IMAM JAFFER AL-SADIQ (AS) AND ATHEIST

Ibne Abi Al Auja, an atheist came in the Masjid-e-Nabavi in Madinah and challenged the companion of Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (AS), Mufaddal Ibne Umer, about the existence of God. When he could not thoroughly convince the atheist, he came to the Imam. The Imam explained in minute details of creation of human beings, animal kingdom and the outside world. In this article, we shall restrict ourselves to the “human body”.

The Imam said: “A human being is conceived within three dark coverings of the mother.

His mother’s menstrual flow is diverted to serve as his nutrition. After the birth, the same fluid is directed towards her breasts to feed him for growth. (This very miracle of mother’s blood first is consumed to make bones, flesh, skin and different delicate body parts and after birth, the same blood is converted to milk! should be sufficient).

As he moves about and needs harder food to build up a strong body, his molars appear to masticate food material to facilitate digestion. He carries on with such nutrition till he attains puberty. The male grows hair on face as sign of manliness. A female keeps her face clean, lovely and hairless. Can you imagine the manner in which man, through these stages, are lead and perfected, can take place without a Designer and a Creator? One can imagine the disastrous result of any abnormalities.

Just see the advantages that accrue to the children from weeping. There is a fluid in the child’s brain which, if not drained off, may cause trouble or illness, even the loss of an eye. The discharge of the fluid leaves it healthy and brighter eyes!

The saliva dripping from the mouths of children may cause serious derangement if not allowed to flow. The excess flow result in mental idiocy, foolishness even paralysis.

Just consider the conditions of various organs, the functions each one is required to perform and the perfection of design. Hands are meant to handle business, both feet are meant for locomotion, the eyes are to see with, the mouth is to take in food, the stomach is to digest it, the liver is to extract its nutrition for distribution to the various parts of the body after manufacturing same into blood, bile, lymph, and phlegm, the orifices of the body are meant to eliminate waste of the body. What we say is all things are created by One, who is The Master of Knowledge and Power. They say that there is no Creator and yet admit that nature had this by ingenuity and plan. It is obvious that action emanates from an Omniscient Creator, Who has laid down a method among His Creation through His Omniscience, which these people call nature.

For instance, a seed needs water to sprout- no rain no corn; a child is born by the union of man and woman, and without this process of union and insemination, no child can be born: water evaporates to cause a cloud, the cloud is moved about by air to give rain; there can be no rain without such a process. These atheists took these causes and nature as the real Creator, denying the existence of the Creator above all these. This is manifest error, seeing that water is lifeless, and unless it is enlivened by the Life-giver, how can it produce corn? And how can the sperm which is without intelligence, develop into an infant, unless energized by the Omnipotent to create a head out of one part, hands and feet from other parts, bones from yet another part and heart and liver from another part. Other forms of creations can be considered accordingly.

Now consider the nutrition supplied to the body, and the ingenious plan underlying it.

Just note that on the arrival in the stomach, the food is processed into chime of the physicians and the extract is transferred to the liver by fine capillaries forming a network in that organ. The stomach is constituted as a rectifier for transfer of material to the liver in rectified form, to prevent injury to that delicate structure. The liver then takes up the extracts of the nutrients taken in, and by an inscrutable ingenuity, changes it into blood to be pumped by the heart to all parts of the body by means of blood vessels, in the manner of irrigation channels seen in gardens and fields supplying water to any place. All waste products and toxic waste is carried off to organs designed to eliminate them, e.g. the gall bladder, the intestines, the sweat glands of armpits and thighs. The bile matter goes to the gall bladder, some matter goes to the spleen and the moisture goes to the bladder.

Just consider the ingenuity that goes into the building up of the body! How well these organs are co-coordinated! How the vessels, the intestines and the bladder etc are organized to collect the waste products of the body so as to prevent them to cause disease.

Glory is then to Him Who created these organs according to a remarkable plan and design. All praise is due to Him, Who is worthy of it.

Similarly, the parts of body are either single or double. Head is one while hands and feet are two and so on. Think of the ingenuity of these systems.

The parts involved in the production of voice-larynx, tongue, teeth and lungs resemble the musical parts in a bagpipe. The tongue is forged to distinguish between the varied tastes of foods. The teeth masticate the foods to make it soft enough for digestion. Imagine the importance of teeth to a person who have lost his teeth. The lips help to suck in water or other fluids.

The skull protects the brain which is wrapped in membranes for protection. The skull is covered with hair safeguarding it against heat or cold. Who then, except Almighty Allah, made these extraordinary protections for the most important part of the body? Just consider the eye-lid, how it is fashioned as a screen for the eye, with the eye-lashes like the strings for raising and lowering the screen. Who has concealed the heart within the breast and covered it with a membrane? Who has arranged for its protection by means of the ribs, the muscles rind flesh? Who has shaped the two holes in the throat; one for food and the other called wind-pipe? And who has placed a flap on the wind-pipe so as to protect food particles entering it which may cause obstruction and even death? Who has shaped the sphincters, controlling the outlets of urine and stool? Who has given the resilience to the muscles of the stomach to digest coarse foods? Can you imagine all these can be performed by inert nature? Certainly not. All this is the planning of Almighty Omnipotent  Designer, Who has the fullest knowledge and has the perfect Omnipotence in advance of creation. He is Allah, the Al-knowing, Almighty.

Who endowed man with intellect? Surely He Who made reward and chastisement as essential for him. He would not need intellect if he were not to be responsible for reward and punishment. The Almighty Creator endowed him with intellect to distinguish between good and evil, and after his decision between good and evil, to get the reward for goodness and chastisement for evil. Just consider what has been explained (condensed) above. Can there be such orderliness and method in the absence of planning? Certainly not! Allah Almighty is far exalted above what these (atheist) say.

Similarly, Allah has provided the knowledge which is essential for his life but denied him certain knowledge like his life span in the world. One can realize the pros and cons of this Divine decision.

On the same lines the benefits of memory and dreams. Some dreams are true but most of them are untrue!

As for the general human needs; man needs water more than bread. Hence Almighty has provided immense supply of water free but for bread he has to plan and make efforts which will keep him busy.

Birds and animals are all same without distinction but no two men are same. They have been made different to do business in life. If two animals are the same it is not harmful to them but if two men are the same, you can imagine the problems involved. Who then has provided such niceties and perfections which stagger imagination? Surely He Who created all these, Whose grace extends to all things. 

IMAM JAFFER AL-SADIQ (AS)

Imam Jaffer Al-Sadiq (AS) was born in Madinah on Rabi-ul-Awwal 17, 83 AH. It is reported that he used to visit his father’s school and would discuss serious matters of Fiqh and jurisprudence with senior students. In one such discussion, at the age of 11, he entered a class where astronomy was being discussed, and he surprised every one, except his father, that earth was not flat, because the way sun rises in the East and sets in the West and day and night change in 24 hours, it cannot be possible.

Up to the age of 12, he was raised under the guidance of his grand father, Imam Zain-ul-

Abedin (AS). After his grandfather’s death, up to the age of 31 years, he was directly under the supervision of his father, Imam Mohammad Baqir (AS).

In the year 114 AH, his father died and the responsibilities of Imamate devolved on his shoulders. The fall of Bani Umaiyya was eminent as there were wide spread revolts and his uncle, Zaid was also preparing to rise against them but the Imam advised against it.

His uncle, Zaid was brutally murdered and after him, his son Yahya also followed father’s path and met the similar fate. The Imam concentrated on the spread of spiritual sciences of Ahlul Bayt (AS).

Abbasids came to power on the slogans of “Right to rule is for the family of the Holy Prophet” but once they attained the reign of power, they were worse enemy of Ahlul Bayt.

Abbasid caliph, Mansur did not like the respect and esteem the Muslims showed to the Imam. He tried every possible means to harass the Imam, arranged debates with the Imam but failed.

The Imam was one of those infallible created by Allah to be models of moral excellence.

His particular character traits included hospitality, charity-helping the needy in secrecy, the fair treatment of poor relatives, forgiveness, patience and fortitude.

Once a pilgrim visiting the Prophet’s Mosque fell asleep. On waking up he hurriedly searched his belongings and found his purse which contained One Thousand Dinars missing. Looking around he saw the Imam praying in one corner of the Mosque. He accused the Imam of having picked up his purse. The Imam took him to his house and gave the missing Dinars. The stranger greatly satisfied came back and searched his other bags and found his money. Greatly ashamed of his conduct, he tried to return the money to the Imam. The Imam replied, “We never take back what ever we once give away, but if you feel guilty you may give it to the poor of the town.” 

His profound knowledge of religion and other sciences was famed across the Muslim world. People came from distant places and the number of his student reached Four Thousands. Among them was Abu Hanifa, Malik ibne Anas. Apart from religious sciences, he used to teach mathematics, chemistry, medicine and astronomy. Jabir Ibn Hayyan, the famous pioneer of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, was his disciple who wrote about four hundred treatises based on his mentor’s instructions.

Perhaps the most interesting of all his pupils was Abu Hanifa. In giving decisions he claimed the right to exercise the privilege of deductions and of using of his own judgment to supplement the Prophet’s Traditions.

Once, Abu Hanifa remarked that if the Imam did not teach three things he would be able to accept him:

1. “Good is from God and evil is from the deeds of men,” where as I say that men have no choice but good and evil are from God.
2. “In the final judgment the devil suffers in the fire,” where as I say that the fire will not burn him, in so much as the same material will not injure itself.(the Devil being from fire)
3. “It is impossible to see God in this world or the next,” where as I say that anyone who has an existence may be seen, if not in this world then in next.

At this point Shaikh Bahlul, who was the companion of the Imam but pretended to be simple minded person, picked up a clod of earth and threw on the head of Abu Hanifa, declaring as he made the hasty exit, that all three points are refuted. Abu Hanifa complained about him to the caliph, who called Behlul before him and asked him, “Why did you throw the clod of earth at Abu Hanifa? He replied, “I did not throw it.” Abu Hanifa protested, “You did throw it.” Behlul replied, “You yourself have maintained that evil is from God and men have no choice, so why you are blaming me? And you have also said that same material will not injure itself. The Devil is from fire and fire of Hell will not hurt him. Accordingly you are from dust of earth, tell me how it could injure you? You have also claimed that you can see God as a proof of His existence. Show me the pain you are complaining about that exists in your head.”

Abu Hanifa had no answer to that and he eventually agreed to what Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (AS) had taught about these things.

On the question of freedom of will (Irada) which was much under discussion at the time, the Imam taught, “that God has decreed some things for us and He has likewise decreed some things through our agency. What He has decreed for us or on our behalf He has concealed from us, but what He has decreed through our agency He has revealed to us. We are not concerned, therefore, so much with what He has decreed for us, as we are with what He has decreed through our agency.”

In response to the objection of Sufis, the Imam narrated sayings of the Holy Prophet (SAWS), “If a person have some loafs of bread, dates, or money, which he wants to distribute, he must first share with his parents, then his wife, children and himself, then relatives in descending order in the blood chain, and then in fourth place, on others as charity.” The Imam continued, “ The Holy Qur’an clearly states: The pious and god- fearing are those who are neither niggardly and miserly, nor over generous and extravagant in charity, but always moderate and balanced” The Imam continued, “The Holy Prophet classified the persons whose prayers are not accepted are:

• Persons who wish ill for their parents.
• Persons who lend their money without any witness or written pledge.
• Persons who sit idle at home and pray for sustenance.
• Persons who are granted abundant wealth waste it through abundant generosity.

Hazrat Salman Farsi used to set aside an amount that would cover his annual expenditure. People questioned him saying that he was a pious person but he provided himself for the whole year. If he dies within a week what good that provision serve him. He replied, “I may not die. If I survive the year, I will need the essentials of life. You do not realize that a person suffering from financial problems cannot worship or obey his Lord as peacefully and easily as one whose needs have been taken care of.”

The life of Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (AS) is so rich in knowledge and wisdom that this small space is insufficient to cover his entire life. Because these two Imams-Mohammad Baqir (AS) and Jaffer al-Sadiq (AS) had more opportunities to spread the wealth of knowledge of Ahlul Bayt (AS). Otherwise we would refer the Tradition of the Holy Prophet (SAWS), “Awwaluna Mohammad, Ausatuna Mohammad, Akheruna Mohammad, Kulluna Mohammad” It means that the entire “Golden Chain of Ahlul Bayt” possessed the Divinely given Knowledge. It was a matter of environment and opportunity that certain Imams disclosed the Family Treasures.

THE MIRACLES OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAWS)

Miracle is a supernatural feat presented by the Messengers and Prophets of Allah (SWT).

The Holy Prophet (SAWS) also presented numerous miracles. His first miracle was the matchless Noble Qur’an. His second major miracle was Imam Ali (AS).

Fourteen hypocrites who attempted to assassinate the Prophet asked him to show a miracle by splitting the moon into two parts. The Prophet pointed towards the moon and commanded it to split into two parts. It was done immediately. The hypocrites requested him to reunite the parts. He complied.The Prophet prostrated in thanksgiving to Allah (SWT). They said that some of their friends were coming from Syria and Yemen and if they confirm it then they will have faith in his prophecy. At this moment the following verse of Noble Qur’an was revealed, “The Hour of Doom is drawing near and the moon is rent asunder. Whenever they see a miracle, they turn away from it and say, “This is just a powerful magic.” (54:1-2)

While His Eminence, Abu Talib (AS) was still alive and was taking care of the young Holy Prophet (SAWS), Hazrat Fatima binte Asad narrates that she used to collect dates from the trees in their courtyard. One day she forgot to collect the dates and when the Holy Prophet (SAWS) awoke and searched for the dates he could not find. Hazrat Fatima binte Asad says that she saw that the Prophet went to a date tree and said: “I am hungry” she saw the tree bow down and the Holy Prophet (SAWS) picked up some dates from it.

Asma binte Umais reports that the Holy Prophet sent Imam Ali (AS) on some business and did not return till the time for Asr prayers had passed. When Imam Ali (AS) came back, the Prophet laid his head in his lap, and in that state, received a Divine communication, which did not end until sun set. He then inquired of Imam Ali (AS) if he had performed the prayers. “No” He said, “I could not lay aside your blessed head for any purpose.” The Prophet (SAWS) then prayed, “O Lord, Ali was in Your and Your Prophet’s service, therefore bring back the sun for him to perform prayers.” Asma said, “By Allah, I saw the sun returned several degrees above the horizon.

Once, there was a terrible drought in Madinah and when people approached the Prophet, he went up on the pulpit and prayed for rain. It began to rain and continued for one week. It rained so heavily that people complained of flooding. The Prophet gestured to the heaven and said, “O Allah, let there be no rain in Madinah but may rain in the surrounding areas.” Where ever he indicated, the cloud moved to that place.

A cloud always overshadowed the Holy Prophet (SAWS) before and after the declaration of his prophet hood.

As stated by Ummul Momineen, Umme Salma, at the time when the Lady of Paradise Bibi Fatima Zahra (SA), had prepared “Harira” for her father and brought with her Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husayn (AS) then the Holy Prophet (SAWS) called for the Commander of Faithful Imam Ali (AS) then he covered every one under the Khyber Cloak. Then he stated three times, “O Allah, these are my Ahlul Bayt, keep doubt and sins away from them and keep them purified.” Lady Umme Salma says that she stood at the entrance and said, “O Messenger of Allah, am I also from them?” He replied, “No, but you should have good ending.” Meanwhile Jibraeel came down and brought a tray filled with the fruits of Paradise. When the Holy Prophet (SAWS) handled the fruits, they began to praise and glorify the Almighty. Then he ate from them and also gave to Hasan and Husayn; again the fruits said, “Glory be to Allah” and Hasan and Husayn ate them. Then he gave them to Ali; the fruits praised the Almighty, and he also ate them. At this point, a companion of the Prophet arrived and tried to partake of them. Jibraeel said: “Except for the Prophet, his successor, or the sons of the Prophet, no one else can eat from them.

It is related on the authority of Anas that the Prophet sent summons to a Firon among Arabs to invite him to Islam. When the messenger came to him, he asked: “What is that made up of gold, silver or iron to whom you call me?” The messenger returned but the Prophet sent him back and he refused and was talking to the messenger when a cloud appeared from which issued lightening and burnt away his skull, on which this verse was revealed: “He sends down thunderbolts to strike whomever He wants, while they are busy arguing about the existence of Allah. His punishment is stern.” (13:13)

Imam Ali (AS) narrates in Nahjul Balagha, that some nobles of Quraish requested the Holy Prophet (SAWS) for a miracle by asking that he order the tree to move and go to him. The Prophet said to the tree: “O tree, if you do believe in Allah and the Day of Judgment and know that I am the Prophet of Allah then come up and stand before me with your roots, with permission of Allah”. The tree did come up with a humming sound and stood before him. They said: “Now ask half of it to come to you.” When he did that, they exclaimed that it was a sorcery.

Imam Ali (AS) was sent by the Holy Prophet (SAWS) to Yemen to propagate Islam. He also told Imam Ali (AS) that when he reach Afiq, the mountain near Yemen, then cry loudly and say: “O trees, pebbles, and dust the Prophet of Allah have sent salutations to you.” The Imam said that as soon as he ascended the mount Afiq, he saw the people with drawn swords and were ready to attack him. When he addressed them, all the tress, pebbles and dust with one voice cried: “Peace be to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah and you.” This so terrified the Yemenis that their knees trembled and they fell on ground.

Salman narrates that he was in the company of the Holy Prophet (SAWS) when Imam Ali came and gave a pebble to the Prophet. As soon as the pebbles came in his hand, it began to speak by the Power of Almighty: “There is no God except Allah, Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah and Ali ibne Abi Talib is the wali.” The Holy Prophet (SAWS) said: “Whoever recites this in the morning will be safe from the chastisement of Allah.”

At the Battle of Badr, Akasa broke his sword, upon which the Messenger of Allah gave him a stick saying: “Fight with this.” The stick was transformed into a sword as soon as it came in the man’s hand, and he forever fought with it.

When the Holy Prophet (SAWS) was migrating to Madinah, the infidels of Makkah sent Surakha in pursuit. On overtaking him, the feet of the Surakha’s horse were sunk in the ground at the prayer of the Prophet. He implored the Prophet to pray to Allah that he may be delivered, which was no sooner done that he again attempted to attack the Prophet. This was repeated three times, after which Surakha besought an assurance of safety for himself and returned.

It was reported by Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (AS) that the Holy Prophet (SAWS) after sucking a date-stone, used to sow it into the earth and it immediately vegetated.

When the Holy Prophet walked in the sun, there was no shadow of his blessed body.

His Holy face was always radiant and during night, it brightened the walls like lamp.

While walking with anybody, he always appeared taller than the other man. He could see from his back as he saw in front of him. The saliva of the Holy Prophet fell in any thing, became auspicious and could heel the sick .He could speak any language. He could hear voices even when asleep. He could hear talk of angels. He could also know what was in other’s minds. The seal of prophet hood at his back was brighter than sun light. The animal on which he rode never became old. When he walked on the soft soil, his feet did not leave any marks thereon, but if he walked on hard ground, it left his foot marks. Almighty Allah had put a kind of awe on his holy face due to which, despite his being kind and merciful, nobody could stare at his holy face.

His miracles are numerous but restricted to the above-mentioned ones only.

IMAM HASAN AL-MUJTABA (AS)

Imam Hasan (AS) was born on Ramazan 15, 3AH. The Holy Prophet (SAWS) gave the new born this name. He was growing under the guidance of the Holy Prophet (SAWS) and the most blessed parents on earth i.e. Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (AS) and the Lady of Paradise Bibi Fatima Zahra (SA). Whenever he went to the Mosque, the Holy Prophet (SAWS) would pick him up and would let him sit beside him. Imam Hasan would come home and narrate the wordings of the wahi, the Qur’anic surahs he heard from his grand father to his mother. Bibi Fatima (SA) told Imam Ali (AS) about this. The Imam wanted to hear how Imam Hasan describes the revelations. One day Imam Ali (AS) came early and stood behind a curtain. When the young Imam Hasan (AS) came, started to recite the verses, he hesitated and said that apparently some elder person was watching him, hence Imam Ali (AS) came out and kissed his son.

At the occasion of one of the Eids, both Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn were very young. They both complained to their mother that next day was the Eid, children of Madinah will wear new dresses, and where was their dresses. Bibi Fatima (SA) said that the dresses were being brought by the tailor. She prayed namaz and sought Allah’s help. Presently there was a knock on the door. When asked who was there? Gibra’eel replied, “I am the tailor of Hasnain and have brought the dresses.” Green dress was for Imam Hasan, as he would be martyred by poison and red dress for Imam Husayn as he would be martyred at Karbala. Similarly, the Holy Prophet(SAWS) became a camel for Hasnain on Eid day.

The Holy Prophet died when Imam Hasan (AS) was 8 years old. Imam Hasan (AS) spent next 25 years with his father Imam Ali (AS) and Imam Husayn (AS), his younger brother.

This was the period in which conquests of many lands took place. His father and every member of Ahlul Bayt (AS) did not participate. Imam Ali (AS) and his family formed a Trust and whatever their share of prosperity came to them, they would put all into this Trust. The funds were used to help the needy.

The Holy Prophet (SAWS) said, “Hasan and Husayn are the chiefs of the youth of Paradise.” Imam Hasan (AS) was included in Qur’anic Ayahs of Tatheer, Mubahela and many more.

There are numerous traditions of the Holy Prophet (SAWS) in praise of Imam Hasan (AS)

Bani Umaiyyahs very cunningly utilized the general amnesty granted by the Holy Prophet (SAWS) after the Conquest of Makkah and slowly poisoned the Muslims society. They mercilessly misused the people’s money to consolidate their illegitimate power, made false promises to the influential tribal and military chiefs to accomplish their evil designs. Whoever did not accept their unlawful acts were silenced by their swords. They used these tactics against the legitimate khilafat of Imam Ali (AS) and repeated against his sons; Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husayn (AS). This is evident from the change in Muslim society which was culminated within 50 years of the demise of the Holy Prophet (SAWS). Imam Ali (AS) was deprived of his rightful position, next Imam Hasan was isolated and by conspiracy of Moawiya, was poisoned and lastly, Imam Husayn (AS) and his family and friends were mercilessly slaughtered at Karbala depriving them of food and water for three days. The grand daughters of the Holy Prophet (SAWS) were made prisoners, snatched their head covers, made to travel on camels without seats from Karbala to Kufa and then to Demascus.

When the conditions deteriorated, Imam Hasan offered to abdicate the khilafat. Moawiya send a blank paper to Imam Hasan and asked him to write any condition he liked!

Moawiya knew in his heart that he was not going to comply a single term of the agreement!

Imam Hasan proposed the following conditions:

1. That Moawiya should rule strictly according to the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAWS).
2. That Moawiya should not appoint or nominate any one to the khilafat after him but that the choice should be left with the Muslims.
3. That the people should be left in peace, wherever they are in the land of Allah.
4. That the persecution of the companions of Imam Ali (AS) should immediately be stopped.
5. That the cursing of Imam Ali (AS) from the pulpit should stop immediately!
6. That no harm should be done secretly or openly against Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husayn (AS).

Shortly after the treaty was signed, Moawiya spoke to the people at a place al-Nukhiala and said, “By God, I have not fought against you to make you pray or fast. I fought so that I may have power over you. That treaty is now under my foot. And from now on I will not fulfill anything.”

Moawiya agreed with the wife of Imam Hasan (AS), Ju’ada binte Ashas, that if she poisons Imam Hasan (AS), he will give her hundred thousand dirham and marry her to Yazid. She poisoned the Imam but he stayed alive for forty days and was martyred in Safar 50 AH.

Moawiya sent the promised dinars but did not marry her toYazid.

Imam Husayn (AS) washed the body of his brother and after shrouding the body took the body to his grandfather’s grave but the enemies showered arrows on the body. He was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi near his mother’s grave.

There is a famous saying of Imam Hasan(AS), “In regard to the world, be as if you are going to live for ever. With respect to the Hereafter, be as if you were going to die tomorrow.”

The Imam was asked numerous questions; “What is forbearance?” He replied, “Restraining ones anger and controlling one’s self.” “What is righteousness?” He replied, “Replacing the bad with the good.” “What is honor?” He replied, “Being kind to one’s relatives and shouldering people’s burdens of sins.” “What is succor?” He replied, “Defending the neighbor, patience in war, and advance during adversities.” “What is glory?” He replied, “Giving while being in debt and forgiving others their offenses.” “What is manliness?” He replied, “Holding on to the faith, keeping one’s self-respect, being merciful, being kind, giving back people’s trusts, and ingratiating oneself to the people.” “What is the distance between right and the falsehood?” Imam replied, “Four fingers. What you see with your own eyes is the right. You may hear a lot of falsehood with your ears.” “What is the distance between the sky and the heaven?” Imam replied, “Prayer of the wronged”

Once a Syrian saw Imam Hasan(AS) on the horse back and started to curse his father Imam Ali. When the man finished his curses, Imam Hasan(AS) went smilingly to him and said, “O old man, I think you are a stranger. Let me know if you need any thing, I will provide you.” The man felt ashamed and broke into tears.

Imam Hasan’s hospitality was famous in Madinah. His dinner cloth was very vast. Different types of tasty food would be prepared for the people but the Imam Hasan(AS) would not eat from it. His food was like his father Imam Ali; barley and salt.

Imam Hasan(AS) had performed 25 Hajj on foot. 

IBLIS OR SHAITAAN (LA)

The word Iblis is derived from “Balasa” meaning “the despaired”. Iblis was one of the jinn. Jinn are created from fire and are considered to have free will.

The word jinn have been used in Holy Qur’an for 19 times in the following verses:

1. When We told the angels to prostrate before Adam, they all obeyed except Iblis, who abstained out of arrogance, and so he became one of those who deny the truth. (2:34)
2. We created and shaped you, then told the angels to prostrate themselves before Adam. All the angels obeyed except Iblis, who did not. (7:11)
3. Allah asked, “What made you disobey Me? He (Iblis) replied, “I am better than Adam, for you have created me out of fire and Adam out of clay.” (7:12)
4. Iblis asked the Lord to give him respite (keep him alive) until the Day of Resurrection. (7:14)
5. Then Iblis said, “Because you have made me go astray, I shall certainly try to seduce people into straying from the right path.” (7:16)
6. Except Iblis who refused to join with the others in prostration. (15:31)
7. Allah asked Iblis, “What made you not to join the others in prostration?” (15:32)
8. Iblis replied, “I did not want to prostrate in honor of a human being whom You have created out of changing, sticky clay.” (15:33)
9. Iblis replied, “Lord, grant me respite until the Day of Judgment.” (15:36)
10. Iblis said, “Lord, because you have caused me to go astray, I shall make earthly things attractive to (people) and mislead all of them.” (15:39)
11. When We told the angels to prostrate before Adam , they all obeyed, except Iblis who said, “Should I prostrate before one whom You have created out of clay” (17:61)
12. When We told the angels to prostrate in honor of Adam (before Us) they all obeyed except Iblis. He was a jinn and he sinned against the command of his Lord. Why do you (people) obey him and his offspring instead of Me, even though they are your enemies? (18:50)
13. And the army of Iblis will all be thrown headlong into Hell. (26:95)
14. Iblis made his judgment about them to come true. They all followed them except a believing group. (34:20)
15. Except Iblis, who puffed himself up with pride and became a disbeliever. (38:74)
16. The Lord said, “Iblis, what prevented you from prostrating before what I have created with My own hands? Was it because of your pride or are you truly exalted?” (38:75)
17. He said, “I am better than he is. You have created me from fire and him out of clay.” (38:76)
18. He said, “Lord, grant me respite until the Day of Resurrection.” (38:79)
19. He said, “By Your Glory, I shall seduce all of them (children of Adam)”

Iblis was one of the Shaitans who was responsible for the exit of Hazrat Adam from the Paradise. At this stage we have restricted ourselves with Iblis. Because we picked up only those verses in which word Iblis was used, but in those cases where he promises to seduce and mislead the children of Hazrat Adam he accepts that Allah’s special and sincere servants will not be influenced by his seduction. They are the prophets and the Progeny of the Holy Prophet (SAWS).

After reviewing the above verses of the Holy Qur’an we can draw the following conclusions:

1. Pride is a sin.
2. Iblis thought he is wiser than Allah (SWT).
3. He believed in Allah(SWT) as the Creator.
4. He believed in Day of Judgment.
5. He believed in “Allah’s sincere servants who were infallible-prophets.
6. He is declared enemy of the children of Adam i.e. human race. He openly disclosed his plan of seduction, as he said, “I shall make earthly things attractive to people and mislead them.”
7. In spite of his beliefs as mentioned above, by disobeying Allah for non prostration to Adam, Allah had condemned him as a “disbeliever” (38:74)

We should think very carefully about ourselves as to where we stand? One can be deceived by hypocrisy but Iblis had openly expressed his enmity. We should obey the Allah’s commands as prescribed in the Noble Qur’an, the Sunnah of our Holy Prophet, and the practices and sayings of our Infallible Imams. Watch what we say, eat, see and practice in our lives. Be very careful of Iblis!

BIBI ZAYNAB (SA)'S JOURNEY OF COURAGE

It is said that, next day after the blood-bath of the Progeny of the Holy Prophet (SAWS), the caravan of the imprisoned daughters of the Prophet and the chained Imam Ali, Zaynul Abedin (AS) was heading towards Kufa. The ladies were made to sit on the unsaddled camels. Their hands were tide at their backs. The camels were deliberately routed through the battle-field where the slaughtered head-less bodies lay open without cover. It was the height of barbarism and cruelty committed by the so called Muslims!

Kufa was being decorated and people were told that a rebel group was coming whose males were killed and their women were made captive. As soon as the prisoners entered the city, Bibi Zaynab(SA) stood on the camel looking at the crowd in anger, she said in a loud and clear voice, “Praise be to Allah and blessings on my grandfather Muhammad, His beloved Prophet. Woe unto you, O people of Kufa. Do you know whom you have killed?

Do you know what pledge you have broken? Do you know whose blood you have shed? Do you know whose honor you have defiled?

There was a stunned silence. A gentle sound of crying was heard. There was a blind old man who was the companion of Imam Ali (AS). When he heard Bibi Zaynab’s voice, he thought that Imam Ali had come back. The sound of crying grew louder.

Bibi Zaynab(SA) continued, “And well may you weep, O people of Kufa! The crime which you have committed against your Prophet is so great that the skies shook, earth trembled, and mountains crumbled down. You have killed your Imam, and by doing so lost your shelter against hardship, evil and kufr! His blood stains your souls. Nothing can protect you from the anger of Allah for having killed the son of the last of his Prophets! People could no longer control their wailing. Umar Sa’ad was frightened and quickly led the prisoners in the governor’s palace. Ibne Ziad was sitting on the throne and was poking his cane on Imam Husayn (AS)’s face. There was an old companion of the Holy Prophet (SAWS), Zaid Bin Arqam, who cried out saying, “Take away your cane from those lips!

By Allah, I have seen the lips of the Apostle of Allah on those lips.”

Ibne Ziad pointing towards Imam Zainul Abedin said, “Who is this young man?” “He is Ali ibnul Husayn”. Ibne Ziad ordered that the Imam be killed. Bibi Zaynab rushed forward and planted herself in front of the Imam and said, “You have to kill me first” She said looking at ibne Ziad with such defiance, determination and anger that ibne Ziad got up and walked away ordering that the prisoners be locked up.

Bibi Zaynab (SA)’s speeches had stirred Kufa and there was lot of unrest. Hence sensing trouble, he promptly dispatched the prisoners to Damascus (Shaam).

Unlike the journey to Kufa, this one was kept secret and the prisoners were sent at night.

This journey was very long and painful in the scorching heat of the desert. It took twenty days to reach Damascus. Imam Zainul Abedin (AS) was made to walk and if he slows down they would flog him and on Bibi Zaynab (SA)’s intervention would stop the flogging.

Yazid’s court was filled with dignitaries and he was uncovering the Bani Umaiyyah’s strategy in apparently accepting Islam while keeping their hatred in their hearts. He recited some couplets whose meaning was, “If my venerable ancestors, who fell at Badr fighting Muhammad, had witnessed how supporters of Muhammad’s faith were thrown into confusion with thrusts given by my spears, they would be blessing me today. The Banu Hashim played a trick to win power. There was never any wahi to them nor did they receive any revelation.” He also misquoted an ayat of Noble Qur’an, “Allah grants honor to whom He pleases and brings disgrace upon whom He pleases.”

Bibi Zaynab (SA) could not stand any more. She was filled with wrath and anger. In a loud and clear voice she addressed Yazid, “O Yazid, do you think that it is Allah who has caused you to commit all these foul deeds? Do you blame Rahman and Raheem for the oppression we have suffered? Do you blame Allah for the death of the beloved grandson of His most beloved Prophet? How dare you make these false accusations against the Almighty? No, Yazid, it was not Allah. It is you with your insatiable ambition and greed for wealth and power, who are the only cause of the suffering inflicted not only on the Household of the Holy Prophet but on Islam itself”!

Do not forget what Allah has said in Holy Book, “Let not the unbelievers take it that the respite We give them would do them any good. We allow them time in order that they might continue to indulge in sins to their heart’s content. Indeed a humiliating punishment has been kept ready for them.

Do you think by killing the grandson of the Holy Prophet and bringing us to your palace as prisoners, you have scored a victory against Islam? No, Yazid no, Husayn with his blood has made sure that tyrants like you will not be able to use Islam as a toy to carry out their evil designs. The victory is not yours. The victory is of Husayn! The victory is of Islam! Yazid was stunned. The people who were sitting there could not believe their ears. They were moved by this courageous lady. The lady who had seen and experienced great sufferings dared defy the very man who was responsible for it. They asked one another as to who the lady was. When they were told that she was the grand daughter of the Holy Prophet (SAWS), they admired her courage!

At another occasion, Bibi Zaynab (SA) referring to his grandfather Abu Sufiyan and other Umaiyyah clan were set free at the time of Conquest of Makkah, she said, “O son of the freed ones! Is it justice that you keep your women and slave-girls in seclusion but have made the helpless daughters of the Holy Prophet ride on swift camels and given them in the hands of their enemies so that they can take them from one city to another?

You shall go before Allah soon. You shall meet your ancestors. At that time you will wish that you have been blind and dumb and had not said that it was a day of rejoicing for your ancestors.”

At this stage the daughter of Imam Ali (AS) prayed to Allah and said, “O Lord, procure our right and take revenge upon those who have oppressed us.” Then she turned towards Yazid and said, “You will soon go before the Prophet of Allah and see with your own eyes that his children are in Paradise. O Yazid, on that day when Allah will be the judge and Muhammad will be the petitioner, and your limbs will give evidence against you, and your father, who made you the ruler of the Muslims, will receive His punishment. O enemy of Allah and O son of enemy of Allah! I swear by Allah I consider you to be humble and not fit even to be reprimanded and reproached. You may employ your deceit and cunning efforts, but I swear upon Allah that the shame and disgrace which you have earned by the treatment meted out to us cannot be eradicated. I thank Allah Who has concluded the tasks of the Chiefs of the Youth of Paradise with prosperity and forgiveness and accommodated them in Paradise.”  

KNOWLEDGEABLE DESERVES LEADERSHIP

There is a well-known saying; Knowledge is Power. This is evident not only in modern times but also in olden days. Let us review the story of Prophet Sulayman. Allah (SWT) revealed few questions to Prophet Dawood and also provided the answers and commanded him to test his nineteen sons. Whosoever answered those questions correctly will succeed the father.

One day Prophet Dawood called all his sons in the presence of the scholars and the chiefs of the tribes of his kingdom. He then put forward the following questions:

1. Which thing is closest (nearest) to man?
2. Which is the farthest thing?
3. Which two things are attached to each other?
4. Which is the most awe-creating thing?
5. Which two things remain unchanged?
6. Which two things are always different?
7. Which two things are opposed to each other?
8. What is the action the result of which is good?
9. What is that action the result of which is bad?

The sons of Prophet Dawood felt helpless and could not answer any of these questions.

Then youngest of the sons, Prophet Sulayman, stood up and gave the following answers:

1. Death, as a man can die any moment, hence death is nearest to life.
2. The farthest thing is “the time” which has gone away
3. The two things that are attached together is “man’s body and his soul”
4. The most awe-creating thing is “the man’s dead body”
5. The two things that remain the same are “sky and the earth”
6. The two things which are different are “day and night”
7. The two things which are opposed to each other are “life and death”
8. The action, the end of which is good, is the patience and forbearance at the time of anger.
9. The action, the end of which is bad, is haste at the time of anger.

We should keep in mind the state of general knowledge at the time of Prophet Dawood.

Prophet Dawood, was very much impressed by the correct answers and appointed Prophet Sulayman as his successor.

During the period of the second caliph, a group of Jews came to the caliph and said “We have few questions. If we get the answers to these questions correctly, we will accept Islamic faith”. They asked the following questions:

1. What are the locks and keys of heaven?
2. Who was the messenger who was neither of the human nor jinn and who warned his people?
3. Which were the five beings who were created without the aid of ovaries?
4. What are one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve?

The caliph thought over it and said, “I do not know the answers to these questions, but I will take you to a man who is most knowledgeable in the commandment of God and Prophet and the greatest among us.” The caliph then brought the Jewish scholars to Imam Ali (A.S.). They asked the same questions to him. The Gateway of Knowledge replied:

1. The locks of the heavens are beliefs in more than one God and its keys are the letters “La Ilaha Illallah Muhammad ur Rasululallah.
2. The messenger who warned his people is the ant who, when Prophet Sulayman’s army was passing by said to his people, “Enter your houses so that the army may not stamp you out (without intention). So Allah states in Holy Qur’an, “When they arrived in the valley of the ants, one ant said to the others, “Enter your dwellings lest you be carelessly crushed by (Prophet) Sulayman and his army” Surah An-Namal verse 18.
3. The five beings who were not born of ovaries are: Adam, Eve, the staff (stick) of Prophet Musa, which used to change into a python (snake), the camel of Prophet Saleh, and the sheep of Prophet Ibrahim (which was sent by Allah to become a ransom of the life of Prophet Isma’el.
4. One is Allah who has no partners, Two are Adam and Eve, Three are the substances (i.e. non-living matter, plants and animals), Four are the Heavenly Books: Tora (Taurait) of Musa, Bible (Injeel) of Jesus (Eisa), Zubur of Dawood, and Qur’an of Muhammad (SA), Five are the daily prayers. Six are the days (periods) of creation of heavens and earth as per the verse of the Holy Qur’an “We created the heavens, the earth and all that is between them in six periods without experiencing any fatigue.” Sura al-Qaf verse 38. Seven are the seven heavens, in the light of the Qur’anic verse, “Have We not made seven strong heavens above you?” Surah An-Naba verse 12. Eight are those angels who bear the heavens as per the Qur’anic verse, “The angels will be around the heavens and on that day eight people will carry the Throne (knowledge) of your Lord above all the creatures.” Surah Al-Haqqa verse 17. Nine are the nine signs given to Prophet Musa as stated by Allah, “To Musa We gave nine illustrious miracles. Ask the Israelites; Musa came to them. The Pharaoh said to him, “Musa, I believe that you are bewitched.” Surah Al-Isra’ verse 101. Ten are the ten days i.e. Allah had promised Musa that he would stay for thirty days on the mountain of Toor, and later added ten more days to this duration, as stated in the Noble Qur’an, “We told Musa to stay with Us for thirty nights (in the mountains) but added ten nights more, so his appointment with his Lord came to an end after forty nights….” Surah Al-A’raf verse 142. Eleven are the brothers of Yusuf , son of Prophet Yaqoob, as the Noble Qur’an states, “When Yusuf said, “Father, in my dream I saw eleven stars, the sun, and the moon prostrating before me.” Surah Al-Yusuf verse 4. Twelve are the twelve water-springs manifested by the staff (stick) of Prophet Musa, as Allah says, “When Musa prayed for rain, We told him to strike the rock with his staff. Thereupon twelve fountains gushed out of the rock and each tribe knew their drinking place. (The Lord told them), Eat and drink from Allah’s bounties and do not abuse the earth as corrupt ones” Surah Al-Baqara verse 60.

When the Jewish scholars heard the replies of Imam Ali (AS), they said, “We bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad (SAWS) is His Messenger and Ali (AS) is the “Wasi” and successor of the Messenger of Allah as Aaron (Haroon) was the “Wasi” of Moses (Musa).” They all embraced Islam, went back to their tribe and converted all of them to Islam.

It is a point to ponder that if any one is forced to convert to Islam under coercion then he will go back to his original faith as soon as the imminent danger to his life or property is removed. Change always comes from heart and the seat of intellect is heart. If a person is convinced about any matter like religion then he converts forever. Is it possible to collect data about the Millions of people attracted towards Islam by the limitless ocean of knowledge of Imam Ali (AS). There is well-accepted tradition of the Prophet (SAWS) which reads, “I am the City of Knowledge and Ali is its Gateway.”

BENEFITS OF DUA'A-E-TAWASSUL

Ayatollah Shaikh Tusi (R.A.) in his book, “Misbah” says that Imam Hasan Ibne Ali Al-Askari (A.S.) wrote this Dua’a for Abu Muhammad who requested him to teach him the proper way of reciting Salawaat. Allama Majlisi (R.A.) has mentioned this Dua’a on the authority of Ibne Babawayh (R.A.) who confidently says that there is no difficulty or problem that this Dua’a does not solve.

The Merciful Allah (S.W.T.) is beseeched in the name of and for the sake of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and his Ahl-ul-Bayt (A.S.) who is amongst the best human beings in status with Him. It is also known as “Quick-fulfillment-of-all-legitimate-desires” Dua’a.

      In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

O Allah, (please do) send Blessings to Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad

O Allah I beseech Thee, and turn towards Thee, through Thy Prophet of Mercy Muhammad, may Allah Bless him and his Progeny, and grant them peace. O Abul Qasim

O Messenger of Allah, O guide of mercy, O intercessor of the community, O our chief, O

our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, we put before you our open need; O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abul Hasan, O Commander of the Faithful, O Ali, son of Abu Talib, O decisive  argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Fatima Zahra, O daughter of Muhammad, O joy to the eye of the Prophet, O our chief, our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Muhammad, O Hasan, son of Ali, O elected one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Abdallah, O Husayn, son of Ali, O martyr, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Muhammad, O Ali, son of al-Husayn, O Zayn al-abidin, O Prostrator before Allah, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Jaffer, O Muhammad son of Ali, O knowledgeable one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Abdallah, O Jaffer, son of Muhammad, O truthful one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Ibrahim, O Musa, son of Jaffer, O tranquil one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abul Hasan, O Ali, son of Musa, O devoted one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Jaffer, O Muhammad, son of Ali, O generous, Taqi and pious one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abul Hasan, O Ali, son of Muhammad, O guide (Hadi), and pure one (Naqi), O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Muhammad, O Hasan, son of Ali, O Wise one and Warrior, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O inheritor of al-Hasan, O successor, O upright one, O proof, O awaited up riser, O Mahdi,

O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O our chief, O our master, O my chiefs, O my masters, I turn to Allah through you, O my Imams, my supporters on the days of my destitution, I seek your advocacy before Allah, I request you to speak in my favor before Allah, obtain pardon for me from Allah, and deliver me from my sins, through my love of you and nearness to you, obtain deliverance (for me) from Allah O my chiefs, O close friends of Allah, may Allah bless all of them, and curse the enemies of Allah who have oppressed them and will oppress them so be it, O Lord of the worlds.