THE DOYENNE OF THE WOMEN OF THE WORLD, SAYYIDAH FATIMAH ZAHRA (S.A.)

 

The beloved daughter of the Last Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is the role model for men and women alike. Ummul Momineen A’isha said, “I have not seen anyone more Truthful than Fatimah but only her father.” Her worship was unrivalled. Hasan al-Basri said that she worshiped so much that her feet became swollen. Her son al-Hasan said, “I saw my mother Fatimah (s.a.) standing up in mihrab (prayer niche) every Friday night. She bowed and prostrated herself until dawn, and I heard her praying for the believers naming them. I asked mother you did not pray for yourself. She replied, son first your neighbor then your house!” She used to sit with Imam Ali (a.s.) before her father as the Glorious Qur’an was being revealed. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “The Messenger of Allah gave her a dried branch of a tree used for writing and said: ‘Learn what is in it? In it was whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment must not hurt his neighbor, be generous to his guest, shall say (something) good or be silent.’” She used to teach women, who would assemble for acquiring knowledge about Islam. She was the first writer in Islam showing concern for the Knowledge writing down whatever she heard from Imam Ali and Imam Hasan (a.s.) collecting the hadiths during his (s.a.w.a.s.) lifetime, without him (s.a.w.a.s.) prohibiting it! She lived as a best wife, in love, faithfulness, obedience, and care. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “I did not make her angry throughout my life with her and she did not make me angry and did not disobey my orders throughout her life with me.” They were the supportive couple as the duties were assigned by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The agreement was that she would grind, knead, and bake and Ali would sweep the floor and bring water and wood (for the fire). Despite being the Doyenne of the women of the world, the daughter of the most honorable Prophet and Messenger, wife of the Commander of the Faithful and Master of Regents, and mother of al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the masters of the Youths of Paradise, she lived a normal life, grinding, kneading, baking, cooking, and taking care of the children and doing all the things that were her responsibility as the female head of the household. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrated that once the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) saw her wearing a poor-quality cloak doing the work said, “O my daughter! Accept eagerly, life’s bitterness, while waiting for the sweetness of the hereafter. Once Ali sought a servant for her from the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He said, “Would you like me to teach you something? If you learn it, it would be better than a servant: If you go to sleep, say Allahu Akbar 34 times, Alhamdu Lillah 33 times and Subhan Allah 33 times.” Both said, “We are satisfied with Allah.” Her short life was filled with the holy struggle on all fronts, and that she lived for Allah and His way and to implement truth. She used to accompany her father in some of the battles; in Uhad she nursed her father by comforting him and put burned mat’s ashes on his wound to stop bleeding. Her concern was to prove the right of Ali to the caliphate as an Imam by Allah. She was an orator matching argument with arguments in her sermons. Her sermon in the Mosque, which has no equivalent in Arabic history, talking about the secrets in Islamic Jurisprudence in all its major categories providing for every one of them its explanation and a clarification of the wisdom behind it.  

It is narrated by Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.), “Fatima is surely Siddeeqah (truthful) and Shaheedah (witness). This matches with Ayah 69 of Surah al-Nisa, “Whoever obeys Allah and the Apostle-they are with those whom Allah has blessed, including the prophets and the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous, and excellent companions are they!” And Ayah 89 of Surah al-Nahl, “The day We raise in every nation a witness against them from among themselves, We shall bring you as a witness against these…”

Source: Fatimah al-Masumah (s.a.): A role Model for Men and Women by Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Fadlallah  

THE GOLDEN SAYINGS OF IMAM ALI (A.S.) - "THE GATEWAY OF KNOWLEDGE" - PART TWO

 

There is a tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), who said, “I am the City of Knowledge and Ali (a.s.) is the Gateway”. Whenever Imam Ali (a.s.) spoke, it was the words of wisdom and they are the beacon of light for our lives. First part of this article was published on June 2, 2013. His sayings are given below:

The most complete gift of Allah is a life based on knowledge. Knowledge gives life to the soul. Honesty is Divine knowledge. The wise aims at perfection. The foolish aims at wealth. He is wise whose actions reflect his words. Humility is the product of knowledge. Pride mars greatness. Intellect is better than desire, for the intellect makes you a king over your destiny, and desire makes you a slave of your destiny. An intelligent person longs to be like the righteous people so that he can be one of them, and he loves them so that he can be united with them in his love.

O son of Adam, when you see that your Lord, the Glorified, bestows His favors upon you while you disobey Him, you should fear Him (take warning that His Wrath may not turn those blessings into misfortunes). Often your utterances and expressions of your face leak out the secrets of your hidden thoughts. When you get ill, do not get nervous about it, and try as much as possible to be hopeful. The best form of devotion to the service of Allah is not to make a show of it. When you must depart from this world and must meet death (eventually), then why wish delay (why feel nervous about death). Take warning! He has not exposed so many of your sinful activities that it appears as if He has forgiven you (it maybe He has given you time to repent)

A virtuous person is better than virtue and a vicious person is worse than vice. Be generous but not extravagant, be frugal (economical) but not miserly.  The best kind of wealth is to give up inordinate desires. One who says unpleasant things about others, will himself quickly become a target of their scandal.

Imam Ali (a.s.) advised his son saying, “The greatest wealth is wisdom; the greatest poverty is stupidity; the worst aloofness is that of vanity and self-glorification; and the best nobility of descent exhibits itself in politeness and in refinement of manner. Do not make friendship with a fool because when he tries to do you good he will do you harm; do not make a miser your friend because he will run away from you at the time of your dire need; do not be friendly with a vicious and wicked person because he will sell you and your friendship at the cheapest price and do not make a friend of a liar because like a mirage he will make you visualize very near the things which lie at a great distance and make you seat the great distance the things which are near to you.”  

Recommended prayers cannot attain the pleasure of Allah for you when obligatory prayers are left unattended.

A wise man first thinks the speaks and a fool first speaks and then thinks.

One of the companions of Imam Ali (a.s.) fell ill. The Imam called on him and said, “Be thankful to Allah. He has made this illness a thing to atone your sins because a disease has nothing to bring reward to anyone, it merely expiates one’s sins and so far as reward is concerned, one must earn it with good words and good deeds. The Almighty Lord grants Paradise to His creatures on account of their piety and noble thoughts.”

 

                Source: Nahjul Balagha and Mohammadi Trust (Zahra Publications)

BIBI HEYBAT (FATIMA AL-SUGHRA, DAUGHTER OF IMAM MUSA AL-KAZIM A.S.)

 

According to Allama Majlisi (r.a.), Hazrat Fatima al-Sughra was buried in Bibi Heybat Mosque. The historical mosque is known by many names; Bibi Heybat Mosque, Pir Bibi Heybat, Mosque of Fatima al-Zahra. According to Sibt ibn Jawzi, the Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.) had named four of daughters as Fatima. Of these, Fatima al-kubra is popularly known as Masooma Khumm. The shrine of Fatima al-Wusta and Fatima al-Ukhra are less known despite being in Iran. Some say, when Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.) was martyred, his relatives fled to different regions. Fatima al-Sughra, also called Bibi Heybat, was separated from her sister Fatima al-Kubra, and moved to Baku in Azerbaijan during the Abbasid oppressive rule. Soon she earned great respect among the locals as a blessed woman from the House of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.). She was buried outside Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Religious people from Muslim countries started settling near the site. It was built during the Safavid Dynasty and was destroyed in 1936 by Bolsheviks. After 60 years the mosque was rebuilt.

Famous French writer, Alexandre Dumas, who visited the site in 1840 A.D. in his book “The World”: The Mosque- a place of worship for infertile women, they come here on foot, worship, and within a year gain the ability to give birth.”

The mosque earned the name of Bibi Heybat, for it was not considered proper to call a woman by her first name during medieval period. Hence the locals gave it the name of Bibi Heybat as Fatima al-Sughra had a servant named Heybat. In Azeri language Bibi means aunt.

Haji Sheikh Sharif was among many Muslims who is buried near the mosque. He arrived in Baku to spread Sufism. The mention of this mosque is also found in the local and European travelers.

In 1911, the patron of Baku, Alasgar Agha Dadashove with architect Haji Najaf, constructed the new building of the mosque. In 1994, after Azerbaijan gained independence, the then President Heydar Aliyev, ordered the construction of a new building for the Bibi-Heybat Mosque at the same place where it was destroyed.

The mosque has three domes and two minarets. The domes are decorated with the green and turquoise mirrors, which are bordered with glided inscriptions from the Glorious Qur’an. The men’s praying room is located on the south side of the complex, while women – on the north side. Between them is the mausoleum.

 

Sources: WIKISHIA, WIKIPEDIA

DEATH: A BEAUTIFUL GIFT OR A PAINFUL CHASTISEMENT

 

A universal truth that whoever is born must die. Hatred towards death and love of this world is the outcome of ignorant person’s mind who thinks that the happiness of this world is his prosperity and good fortune. It is important that a man should hold death dear and consider it an opportunity of meeting with his Almighty and not hate it and consider it as evil but should take lessons from it. He should ask forgiveness from Almighty for his sins and tame the rebellious self (Nafs). When the call from Almighty comes he should welcome it and rejoice that soon he will be taken to the presence of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and meet his deceased companions and other believer brothers. When death is delayed due to aging, he should thank Almighty for the delay as he still has time to seek repentance from Almighty. He should provide provisions for the long journey. In fact, he should always remember death. In Karbala, Imam Husayn (a.s.) asked his nephew Hazrat Qasim ibn Hasan (a.s.) concerning death, he replied, “Death to me sweeter than honey.” During the imprisonment, Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.) had a grave dug up near his prayer mat. Some visitors were surprised by this. The Imam (a.s.) explained, “In order to remember my end I keep the grave before my eyes!”

According to the Glorious Qu’an, the dying person will be either the Companions of Right and in good final condition or if he is among the Companions of the Left and had suffered a great loss. The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah al-An’am Ayah 32, “The life of this world is nothing but play and diversion, and the abode of the Hereafter is surely better for those who are God wary. Do you not apply reason?” According to the Islamic ideology, death is a positive entity. The moment of death is a moment of rebirth of a man and a moment of hastening out from this confined region of this world into a world which is wide expansive free from worries, sorrows and material and natural limitations. Like the birth of a baby in a new wide world. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “You have not been created to perish, but to remain forever.”

A question arises as to why Almighty created man? The answer is that Almighty created man so that ultimately men reach the level of cognition of Almighty and understand His Beautiful Attributes and manifest them with themselves.  Life and death, and basically the changes in the material world and transfer from one stage of life to another or transfer from one world to another, all these play a part in the journey of man towards perfection. Such changes or the ups and downs must be present, in the light of which, people can be tested, and the pure are separated from the impure. Surah al-Mulk Ayah 2, “He, Who created death and life that He may test you (to see) which of you is best in conduct. And He is the Almighty, the All-forgiving.”  Thus, death is created by the Almighty and cannot be negative entity. Tests and trials are the philosophy of life and death. Tests and trials include all moments of life and death even during his transfer to the next world. These tests and trials stage by stage prepares a man for attaining his ultimate objective.

Some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an are: Surah al-Kahf Ayah 110, “So whoever expects to encounter his Lord- let him act righteously, and not associate anyone with the worship of his Lord.”

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 156, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him do we return.”

Surah al-Sajdah Ayah 11, “Say, ‘You will be taken away by the angel of death, who has been charged with you. Then you will be brought back to your Lord.”   

On the Day of A’shurah, Imam Husayn (a.s.) said to his companions, “Remain firm, O sons of noble people, because death is just a bridge which will cross you and transfer you from discomforts and troubles, into extensive gardens of Paradise. So, which one of you does not desire his freedom from prison and entering a castle; of course, death of your enemies is like their being transferred from a palace and a castle into prison and torture.”

Death for a believer is like dirty clothes, which he removes and frees himself from dirt and unpleasant odor. Death has been compared with sleep, in which the soul goes out of the body. The only fundamental difference between sleep and death is that coming out of the soul from the body, at the time of sleep, is only for a short period of time and the connection between body and the soul is not completely severed.

Source: al-islam.org/Death: A beautiful Gift for a Believer

IMAM ALI (A.S.), ABOUT DEATH

 

The Commander of the Faithful, the “Nafse Rasool”, The Gateway of Knowledge, The Conqueror of Khyber, Imam Ali (a.s.) advised the people about death. Man is lost in the magnetic attractions of this transient world, but death is that whose incidence is definite for whoever is born must die. The important thing is the timing of death which is unknown.

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) had stated in the famous collection called “Nahjul Balaghah” Sermon 109:

“Whatever they (human beings) were ignoring has befallen them. Pangs of death and grief for losing (this world) have surrounded them. Consequently, their limbs become languid (lacking vigor) and their complexion changes. Then death increases its struggle over them. In someone, it stands in between him and power of speaking although he lies among his people, looking with eyes, hearing with his ears, with full wits and intelligence. He then thinks over how he wasted his life and in what (activities) he passed his time. He recalls the wealth he collected when he had blinded himself in seeking it and acquired it from fair or foul sources. Now the consequences of collecting it have overtaken him. He gets ready to leave it. It would remain for those who are left behind. They would enjoy it and benefit by it. It would be an easy acquisition for others but a burden on his back, and the man cannot rid of it. He would thereupon bite his hands with teeth out of shame for what was disclosed to him about his affairs at the time of his death. He would dislike what he coveted during the days of his life and would wish that the one who envied him on account of it and felt jealous over him for it should have amassed it instead of himself.

Death would continue affecting his body till his ears would behave like his tongue and lose functioning. (Incidentally, after the birth, an infant’s faculty of hearing starts working before his eyes and tongue). So, he would lie among his people, neither speaking with his tongue nor hearing with his ears. He would be rotating his glance over their faces, watching the movements of their tongues, but not hearing their speaking.

The death will spread its sway over him, and his sight would be taken by death as the ears had been taken and the spirit would depart from his body. He would then become a carcass among his own people. They would feel loneliness from him and get away from near him. He would not join a mourner or respond to a caller. Then they would carry him to a small place in the ground and deliver him in it to (face) his deeds. They abandoned visiting him.”

 

                Source: Nahjul Balagha Part 1, The Sermons Compile by Ayatullah Sharif Razi (r.a.)

PROSTRATION - SAJDAH

 

The root word of Sajdah is Sajad. The word Sajdah and its derivatives has been used in the Glorious Quran 92 times. Sajdah is the “Me’raj” (Ascension) of a believer. Sajdah is the act of submitting ourselves in complete humility, and it is performed only to Allah. There is a complete Surah al-Sajdah in the Glorious Quran. There are more than 14 Ayahs pertaining to Sajdah, some of them are: Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 15, “To Allah prostrates whoever there is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and their shadows at sunrise and sunset.” Surahal-Isra’ Ayahs 107 to 109, “Say, ‘Whether you believe in it, or do not believe in it, indeed those who were given knowledge before it when it is recited to them, fall down in prostration on their faces, and say, “Immaculate is our Lord! Indeed, Our Lord’s promise is bound to be fulfilled.” Weeping, they fall down on their faces, and it increases them in humility.”  Surah al-Hajj Ayah 18 says, “Have you not regarded that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, the moon, and the stars, the mountains, the trees, and the animals and many of mankind.”

Surah al-Hijr Ayah 28 to 31, “When your Lord said to the angels, Indeed I am going to create a human out of a dry (drawn) from an aging mud. So, when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My spirit, then fall in prostration (Sajdah of respect) before him. There at the angels prostrated, all of them together, but not Iblees (Shaitan): he refused to be among those who prostrated he was the first creature to show pride and superiority.

Similarly, in the court of Pharaoh, his magicians performed their act of converting ropes into snakes, Allah ordered Prophet Musa to throw what was in his hand. As soon as he threw the rod on ground, it miraculously converted into a huge snake which swallowed the magician’s snakes. Surah TA-HA Ayah 70, “Then the sorcerers fell down in prostration, saying: We believed in the Lord of Harun (Aron) and Musa (Moses)!”

Prayers is the condition when a Muslim is nearest to his Creator. Nearness here does not mean physical nearness because the Creator does not have a physical existence. He is Light (Noor).

 Imam Ali (a.s.) was born in Holy Ka’ba, the House of Allah towards which millions of Muslims are performing daily prayers facing that House. Imam Ali (a.s.) was martyred in Masjid al-Kufa while performing his morning prayers. During his lifetime, he is reported to recite recommended salaat in the night that neighbors would hear “Takbir” one thousand times every night. Even during the battles, he would perform salaat. The Chief of Martyrs, the Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.) after sacrificing his entire family in Karbala was slaughtered while he was in prostration after being deprived of food and water for three days.

The Thinker of Pakistan, the poet of the East, Allama Iqbal (r.a.) said in a couplet.

     Islam ke daman mein bus iske siwa kiya hai        Ek Zarb-e-Yadullahi, Ek Sajdah-e-Shabbiri

(There are only two things in the survival of Islam: the Zulfiqar of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Sajdah of Imam Husayn (a.s.)

    Ye Ek Sajdah jese tu Giran Samajta Hai                Hazar Sajdaun se deta hai Adami ko Najaat

(O Muslim! You want to escape 5 times prayers which saves you from humiliations in different walks of life)

In sajdah seven parts of our body must touch the earth: the forehead, the palms, knees, toes. The forehead should be placed on pure earth and the “Khak-e-Shifa” made from thesoil of the Sayyid-us-Shuhada, Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s grave is the purest of all.

The Infallible Imam Ali ibnal Husayn (a.s.) is also called “Sayyid as-Sajideen”” Master of Prostrators”. The Imam used to perform an enormous number of Sajdah that periodically the signs of prostration had to be cut and removed from his forehead! When people praised him for excessive prostration, he in turn praised his grandfather the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) who was far more pious than him!

Sajdah is the peak of humility and submission to our Creator and the Sustainer Allah (s.w.t.)

Sources: Tafsir -e- Namoonah by Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, The Qur’an (English) by Ali Quli Qara’i

                  The Reliance of the Secrets of Prayers by Allama Muhsin Qara’ti

COMMANDER OF IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)'S ARMY, HAZRAT ABBAS IBN ALI (A.S.)

 

Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (a.s.) was the son of Lady Ummul Banin (s.a.) whom Imam Ali (a.s.), the model of human perfection, married after the sad demise of the Chief of the Women of the World, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Hazrat Abbas was the fruit of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s prayers as he was aware of the impending martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.) and he wished a strong man (like himself) for his protection. His mother infused love and respect for Imam Husayn (a.s.) into his personality that he never called Imam Husayn (a.s.) brother his entire life instead called him his “Master” It is reported that during the infancy of Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.), their cradle was swung by the angels and when Hazrat Abbas was born, his cradle was swung by his brothers (a.s.). Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) inherited bravery from his parents.

It is said that inheritance, education, and environment play an important role in the development of a personality. Hazrat Abbas grew up in a house filled with light and love for humanity and eternal values. He grew up in a Household on whom the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had asked Allah to bestow His Blessings. It was the habit of Imam Ali (a.s.) to cultivate and irrigate palm groves and endow them to the needy. Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Husayn (a.s.) and Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) acquired these traits from their father. He soon adorned himself with the highest human characteristics of love and knowledge. He was wise, knowledgeable as well as tall, handsome, and brave. He acquired the epithet of “Qamar-e-Bani Hashim” or the “Moon of Bani Hashim”. He was also polite and patient and this was a reminder of his father’s words that “No heritage is worthier than politeness. He had the highest respect for his brothers; Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.) as heirs of his father and the righteous successors of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Soon his knowledge and wisdom reached a level in which scholars of his era become humble before him. Even in his youth he showed signs of bravery and courage alongside his father Imam Ali (a.s.). During the battle of Siffin, when Muawiyah bin Abu Sufyan blocked access to water to Imam Ali (a.s.)’s forces, he entered the battlefield with a veil on his face to hide his identity. Muawiya wanted one of his strong men Abu Shasa to face him, instead he sent his two sons who were killed by Hazrat Abbas (a.s) then Abu Shasa came out, but he too was killed. Then Imam Ali (a.s.) called him back and removed the veil to show the brave young man was none other than Hazrat Abbas (a.s.). He was 11 years old!

During the era of Imam Hasan (a.s.), he stood behind the Imam patiently despite his bravery. He was a faithful and trustworthy advisor. The height of the greatness of his personality reached its peak in Karbala and the heroic martyrdom. Guarding the Imam, protecting the tents of the women folks of the Prophet’s Household, caring for the children, and making a sacrifice to bring water to thirsty camp of Imam Husayn (a.s.) were among the most beautiful and epical manifestation of his life in Karbala. Yazidi forces cut the water supply from 7^th Muharram. On the Day of Ashura, he volunteered to bring water. With his courage, he drove away the hordes of enemies and reached the River Euphrates. Although he himself was thirsty, he never drank a drop of water. He filled the leather water bag and was galloping back, when the coward enemy hiding behind a tree attacked and cut his right hand, he swiftly shifted the water bag to his left hand but alas that hand was also severed. He managed to place it near his chest, but an arrow pierced in the bag and water flown away. An arrow pierced into his eye and he was hit on his head. He came down on the ground, without support of his hands!  

During the lifetime of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.) was the Standard bearer of the Islamic flag. Hazrat Abbas was the Standard bearer of the Mission of Karbala. His titles are “Bab al-Hawa’ij” “Gate to requests to Allah”, “Abd as-Saleh”, the “Pious one”, “King of Loyalty” and “Water Provider”

Please also refer to my articles; Sermon of Commander Abbas ibn Ali (11/24/2013) and Life and Status of Hazrat Abbas, the Moon of Bani Hashim (4/12/2020) on ZULFIQAR5.BLOGSPOT.COM

 

Sources: Tajdar-e-Wafa by Hujjat-ul-Islam Sayyid Razi Jaffer Naqvi

                  Al-Abbas by Allama Badr Shahin, WIKISHIA.net, Hazrat Abbas bin Ali/Ziaraat.org

ALLAH (S.W.T.)'S BOUNTIES AS SIGNS OF GUIDANCE FOR MANKIND

 

Surah Yasin, the heart of the Glorious Qur’an, describes the bounties of the Creator in Ayahs from 33 to 42. The best way of having faith in Resurrection is in pondering on the creations of Allah. The plants, animals and human beings are clear signs of the great knowledge applied in its creation. Allah gives life to the dead earth by rain out of which grain is produced which is the food for man. Next Allah mentions fruits specially the dates and the grapes which is a complete food. Earlier Allah mentioned rain to enliven the dead earth. Next, He (s.w.t.) states water springs which comes out of the earth. One of the scientific miracles of the Glorious Qur’an is the statement of the law of matrimony in all things: plants, human beings and that which people did not know at that time and now they know! Matrimony includes humans, animals on the earth, and in the depth of oceans or even the existence of the positive or negative particles inside the center of atoms and the electrons which rotate around it.

Night is one of the Signs of Power and Wisdom of Allah. It is a fixed program in the length of history which has no disorder! The main nature of the earth is darkness and light is given to it from another source which is the sun. The sun is in motion. There are few interpretations of this motion; some suggest that beginning spring sun’s motion from the equator towards North Pole by as much as 23 degrees and beginning of summer it returns to equator. It continues its motion towards South until the beginning of winter then it moves towards Equinox and reaches it by Spring. Others suggest it is suns’ motion on its axis. The latest scientific discovery is that the sun moves with the solar system amid our galaxy toward an appointed direction towards a distant star called ‘Weca’. The movement of this very great globe (sun) which is one million two thousand times bigger than the earth and with an accurate movement in the endless atmosphere, is possible by no one save by Allah Whose Power is above all powers and Whose Knowledge is infinite! The orbits of the sun and the moon is arranged by Him in such a way that they will never crash into each other. The moon’s stages are the twenty eight places it passes before its absence in the last nights of a lunar month because when a lunar month is fully thirty days, the moon is visible in the sky until the twenty eight night but appears very narrow with a yellow color and little light. It is not visible during the ‘two remaining nights’ which is called in Arabic/muhaq. These stages are completely exact and accurate in a manner that the astronomers can foretell them one hundred years in advance. At the beginning the tips of the crescent are upward and by the twenty-eight night the tips are downward. The night never outstrips the day. The Ayah of the Glorious Qur’an, “Each swim along in (its own) orbit.” refers to each of sun, moon, night, and day. The day has an orbit for itself and always half of the earth is dark while another half has light and these two turns around the earth once for twenty-four hours.

One of the signs of Allah is the ships/boats in oceans. They provide means of transportation for people and merchandise These are the might and forces of Allah who made it subservient to mankind. The other means of communication is the modern, cars, trains, airplanes, and space vehicles.

Sources: Tafsir-e-Namouna (Urdu translation of the Glorious Qur’an) by Ayatullah Naser Makarem                       Shirazi

               An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Glorious Qur’an

ENORMOUS BENEFITS OF RECITINGSURAHS OF CHAPTER 30 OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN - 2

 

Surah Nabaa (78): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “He who studies it and learns it by heart, on the Day of Judgment, his reckoning bill be concluded (so quickly) equal to the time taken to recite a single prayer. He will be satiated by Allah with a cold drink in Heaven. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: He who recites it every day will visit Ka’ba soon.”

Surah Nazi’at (79): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “For he who studies it, the length of his stay on the Day of Judgment will last as long as saying the daily prayer and then he will come into Paradise.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: He who studies it will die satisfied, will be brought in the Resurrection and go to Paradise, satisfied.” This benefit will be achieved only by practicing the contents of the Glorious Qur’an.

Surah ‘Abasa (80): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “One who studies it will arrive at the Gathering Place smiling”

Surah Takwir (81): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “He who studies it will be saved by Allah from being exposed to shame when his book of deeds will be laid open. He who wishes to look at me on the Day of Judgment should study it.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: “He who studies Surah Abasa and this Surah, will be with Mercy and Grace of Allah in the eternal Heaven.”

Surah Infitar (82): Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: “He who recites Surah Inshiqaq and this Surah and considers them present before his eyes in his obligatory and optional prayers, nothing will separate him from Allah (s.w.t.) and there will be no hindrance between him and Allah (s.w.t.). He will be in the continuous presence of Allah and Allah will be looking over him until all of the accounts he has with others, are settled.”

Surah Mutaffifin (83): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Whoever recites this Surah, Allah will make him drink of the pure sealed drink.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: “One who recites it in obligatory prayers, Allah will save him from Fire.”

Surah Inshiqaq (84): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “He who studies it Allah will make him safe from being given his record from behind his back (on the Day of Resurrection).” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: “He who recites this Surah and Surah Infitar and considers them present before his eyes in his obligatory and optional prayers, nothing will separate him from Allah. He will be in continuous presence of Allah and Allah will be looking over him until all of the accounts he has with others are settled.”

Surah Buruj (85): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Allah will give the reward for the good deeds ten times the number of all the people gathered in the Friday prayers and all the people gathered  on the Day of Ara’fah (the 9^th day of Zillhajj), to the person who recites this Surah. Its recitation saves a man from fears.”

Surah Tariq (86): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “For the person who studies this Surah, Allah will reward this action ten times the number of stars in the sky.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Anyone who recites this Surah in obligatory prayers will have a high rank with Allah in the Hereafter and will be the prophet’s close friend and companion in Heaven

Surah A’la (87): The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Allah will reward him, who recites this Surah, the number of words, ten folds, which were revealed to Ibrahim, Musa and Muhammad. One of the companions of Imam Ali (a.s.) prayed 20 nights behind him (a.s.) and every night the Imam (a.s.) recited Surah A’la.”

Note: The first article under this title was published on August 13, 2019 covering Surahs from 106 to 114

Source: Tafsir-e-Namouna (Urdu translation0 of the Glorious Qur’an by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

ISTIAZAH - SEEKING ALLAH (S.W.T.)'S PROTECTION AGAINST SHAITAN

 

Istiazah has received the maximum attention in the Glorious Qur’an and the traditions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Pure Progeny, seeking Allah’s help to protect oneself against the maneuvering of Shaitan. Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husain Dasteghaib had discussed at length this topic in his thirty lectures.

The seeking of protection from Allah should be sincerely from the depths of our hearts which is manifested by reciting orally “audhu billahi min ash-shaitanir rajeem”. Allah (s.w.t.) highlights the importance of Istiazah in Sura an-Nahal Ayah 98, “So when you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan.” We can defend an enemy when we can see him but in case of Shaitan, he can see us, but we cannot see him. Ayah 27 of Surah al-A’raf describes this point as, “He (surely) sees you, he as well as his host, from whence you cannot see them; surely We have made the Shaitans to be the guardians of those who do not believe.” While reciting prayer, it is mandatory that after reciting the ‘Takbirat al-ihraam’ (Allaho Akbar) one should say ‘Istiazah’ in a low tone. Because Shaitan is the archenemy of mankind and had wowed to distract the man and he tries to stop a man from doing any virtuous deed. Hence, we should recite Istiazah before preparing for prayer (Namaz) like before performing ablution (wudhu) or before entering the mosque. Similarly, it is mandatory to recite Istiazah even while performing normal chores like going out of the house, eating, drinking, or wearing clothes.

Men always wish to have Presence of Allah (Qurbatan Ilallah) but Shaitan tries his best to prevent him from achieving this end and puts every hurdle and impediment. The one and only way of precluding this risk is to seek Allah’s protection. Allah has ordered His Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) in Surah al-Muminun Ayah 97 and 98, “And say: O my Lord! I seek Your protection from the evil suggestions of the Shaitans and I seek Your protection, my Lord, from their presence near me.” Similarly, in Surah al-Naas Allah says, “Say, ‘I seek the protection of the Lord of humans, Sovereign of humans, God of humans, from the evil of the sneaky tempter (Shaitan)…”

Therefore, when enemy is so powerful and strong, we should not be complacent and unmindful of him. A story will elaborate that what a person thought the whole life that he was worshiping the Creator but at the time of his demise from this world, he discovered that he was worshiping Shaitan. Ayatullah Ali al-Haeri narrated in “Muntakhab al-Tawareeq” that in a village in Isfahan, a young man was in the last throes of his life. A pious person was requested to say ‘Talqeen’. During the Talqeen when the sick person said” la ilaha illa Allah” to bear witness to the Unity of Allah, from the corner of the room a sound came, “My creature says the truth”. When the sick man said,” Ya Allah”. Then again, the same sound came from the corner of the room, “My creature I am here.” The pious person asked, “Who are you that calls?” The reply was, ‘I am the one whom this person had worshiped all his life-I am Shaitan” Yes! It is a fact this person worshiped Shaitan his entire life. His tongue spoke at Shaitan’s order. His eyes saw things in response to Shaitan’s wishes. His heart responded to Shaitan’s wishes. When throughout his life the person was at the call of Shaitan, then at the time of Talqeen whether he said ‘Ya Rabb’ or ‘ya Iblees’ his respondent can only be Shaitan! Simply oral repetition of ‘Istiazah’ will not help unless we understand this word and mold our actions as per Commandments of Allah (s.w.t.).

In the traditions of Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.), particular attention is drawn for ‘Istiazah’ in the following situations:

When a person is alone with a stranger from opposite gender (such as a man with a young woman), it is imperative that he seeks Allah’s protection from Shaitan because in such a situation Shaitan makes its utmost efforts to mislead.

Similarly, when a person is in frenzy of anger, his blood boils and Shaitan dominates him with full force and makes him commit any prohibited acts, even infidelity (kufr).

SURAH YA-SIN, THE HEART OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

 

Surah Ya-Sin was revealed in Makkah. It is number 36 having 83 Ayahs. It may be divided in four parts: each dealing with a distinct aspect. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Everything has a heart (center), and Ya-Sin is the heart of the Qur’an.” The Infallible Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Whoever recites Surah Ya-Sin on a day before sunsets, during the whole day he will be protected and sustained (affluently); and whoever recites it at night before sleeping, one thousand angels will be protecting him from any accursed Shaitan and any impediment.” It must be noted that reciting should follow pondering over the contents and practicing it as far as possible.

Initially, we are discussing ‘the Resurrection’ covering Ayah 77 to 83. Ayah 77 and 78 says, “Has not man seen that We created him of a sperm-drop? Yet behold! He is an open disputant. And he has struck for Us a similitude and forgotten his creation; he says: “Who shall quicken the bones when they are decayed?” Allah is reminding man’s status in creation from a drop, which over a period in the womb, passes through six stages: sperm, clot, lump of flesh, sense, and movement. After birth and development becoming an adult, he forgets his creation and became a disputant of his Creator. The Divine reply comes in Ayah 79 saying, “Say: ‘He will enliven them Who created them for the first time, and He knows all creation.” Resurrection needs two things: The Power of Allah in recreation, and His cognizance to the people’s needs. Even if the bones are scattered, it can be collected as a magnet collects pieces of iron in the dust! Allah mentions about His Power to gather the opposites like Arabian special trees called ‘Markh’ and ‘Afar’ when placed one over the other, a spark comes out which could be used for making fire. This was expressed in Ayah 80,” He Who had made for you fire from the green tree and behold! From it you kindle fire.”

After the first two parables of sperm and green tree, the next significant subject is the creation of heavens. Ayah 81 says, “Is not He, Who created the heavens and the earth, able to create the like of them? Yes, (He can!) And He is the Creator (Omnipotent), the Knower.”  It is a question for the vigilant consciences and alert wisdom to look at the splendid sky with all its wonderful planets and fixed stars and the numerous systems and galaxies. The One Who can create such extra-ordinary things, how is it possible that He will not be able to enliven the dead? The Glorious Qur’an emphasizes the two great Attributes of Allah (s.w.t.) viz. the Attributes of Creativity and His Infinite Knowledge.

Ayah 82 and 83 says, “His Command, when He intends anything, only to say to it ‘Be’, so it is. So, glory be to Him, in Whose hand is the domination of everything, and Unto Whom you shall be returned.” The phrase ‘kun’ (Be) is not a phrase that states by utterance, because neither has He utterance nor is He in need of expression but the purpose is His Will of Creation of something and the use of the word ‘kun’ (Be) is because there is no other shorter, smaller and quicker word than this. As soon as His intention comes to something, that thing comes into being. There are only two stages in the deeds of Allah: the stage of Will and the stage of Creation. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali said, “When He intends to create something He says ‘Be’ and there it is, but not through a voice that strikes the ears. His speech is an act of His Creation. His like never existed before this. If it had been created, it would have been the second god.”

The unconditional sovereignty and ownership of everything is in the hand of Allah (s.w.t.), the Omnipotent, and, giving life to the dead and quickening the rotten bones and their scattered dust will not bring any difficulty for Him, certainly all of us will return to Him, and the Resurrection is true.

Sources: Tafsir-e-Namouna, the Urdu translation of the Glorious Qur’an by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

                  An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Glorious Qur’an

A PROPHET OF MERCY, THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.)

 

Allah (s.w.t.) says in the Glorious Qur’an; Surah al-Anbiya Ayah 107, “We did not send you but as a mercy to all the nations.” Mercy is a Divine quality as stated in the “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” i.e. Begin with the Name of Allah, the Beneficent and Merciful.”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was kind to everyone who met him. Anas bin Malik served him for some time, and he says, “He (s.a.w.a.s.) never swore at me, nor hit me or rebuke me.” Once, a Bedouin came and pulled his (s.a.w.a.s.) cloak so harshly that the rough cloak bruised his shoulder, he (s.a.w.a.s.) turned toward him and laughed and instead of showing displeasure, ordered a gift for him. In one of the battles, one of the companions urged him (s.a.w.a.s.) to invoke God against the Polytheists but he (s.a.w.a.s.) refused and said, “I have been sent as mercy and guidance and not to curse the people” He (s.a.w.a.s.) never struck a woman or servant or for that matter anyone except when he was fighting in the way of Allah. While leading a prayer, if he heard a child crying, he would haste to end the prayer so that the mother could attend to the crying child. He (s.a.w.a.s.) was not only kind to human beings but also to the animals. Once he (s.a.w.a.s.) saw that a she-camel that had been hobbling but it was still loaded, and it was evidently heavy for her. He (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Tell its owner to be prepared for a suit against him on morrow.” He (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “An animal has six rights over its master: He should provide food and drink when he stops, he should not strike without a good reason, he should not load beyond its capacity, should not make it walk beyond its ability, he should not sit over it for a prolong period while stationery.” Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “He (s.a.w.a.s.) was the most open handed and lenient with people. He would never send away a person who had asked him for something without giving him it or saying some kind words to him.” Anas bin Malik said, “If he (s.a.w.a.s.) missed any of his Muslim brethren for three days, he would ask about him. If he was out of town, he would pray for him and if he was ill, he would visit him.” Abu Saeed Khudri said, “The Apostle of God was extremely modest.” One of his characteristics was that he never frowned. If he heard someone saying something, which he disliked, he would not confront him about it but would say, “What is the matter with some people who do or say such things.”

Even when he was assaulted and exposed to hardships because of the ignorant people, he used to say, “Lord! I plead to you to guide my people, for they do not know.” He used to say, “No prophet has been harmed as much as I have been.”

After the Victory of Makkah, he (s.a.w.a.s.) did not go beyond forgiving and overlooking the harm done to him by the Makkans. He said, “What do you think I am going to do to you?” They said, “You will deal with us with kindness. You are gracious brother and the son of a gracious brother.” The Prophet said, “I will say to you just us my brother Prophet Yousuf said, “No harm upon you; go, for you are free.” Thus, he forgave all of them including the most bitter of his enemies such as Abu Sufyan and Hind. He forgave Wahshi, the killer of his uncle Hamza (a.s.).

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Those who show mercy will be shown mercy by the Merciful One on the Day of Resurrection.” Be to the orphans like a merciful father and know that whatever you sow so shall you reap.”” When anger raises its head dispel it with forgiveness.” “The virtue of us Ahlul Bayt is to forgive those who wrong us, and to give to those who withheld from us.”

Source: The Prophet Muhammad, a Mercy to the World by Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Sadiq al-Shirazi

THE INFALLABLE IMAM JA'FAR AS-SADIQ (A.S.)

 

The Infallible Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) was the 6^th Gem of the “Golden Chain” “Silsila az-Zahabiyyah”. He was born in Madinah on 17^th Rabi al-Awwal 83 A.H. He used to visit the grand school of his father Imam Muhammad al-Baqir a.s.). At the age of 11 years, he surprised the students by saying, “The earth was not flat, because the way sun rises in the East and sets in the West and day and night changes in 24 hours, it cannot be possible!”

 

Bani Umayyad’s evil kingdom came to an end and Abbasids raised slogan, “Right to rule is for the family of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)” but once they came to power, they were the worst enemy of the “Ahlul Bayt” Like Banu Umayyads, Banu Abbas also felt guilty that worldly power belonged to the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s Progeny. Hence, they tried every dirty trick to harass the Infallible Imams, who possessed every virtue and remained patient to their excesses.

 

Once, a pilgrim who was visiting the Prophet’s Mosque fell asleep. On waking up, he searched for his purse containing money but could not find it. There was only Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq in the mosque praying in one corner. He accused the Imam (a.s.) of having picked up the purse. He (a.s.) took the man to his house and paid him the amount he was missing. On return in the Mosque, the man searched his belongings thoroughly and found his missing money. He was ashamed of himself and wanted to return Imam’s money, but the Imam refused to take back as Ahlul Bayt only grants but never take it back.

His (a.s.) profound knowledge was famed across the Muslim world. Students came from distant places to quench their thirst of knowledge from the Imam (a.s.) who was the “Inheritor of the Gateway of Knowledge”. The number of students exceeded four thousand in his school in Madinah, which included Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik bin Anas, Ja’bir bin Haiyan etc. He used to teach mathematics, chemistry, medicine, astrology among other prevalent faculties. Influenced by his mentor, the Imam (a.s.), Jabir wrote about 400 treatises on the above subjects.

 

Imam Abu Hanifa remarked his disagreements with his teacher Imam Sadiq (a.s.) on three questions.

1.      The Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Good is from God and evil is from the man’s own deeds” whereas I say that man has no choice; good and evil both come from God.

2.      The Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “In the Final Judgement, the devil will burn in the Fire” whereas I say that fire cannot burn devil as the same material cannot injure itself (devil was made from fire)

3.      The Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “It is impossible to see God in this world or in the next world” whereas I say that anyone who has an existence may be seen, if not in this world then in the next world.

Shaikh Behlul, who was one of the companions of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) but pretended to be insane, picked up a clod of earth and threw at the head of Imam Abu Hanifa shouting at him saying, “All of your three points are refuted”. Imam Abu Hanifa complained of pain in his head, to the caliph who summoned Behlul and asked, “Why did you throw the clod of earth at Abu Hanifa? He replied, “I did not throw it” Abu Hanifa protested and said, “You did throw it.” Behlul replied, “You yourself have said that good and evil is from God and that man has no choice, so why you are blaming me? And you have also said that same material will not injure itself. The devil is made from fire and fire of Hell will not hurt him. Accordingly, you are made from earth, how the clod of earth could hurt you? You have also claimed that you cannot see God to prove His existence. Show me the pain you are complaining about that exists in your head. “Imam Abu Hanifa had no answer to that, and the complaint was dismissed. In the end he agreed with the sayings of Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.)

     

Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) quoted the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) that the prayers of the following were unacceptable:

·        Persons, who wish ill for their parents.

·        Persons who lend money without any witness or written pledge.

·        Persons who sit idle at home and pray for sustenance.

·        Persons who are granted abundant wealth, waste it through abundant generosity.

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Our intercession will not be available to those who ignore the importance of Salaat.”

Source: Story of the Holy Ka’ba and its people by S.M.R. Shabbar 

THE SERMON OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) ON HAJJATAL WIDAA

 

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was returning from Makkah after performing the last pilgrimage (Hajj). At the crossroad of Ghadeer-e-Khumm, the Arch-angel Gabriel descended with the revelation, “O Apostle! Deliver what has been sent down to you from your Lord; and if you don’t do it, you have not delivered His message (at all); and Allah will protect you from the people.” (5:67)

He (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered Salman to arrange a pulpit of rocks and camel seats. It was extremely hot weather. He (s.a.w.a.s.) spoke for 3 hours in which he recited 100 Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an and 73 times warned the people of their deeds and future. According to the Sunni traditionalists (selected portion), he said, “It seems that time approached when I shall be called away (by Allah) and I shall answer that call. I am leaving for you Two Precious things and if adhered both, you will never go astray after me. They are the Book of Allah and my Progeny, that is my Ahlul-Bayt. The two shall never separate from each other until they come to me on the Pool (of Paradise). He (s.a.w.a.s.) said three times, “I remind you, in the name of Allah, about my Ahlul-Bayt” Then he said, “Do I not have more right over the believers than what they have over themselves? People cried and answered, “Yes, O’ Messenger of God.” Then Prophet held up the hand of Ali and said: “Whoever I am his leader (Mawla), Ali is his leader (Mawla). O’ God, love those who love him, and be hostile to those who are hostile to him. (There are 27 references of the books)

Immediately after the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) finished his speech, the following Ayah was revealed, “Today I have perfected your religion and completed My bounty upon you, and I was satisfied that Islam be your religion.” (5:3) (Mentioned in 9 Sunni books) There were over one hundred thousand companions who saw with their own eyes and heard with their ears.

Later, Harith bin Nauman al-Fahri came to Him (s.a.w.a.s.) and said, “You commanded us to testify that there was no deity but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah. We obeyed you. You ordered us to pray five times a day and we obeyed you. You ordered us to fast during the month of Ramadhan and we obeyed you. You ordered us perform pilgrimage to Makkah and we obeyed. You were not satisfied with all this and you raised your cousin by hand and imposed him upon us by saying ‘Ali is the Mawla of whom I am Mawla’. Is this imposition from Allah or from you?” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “By Allah who is the only deity! This is from Allah, Mighty and the Glorious.” Hearing this he walked towards his she-camel saying, “O Allah if what Muhammad said is correct then fling on us a stone from the sky and subject us to severe pain and torture.” He had not reached his camel when Allah flung a stone at him at his head which penetrated through his body and left him dead. An Ayah was revealed forthwith saying, “A questioner questioned about the punishment to fall. For the disbelievers there is nothing to avert it, from Allah the Lord of Ascent. (70:1-3)

The poet-companion, Hassan ibn Thabit, immediately after his (s.a.w.a.s.) speech, sought permission to compose a poetry in honor of Imam Ali (a.s.) and on receiving the approval, he composed a poetry recording the event in detail.   

Statistics about the tradition (references about the names and the books available in the Source stated below):

110 companions reported the tradition. 28 Sunni traditionalists reported it. 19 traditionalists reported it as “Authentic”. Six Sunni traditionalists reported it.

Source: al-islam.org/A Shi’ite Encyclopedia, Ahlul-Bayt Islamic Library Project

TREATISE ON RIGHTS (RISALATAL HUQUQ) BY THE INFALLIBLE IMAM ALI ZAYN AL-ABIDIN (A.S.)

 

Today, the humanity is crying for the fundamental rights, fourteen hundred years ago the Infallible Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) described in detail, the rights of different parts of the body including man’s rights in different social settings.

Part 1 of this article was published on July 1, 2015.

Rights of Leaders: Allah has given him authority and tested him. Do not expose yourself to his displeasure and cause your destruction and become his partner in his sin when he brings evil down on you.

Right on one who trains you through his knowledge: Respect his sessions, listening and attending with devotion, defend him in his absence, do not show enmity or hostility toward him. Allah’s angels will testify that you gained knowledge for Allah’s sake.

Rights of Subjects through Authority: You should know that they have been made your subjects through their weakness and your strength. Act with justice towards them and be like a compassionate father, forgive them for their ignorance, do not hurry to punish them and thank for the power Allah has given you over them.

The Rights of the Wife: You know that Allah has made her a repose and comfort for you, she is Allah’s favor toward you, you should honor her and treat her gently, and with compassion.

The Rights of the Mother: She carried you where no one carried anyone, gave her the fruits of heart and protected you with all her organs, she did not care if she went hungry as long as you ate, she was in the sun as long as you were in shade, she gave up her sleep for your sake, protected you from heat and cold, in order that you might belong to her! You will not be able to show gratitude unless through Allah’s help.

The Right of the Father: You should know that he is your root. Whenever you see anything which pleases you, know that your father is the root of its blessings upon you. So, praise Allah and thank him.

The Right of the child: You should know that he is from you through both good and evil. You are responsible to educate him in good conduct (Adaab), pointing him toward Allah and help him to obey Him.

The Right of the Brother: You know that he is your hand, your might, and your strength. Help him against his enemy and give him good counsel.

The Right of the One who does a kindly Act: You thank him and mention his kindness and supplicate for him sincerely.

The Right of the Sitting Companion: Treat him mildly and be fair to him, do not stand up from sitting without his permission, remember his good qualities and you should tell nothing about him but good.

The Right of the Neighbor: Guard him when he is absent, honor him when he is present, aid him when he is wronged. Do not pursue anything of his that is shameful; if you know any evil from him, conceal it. If he seeks your counsel, do it. You do not forsake him in difficulty, forgive his sin and be generous towards him.

The Right of Property: Take it only from what is lawful and spend only on what is proper. You should act with it in obedience to Allah and do not be miserly with it.

The Right of the Creditor: If you have the means pay him back, otherwise at least satisfy him with good gentle words.

The Right of the One Older to you: Show reverence toward him because of his age and honor him for his precedence in Islam, do not precede him in a path and do not go ahead of him and do not consider him foolish.

The Right of the One Younger than you: Show compassion toward him through teaching him, pardoning him, covering his faults, kindness toward him and helping him.

The Right of the People of Your Creed (Community): Harbor safety and compassion for them, kindness toward evildoer, treating them with friendliness, seeking their well-being, thanking their good doer. Their old men stand in place of your father, their youths in place of your brother, their old women in place of your mother and young ones in place of your children.

IMAM ALI (A.S.) DESCRIBES THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE

 

The Commander of the faithful, who was termed “Nafse Rasool” by the Glorious Qur’an, has described the creation of the Universe. This was long before the creation of Adam but because the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said; “I am the City of Knowledge and Ali is the “Gateway of that City”. Imam Ali (a.s.) described the creation of the Universe in his first Sermon of the renowned collection called “Nahjul Balagha”. The way in which Imam Ali (a.s.) has described the creation of the Universe, appears that he was a witness to the phenomena!

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s oratory made audience’s hearts tremble and drew tears from their eyes. Once, Imam Ali (a.s.)’s companion Hamman ibn Shurayh, requested him to describe the qualities of a pious and the God-fearing. The Imam wanted to avoid his request as he was concerned about Hamman’s ability to bear what the Imam would say. Hence, he gave a perfunctory description of piety, but Hamman was not satisfied, and he beseeched the Imam for more elaboration. The Imam enumerated one hundred and five qualities and Hamman’s heart could not bear it and he collapsed and died. This is an example of the kind of influence which the Imam’s sermons had on the minds and hearts of his contemporaries.

Ibne Abil Hadid Mu’tazili said, “Praise be to Allah! An Arab youth grows up in a town like Makkah, one who has never met a sage or philosopher, yet his discourses have surpassed Plato and Aristotle in eloquence and profundity.

In the introduction to a book “The voice of Human Justice” by a Lebanese Christian, Michael Naimah, also a Christian Lebanese, says, “ Ali was not only a champion on the battle field but also a hero in all other fields: in the sincerity of heart, in the purity of conscience, in the spell -binding magic of speech, in true humanitarianism, in the fineness and warmth of  faith, in the height of tranquility, in the readiness to help the oppressed and the wronged and in total submission to the truth wherever it may be and whichever form it assumes. He was a hero in all these fields.

 Now the topic:                                     CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE   

“He initiated creation most initially and commenced it originally, without undergoing reflection, without making use of any experiment, without innovating any movement, and without experiencing any aspiration of mind. He allotted all things their times, put together their variations, gave them their properties, and determined their features knowing them before creating them, realizing fully their limits and confines, and appreciating their propensities and intricacies. When Almighty created the openings of the atmosphere, expanse of firmament and strata of winds, He flowed into it water whose waves were stormy and whose surges leapt one over the other. He loaded it on dashing wind and breaking typhoons, ordered them to shed it back (as rain), gave the wind control over the vigor of the rain, and acquainted it with its limitations. The wind blew under it while water flowed furiously over it. The Almighty created forth wind and made its movement sterile, perpetuated its position, intensified its motion, and spread it far and wide. Then He ordered the wind to raise up deep waters and intensify the waves of the oceans. So the wind churned it like the churning of the curd and pushed it fiercely into the firmament throwing its front position on the rear and the stationary on the flowing till its level was raised and the surface was full of foam. Then Almighty raised the foam on to the open wind and vast firmament and made therefrom the seven skies and made the lower one as stationary surge and the upper one as protective ceiling  and a high edifice without any pole to support it or nail to hold it together. Then He decorated them with the stars and the light of meteors and hung in it the shining sun and effulgent moon under the revolving sky, moving ceiling and rotating firmament.”

Sources: Nahjul Balagha Part 1 by Ayatullah Sharif Razi (r.a.)

 Glimpses of Nahjul Balagha by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM HASAN AL-ASKARI (A.S.)

 

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) was born on 10 Rabi As-Sani 232 AH in Samarra, Iraq.

Asker in Arabic means army. The reason for this name being given to the Imam was that the Abbasid Caliph wanted to impress the Imam with his military strength, and he arranged an army parade. After the parade, the Imam asked the Caliph to look between his two fingers. The Caliph saw and was impressed by the army much superior in number to his own and he named the Imam as “Askari”

The Imam spent his life from childhood to adulthood in the house where his father, Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.) remained house arrest. Even then the Imam continued his duties of preaching and explaining the Glorious Qur’an and the knowledge of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). The Imam had written a complete Tafseer on Qur’an. Imam’s life was not peaceful even during house arrest. He was taken to Baghdad, unnecessarily questioned and imprisoned.

While he was in Baghdad, there was a severe drought. Rain had not fallen for some time. People were facing famine. A Christian priest came to rescue the people. He prayed and it rained. The Caliph was concerned that people may become Christian because of this. The Imam was requested for help. The Imam told them when the priest shows that miracle, he will remove the doubts. Next time when the priest lifted his hands for prayers, the Imam told his companions to get the bone the priest had in his hands. The Imam told them that it was the bone of a Prophet and it was the effect of the bone that when lifted in prayer, Allah’s mercy falls on earth. After this the Imam spread his prayer carpet and performed two rak’ats of prayers and prayed for rain. Before the Imam’s prayer was finished, it started to rain heavily. As a reward for this, the Imam could return to Samarra but was still placed under house arrest.

It was the tragedy of Muslim Ummah that instead of being respectful and thankful to the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and getting benefits from them, the caliphs in power, due to their own inferiority complexes, subjected the Infallible Imams to imprisonment and kept them away from the eyes of the people.

Allama Majlisi had given a detailed account of Imam Hasan Askari’s marriage. Imam Ali al-Naqi wrote a letter in ‘Roman’, enclosed it with 220 Dinars in red purse and gave it to his friend Bashir Ibne Suleiman and explained how to escort the granddaughter of the Emperor of Rum. Nargis Khatoon narrated the story to Bashir: “I am a princess. My mother was the vice-gerent of Jesus. My grandfather was anxious to marry me to his nephew. On the day of the proposed marriage, some abnormal events prevented the wedding. One night, I saw a dream in which Jesus and Prophet Muhammad greeted each other and the Prophet asked my hand for his grandson Hasan Askari. When consent was given, the Prophet Muhammad solemnized the wedding. After some time, I had another vision in that Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad and Mariam, the mother of Jesus told me that I cannot marry Hasan Askari unless I become a Muslim. This I accepted and saw Hasan Askari in my dream.” Bashir asked as to how she became a prisoner, she replied: “Hasan Askari told me that my father was planning to send an army against the Muslims, and that I should disguise myself and some of my women servants and go with the army. I did this and before long some army guards captured us.” Imam Ali al-Naqi gave her in the custody of her sister Hakima Khatoon (s.a.). After a few days, Imam Hasan al-Askari was married to the granddaughter of Emperor of ‘Rum’.

Words of Wisdom: The Imam said: “Fear Allah, increase prostrations, be kind to neighbors, associate with your kin and carry out their rights, treat people kindly, mention Allah excessively and remember death, recite the Qur’an and send peace and blessings on Prophet because it has the reward of ten virtuous deeds, generosity has a certain extent and if it is exceeded it is extravagance, economy has a certain extent and if it is exceeded it is stinginess, and courage has a certain extent and if it is exceeded it is recklessness. Death comes unexpectedly. Whoever sows good deeds shall harvest happiness and whoever sows evil deeds shall harvest regrets. Worship is not abundant fasting and praying but includes deliberating on the Signs of the Magnificent God. What a bad man he is who has two faces and two tongues! He praises his brother when he is present and eats his flesh (back-biting) when he is absent.Vices have been put in a house and its key is telling lies. He, who praises an undeserving one, becomes as an accused person. Staying up makes sleep more pleasant, and hunger makes food more delicious.  Reaching Allah, the All-Mighty, is a journey not achieved, except by praying at night.

He said to al-Mutawakkil, the Abbasid Caliph: “Do not expect goodwill from one, whom you have offended, or loyalty from one whom you have betrayed, or sincerity from one which you have suspected, because the hearts of others towards you are like hearts are like your heart towards them. From the disasters that break one’s back is a neighbor who, if sees a good deed conceals it, and if sees a bad deed, spreads it.

(In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful) is closer to the Great Names of Allah than the iris of the eye to its white. Polytheism in people is more inconspicuous than the creeping of ants on a black rock in a dark night.

Once, Muntasir Billah, the Abbasid caliph, visited the holy shrines of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.) in Samarra. His vizier suggested to him that he should visit the tombs of his fathers of Abbasid kings, and he agreed. When he reached there, he found the graves dark and miserable where dirt was accumulated. The vizier asked the king to take care and pay money to rebuild these graves, but the Abbasid king asked if he saw the flourishing tombs of the pure Imams? “My fore- fathers associated with Satan and these masters associated with Allah, and all that which is for Allah remains, and all that which is for Satan perishes and disappears.”

 Addressing one of his companions, the Imam said: “Allah the All-Mighty did not deprive the earth since He created Adam, and He will not deprive it until the Day of Resurrection, of an authority over His people. My son, who is named after the Messenger of Allah, will fill the earth with justice and fairness after it has been filled with injustice and oppression. He will hide in an occultation, during which time no one shall be saved except one whom Allah fixes on the belief in his imamate and supplicating Allah to hasten his deliverance.

 

            Sources used:

            The Fourteen Luminaries of Islam                               by Ahmad Bijandi

            Principles of Shiite Creed                                              by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini

            Story of the Holy Ka’ba and its People                       by S.M.R. Shabbar

            Islam, Faith, Practices, and History                             by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

 

THE AYAHS OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN PERTAINING TO THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.)

 

Allah (s.w.t.) created Prophet Adam and sent His Guidance all along commanding every Messenger to emphasize on obeying the Only One Allah. He sent 124,000 prophets; the first being Prophet Adam and the last was the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Some of the distinguished prophets were Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Muses (Musa), Jesus (Isa) and the last being the Superior of all as Noble Messenger Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.). His miracle was the Glorious Qur’an, which is the last pure and undiluted Divine Guidance for the humanity till the Day of Resurrection. Selected Ayahs which were revealed regarding the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) are appended below:

Surah al-Nisa Ayah 59, “O’ you who have faith! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you. The, if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is better, and more favorable in outcome.”   

Surah al-Ahzab Ayah 33, “Verily Allah intends but to keep off from you (every kind of) uncleanness, O’ you the people of the House! And purify you (with) a through purification.

Surah Ale Imran Ayah 61, “And whoever dispute with you concerning him (Jesus), after what has come to you of knowledge, say: ‘Come! Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves, then let us invoke in earnest and lay the curse of Allah upon the liars.”

Surah al-Isra Ayah 1, “Glory be to him Who took His servant by night from Masjid -al Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa the precincts of which We have blessed that We show him (some) of our signs. Verily He is All-Hearing and All-Seeing.”      

Surah al-Ma’idah Ayah 19, “O People of the Book! Certainly Our Apostle has come to you, clarifying (the Divine teachings) for you after a gap in (the appearance of)the apostles, lest you should say, ’There did not come to us any bearer of good news nor any warner.’ Certainly, there has come to you a bearer of good news and a warner. And Allah has power over all things.”

Surah al-Ahzab Ayah 21, “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent pattern (of conduct) for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah all much.”

Surah al-Ahzab Ayah 45, “O Prophet! Verily We have sent you as a witness, and as a bearer of glad tiding and as a warner.”

Surah al-Ma’idah Ayah 56, “Verily Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet, O you who believe! Send you blessings on him, and you salute him with submission.”  

Surah al-Ma’idah Ayah 67, “O Messenger! Communicate what has been sent down to you from your Lord; and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message (at all); and Allah will protect you from the (vice of) people, verily Allah does not guide the unbelieving ones.”

Surah al-Najm Ayah 3 & 4, “Nor does he (Prophet) speak of concupiscent desire. His word is only a Revelation revealed to him.”

Surah al-Jumah Ayah 2, “ He it is Who sent amongst the unlettered ones a Messenger from amongst themselves to recite unto them His Ayahs, to foster them and absolve them of polytheism and discord, and teach them the Heavenly Book and Wisdom. And indeed, they had been formerly in manifest error.”

Surah al-Muzzammil Ayah 1-4,” O you wrapped up in garment! Stand vigil through the night, except a little, a half, or reduce a little from that or add to it and recite the Qur’an in measured tone.  

Surah al-Anbiya Ayah 107, “We did not send you but as a Mercy to all the nations.”

Surah al-Qasas Ayah 56, “Verily you cannot guide whom you like, but Allah guides whomever He pleases, and He knows best those are guided.”

Surah al-Ahzab Ayah 40,” Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets, and Allah is cognizant of all things.”

Surah al-Qalam Ayah 4, “And you possess an exalted character.”

Surah al-Jinn Ayah 27, “Except to a Messenger whom He has chosen and then He makes a band of watching guards to march before him and behind him.”

THE PRINCE OF THE YOUTHS OF PARADISE, THE INFALLABLE IMAM HASAN (A.S.)

 

The Grandson of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the son of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.)- Imam Hasan (a.s.) was born on 15 Ramzan 3 A.H. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) recited Azan and Iqama in his ears and later sacrificed a ram (Aqiqa) for him. Imam Hasan (a.s.) resembled with his grandfather in form, manner, and nobility.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) gifted him with all his great qualities and adorned him with the Divine knowledge, tolerance, intelligence, bounty, and valor. Being infallible by birth and decorated with heavenly knowledge by Allah (s.w.t.), his insight had access to Lawhe-Mahfuz (Grand Tablet). As a young child, he became conversant with the contents of any wahey (Qur’anic Ayahs) revealed when he used to be present in the Prophet’s mosque. Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) would recite the Ayahs in front of her father (s.a.w.a.s.). On inquiry, she told him that it was shared by young Imam Hasan (a.s.).

Most of his nights were spent on the prayer carpet. He shed tears in fear (recognition of the Greatness) of Allah, and while performing ablution (wudu), he used to tremble, and his face would turn yellow. He utilized his worldly possessions in the help and betterment of the needy. He was very courteous and humble particularly with the poor.

After the martyrdom of his illustrious father, Imam Ali (a.s.), he was appointed by Allah (s.w.t.) as the next infallible Imam. The worldly khilafah was also finalized by the allegiance (bay’ah) of most of the Muslims. The governor of Syria (Sh’am) declared war against his khilafah. As his usual shrewd tactics, he used Muslim's wealth (which was a trust with him) for his own selfish plans, use the sword against his opponents and made false promises to the people for worldly gains. He applied the same tactics with the influential commanders of Imam Hasan(a.s.)’ army and forced the infallible Imam (a.s.) to sign a peace treaty. The terms of peace the treaty is detailed in the writer’s article, “Peace Treaty of Imam Hasan with Muawiya bin Abu Sufiyan”. Hence the son of Abu Sufiyan, an arch enemy of Islam and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), captured the reins of Islamic caliphate. He showed his true colors in a public speech when he officially made null and void all the peace conditions by tearing off the copy of treaty.

 According to both Sunni and Shia sources, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “These two children of mine (Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn), are Imams whether they stand up or sit down. “It means whether they make peace or perform jihad”. Before Imam Ali (a.s.)’s apparent khilafah, wealth started pouring in from the conquests of Egypt, Persia and other captured territories, in which the members of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) did not participate, their share was placed in a Trust and the money was spent to help the poor and deserving Muslims. Although, Imam Ali (a.s.)’s progeny lived in simple houses and lead a simple life, but the wealth was spent for the deserving people setting an example for their followers! Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.) were the trustees of this fund. Imam Hasan (a.s) was one of the “Panjetan” in whose honor, the Ayah of Purification was revealed; Surah al-Ahza’ab Ayah 33, “O People of the house, Allah wants to keep away all kinds of uncleanness from you and to purify you thoroughly.” Similarly, Imam Hasan (a.s.) was also a part of the Ayah of Mubahelah, wherein he and his brother, Imam Husayn (a.s.)  represented the “Sons” of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Surah al-Imran Ayah 61, “Should anyone argue with you after the knowledge has come to you, then say:” “Come! Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our souls, and your souls, then let us pray earnestly and call down Allah's curse upon the liars."

As a part of the wicked scheme, Muawiya bribed Imam Hasan (a.s.)’s wife, Ju’dah binte Ash’as, to poison the Imam (a.s.) and promised to marry her to his son Yazid and sent 100,000 Dirhams. Because of the poison, the Imam (a.s.) attained martyrdom on Safar 28, 50 A.H. The coffin when carried towards Prophet’s mausoleum for burial, the enemy sent arrows and his body started to bleed. Consequently, it was returned, and replaced with a new shroud. This is the only case in Muslim history when a shrouded body was inflicted with arrows! He was buried in Jannat-al-Baqi’
The Imam had 3 sons: Qassim, Abdullah and Hasan Musanna. Qassim and Abdullah were martyred in Karbala and Hasan Musanna survived his wounds. He later married Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s daughter Fatima al-Sughra. Two of the grandsons; Sulayman and Idris migrated to Iran and Tunisia, respectively. Sulayman’s descendants settled in Kirman and some of them migrated to India. Imam Hasan (a.s.)’s golden saying was: “Regarding the world, be as if you were going to live forever. With respect to the Hereafter, be as if you were going to die tomorrow.”

               Sources:  The Glorious Qur’an, Story of Holy Ka’ba, and its People by SMR Shabbar

                                             Imam Hasan, brief outlook, Brief History of Fourteen Infallible