ZUHAIR IBN QAIN AL-BAJALI (R.A.)

 

History does not communicate sufficient information about Zuhair ibn Qain’s early life in Kufa. He was known to be in the Usmani camp against Imam Husayn (a.s.) He tried to avoid direct contact with Imam Husayn (a.s.) and he would camp away from the Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s camp. He was a noble warrior.

In one of the travels, it so happened that his camp was near Imam (a.s.)’s camp. Imam Husayn’s messenger came and informed Zuhair that the Imam wish to meet him. Dillam binte Amr, his wife, was present there and said, ‘Glory be to Allah, the son of the Prophet wishes to see you and you refuse to go. At least see what Husayn has to say. “Heeding this counsel, he crossed over to Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s side. Before long he returned looking grim and solemn. He ordered his tent to be relocated to Imam Husayn side. He turned towards his wife and said, “I release you from matrimony. Return to your family. I do not want to be responsible for any distress and misfortune befall you.” Then Zuhair declared, “I have decided to accompany Hussain (a.s.). I will sacrifice my life to save him.” His wife sobbed bitterly and bid farewell to Zuhair saying, “May Allah help you in your affair and attract only goodness and virtues towards you. My only plea is that you remember me on the Day of Resurrection in front of Hussain’s grand father Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.).” Then Zuhair turned towards his companions and said, “Those of you who hold me dear may accompany me.”

On the Day of Ashura, while defending Habib ibn Mazahir, Zuhair truly and completely described his position he said, “By Allah! Neither have I ever written to Husayn (a.s.) offering my help nor have I ever pledged him my support. It was, but sheer coincidence, when we met on the way. When I saw Husayn (a.s.), I was reminded of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and his sinless Progeny. I realized that Husayn (a.s.) was a victim of hatred and animosity. I then decided to join his army, assist him in his cause and sacrifice my life to safeguard his. I did this to observe the rights of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) on me.

When Imam Husayn (a.s.) released all companions from his allegiance, Zuhair delivered a speech which was mentioned by Imam -E-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) in “Ziarat of Martyrs” saying, “Peace be on Zuhair, the one who when permitted by Imam Husayn (a.s.) to return, said thus, “By Allah we shall never forsake you! Should we desert the Prophet’s son, leave him amidst the enemies, and save ourselves? May we never witness such a day!” (Kalamat al-Imam al-Mahdi page 27) By Allah! I prefer to be killed once, then get resurrected, then get killed again, and repeated this a thousand times, in order that you and the youths from your family may survive. “On hearing this, Imam Husayn (a.s.) said, “May Allah (s.w.t.) reward you.” (Behar al-Anwar v 44 pg. 316)  

On the Day of Ashura, Zuhair addressed the Yazid’s army, “O people of Kufa! Fear Allah’s chastisement! I am responsible as a Muslim to counsel you. For surely Allah has tested us through the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Progeny (a.s.). We invite all of you to help Husayn (a.s.) and disassociate from Yazid with whom you will only experience ignominy and disgrace.”

It was Zohar prayer time. Despite requesting for recess for prayers, the Yazidi army continued the aggression. Hence Imam Husayn decided to perform “Namaz-e-Khauf” in which one group performs prayer while other stand guard for them. Zuhair ibn Qain and Saeed ibn Abdullah after reciting prayers in the first group, stood guard for another group. The Yazidi army started the rain of arrows. These two brave companions requested permission from Imam Husain to stand in front of the Imam and shield him while he prays. By the time the prayer was finished, both fell on the ground.

Sources: The Event of Taff, The earliest historical account of the tragedy of Karbala, Abu Mikhnaf, The Journey of tears, Nafsal Muhimma by Shaikh Abbas Qummi, Al-Muntazar

THE CAUSES OF IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)'S REVOLUTION

 

Imam Husayn (a.s.) was one of the greatest reformers who belonged to everyone everywhere. His message transcends the barriers of caste, creed, race, religion, and time. The advocates of human rights, sociologists, reformers, and theologians will find “delightful wisdom, sweet instructions” in his story. It was not a power struggle. Imam Husayn said, “correct, not conquer.” With a superhuman courage, Imam Husayn (a.s.) left a message for the entire world, “Do not submit to exploitation, of any kind, maintain a tenacious grip on veracity; better die with honor than live in shame.”

In a deliberate attempt to sabotage one of the articles of cease fire with Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba, Muawiya appointed his son Yazid as his successor and converted the so-called khilafat into monarchy. He continued to seek approval from important Muslim leaders using his old policy of offering wealth, lies and silence the opposition by sword. Muawiya wanted to set a rule for the kings who followed him, by appointing their successors. On his death, Yazid sent an emissary to Madinah to obtain allegiance of Imam Husayn (a.s.) and others and to kill them if they refuse. The Imam took the entire family including a newborn and proceeded to Makkah on 27 Rajab 60 A.H. and stayed for few months. In the meantime, he identified in public gatherings, the purpose of his departure from Madinah i.e., “Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil” and to follow the traditions of his grandfather and father.

Being the surviving member of Ahlul Bayt(a.s.), in whose favor various Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an were revealed including Ayah of Purity (Tatheer) and Ayah of Truthfulness (Mubahilah), Imam Husayn (a.s.) was obliged take a stand against the corrupt forces of monarchy. Safeguarding Islam was emphasized by tradition of his grandfather, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), “Husayn Minni wa Ana Minal Husayn” meaning “Husain is from me, and I am from Husayn” The Imam continued to receive letters from the Kufans, signed by over 100,000 Muslims, inviting him to come to Kufa and establish the Islamic state. The leader of any revolt would endeavor to increase his numerical strength to achieve victory. On the night of the historic Day of Ashurah, Imam Husayn (a.s.) would advise his followers to leave him and save their lives. He even offered to absolve them of his oath of allegiance to think independently, free from any coercion.

Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s revolution is characterized by the moral, human and Divine aspects!

There were three aspects of Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s revolt; The first was that it was his decision to refuse the Umayyad’s demand to endorse Yazid’s succession to the caliphate. The second was that he responded positively to the appeals of the Kufans for him to set up a rival caliphate in Kufa. The third was that he took necessary action to take on the corrupt ruling establishment.

Sources: Truth about Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s Revolt by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari (Shaheed)

                  Story of Karbala by (late) S.A. Mahdi (1985)

TAWHID, MONOTHEISM

 

Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei delivered a series of six lectures in 1971 in Mashhad, Iran at Imam Hasan Mujtaba Mosque. Appended below are the salient features of his first lecture.

Tawhid, Unity of Allah is the foundation of Islam and deserves to be addressed deeply and thoroughly. It is not the numerical distinction of ‘One’ against ‘Three’. Discussion of Tawhid places responsibilities and commitment on the shoulders of Muslims. If we could increase our contact with the Glorious Qur’an by reciting it with intelligence, we shall find a boundless ocean of Tawhid.

Everything in the Universe belongs to Allah. Allah created everything in this world, big or small. Allah made this Universe; it did not come into existence by itself or by accident. He has created everything with a specific system and maintains it by through laws. There is a similitude of sustaining the Universe by Allah with the contents of Ayah 255 of Surah al-Baqarah. (Ayatal Kursi)

Allah is ‘Ilah”. Ilah is to be worshipped and revered and man gives total control of his life. For those people who let their carnal desires control their lives, their ‘Ilah’ is those desires! Those who allow an arrogant and oppressive person to run their lives, they have this devil as their ‘Ilah’. In short, whatever has an unconditional authority over the existence and life of a man is his ‘Ilah’. There may be artificial ‘Ilah’ like Pharoah but no true, lawful ‘Ilah’ except Him. If you have accepted any thing as ‘Ilah’ except Him, you have sinned; you have acted contrary to truth, because there is no one except Allah deserving worship.

The Ayah next describes the Attributes of Allah; “al-Hai”. He is alive; everything else is dead. A life that did not exist at one time and will not exist in future, a living existence that is prone to annihilation in a split- second; what kind of life is this? The everlasting: the real life, the true life is that existence Who owns life and blesses all His creation with life and that is God. Al-Hai. That living existence. “Al-Qayyum”-The lasting existence Whose life has no end; that existence on Whom every life is dependent. If He is not there or if He does not want or will, life will cease to exist in the universe.

He does not dose off or sleep. Dozing off or sleep does not separate Him from Himself. Even a split-second distraction is not in His existence and life. Other creations become inattentive; false gods become unmindful of themselves and those in their charge. The essence that has nothing to do with ignorance is the true ruler of this universe, i.e., Allah.   

Who can intercede in front of Him without His permission? Prophets, Imams, saints, the pious believers, and martyrs intercede with God’s permission. They are all servants of Allah. Even we recite in ‘Tashahud- I testify that Muhammad is His servant and prophet. Being a servant is mentioned first’. They do not have a fraction of the knowledge except what He Wills. His position of the knowledge is greater than the heavens and the earth. Its safeguarding does not interfere Him.

Atrocious allegation that there is a son of Allah. “They say, ‘The All-beneficent has taken a son! The heavens are about to be rent apart at it, the earth to split open, and the mountains to collapse into bits.” (19:88-90) Whatever exists in the heavens and the earth is His slave and He surrounds them.

Source: Extracts from “Tawhid, Monotheism-Six Sermons by  Ayatullah Sayyid Ali Khamenei”

MUBAHELAH

 In the early days of Islam, Najran was a big center of learning whose inhabitants were idol-worshipers. Subsequently, they accepted Christianity. Najran is in the modern Hejaz, south of Jeddah. 

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had sent letters to the heads of different countries inviting them to Islam. One such letter was also sent to the bishop of Najran.It read as follows:

In the name of the God of Ibrahim, Is’haaq and Yaqoob. This letter is from Muhammad, the Prophet and Messenger of Allah to the Bishop of Najran. Praise be to the God of Ibrahim, Is’haaq, and Yaqoob. I invite you to worship Allah instead of His servants. I invite you to come out of the rule of servants of Allah and into the rule of Allah Himself.It is also stated that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) included the following Ayah of the Glorious Qur’an:

“Say, (O’Muhammad) O People of the Book (Bible), come to an agreement that we shall worship none but Allah and that we shall claim no partner to Him, and that none of us shall take others for Lords besides Allah” And if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims (who have surrendered to Allah).” (3:64) 

This was the event of 10 A.H. Sixty learned priests headed by their chief monk priest, Abdul Masih, came to Madinah and went straight to meet the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) wearing golden ornaments and dressed in silken clothes. He (s.a.w.a.s.) did not like their attire and turned his face away from them. They inquired from a few influential Companions for the reason, but they did not know the state of his (s.a.w.a.s.)’s mind. The Commander of the faithful, Maula Mushkil-Kusha, Imam Ali (a.s.) came to their rescue and advised them to dress in simple clothes. When they returned wearing simple clothes, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) warmly welcomed them. It may be inferred that appearances and attires show the thinking of the person. They wanted to show pride and high status. Following conversation ensued:

The Prophet: I invite you to the belief of Unity of Allah (Tauheed) and the worship of one God and submission to His will.

Abdul Masih: If Islam means faith in one God of the universe, we already believe in Him and follow His commands.

The Prophet: Islam has a few other signs and some of your actions show that you have not accepted true Islam. How do you claim worship of one God when you worship the cross and do not abstain from eating pork and believe that God has a son?

Abdul Masih: Certainly, he (I’sa (a.s.) was the son of God because his mother Mary- Mariyam (s.a.) had given birth to him without marrying anyone in the world. Therefore, obviously his father is the God of this universe. And, because he used to bring the dead back to life, cure the sick and create birds from clay and make them fly. It shows that he is God.

The Prophet: No, he was the servant and creature of God, and placed in the womb of his mother Mariyam (s.a.). All his power and strength were granted to him by God. At this time, Archangel Gabriel brought the following Ayah 59 of Surah Ale Imran: “Surely, the example of I’sa to Allah is like that of Adam; He created him from dust and then said to him, “Be” and he was “It means that if Isa (a.s.) could be called the son of God because he was born without father, then Adam (a.s.) deserves this title more because he was born without a father and a mother. The priests could not reply to this argument and continued to argue out of obstinacy.

Then the following Ayah 61 of Surah Ale Imran was revealed:

              “And whoever argue with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge then say, come, let us call our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, ourselves, and yourselves, then let us humbly pray (to our Lord) and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars” 

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) produced this verse before the priests and challenged for “Mubahalah”. The priests consulted each other and accepted the challenge. It was agreed that the contest would take place the next day in the open desert outside Madinah. On 24^th Dhul-Hijjah, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) came out for Mubahalah. He was holding Imam Husayn (a.s.) in his arms and held Imam Hasan (a.s.) by his hand; Chief of the women of the world; Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was behind him, while the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.) was behind her. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said to them, “When I pray for curse of Allah, you should say Ameen”.

The priests, by seeing these shining faces emitting light, were spellbound. Their hearts trembled, and they began to shake on seeing the light radiating from the faces of The Sacred Panjetan (a.s.).Their leader asked: “who are these persons who have come with Muhammad “A man told their names and their relationship with the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He could no longer hold his patience and cried out:

“By God, I am seeing such faces that if they were to pray to God to move the mountain, God Almighty would move the mountain for them. O You People of Najran, if you contest with Muhammad in this prayer of invoking curses on the liars, then I warn you that all of you will be destroyed and not a single soul will remain on this earth. I feel that it would be better to surrender to them and obey them”

After the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) heard these words, he later remarked: “By God, had the Christians of Najran contested with us, they would have been transformed into monkeys and swine. Fire would have rained over them”  

It is a historic event of a unique triumph of Islam. This event unquestionably established the truth about Islam and the spiritual purity of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). It proved beyond doubt as to who were the members of The House of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and their “unquestionable Truthfulness!”

There is a point to be remembered here that in Arabic language the plural tense is used for more than three persons. Allah had provided the place for three or more than three persons in the categories of “SONS”, “WOMEN”, and “SELVES”. But the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had to decide as to who were the persons who were “TRUTHFUL” and never lied in their lifetime, because Mubahelah would bring up Allah’s wrath on the “LIARS”. It was a crucial test for Islam. Hence, he picked-up Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.); only two persons for the place in “SONS”. While in the place of “WOMEN”, he picked-up only his daughter, The chief of the women of the world, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Similarly, in the place of “SELVES”, he picked up only The Conqueror of Khyber, Imam Ali (a.s.). 

After the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), when Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) claimed her gifted property of Fadak, which was given to her by her father, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), the Caliph did not accept their testimony. These were the same Panjetan, whose Truthfulness was accepted by Allah and the Christian priests.