SAYINGS OF IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)

Imam Husayn (A.S.) who was the son of The Gate Way of Knowledge, The Orator of The Pulpit of “Salooni”, The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (A.S.) had shared some Pearls of Wisdom. These are reproduced below:

• The true stingy is the one who refrains from greeting.
• There are seventy advantages for the greeting. Sixty nine is given to the one who greets first and one is given to the one who responds the greetings.
• Habib Ibne Mazahir narrates that once he asked Imam Husayn (A.S.), “What were you before the creation of Adam? Imam replied, “We were the spiritual lights orbiting The Highest Heaven and teaching the angels praising and glorification.”
• The Noble Qur’an has an elegant outward and profound inward.
• When asked, what is affluence? Imam replied, “Decreasing your wishes, and being satisfied with what is enough for you.”
• Commander of the Faithful asked Imam Husayn (A.S.), “O’ Son! What is being honorable? He replied, “Benevolence to family members and bearing their losses”
• Nothing is more disgraceful for the learned than greed.
• Nothing is more disgraceful for nobleman than telling lies.
• Nothing is more disgraceful for the rulers than treating their subordinates cruelly.
• Nothing is more disgraceful for old people than being slaves to their worldly desires.
• Endure difficulties when you walk on the Divine Path, and resist the temptation of worldly pleasures.
• Do not try to find faults with others, instead, when someone makes a small blunder try to cover up for him and justify his mistakes.
• Tears of the eyes and fear of the hearts are among the Graces of Almighty.
• Those who are reduced to tears after hearing sufferings of my family, their tears will protect them from Hell and Allah will place them up in Paradise.
• The Holy Book of Allah contains four items; words, implications, esoteric points, and realities. Words for common people, implications for special people, esoteric points for Divine leaders, and realities for the Prophets.
• O’ Son of Adam! Your life comprises of passing days, with each day passing, a part of you goes away for good.
• Imam was asked as to why Almighty Allah made it compulsory to fast. He replied “To make the rich taste hunger and be merciful towards the needy.”
• Contentment causes the comfort of body.
• Continuous experience increases intellect, honor and piety.
• Death with dignity is better than life with humility.
• In your friend’s absence, speak of him the way you like him to speak of you in your absence.
• The Imam (A.S.) advised Ibne Abbas, “Do not talk about something which does not concern you, because I fear you commit a sin, and do not talk in what concerns you unless there is an occasion for it.”
• Moderation is wisdom.
• Generosity is prosperity.
• Greediness is poverty.
• Silence is an ornament (for men).
• Good manner is (counted as) a worship.
• Aiding (others) is (a sign of) truthfulness.
• Your neighbors are like your relatives.
• People’s secrets are properties held in trust with you.
• Telling lies is a sign of weakness.
• Telling the truth brings about honor.
• Whoever accepts your grants, he has helped you with your generosity.
• Do not assume responsibility for a task, unless you are sure you can handle it competently.
• Spend as much as you earn, not more.
• When a poor man begs for your help, his pride is hurt. Then you do not deal another blow to his pride by letting him down.
• Avoid doing what you might later be asked to apologize for it! Because the believer does not harm and does not ask for apology, while the hypocrite always harms and apologizes.
• Addressing his son, Ali (A.S.), the Imam (A.S.) said, “O’ my son, be afraid of oppressing the one who has no defender except Allah.”
• Those who worship Allah sincerely will be rewarded far more than they have wished and even more than what they deserved.
• Best of wealth is that with which one protects his fame and dignity.
• The Almighty Allah elevates His worshippers for their patience in enduring difficulties.
• Tolerance is a man’s ornament, keeping promises is a sign of nobility, and bonding with others is a grace.
• Your best relation is the one who comes to you and helps you when you have severed relations with him.
• The most merciful person is the one who forgives when is able to take revenge.
• Noble and eminent person controls his tongue and does good deeds.
• A man came to Imam Husayn (A.S.) and said, “I am a sinful man and cannot avoid doing sin, please advise me.” The Imam said, “If you can do these five things, then commit sin as much as you like. First of all: Do not eat the sustenance of Allah. Second: Go beyond the domain of Allah. Third: Seek a site where Allah cannot observe you. Fourth: If the angel of death comes to take away your soul, expel him from you. Fifth: If the angel of Hell was about to throw you in Hell Fire, stop him.
• Associating with corrupt people makes you subject to suspicion.
• Whoever seeks the satisfaction of people through disobedience of Allah, then Allah subjects him to people.

DEFECTION OF HUR FROM YAZID'S ARMY

Hur was a career officer in Yazid’s army stationed at Kufa garrison. He was sent with an army of 1000 men to intercept Imam Husayn (A.S.). Hur knew that the government did not want Imam Husayn ( A.S.) to enter Kufa. But as a professional soldier he did not concern himself with the political issues. His duty was to execute the orders of his superiors. However, an Islamic conscience was lurking in his tough military heart.

Hur and his 1000 strong army met Imam Husayn ( A.S.) and his companions outside Kufa. Hur and his soldiers were traveling for a long time in the desert and consequently they were thirsty. Hur requested Imam Husayn ( A.S.) for water for his army. Imam Husayn (A.S.) asked Hazrat Abbas (A.S.), Hazrat Ali Akber, Hazrat Qasim and others to provide water to Hur’s army and also to their horses. Water in those days in the desert was a valuable commodity. However, the son of “Saqi-e-Kausar” showed benevolence.

After Hur’s army quenched their thirst, it was time for Zuhar prayers. Congregational prayers were led by Imam Husayn ( A.S.) and Hur and his army prayed behind Imam Husayn (A.S.)!

After the prayers, Hur told Imam Husayn (A.S.) that his orders were to stop the Imam from entering Kufa except if he pays allegiance (Bai’at) to Yazid. Imam Husayn (A.S.) said that he would never give allegiance to a man who was an unjust ruler and was determined to destroy Islam. In any case he was going to Kufa because people had invited him. The Imam produced two sacs of letters and petitions from the people of Kufa who were begging him to go there. Hur said that as his orders were not to allow the Imam to go to Kufa there was nothing he could do save carry out the orders.

From modern military warfare strategies, it is one of the tactics to destroy the enemy’s line of supplies. If Imam Husayn (A.S.) would have been on an adventure to grab power, it was a golden opportunity to deprive water to Hur’s army and let the enemy die of thirst.

But as Imam Husayn (A.S.), like rest of The Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) who always acted not for personal glory but for the sake of Allah.

The Imam told Hur that he will take another route and go away from Kufa. Hur said that his orders were to stop Imam Husayn (A.S.). Saying this, Hur placed his hand on the reigns of Imam Husayn (A.S.)’s horse. The Imam became furious and said, “May your mother mourn your death”. Hur said that he could have replied to him but he could not take Imam’s mother’s name.  And so, followed by Hur and his 1000 strong army, the Imam and his companions rode in the direction away from Kufa.

On the 2^nd. Muharram, they reached Karbala. Imam Husayn (A.S.) purchased a piece of land and pitched his tents. Hur and his soldiers pitched their camps some distance away.

Next day, Umer bin Sa’ad came with an army of 4,000 men. Umer Sa’ad was the commander of the Yazid’s army. He had several meetings with the Imam and he was so impressed with the Imam that he also prayed behind Imam Husayn (A.S.). When Ibne Ziad heard this, he was very furious. He sent Shimer with 10,000 men and wrote a letter to Umer Sa’ad ordering him to take Bai’at from Imam Husayn (A.S.) or kill him. Umer bin Sa’ad immediately changed his attitude towards Imam Husayn (A.S.).

Following his instructions, he imposed restrictions on Imam Husayn (A.S.) and his followers from getting water from the Euphrates, and from the 7^th Muharram, no one from Imam’s camp was allowed near the river Euphrates.

On the Night of Ashura, Hur was very restless. He could hear the children from Imam Husayn (A.S.)'s camp crying because of thirst. His conscience whispered to Hur: “What have you done Hur? Why did you put the son of Fatima (S.A.)in this position? Will Allah ever forgive you?” This was the rising of his dormant Islamic conscience. This career soldier could not sleep the whole night. Within him there was a struggle between his duty as a soldier and his Islamic conscience. He had been a professional soldier the whole life. He believed in his obedience to his superiors and the military discipline. Now the issues were moral and touched the very core of Islam. Hur’s conscience compelled him to consider these issues.

Before dawn he made up his mind. Hur, his slave and his son rode over to Imam Husayn (A.S.)’ camp. The Imam was sitting outside his tent. When he saw this small band of people who had deserted the enemy’s ranks and saw the light of Iemaan and followed their conscience. The Imam called Hazrat Abbas (A.S.), Hazrat Ali Akber and Hazrat Qasim and asked them to go and welcome the visitors. It is reported that Hur had asked his son to fasten his hands like a criminal. Hur came and fell on the feet of the Imam and pleaded for his forgiveness. Imam Husayn (A.S.) took Hur in his arms and said: “Hur I forgive you. I assure you that my grandfather also forgives you. You are Hur in this world and the Hereafter!”

From 7^th Muharrum onwards, when thousands of enemy forces were arriving and no one came to help Imam Husayn( A.S.), one can imagine the state of affair in the minds of every one in the Imam’s camp .Ahlul Bayt are always ready and willing to forgive the true sentiments of regret.

The defection of a commander of 1000 troops from the side of falsehood to the side of truth and righteousness, is a momentous event in the history of Karbala. He chose to move from, a side which in a few hours would be victorious and would shower worldly compensation from his superiors, to the side of a few hungry and thirsty men. This marks a great victory for Imam Husayn (A.S.) and Islam. One can capture the body but not the heart or soul. Over the centuries, Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) had touched and captured the hearts of Millions of human beings, whether Muslim or Non-Muslim.

SAYINGS OF THE MASOOMEEN ABOUT TRAGEDY OF KARBALA

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) said to the Lady of Paradise:

 “On the Day of Judgment, you shall intercede for the ladies, and I shall intercede for the men; every person who has wept over the tragedy of Husayn (A.S.), we shall take him by the hand and lead him into the Paradise”. He further said, “Surely, there exists in the hearts of the Momineen, with respect to the martyrdom of Husayn (A.S.) a heat that never subsides.”

Commander of the faithful(A.S.) said:

 “Surely, Allah has chosen for us followers who assist us and are happy at our happiness and are sad in our sadness.” He said to Ibne Abbas, “(Once, when he happened to passed by Karbala), Isa (A.S.) sat down and began to weep. His disciples were observing him, followed suit and began weeping too, but not knowing the reason for this behavior, they asked him: “O” spirit of God! What is it that makes you weep? Isa (A.S.) said, “Do you know what land this is? The disciples replied: “No” He then said: “This is the land, on which the son of Prophet Ahmad (S.A.W.S) shall be killed.”

Imam Zain-ul-Abedin(A.S.) used to say:

 “Every Momin, whose eyes shed tears upon the killing of Husayn (A.S.) and his companions, such that tears roll down his cheeks, Allah shall accommodate him in the elevated rooms of Paradise.”

Imam Mohammad Baqir(A.S.) said:

 “Those who cannot go for Ziarat of Imam Husayn (A.S.) on the day of Ashura, should mourn over Husayn (A.S.), weep for him and also instruct his family members to do so, the people should meet one another and offer condolences and consolations to each other.” He further said, “Commander of the Faithful, along with two of his companions, happened to pass by Karbala, tears filled his eyes. He said to them, “This is the resting place of their animals; and this is where their luggage will be laid down; and it is here that their blood shall be shed. Blessed are you O’ earth, that the blood of the beloved shall be spilled upon you.” He further added, “He who remembers us, or in whose presence, we are remembered, and tears flow from his eyes, even though they may be in the measure of a mosquito wing, Allah shall construct for him a house in Paradise and make the tears a barrier between him and the Hell Fire”

Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (A.S.) said:

“There is none who recites poetry about Husayn (A.S.) and weeps and makes others weep by means of it, except that Allah makes Paradise incumbent upon him and forgives his sins”

“All praise is for Allah, who has placed amongst the people, those who arrive in our presence, eulogizing us and reciting elegies about us.”

“As for Ali Ibn al-Husayn (A.S.), he cried over Husayn (A.S.) for twenty years never would any food placed before him except that he would begin to weep.”

“He in whose presence we (and our miseries) are mentioned and, as a result, his eyes pour out tears, Allah shall make his face forbidden upon the Fire of Hell.”

“May Allah have mercy upon your tears! Do know that you are regarded as being of those who are deeply concerned about us and of those who are happy at our happiness and aggrieved at our sorrow. Do know that you shall witness the presence of my fathers near you at the time of your death.”

“O’ Lord, have mercy upon those eyes, which have shed tears in compassion for us; and upon those hearts which have been restless and blistered for us; and upon those wailings, which have been for us.”

“He whose eyes shed tears for our blood which has been shed, or for our rights which have been usurped, or for the humiliation meted out to us or to one of our Shiites, Allah shall accommodate him in Paradise for a long time.”

“O’Zurarah! The sky had cried for forty days over the martyrdom of Husayn (A.S.)”

“The breath of one who is aggrieved upon the injustice and oppression subjected to us, is ‘tasbeeh’ (glorification of Allah), and his grief for us is ‘ibadah’ (worship of Allah) and his concealing our secrets, is ‘jihad’ in the path of Allah. The Imam (A.S.) then added: This tradition ought to be written in gold.”

“Allah has appointed to the grave of Imam Husayn (A.S.), four thousand anguished and grief-stricken angels, who weep over him (and shall continue to do so) up to the Day of Judgment”

“The zaair (pilgrim) of Imam Husayn (A.S.) turns back (from his pilgrimage) such that not a single sin remains upon him.”

(Regarding the zaair of Imam Husayn (A.S.) he said, “One who weeps for Imam Husayn, surely, the Imam (A.S.) observes him and seeks forgiveness for him and requests his Holy Fathers to (also) seek forgiveness for him”

“He (Imam Husayn) sees those who come to his shrine, and he knows them by their names, their father’s name and their ranks in the eyes of Allah, The Mighty, The Glorious, better than you know your children”

Imam Ali al-Raza (A.S.) said:

“The one for whom the day of Ashura is a day of tragedy, grief and weeping, Allah the Mighty, the Glorious, shall make the day of Judgment, a day of joy and happiness for him”

“With the advent of the month of Muharram, my father Imam Kazim (A.S.) would never be seen laughing; gloom and sadness would overcome him for the first ten days of the month, and when the tenth day would dawn, it would be a day of tragedy, grief and weeping.”

“If you desire that for you to get the reward equivalent to that of those martyred along with (Imam) Husayn (A.S.), then whenever you remember him say: O! Would that I have been with them! A great achievement would I have achieved!”

“O’ Son of Shabib, If you have to cry over something, then do so over Husayn Ibne Ali (A.S.) for surely, he was slaughtered in the manner a ram is slaughtered.”

“He who sits in a gathering in which our affairs (and our path and aims) are discussed and revived, his heart shall not die on the day (Day of Judgment) when hearts shall die of fear”

“O’ Son of Shabib! If it makes you happy (and you desire) to be with us in the elevated ranks of Paradise, then be sad in our grief and happy at our happiness”

“One who refrains from seeking his worldly desires on the Day of Ashura, Allah shall grant him his desires of the world and hereafter.”

MASTER OF THE MARTYRS IN THE EYES OF NON-MUSLIMS

The Grand son of The Prophet of Islam, Imam Husayn (A.S.) is revered and respected by the Muslims for centuries for his matchless sacrifice in the annals of human history.

Imam Husayn (A.S.) did not belong to Muslims only. As the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.)

said, “Hussayno Minni Wa Ana Minal Husayn “meaning “Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn”. As the Prophet of Islam was sent by Allah as “Rehmat” for the universe, hence Imam Husayn’s sacrifice had universal appeal. Imam Husayn was introduced to NON-Muslims on the eve of Mubahalah when Christians from Najran came to Madina and discussed about unity of God.

Another case of a non-Muslim influenced by Imam’s stand for truth and righteousness was a Christian, Wahab Al-Kalbi who met the Imam on the way to Karbala. When his mother learned about Imam Husayn (A.S.), she narrated that when she was pregnant, the physicians told her that the delivery will be fatal. Wahab’s father went to Imam Ali (A.S.) and requested him to pray who agreed to do so. Hence Wahab was born safely. She persuaded Wahab to go and sacrifice his life for the Imam. Infact, Wahab was married for two months but ultimately the whole family joined the Imam at Karbala. Wahab sacrificed his life first and his wife followed by becoming the first female martyr of Karbala.

In the court of Yazid, when he was misbehaving with Imam Husayn (A.S.)’s head, the ambassador of Rome was watching it. He enquired from Yazid as to whose head was that. On learning his connection with the Prophet of Islam he told Yazid that he was from the lineage of Prophet Dawood and that people still respect him and it was tragic that Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.)’s grandson was being disrespectedby Muslims. Yazid threatened to kill him whereupon the Christian ambassador said that was not afraid of death and that he had seen the Prophet of Islam in his dream. He bravely declared his conversion to Islam.

 Reproduced below are the compliments of Non-Muslims about him:

Mahatma Gandhi of India:

            I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed

            sway over the hearts of millions of mankind…I became more than ever

            convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days

            in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement

            of Hussain, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his

            friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in

God and in his own mission to save Islam. During the famous “Salt March” 

Mahatma Gandhi took 72 companions with him to achieve victory!

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru of India (The first prime minister):

            Imam Hussain’s sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of

            the path of righteousness.

Dr. Radha Krishnan (Former President of India)

            Though Imam Hussain gave his life years ago, but his indestructible soul

            rules the hearts of people even today.

Rabindranath Tagore (Freedom fighter of India)

            In order to keep alive justice and truth, instead of an army or weapons, success

            can be achieved, by sacrificing lives, exactly what Imam Hussain (A.S.) did.

Charles Dickens (English Novelist)

            If Hussain wanted to quench his worldly desires…then I do not understand

            why his sister, wife and children accompanied him. It stands to reason

            therefore, that he sacrificed purely for Islam.

Thomas Carlyle (Scottish historian and essayist)

            The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Cerebella is that Hussain and

            his companions were rigid believers in God. They illustrated that the numerical

            superiority does not count when it comes to the truth and the falsehood.

            The victory of Hussain, despite his minority, marvels me!

Edward Gibbon (English historian and Member of Parliament)

            In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Hosein will

            awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.

Edward G. Brown (Professor at the University of Cambridge)

            “…..a reminder of the blood-stained field of Karbala, where the grandson of

            the Apostle of God fell, at length, tortured by thirst, and surrounded by the

            bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at any time since then, sufficient to

            invoke, even in the most lukewarm, and the heedless, the deepest emotion,

            the most frantic grief, and an exaltation of spirit before which, pain, danger,

            and death shrinks to unconsidered trifles.” (A Literary history of Persia, London)

Antoine Bara (Lebanese writer)

            No battle in the modern and past history of mankind has earned more

            sympathy and admiration as well as provided more lessons than the

            Martyrdom of Hussain in the battle of Karbala. (Husayn in Christian Ideology)

Dr. Rajendra Prasad (The First President of India)

            The sacrifice of Imam Hussain is not limited to one country, or nation

            but it is a hereditary state of the brotherhood of all mankind.

THE YOUNG MARTYRS OF MUSLIM BIN AQEEL(A.S.)

Aqeel (A.S.) was one of the brothers of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (A.S.).

Muslim (A.S.) was the son of Aqeel (A.S.). Muslim (A.S.) had two sons aged about 10 and 12 years. The name of older son was Muhammad and the younger one was Ibrahim.

There are two versions of their whereabouts. One version states that they were with their father Muslim bin Aqeel (A.S.) in Kufa at the time of his martyrdom. The second version says that they were with Imam Hussayn (A.S.) in Karbala and subsequently imprisoned in Kufa. But it is confirmed that they were in Kufa and imprisoned. They were in prison for about one year. They underwent extreme hardships. They were provided barley bread and one cup of water every day.

After a year they talked to each other and decided to disclose their identity to the jailor. When the jailor came to know that they were from Ahlul Bayt and belonged to the Hashemite tribe, he apologized to them and set them free. He also gave them some provisions and direction to Madina. As it was becoming dark, they lost their way to Madina. They were tired and exhausted and approached an old woman who was sitting outside her house and requested for shelter for the night. When she learnt that they were from Prophet’s family, she was very kind to them. But she was worried about her son-in-law, Harith who was a supporter of Ibne Ziyad, the governor of Kufa. Earlier, the Governor had proclaimed that two prisoners had escaped from prison and offered to pay two thousands Dirham to any one who would bring the heads of the sons of Muslim bin Aqeel.

The two brothers slept in a dark room. Both the brothers saw their father in the dream. They woke up and started crying and sharing their dream with each other. Harith had returned home and was sleeping when he heard the crying voices. He searched the whole house and found them. He bound their feet together and attached to a pillar.

Next morning, Harith ordered his slave to take them to the river, kill them and bring back their heads. The slave refused to comply when he learnt that the boys were from Ahlul Bayt. He asked his son to kill them but he also refused. Finally, the man took the boys to the Euphrates River to kill them. They pleaded with him to sell them as slaves rather than kill them. But he refused. They again pleaded with him to take them to Ibne Ziyad, and let him decide their fate. But the cruel and greedy man would not listen. He said, “I better earn his nearness by spilling your blood and also collect the prized Dirham. They finally requested permission to offer prayer, which was granted.

After the prayers, they looked up towards heaven and prayed, “O’ Thou Alive, O’ Thou Wise, O’ Who is the best of all the Judges. Thou judge us and him with justice.” Then the evil man killed the older brother first and threw his head-less body in the river, the body waited for the younger brother. When the younger brother was also killed and thrown his body in the river then both the brothers bodies swept away simultaneously.

The man wrapped their heads in a cloth and took it to the court of Ibne Ziyad to collect two thousand Dirham in bounty. Their tomb is at Musaiyab, a place about 10 miles from Karbala.

It is to be noted that the children of Ahlul Bayt also remember prayers in the face of any catastrophe.

It is an irony that Imam Ali at the age of about 11 years offered to help the Holy Prophet to assist him and defend Islam at the First Feast in Islam called “Dawat-e-ZulAshira” in Makkah, when Allah directed his Prophet to warn his kin’s and community members. As time passed, Imam Ali(A.S.)’s Zulfiqar saved and protected not only Islam but the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.S) at the battles of Uhad, Badr, Khandaq, and Khyber, to name a few. He saved the Prophet of Islam on the night of Hijra by sleeping in the Prophet’s bed. On that night, who ever slept on that bed was sure to be killed. The Quraish were waiting to kill the Prophet in the morning. In return for these valiant and brave services to Islam and the Prophet of Islam, Imam Ali and his Ahlul Bayt were made to pay dearly. This onslaught reached the zenith at Karbala. Allah says in Qur’an, “Hal Jaza-al- Ehsaan Illal Ehasn?” meaning is it not the reward of gratefulness or favor, gratefulness? History narrates that instead of respecting and loving Ahlul Bayt, the Muslims mercilessly killed, tortured and imprisoned the Ahlul Bayt from Imam Ali (A.S.) to Imam Hasan al-Askari (A.S.)!

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EID-E-MUBAHELAH

In the early days of Islam, Najran was a big centre whose inhabitants were idol-worshippers.

Subsequently, they accepted Christianity as their religion. Najran is still there in Saudi Arabia, south of Jeddah. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had sent letters to the heads of different countries inviting them to Islam. One such letter was sent to the Christians of Najran.

It read as follows:

In the name of the God of Ibrahim, Ishaaq 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, Ishaaq, 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 Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) included the following verse of the Noble Qur’an:

“Say, (O’Muhammad) O People of the Book (Bible), come to an agreement between us and you; 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 (those who have surrendered to Allah).

This was the event of 10 A.H. Sixty very learned priests headed by their chief monk priest, Abdul Masih came to Madina and went straight to meet the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)dressed in silken clothes. The Prophet did not like their attire and turned his face away from them.

The Commander of the faithful, Maula Mushkil-Kusha came to their rescue and advised them to dress in simple clothes. When they returned wearing simple clothes, the Prophet

warmly welcomed them.

 Following conversation took place:

The Holy Prophet: I invite you towards the belief of Tauheed and the worship of one God and submission to His will. (Then he recited verse 64 of Sura al-Aale Imran.)

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

The Holy Prophet: Islam has a few 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 [Isa (a.s.)] was the son of God because his mother Mary [Mariyam (s.a.)] had given birth to him without marrying any one in the world. Therefore, obviously his father is the God of this universe. And also because he used to bring dead back to life, cure the sick and create birds from clay and make them fly. All this points to the fact that he is God.

The Holy Prophet: No, he was the servant and creature of God, and placed in the womb of his mother Maryam (s.a.). All his power and strength was granted to him by God.

At this time, Archangel Jibra’eel brought the following verse of Noble Qur’an:

“Surely the example of Isa to Allah is like that of Adam; He created him from dust and the said to him, “Be” and he was” (Noble Qur’an 3:59)

This meant 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 mother. The priests could not reply to this argument and continued to argue out of obstinacy.

Then the following verse 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” (Noble Qur’an 3:61)

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) produced this verse before the priests and challenged of “Mubahala”. The priests consulted each other and accepted the challenge. It was agreed between the two parties that the contest would take place the next day in the open desert outside Madina. On 24^th Zilhajj, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) came out for Mubahala. He was holding Imam Hussayn (a.s.) in his arms, and held Imam Hasan (a.s.) by his hand. Lady of Paradise Bibi Fatima (s.a.) was behind him, while behind her was the Lion of Allah, Imam

Ali (a.s.). The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said to them, “When I pray you should say Ameen”.

In obedience to verse of Mubahala sent by Allah, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) brought Imam

Hasan and Imam Hussayn (a.s.) as his “SONS”, Bibi Fatima (s.a.) as his “WOMEN” and Imam Ali (a.s.) as his “SELF”

The priests by seeing these beautiful and shining faces were spellbound. Their hearts trembled and they began to shake on seeing the power radiating from Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).

Their leader asked someone “who are these persons who have come with Muhammad”

The man told their names and their relationship with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

He could hold his patience no longer and he 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”

When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) heard these words, he remarked:

“By God, had the Christians of Najran contested with us, they would have been transformed into monkeys and swines. Fire would have rained over them”  

It is a historic event of a unique triumph of Islam. This event unquestionably establishes the truth about the spiritual purity of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). It proves beyond doubt as to who are the members of The House of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).

There is a point to remember that Allah had provided the place for three or more than three persons in the categories of “SONS”, “WOMEN”, and “SELVES”. But the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had to decide as to who were the persons who were “TRUTHFUL” and never lied in their life time, because Mubahala would bring Allah’s curse up on the “LIARS”. Hence, he picked-up Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussayn (a.s.); only two persons for the place in “SONS”. While in the place of “WOMEN”, he picked-up his daughter, The Lady of Paradise, Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Similarly, in the place of “SELVES”, he picked up The Conqueror of Khaiber, ImamAli (a.s.).

After the sad demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), at one time, when Bibi Fatima (s.a.) claimed back her gifted property of Fidak, the Caliph did not accept her testimony and that of Imam Ali (a.s.) nor The Hasnain (a.s.). These were the same Panjetan, whose Truthfulness was accepted by Allah on the eve of Mubahala!