

SURAT UL ASR

This sura comprehensively conveys the objectives of Holy Qur’an. It highlights the qualities of 

those who will not be at a loss in this world. The three verses are as follows:

1.       Wal Asr

2.       Innal Insaana La Fi Khusr

3.       Illal Lazina Aamano Wa Amelos Saalehaat Wa Tawasau Bil Haqqe Wa Tawasau Bissabr

1        By Time

2        Indeed, mankind is in loss

3        Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each 

other to truth and advised each other for patience

The Qur’an says that the humanity is at a loss except those who possess following attributes:

Belief (b) Virtuous deeds (c) calling people towards Truth (d) calling for Patience

Life is slowly spent away in unproductive activities like ice melts away if not preserved. So the

 sooner a man realizes the purpose of his creation the better. Imam Ali (A) said “Every breath

 of a man is one step nearer to his death”

Moderation in every activity is the cardinal principle of Islam.

The word Asr means age or time. It is used in a mystic way. There have been many interpretations 

of this word. Some commentators say that it refers to the time of our Holy Prophet, yet others say

 it refers to the time of re-appearance of our Imam Mehdi. Any way they belong to the Sacred 

Chain of Ahlul Bait. Who ever follow their guidelines shall climb the heights of spiritual bliss. Those

 who reject them will be at a loss.

 Belief is manifested from a man’s appearance and deeds like a lamp illuminates not only the room

 but also its rays are visible from outside. Those who believe may include every believer to the 

extent of the strength of his conviction or faith. Those who are referred here to the fullest application 

of the term “believe” will be those who possessed several great qualities as mentioned in the Holy

 Qur’an and they are Ahlul Bayt.

As regards the preaching of the Truth, the Ahlul Bayt were fully conversant with it. The Holy 

Prophet had said “I and Ali are one and the same light” and “Ali is always with the Truth and the 

Truth will always be with Ali”. The preaching of Truth needs knowledge about it and the Holy 

Prophet said “I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate”. The Holy Prophet also said “I leave

behind me two weighty (very important) things: The Holy Qur’an and my Ahlul Bayt, if you are

 attached to these two, you shall never get astray”.

The Holy Prophet said that one should practice virtuous deeds himself first before calling others

to do good deeds. As far as enjoining the patience is concerned, the preachers themselves must

 possess the quality of patience to the maximum degree possible. The Ahlul Bayt suffered untold

 miseries, imprisonments, torture and massacre at Kerbala in case of Imam Hussain. All the eleven

 Imams did not die of natural cause but were murdered either by poison or by sword. 

EID-E-GHADEER

The revelations of the Holy Quran were almost complete, except the last two verses, and the Holy Prophet had performed last Hajj and was returning to Medina. The Archangel Jibraeel descended with the verse, “O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.” Sura Ma’ida verse 67. At a place called Ghadeer-e-Khum, which was at the cross-road from where roads split in different directions. Sun was burning the desert and the Holy Prophet asked Bilal to recite Azaan using “Haiyya Ala Khairil Amal” meaning “Hasten for the virtuous deed”. Thousands of Hajjis congregated to listen to Holy Prophet.

He delivered the last sermon of his life. In short, he told the crowd that soon he will go back to Allah and that he was leaving behind The Holy Quran and The Ahle Bait and further, if people were attached to both of them, they will be successful in both worlds. He then raised Imam Ali and said, “ Whosever’s I am maula, Ali is also his maula”. A tent was installed and Imam Ali was crowned as successor to The Holy Prophet. Hazrat Umer and Abubaker congratulated Imam Ali among thousands of hajjis. The last verse of the Holy Quran was revealed: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”

Significant points to be noted from the above events. After completing his life time mission to deliver the Divine Message of Holy Quran and establishing his Sunna in daily life, there was nothing left to be done except declaring the khilafat of Imam Ali for which The Holy Prophet knew that his companions will not accept the appointment. Then Allah’s command came to perform this task and further warned that if he did not comply with it that will be construed as if he did not do his duty. Further, Allah assured the Holy Prophet that He will protect the Holy Prophet from the people. And when Imam Ali was crowned as successor then the last verse was revealed declaring the perfection of Deen and completion of His Bounties. Over the centuries, translators of the Holy Quran tried to hide the truth and made excuses to either completely ignore this historic occasion or interpreted the meaning of the word maula as friend. It is self evident that in the scorching heat of desert the Prophet of Allah stopped thousands of hajjis to let them know that Imam Ali was his friend. Moreover, Allah commanded the prophet to announce the khilafat of Imam Ali and if he did not do so then his life-time mission of messenger was in jeopardy. And as soon as his khilafat was solemnized the last verse of Holy Quran was revealed confirming the perfection of Dean, completion of His bounties to mankind and formal approval of Islam as religion. It is clear as crystal that without khilafat of Imam Ali, neither prophet hood was complete nor Dean was perfect. There is no need to elaborate further. During his last sermon the Holy Prophet also reminded Muslims to convey the message to all who were not present.

May Allah grant us taufeeq to perceive the truth and follow the right path.

THE BATTLE OF BADR

To begin, let us be clear about the fact that during the life time of the Holy Prophet, all battles were forced upon the Muslims and at no point they initiated it. It was purely and wholly defensive in nature to protect the lives and property of the people.

When the Holy Prophet participated in the battles, it was called “Ghazava” and when he appointed a commander and did not personally accompany the Muslim army, it was called a

“Sarya”. There were 26 ghazawaat and 36 sarya during the life time of the Holy Prophet.

Battle of Badr was fought in the month of Ramazaan of 2 A.H. (After Hijra).

On the night of Hijrat, Holy Prophet asked Imam Ali to sleep in his bed as the Meccans were planning to assassinate him. The Holy Prophet left Mecca and proceeded towards Medina. Next morning, Imam Ali returned the goods entrusted to Holy Prophet to its owners and left for Medina. After some time, when the Quraish came to know that the Holy Prophet had reached Medina and that Islam was flourishing, they became very upset and started large scale preparations to invade Medina. They also started conspiring with the Jews to crush Muslims.

The Holy Prophet came to know that the Meccans were planning to invade Medina and also Abu Sufiyan was returning from Syria with large war materials. He, along with about three hundreds companions, proceeded to Bader, a village 80 miles from Medina.

Hazrat Atika, daughter of Hazrat Abdul Mutallib, dreamed that a camel-rider was calling the Quraish to go towards their death. She told this to her brother Abbas and in short it spread like wild fire. Abu Sufiyan sent for help and the Quraish collected an army of about 950 to fight with the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet consulted the companions and when every one agreed to face the enemy, he foretold the Muslims that Allah had promised victory. There are 11 ayats of Holy Qur’an about this war; Chapter 8 ayat 11, ayat 5 to 8, and ayat 9 and 10.

There were only 313 Muslims to face the enemy. On the morning of 17 Ramazaan, the Meccans sent 3 men to fight with Muslims. They were Atba, Shaiba, and Waleed. The Holy Prophet sent Hazrat Hamza, Imam Ali, and Ubaida. Imam Ali killed Waleed, Hazrat Hamza killed Atba, but Ubaida got injured and Imam Ali killed Shaiba. Waleed was the nephew of Muavia.

Then all out war started and the zeal of Muslims together with Allah’s help, Meccans were defeated. They lost 70 people of which 35 were killed by the Lion of Allah-Imam Ali. Another 70 were injured while 10 Muslims were shaheed. Some of the prisoners were given the option to teach Muslims how to read and write. It is a unique ransom in human history.

The battle of Badr demonstrated the great devotion of the disciples to the cause and their complete faith in the Prophet . It also proved that numerical superiority and matching valor are of no avail if the cause is not righteous. This battle had far reaching consequences. Till then, the Muslims were a harassed band avoiding any major conflict. This victory gave them confidence in their physical power. It also prevented smaller tribes from conspiring against Muslims and gave a severe blow to the prestige of Quraish. The Jews in and around Medina were alarmed by the emerging power of Muslims, but their enmity did not abate.

THE VOICE OF HUMAN JUSTICE

The book “Sautu’l ‘Adalati’l Inasaniya” was written by George Jordac, a renowned Christian author of Lebanon and was translated in English by M. Fazal Haq and published in 1982. The book is about the True Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali, who is the most distinguished personality of Islam after Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be on him. His entire life is the life of struggle for the advancement of Islam. He was the bravest, great judge, a great philanthropist, a great fighter for the poor and the most pious person of his time. The book has 37 chapters. The author had given an exceptional and unbiased history of Imam Ali’s illustrious life which apparently started from House of Allah (Kaaba) and apparently ended in the House of Allah (Mosque). There is a hadees of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be on him “If all the trees in the world become pen and the oceans become ink and the humans and angels write the virtues of Imam Ali then too his virtues will not be written completely”

The book has a chapter “A great conspiracy” and on page 414 George writes”Uthman was killed by Talha, Zubayr and Sa’d bin Abi Waqas. He was killed by Mu’awiya and his party through their wealth and conspiracies. George further writes on page 413 “Balazari has quoted a sentence of Ayesha which shows that she hated Uthman more than any one else can hate another human being. She said to Marwan: “O Marwan! I wish that Uthman had been in one of my bags so that I might have picked up that bag myself and drowned it into the sea.” She used to say very often:

“Kill Na’athal. Na’athal has become an infidel”. It is irony of fate that subsequently all of them joined hands and fought the battle of camel with Imam Ali professing to take revenge of Uthman’s murder.

In the last chapter titled as “Let Them Mourn” George writes; “ A stranger is sitting in a corner of the world…he is a stranger although he is living among his people, but he is extremely grieved on account of them. Time did not recognize him, although he had pervaded it. The earth did not recognize him, although his sweet and wise sayings continued to ring in it and it saw with its own eyes his great feats. This stranger used to spend every thing he possessed on others but did not seek anything  from them. He was subjected to great oppressions, but he never thought of taking revenge. He forgave his enemies after gaining victory over them. He never did any injustice to his enemies and never performed any unlawful act for the sake of his friends. He was the helper of the weak, the brother of the indigent, the father of the orphans and a kind friend of those who were fed up with their lives. He was an erudite, and was extremely forbearing. However, his heart was full of grief. His majesty and loftiness were resounding in all the mountains and deserts. He cut off the heads of big giants but was himself overcome by love and kindness”

The book is worth reading.

TAQWA

A Muslim is supposed to know what actions will please Allah and which one will displease Him.

There are 99 names or attributes of Allah. Aalim or All Knower is one of them. A Muslim should

have the belief that Allah is watching His creatures all the time. That belief should be real and 

should be conscientious at heart. This should not be oral but one should always be careful to think

that Almighty is watching me. Further, one should have a firm belief that he will be answerable

to Allah on the Day of Judgment. Sura AlZalzal, ayat 7 and 8 of the Noble Quran states, “So who

ever does an atom’s weight of good will see it (on the Day of Judgment). And whoever does an

atom’s weight of evil will see it.” In the modern sense, it is like a surveillance camera  recording

every movement of a person.  One step further, the camera may not record beyond the body,

but Allah knows what is in our hearts and minds.

The word Taqwa is used in the Noble Quran 251 times. Taqwa is a shield against wrongdoings,

to develop ones behavior, so as to be cautiously aware in every action, and attain nearness to Him

and in the process perfect himself. Allah says in Noble Quran, Sura Baqara (The Cow) ayat 183

“O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so

that you may attain Taqwa”. Similarly, in Sura Hujarat, ayat 13 Allah says “O Mankind! We

created you from a single pair of male and female and made you into nations and tribes, that you

may know each other. Verily! The most honored one of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is)

the most righteous (Muttaqi) of you, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” The qualities of 

Muttaqeen have been described in Sura Baqara, ayat 2 to 5 “This is the Book, in its guidance,

 without doubt to those who fear Allah, Who believe in the unseen, and establish prayers, and

 spend out of what we have provided for them. And who believe in the Revelation sent to you,

 and revealed before you, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. They are on 

(right) guidance from their Lord, and they are successful”.  

Fasting is the fountain-head of Taqwa. Apart from the spiritual benefits, it strengthens our will 

power

 and brings in tranquility of heart. Wealthy Muslims while fasting, also realize the pain of poverty.

Numerous illnesses are inflicted upon because of over-eating and fasting streamlines eating habits. 

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said “Keep fasting so that you are healthy”. He further said “Stomach

 is the house of most of sicknesses”. Ramazan is the most blessed month as the Noble Quran

 was revealed to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in this month on the Grand Night.

SALAWAAT

Salawaat is the only ibada in which Allah joins with His servants in sending blessings to the Holy Prophet. In Sura Al Ahzaab 33, ayat 56 which reads:

            InnAllaha Wa Malayakatuhu Yousalloona AlanNabi Ya Aiyyuhal Lazeena Amano Salloo Alaihe Wa Sallemoo Tasleema

            Surely Allah and His angels send salawaat on the Prophet, O You who believes! Send salawaat on him, and salute him a through salutation.

Shaikh Sadouq in “The fountains of the wisdom words of Imam Raza” says “ O Allah send your blessings on to the one that daily prayers is honored with having the salawaat on him”. Muslims all over the world send salawaat on the Holy Prophet during five times prayers. Prayers are not accepted without salawaat. When this ayat was revealed, the companions enquired of the Prophet as to how the salawaat should be recited. The Prophet said “ Allahumma Salle Alaa Mohammad Wa Ale Mohammad Kama Sallaita Ala Ibrahim Wa Ale Ibrahima Innaka Hamidun Majeed; Wa Barik Ala Mohammadin Wa Ale Mohammadin Kama Barakta Ala Ibrahima Wa Ale Ibahima Innaka Hamidun Majeed”. The Divine promise of exalting esteem of the Prophet is fulfilled as stated in Sura Alam Nashrah ayat 4 which reads “Wa Rafaana Laka Zikrak” “And we raised high for you your esteem”. During life time of the Prophet, people were reciting salawaat in different ways. The prophet expressed his displeasure and advised them to recite correctly.

Majority of Muslims recite salawat as “Allahumma Salle Ala Mohammadin Wa Ala Ale Mohammad”.The founder of one of the four schools of thoughts in Islam, Imam Shafei praises in the following couplets “Ya Ahle Baite Rasool Allah Hubbukum Faraza Min Allah Wa Fil Qur’an

Anzala; Kafakum Min Azeem Alqadre Innakum Man Lam Yusalle Alaikum La Salata Lahoo”

O Ahle Baite Rasool! Love for you have been made obligatory in Holy Qur’an; Testimony to your excellence is sufficient that if any one does not recite salawaat in prayers his prayer is unacceptable to Allah. Hazrat Aaisha narrated that the Holy Prophet said that prayers without ablution (wuzu) and salawaat is not acceptable.

Salawaat is the most valuable deed. Who ever cannot make an atonement for his sins, then he should recite salawaat as this destroys the sins thoroughly. There are many ahadees stating that in order to have your supplications granted, start your supplications with salawaat and make duaa and end it with salawaat. Because Allah is more merciful than to accept the beginning  of your supplications and the end of it, but does not grant the one in the middle. Imam Ali Al Raza said

“Who ever remember Allah will receive 10 rewards and who ever remember Prophet will receive 10 rewards”. One of the benefits of reciting salawaat is that it treats forgetfulness.

Ibne Kaseer quotes the Holy Prophet” The miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned then he does not send salawaat up on me”

Allama Majlisi narrates a miracle of Salawaat in “Hayatul Quloob” that a momin was told by the Prophet that if he loves Mohammad and Ale Mohammad then he should always recite salawaat.

One day two hypocrites approached him and tried to discourage him about reciting salawaat and relying on the love of Ahle Bait. A fisherman came by them, the momin was poor but the hypocrites encouraged him to buy the fish and request the Prophet to pay for it. The momin bought the fish and when he cut open the fish he found 2 pearls valued at about 2 lakh Dirham.

The hypocrites were surprised but still persuaded the fisherman to repossess the pearls but as soon as he picked up the pearls it converted into scorpions. The momin found two more pearls in the fish. He took the four pearls to the Prophet and told him what had happened. The Prophet told him that it was his reward for his Iemaan.

Allama Majlisi reports in the same book that when Hazrat Adam was being married to Hazrat Hawwa, Allah told Hazrat Adam to recite salawaat 10 times as meher for his nikah. 

LADY OF PARADISE FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.) IN THE EYES OF ALLAMA IQBAL

Allama Iqbal, the famous poet, philosopher and Thinker of Pakistan, was a Sunni Muslim, and a devout admirer of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). His Urdu and Persian work is full of praise for Imam Ali, Imam Husayn apart from Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s.). In his Persian book Ramooz-e-Bekhudi, he had written a qaseedah praising The Lady of Paradise. I will reproduce it first in transliteration followed by English translation.

            Maryam az ek nisbat e Eisa aziz            Az se nizbat hazrat e Zahra aziz

Hazrat Maryam (s.a.) is exalted by only one relation of being the mother of Hazrat Eisa(a.s.), but Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) is more respectable by three relations; her father was the Prophet, Hazrat Ali (a.s.), her husband was Imam and Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.) were her children.

            Noor e chashm e Rahmatulil Aalameen  Aan imam e awwaleen o akhareen

She was the beloved daughter of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s.), the leader of all Prophets.

            Aan ke jaan dar payker e geeti damaid  Rozegar e taza aaeen aafraid

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had brought peace and tranquility on the earth and opened new avenues.

            Baano e aan tajdaar e “Hal Ataa”          Murtaza Mushkilkusha Sher e Khuda

Her husband was the Crown of Holy Qur’an’s surah Hal Ataa. Imam Ali’s other name was Murtaza and he was known as the Lion of God and helped people in distress.

            Badshah wa kalbai aiwaan e oo            Yek husaam o yak zirah samaan e oo

Imam Ali (a.s.) was the king but his palace was a small house and his belongings consisted of one sword Zulfiqar and one shield which he used to wear at his back not in front.

            Maader e aan markaz e parkaar e ishq  Maader e aan karwaan salaar e ishq

She was the mother of Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn who were pivot and compass of real

Islam.

            Aan yek e shama e shabistaan e haram  Hafiz e jamiyyat e khairul umam

Imam Hasan(a.s.) was one of the Panjetan and protector of Muslim Ummah.

            Taa nashinad aatish e paikaar o keen                 Pusht e pa zad bar sare taaj o nageen

Imam Hasan (a.s.), in order to avoid bloodshed of Muslims, kicked off the crown of khilafat.

            Waan digar moulai abraar e jahaan                    Quwwat e baazo e ahraar e jahaan

Imam Husayn (a.s.) was the leader of the pious and the guide of the freedom fighters in the world.

            Dar nawa e zindagi soz az Husayn                     Ahl e haq hurriyat amoz az Husayn

Imam Husayn(a.s.)’s jihad in Kerbala has brought meaning and purpose to life and the followers of righteousness will continue to draw inspiration from his courage, liberty and fortitude.

            Seerat e farzand ha az ummahaat                       Jouhar e sidq o safa az ummahaat

Character of children reflects their mothers so also they learn truth and piety from their mothers.

Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn(a.s.), who are the “Leaders of Youth in Paradise, reflect the paramount stature of the Lady of Paradise, Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.).

            Mazra e tasleem ra hasil Batool             Madaraan ra uswai kaamil Batool

Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.)’s other name was “Batool”. Iqbal says that She is a complete and perfect example and role model for Muslim women to follow in their lives.

            Bahr e muhtaj e dalish aango na sukht   Ba yahudi chaader e khud ra farukht

Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was so moved by the distress of a needy person that she sold her own chador to a Jew to help him.

            Noori wa ham aatashi farmanbarish                   Gum razaish dar raza e shouharish

All angels and jins were the servants of Hazrat Fatima (s.a.) but she was obedient to her husband.

            Aan adab parwarda e sabr o raza                     Aasia garden wa lab qur’an sara

She was the symbol of patience and contentment and she would recite Qur’an while grinding the stone mill at home.

            Girya hai oo zabaleen be niyaz              Gauhar afshande badamaan e namaaz

She will shed tears for the nearness to Allah while praying namaaz and the pearls would fall on prayer mat.

            Ashk e oo barcheed Jibra’eel az zameen           Hamchu shabnam raikht bar Arsh e baree

Jibra’eel would carry her tears from the earth and spread them as dew in the heavens.

            Rishta e aaeen e haq zanjeer pa ast                   Paas e farmaan e janab e Mustafa ast

I have been constrained by Islamic laws and commandments of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s.)

            Warna gird e turbatish gardeedami                    Sajda ha bar khaak e oo pashidami

Otherwise, I would have circuambulate your grave and do prostration on your grave’s soil. 

DISCOVERING MYSELF

Let us suppose for a moment that I am a man of about 25 years. I am not religious and have been leading a materialistic life. I saw people dying left and right from either natural or accidental causes. That forced me to start pondering on many questions. Who am I? What is the purpose of man’s creation? What happens when people die? Where do they go? Is there an afterlife? Do human beings consist of simply a physical body or is there any soul or spirit? What is the origin of this universe, including the earth, sun, moon, stars, and atmosphere? Was this universe created accidentally or by some Divine Being? Newton’s First Law of Motion says “every body continues in its state of rest or of uniform motion unless it is compelled by an external force to change its state of rest or motion”. Although man has successfully landed on the moon, he has failed to establish the origin of this universe.

The “Big Bang” theory, our latest explanation for the universe’s origin, fails when compared with Newton’s Laws of Motion. The question raised is: Who made that Bang? The domain of science is contented and limited to the perception of man’s five senses. In the prehistoric times, man started worshipping huge astronomical objects. Sometimes he worshipped the Sun and the Moon at other times. Later, scientists hypothesized that monkeys evolved over a period of time and ultimately developed into modern man. If this is true, why are monkeys still around? Shouldn’t the entire species of monkeys have evolved into man? Why does modern man refuse to accept that he is composed of both an anatomical-body and soul? What is the difference between animals and humans? Although both species eat, drink, and reproduce, man has been given intellect which allows him to think. But, who gave man intellect?

We have to bridge the gap between Materialism and the Unseen World.  Think about human creation from the time of conception to birth. One is surprised by the complicated networks of systems in human body when he learns about them. But, who created this baby from apparently lifeless semen? We take care of our bodies by eating nourishing food but wholly ignore food for our souls. Who created the blanket of air around the earth? What will happen to life on earth in the absence of its invisible atmosphere? If we continue counting the blessings of that Unseen Being, we will appreciate and subsequently thank that Being. Think about who is managing and controlling this universe. The sun, moon, stars, and earth have been moving in an organized pattern since their creation. The Sun’s path has never intersected with the paths of the moon or any other planetary body. The explanation of this phenomenon is that every astrophysical body endures opposing centripetal and centrifugal forces which attract and repel one another.

The aforementioned factors lead us to conclude that there is some Omnipotent Being, called Allah, who is responsible for creating and managing both the universe and life on earth. However, man was not created without a purpose. Allah sent prophets and direction, by means of the Imams and Holy Quran, to guide humanity to lead fuller, more accomplished lives. There is life after death because the soul remains intact upon leaving the mortal body. Moreover, there will be a Day of Judgment when our souls and original bodies will be reunited. On that day, each man’s deeds from this world will be accounted for, where he will be rewarded for his good deeds and punished for his sins.

SUPERMAN IN ISLAM (Part 3)

                                    

Theory of Rotation around the sun:

Imam Jaffer as Sadiq was 11 years old and was a student in his father’s school when he challenged the prevalent theory of Ptolemy about heavenly bodies that sun and the stars were revolving around the earth. Copernicus, a Polish scientist (1473-1543) said the same thing which the Imam had said about 1000 years earlier.

System of Medicine of Jaffer asSadiq:

His research and his theories had a great impact on science of medicine.

During the 2^nd and 3rdcenturies of Hijra, most of the physicians in the East followed the methods of diagnosis and treatment prescribed by him. In cases where the condition of the patient was such that a physician could not know whether he was dead or alive, Imam Jaffer asSadiq had suggested that a small incision should be made in his body, especially between his two fingers.

If blood comes out, it was a sign that he was alive. His theory was practically demonstrated during the 2^nd Hijra when the cousin of Abbasid caliph, Haroon Rashid was very sick and the royal physician told the caliph that his cousin will die before dawn. Another physician, Ibne

Behla assured the caliph of his sound health. Next morning, the cousin died and his body was washed and shrouded. The Caliph summoned Ibne Behla. Ibne Behla requested that his body be placed in normal clothing because when he was revived he may die after seeing himself in the traditional shroud. Ibne Behla then made an incision between his left two fingers. Blood started to flow and the patient opened his eyes.

Theory of Four Elements:

At the age of 12, Imam Jaffer asSadiq rejected the Aristotle’s theory of four elements-earth, water, fire and air. He said that earth was not an element but there were many elements in it.

About one thousand years after Aristotle, a young 12 years boy from Medina proved him wrong.

When Imam Jaffer asSadiq grew up and started teaching in his institute, he proved that water, air and fire were also not elements. One thousand one hundred years before the European scientists discovered that air was not an element, Imam Jaffer asSadiq said that air was a mixture of elements. He further said that there were many elements in the air which were essential for breathing. Now we know that there is oxygen and ozone in the air which helps in breathing. Imam Jaffer asSadiq was the first person in history who said that oxygen produces acidity. He said that this element is so active and strong that if it is separated from air in a pure form, it would burn even iron. It is now proved that if we take a piece of red hot iron and plunge it in pure oxygen, it will burn with a luminous flame. It is reported that Imam Jaffer asSadiq’s father had said that by using scientific methods we can produce fire from water. In 18^th century, this was proved by burning hydrogen with oxygen; a flame of fire with a temperature range of 667 degrees was produced. It is now called oxidation and is used in welding and cutting metals.

Imam Jaffer asSadiq had also said that the element which supports life is heavier than all other elements in the air. It was a very important discovery. The world had to wait for about 1000 years till Lavoisier proved that oxygen is so heavy that in 9 kilograms of water, there are 8 kilograms of oxygen.   

Theory of Earth’s Rotation on its Axis:

Imam Jaffer asSadiq had suggested that earth was revolving around its axis. There were people like Poincare, a great scholar who died in 1912, who did not believe in the axial movement of earth. This rotation can only be proved by observation. When astronauts landed on the surface of the moon and turned their telescope towards earth, they could see the earth was moving slowly.

There is no star in our galaxy which does not rotate around itself. Imam Jaffer asSadiq must have known the Laws of Mechanics which postulates that when two forces work on an object in such a way that one force pushes it away from the centre and other force pulls it towards the centre, then it starts to spin. This is called Centripetal Force and Centrifugal Force.                                                                                 

SUPERMAN IN ISLAM (Part 2)

One day a man named Abu Shakir asked Imam Jaffer AlSadiq about the existence of Allah. He said that he did not believe in any thing if it could not be comprehended by five senses. The Imam asked him if he could see inside his body to which he replied in negative. The Imam told him that there was blood circulating in your body which completes one circulation in a few minutes. And further,  if the circulation stops for a few minutes then death would occur. The Imam told him that there were creatures in the body in millions which you cannot comprehend by five senses but Allah had created them for human beings safety. Imam Ali had said “who ever knows himself shall know his Creator”. Imam further said that there was movement in the stone which was beyond five senses comprehension. Imam’s statement was confirmed by the US magazine “The Knowledge” in its issue of June 1973. In response to Abu Shakir’s assertion that every thing in the world was created automatically, the Imam told him that grass did not grow by itself. Grass grows by the seed fallen in the soil, rain water soaks it, the solar energy and air was essential for it growth. The air was necessary for human and plant life but not comprehended by five senses.

The Imam said that a Creator is essential for every thing whether humans, plants, animals or rocks. Even scholars who did not believe in God as such but still concluded that there must be some super power which initiated the creation of this universe. If an intelligent person ponders about his own body and its disciplined systems will realize about the Creator of his body and the entire world. The Imam further said that every thing in this world was moving. There was movement in side our bodies and the earth is also moving. The Imam said that stone was in a liquid form but slowly the heat was lost and over a long period of time it became solid. To one of his questions about Allah’s existence every where, the Imam replied that air was every where but we cannot see it. Similarly, Allah is every where but cannot be seen. Not only human beings pray to Allah but the animals and birds also pray but we do not understand their language. In spring time, the birds migrate at exactly the same time every year and make nestles at the same place year after year. This discipline shows its faith in the Creator.  Plants also have faith and pray in their own way as is evident from their organized way of life. He further said that there were 150 types of plants which have further sub branches. Incidentally, the modern botany also divides plants in 150 types. Plants follow the Creator’s rules and regulations faithfully and punctually. Even the stones pray in its own way and if it did not, then its life would be disrupted and it will explode. The sun’s light is also worshipping Allah. As it strictly follows the divine commandments and hence the two opposite components which do not produce light by themselves are able to produce light when they meet according to Allah’s directions.   

SUPERMAN IN ISLAM (Part 1)

The book was published by the Research Center at Strasburg, France. This was the result of research work performed by 25 scholars from Europe, United States of America except 2 scholars who were from Middle East. The book was originally compiled in French, but subsequently was translated in other languages including Persian and Urdu. It has 55 chapters covering various scientific, astronomical, religious, and social aspects. The book was written with a pure scientific background without any regard to religious affiliations as majority of scholars are non-Muslims. The scholars have called Imam Jaffer AlSadiq, the superman of Islam. I will Endeavour to select topics of general interest.

Eating & Diseases:

To protect life, avoid excesses in eating and drinking. Excess in eating may cause a person to die prematurely before the natural death. Imam Ali had said,”Do not make your stomachs the graveyard of animals”. The Imam advises people not to eat excessive meat as this may lead to premature death in some cases. A person apparently looks healthy but he is sick inside and he may become unconscious and die. People who eat meat or other heavy foods in excess may still feel hungry and without feeling pain may develop sleeplessness. Accidental death is of three types;

Diseases of brain, heart and blood. In the end the accidental diseases are caused by sickness of blood which attacks heart, and brain. This sickness of blood is caused by eating too much meat or other heavy (saturated fats) foods. Modern science also confirms death by heart diseases, stroke affecting brain and blood cancer. People who eat such food in moderation may live longer.

Imam Jaffer AlSadiq said that there were two types of death; natural and accidental. A man meets his natural or fixed death when he leads a normal life and does not resort to excess in eating and drinking and when the ascertained time of death arrives he will die. The other type of death is that when a man by his own folly of excesses in life brings his own death prematurely. In reply to a question as to what is death, the Imam said that death is the stoppage of bodily functions specially the heart and breathing. Death is the transformation from one condition to the other and nothing in this world remains in one condition.

Human body:

All materials which are found in the soil are found in human body but in varied quantities.

There are four items found in large quantity and then there are eight items that are comparatively in lesser quantity and lastly there are eight items which are in very small quantity.

Modern biology confirms Imam’s statement. The four elements found in large quantity are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Next elements found in comparatively smaller quantity are magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulpher, and iron. The trace elements are molybdenum, selenium, fluorine, cobalt, manganese, iodine, zinc, and aluminum.