HUJR IBN 'ADI, A PROMINENT COMPANION OF THE HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.S.)

Hujr ibn Adi was also called, Hujr al-Khayr. He was among the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.)’s companions, who subsequently became a staunch supporter of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.). He belonged to the tribe of Kinda, a southern tribe in Hijaz, who migrated to Iraq in 17 A.H. This tribe was involved in Iraqi events as participants in Siffin and later on in Amir Mukhtar’s uprising. In the battle of Siffin, his activities was utterly broad and he played a role as a commander in Imam Ali (a.s.)’s army, yet when many abandoned the Commander of the Faithful, he stayed with the Imam (a.s.) up to the last moment. Hujr could be found among the most pious companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Hukaym Naishapuri called him “The Monk of Prophet’s companions.”

After the martyrdom of the Commander of the Faithful, he was among those who stimulated the nation to give allegiance to Imam Hasan (a.s.). In the process of compromising, Hujr seemed discontented but the Imam (a.s.) elaborated that the Imam had to compromise to protect the lives of people like him. Nonetheless, later Mua’wiya by no means remained faithful to his pledge and martyred Hujr and his followers.

By order of Mua’wiya, Commander of the Faithful was cursed from the pulpits. Hujr was naturally opposed to this practice. Once, when Mughira, the governor of Kufa, urged him to go to the pulpit and curse Imam Ali (a.s.), Hujr went up the pulpit and said; “Mughira propels me to curse Imam Ali (a.s.), curse him you all.”

After Mughira, Ziyad became the governor and warned Hujr to hold his tongue and even hinted that if he cooperated, he might be the next governor. As Hujr’s perception of Mua’wiya was well-known, he was framed by Ziyad not only on account of his disapproval of Muawiya, but also was accused of blasphemy which was considered a severe crime. Ultimately, Hujr was arrested but at the time of his arrest, he yelled out, “I am still faithful to my allegiance.” He was absolutely right. He only insisted that Imam Ali (a.s.) should not be insulted from pulpits. Hujr and fourteen of his followers were sent to Mua’wiya, in Damascus.

Hujr and his companions were asked whether they would pronounce disgust for (Imam) Ali. They responded, “No never, we do all love him, and hate those who hate him.” Imam Ali (a.s.) had asserted that after him, if they were asked to insult him they should abide by it.

Then they prepared themselves for martyrdom. Hujr, who was prominent in the devout of Iraq, said a long two-rakat prayer and said, “As yet, I have never performed a prayer shorter than this and I yearned to prolong it if you did not accuse me of being scared of death.”

As narrated in Tabrisi, The Holy Prophet had predicted about the martyrdom of Hujr and his companions and prophesied that they will be killed by Mua’wiya.

Hujr’s name was specially mentioned in The Peace Treaty between Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Mua’wiya. However, as Islamic historians had written unanimously, Mua’wiya killed Hujr and six of his companions and one of them name Abdul Rahman bin Hannan Ghazi was buried alive by Ziyad in Iraq. They refused to curse Imam Ali (a.s.), which was a glare contravention of the Peace Treaty.

Sheikh Abbas Qummi had numerated specifically 16 crimes committed by Mua’wiya in his book; “Nafasul Mahmum Relating to the heart rending tragedy of Karbala” which included the assassination of Hujr.

In his very last breath, Hujr requested to be buried in the same shirt owing to the fact that he desired to stand before Mua’wiya in that state on the Day of Judgment.

After Hujr’s murder, the people of Iraq rose against the Umayyad tyrannical rule spear-headed by Amir Mukhtar in which Hujr’s two sons also took part in it.

He was buried in Goristan-e-Ghareeban in Syria.

References: Ashura Lectures 1990                       by Dr. I.K.A. Howard

       History of the Caliphs                        by Rasul Ja’fariyan

                   Hayat al Quloob volume 2                 by Allama Majlisi

                   A Probe into the History of Ashura    by Dr. Ibrahim Ayati 

                   Nafasul Mahmum                              by Shaikh Abbas QWummi

                 

IMAM HASAN (A.S.) AS SEEN BY WESTERN WRITERS

Ian Roe Buck wrote:

Imam Ali’s son Imam Hasan, the son of the Perfect woman Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, was born in Medina in the middle of Ramadan, just three years after the flight from Mecca or 624 AD. According to the Shia history and all texts, he was the most similar looking to Muhammad of all the family. According to the history of Islam,

Fatima brought Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn to their grandfather and asked He give them an inheritance. Muhammad said that Hasan had Muhammad’s likeness and nobility, and Husayn Muhammad’s generosity and bravery.

He further writes: There was an old man from Syria who had been given to hate the Imam and the family of Muhammad by Abu Sufyan. He saw this blessed being riding on a horse and began to curse him. Imam did not interrupt him, and when the old man was done, he spoke to him; “O old man! I think you are stranger here. May be you mistook me for some one else. If you propitiate us, we will satisfy you. If you ask us, we will give you what you need. If you ask for our advice, we will guide you. If you ask us for a ride, we will take you with us. If you are hungry, we will satisfy you. If you are in need, we will make you rich……When the old man heard these words of the Imam, he began to weep. Then he broke into an exclamation of faith, and said tearfully: “I declare that you are the appointed of God on earth. You and your father Ali were hated by me above all things, but now you and Ali are the most beloved of all.”

Edward Gibbon wrote in “The History of Decline of Roman Empire”

These people (Prophet’s Progeny) did not possess arms, wealth but still people respected them which generated jealousy in the hearts of the rulers. Their mausoleums are still in Medina, near the river Euphrates and Khurasan. These respectable people were always falsely accused of revolt and civil wars. Where as these royal friends of Allah always hated the worldly status and in accordance with the will of Allah, patiently faced the oppression of the rulers and continued to spread Islam and preached piety for whole life.”

THE MATHEMATICAL BRILLIANCE OF IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Following are a few of the mathematical brilliance of Imam Ali (a.s.), who was the “Gateway of Knowledge”, as per the famous Tradition of The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).

One day a Jewish man came to Imam Ali (a.s.), thinking that since Imam Ali (a.s.) thinks he is smart, he would ask a tough question. He asked; “Let me know a number, that if we divide it by any number from 1 to 10, the answer will always be a whole number and not a fraction!”

            Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “Take the number of days in a year and multiply it with the number of days in a week!”

The Jewish person got astonished; he still did not believe the Imam (a.s.). So he calculated the answer he was given. To his amazement he came across the following results:

            Number of days in Arabic Calendar                              360

            Number of days in a week                                              7

            Product of the two numbers                                         2,520

                                    2,520/1=2,520

                                    2,520/2=1,260

                                    2,520/3=840

                                    2,520/4=630

                                    2,520/5=504

                                    2,520/6=420

                                    2,520/7=360

                                    2,520/8=315

                                    2,520/9=280

                                    2,520/10=252

A person was about to die, and before dying he wrote his will which read as follows:

            “I have 17 camels, and I have three sons. Divide my camels in such a way that my eldest son gets half of them, the second one gets one-third of the total and my youngest son gets one-ninth of the total number of camels. After the man’s death, his relatives read the will and got perplexed; they wondered how they could divide 17 camels in this way.

Soon they decided that there was only one man in Arabia who could help them – Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.). When they came to the Imam and narrated the will, the Imam said, “O.K. I will divide the camels as per the will. I will lend one of my camels to the total which makes it 18, now let us divide as per the will:

            The eldest son gets half of 18 which comes to                 9

            The second one gets one-third of 18 which comes to         6

            The youngest one gets one-ninth of 18 which comes to     2

            Total number of camels to be distributed                        17

Then Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) said: “Now I will take my camel back”

Two travelers sat together on the way to their destination to have a meal. One had 5 loaves of bread, the other had 3. A third man passing by and at the request of the two joined the meal. The travelers cut each loaf into 3 pieces, and each one ate 8 pieces. At the time of leaving he gave 8 dirham to them. The two started quarrelling; the 5 loaf man demanded 5 dirham while the 3 loaf man wanted 4 each. As usual, the problem was referred to the “Mushkil-kusha” Imam Ali (a.s.)

Addressing the man who had 3 loafs, the Imam (a.s.) said: “You can have only 1 dirham. Total number of loafs were 8 and each was divided into 3 pieces, therefore, there were 24 pieces available for eating. Your 3 loafs made 9 pieces, out of which you ate 8 pieces, leaving just 1 piece to the third traveler. Your friend had 5 loafs dividing into 3 pieces made 15 pieces. He ate 8 pieces and gave 7 pieces to the guest. The guest ate 1 piece from you and 7 pieces from your friend. So you should get 1 dirham and your friend should get 7 dirham.

Imam Ali (a.s.) was interrupted while he was delivering a Sermon from the pulpit by some one who asked, “How do I distribute the inheritance of someone who had died leaving a wife, his parents, and 2 daughters?” Imam Ali (a.s.) instantly answered: “The wife’s share becomes one-ninth.” How? This was the result of long analysis.

            The wife takes one-eighth, in view of presence of an inheriting child.

                                                                        Noble Qur’an (4:12)

            The deceased’s father and mother take one-sixth. Noble Qur’an (4:11)

            The two daughters take two-third of the balance. Noble Qur’an (4:11)

            So the total will be      1/8+1/6+1/6+2/3   or

                                                3/24+4/24+4/24+16/24=27/24

This means the share becomes less than 1/8 in view of the increase of the total shares. So the one-eighth, the original share due to wife out of 24 total shares has become 3 shares out of 27 which are one-ninth.

Imam Ali went through this complex mathematical process in a second!

HAZRAT KHADIJA (S.A.), THE BELOVED WIFE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.S.)

There is a famous saying: “Islam did not rise except through Ali (a.s.) sword and Khadija (s.a.)’ wealth.”

Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) was the daughter of Hazrat Khuwaylid and belonged to the clan of Bani Hashim of the tribe of Banu Asad. She was born in 565 AD. She was the richest woman in the Arabian Peninsula. It is said that when Quraysh’s trade caravans gathered to embark upon journey, Hazrat Khadija’s caravan equaled the caravans of all other traders combined together.

Although, Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) was born in a male dominated society, yet she earned two distinguish titles; Ameerat ul Quraish – Princess of Quraysh, and al-Tahira – the Pure One, due to her impeccable personality and virtuous character, not to mention her honorable descent. She used to feed and clothe the poor, assist her relatives financially and even provide for the marriage of those of her kin who could not otherwise have had means to marry.

She never believed or worshiped idols.

She did not travel herself in connection with the trading business, but appointed agents.

In the year 595 AD, she needed an agent to travel to Syria. Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) suggested the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) for the job. Although, he did not have any experience, yet Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) took a chance and appointed him for the assignment.

Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) sent her slave, Maysarah, with him and instructed him to be very polite and respectful to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). During this journey, Maysarah witnessed many miracles from him. Once he saw that two small clouds were protecting the Prophet from the scorching sun of the desert.

The journey brought heaps of profits to Hazrat Khadija. Maysarah shared his experiences with her and she was very impressed by young Muhammad (s.a.w.s). He was already known for his truthfulness and trustworthiness in the Arabian lands.

The trip’s measure of success encouraged Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) to employ Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) for the winter trip to southern Arabia – Yemen. This time she offered three times the usual commission.

Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) was by then convinced that she had finally found a man worthy of her, so much so that she herself initiated the marriage proposal. Muhammad sat to detail all the business transactions in which he became involved on her behalf, but the wealthy and beautiful lady of Quraysh was thinking more about her distant cousin than about those business transactions. She simply fell in love with him.

By the time he was gone, she sought the advice of her friend Nufaysa. She offered to approach him on her behalf. She came to Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) and asked him why he did not married yet. “I have no means to marry” he answered. “But if you were given the means,” she said, “and if were bidden to an alliance where there is beauty and wealth and nobility and abundance would you not then consent?” “Who is she?!” he excitedly inquired. “Khadija” said Nufaysa. “And how could such a marriage be mine?” he asked

“Leave it to me” was her answer. “For my part,” he said “I am willing”. Nufaysa returned with these glad tidings to Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) who then sent word to Muhammad asking him to come to her. When he came she said to him:

            O’ Son of my uncle! I love you for your kinship with me, and for

 that you are in the center, not being a partisan among the people

for this or that. And I love you for your trustworthiness, and for

 the beauty of your character and the truth of your speech.

Then she offered herself in marriage to him. Hazrat Abu Talib recited the Nikah saying:

All praise is due to Allah, Who has made us the Progeny of Ibrahim,

 the seed of Isma’il, and Who has made us custodian of His House,

and the servants of His sacred precincts making for us a house sought

 for pilgrimage and a shrine of security and also He gave us authority

 over people. This nephew of mine Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) who cannot

be compared with any other man: if you compare his wealth with that

of others, you will not find him a man of wealth, for wealth is a

vanishing shadow and a fickle thing. Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is a man

whose lineage you all know, and he has sought Khadija, daughter of

Khuwaylid for marriage.

After marriage, Muhammad (s.a.w.s) moved from his uncle’s house to his wife’s house.

Lady of the Universe, Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was born in this house. Revelations from Allah were descended on the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) many times in this house.

By the time Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) got married, she was quite wealthy lady. She decided to retire and enjoy a comfortable life with her husband, who on his part preferred an ascetic life to that of money making.

Hazrat Khadija’s period of happiness lasted no more than 15 years after which her husband, now the Messenger of Allah, started his mission to invite people to the Oneness of God.

Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was forty years old when the first verses of Holy Qur’an were revealed to him. They were the first verses of Surah al-Alaq. He returned home and asked Hazrat Khadija to wrap him up as he felt feverish. After a while he narrated what he has seen and heard to his faithful and supportive wife. “By Allah” she said, “Allah shall never subject you to any indignity, for you always maintain your ties with those of your kin, and you are always generous in giving; you are diligent; you cool the eyes of your guests, and you lend your support to those who seek justice and redress. I testify that you are the awaited Prophet in this nation.

She accompanied her husband to Waraqa ibne Nawfil and narrated the whole incident.

He said, “By Allah, this is the prediction which had been conveyed to Musa who wished that he (Musa) could be present when Muhammad is delegated with Prophet hood to support his mission and assist him.”

It was natural that Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) to receive her share of harassment meted out to him. She was the first woman to embrace Islam and used to pray with her husband and Imam Ali (a.s.).

Among the merits of Hazrat Khadija (s.a.) was that she was one of the Most Perfect Women of all mankind, the other three being: Bibi Fatima (s.a.), Maryam, mother of Prophet Isa’a, A’siya, the wife of Pharoah.

She died in the year 619AD, 24 years after her marriage with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s).

She was buried at Hajun in the outskirts of Maccah. It is reported that by the time she died, her entire wealth was already been spent for the promotion of Islam.

 Reference:

Khadija, daughter of Khuwaylid                                    By: Yasin T. al-Jibouri

SERMON OF THE HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.S.) WELCOMING RAMAZAAN

Sayyid Ibne Taoos narrated in his book “Iqbal”, quoting Imam Ali al-Riza (a.s.), who heard from his father, who quoted from the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.), who said:

“One day, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) delivered the following Sermon about the Holy month of Ramazaan: O’ People! The month of Allah with Blessing, Mercy and Pardon has come to you, a month which is the best month among all months before Allah; its days are the best days; its nights are the best nights and its hours are the best hours. It is the month in which you have been invited by Allah for a feast, and has been selected as the recipient of His special favor. Your breathing merits the reward of praise while your sleeping in this month earns the reward of worship. In this month your deeds are accepted and prayers are granted.

Therefore with true intention and pure hearts, beseech Allah to bestow upon you His special favor to be able to observe fasting and recite the Holy Qur’an. Because the most unfortunate and wretched one is the one who remains deprived from Allah’s pardon during this great month. With your thirst and hunger remind yourself about the thirst and hunger of the Day of Judgment; pay charity to poor and destitute people, pay respect to elders; be kind towards youngsters, and observe the bonds of relationship with your kith and kin.

Watch your tongue, cover your eyes from seeing forbidden objects and prevent your ears from hearing forbidden affairs. Be kind to the orphans of the people so that the others are kind to your orphans. Repent for your sins and at the time of prayer, raise your hands upwards, because these hours are the best hours because Allah looks towards mankind with Mercy and Compassion. Their hymns (reciting praise) are granted, their cries are heard. Whatever they ask is bestowed upon them and their prayers are fulfilled.

O’ people your selves are mortgaged against your deeds and therefore, by means of repentance make yourself free. Your back has become much too heavy due to sins; by prolongation of prostration make yourself light-burdened. Know that Allah has taken the oath of His Majesty and Splendor that He will not punish those who offer prayers and bow down in prostration and on the Day of Judgment will not scare them from Hell Fire.

O’ people! Whoever in this month will make arrangements for the fast-breaking (iftar) of a believer, will be bestowed upon the reward equal to freeing of a slave and all of his past sins shall be pardoned.” He was asked: “O Prophet of Allah! But all of us are not in a position to arrange for the fast-breaking of a fast observer.” The Prophet replied: ‘Protect yourself from Hell Fire and offer fast-breaking even if it happens to be a date with a glass of sherbet.”

“O’ people whoever makes his conduct better in this, on the Day of Judgment will be bestowed upon the permit for crossing over the “Serat”. Whoever opens the knots of difficulties of people’s affairs in this month, Allah on the Day of Judgment will make the accounting of his deeds easier.

Whoever makes people immune from his mischief, Allah on the Day of Judgment will make him immune from His Wrath. Whoever treats an orphan with respect, on the Day of Judgment Allah will treat him with honor. Whoever takes care to strengthen the family bonds with relatives, Allah will extend His Blessings upon him on the Day of Judgment, and whoever will cut-off his family ties, Allah too will deprive him from His Blessings on the Day of Judgment.

Whoever offers supererogatory prayers in this month, Allah will register for him immunity from the Fire. Whoever performs a compulsory deed in this month, will be bestowed the reward of seventy compulsory deeds performed in other months. Whoever offers a lot of salutations upon me in this month, on the Day of Judgment, Allah will make his balance of righteous deeds heavier. Whoever recites one single verse of the Holy Qur’an this month will be bestowed the reward of finishing the entire Qur’an in other months.

O’ people! The gates of Paradise are opened in this month; beseech Allah that it should not be closed upon you. The doors of Hell are closed, and ask Allah that they are not opened upon you. The devils are chained in this month, ask Allah not to allow them to take over your control.

Imam Ali (a.s.) said: O’ Prophet of Allah, which one is the best deed in this month? The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied: “O’ Abul Hasan! The most supreme deed in this month is the piety and renunciation of divine forbidden acts.”

Reference:

Etiquette of the Holy month of Ramazaan     by Haj Mirza Javad Agha Maliki Tabrizi (r.a.)

REWARD FOR PARENTAL RESPECT

This relates to a story as described in the Noble Qur’an Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 67 to 74. In Bani Isra’il, a man was murdered. There are two narrations for the murder motive; one was that there was an old rich man who had only one cousin who was the heir of his wealth. His cousin waited for a long time for the death of the old man. At least being tired of waiting, he murdered the old man and made a hue and cry and reported the murder to the Prophet Musa. Yet another narration says that the man wanted to marry the daughter of the old man who refused to marry his daughter to him. Instead, he married his daughter to a pious young man of Bani Isra’il. The dejected lover killed the old man and complained to the Prophet Musa to find the murderer.

The Almighty Allah spoke to Prophet Musa and hence he was called “Kaleemullah”; means the one who spoke with Allah. Hence, Allah spoke with Prophet Musa and guided him at every step to solve the murder mystery. The conversation between Bani Isra’il and Prophet Musa is detailed in the Ayahs from 67 to 74 as under:

            When Musa said to his people, “Allah commands you to sacrifice a cow” they asked “Are you mocking us?” “Allah forbid, how would I be so ignorant,” said Musa. They demanded, “Ask your Lord to describe the kind of cow He wants us to slaughter.”

Musa explained, “It must be neither very old nor very young, thus do whatever you are commanded to do.” They further demanded that Musa ask the Lord what color the cow has to be. Musa answered, “The Lord says that the cow must be yellow.” They said, “We are confused about the cow, for to us all cows are alike. Ask your Lord to tell us exactly what the cow looks like, so that Allah willing, we shall have the right description.” Musa said, “The Lord says it must not have even tilled the soil nor irrigated the fields and it must be free of blemishes and flaws.” They said, “Now you have given us the right description.”

After almost failing to find it, they slaughtered the cow.” When you murdered someone, each one of you tried to accuse others of being guilty. However, Allah made public what you were hiding. We said, “Strike the person slain with some part of the cow.” That is how Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His miracles so that you might have understanding.”

It is reported that this type of cow in the region was only one. The Bani Isra’il had to purchase at a very exorbitant price. It is further reported that the owner of that special cow was a very pious man who respected his father a lot. One day, when his father was sleeping, this man had completed a business deal for 70,000 but the other party wanted instant cash. He had to wake up his father to get the required money but he refused to wake him up. Hence the business deal was lost. On waking up, when the father came to know that his son did not disturb him even at the loss of a business deal, he gifted the cow to his son. Allah rewarded the son by the sale of that cow at a very high price. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had said: “Look at the virtue what it does to the pious!”

These are the ways; Allah provides enormous sustenance to the virtuous and obedient servants. In our daily life, we witness numerous instances when Allah’s help comes from unexpected sources. The most important point is that we should sincerely call our Creator having abide by His Commandments as thoroughly as possible. Insha-Allah, the Omnipotent Allah will respond to our solicitations and prayers.

HADEES-E-QUDSI

Revelations from Allah can be of three kinds:

1. The Noble Qur’an where the words and meaning both revealed from Allah. It is meant to be a miracle in itself.
2. Hadees-e-Qudsi where the words and meaning both revealed from Allah, but it is not intended to be a miracle. It is found in the books of Traditions and generally begins with these words: “The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said that Allah said”.
3. Hadees where only the meanings are from Allah but the words are that of The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).

HADEES-E-QUDSI

Almighty Allah says:

1. I wonder how a person can be happy, who is certain of death.
2. I wonder at a person who is certain of the Day of Judgment, but still accumulates wealth.
3. I wonder at a person who is certain of this world’s doom, but still have tranquility in loving this world.
4. I wonder at a person who is knowledgeable in his speech, and ignorant in his heart.
5. I wonder at a person who cleans himself with water, but does not cleanse his heart.
6. I wonder at people who look for bad points in others, but is unaware of the same in themselves.
7. I wonder at a person who knows that Almighty Allah is aware of his actions, but still commits sins.
8. I wonder at a person who preaches to the people, but does not preach to his own soul.
9. I wonder at a person who knows that he will die alone, go into the grave alone, give accounts alone, but is totally engrossed with people who will not be able to help him.
10. A person who does not get what he wants in this world and becomes sad by it, is as if he is angry with Me.
11. A person who complains to another of calamities which has befallen on him, is as if he has complained about Me.
12. A person who goes to a rich person and humiliates himself because of his wealth, one- third of his faith is lost.
13. A person who does not care about what he eats (whether Halal or Haram), I will not care from which door I will make him enter Hell.
14. O Son of Adam! One who is content is independent. One, who is not jealous, has tranquility. One who protects himself from unlawful (Haram), his faith becomes pure. One who does not gossip, will be loved by people. One who reduces his talks, increases his wisdom. One who is pleased with whatever little he has, has full trust upon Allah. One who is pleased at a little bounty from Allah, Allah is pleased with his little obedience.
15. O, Son of Adam! If you spend your whole life acquiring wealth, when will you be able to acquire Hereafter (Akherat)?
16. O, Son of Adam! Every day of your life is getting shorter, but still you do not understand? Each day I sent down to you My Bounties, but you are not thankful to Me for them. You are not content with little nor are you satisfied with much.
17. O, Son of Adam! Not a single day misses but that your provisions comes to you from Me; and not a single night passes, but that My angels give Me accounts of your bad deeds. You eat My provision, and you still disobey Me; but still when you call Me, I still answer you. From Me, good Bounties descend upon you. And from you sinful deeds come up to Me.
18. How good a master I am and how bad a servant you are! I give you whatever you ask Me, but still you go sinning. I hide these sins, one after another, one evil deed after another. I am ashamed of you, but you are not ashamed of Me. You forget Me, but I remember you. You are afraid of people, and you are careless of Me. You fear enmity of people, but you do not fear My Wrath.

Reference: Hadees-e-Qudsi     by Hasan Shirazi

QUALITIES OF A PIOUS MUSLIM

According to the Islamic laws as explained in the Noble Qur’an, people have been generally classified into three types;

            Pious

            Infidel

            Hypocrite

Pious are the people who have accepted Islam completely from the bottom of their hearts.

Infidels are those who are openly against the pious people.

Hypocrites are the two-faced people. When they are with Muslims they show themselves as Muslims while in their hearts they are infidels.

Pious men have the following five qualities:

In the Noble Qur’an, Surah al-Baqarah, Ayah 2-4: “There is no doubt that this Book is a Guide for the pious. It is the pious who believe in the Unseen, attend to prayer, give in charity part of what We have granted them; who have faith in what has been revealed to you (Muhammad) and others before you and have strong faith in the life Hereafter.”

1. Believe in the Unseen: Followers of divine religions stand against the unbelievers of God, revelations and the Resurrection. The unbelievers regard death as the ultimate end of human beings while the believers of Unseen have the cognizance of an Omnipotent Power who had planned the creation of mankind with a purpose. For a believer, death is not a complete destruction of human being; it is one stage of the completion of human life. It is just a window of a much greater world awaiting his soul in the life Hereafter. The concept of accountability, reward and punishment for our deeds is linked with the Creator and the Day of Resurrection.

A materialist does not distinguish between man and animal; both die and their bodies disintegrate into the elements. Believe in Unseen includes not only the Creator but the domain beyond the physical world e.g. angels, revelations, Day of Judgment. It may include the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).

2. Relationship with Allah: The second quality of a pious man is the establishment of prayers. It is the eternal link of a pious man with God. They do not bow before statues or oppressive rulers but only before their God, the Creator. A person, with his whole heart and mind, stands five times in front of Allah, and sincerely utters invocations, his thinking and approach to life changes. It is impossible for such a man to defy orders of his Creator and commit sins, if he sincerely believes in All-Mighty and His Powers. Prayer is the pillar of faith, and means to attaining nearness to Allah.

3. Relationship with people: A pious man will not only have links with his Creator but also with His creations. The Noble Qur’an describes the third quality of a pious man as the one who give charity out of sustenance granted by Allah. Qur’an did not use “they spend (in charity) of what they have, but it says “of what We have provided them” which includes wealth, knowledge and intelligence, physical power and status. Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “It means that they share (and teach to those who need) the knowledge and science Allah has taught them.” In short whatever assets a pious man possesses should use it for the betterment of the needy without expecting any thing in return from them but only for the pleasure of Allah.

Relationship with Allah is attached to Relationship with people. A man who is linked with Allah does not regard his sustenance as his own but treats it as the gift from Allah and dispenses it as a trust of Allah. He feels pleased when he spends the resources granted by Allah on His creatures. This mental approach increases feelings of cooperation. Like sun, he shares his resources selflessly.

4. Believe in Messengers: The pious have faith in the Divine program of all guides for the betterment of humanity and they do not distinguish between any of them. All of them preached Unity of Allah, guided them towards virtuous deeds and salvation, and warned them of chastisement for sinful acts, and rewards for the virtuous deeds on the Day of Resurrection.

5. Believe in the Day of Judgment: This is the last quality of a pious man described in the above Ayah. He has the firm conviction that life is not given without any purpose. The journey of life does not end with the death but continues after death. He is cognizant of the Justice of Allah, the Creator, Who is All-Seeing and aware of all of our actions, whether potent or latent, even what we have in our hearts. Hence, He will take the account of every thing. He will order our limbs to testify against us for our deeds. In the end the sinners will be punished in the Hell Fire and the pious will be sent to Paradise for enjoying the fruits of their virtuous deeds. The life on earth is temporary abode. One has to sow the seed here to harvest the outcome in the Hereafter. Faith in the Day of Judgment has a profound impact on the life of a human being. This faith in Hereafter protects man from committing sins and stimulates him to treat other human beings kindly. The stronger the faith of a man is the fewer sins are committed by him. Holy Qur’an Surah Saad, Ayah 26, wherein Allah addresses Prophet Dawood: “Dawood, We have appointed you as Our deputy on earth so judge among the people with truth. D o not follow (worldly) desires lest you go astray from the way of Allah. Those who go astray from the way of Allah will suffer severe torment for forgetting the Day of Reckoning.”