HAZRAT UMM KULSOOM (S.A.)

Hazrat Umm Kulsoom (s.a.) was the fourth child of The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Lady of Paradise, Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.). She was the younger sister of “Ummul Masa’ib Hazrat Zaynab (s.a.).

She was born on 16 Ramazaan, 9 AH in Madinah. She could not communicate with her respectful mother, as she was only 18 months old at the time of her delayed martyrdom. She was fatally injured just after the demise of her beloved father, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). The Victor of Khyber (a.s.) raised the children giving the love and affection both as a mother and father.

There is a controversy that she was married to the second caliph Umar Ibn Khattab. This tradition was completely fabricated. This tradition was not reported by the “Saha Sitta”. There were many women by the name of “Umm Kulsoom”at that time.

The tradition may be analyzed on two basis viz. time basis and authenticity of the chain of narrators;

The year of the alleged marriage was reported as 17 AH, when Umm Kulsoom Bint Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) was only 8 years old, while Hazrat Umar Ibn Khattab was about 50 years old!

Chain of narrators: One of the narrators mentioned is “Ali il-Lehmi” who openly hated the Commander of the Faithful.

The second narrator mentioned was “Aqab al Gehmi” who had killed Hazrat Ammar Yassir, a close companion of the Commander of the Faithful, in the Battle of Siffin. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had prophesied that Ammar Yassir will be martyred by the infidels. The other narrator of the tradition was “Zubair Ibn-Bakr” who also hated Imam Ali (a.s.).

On top of everything, Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) had rejected the tradition.

Hazrat Umar Ibn Khattab had married a lady named “Umm Kulsoom Bint Jarwal Ansari”

Marriage of Hazrat Umm Kulsoom (s.a.): She was married to Hazrat Aun Ibn Jaffer Ibn Abu Talib (a.s.). He fought on the side of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) in the Battles of Jamal, Battle of Nahravan, and Battle of Siffin . They did not have any children. Hazrat Aun Ibn Jaffer was in Karbala and sacrificed his life for the King of Martyrs, Imam Hussayn (a.s.)

Imam Ali (a.s.) in the house of Umm Kulsoom on the night of 19 Ramazaan: Imam Ali (a.s.) used to stay in the houses of his children. On the night of 19 Ramazan, he was staying in Hazrat Umm Kulsoom’s house. She had placed salt, yoghurt, and bread on the food mat for iftaar. Imam Ali (a.s.) had remarked that he eats only one food and asked her to remove other two!

On that night of “Zarbat”, Imam Ali (a.s.) did not sleep. The whole night he was looking at the stars and said that it was the night of his departure from this world. Hazrat Umm Kulsoom (s.a.) got worried and called Imam Hasan (a.s.) who came promptly and talked to his father. At the time of Fajar prayers, while he was leaving for the mosque, he was being stopped by the ducks saying in their language not to leave the house. Imam Ali (a.s.) advised her to take care of the duck's  food.

Hazrat Umm Kulsoom (s.a.)’s Sermon in Kufa: She addressed the people and said: “O’ People of Kufa! May evil touch you. Why did you leave al-Hussayn (a.s.) alone without assistance? Why did you slay him? Why did you ransack his properties as if it was your own inheritance? Having held his women captives, you hurt them and then you harmed them. Woe is to you and may perdition overtake you! Do you know what you have brought on yourselves? Do you what burden you have put on your backs? Do you know whose blood you have shed? Do you know which great ladies you have grieved? Do you know which daughters you have ransacked and do you know whose property you have plundered? You have killed best of men after Rasool Allah (s.a.w.s.), and have shown any affection or love? But we will be patient. Soon Allah’s army will triumphant and the army of Shaitan will be the losers!

She was the back bone and pillar for Imam Hasan (a.s.) and “Saani-e-Zahra” Hazrat Zaynab (s.a.). She along with her sister Hazrat Zaynab (s.a.) supported the “King of Martyrs” in Karbala and after the “Shaam-e-Ghareeban”, took care of the children and other members of the family as Imam Zayn-al-Abedin (a.s.) was sick and unconscious. Both the sisters exhibited paramount patience and fortitude during the ordeal till they returned to Madinah. Before entering the city of Madinah, she recited the famous couplets, saying: “O’ City of our Grandfather, do not accept our return, as when we went, our laps were full with our children, and now we are returning without them as they were brutally slaughtered at Karbala.” She died in Madinah on 16 Rajab 61 AH.

Reference:          Shia Pilgrim.Blogspot.com                                            sayedammar.com

HAZRAT UMM RABAB (S.A.), WIFE OF IMAM HUSSAYN (A.S.)

Hazrat Rabab (s.a.) also known as Umm Rabab (a.s.) , was the wife of the King of Martyrs, Imam Hussayn (a.s.) and the mother of the “ Princess of Karbala”, Hazrat Sakina (s.a.) and the " Little Victor of Karbala”, Hazrat Ali al-Asghar (a.s.).

She was the daughter of the chief of the tribe of Bakr bin Wael, Imru’al Qays. It is reported that she was a learned woman. She and her father both were fond of poetry.

She had an exceptional faith in Imam Hussayn (a.s.). Her sacrifice and dedication is note worthy in the tragedy of Karbala. When she left Madinah, along with the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), Hazrat Ali al-Asghar (a.s.) must have been about one month old. Although, Hazrat Fatima al-Sughra insisted that the little Ali al-Asghar (a.s.) may be left with her in Madinah.

The travelling from Madinah to Karbala was very difficult and one can imagine how painful it must have been to a mother of two children aging one month and four years; Hazrat Sakina (s.a.) was about four years old.

Even at Karbala, when water supply was cut-off by the brutal Yazidi forces from 7^th of Muharram, there is no report of any narration in the books, of any complaint from Umm Rabab (s.a.) about an infant’s thirst in the desert of scorching heat.

On the Day of Ashura, when Imam Hussayn (a.s.) asked Umm Rabab to bring Hazrat Ali Asghar (a.s.) so that he may get some water for the infant, Hazrat Umm Rabab’s trust in Imam Hussayn (a.s.) is unimaginable. The barbaric people, who had mercilessly slaughtered the family and friends of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) in one day, would be kind enough to quench the thirst of the infant. Umm Rabab was the symbol of reliance, confidence, dedication, patience and sacrifice. In this action, Hazrat Umm Rabab was no less than Hazrat Hajira (a.s.) when she was left alone in the desert of Makkah with her little son, Hazrat Isma’eel (a.s.). She must have given the benefit of doubt about the so called Muslims and thought that a slight ray of humanity must have been left in them. But in a matter of few minutes that apprehension was shattered when Hurmalah (l.a.) released a three-pronged arrow towards the delicate neck of Hazrat Ali Asghar (a.s.) which pierced through the infant's throat and injured Imam Hussayn (a.s.)’s hand. When Imam Hussayn (a.s.) brought the infant and Hazrat Umm Rabab (s.a.) witnessed the slaughtered baby, she said: “Does infants are slaughtered like camels!” Because such three pronged arrows were used to slaughter (Nahar) camels. After some time, when she witnessed the tiny head of Hazrat Ali Asghar (a.s.) on the top of a spear, her heart must have been shattered. But she remained a symbol of patience!

It is reported that when the caravan of Ale Muhammad (a.s.) returned to Karbala, she refused to go back to Madinah and did not sit in a shade. We can imagine the state of her mind; her husband, the King of Martyrs Imam Hussayn (a.s.) was brutally slaughtered and his body remained without being covered or properly washed and buried! Her “Little Victor of Karbala” Hazrat Ali Asghar(a.s.)’s tiny body was exhumed by the barbaric Yazidi army from the fresh grave prepared by Imam Hussayn (a.s.) and his tiny head was severed and raised on top of a spear like other martyrs. Her “Princess of Karbala” Hazrat Sakina (s.a.) was brutally fastened on the back of a camel on way to Damascus.When the camel ran fast, she was bleeding along the route to Damascus. The blood dried on her dress and when she died in the dungeon of Shaam (Syria), Imam Zayn al-Abedin (a.s.) had to bury her beloved sister in the same dress because it was completely attached to her skin! Can we imagine the enormity of atrocities, opressions and shameful behavior of the people who paid back the “Compensation of Prophet Hood” to the Chief of Prophet’s Progeny!

The famous poet Aale Raza had written about Hazrat Umm Rabab (s.a.) on the eve of “Shaam-e-Ghareeban”:

“Na Is Tarah koi Kheti Hari Bhari Ujri; Tumhari Mang Bhi Ujri Hai Kokh Bhi Ujri – Meaning no harvest has ever been destroyed like the destruction of the Garden of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.); Your sacred husband was martyred and your both children were also martyred!”

                        Reference: Nafsul Mahmum                                     By Shaykh Abbas Qummi (r.a.) 

ZIARAT HAZRAT ZAYNAB (S.A.)

            In The Name Of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Leader of Prophets.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Owner of the Heavenly Pond and the Standard.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of him who was taken to the skies and who reached the position of the length of two arrows or even closer.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Prophet of Right Guidance, the Master of all Human Beings, and the Savior of the servants of Allah from being destroyed.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the one who has conformed himself to Sublime Morality, enjoyed the broad Honor, and owned the Heavenly Signs and the Wise remembrance of Allah (The Holy Quran).

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Owner of the Lofty Position, the Pond from which people shall drink (on the Resurrection Day), and the Standard, which shall be witnessed by everybody.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Path of Islam, and who was given Qibla and Qur’an, and the example of Honesty, Right, and Benevolence.

Peace and Allah’s Mercy be upon you, O daughter of the Choice of the Prophets, the example of the Pious Ones, and the Well known both in the earth and the heavens.

Peace and Allah’s Blessings and Mercy be upon you, O daughter of the best of Allah’s creation, the master of His creatures, the foremost created individual before the existence of (Allah’s) earth and heavens, the last of the existent ones (who shall endure) after the extinction of this world and its beings, and the one whose soul is a copy of the Divinity, and whose heart is the treasury of the Eternal, Subsistent God.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Leader of the God-Fearing ones.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Support of the Choice ones.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Leader of the Religion.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Commander of the Faithful ones.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Pious Ones.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Preventor of the Infidels and the Wantons.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Inheritor of Prophets.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Successor of the Apostle’s chief.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Great News (as it is certainly proved)

Peace and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon you, O daughter of the one to whom the mission of settling accounts with people (on Resurrection Day) is given, between whose hands the Heavenly Pond (of al-Kauhter) is put, and whom is intended the by the Prophet’s Statement on the Ghadeer Day.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Lady whose she camel was driven by the Arch-Angel Jibra’eel, and whose misfortune (of Imam al-Hussayn being slain Karbala) was shared by Archangel Isra’fil, and due to whose anger, the All-Exalted Lord was angry, and whose misfortune of Karbala, the Prophets Ibrahim, the friend of Allah, Nooh, Musa, the Spoken by Allah, wept.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Shining full moons.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of Well ZamZam and Safa (of the land marks of Makkah).

Peace be upon you, O daughter Makkah and Mina.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the one who was carried by the Buraq to the heavens.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the one who carried Zakat by the margins of his dress to give it to the paupers.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of him who was taken by night from the inviolable masjid to the farthest masjid.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of Muhammad al-Mustafa (the Selected by God).

Peace be upon you, O daughter of Ali al-Murtaza (the Pleased one).

Peace be upon you, O daughter of Fatima al-Zahra (the Resplendent).

Peace be upon you, O daughter of Khadija –al Kubra (the Grand).

Peace be upon you and upon your Grandfather, Muhammad al-Mukhtar (the Chosen).

Peace be upon you and upon your father, Haider al-Karrar (the Attacking).

Peace be upon you and who are the Arguments upon the pure, choice masters who are the Arguments of Allah on lands, the chiefs of the earth and heavens, your nephews from your brother Hussayn, the Martyr, the Thirsty, the father of the Nine al-At’har (leaders) of the God of the East and West routs of night and day, and love for whom is a prescription that is incumbent upon all creatures.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Glorified, Holy servant of Allah.

Peace be upon you, O daughter of the Dignified, Holy servant of Allah.

Peace be upon you, O sister of the Dignified, Holy servant of Allah.

Peace and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon you, O Mother of misfortunes; Zaynab.

Reference:          Victory of the Truth: The life of Zaynab Bint Ali            By Muna Haeri Bilgrami

SERMON OF HAZRAT SAKINA BINT AL-HUSSAYN (S.A.) IN KUFA

Sayyidah Sakina (s.a.) was the granddaughter of the “Most Eloquent Speaker” in Arabia. Hence, the grand daughter had the same style and eloquence of Imam Ali (a.s.).  People of Kufa were surprised to hear a four year old of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) delivering a sermon whose substance was the equivalent of a knowledgeable adult.

She said: “All praise is for Allah. A praise which numbers more than the grains of the sand and weightier than the earth and Arsh combined. I praise Him, trust Him and I testify that there is no God but Allah. He is alone and has no partner. Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is His servant and Messenger and the Pure offspring of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) were slaughtered near the banks of river Furat. O’ Allah! You took from your creation the promise of allegiance for the vilayat of Ali (a.s.) ibn Abu Talib (a.s.), and made this wajib (obligatory) upon them, but your creation has broken this promise of allegiance. They usurped his (Amir al-Momineen) right and martyred him. Then they martyred his son Hussayn (a.s.).

O’Allah! You are well aware that my Grandfather was martyred in your House (Masjid) in the presence of other “Muslims”. These “Muslims” admitted to oppressing Amir al-Momineen, but for Your sake my Grandfather was patient. He left this world but his attributes and greatness will remain for all of eternity and no one will ever be able to attain his status.

O’Allah! I am very young but I am aware of the greatness of the attributes of my Grandfather (a.s.). O’Allah! You are aware of how my Grandfather protected Your Tauheed (Oneness) and Your Prophet (s.a.w.s.). He had no concern for this world. He fought in Your way. You chose him and declared him to be Your “Sirat-al-Mustaqeem” (the Right Path).

O’People of Kufa! O’Cheaters! Allah tested you through Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Through Us, your Imaan was tested, and verily We are successful of those who were tested. Allah has given His Knowledge to Us and made Us trustees of His Knowledge. We are the source of His Wisdom. We are the Hujjat (Proof) of Allah upon the heavens and the earth. Allah honored Us and raised our status before the creation through Muhammad (s.a.w.s.). You denied Us and committed Kufr with Allah. You made slaughtering Us lawful and looted our wealth. In your eyes, we were not the Offspring of Rasool-Allah. You treated Us as if We were a group of common rebels.

You martyred my Grandfather (a.s.) and your swords are dripping with the blood of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). For a long time now, your hearts are filled with hatred and animosity towards Us. You slaughtered Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and afterwards you rejoiced and celebrated. You attributed lies to Allah. You were deceitful and Allah does not allow those who are deceitful to succeed.

You committed every atrocity against Us. Whatever We had to face in this world it was for the sake of Allah. Verily Allah curses those who are proud and arrogant. May Allah destroy you. Soon the wrath and curse of Allah that has become your destiny will fall upon you. You have to face the immense wrath of Allah. Verily, you will taste of its severity. May the curse of Allah be upon oppressors.

Woe be upon you! We know those who obeyed Us and those who waged war against Us and those who came to our support and those who abandoned Us, and you were the ones who waged war against Us because your hearts have become impure from filth. Allah sealed your hearts, eyes and ears. Shaitan became your leader and led you astray.

O’ People of Kufa! May Allah destroy you! What wrong did Rasool Allah do against you that caused you to commit such atrocities against His Brother and My Grandfather Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) and to his Offspring’s? You felt pride in Our Martyrdom and in Our imprisonment. How can it be that this ummah (nation) can feel proud in slaughtering those whom Allah Himself made Pure and kept all impurities from coming near to them. Verily, every person will reap whatever he has sown. Woe be upon you! You became envious of Us because of the status and greatness which was bestowed upon Us by Allah. However, Allah Blesses those whom He chooses. Those who were not created from Noor can never be like those who were created by Noor.

 Reference:                      Hayat al Imam Hussayn                                                     Syed Muhammad Baqir Qarshi

HAZRAT UMMUL BANEEN (S.A.)

Hazrat Fatima Bint Hazam (s.a.) belonged to the clan of Bani Kilab, which was one of the noblest families of Hashemites and was famous for bravery. Because she was the mother of four sons and in the Arabian culture such women were called “Ummul Baneen” meaning mother of sons. She was born in the year 5 A.H. and died on 13 Jamad-as-Saani 64 A.H. and was buried in Jannat-al-Baq’ee near the Lady of Paradise.

After few years of Lady of Paradise, Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.)’s demise, Imam Ali (a.s.) asked his brother Aqeel, who was an expert in genealogy, to look for a girl of a brave tribe for marriage. He proposed the name of Hazrat Fatima daughter of Hazam ibn Khalid. Imam Ali was given prophecy by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) of a brave son who would be martyred alongside of his brother Imam Hussayn (a.s.) on the day of Ashoora. Ever since, Imam Ali (a.s.) was waiting for the birth of that son who came in the person of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.)

Hazrat Ummul Baneen, before the marriage, saw a dream in which she saw that a moon and three stars fell into her lap. Imam Ali (a.s.) interpreted later that the moon was Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and the three stars were his three brothers.

Hazrat Aqeel went to the tribe of Banu Hazam and proposed Imam Ali for Hazrat Ummul Baneen. The tribe and her father Hazam were honored and delighted for the proposal. Hazrat Ummul Baneen was also very happy for this proposal of the “Lion of God” and the Victor of Khyber. The nikah was recited by Hazrat Aqeel and afterwards, Hazrat Ummul Baneen (s.a.) arrived at the house of Imam Ali under the shining swords of Banu Hashim youths. As soon as she stepped in the house, she kissed the door respectfully and told the children that she did not come as a mother but as a slave to serve the Ahlul Bayt. The children also loved and respected her. She also requested Imam Ali (a.s.) not to call her Fatima as the children will remember their mother and get hurt but to call her Ummul Baneen.

She knew that she was going in the house where the “Lady of Paradise” was living, where the angels used to come, many Ayahs of the Noble Qur’an were revealed elevating the status of the daughter of the Chief of the Prophets, and that she was the nucleus of the “Hadees-e-Kissa” and one of the members of “Ayat-e-Tatheer” and the representative of “Women” in the Ayah of “Mubahelah” and the Surah Hal-Ata’a was revealed for the Panjetan.

She loved and looked after the young Imam Hasan and Imam Hussayn knowing respectfully well that they were the “Youths of Paradise”. Similarly, she took good care of Hazrat Zaynab (s.a.) and Hazrat Umme Kulsoom (s.a.)

After about one year, Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was born. The family was delighted by his birth, especially Imam Ali (a.s.) It is reported that Young Abbas (a.s.) did not open his eyes until Imam Hussayn (a.s.) took him in his lap. Then Imam Hussayn (a.s.) gave his tongue into young Abbas’s mouth. The process was repeated as first time when Imam Ali was born in the House of God, he also did not open his eyes till the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) took him in his lap. Similarly, He had put his tongue into young Imam Ali’s mouth.

Hazrat Ummul Baneen (s.a.) had four children; Hazrat Abbas Alamdar (a.s.), Hazrat Abdullah, Hazrat Jafer, Hazrat Usman. When Imam Hussayn (a.s.) was departing from Madinah, she asked them to sacrifice their lives for the Imam. She loved Imam Hussayn (a.s.) more than her children. When Basheer was telling about the martyrdom of her children, she impatiently inquired about Imam Hussayn (a.s.). After hearing the news of barbaric martyrdom of Imam Hussayn (a.s.), she cried and said: “All the arteries of my heart are torn. May all of my children and whatever exists under this heaven be sacrificed for Imam Hussayn (a.s.)” Then she arranged first majlis in Madinah in which women of Banu Hashim gathered and cried for his martyrdom.

As for Hazrat Abbas (a.s.), she knew the reason of her marriage and that Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) knew about the role Hazrat Abbas was destined to play in the protection of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) and the Ahle Haram in Karbala. She closely watched how Hazrat Abbas was being groomed. Once, he was sitting in Imam Ali (a.s.)'s lap, when the Imam (a.s.) was coaching basic math’s and asked him to count one, two, three etc. He said one and did not say two pleading that when he testified oneness of Allah, he cannot say two! Once, when Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was very young, Hazrat Ummul Baneen (s.a.) said: “Abbas, why you call yourself a slave of Imam Hussayn (a.s.)? You both are the sons of Imam Ali (a.s.)? Young Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) said: “There is no comparison between him and I, his grandfather was the Prophet, his clothes came from Paradise, many Ayahs of the Noble Qur’an were revealed in his praise. There is no comparison between atoms to the sky”

Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) being the son of the bravest man in human history and whose mother belonged to one of the bravest clan of Hashemites tribe, hence bravery was in his veins. In the Battle of Siffin, when the army of the tyrannical Muawia captured the banks of the river and did not allow access to Imam Ali (a.s.)’s men, Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) and Imam Hussayn (a.s.) were among the liberating force capturing the river banks and allowing the access to the defeated Muawia forces. Later on, a veiled prince went in for a dual. Muawia asked one Ibn Shasah to face the prince. He said my son can take care of the “prince”. The prince killed the enemy, he sent his other son who also met the same fate. Likewise all his seven sons were killed by the prince. Ibn Shasah became furious and came to face the prince who cut him into two exact pieces! Imam Ali (a.s.) called and unveiled the prince. It was no one but Hazrat Abbas (a.s.).    

Hazrat Ummul Baneen (s.a.) is also known as “Baabul Hawa’ij”. She was known for her piety, knowledge and excellence. After the tragedy of Karbala, she recited “Marsia” for her exceptionally brave son; Hazrat Abbas (a.s.), the “Moon of Banu Hashim”. Some of the couplets are translated below:

                                        “Is it true that my dearest son’s head and hands were cut?”

                                  “Alas! My lion’s head was lowered by the strike of a clava (gurz)”

          “O’ My brave son, I know that no one dare to come near you had you a sword in your hand”

MIRACLES OF ZIARAT-E-ASHOORA

Imam Jafferal-Sadiq (a.s.)’s companion Safwaan narrates: “Ziarat-e-Ashoora is in fact Hadees-e-Qudsi which was conveyed by Jibraeel from Lauh-e-Mahfooz to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.),  who informed the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) and it traveled through the “Golden Chain” till it reached  Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) who had communicated it to him ( companion- Safwaan.)”

Virtues of performing the Ziarat of Sayyidush Shuhada, Imam Hussayn (a.s.): The virtues had been recorded by Ibn Quwaylah in his book “Kamil-uz-Ziarat”. Ayatollah al-Uzma Abul Qasim al-Khoei (r.a.) had declared that each and every tradition stated in the book is authentic. Some of the traditions are as follows:

·         Ziarat of Imam Hussayn is the cause of forgiveness of sins.

·         On the Day of Judgment, Imam Hussayn (a.s.)’s Ziarat is the cause of quick and easy accounting.

·         It is the cause of elevated status in the Hereafter.

·         One who narrates about Imam Hussayn (a.s.)’s virtues will enjoy a prolonged life.

·         Ziarat of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) is the cause of safety of body and wealth and increase in sustenance.

·         Imam Hussayn (a.s.)’s Ziarat is the cause of getting one’s desires fulfilled, and is the cause of reducing one’s grief and sorrow.

·         Ziarat of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) is the cause of ease in death and decrease of fear in the grave.

The Miracles:

1.       Respite from Plague: It is narrated by Ayatollah Abdul Karim Haeri Yazdi (the founder of the Houza-e-Ilmiyya in Qumm) when he was in Samarra, when an epidemic of plague spread in the city and people were dying.  In a meeting of the ulemas, his teacher, Ayatollah Fasharki advised the audience to spread his advice to recite Ziarat-e-Ashoora for ten days and offer the reward of the supplication to the mother of Imam-e-Zamana (Janab-e-Nargis Khatoon) and beseech her to present our case to the Wali-ul-Asr so that the Imam shields us from the malady. The plague subsided and there were no more casualties of Momineen. But the other Muslims continued to suffer. They approached the Shia leaders and inquired about this miraculous reprieve. They informed the Sunni Muslims about Ziarat-e-Ashoora, and they were saved from plague.

2.       Guaranteed Sustenance: Once an indigent person approached the Sheikh of Taif, Ayatollah Sheikh Zainul Abedin Maazandarani and complained of lack of sustenance. The Sheikh advised him to visit the Mausoleum of Sayyidush Shuhada and recite Ziarat-e-Ashoora there. After sometime, when the Sheikh happen to meet the person, he related an incident: “I was preoccupied with the recitation of the Ziarat, when a person came and handed over some money to me and left. Thank God, my problem is solved.” (Tazkerah  Zakereen)   

3.       The Blessed Lady: Muhammad Ali Yazdi was a devout and pious Muslim from Najaf, Iraq. He had friend from childhood. This friend died unexpectedly and was buried in a grave yard where many pious people were also buried. Nearly after a month, he saw this friend in dream and he looked very happy. He inquired from the friend: “You seem to very happy and tranquil, although I know about your way of life which merits chastisement. Tell me what happened?” His friend replied: “You are right, until yesterday, I was engulfed in painful chastisement.

Ashraf Juda’s wife died and was buried about 100 feet away. After the burial, Sayyidush Shuhada, Imam Hussayn (a.s.) visited her grave and ordered the discontinuation of chastisement from her grave. Consequently, upon Imam’s intercession her grave received amnesty from chastisement and I was also liberated.” Next day he went to the deceased lady’s house and was informed that during the last years of her life she used to recite Ziarat-e-Ashoora regularly!

4.       Forgotten Pledge: An Alawi lady, who had gone for the Ziarat of Janab-e-Zaynab (s.a.) and Jaanab-e-Ruqaiyya (s.a.), narrates: “When I reached to the place where the sacred head of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) was supposed to be buried, I began wailing uncontrollably and found myself in a strange state. I was reciting Ziarat while I was crying. In this state, I saw the curtain in front of me lifted and I saw some ladies, among whom was my mother. All of them were thanking me profusely for reciting Ziarat on their behalf. Suddenly, a majestic lady appeared among them. Soon, all the ladies began presenting their demands to this majestic lady. Even I started presenting my demands to her and I said: “I have arranged a gathering (Majlis) and I recite Ziarat-e-Ashoora. Why don’t you come?” She replied: “I have always attended your gatherings. And I can narrate an incident to prove this. Once your cousin along with his wife came to attend your gathering with some offering (Tabarruk). He faced some problem relating to his house. He pledged that if his problem is solved he will frequent your gathering. On recitation of the Ziarat, his anxiety was transformed in to ease and the construction of his house was completed. However, he forgot his pledge and did not attend your gathering.

5.       An incurable disease: One of the scholars narrates: “My wife became seriously ill and the doctors diagnosed it as a tumor and that if it is not treated promptly it may become fatal. The specialist asked for exorbitant fee. I did not have that much amount of fee but because it was essential and urgent, hence I agreed to it. I decided to start Ziarat-e-Ashoora so that I may get some respite by the intercession of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f). The operation was successful and when I met the Surgeon, he declined to take any fee. The surgeon explained “I had no hopes of performing this operation successfully. Therefore, I pledged that if the operation turned out to be a success, then I will not accept any fee!”

6.       The vision of Ayatollah Behjati : The Ayatollah said: “The existence of Ziarat-e-Ashoora is in itself is a proof of its miraculous nature. And when one considers the fact Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) has narrated this Ziarat to Safwaan, then its significance increases manifold. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) related to Safwaan, I guarantee a few things to the one who recites this Ziarat-(i) his Ziarat will be accepted, (ii) his action will be considered virtuous, (iii) no matter what ever his demands will be , Allah will not turn him back dejected and disheartened.”

“And O’ Safwaan! I have heard about this guarantee from my father and him from his father. And this chain goes until Amir-ul-Momineen (a.s.). The latter heard it from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.), who narrated it from Jibraeel, and the latter from Allah Himself. Allah swears by His Holy and Pure Self that one who recites the Ziarat with the Dua (Alqamah), from near or far, his Ziarat will be accepted, and his demands will be fulfilled.”

Ayatollah Behjat narrated further: “The chain of this Ziarat makes it among the “Hadees-e-Qudsi” and it is this Ziarat that the most distinguished Shi’a scholars used to recite with regularity, despite their busy schedules and stressful engagements.

Final Note: Shi’aan-e-Haider-e-Karrar (a.s.) are fortunate to posses this “Treasure”, it is up to them to genuinely utilize this God-Gifted Ziarat and get their supplications accepted by Al-Mighty Allah (s.w.t.)

WHAT NON-MUSLIMS SAY ABOUT IMAM ALI (A.S.)

The “Lion of God”, Commander of the Faithful, Vice-gerent and “Self” (at Mubahila) of the Chief of Prophets, husband of the Lady of Paradise, father of the “Youths of Paradise”, the “Maula” of Ghadeer-e-Khumm , Imam Ali (a.s.) is well-known on this earth and the Heavens. However, let us know what the renowned Non-Muslims, say about the Imam.

Reproduced below are the sayings of some of the famous personalities of the Western World:

Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) is considered as the greatest British historian of his time. He writes in “Decline and fall of the Roman Empire”-“The zeal and virtues of (Imam) Ali were never outstripped by any recent proselyte. He united the qualifications of a poet, soldier and a saint; his wisdom still breathes in a collection of moral and religious sayings; and every antagonist, in the combats of the tongue or of the sword, was subdued by his eloquence and valor. From the first hour of his mission to the last rites of his funeral, the apostle was never forsaken by a generous friend, whom he delighted to name his brother, his vicegerent, and a faithful Aaron of the second Moses.”

Sir William Muir (1819-1905) a Scottish scholar and Statesman-Foreign Secretary to the Indian Government as well as the Lieutenant Governor of the Frontier Province said in “Life of Mahomet, London 1877” “Endowed with a clear intellect, warm in affection, and confiding in friendship, he was from the boyhood devoted in heart and soul to the Prophet. Simple, quiet, and unambitious, when in after days he obtained the rule of half of the Muslim world, it was rather thrust upon him than sought!”

Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) a Scottish historian, critic, and sociological writer writes in “Heroes, Hero worship and the Heroic history” 1841: “As for this young Ali, one cannot but like him. A noble-minded creature, as he shows himself, now and always afterwards; full of affection, of fiery daring. Something chivalrous in him; brave as a lion; yet with a grace, a truth and affection worthy of Christian Knighthood.”

Philip Khuri Hitti (1886-1978) a Professor of Semitic Languages in Princeton University wrote in “History of Arabs”, London, 1964: “Valiant in battle, wise in counsel, eloquent in speech, true to his friends, magnanimous to his foes, he became both paragon of Muslim nobility and chivalry and the Solomon of Arabic tradition, around whose name poems, proverbs, sermonettes and anecdotes innumerable have clustered.”

Dr. Henry Stubbe (1631-1676) a Polemicist, classicist, Physician and philosopher had written in “An Account of Rise and Progress of the Mahometansim” 1705 “He had a contempt of the world, its glory and pomp, he feared God much,  gave many alms, was just in all his actions, humble and affable; of an exceeding quick wit of an ingenuity that was not common, he was exceedingly learned, not in those sciences that terminate in speculations but those which extend to practice.”

Gerald de Gaury (1897-1984) was a distinguished soldier and diplomat wrote in “Rulers in Mecca” London 1951

“He had been wise in counsel and brave in battle, true to his friends and magnanimous to his foes. He was to be forever the Paragon of Muslim nobility and chivalry.

Wilfred Madelung, a professor of Arabic at Oxford University wrote in “The Succession to Muhammad: A study of the early caliphate, Cambridge, 1997 “In the face of the fake Umayad claim to legitimate sovereingnty in Islam as God’s vicegerents on earth, and in view of Omayyad’s treachery, arbitrary and divisive government, and vindictive retribution , they came to appreciate his honesty, his unbending devotion to the reign of Islam, his deep personal loyalties, his equal treatment of all his supporters, and his generosity in forgiving his defeated enemies.”

Charles Mills (1788-1826) a Leading historical writer of his time, wrote in “An history of Muhammedanism, London 1818 “As the chief of the family of Hashim and as a cousin and son-in-law of Him the Arabians respected. It is apparently wonderful that Ali was not raised to the caliphate immediately on the death of Prophet Muhammed. To the advantages of his birth and marriage was added the friendship of the Prophet. The son of Abu Talib was one of the first converts to Islamism and Muhammad’s favorite appellation of his was the Aaron of the second Moses. His talent as an orator, and his intrepidity as a warrior, was grateful to a nation in whose judgment courage was a virtue and eloquence was wisdom.”

Washington Irving  (1783-1859) was well known as the “first American man of letters) had written in “Lives of the Successors of Mahomet “ London, 1850

  “He was of the noblest branch of the noble race of Koresh. He possessed the three qualities most prized by Arabs: courage, eloquence and munificence.  His intrepid spirit had gained him from the Prophet the appellation of “Lion of God”, specimens of his eloquence remain in some verses and sayings preserved among the Arabs; and munificence was manifested in sharing with others, every Friday, what remain in the Treasury. Of his magnanimity we have given repeated instances, his noble scorn of everything false and mean, and the absence in his conduct of everything like selfish intrigue. He was one of the last and worthiest of primitive Muslims, who imbibed his religious enthusiasm from the companionship of Prophet himself, and followed to the last the simplicity of his example. He is honorably spoken of as the First Caliph who accorded some protection to Belles-Letters. He indulged in the poetic vein himself, and many of his maxims and proverbs are preserved, and have been translated in various languages. His signet bore this inscription,

‘The Kingdom belongs to God’. One of sayings show his little values he set upon the transitory glories of this world,’Life is but the shadow of a cloud-the dream of a sleeper.

Simon Ockley (1678-1720) Professor of Arabic at the University of Cambridge had said in “The History of Saracens” London 1894 “One thing particularly deserving to be noticed is that his mother delivered of him at Mecca, in the very temple itself,; which never happened to anyone else.”

Robert Durey Osborn (1835-1889) was Major of the Bengal Staff Corps. Had written in “Islam under the Arabs”1876

“With him perished the truest hearted and best Muslim of whom Mohammadan history had preserved the remembrance.”