CLEANLINESS IN ISLAM

Human being is made up of body and soul; both need to be clean. Hence in the Glorious Qur’an, there are Ayahs for both.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was a Prophet thousands of years before Adam was created. His worldly appointment (be’sat) was announced while he (s.a.w.a.s.) was meditating in the cave of Hira around the suburb of Makkah. The first five Ayahs of the Surah Al-Alaq, Surah al-Fatiha, Surah al-Mudassar and Surah-al-Muzammil, were revealed in the early days of his be’sat. In Surah al-Muzammil Ayahs 4 and 5 says, “O Cloaked one, cleanse your clothes, stay away from filthy matters (sins).” Fourteen hundred years back, Allah’s first command to His Messenger was to be clean!

There are many Ayahs in the Glorious Qur’an instructing the people about physical cleanliness some of them are:

Before starting the most important worship, salat/namaz, a Muslim is required to perform wudu, described in Surah al-Ma’idah Ayah 6, which says, “O you who have Faith! When you stand up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe a part of your heads and your feet up to the ankles; and if you are polluted (after cohabiting with your wife), then perform a total ablution (shower), and if you are sick or on a journey….and you cannot find water, then betake yourself to clean soil and wipe a part of your faces and you hands with some of it…” (Tayammum)

Surah al-Taubah Ayah108 “…Allah loves those who purify themselves.” Surah al-Anfal Ayah 11,”….He showered water from the sky over you to clean you…” Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 222, “Avoid having carnal relations with them until they are clean of menses and have taken a formal bath….”

As for the spiritual cleanliness and purity, there are many Ayahs, some of them are:  

Surah al-Shams Ayah 9-10, “…those who purify their souls will certainly have everlasting happiness and those who corrupt their souls will certainly be deprived (of happiness).”  Surah al-Tauba Ayah 103, “Collect religious tax (zakat) from them to purify and cleans them and pray for them, your prayer gives them comfort.”

In Islamic culture cleanliness is of fundamental importance. There is a Tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) which says’ cleanliness is half of the faith’. A Muslim when he performs wudu for salat, five times a day, he washes part of his body. If he cohabits with his wife, he must take complete shower. Whenever he goes to bathroom for natural call, he must wash his genitals and hands. He washes hands before and after eating. He is also advised to wash hands when he returns to his home. Similarly, he is advised to brush his teeth at least twice a day and cleanse his mouth. He is supposed to take shower as frequently as possible, trim and maintain his hair, cut his nails and remove public hair as frequently as possible. He is supposed to keep his home neat and clean, take care of the hygiene of his children. He is supposed to ensure that the vegetables, fruits are thoroughly washed. He should be involved in the cleanliness of his community.

As a result of this Pandemic, doctors are advising to wash hands while Islam had devised a system of cleanliness fourteen hundred years back!

   

                Sources: The Glorious Qur’an – Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

                                  An enlightening commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an 

UNDERSTANDING OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

The Glorious Qur’an is the last Divine Message from the Creator to the mankind, not to the Muslims only!

When Adam and Eve were ordered to go on earth, Allah said in Surah Ta’ha’ Ayah 123: “Get you down, both of you, all together (Adam, Eve and Shaitan), from it (the Garden), with enmity to one another. So, if there comes to you a Guidance from Me, then (be sure) whoever follows My guidance, will not lose his way nor fall into misery.” Hence, from the time of the creation of human race, the Creator promised to send Guidance and directed the mankind to follow it. To follow the “Guidance” one must read, understand, ponder over it and practice to attain salvation. At numerous places in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah has encouraged human beings to think and ponder over the contents of His Divine Message.

Detailed below are some of the Ayahs encouraging man to think/ponder:

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 219: “This is how Allah explains for you His Guidance so that perhaps you will think.”

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 266: “Thus Allah makes the signs clear to you, so that you may ponder.”

Surah al-Imran Ayah 191: “Those who remember  Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides and think on the creation of the heavens and the earth (seriously saying), “Our Lord, you have not created all this in vain…”

Surah al-An’am Ayah 50: “Say: (O’ Our Prophet!), I do not say to you that the treasures of Allah are with me, nor do I know the Unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I do not follow but what is revealed to me. Say: Are the blind and the seeing one equal? Do you not then ponder?”  

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 176: “… Therefore relate (unto them) the stories that they may think.”

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 184: “Thus, do We explain the evidence (of the truth) for the people who reflect.”

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 3: “It is Allah who spread out the earth and fixed mountains and placed rivers therein. He made a pair of every fruit and made the night cover the day. This is evidence (of existence of Allah) for the people who think.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 44: “We have revealed the Qur’an to you so that you can tell the people what has been revealed to them and so that perhaps they will think.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 69: “From out of their (bees) bellies comes a drink of different color in which there is a cure for human being. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people of understanding.”

Surah al-Rum Ayah 21: “His creating spouses for you out of yourselves so that you might take comfort in them; and His creating love and mercy among you. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people who (carefully) think.”

Surah al-Zumar Ayah 42: “Allah preserves the souls when they die as well as those which did not die during people’s sleep. He withholds those souls which He has decreed to die and releases the others for an appointed time. In this there is evidence (of the Truth) for the thoughtful people.”

Surah al-Jathiya Ayah 13: “He has also made subservient to you all that is in the heavens and the earth. In this there is evidence (of the Truth) for those who use their minds.”

Surah al-Hashr Ayah 21: “Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and rent asunder for fear of Allah. These are parables which We tell people so that perhaps they will think.”

Surah al-Muhammad Ayah 24: “Is it that they do not think about the Qur’an or are their hearts sealed?”

Revelation of the Glorious Qur’an:

Surah al-Buruj Ayah 21-22: “What is revealed to you is certainly a Glorious Qur’an that exists in a Well-       guarded Tablet.” It was revealed from the “Mother Book” to the “Scribed angels” in the heavens.

Surah al-Qadr Ayah 1: “We revealed the Qur’an on the Night of Destiny.” The complete Qur’an was revealed on the heart of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)

                Surah al-Insan Ayah 23: “(Muhammad), We revealed the Qur’an to you in gradual steps.

Ideally, for a comprehensive understanding of the Glorious Qur’an, one should have command of the Arabic language, but for practical purposes, one may read the translation in his mother tongue. Further, one should have knowledge of the Traditions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The cardinal principle recommended by the Infallible Imams, is that any tradition purported to be reported by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) should be compared with the Glorious Qur’an; if it agrees then accept it, otherwise reject it.  Qur’anic Ayahs interpret one another; hence we should look for such Ayahs which elaborate other Ayahs.

Sources used:

 The Glorious Qur’an-Tafsir-e-Namoona                                    by Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi

 Spiritual Journey of the Mystics                                                    by Haj Mirza Jawad Maliki Tabrizi

Understanding the Uniqueness of the Qur’an                                 by Ayatullah Murtaza Motahari (r.a.)

Towards Better Understanding Qur’an                                           by Shaikh Muslim Bhanji

Introduction to the Glorious Qur’an                                           by Bahram Samii

THE MESSAGE

Allah is the Unique One and His Message was and is one i.e. Islam. The message of Islam was sent for all humanity not restricted to the Muslims only. In the Glorious Qur’an, Allah has addressed “The Humanity” in about twelve Ayahs e.g. “People, worship our Lord Who created you and those who lived before you so that you may become pious.” (2:22) “People, have fear of your Lord Who has created you from a single soul…” (4:1) “People, We have created you all male and female and have made you nations and tribes so that you would recognize each other. The most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious of you.” (49:13) “People, the promise of Allah is true. Let not the worldly life deceive you…” (35:5) “People, you are always in need of Allah and Allah is Self-sufficient and Praiseworthy” (35:15) “People, I have come to you all as the Messenger of Allah, to whom the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs.” (7:158) “People, listen to this parable: Those whom you worship instead of Allah do not have the power to create even a fly…” (22:73) “People, remember the bounty of Allah that He has granted to you.” (35:3) “Mankind, have fear of your Lord and the day when a father will be of no avail to his son, nor will a son carry any part of the burden of his father.” (31:33) “Mankind, the Messenger has come to you from your Lord in all Truth.” (4:170) “People, eat of the good and lawful things on earth.” The last Surah is named “Mankind”

Saum means to abstain from those things which break the fast from true dawn (Subh al-sadiq) till Maghrib, in obedience to Allah. All the Holy Scriptures were revealed in the month of Ramadan; Torah (Tawrait) on the 6^th, Bible (Injeel) on the 12^th, Psalms (Zuboor) on the 18^th and the Glorious Qur’an (most probably) on the 23^rd.

The laws governing “Saum” or fasting are described in the following Ayahs:

Surah al-Baqarah (Cow) Ayah 183 to 185, “O believers, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for the people before you, so that you may guard yourselves (against evil). Fasting is only for a certain number of days. One who is sick or on a journey must fast the same number of days at another time. Those who can afford redemption should feed a poor person. Good deeds performed on one’s own initiative will be rewarded. However, fasting is better and will be rewarded. The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed; a guide for the people, the most authoritative of all guidance and a criterion to discern right from wrong. Anyone of you who knows that the month of Ramadan has begun must start to fast. Those who are sick or are on a journey must fast the same number of days at another time. Allah does not impose any hardship upon you. He wants you to have comfort so that you may complete the fast, glorify Allah for His having given you guidance, and perhaps you give Him thanks.”

The voluntary abstention from Halal foods and drinks for the Pleasure of Allah is an exercise to abstain from Haram food and drinks for the next year. It elevates man from the kingdom of animals to the kingdom of angels. Fasting is prevention and which is the separation and detachment and detachment is the heart and reality of servitude to God.

Fasting is the longest worship without any action, not interrupting daily life, it is the sincerest and if deliberately missed has penalty. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “For every good deed there are ten to seven hundred times reward, save fasting. For fasting is for Me and I am the reward of it.” (Mahajjatul Baydha v.2 p.121 by Mohsen Kashani)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said about the rewards of fasting: Allah will melt Haram from his body, nearness to His Mercy, rectify the mistake of Adam, will ease the stupor of death, secure him from the hunger and thirst of the Day of Judgement, liberate him from Hell Fire, and will provide pure things in Paradise.

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation)-Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi, Elements of Islamic Studies by Allama Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi, Fasting and Ramadan by Mansour Leghaei

THE IMPORTANCE AND THE BENEFITS OF SALAT/PRAYER/NAMAZ

In the Shia Islam, “The Branches of Islam” (Furu’ e Deen) are ten. The first being the Salaat/Prayer/Namaz. It is obligatory on every Muslim to pray five times every day. The pre-requisite of prayer is to make wudu and if a person is sick, he may perform “Tayammum” and if he is weak to stand for prayer, he is allowed to pray while sitting and if he is fragile he may pray while lying in the bed and lastly if he cannot utter the words he may use sign language. It shows the importance of this worship!

The obligation has been stated in many Ayahs, directly and indirectly e.g.in Surah Is’ra Ayah 78, “Perform the prayer from the declension of the sun till the darkness of the night, and the recitation (of prayer) at the morning , verily the recitation (of prayer) at the morning is witnessed (by the angels)” Surah Hud Ayah 114, “And establish the prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night.”

Similarly, there are many Ayahs about the neglect of the prayer e.g. Surah al-Muddasir Ayah 40, “In gardens, they shall ask each other. About the guilty: What has brought you in the Hell? They shall say: We were not of those who prayed.” Surah al-Ma’un Ayah 4-6, “And wail (woe) to the praying ones, who are unmindful of their prayers, who do (good) to be seen.” Surah Maryam Ayah 59, “But there came after them an evil generation, who neglected prayers and followed sensual desires, so they will meet perdition.” Surah ar-Rum Ayah 31, “…And keep up prayer and be not of the polytheists.” 

  

To be a Muslim, one must pray because on the Day of Resurrection, the first question asked will be about prayer and if prayer is accepted then other deeds may be accepted. Prayer is the “Mai’raj” (Ascension) of the believer.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “The position of prayer to the religion is similar to that of the head to the body.” “The example of five times prayer is like that of a clear water river flowing in front of your houses in which a person washes himself five times a day-cleansing five times a day.”” Do not abandon your prayers intentionally for surely the obligation of Allah and His Messenger cease to cover one who forsakes his prayers intentionally.” “The good deeds of one who, without any appropriate excuse does not offer his prayers until its time passes away, are annulled. The divide between a believer and disbelief, is the abandonment of prayers.” “The name of one who forsakes his prayers intentionally is written on the door of Hell from which he shall (eventually) enter.

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Our intercession shall never reach one who considers his prayers to be inconsequential and unimportant.” “Surely, the Angel of Death repels Shaytan from the proximity of the one who had adhered to and guarded his prayers, and makes him speak out the testimony ‘There is no God except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ during that terrifying and frightening state (of death).

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “A person who neglects prayers is punished with fifteen calamities as under:

Reduction in life span, decrease in sustenance, disappearance of righteousness sign from his face, his good deeds not accepted, his invocations are not accepted, supplications of other people will not benefit him. He will die in disgrace, hungry and thirsty. His grave will be dark, and horrifying and it will squeeze him. On the Day of Resurrection, his accounting will be very strict, and Allah will not look at him with mercy, will not purify him and terrible punishment waits for him.”

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) of Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi, The Greater Sins by Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Dasteghaib Shirazi, al-islam.org/Forty Hadith on Salat

DU'A JAUSHAN -E-KABEER

In Arabic “Jaushan” means armor. In olden days people used to wear metallic dress for protection while in battlefield. Kabeer is the English word for Great. It was narrated by the Infallible Fourth Imam of the Muslims, Imam Ali ibnal Hussayn, Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) from his father, from his grandfather the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) who received it from Angel Gabriel during one of the battles. The Prophet had a very heavy coat of armor on to protect himself. The coat was hurting the Prophet. The Angel Gabriel came to the Prophet and said, “O Muhammad! Your Lord sends salutations to you and tells you to take out this coat of armor (Jaushan) and recite this Du’a (instead), as it is a protection for you and your Ummah.” The Angel Gabriel explained the greatness of this supplication.

Whoever writes this supplication on his burial shroud (kafan), Allah will not send him to the Hellfire, and whoever recites this Dua’a with pure intention in the beginning of the month of Ramadan, Allah will create seventy thousand angels, who will continue praising and Glorifying Allah. The reward will be given to the reciter.

In addition, whoever recites this supplication three times during the month of Ramadan, Allah will make Hell fire forbidden to him and certainly send him to Paradise. Allah will also appoint two angels to protect him from all evils in this world.

The Du’a consists of one hundred sections, each containing ten Names or Attributes of Allah. Each section is designated to beseech Allah for various human needs like cure for different parts of body ailments, increase in sustenance, overcome difficulties, love and long life, success, solution of problems, forgiveness etc. At the end of each section, one has to recite a Du’a; “Subhanaka Ya La Ilaha Illah Antal Ghauas alGhaus Khallisna Minan Nare Ya Rabb”which means “Praise be to You, there is no God but You, the Grantor of all Succor, Protect us from the Fire, O Lord”

For example, the Du’a number 7 is to supplicate to Disperse Calamities: “Ya Ghaferal Khataya; Ya Kashfal Balaya; Ya Muntahar Rajaya; Ya Mujzelal Ataya; Ya Wahebal Hadaya; Ya Razeqal Baraya; Ya Qazial Manaya; Ya SameashShakaya; Ya Ba’esal Baraya; Ya Mutleqal Usara.” Which means:

O Forgiver of sins, O Dispeller of tribulations, O Aim of hopes, O giver of abundant gifts, O Bestower of bounties, O Provider of creatures, O Judge of destinies, O Hearer of complaints, O Resurrector of creatures, O Freer of captives. Praise be to You, there is no God but You, the Grantor of all Succor, Protect us from the Fire, O Lord.”

The complete Dua’a may be seen in any book of Supplications.

Source: Duas.org, Qul.org, Qfatima.com

THE LIFE AND STATUS OF HAZRAT ABBAS (A.S.), THE MOON OF BANI HASHEM

Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was the result of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.)’s supplication!

After the martyrdom of the Chief of the women of the world, Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Imam Ali (a.s.) asked his brother Hazrat Aqeel, who was an expert in the genealogy, to search for a brave tribe to marry so that a brave son will be born who will safeguard and protect the Chief of Martyrs, Imam Hussayn (a.s.) and other sacred members of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Although, he (a.s.) was an Imam and was fully aware of the different tribes and their characteristics, but he must have intended for the posterity as to what character traits should be considered for selecting a wife!

The Chief of Martyrs, Imam Hussayn (a.s.), had very close and unique relation with his brother al-Abbas (a.s.). In one of the many situations in Karbala, Imam Hussayn (a.s.) said to his brother al-Abbas (a.s.), “Ride on, may I be your sacrifice.” When al-Abbas (a.s.) breathed his last breaths, his head was on the knees of Imam Hussayn (a.s.), he said in a deep sad tone,” Now, my spine is broken, and I have become helpless.” 

The fourth Infallible Imam of Muslims, Imam Ali ibnal-Hussayn (a.s.), used to refer his uncle al-Abbas (a.s.) with admiration and commendation saying, “May Allah have mercy on my uncle, al-Abbas. He preferred his brother to himself; he did well and sacrificed himself for his brother until he lost his both hands, Allah will give him two wings with which he will fly with the angels in Paradise. In the sight of Allah, the Blessed, the Exalted, al-Abbas enjoys a peculiar rank for which all the martyrs (shahids) will be hopeful for if they had it like on the Day of Resurrection.” (al-Khissal 1/35)

The Twelfth Imam, the Great Savior of the world said, “Salaam be upon Abul-Fadhl al-Abbas, son of Amir ul-Mominin. He preferred his brother to himself, supplied himself with (opportunities of) today for (rewards of) tomorrow, sacrificed himself for his brother, protected him, hurried for fetching him water, and his two hands were cut-off. May Allah cursed his killers.” (Muhammad al-Mash’hadis al-Mazar)

The sixth Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “My uncle al-Abbas was clear-sighted and steadfastly faithful. He fought along with his brother al-Hussayn, did very well and was martyred. (Takheerat -ud Darien 123)

Abu Hamza Thumali had the privilege to be in the presence of three Infallible Imams: Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.), Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.). Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) advised Abu Hamza Thumali to recite the Ziarat of al-Abbas while visiting his mausoleum. The wording is worth noting; “Salamullah wa Salamu Malaikatehil Muqarrabeen wanbiyahilmursaleen wa Ibadehis Sa’leheen….Alaika yabna Amir al Momineen” Peace of Allah and peace of His favorite angels, His commissioned prophets, His righteous servants…be upon you, O son of the Commander of the Faithful” (A copy of the Ziarat is attached)   

Source: Du'as.org

THE SAVIOR OF HUMANITY

The followers of every religion in the world are waiting for the appearance of a “Savior”. The Muslims are also waiting for the Savior; the Shia Muslims and a majority of Sunni Muslims believe that he was born. Others believe that he will be born. He was named after the name of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He is also called by other names like Saheb uz-Zaman, Mahdi, Qa’im etc. His father was the Eleventh Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). 

At the deathbed, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said, “I am leaving behind two weighty things: The Glorious Qur’an and my Pure Progeny. If you are attached to both, you will not go astray after me” As there is a constant struggle between the Truth and the Falsehood from the commencement of life on this planet, the same phenomena continued after the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The Umayyads and Abbasids kings continued to imprison, isolate, murder and poison the Pure Progeny of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) as they were aware that they were the usurper and the leadership of Ummah belonged to the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). After the martyrdom of the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari orchestrated by the Abbasside king, Allah (s.w.t.) saved the 5-year old Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) and placed him in occultation (invisible to the people). He will reappear when Allah wishes and fill the world with justice as it would be filled with oppressions and injustice.

There are many questions relating to his abnormal disappearance and long life, which may be addressed as follows:

1.      How a 5-year-old boy can become the Imam of the mankind? Muslims gladly accept the Prophet hood of Prophet Isa when he was an infant!

2.      How can Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) live so long? Prophet Noah had lived and preached for 950 years. Prophet Isa is still alive and must be about 2000 years old! Al-Khizr is still alive, he was before the time of Prophet Musa, hence he must also be 3,000 years old. Hanafi scholar Sibt ibn al-Jawzi in his book “Tazkirat al-Khawas al-Ummah” page 325-328 gives the names of 22 people believed by Muslims to have lived from 300 to 3,000 years. Allah (s.w.t.) is most Powerful and when He (s.w.t.) intends to do anything, He says “Kun Fa Yakoon” and it is done. No one can dare to challenge His Will.

3.      Why Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) disappeared? When Allah (s.w.t.) ordered Prophet Adam and Shaytan (l.a.) to descend on earth and promised them (out of His love for the mankind), He will send Guidance to humanity. As is stated in Surah Ta-ha Ayah 123, “When My Guidance comes to you, those who follow it will not go astray.” Consequently, He sent 124,000 prophets and after the demise of His last Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), and to continue with the Divine promise of Guidance, He started the Golden Chain of Imamate. The Infallible Imam Ali (a.s.) was the first Imam and Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) was designated as the last Imam. But the hostile forces of evil continued either to slay or poison the eleven Divinely appointed Imams, hence, to continue the Guidance of humanity, Allah (s.w.t.) placed Imam Mahdi in Occultation. Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) is guiding the humanity apparently obscured from the eyes of the people but he is functioning as sun is supplying light and energy from behind the cloud!

After the “Great Occultation “till the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.), the Muslims were directed by Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) to follow such learned scholars who possessed the complete and through knowledge of Islam. Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) said, “…turn to the narrators of our traditions, because they are proof to you, while I am the proof of Allah to them.”

Hence, the elite circle of Shi’i Muslims scholars, unanimously elect the most pious and knowledgeable scholar as the Grand Marjah to lead the Ummah .He himself leads a very simple life and is supposed to be responsible for the spiritual, social guidance of Muslims as a whole, protects Islam if attacked from inside and outside. He manages the Khums funds placed at his disposal to look after the indigent and needy.

It is the duty of his (Imam)s followers to practice what they believe – watch for the “Prohibitions”, practice the “Furu’-e-Deen”- Branches of Islam, comply with the rights of the people specially the relatives, read and understand the Glorious Qur’an as frequently as possible, try to be a good follower of our Imams.

Sources: Life of Imam Mahdi by Allama Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi, The Sun behind the clouds by Allama Baqir Majlisi (r.a.) A Shi’ite Encyclopedia – Special Specifications of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) 

NEED FOR SUPPLICATION (DUA)

Man had always trusted the material resources for his safety and well-being. He was and is facing natural disasters or occurrences beyond his understanding. Modern man has always been shied to connect disasters to Divine order but would prefer to name it “nature” or natural disasters.

In the year 570 A.D., the year when the  Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was born, the king Abraha of Yemen wanted to destroy the House of Allah-Ka’ba, when Imam Ali (a.s.)’s grandfather Hazrat Abdul Muttalib prayed to Allah to safeguard His House. Allah sent waves after waves of small birds called “Ababeel” carrying small stones in their peaks and claws, threw it on the elephants. When the stones hit the bodies of the elephants and the soldiers, it penetrated them resulting in instant death. Abraha’s army was destroyed. Abraha depended on the material strength.

Despite our modern resources, the Corona virus has spread over the globe effecting every country rich or poor, in Europe, America, Asia or Africa. It is invisible by the naked eye, has so far killed thousands of people. It is not intended to establish at this stage whether it is Divine Wrath or test and tribulation. It is worthwhile to beseech the Creator for help.

Supplication has psychological benefits apart from spiritual values e.g. enhanced will power, strengthens hope, nearness to the Creator, conviction of God’s superiority, develops humility. Supplication had been practiced by the followers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Allah is encouraging the people in distress to supplicate, offer repentance and beseech His forgiveness.

Some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an are appended below to ponder and taking account of our lives:

 “Call upon Me, I will answer you; those who are too proud for My worship shall soon enter Hell abased.” (40:60)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near, I answer the prayer (Dua) of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk on the right path. (2:186)

There is no God but You (O Lord). Glory be to You. Verily, I was of the unjust. (21:83)

O Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of Merciful (23:118)

O Lord, verily I have wronged myself, so forgive me. (28:16)

O our Lord, perfect for us our light, and grant us protection. Verily You have power over all things. (66:8)

Religious books are flooded with supplications; like the Glorious Qur’an, Nahjul Balagha and Sahifa Kamila.