AYATUL KURSI

Ayatul Kursi is Ayat 255 of Sura Al Baqara although it is recommended to recite

Ayat 256 and 257 also. The three ayaats are as follows:

Allaho LaIlaha Illah Huwal Haiyyul Qaiyyum La Takhuzuhu Sinataun Wa La Naom

Lahoo Ma Fis Samaawate Wa Ma Fil Arze Man Zallazi Yeshfao Indahoo Illah

Be Iznehi Yalamu Ma Baina Aidihim Wa Ma Khalfahum Wa Laa Yuhitoona Be

Shaiim Min Ilmehi Illah Be Ma Shaa Wasea Kursiyyuhus Samawate Wal Arza

Wa Yauduhoo Hifzuhuma Wa Huwal Ali ul Azeem.

La Ikraha Fiddeen Qad Tabiyyanur Rushdu Minal Ghaiyye Famaiyyn Yakfur

Bittaaghoote Wa Yumin Billahe Faqadistamsakaa Bil Urwatil Wusqa Lan Fesama

Laha Wallahus Samiun Aleem

Allahu Waliullazina Amanoo Yukhrejuhum Minazzulumaate Illannoore Wallazina

Kafaroo Auliahumut Taghootu Yukhrejunahum Minanoore Ilazzulumaate Olaeka

Ashaabunnare Hum Fiha Khaledoon.

Allah is He beside Him there is no God, the Everlasting, the Self-Subsisting by whom all

 subsist; slumber does not overtake Him nor sleep; whatever is in the heavens and

whatever is in the earth is His. Who is he who can intercede with him but with His

permission; He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot

 comprehend any thing out of  His knowledge except what He pleases; His knowledge

 extends over the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of them both tires Him not,

 and He is the Most High, the Great. There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right

way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore whoever disbelieves in Shaitaan and

believes in Allah, he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break

 off, and Allah is All-Hearing and All-Knowing.  Allah is the Guardian of those who believe,

He brings them out of the darkness into the light; and as to those who disbelieve, their

 guardians are Shaitaan who take them out of the light into the darkness; they are the

inmates of the Fire, in it they shall abide for ever. Imam Ali said that Ayatal Kursi is the

 leader of Sura Al Baqara. He further said there are       50 words in Ayatal Kursi and there

 are 50 blessings for reciting it.  Whoever recites Ayatul Kursi will be in the protection of

Allah until the night. Our Holy Prophet said; “If you recite Ayatul Kursi before going to bed,

 Allah will send an angel to protect you, your home, your family and your neighbor, till the morning”. If we recite Ayatul Kursi and give hadiya to our dead relatives, this will enlighten

 their graves. The person who recites Ayatul Kursi, his own death will be easier. The Holy

Prophet said; “Following things will increase your memory: recitation of Ayatul Kursi,

eating lentils, cold bread, and eating meat of an animal near its neck”.  If you are alone in

 the house, then recite Ayatul Kursi and pray to Allah, you will not have any fear.

The Holy Prophet said; “Recite the first 4 ayats of Sura Al Baqara, then Ayatul Kursi and the next two ayats, then recite the last 3 ayats, you will not have any difficulties with yourself or your wealth, Shaitaan will not come near you and you will not forget The Holy Qur’an”.  The Holy Prophet said; “Before leaving your home, if you recite Ayatul Kursi then Allah will send angels to recite Astaghfaar for you until your return and also increase your sustenance”.  In other hadees it is mentioned that if one recites Ayatul Kursi Allah sends 1 angel for protection, if he recites 2 times Allah sends 2 angels, if he recites 3 times Allah himself will protect the recitor. Imam Mohammad Baqir said; “Recite Ayatul Kursi after performing ablution (wuzu), Allah will reward him for 40 years of Ibaadat and elevate his status in heaven”. Recite Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayers, then Allah will accept the prayers and extend His Protection.  Kursi means Allah’s Knowledge of measurable things in the universe. Imam Jaffer Al Sadiq said; “Skies and earth as compared to kursi is like a ring in a huge desert”

PREPARATIONS FOR LIFE HEREAFTER - 1

At the time of creation of Adam, Iblees refused to prostrate (of respect) to Adam on the pretext of superiority. Allah directed Adam and Hawwa to live in the Paradise but not to go near the prohibited tree. Both of them defied the instruction, consequently, they and shaiataan were ordered to go on earth and that they will be enemies of each other. Adam was told that shaitaan will be his sworn enemy and that when Guidance from Allah will come, the progeny of Adam should follow the Guidance. Now, by leading a pious life, we should prove that Adam deserved the prostration of respect.

Hence, we, the progeny of Adam should strive to follow the Guidance, Islam, and prepare for our return to Allah’s Paradise.

In our “Usool-e-Deen” or Roots of Islam, Qiyamat or Day of Judgment is one of them.

First let us examine those who do not believe (or do not consciously focus) in Qiyamat.

Life on earth is like a farmer spreading seeds in his farm and watering it in the hope of

a good harvest. Likewise, from the time we attain puberty and are aware of the consequences of our actions till we die, we should be ready all the time to account for our activities to Allah. We are aware of the right path and wrong path. We are fortunate to have God appointed Fourteen Infallible Guides. What we need is a continuous and conscious effort twenty four hours to acquaint ourselves of our duties as required by Allah by reading the Noble Qur’an, studying the life and commandments of our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and our Infallible Imams.

Allah has kept the time and place of death of every human being a secret from him. We have seen that death has come to young and old, so we should not postpone the performance of obligatory and righteous deeds to old age. Who knows when he will die?

Death:

Death is the separation of soul or Rooh from the body. Death is a phenomenon solely governed by the Will and Command of Allah. The word “Death” have been used in the Noble Qur’an for 165 times.

Allah says in the Noble Qur’an, Surah Mulk Ayah 1-2: “Blessed is He in whose hands is the kingdom (of the heavens and the earth), and He has power over all things, Who created Death and Life that He may try you, (to prove) which of you is best in deeds.”

It is narrated in the tradition of the Me’raj that a plank is placed in front of the angel of death, Izra’eel, on which names of all creatures are written. When Allah wills death of any of His creature, his name on the plank disappears, and Izra’eel does the needful.

The souls of some men are removed with ease while some experience severe difficulty.

Surah an-Nahl Ayah 32; “Those whom the Angels cause to die good state, saying – Peace be on you, Enter the garden (of Paradise) for what you did.”

It is not necessary that the souls of all Momineen are removed easily. Even a Momin who has done good deeds in his life time experiences difficulty during death. This acts as a punishment for sins he has committed for which he is atoned for in this very world.

Hatred for death and love of this world is the outcome of an ignorant man who thinks that happiness of this world is the prosperity and good fortune.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Verily, the love of this world is the root of all evils”

We should hold death dear and an opportunity of meeting our creator – Allah. We should learn lessons from it. We should seek forgiveness from Him and control the rebellious Nafs. As for those who have longer life, we should thank Allah for giving opportunity to collect more good deeds for the journey after death which is full of difficult paths.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “O Ali! When the angel of death comes to take the Rooh of the following Muslims, he brings a club of fire and the flames of Hell scream at him:

1. An oppressive ruler,
2. Those who unjustly usurped the rights of orphans,
3. The bearer of false witness,

During death, man sees the effects of his good or bad deeds and also some dying men become apostate (deflected) due to some of their bad deeds. Surah ar-Roum Ayah 10: “Then evil was the end of those who did evil, because they rejected the Communications of Allah and used to mock them.”

      Those deeds whose performance eases death

Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “If a person wishes that his last moments should be easy, he should maintain cordial relations with his kith and kin, and be kind to his parents. Whosoever does this, his death will be eased, and he will never fall prey to misfortune in his lifetime.”

It is reported that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) visited a youth who was at the death bed. He told the youth to recite Kalma-e-Tauheed (There is no God but Allah) but the youth could not speak as his tongue had turned speechless. When the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) repeated his order twice and the youth could not speak then he turned towards a woman sitting near him and inquired if she was his mother. The woman replied in affirmative, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) inquired if she was unhappy with him to which she relied in affirmative. The mother said that if the Prophet of Allah commands her she will forgive him, to which he asked her to forgive her son. As soon as she forgave him his speech returned and he recited the Kalema. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) asked him as to what he saw? He answered that an ugly looking man who held him by the neck. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) told him to recite the following:

“Ya Man Yeqbilul Yaseera Wa Yafu Anil Kasira Iqbil Minniyal Yaseera Wafu Anil Kasira Innaka Antal Ghafoor ur Raheem.”  (This is the part of Dua-e-Saher in Ramazaan)

When he did so, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) asked him as to what he saw then. He answered that a handsome man had come to his rescue and was comforting him and that the ugly man had left.

A lesson can be drawn from this narrative that the displeasure of parents becomes the reason for anguish at the time of death. In this case, even a companion of the Prophet while the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was beside the dying youth could not escape the agony until his mother had forgiven him.

References:

The Noble Qur’an

Manazel al-Akhera by Shaikh Abbas Qummi

IMAM ALI (A.S.) - THE FATHER OF THEORY OF EVOLUTION - 1

In a nut shell, Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was based on the following:

1. Climatic Change
2. Struggle for Existence
3. Survival of the Fittest
4. Connecting Links

Darwin was a Christian and a believer but because he used the word “nature” instead of God, the clergy and the scholars of Islam and Christianity opposed his theory because they believed that his theory opposed God. The only flaw in his theory was the extensive usage of the word “Nature”. The believers in God want God to create living beings at one go, they cannot digest the idea of God making His creations slowly and gradually through selection and climate change.

Darwin’s theory was an attempt to explain the existence of “Connecting Links”. Connecting Links are not only characteristic of life but non-life as well; the sub-atomic electron is the Connecting Link between matter and energy; liquids are Connecting Link between solids and gases.

The Noble Qur’an says: “Verily! Allah selected (astafa) Adam, Nooh and the family of Ibrahim and the family of Imran above the ‘Alamin (mankind).”  (3:33)

“O Children of Israel! Remember My Favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred (selected) you to the ‘Alamin (mankind)” (2:47)

The above verses hint towards the theory of natural selection. God indeed has favorites, but His favoritism is based on justice, He only selects those who are fit and worthy of His preference.

Darwin’s all four components as stated above are found in the Noble Qur’an, Prophet’s Traditions and Nahjul Balagha.

Climatic Change:

Malthusian Theory states that with increase in population the natural disasters increase (to put a check on growth). Darwin was motivated by Malthusian Theory. Every living organism has immense potential to over breed. A single bacterium gives 70 generations in 20 minutes. If all the bacteria survive, then in a month’s time, there will be no place on earth to stand.

To check this growth nature (or God) creates Climatic Changes. Only the strong spirited one who can cope with Climatic Changes will survive.

The Noble Qur’an says: “We do not change the circumstances unless you change from within.”

It means Allah will always put you in unfavorable conditions, and wishes that you should change and modify yourself to suite the harsh conditions, and once you get adapted to the harsh conditions, He changes the unfavorable conditions into favorable ones. Thus, Allah loves change. First, He changes the external conditions and then He changes you.

Imam Ali (a.s.) says: “Through the change of circumstances, the metal of men is known.”

The above statements of the Noble Qur’an and Nahjul Balagha agree with Malthusian theory and the concept of Climatic Change.

Struggle for Existence:

Climatic Change leads to struggle for Existence. To face the change of circumstances or climate, species or organism, have to change or develop positive mutations. In today’s scenario of over population and environmental change, only those will survive who have developed a strong spirit which can control the body and make it adapt to the deteriorating Climatic Conditions.

The Noble Qur’an says: “Every soul shall get that for which it struggles.”

Survival of the Fittest:

Only those organisms which are fit to fight the harsh conditions are selected by nature. The Climatic Change, Struggle for Existence and Survival of the Fittest concept is found in the following saying of Imam Ali (a.s.): Saying 84

“The survivor of the sword (battle field) lives longer and has large progeny”

The battle field is a place of struggle where only fit survives. Those who survived the sword live longer because they have developed positive change during their struggle and they have a large progeny because nature (or Allah) wants these positive changes to survive.

The Noble Qur’an says: “When the Mercy of Allah descends, the valleys flow according to their measures and only that stays which is useful to mankind.”

With constant accumulations of these positive changes new organisms come into being or in evolutionary terminology ‘originates’. The new organism multiplies tremendously owing to its new acquired characteristics which match the demand of changing environment. The process continues. The Noble Qur’an says about this scenario: “Did they not see how Allah begins the creation and then turns it back? This is not difficult at all for Allah.” (29:19)

“(Muhammad), say to them, “Travel through the land and see how He has begun the creation and how Allah will invent the next life. Allah has power over all things.” (29:20)

Allah wants us to travel in the earth, like Darwin, and find the puzzle of “Origin of Species”

References:

The Noble Qur’an

Nahjul Balagha

Imam Ali and Darwinism.Blogspot.com

IMAM ALI (A.S.), ASTAGHFAR AND SCIENCE

Modern scientific research has proved that cells of human body preserve and save information.

This discovery was confirmed by the Swedish Medical Researchers at the Karolinska Institute (Newspaper Metro published on November 13, 2007 Swedish edition) where the research was corroborated by American Medical Researcher, such as Dr. J. Andrew Armor and Dr. Candace B. Pert (from the book Molecules of Emotions). The following is the extract from the book written by Dr. Pert:

“Memories are stored not only in the brain, but in a psychosomatic network extending into the body….all the way out along the pathways to internal organs and the very surface of our skins.”

Now let us examine Surah al-Fussilat 41:19, 20 of the Holy Qur’an:

“There will be the day when the enemies of Allah will be made to surge toward the fire and spurred on until (on the brink of it ) their eyes, ears and skin will testify to their to their deeds.”

One wonders as to why our skins will witness against us? The answer is given in Ayah 21 of the same Surah as:

“They will ask their own skin, why did you testify against us? They will reply: “Allah, who has made every thing speak, made us also speak. It was He Who created you in the first place and to Him you have returned.”

As an example on memory saving in our cells, we can take muscle cells. The first person who knew and had faith in this was the Commander of the Faithful who gave the following directive so that a sinner may be forgiven by Allah for the sins committed earlier:

“…..to aim at the flesh grown as a result of unlawful earning, so that you may melt it by grief (of repentance) till the skin touches the bone and a new flesh grows between them”

Nahjul Balagha Saying No. 417

Astaghfirullah:  

It is reported that someone said “Astaghfirullah” in Imam Ali (a.s.)’s presence.

Imam Ali (a.s.) said to him: “Your mother may loose you, do you know what Astaghfar (asking for Allah’s forgiveness) is? Verily, it is a degree of Illiyyun (i.e. it is meant for the people of a high position) and it is a word standing on six supports:

First, to repent over the past sins;

Second, to make a firm determination never to revert to it;

Third, to return to the creatures their rights (usurped in the past) so that you meet Allah Al-Mighty in such a state of purity that no one has any claims against you;

Fourth, to fulfill every obligation which you ignored (in the past) so that you may now do justice with it;

Fifth, to aim at the flesh grown as a result of unlawful earning, so that you may melt it by grief (of repentance) till the skin touches the bone and a new flesh grows between them;

Sixth, to make the body taste the pain of obedience as you (previously) made it taste the sweetness of disobedience.

When you have done all these six things then you may say “Astaghfirulla”

In medical journals, numerous articles have been written on this topic. In one of such journal, Dr. Bob G. Bodenhamer and Dr. L. Michael Hall have written as follows:

“….every thing is dynamic and the only way to sustain is through higher levels of mind to set up beliefs that keep on thinking the same thought so that it habituates and become muscle memory. If we stop that process, the memory will change, altered or erased. The things we program in our nervous system have to be constantly refreshed.”

The “Fifth step” is a bio-medical state that can only occur if the first four steps are fulfilled completely.

After one has applied the first two steps, one reaches a stage that one will not repeat the same sins, and one has performed “Nahi Anil Munkar”. After one performs steps Three and Four which is performing good actions, good information is stored in our newly built muscles. This is performing “Amar-e-Bil Marouf”. It is important to complete third step which relates to sins committed against other people. Because, Allah may forgive sins committed against His Rights (Huqooq Allah), personal rights (Huqooq Unnafs), but He will not forgive sins committed against People’s Rights (Huqooq ul Ibaad) unless other people forgive him.

This process of muscles memory is applicable to the entire body as mentioned in the Noble Qur’an; Journey of Night Ayah 36 “And follow not that of which you have no knowledge; surely the hearing and the sight and the heart, all of these shall be questioned about that (on the Day on Judgment).” Also mentioned in Surah Light Ayah 24 “On the day, when their tongues and their hands and their feet shall bear witness against them as to what they did.”

It is heartening to see that humanity with the assistance of science is slowly uncovering the High and Majestic status of “The Gateway of Knowledge – Imam Ali (a.s.) who had stressed time and again to inquire from him about “any thing” and that he was more familiar with the Paths of Heaven.

Reference:

The Noble Quran

Nahjul Balagha

The Heart Science Centre

Molecules of Emotions

MIRACLES OF MAZHARUL AJAAIB, IMAM ALI (A.S.) - 1

Imam Ali (a.s.)’ whole life was miracle. Imam Ali (a.s.) has numerous titles, one of which is “Mazhar-ul-Ajaaib”. Some of his miracles are reproduced below:

Recognizing Archangel Jibra’il: Imam Ali (a.s.) was sitting on the pulpit of the Mosque of Kufa and said: “O’People! Ask me anything before you loose sight of me…..” A man stood from the crowd and said: Where is Jibra’il?” Imam Ali (a.s.) looked towards the sky then looked on the earth then looked towards East and lastly looked towards West and said to the man: “You are Jibra’il” As soon as he heard the Imam, he became a bird and flew away. Every one exclaimed “We testify that you are the True Successor of the Prophet.”

    (Bihaar-ul-Anwaar)

Giving life to dead youth: Per Yaqoob-e-Kulayni, Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Bani Makhzoom clan had some relations with Imam Ali (a.s.). One a young man came to him and said that his brother had died and he was grief-stricken. Imam (a.s.) inquired if he wanted to see his dead brother, he replied in affirmative. The Imam (a.s.) went to his grave, recited some mysterious words and kicked the grave and a young man came out.

Meeting with Sam ibne Nooh: Some people came to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) from Yemen and said that they were from the race of Sam the son of Prophet Nooh and inquired as to who was his Vicegerent, and can he show them the dead Sam ibne Nooh. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Yes, with Allah’s permission”, then he told Imam Ali (a.s.) to go to arch of the Mosque and kick the floor. Accordingly, Imam Ali (a.s.) took those Yemenis to the interior of the Mosque, performed two-rakat prayer and kicked the floor. The floor cracked and an old man with bright face, and white beard reaching his belly-button came out. He recited Durood on the Imam and said: “I testify that there is no God but Allah, Muhammad is His Prophet and Chief of all Prophets and that you are the vicegerent of Muhammad and Chief of all vicegerents and I am Sam ibne Nooh” The Yemenites was carrying some ancient scriptures they compared his description with the scriptures and requested if Sam could recite some thing from the scripture to which he complied. All the Yemenites converted to Islam! (Manaqib ibne Shahar Ashoob, Bihar ul Anwar)

Meeting with the vicegerent of Prophet Iesa:

Ibne Shahar Ashoob narrates from Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) who said: “While on way to Siffeen, Imam Ali (a.s.) recited Azaan for Maghrib prayer when the mountain cracked open and an old man with bright face and white beard appeared out of it and saluted the Imam.

The Imam replied to him and said: “Brother Scham’oon, the vicegerent of Prophet Iesa, how are you?” He replied: “I am fine. I am waiting for the reappearance. I do not find anyone else who have suffered so much for the sake of Allah and who have high status by Divinity. My brother, be patient! Soon you will meet your cousin Prophet Muhammad. I have seen the vicegerents of other Prophets were also oppressed.”

Man becomes dog by Imam’s curse:

Sayyid Razi writes in “Khasais” that once two people came to Imam Ali (a.s.) for settlement of a dispute and the Imam after examining the oral and documentary evidence passed judgment against a person who was a Kharajite. The Kharajite alleged that the Imam did not give judgment judiciously and that God did not approve the judgment. The Imam pointing towards him said: “Get lost, you dog” The man suddenly turned into a black dog. He was shaking his tail and tears started to flow from his eyes. Out of kindness, the Imam recited some words and he regained his original status. The people in the Mosque were dumb-founded. The Imam said: “Why you are startled? Don’t you know that the vicegerent of Prophet Dawood, Asif Barkhiyya, brought the Throne of Queen Bilquees in a lightening speed. He was given only one of Allah’s Great Name while we have been given 72 Great Names of Allah!” His companions said that when he had such supreme power then why not destroy Mua’wia with it. The Imam replied: “The esteemed slaves do not supersede His (Allah) words and comply with His Wishes and Commands” 

Hadees of Bird”:

Hasan Basri narrates: “Hujjaj bin Yousuf asked me about Imam Ali (a.s.), I told him that I think Ali ibne Abu Talib was a Jannati as he was the first Muslim, was the husband of Fatima Zahra, father of Hasnain, he helped the Prophet at every occasion and protected Islam.” Hujjaj said: “Curse on you, Ali killed thousands in Jamal and Siffeen, and Allah said that whoever kills a Mumin his place is Hell!” Anas bin Malik was sitting there, he stood up in anger and said: “Hujjaj, you have forced me to speak up. I testify that once the Holy Prophet was starving for three days. Allah sent a roasted bird and bread from Paradise through Jibra’il and said that it a gift from Allah for you to satisfy hunger. The Prophet raised his hands towards sky and prayed: “O’ Allah! Send to me your most beloved person to share this bird with me. As soon as the Prophet finished the prayer, Ali knocked the door but I turned him back saying the Prophet was busy. The Prophet repeated the prayer three times and I turned Ali back twice. Third time Ali said loudly “Anas, I have come three times and you have sent me back.” The Prophet heard Ali’s voice and asked me as to who was there, I replied that it was Ali and he ordered me to let him in. The Prophet asked me for reason to refuse entry to Ali, I told him that I wanted some Ansari to be honored by sharing the bird with him.” Hujjaj threatened Anas to leave and never narrate this Hadees ever.

(Al-Arbaeen LeMuntakibaddin)

A Dinaar and Food of Paradise:

One day, Imam Ali (a.s.) inquired Bibi Fatima (s.a.) if there was any food in the house to which Bibi replied in negative. The Imam borrowed one Dinaar and was going to purchase some eatables. On the way, he found his companion, Miqdad ibne Aswad in a desperate condition. On inquiry, he found out that Miqdad and his family was also starving. Imam Ali (a.s.) gave that borrowed Dinaar to him and proceeded to the Mosque to pray. In the meantime, Allah informed His Prophet about Imam Ali (a.s.)’s sacrifice and ordered the Prophet to eat his food with Imam Ali (a.s.) and his family. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) asked the Imam if he can join them for food. Although, the Imam (a.s.) was aware that there was no food at home but felt embarrassed to refuse. When both arrived at home, they saw that Bibi was praying while there was a pot near by from which fresh steam was blowing.

When Bibi finished her prayer, they exchanged greetings and the Prophet asked for food.

Bibi presented that pot to the Prophet and Imam Ali. Imam Ali was surprised to see the pot full of meat and looked at Bibi. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) seeing his surprise told the Imam (a.s.): “Do not be surprised! This food is from Paradise in exchange of your Dinaar you gave it to Miqdad, Allah has given this gift to my daughter Fatima as He had provided food to Mariyam.” (Abu Saeed Khudri in Amali of Tusi)

Pomegranates from pillar of Mosque:

Per Muhammad ibne Abi Bakr, once, Imam Hasan (a.s.) was sick and Imam Ali (a.s.) wanted to procure pomegranates, Imam Ali (a.s.), the “Mazhar-ul-Aja’ib” extended his hand (Yadullah) towards a pillar of the mosque and recited some sacred words and a branch of pomegranates appeared from it. There were four pomegranates on the branch, Imam Ali (a.s.) plucked all four and equally distributed between Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.) and then addressed the audience and said: “These are from Paradise”. People asked if he had the privilege to which the Imam (a.s.): “Am I not the Distributor of Paradise and Hell?” (As-Saaqib Fil Manaqib)

Reference: Mo’jezaat Ale Muhammad  by Sayyid Hashim Al-Bahrani

IMAM ALI (A.S.) AND SCIENCE - 2

IMAM ALI (A.S.)’S CONCEPT OF SOUND, LIGHT AND MICRO-ORGANISM

“Every listener, other than Allah, is deaf to light, voices (or sounds) while loud voices make him deaf and distant voices also get away from him. Every onlooker, other than Allah, is blind to hidden colors and delicate bodies.” Nahjul Balagha Sermon 63

In the above sermon, Imam Ali (a.s.) tells us that sounds are of three kinds; one which we cannot hear, one which makes us deaf, and the last one which gets away from us.

Before we proceed further, let us know that sound produced from human mouth is called voice although in Urdu language same word is used for both.

Sound is measured in a unit called “Decibel” (db). Sound of more than 120 db can make us deaf in the long run. Sounds which can cause momentary deafness is the Supersonic sound caused by the Concord when it breaks the sound barrier; 343 m/s. The infra-sonic sound waves are not noticed by our ears like the ones which are coming from outer space.

Hidden colors are those Ultra Violet and Infra Red colors which are not visible to the naked eyes beyond the Seven Colors of the Spectrum.

Delicate Bodies referred by Imam Ali (a.s.), 1000 years ahead of the modern world of microorganism was discovered by Anton Von Leeuwenhoek. It is the study of virus, bacteria, and protozoa.

                                                             POWER

Imam Ali (a.s.) says in Nahjul Balagha, Saying 334: “Correctness of decision goes with Power. It (correct decision-making ability) emerges with its (power) emergence and disappears when the other (power) disappears.”

Commander of the Faithful says that correct decision making ability comes with power, therefore, when power leaves, the ability to make the correct decision also leaves.

As Imam Ali (a.s.) is the Commander of the Faithful and the Caliph, his words should be interpreted in terms of belief in God, life hereafter etc. According to Imam Ali (a.s.): Faith is Power. The ability to stick to one thing whatsoever the consequences may be is Power. Signs of Power are Self Confidence, Unyielding Attitude, and standing by one’s own words. Power means that you should prefer Truth when it harms you and avoid Falsehood when it benefits you. Saying No. 450

When wealth is lost nothing is lost, when health is lost something is lost, but when character is lost everything is lost. Saying No. 382

One’s character is the throne over which one sits and reigns with Power (fear of God is the chief trait of the human character) Saying No. 403

When that throne is lost, you can no longer rule. You become a slave of your bad deeds. And slaves have no more decision-making ability.

Be afraid of the ideas of believers (those who have faith in God) because God has put Truth on their tongues. Saying No. 304

Thus a man of faith seldom makes wrong decisions.

According to Imam Ali (a.s.): “Power, faith, and character are the same thing.”

Consequently, we find that; power is related to the controlling ability of our emotions and feelings. Powerful is the one who is capable of controlling the basic emotions like anger, enmity, lust, greed etc.

Fredrick Nietzsche, the most influential philosopher of 20^th century, also prescribes the control of basic instincts (like hunger, sex, thirst, anger, revenge) as the tools for becoming powerful.

Reference:

Nahjul Balagha

Islam, Science and Imam Ali

GOLDEN WORDS OF "GATEWAY OF KNOWLEDGE" - IMAM ALI (A.S.) - 1

According to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.), He was the city of Knowledge and Imam Ali (a.s.) was the Gateway of Knowledge. His gem-like sayings are numerous but some of them are reproduced below:

1. He who is greedy is disgraced; he who discloses his hardships will always be humiliated; he who has no control over his tongue will often have to face discomfort.
2. Avarice is disgrace; cowardice is a defect; poverty often disables an intelligent man from arguing his case; a poor man is a stranger in his own town; misfortunes and helplessness are calamities; patience is a kind of bravery; to severe attachments with the wicked world is the greatest wealth; piety is the best weapon of the defense.
3. Submission to Allah’s will is the best companion; wisdom is the noblest heritage; theoretical and practical knowledge are the best signs of distinction; deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem.
4. The mind of a wise man is the safest custody of secrets; cheerfulness is the key to friendship; patience and forbearance will conceal many defects.
5. A conceited and self-admiring person is disliked by others; charity and alms are the best remedy for ailments and calamities; one has to account for in the next world for the deeds he has done in this world.
6. Man is a wonderful creature; he sees through the layers of fat (the eyes), hears through a bone (ears) and speaks through a lump of flesh (tongue)!
7. When this world favors some body, it lends him the attributes, and surpassing the merits of others and when it turns its face away from him it snatches away even his own excellence and fame.
8. Live among the people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company.
9. If you overpower you enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to Allah, for being able to subdue him.
10. Unfortunate is he who cannot gain few sincere friends during his life time and more unfortunate is he who has gained them and then lost them (through his deeds)
11. When some blessings come to you, do not drive them away through thanklessness.
12. He who is deserted by his friends and relatives will often find help and sympathy from strangers.
13. Our affairs are attached to the Destiny decreed by Allah; even our best plans may lead us to destruction.
14. One, who rushes madly towards inordinate desires, runs the risk of encountering destruction and death.
15. Overlook and forgive the weaknesses of generous people because if they fall down, Allah will help them.
16. Failures are often the result of timidity and fear; disappointments are the result of bashfulness; hours of leisure pass away like summer-clouds, therefore do not waste opportunity of doing good deeds.
17. If someone’s deeds lower his position, his ancestry cannot elevate it.

Reference: Nahjul Balagha