THE SACRED KA'BAA

According to the traditions, Allah dictated that Ka’baa to be built in heaven in Baitul Ma’amoor. Allah in His infinite Mercy dictated that a similar House be built on earth. Hence Prophet Adam built the Ka’baa. It is a simple structure of grey blue stones collected from around the city of Makkah. It is a cube of 60 feet. The four corners roughly face four points of compass. At the East is the Black Stone (Ruknel Aswad), at the North is Ruken al Iraqi, at the West is Ruknel Shami, and at the South is Ruknel Yamani. The four walls are covered with black brocade curtain (Kiswa) with the “Shahada” weaved in the fabric. About 2/3^rd of the way up, runs a golden embroidered band covered with Qur’anic texts. It has six sides representing every direction meaning as Allah is every where, His House represents infinity! Its sanctity and antiquity is older than history itself. It is mentioned in Bible and Old Testament also.

A door is fixed about 7 feet above the ground. The “Black Stone” (Hajre Aswad), about 12 inches in diameter, was fixed into its Easter Corner. Opposite the North West wall is a semi circular wall of white marble, about 5 feet thick and 3 feet high. The space between Ka’baa and semi-circle wall is the place where the graves of Prophet Isma’el and his mother Bibi Ha’jira are situated. Inside the Maqam-e-Ibra’him, is a stone preserving the foot prints of Prophet Ibrahim said to have been made during the rebuilding of Ka’baa. In front of the building is the “Maqaam-e-Ibrahim” – an arch shaped structure, and The Well of “Zam Zam”. Just outside are the hills of “Safa” and “Marwa”. The distance between the hills is about 500 yards.

References of Ka’baa in the Noble Qur’an:

“While Ibrahim and Ismael were raising the foundation of the House, they prayed: “O Allah! Accept our labor. You are All-Hearing and All-Knowing.” (2:127)

“We made the House in (in Makkah) as a place of refuge and sanctuary for men. (People), adopt the place where Ibrahim stood as a place for prayer. We advised Ibra’him and Isma’el to keep My House clean for the pilgrims, the worshipers, and those who bow down and prostrate themselves in worship.” (2:125)

“Safa and Marwa are reminders of Allah. It is no sin for one who visits the Sacred House (Ka’baa) to walk seven times between (them). Who ever, willingly, does a good deed in obedience to Allah will find Allah All-Knowing and fully Appreciative.” (2:158)

“The first House of Worship that Allah assigned to men was in Bakkah (another name of Makkah). It is a Blessed one and a guide for all people.” (3:96)

“In (Bakkah), there are many clear signs (evidence of the existence of Allah). Among them is the place where Ibra’him stood. Whoever seeks refuge therein, will be protected by the laws of amnesty. Those who have the means and ability, have a duty to Allah to visit the House and perform the Hajj (pilgrimage) rituals. The unbelievers should know that Allah is Independent of all creatures.” (3:97)

“Allah has made the Ka’baa, the Sacred House, the sacred months, the unmarked and marked  sacrificial animals for the welfare of men and in order to inform you that Allah knows all that is in the heavens and the earth.” (5:97)

Ever since Prophet Isma’el built this House along with his father, it remained in the custody of his descendants.

Even during the life time of Ibra’him, people started putting idols in Ka’baa. It was over four thousand years later that after the famous “Victory of Makkah”, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) along with the Commander of the Faithful, destroyed all the idols. Imam Ali was asked by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) to stand on Prophet’s shoulders to break a huge idol. So the Vilayat was on the shoulders of the Chief of the Prophets! The Holy Prophet was reciting the Ayah: “Say, Truth has come and falsehood has been banished; it is doomed to banishment.” (17:81)

During early period of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), before proclaiming prophet hood, there was a flood in Makkah, and Ka’baa was damaged. After reconstruction, the Makkans quarreled over who should re-install Hajr-e-Aswad in the wall. Ultimately, they agreed that whoever enters the precincts of Ka’baa, will decide. Next morning the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) entered. He advised that the Hajr-e-Aswad be placed in a cloak and it should be lift by heads of every tribe and bring it near the wall. Then the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) picked up the Hajr-e-Aswad and placed it in the wall.

After the massacre of the family of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) at Karbala, Yazid ibn Muawiya sent a huge contingent under Haseen bin Namir to Madinah who destroyed the sacred Mosque of the Prophet and then proceeded to Makkah and demolished the four walls of Ka’baa (including the curtain embroidered with Qur’anic verses) and martyred thousands of Muslims who objected to the heinous crime!

The Ka’abaa was rebuilt by Abdullah ibne Zubair and his associates. Later on Umawi forces returned to Makkah and killed Abdullah Ibne Zubair, hung his body on the gates of Ka’baa for three months. We must always remember that Yazid’s grand father Abu Sufyan accepted Islam when the sword was hanging on his head after the Victory of Makkah! In the Battle of Uhad, Abu Sufyan’s wife Hinda had chewed the liver of Hazrat Hamza, the Prophet’s uncle! Yazid himself had said  in front of the sacred daughters of the Holy Prophet in his court that there was no revelation, no angels descended, Bani Hashim had staged the drama to attain power!

Birth of the Commander of the Faithful:

Imam Ali (a.s.) had the unique distinction of being the first and the last baby to have been born in the Sacred House of Allah. His mother, Bi Fatima Binte Asad (s.a.) was pregnant and was circumambulating the Ka’baa, when the signs of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s birth became imminent. She prayed to Allah for help and the wall of Ka’baa cracked open, she entered inside and the wall returned to normal. Imam Ali (a.s.) was born inside Ka’baa and they both remained inside for three days. One can imagine the purity of the baby! Later, he was one of the participants of “Ayat-e-Tatheer” which reads: “O People of the House! Allah wants to keep away all kinds of uncleanness from you and to Purify you thoroughly.” 

When Abraha came with the intention of destroying Ka’baa, his army looted 200 camels of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, he went for its recovery. Abraha said that he was not worried about Ka’baa. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib replied that it will be protected by its owner! Allah sent bands of small birds carrying 3 stones which they struck on the Abraha’s army including some elephants and destroyed his army. The story is described in Surah al-Feel which is Elephant.

Reference:

The Noble Qur’an

The Story of Holy Ka’baa and its people                      by: Syed Muhammad Raza Shabbar

                                                                                    Muhammadi Trust, London U.K.

AN IDEAL FAITHFUL (MO'MIN)

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) had described an ideal faithful as:

“In the past I had a brother- in –faith, and he was prestigious in my view because the world was humble in his eyes, the needs of the stomach did not have sway over him, he did not long for what he did not get; if he got a thing he did not ask for more; most of his time was silent, if he spoke he silenced other speakers, he quenched the thirst of the questioners, he was and feeble but at the time of fighting he was the lion of the forest or the serpent of the valley, he would not put forth an argument unless it was decisive.

He would not reproach any one in an excusable matter unless he had heard the excuse, he would not speak of any ailment except after its disappearance, he would say what he would do, and would not say what he would not do, even if he could be exceeded in speaking, he could not be excelled in silence; he was more eager to listen than to speak and if two things confronted him he would see which was more akin to the longing of the heart and would oppose it.

These qualities are incumbent upon you. So, you should acquire them and excel each other in them. Even if you cannot acquire them you should know that acquiring a part is better than giving up the whole.

The man whom Commander of the Faithful had referred to as his brother and whose qualities he has stated, has been taken by some commentators to be Abu-Dharr al-Ghifari by some Usman ibn Maz’un al-Jumahi and by some al-Miqdad ibn al-Aswad al-Kindi; but it is likely that no particular individual is referred to at all; because it was customary with Arabs for them to speak of a brother or a comrade although, they have no particular individual in mind.

Reference:

Nahjul Balagha- Haidth 289 of part 3 

HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.S.)'S HIJRAT TO MADINAH

When infidels of Quraish learnt about the agreement of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) with Ansaars (of Madina) and their unsuccessful attempts to sabotage and contain the rise of Islam, they assembled at “Darul Nadwa” to consider new strategy. According to the narrations, Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said that the Quraish summoned a man from each tribe and when every one arrived, they found an old man in waiting. He was Shaitaan, who had personified as a human being four times. After consideration of different plans, Shaitaan proposed that each and every representative of every tribe should attack and assassinate the Prophet of Allah. Consequently, Banu Hashim will not be able to retaliate against all tribes. If need be, they should tender compensation or ransom to them.

Allah fore-warned the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in following Ayah: “And when those who disbelieved devised plans against you that they might confine you or slay you or drive you away; and they devised plans and Allah too had arranged a plan; and Allah is the best of planners.” (8:30)

They all had gathered around the dwelling of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). It was unanimously agreed that the attack will take place in the morning. Jibraeel descended and revealed to him the Divine plan for the Prophet to flee to Madina. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) called Imam Ali (a.s.) and shared the information and the plan. The plan was that Imam Ali (a.s.) will sleep in the Prophet’s bed so that his absence will not be known till he reaches the cave of Thawr. The Commander of the Faithful inquired: “O Prophet of Allah, will your safety be secured by my sleeping in your place?” On being answered in affirmative, Imam Ali (a.s.) was happy and thanked Allah for the privilege of exposing his own life to save that of the Prophet, and fell in prostration and this was the first prostration of thanks-giving that was made in Islam. He said: “Go wherever Allah has commanded you; let me be your sacrifice. Order what ever you please, and on my life I will do it, and in this and every other matter, I supplicate for Taufiq of my Lord.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) embraced Imam Ali (a.s.), with flowing tears both parted. He recited Ayah 9 of Surah al-Ya’seen and cast handful of dust at them (so they could not see the Prophet) and went away.

In those days, the houses of Makkah were without doors and the walls were low. The Quraish infidels therefore saw Imam Ali (a.s.) and mistaking him for the Prophet, threw stones at him. According to the continuous Shi’ah and Sunni reports, the following Ayah 207 of Surah al-Baqara was revealed: “Wa Minannaase Main Yashri Nafsahubtegha Marazaat Allah, Wallahu Raufoon Bil’Ibaad.” Meaning “And among men is He who sells himself to seek the Pleasure of Allah, Allah is Affectionate to His (faithful) servants.”

The most profitable bargain is the one that a person sells his soul to Allah, his Creator, neither for Paradise nor for being safe from the Fire of Hell but it is merely performed for the Pleasure of Allah. Sleeping in that bed wearing mantle-cloth which the Prophet used was nothing but courting death. A person who would agree to offer himself instead of the Holy Prophet, who was wanted by the enemy, must essentially have the following:

1. The safety of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) preferred to his own safety.
2. Implicit faith in the duty of man to earn pleasure of Allah and His Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) at any cost even at the cost of his own life.
3. The courage of surrendering himself willingly with the utmost peace of mind, to sleep under the surveillance of swords ready to fall upon him.
4. The confidence and faith in Allah’s protection.
5. The external as well as internal resemblance to resemble the Holy Prophet to the watching eyes, when under the mantle.

It is said that radiance from the face of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was visible even under the sheet when he slept. Hence, the mantle (sheet) continued to glow even when Imam Ali (a.s.) was under the sheet.

No doubt, the personality of the Commander of the Faithful was an embodiment of faith, devotion, obedience, strength, patience and wisdom. It is also reported that the sound of “Allah-o-Akbar” would be heard 1,000 times by Imam Ali’s neighbors every night. When Allah and His Prophet ordered Imam Ali to sleep, he joyfully responded! This is Islam-complete surrender!

According to Thalabi, Ahmad ibn Hambal, Ghazali and others declared that: “On that night, when Imam Ali slept in the bed of the Messenger of Allah, the Almighty Allah revealed to Jibraeel and Mikaeel that He has made them brothers of each other. And your ages are greater than each other. Which one of you will dedicate his life to the other? None of them agreed to it. The Almighty Allah revealed to them: “Why can’t you be like Ali ibne Abi Talib? I made him the brother of Muhammad and he is sleeping in his bed after dedicating his life to him. So go to the earth and protect Ali from his enemies. So they came down and Jibraeel sat at Ali’s head and Mikaeel at his feet and said: “Good cheers for you O son of Abu Talib, who can be like you? That Almighty Allah boasts about you to the angels.”

Akhtab Khwarazimi, a Sunni tradition scholar narrates that the Messenger of Allah said:

“The next morning after I was in the cave, Jibraeel came to me overjoyed, and I asked him about his happiness, he replied; “Why I should not be happy when Almighty Allah honored your brother, successor and the imam of the Umma last night, and he was proud of him and He said: “O angels, look at My Proof, how he is risking his life for the Prophet.”

It is narrated that next morning, the Quraish's infidels drew their swords and ran upon the Commander of the Faithful, Khalid bin Walid being in advance of the rest. The Lion of Allah, leaped up, and seizing Khalid by the arm, wrung it so that he bellowed like a camel. He then caught Khalid’s sword and they all fled away. Later, when the infidels knew that it was Ali, they said to him: “We have nothing to do with you, where is Muhammad?” He replied: “Did you entrust him to me?” It should be noted here that the Most Truthful of the Umma did not tell a lie even at this critical situation!

In accordance with the instructions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), the Commander of the Faithful returned the trusts to the owners and along with the Lady of the Paradise, Bibi Fatima Zahra, Bibi Fatima binte Asad and other respectful ladies, started towards Madina.

   

References:

The Noble Qur’an Translation               by Ayatullah Sayyid Kamal Fagih Imani

Hayat al-Qulub                                     by  Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.)

Tarikh-e-Tabri and Tarikh-e-Yaqubi

Takhirat-ul-Khawas                              by Sibt ibn Jauzi Hanafi

As-Siratun Nabawiyya                          by Ibne Husham

As- Sirat al Fusul ul Muhimma              by Ibne Sabbaq Maliki

As- Sirat ul Halabiya                             by Halabi

HIS HOLINESS AYATULLA AL-UZMA SAYYID ABUL QASIM AL-KHOEI (R.A.)

He was born on Rajab 15, 1317 A.H. (November 19, 1899) at Khoei in Iranian Azerbaijan. In 1330 A.H (1912 AD), he migrated to Najaf al-Ashraf, Iraq in pursuit of knowledge.

The Hawza: A university-type Hawza was established by the most learned man at that time, Sheikh Muhammad Hassan al-Toosi in 449 A.H. The Hawza passed through three stages of development: The first extended from the year of establishment till early tenth century; the second period started from then till early twelfth century; the third started from then till the present time. During each of these periods, certain personalities rose to the distinction and contributed to the development and improvement of the functions of this great university. Here is their short list:

1. Those who were distinguished during the first period included the founder, Sheikh Toosi, his son Abu Ali al-Toosi, and Muhammad ibn al-Hassan al-Toosi.
2. Scholars whose stars shone during the second period included al-Muqaddas Ardbaili, Jamal addin – The First Martyr, Sayyid Mahdi – Bahral Uloom, and Sheikh Jaffer Kashiful Ghita.
3. Men of this period are innumerable, yet the most renowned among them were Bahral Uloom, Kashiful Ghita, Sayyid Abul Hassan Isphahani, and Sayyid Muhsin al-Hakim. The list is concluded by men of genius such as Abul Qasim al-Khoei during whose period, the Hawza became like a bee-hive, full of productivity and scholarly competition. Some people call it the Renaissance.

Mentors of al-Khoei:  The fountainheads that nurtured the intellect of the late al-Khoei include the finest among the contemporary scholars such as Sheikh Fatahallah, Sheikh Mahdi Mazandarani, Shaikh Diyaud-Deen, Shaikh Kamplani, Sheikh Muhammad Hussain al-Naeeni, and Sheikh Muhammad al-Balaghi and others.

Al-Khoei as Mentor: As a professor, he taught the higher levels of theological studies in Islam called al-sutooh and al-kharij which are equivalent to M.A. and Ph.D. A whole new generation of scholars bearing his stamp and style of learning as masters of the sciences of fiqh, usool, hadees, ilm al-rijal, tafseer and ilm al-kalam. These may be roughly translated as the sciences of jurisprudence, basics of jurisprudence, traditions, biographies, exegesis, interpretation of the Holy Qur’an, and theological philosophy.

Teaching the al-Kharij stage:

Al-Khoei passed the stage of usool and continued teaching the much more advanced stage of al-Kharij for more than 50 years. The number of his graduates is estimated at tens of thousands.

Najaf’s Hawza under his supervision: The monumental achievement of his late holiness Abul Qasim al-Khoei is his development and improvement of Najaf’s al-hawza al-ilmiya since 1970. He is described by his students as a compassionate fatherly figure who believed in moderation. He attained the coveted title of “Ayatollah” when he was in his early thirties. The number of students and teachers in its hay days reached 10,000. It contains several libraries, where ancient and rare manuscripts are treasured and guarded as a gold mine! In Najaf, in general and around the premises of the Hawza in particular, book stores outnumber grocery stores.

Some of his renowned students: It is no exaggeration to say that 70% of Shi’a scholars worldwide are either graduates of al-Khoei’s hawza or students of such graduates, and each one of them is like a bright star! Some of the renowned scholars were: Ayatollah Baqir al-Sadr, Ayatollah Beheshti, Ayatollah Siestani, Ayatollah Sayyid Mekki.

A Great Administrator: Imam al-Khoei kept in touch with his followers worldwide through a very well organized and centralized network of representatives. They were charged with duties such as: making sure that social, educational, theological, cultural and even financial problems of their respective communities are properly addressed and solved. He proved his administrative genius in handling the financial aspect of running such a huge and intricate network of charitable trusts overseen and supervised by the Khoei Foundation which has been building schools and religious and cultural centers.

Institutes he established: Since he took charge of Najaf’s hawza, al-Khoei became the caretaker of all Shi’a charitable institutions, mosques, Hussainias, and theological hawzas all over the world. In India, where there are 40 million followers, he established a complex which is the largest in the world. It manages a huge hospital, many schools and colleges. Charitable institutions are also operating in other parts of India. In Qum, he started Madinatul Ilm, which is the largest theological institution in the world. More than 3000 students, including 500 students with families, are studying there. In Mashhad, there is Khoei School and Library. Al-Khoei’s Mabarrah is catering to the needs of orphans at Beirut, Lebanon. Similarly, there are centers in U.S.A. and offices in Pakistan, Malaysia.

Al-Khoei Foundation: He ordered the establishment of an international charity to look after his followers all over the world. Hence Imam Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation was founded in Najaf al-Ashraf in 1988 with branches in Europe and Middle East. In 1991, the headquarters were shifted to London controlling the activities in U.S.A., Pakistan, India, Canada and Kuwait. The Foundation helped Kuwaitis, victims of Iran Iraq war.

His Asceticism: Ayatollah al-Uzma al-Khoei was an embodiment of asceticism, scholarship and renunciation of worldly riches. His son, Majeed Khoei describes his father as: “My father never deducted his share from religious taxes, but spent from gifts handed by his followers. He never bought a new dress unless the old dress was completely worn out. When his health deteriorated and he was hospitalized, his doctors advised him to do something to entertain himself. He replied that reading always made him relax and lecturing was always entertainment to him. He used to wake up before sunrise, pray Tahajjud, followed by morning prayers. He always ate breakfast with his family. His breakfast used to be a piece of bread and domestic cheese and a tiny cup of tea.”

The Imam at home: “My father was always smiling when he used to be with us. He always arbitrated between his sons if there was any disagreement. He would never open our mail. He always instructed his family to deliver funds for highly esteemed but improvised families without doing so publicly, telling them to help those whom the ignorant mistake as wealthy because of their abstention from begging for help.

Imam’s Demise: After the failure of Intefada in March 1991, the Grand Ayatollah was briefly imprisoned then forced to appear on television by the Butcher of Baghdad-Saddam Husain who kept pressuring him to issue fatwa supporting the oppressive regime to which he never complied. Before his death, the government cut-off all telephone lines of even his relatives. He asked for water to perform wuzu and as soon as it was completed, he breathed his last on August 8, 1992. The government clamped curfew and his funeral could only be attended by close family members. The prayers were led by Ayatollah Siestani

Reference:

Al-Khoei                                                          by Yasin T. al-Jibouri

THE COMPANIONS OF THE CAVE

There is a Surah after their name i.e. al-Kahf. Let us first reproduce the Ayahs of the Noble Qur’an pertaining to them:

            “Did you think the story of the Companions of the Cave and the Inscription was more marvelous than Our other miracles. When the youth sought refuge in the cave, they prayed, “Lord, grant us mercy and help us to get out of this trouble in a righteous way.”

We sealed their ears in the cave for a number of years. Then We roused them to find out which of the party had the correct account of the duration of their sleep in the cave. We tell you this story for a genuine purpose. They were young people who believed in their Lord and We gave them further guidance. We strengthened their hearts when they stood up against the idols and said, “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We shall never worship any one other than Him lest we commit blasphemy. Our people have considered other things equal to Him. Why can they not present clear proof in support of their claim? Who is more unjust than one who invents falsehood against Allah?

(They were told), “Now that you have abandoned them and what they worship instead of Allah, seek refuge in the cave. Allah will, certainly, grant you mercy and provide you with help to get safely out of this trouble.”

(You could see that no sunlight could reach them during their sleep in the cave). You could see the rising sun decline to the right of their cave and the setting sun move its way to the left whilst they were sleeping in an opening of the cave. This is one of miracles of Allah. Whomever Allah guides receives the right guidance and you will never find a guardian or guide for those whom He causes to go astray.

You might think them (the youths) awake (with their eyes wide open) while, in fact, they were sleeping. We turned their bodies from right to left and their dog stretched its front legs on the floor of the cave. Had one looked them over, he would have run away from them in dread. We roused them from their sleep so that they would question each other about their stay in the cave. One of them said, “How long do you think we have stayed here?”

They replied, “A day or part of a day.” They added, “Your Lord knows better how long we have stayed here. Let us send one of us with this money to the city to get some pure food so that we might eat. He should be careful so that no one will know about us, they would certainly stone us to death or force us to follow their religion. Then we shall never be able to have everlasting happiness.

We caused this story to become public so that people would know that Allah’s promise was true and that there is there is no doubt the coming of the Day of Judgment.

(Muhammad), say, “My Lord has the best knowledge of their number.” (18:9-22)

Who were Ashaab-e-Kahf?

These were rich and pious young men, who were ministers in the government and who believed in the Oneness of Allah. Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) told his companions: “They were in the days of a king who ordered people towards idol-worshiping and would kill those who refused it. The “Ashaab-Kahf” were believers but exercised Taqiyyah. One day they escaped. On the way, they met a shepherded and invited him towards Allah but he refused the faith but his dog joined them and remained with them till the end. They prayed Allah for mercy and sought guidance. Hence Allah guided them to the Cave. Allah made them sleep for 309 years. During sleep, their eyes were open so as to keep away any man or animals. As mentioned in Ayah 18, any one who sees them would have scared and run away. By the way, their number was not certain. Ayah 22 explains this by saying “they were three and their dog was the fourth one. Ultimately the Ayah continues saying “they were seven and their dog was the eighth one.” The Ayah concludes saying “My Lord has the best knowledge of their number.” During their sleep, Allah turned their bodies from right to left (so that their blood circulation continued).

At the end of the unusual sleep, Allah wakes them up. They asked one another for how long did they sleep? One of them said one day or even part of it. They agreed to send one of them to the market to purchase pure food. The importance of pure food is evident from a hadees wherein a man came to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and requested for ways that Allah may accept his “Dua’a”. The Prophet replied: “Eat pure food and make sure that no prohibited food may enter your stomach.”

The man noticed that every thing was changed. After buying some food, the man gave a coin. The shop keeper was shocked to see the coin which was more than 300 years old. It was difficult for the people of the town to believe that dead men could be brought back to life.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the man rushed back to the cave and narrated the whole story. They were all surprised and realized that their families, parents and friends all must have been perished. So they prayed sincerely to Allah and requested for their death and Allah accepted their prayers.

After their death, people constructed a mosque at the entrance of the cave.

Similar to the Companions of the cave, there is another story of Prophet Uzayr.

He was traveling through a village when he saw that all the houses were fallen on its residents and some of the body parts were visible. Addressing Allah, He said “How will you revive these people on the Day of Judgment? Allah brought death to him for 100 years and then revived him. On coming back to life, he was asked by Allah for how long did he sleep? He replied one day or even part of the day. (2:259)

Lessons from this event:

One can realize that when the Ashaab-e-Kahf slept for 309 years but on waking up that long span of time appeared to them as a day or even shorter than a day. Hence the period of Barzaq for every one might be proportionately small.

Even young men though materially well-off were true believers; they will sacrifice the material success for the Life Hereafter.

When they seek help from Allah, He grants Mercy and Guidance to sincere believers.

Even animals feel the righteous cause. The Zul-Jenah, the horse of Imam Husayn (a.s.) also behaved in exceptional and abnormal ways. Similarly, the dog who accompanied the Companions of the Cave showed abnormal behavior.

Do not follow blindly any body.

Migrate from unholy environment.

They practiced “Taqiyyah” and escaped to the cave.

Equality in Allah’s path.

Help from Allah is always available to the believers.

Insistence on Pure (Halal) food even in adverse circumstances. Pure food affects both body and soul.

Convince believers on Resurrection of the dead on the Day of Judgment.

Reference:

The Noble Qur’an

Commentary on Surah al-Kahf                          By: Ali Abdul Rasheed

IMAM ALI AR-REZA (A.S.)

Imam Ali al-Reza ( a.s.) was born in Madina. The Imam’s father was Imam Moosa al-Kazim (a.s.) and his mother was Lady Najma. The Imam was the eighth Infallible of

Ale-Muhammad (s.a.w.s). He spent 29 years with his father and after his martyrdom; he became the Imam and lived for 20 years. His physical life was 49 years when he too was martyred by Ma’mun. Like other caliphs, he was also a hypocrite and to deceive the Muslims, he offered his successor-ship and when the Imam declined the offer, he threatened to kill him. The Imam accepted the offer on the condition that he will not take part in the affairs of the government.

Sayings of Imam Ali ar-Reza (a.s.):

Whoever draws a comparison between the Sublime God and His creatures is an atheist.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) said “Whoever comes to visit me during my life time or after my death has indeed visited the Sublime God.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) had visited the Paradise and saw the Hell Fire during his Ascension.

When the Imam (a.s.) was leaving Nieshapur, thousands of Muslim scholars surrounded his carriage and asked to share with them a tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s). The Imam (a.s.) said: “(And the Imam narrated the names of his father and his grand father and the names continued till the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). This chain of names is called “Silsila-e-Zahabia” or Golden Chain. “The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) was told by Archangel Jibra’eel that Allah said “La Ilaha Illallah” is My Stronghold. Whoever enters My Stronghold, is secured from My Punishment” When they moved on, the Imam said loudly “There are certain conditions for this. And I am one of these conditions.” Imam Ahmad ibne Hambal said that if any one recites this “Golden Chain” on a deranged person, he will become healthy. That’s why, Shias write these names on the shrouds of their dead.

Meeting with the Christian Archbishop:

Once, Caliph Mamun invited religious scholars from different faiths and requested Imam ar-Reza (a.s.) to have debate with them to which the Imam agreed. The catholic archbishop asked “What is your opinion about the prophet-hood of Jesus and his book? Do you deny either of them? The Imam replied “I do admit the prophet-hood of Jesus and his book. However, I reject the prophet hood of any Jesus who has not professed the prophet hood of Muhammad (s.a.w.s), his book and what he advised his nation to do.”

The archbishop said “name any two witnesses not from your nation and whom we accept”

The Imam said “what is your opinion about John al Daylami?” The archbishop said “Bravo”. The Imam said “Then I ask you to swear to and tell me whether or not the Bible says that John says, ‘The Messiah has informed me of the religion of Muhammad, the Arab, and has given me the glad tidings about him who will be (a Prophet) after him. Therefore I gave the glad tidings of him to the disciples and they believed in him”

The archbishop replied “John did quote this from the Messiah. He did give the glad tidings of a man who will be a prophet, his household and his trustees. He has not clarified when this will come and has not named them”. The Imam said, “If we can bring someone who can recite the Bible, and recites to you Muhammad’s name, his household, will you believe in him?”. The Imam then turned towards Nestus, the Roman and asked him if he had memorized the Third book of the Bible. Then the Imam said,” I will recite some verses and you testify if it is correct.” Then the Imam recited some verses to which Nestus and the archbishop both agreed.

Then the Imam asked the archbishop if he had any more questions. The archbishop said,

“What about the disciples of Jesus? How many were they? Tell me about the scholars of

Bible, how many were they?” The Imam replied “They were twelve and the best and the most learned of them was Aluqas (Luke) and as for the scholars, they were three; John (Yohanna), ‘the greatest’, John at Qriqisia, and John-the al-Daylami at Zijar, who made reference to the prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s). The Imam added “We believed in Jesus who believed in Muhammad (s.a.w.s). We have nothing against Jesus except for his weakness and the paucity of his fasting and prayer” The archbishop said, “By God; you have corrupted your knowledge. I thought you were the most learned of the Muslims” The Imam asked “why?” The archbishop replied, “Since you said that Jesus was weak with little fasting and praying, while Jesus never broke fasting by day and never slept at night.

He always fasted during the day and prayed at night.” The Imam asked “For whom did he fast and prayed?” The archbishop did not have an answer and became speechless!

The Imam asked the archbishop “Why do you deny that Jesus gave life to the dead with the Honorable and Exalted God’s permission?” The archbishop replied “Since whoever gives life to the dead and heals the blind and the leprous is a lord worthy of worshiping”

The Imam said “Indeed al-Yasa (Elijah) did just as Jesus did. He walked on water, gave life to the dead, and healed the blind and leprous. Why did his nation not adopt him as a Lord? Why did not any one worship him as a god other than Allah?”

The prophet Hezqeel (Ezekiel) did just Jesus did. He gave life to thirty five men sixty years after their death”. There was silence.

Imam’s popularity:

Once, Mamun requested the Imam to lead the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. The Imam came out of his house wearing white dress, bare-footed and started walking towards the mosque and advised his followers to do the same. Hence every one, including military and judicial officers, also followed him bare-footed. The Imam was saying takbir loudly and the Muslims repeated. A huge crowed had gathered and situation became so tense that Mamun had to request the Imam to stop leading the prayer.

Although, he was the heir-apparent of the Caliph, Mamun, but he led a simple life and he would ask his servants to join him when eating food.

The Imam re-established the Majaalis of Imam Hussain (a.s.)

Once, a man approached the Imam and asked for some money to go back home as he had spent every thing he had and that when he returns home he will give that money in charity.

The Imam went inside and gave him the money from behind the curtain. After the man left, people asked why he gave the money from behind the curtain. The Imam replied” I did not want to see the shame of supplication on his face.”

Miracles of Imam Ali ar-Reza:

It is reported that after leaving Nieshapur, the Imam reached a village called “Din-Surkh”.

It was time for Zohar prayers. The Imam asked for water which was not available. The Imam dug the earth and a spring gushed out. The Imam and his companions performed wuzu with it. The spring is still there and has become a place of pilgrimage.

There was famine in the country and Mamun requested the Imam to help. He promised to pray for rain on Monday. The Imam came out and started to pray. Before the completion of his prayers, cool winds started to blow and clouds started accumulating and it rained heavily. After that incident one of the persons who became jealous of the Imam and while in the court of Mamun, tried to belittle Imam’s miracle and invited the Imam to show the miracle by asking the picture of the tigers on the carpet to tear him apart. The Imam said

“It was the Blessings of Allah that He sent rain on my prayer. As for your desire to make the picture of tigers into living ones, I will satisfy your wish.” The Imam pointed towards the tigers on the carpet and asked it to tear open the unbeliever and eat him. No sooner the Imam (a.s.)’ words were finished, the carpet tigers became real and attacked the man and ate him away. Mamun was trembling with fear and became unconscious. The Imam (a.s.) revived him and ordered the tigers to go back to carpet.

Similarly, due to Mamun’s jealousy with the Imam (a.s.) once, when the Imam (a.s.) came to meet Mamun, the servants who used to raise the huge curtain to let-in the visitors deliberately did not raise it but due to wind gust the curtain went up and the Imam went in. Same event happened on his return. It was repeated for many days and seeing the Divine help they were ashamed.

TAQIYYAH

Taqiyyah means concealing or disguising one’s beliefs, convictions, ideas, feelings, opinions, and strategies at a time of imminent danger, whether now or later in time, to save one’s self from physical and or mental injury or even death. It is also called “Dissimulation”

Although, there are many Ayahs of Noble Qur’an prohibiting the unlawful murders of human beings, but history is loaded with ruthless and unlawful massacres of human beings. Surah al-Mai’da Ayah 32: “For this reason, We made it a law for the children of Israel that the killing of a person for reasons other than lawful reprisal or for stopping the spread of evil in the land is as great a sin as murdering all of mankind.”

Surah al-An’am Ayah 151: “…..Take not a life which Allah has made sacred except by way of justice and law.”

Protection of life is very important in Islam. If there is an imminent danger to one’s life, Allah allows even to eat prohibited items so as to save the human life. Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 173: “Allah has forbidden you to eat that which has not been properly slaughtered, blood, pork, and the flesh of any animal which has not been consecrated with a mention of the name of Allah. However, in an emergency, without the intention of transgression or repeating transgression, one will not be considered to have committed a sin.”

It is abundantly clear why Shiahs had to resort to Taqiyyah in their history.

Taqiyyah has its roots in the Noble Qur’an and in the conducts of Prophet’s companions, and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)’s approval is a vivid testimony to its existence and permisibility during the early days of Islam.

“Whoever renounces faith in Allah after (affirming) his faith – barring someone who is compelled while his heart is at rest in faith – but those who open up their breasts to disbelief, upon such shall be Allah’s Wrath, and there is a great punishment for them” (16:106)

One day, Ammar bin Yassir and his parents were captured by the enemies and the infidels asked them to renounce Islam. His parents bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and the prophet hood of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). His parents were martyred and he was tortured. In order to avoid enemy’s torture, Ammar uttered what the infidels wanted him to utter, and so he was free. When he narrated the whole story, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) consoled him and gave him permission to repeat it in future if his life was in danger. Hence, the above Ayah was revealed.

“The faithful should not take the faithless for allies instead of the faithful, and whoever does that Allah will have nothing to do with them, except when you are wary of them out of caution.” (3:28)  

This Ayah clearly testifies that friendship with infidels is not permissible. But in case of Dissimulation (Taqiyyah), when one intends to save his life or ward-off dangers, then outward friendship with them is permissible.

The despotic rulers in general and Umayyad and Abbasid governments in particular, were inimical to Shi’ahs and resolved to eliminate them; the Shi’ahs used Taqiyyah as per Qur’anic injunctions and Prophetic approval by hiding their true beliefs.

Muslims in general also used Taqiyyah to safeguard their lives and property.

Difference between Nifaq and Taqiyyah:

Nifaq is the belief against Islam in their hearts but declaration of Islam in words.

Taqiyyah is the correct belief of Islam by heart but declaration of anti Islamic belief in words. Hence Taqiyyah and Nifaq are opposite to each other and can never be found in one place.

In Surah al-Ghafir, Ayah 28: “And said a man who was a believer from the people of Pharaoh: who used to conceal his faith.”

In Surah al-Qasas, Ayah 28: “A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying ‘Musa, people are planning to kill you. I sincerely advise you to leave the city.”

 So also Hazrat Abu Talib did not declare his faith openly, he was able to protect the life of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

In all the above cases, Allah was pleased with the hiding of faith, because it had great benefits.

The faithful from the family of Pharaoh’s faith based on Taqiyya was so pleasing to Allah that he was counted as a “Siddiq” (Most Truthful). The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “There are three Siddiqin: (1) Habib Najjar (2) the faithful from the family of Pharaoh (3) Ali bin Abi Talib.”

As per al-Baidawi, Prophet Musa also spent considerable period of his life in Taqiyyah.

Even the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) kept his mission secret for three years!

Best way to perform Taqiyyah:

Sometimes a sentence or phrase may be used in such a way that the hearer takes it to conform to his own ideas, while the speaker takes it to mean a quite different thing.

“The believer from the family of Pharaoh” was reported to be his cousin. When his partiality towards Prophet Musa became known, some courtiers complained to Pharaoh about it. He became furious and called his cousin for clarification. The court was full. The believer asked the people:

The Believer: Tell me who is your Lord?

Courtiers: Pharaoh

The Believer: Who is your Creator?

Courtiers: Pharaoh

The Believer: Who is your Sustainer?

Courtiers: Pharaoh

Then the Believer declared: O King! I keep you and all these present as my witness that their Lord is my Lord, their Creator is my Creator, their Sustainer is my Sustainer.”

Pharaoh’s anxiety vanished and the back-biters were punished. The real intention of the Believer is quite clear.

References:

The Noble Qur’an

The Shia Rebuts                                               by Sayyid Rida Husayni Nasab

Taqiyya                                                            by Syed Saeed Akhter Rizvi