SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.), THE BLESSED ONE

One of Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.)’s names was “AL-MUBARAKAH”. Its root word is “Baraka” which means abundance, multiplication, and felicity. It is said that anything which noticeably multiplies or increases is “Mubarak” or “Blessed”.Allah gifted Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) with abundant blessings and made her the mother of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.)’s descendants on whom Allah has bestowed everlasting Benevolence.

After the Massacre of Karbala, torture and massacres continued throughout Umayyad era, except a short period during the time Umer ibn Abdul Aziz, who realized the injustice committed against the AhlulBayt (a.s.) and he was the one who ordered the return of “FADAK” to the descendants of Sayyidah Fatima (s.a.). Abbasids came to power on the pretext of being the descendants of Hazrat Abbas, the uncle of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) but they broke the record of Umayyads annihilating Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.)’s offspring. The struggle continued for two centuries till the martyrdom of the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). Even Salah addin Ayyubi was as savage as the Abbasids in massacring the descendants of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and their followers. He committed mass murders and brutal crimes.

Nevertheless, Allah bestowed benevolence and blessings upon Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.)’s descendants, and implemented abundant multiplicity in them. Tabarsi writes in Majma’ Al-Bayan: “It was said that “Kausar” means abundant benevolence, and the descendants of Fatima (s.a.) have enormously multiplied in a way that they will exist until the Day of Resurrection.”

Fakheraddin Razi said in his “Interpretation of the Qur’an” regarding the Ayah of Kausar: “Since this chapter was revealed to refute the claim of an infidel who attempted to denounce the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) for not having sons, it becomes clear that the meaning given here is that Allah gave the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) offspring which will be everlasting. We must keep in mind that numerous massacres have been committed against Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) and their descendants , yet still the world is full of them; while Umayyad have vanished  save a few who are worthless.”

According to a narration stated by Amr al-Shube in Allama Majlisi’s Bihar-ul-Anwar volume 10: “One night Hajjaj summoned me to his palace and I got horrified and wrote my will fearing imminent death and went to see him. Sai’d ibn Jubair was sitting next to him. Hajjaj said: “This old man claims that al-Hasan and al-Hussayn are the Prophet’s children; he shall prove this from the Qur’an or I will cut his head off. The old man was in chains and hand-cuffed. I requested him to free the man. When Hajjaj repeated this demand three time, Sa’id ibn Jubail read an Ayah from the Glorious Qur’an which says “We gave him Isaac and Jacob We guided them; and before him We guided Noah and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Joseph, Moses and Aaron; thus We reward those who do good, and Zakaria and John and Isa. Then Sai’d said “How does Isa fit in here?” Hajjaj said: “He is one of Ibrahim’s offspring”, Sa’id said “Isa did not have a father, yet he was Ibrahim’s descendants because he was his daughter’s (Maryam) son, therefore, al-Hasan and al-Hussayn are more worthy of being called the Prophets children.”

This is the height of oppression and tyranny!

Similar arguments were exchanged between Haroon ar-Rashid and Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.). Apart from giving the above argument about Prophet Isa’s relationship with Prophet Ibrahim through Lady Mariam, the Imam said: “If the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s) were to brought back to life and ask your daughter’s hand in marriage, would you fulfill his wish?”Haroon replied in affirmative. The Imam said: “But he would not ask to marry my daughter, nor could I give her to him in marriage.”Haroon said “Why not?” The Imam said “For he has begotten me and has not begotten you.”

According to a survey conducted in 1990, over twenty million descendants of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) are living in different parts of the world.

Sources used:

Fatima, the Gracious                                                                               By Abu Muhammad Ordani

Nuqoosh-e-Ismat                                                                                    By Zeeshan Haider Jawadi

THE MATCHLESS ROLE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SAYYIDAH FATIMAH ZAHRA (S.A.)

Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was the daughter of the Chief of Prophets and the cause of creation of this world, but she lived a life of simplicity and poverty. Her mother was the richest lady of her time in Arabia but she never asked for anything neither from her father nor her husband, the Conqueror of Khyber and Mushkilkusha of everyone. Imam Hasan and Imam Hussayn were the leaders of the youths of Paradise, and for them food from Paradise was sent by Allah and in acceptance of her prayers for clothes for the children, Allah sent red and green apparels for them. But she exercised contentment to live like the poorest in Arabia. She was the only person whose husband and sons were the Infallible Imams and her marriage was solemnized in heaven. The Glorious Quranic Surahs of Hal-Ata’ and Kausar along with the Ayah Tatheer (Purity) and Mubahelah were revealed. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) called her “Umme Abiha” or “Mother of her Father” and that she was a” part” of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) himself. She was introduced by Allah to Arch Angel Jibra’il in “ Hadees-e-Kisa”  when he asked Allah as to who was under the Kisa, Allah said: “This is Fatimah, her father, her husband and her two children.” She protected her husband’s generosity by giving charity to anyone and everyone even by mortgaging her head cover.

Her degree of sanctity may be imagined when her father came with a blind companion and she did not come out. When he asked about the reason she replied that the blind man cannot see me but I can see him! Similarly, before her Martyrdom, she told Asma binte Umais to prepare a covered coffin for her so that no one can see the dead body’s features! She was the first woman in Madinah to be carried in that box-like coffin.

BATOOL: She was called “Batool” because she was free from the monthly periods common with every woman. During that period, a woman has to abstain from prayers like namaz or obligatory fasting. Allah wanted her to pray without interruption. Her purity was already confirmed by the Qur’anic Ayah “Tatheer”. In Islamic jurisprudence, normally women-folks suffer from three shortcomings; shortcoming in faith, shortcoming in inheritance, shortcoming in intellect. Allah made her perfect from the three shortcomings; By making her Batool her shortcoming in faith was removed as she could pray all year round, saved her from the shortcoming of inheritance by making her the only daughter and by making her pure saved her from the shortcoming of witness (as two women’s witness were equal to one man).

BRAVERY: There are two types of bravery; one type is manifested by the strength of heart demonstrated in the battle field in the face of a danger while the other type is by tongue in speaking the truth in front of a tyrant. On the night of Hijrat, while “the Lion of Allah” Imam Ali (a.s.) was sleeping peacefully on the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.)’s bed which was surrounded by the swords of Quraish, while Sayyidah Fatimah (s.a.), a young girl was bravely facing this siege without any fear. Similarly, on the battle field of Uhad where the Muslims fled away leaving the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) with few brave ones (including ImamAli). On hearing her father’s news of injury, she alogwith lady Safia came on the battlefield, cleaned her father’s wounds and later prayed at Hazrat Hamza’s dead body. Her famous sermon for reclaiming her property of Fadak is a historical masterpiece of bravery and knowledge acquired from the cradle in the Prophet’s house. It was so truthful and powerful that the crowd was dumbfounded and the Caliph himself cried.

TRUTHFULLNESS: On the eve of Mubahelah, she was the only “Woman” brought by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) to defend Islam against the Christian priests from the Church of Najran. The Ayah of Qur’an challenged them to bring their “Women” which is a plural tense requiring three or more than three women. Because the Ayah promised  Allah’s Wrath  on “The Liars”. It was a test of the truthfulness of his “Prophet Hood”; hence the Prophet had to pick up only those individuals who had never lied in their life time-Perfect Truthful. If after “Mubahelah” any one asks for witnesses not accepting her words is either ignorant or challenging the Glorious Qur’an.

MUHADDISAH: The angels used to visit and converse with her. Although, the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an was complete, but the ilhaam continued regarding other things like Allah communicated with the mother of Prophet Musa or Lady Mariyam. She collected all these “ilhamaat” in a document known as “Mushaf-e-Fatima”. Infallible Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) had said that it contained all information which might be needed to the humanity about events or governments to be formed till the Day of Judgment.

Sources used:

Fatima, the Gracious                                                                             By Abu Muhammad Ordoni

Fatima, the Daughter of Muhammad                                                      By Yasin T. Jibouri

Nuqoosh-e-Ismat                                                                                  By Allama Zeeshan Haider

GENEROSITY OF THE LADY OF PARADISE SAYYIDAH FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

Generosity of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Lady of Paradise Sayyidah Fatima Zahra is proverbial. The poor and needy of Madinah were thoroughly familiar with the House of Panjetan. No one had ever returned from their house without being granted their wishes. Whatever money was received by the Imam Ali (a.s.) would distribute it to the poor and needy right away.

Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari, a prominent companion of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) narrates:

One day we were in the presence of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in the mosque when an old man came wearing worn out clothes and was barely able to walk because of weakness and age. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) enquired about his welfare. The man said: “O Prophet of Allah, I am starving, so feed me; I am naked so clothe me; and I am poor so help me.” The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied: “I have nothing to give you, yet, go to the house of one (she), who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love her. The one who prefers Allah over herself; I mean Fatima” Fatima (s.a.)’s house was nearby. He asked Bilal to lead the old man to her house. As soon as they reached her house, the old man cried out: “Peace be upon you O People of the House, where the angels frequent their visits; where Rooh-ul-Ameen  descends bringing in what the Lord of the world reveals. Sayyidah Fatima responded to his greetings and asked who he was to which he replied: “I am an old Arab man. I have emigrated to your father from a distant land. O Daughter of Muhammad, I am hungry and in need of clothing-so console me and May Allah bless you.”

This incident occurred at a time when the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.) and Sayyidah Fatima (s.a.) had not eaten anything for the last three days. Sayyidah Fatima (s.a.) gave the old man a ram skin which was used as a bed by her two children; Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussayn (a.s.). The old man said: “O Daughter of Muhammad, I complain to you of hunger and you gave me ram skin? How can I eat this? Fatima took out her necklace which was given to her by Fatima binte Hamza ibn Abdul Mutallib and handed over to the old man saying: “Sell this and Allah will grant you with a solution to your problems.” The old man took the necklace, brought it and showed it to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.). He said: “Indeed, Allah will grant you the solution, for Fatima, the Mistress of all the women has given to you this necklace.”

Ammar ibn Yasser, who was present, said, “O Messenger of Allah, do you allow me to buy this necklace?” The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Buy it Ammar, surely if all men and women participate in its purchase, Allah will protect them from Hellfire.” Ammar asked the old man for its price and the old man replied: “A meal of bread and meat, a Yemini shirt to cover myself and a Dinar to return to my family.” Ammar gave him 20 Dinar and 200 Dirham, A Yemini shirt, wheat bread and meat, and a horse to take him back to his home. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) asked him if he was satisfied with all that and he replied in affirmative. “So reward Fatima for her kindness.” said the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.). The old man prayed: “O Allah, Give Fatima that which no eye has seen and no ear has heard.”

Ammar perfumed the necklace with musk and sent it to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) with a slave, whom he had purchased with the booty he had received from Khyber, saying: “Give this necklace to the Messenger of Allah and tell him that I gift you to him.” When the slave delivered the necklace and the message, the Noble Prophet said to him: “Take this necklace to Fatima and I gift you to her.” When the slave came to Sayyidah Fatima, she took the necklace back and set the slave free. When the slave was set free he laughed loudly. Fatima asked for the reason of laughing and he said: “I laughed when I thought of the abundance of goodness in this necklace. It fed a hungry man; it clothed a naked man; satisfied a poor man; freed a slave; and came back to its original owner.

On her wedding day, a poor lady came to ask for some clothes. Sayyidah Fatima had two dresses, one was old and the other was the wedding dress which is very dear to any girl. Sayyidah Fatima gave the wedding dress to the needy. Surah Al-Imran Ayah 92 says: “You can never have extended virtue and righteousness unless you spend part of what you dearly love for the cause of Allah. Allah knows very well whatever you spend for His cause.”

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

Generosity of Fatima Zahra (s.a.)                                                                       Imamreza.net

Charity of wedding dress by Fatima Zahra (s.a.)                                                 HolyKarbala.net

BAHLOOL, THE WISE

Bahlool was the common name of Wahab ibn Amr, a companion of the Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.). He was born in Kufa. He was a well-known judge during the time of Harun ar-Rashid and a scholar who came from a wealthy back ground. The caliph had begun a campaign of crackdown upon the followers of the Infallible Seventh Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.). Wahab and a few others met with the Imam and sought his advice. The Imam replied with the Arabic letter “JEEM”. Each of these companions took their own interpretation of the letter “JEEM”: Jala-ul-Watan meaning “Exile”, “Jabal” meaning “taking refuge in the mountain”, “Junun” meaning “Madness”. The next day, Wahab left his wealthy life style, wearing rags came into the streets of Baghdad. People started calling him “Bahlool”.

Another narration says that  Harun ar-Rashid was fearful for the safety of his kingdom from the Infallible Imam (a.s); therefore he tried to destroy the Imam. Harun thought of a trick by which he could kill the Infallible Imam (a.s.). He put the blame of the rebellion on the Imam and demanded a judicial decree from the pious people of his time-which included Bahlool. Every one gave the decree except Bahlool, who opposed the decision. He immediately went to the Imam and informed him of the circumstances, and asked for advice and guidance. Then and there the Imam told him to act insanely. By following the Imam’s advice he was saved from Harun’s punishment. He insulted notorious Khalifa and his courtiers just by talking. Nevertheless, people acknowledge his superior wisdom and excellence.

Before becoming insane Bahlool lead a life of influence and power, but after obeying the Imam’s order, he turned his face from the majesty and splendor of the world. Bahlool was sincerely devoted to Allah, he was an intelligent and virtuous scholar; he spoke with the best of answers ready on his lips.

HOUSE IN HEAVEN FOR SALE: Bahlool was making houses from mud while sitting near the banks of a river. Zubeidah, the wife of Haroon, was passing nearby. She stopped and asked him what was he doing to which Bahlool replied that he was building houses in Jannat (Paradise). She asked: “Would you sell one to me?”

Bahlool replied: “Why not.”

She asked: “What is the price?”

Bahlool replied: “One hundred Dinars for each house.”

Thinking that it would be a help to the poor Bahlool, she bought a house. The same night she dreamt a fabulous palace in heaven with beautiful hooriya in it. She was told this was the house she bought from Bahlool.

Zubeidah, on waking up the next morning related the dream to her husband, Haroon, the caliph. Haroon, upon hearing this send someone with One Hundred Dinars to Bahlool with a request to sell one house to him in heaven. Bahlool smiled and said that Zubeidah purchased it without first seeing or knowing about it while Haroon wanted to have it after coming to know about its true existence in the heaven. Therefore he would not sell to him. Ayahs 2 and 3 of Surah Baqarah say:

                “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, and give in charity part of what We have granted them.”

VIRTUES OF IMAM ALI (a.s.): One day, Bahlool went to visit Haroon, and he was in a good mood.

Haroon asked: “Was Ali (a.s.) higher in status than Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) or Abbas was elevated in status than Ali (a.s.)?”

Bahlool replied: “If my safety was guaranteed then I will tell the truth. Ali (a.s.), after the Noble Prophet was in status higher than all the Muslims. Not only that, but higher in status than all the previous prophets. He possessed all the good qualities. His staunch faith in Islam is unquestionable, while his bravery in defense of Islam is unparallel. He and his family sacrificed their lives in safeguarding the tenets of Islam. He was always in the forefront in all defensive wars of Islam and never ran away from the battle field. When asked as to why he does not look back lest an enemy may strike from back. He said that fighting in a battle for him was for the sake of Islam. No fear of any sort or personal interest concerns him. He fully submits to Allah and if he was killed that would be in the way of Allah, and what better achievement could it be than that.

Moreover, when he became the Caliph he worked day and night and did not allow any wastage of the treasury and protected the rights of the poor. He always acted with justice and fairplay and terminated any one found to be unjust.”

Haroon asked: “Despite all these virtues and elevations, why he was then killed?”

Bahlool replied: “Most of the people on the path of truth were persecuted. Even the Prophets like Eisa, Dawood, and Yahiya were not spared by the people of their times.”

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had said: “The Truth is with Ali (a.s.) and Ali (a.s.) is with the Truth.”

Sources used:    WIKIPEDIA,

Stories of Bahlool                                                                     translated by Kubra Jafri – Al-Islam.org

USWATUL HASANA FOR WOMEN

Allah orders the believers to follow the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in the Glorious Qur’an Surah al-Ahz’ab Ayah 21: “The Messenger of Allah is certainly a good example for those of you who have hope in Allah and in the Day of Judgment and who remember Allah very often.”

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) being a man, the women may need guidance in the spheres of feminine needs and situations, how can they follow into the footsteps of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Moreover, women have three stations in a society viz. a mother, a daughter, and a wife. There is Tradition of the Noble Prophet: “Fatima is a part of me!” It is a well-known fact that a part has all the qualities of the whole.

The Infallible and Pure Sayyidah Fatima is a perfect role model for the Muslim women. For all the Ayahs revealed in the Glorious Qur’an regarding women, she was the perfect model and translated every Ayah into action.

Sayyidah Fatimah as a daughter: She inherited the genius and wisdom, the determination and will power, piety and sanctity, generosity and benevolence, devotion and worship of Allah, self sacrifice and hospitality, forbearance and patience, knowledge and nobility of disposition of her illustrious father, both in words and actions. She loved her parents so much that she won their love and regard to such an extent that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to stand up whenever she came to him. After the death of her mother, she looked after the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) so devoutly that he used to call her “Umme Abi’ha” meaning “Mother of her Father”. He married Umme Salma (s.a.), a widow, to look after household chores and also to tutor the young “Lady of Paradise” Saiyyda Fatima (s.a.). The wise woman replied to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.): “How can I tutor the one, who is the personification of Purity and high virtues, it is I who should learn from her.” Later, when the hostility of the Quraish increased and her father was injured by stone throwing on him, she was the one who would perform the dressing of his wounds, and comforted him. When the infidels would throw the intestines of the sheep on his back while he was prostrating in the mosque, she would pick it up and throw away. Then with her small loving hands, cleaned her father’s head and face, comforted him and returned home. People, who saw this thin, weak girl, alone, besides her champion father, saw how she comforted him. She supported him through his troubles and sufferings. With her pure, child-like behavior, she sympathized with him. Hence, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) called her “Umme Abi’ha”. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) loved his daughter so much that whenever he would go on a trip the last person who would bid him farewell was Fatima Zahra (s.a.). And when he returned from a trip the first person to rush to see him was Fatima Zahra (s.a.). There is a Tradition that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever harms Fatima harms me and whoever angers her has made me angry; whoever makes her glad has made me glad.” At the battle of Uhad, when she heard the news that her father had sustained injuries, she rushed to the scene along with other Hashemite women. She cleaned his wounds and applied dressing.

Sayyidah  Fatimah as wife: The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had said: “If Ali was not there, there was no one equal to Fatima Zahra (s.a.) to marry. Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) moved from the house of Prophet Hood to the house of Imamate, successor ship and guardianship. This in her life allowed her to become the companion of the father of the Infallible Imams. As the days passed, her life became more beautiful, as she lived in an atmosphere of sanctity and chastity, surrounded by modesty and humbleness. She helped her husband in his worldly and religious affairs, and cooperated with him in achieving his exalted goals. She realized the great rank her husband enjoyed. She respected him in the best possible manner as a Muslim woman should respect her Imam. She realized that the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the dearest person to Allah’s Messenger, the possessor of absolute Imamate, possessor of excellent talents, his long-standing service to Islam. As per Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.): “(My grandmother) Fatima vouched to take care of the household work, make dough, bake bread, and clean the house.; in return, Imam Ali (a.s.) vouched to take care of the outside duties.” Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “By Allah, I never angered Fatima, or forced her to do something she did not want to do up to the day she died, nor did she ever anger or disobey me.”She was  deeply devoted to her husband, and had never asked for anything in her life. Allama Iqbal said: “Bano-e-Aaan Tajdar-e-Hal Ata’; Murtaza Mushkilkusha Sher-e-Khuda”meaning “Her husband was the Crown of Surah Hal-Ata’. Imam Ali (a.s.)’s other titles were Murtaza, and Lion of God and he helps people in distress.” He further said: “Noori wa ham aatashi farmanbarish; Gum razaish dar razai shouharish.” meaning “All angels and Jinn were the servants of Sayyidah Fatimah but she was obedient to her husband.”

Sayyidah Fatima as mother: In a way, she was the mother of the Eleven Infallible Imams, first being Sibte Akbar, Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Mahdi (a.s.) the last and Awaitd Imam. This Noorani Couple had four children; Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Infallible Imam Hussayn (a.s), the leaders of the “Youths of Paradise”. The daughters were Shareek-tul-Hussayn, Sayyidah Zaynab (s.a.) and Sayyidah Umme Kulsoom (s.a.). Allama Iqbal has said: "Mazra-e-tasleem ra hasil Batool; Madaraan ra uswa-e-kaamil Batool." meaning "Sayyidah Fatima Zahra's other name was batool. Allama Iqbal says that she is a complete and perfect example and role model for Muslim women to follow in their life." “Aan Adab Parwarda-e-Sabro Raza;Asiya Garden Wa Lab Qur’an Sara” meaning “She was the symbol of patience and contentment and she would recite Qur’an while grinding the stone mill at home.” Allama Iqbal said about Imam Hasan: “Ta nashinad aatishe paikaro keen; Pushte pa zad bar sare taj o nagin” meaning “Imam Hasan, in order to avoid bloodshed of the Muslims, kicked off the khilafat.” Allama Iqbal said about Imam Hussayn (a.s.) said “Dar nawa-e-zindagi soz as Hussayn; Ahle haq hurriyyat amoz az Hussayn”meaning, “Imam Hussayn’s jihad in Karbala has brought meaning and purpose to life and the followers of righteousness will continue to draw inspiration from his courage, liberty and fortitude.”Sayyidah Fatimah died at the age of 18 years but in such a short time she raised four children who were the shining stars whose light has been enlightening the centuries and still is the center of gravity of Islam.

Sources used:

Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)                                  By  Yasin T. al-Jibouri

Story of the Holy Ka’ba                                                                  By S.M.R.Shabbar

The World’s most outstanding lady: Fatima az-Zahra                       By Ayatullah Makrem Shirazi

Fatima, the Gracious                                                                        By Abu Muhammad Ordoni

AYATULLAH SAYYID MUHAMMAD HUSSAYN TABATABA'I (R.A.)

He was born in Tabriz, Iran in the year 1892 A.D. in a family of the descendants of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.). He obtained his early education in Tabriz and at the age of twenty, proceeded to the Great Shi’ah University of Najaf-e-Ashraf. He had the privilege of being a student of the two great masters of the time; Mirza Muhammad Hussayn Na’ini and Shaykh Muhammad Hussayn Isphani. In addition to the formal learning of “acquired sciences”, he sought after the “immediate science” or gnosis which leads to supernatural realities. He was fortunate in finding a great master of Islamic gnosis, Mirza al-Qadi, who initiated him into the Divine Mysteries and guided him in his journey to spiritual perfection.

He returned to Tabriz in 1934 and taught few disciples for sometimes. In 1945, he moved to Qum, the centre of religious studies in Iran. He taught the Qur’anic commentary, traditional Islamic philosophy, and theosophy. His magnetic and spiritual presence attracted some of the most intelligent and competent students to him and gradually he made the teachings of Mullah Sadra a corner stone of the curriculum. He tried to create new intellectual elite who wished to be acquainted with the Islamic Intellectuality and Modern World. Some of his students, including Sayyid Jalal al-Din Ashtiyani of Mashhad University and Murtaza Mutahhari of Teheran University, are themselves scholars of considerable repute.

His interests were varied and scope of his learning was vast. He had written about forty four books, three of which are the collections of his articles on Islam and Qur’an. His major contributions are in the tafsir, philosophy and history of the Shi’ah faith. In philosophy the most important of his works is The Principles of Philosophy and the Method of Realism, which has been published in five volumes with explanatory notes by his disciple Martyr Murtaza Mutahhari. His humanist approach is underlined by his three books on man-before the world, in this world after this world. His other two works, Bityat-al Hikma and Nihayat al-Hikma, are considered among the works of a high order in Muslim Philosophy. He wrote several treatises on doctrines and history of Shi’ahs. One of such books was in reply to questions posed by the famous French orientalist Henry Corbin. Another of his book Shi’ah dar Islam was translated in English by Sayyid Hussayn Nasr.

If a single book is to be named as his masterpiece, Al-Mizan can be mentioned without hesitation which is the outcome of Allamah’s lifelong labor in the sphere of Qur’anic studies. His method, style and approach are unique. Among his pupils we find a group of such luminaries and thinkers of imminence in their own right as Martyr Murtaza Mutahhari, Martyr Beheshti, Hasan Hasanzadeh Amuli, and Hussayn Nasr.

History of Al-Mizan: About the motive of writing Al-Mizan, Allamah Tabataba’I himself states that when he came to Qum, he tried to evaluate the requirements of the Islamic society as well as the conditions prevalent in the Howzah; he concluded that the school was badly in need of a commentary of the Qur’an for a better understanding. As the materialistic notions were gaining prevalence, there was a great need for a rational and philosophical discourse to enable the Howzah to rise to the occasion for elaborating the intellectual and doctrinal principles of Islam with the help of rational arguments in order to defend the Islamic position. The lectures on the exegesis of Qur’an were planned. He delivered lectures and also started writing commentary. He made a detailed plan to explain the Glorious Qur’an with the help of the Qur’an itself.

The first edition of al-Mizan in Arabic was published in Iran then it was printed in Beirut. The original book in Arabic was in twenty volumes each volume consisted of about four hundred pages. Six volumes of the Arabic text were translated in English in twelve volumes by Allama Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi.

In an interview with the daughter of Allamah Tabataba’I; Khanum Najma Sadat Tabatabai’, she said; “Haj Agha always kept himself busy and will not waste even one second. He would read the Glorious Qur’an every day. He used to say whatever you do for Allah sincerely, is worship. He used to say” Know God as being Ever-Present and Ever-Knowing”. He advised to give great importance to respect elders. Khanum Najma Tabataba’i gave a few golden advices to youth; she said: “If someone gets married for something other than the sake of God, he will not get that which was his intention e.g. if someone marries for wealth nothing will reach him from that money. Our youth should not let the sustenance and glitter of this world occupy them. Our beloved youth must always ask for help from God.

Allamah Tabataba’i died in the year 1981.

Sources used:

Islamic-Laws.com

Al-Mizan

Interview with the daughter of Allamah Tabataba’i

WIKIPEDIA

SURAH AL-MA'IDAH OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN - 3

Ayah 61 to 70: Allah speaks about the hypocrites in the People of Book, when they came to you, they say, “We have accepted your faith. “ However, they entered as unbelievers and left it as unbeliever. Many of them compete with each other in sin, in hostility and in accepting usury. Next He is reminding the rabbis and priests that why they are not stopping the sinners. Moreover, it is not restricted to the People of the Book but also applicable Muslim leaders. The Gateway of Knowledge, Imam Ali (a.s.) said in his Sermon of “Qa’siya” 190: “In the past, Allah kept them away from His Blessings because they had discontinued the Amre bil Maroof and Nahi anil Munkar.” He had cursed the people for committing sins and the scholars for forgetting Nahi anil Munkar. In the next Ayah, Allah condemned the Jews for saying that Allah’s hands are bound. His hands are free and grants favors to His creatures as He likes. With the rise of Islam, the Jewish power declined specially in the Heja’az, hence one of Jewish man sarcastically uttered these words and the others shared his feelings, hence Allah condemned all Jews. In the next Ayah, Allah addresses the People of Book, Allah assures redemption of their bad deeds and admits them in the Paradise if they would have accepted the faith, observe piety. And also promises worldly benefits had they followed the laws of Old and New Testament (in original form).

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was returning from Makkah after performing Hajj with over 100,000 companions when the Ayah of Coronation of the Commander of the Faithful was revealed which read: “O Messenger, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord. If you did not do so, it will be as though you have not conveyed His message. Allah protects you from men. He does not guide the unbelieving people.”The Noble Prophet said the historical phrase as: 

“Man Kuntu Maula Fa Haza Aliun Maula”

Later, Allah addressing the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) reminds the People of Book to follow the Old Testament and the New Testament and the Noble Qur’an and that they will rebel against him (the Prophet). And He further addresses the believers, Jews, Sabeans, and the Christians to believe in Allah, the Day of Judgment and do right deeds then they need no fear nor they will be grieved.

Ayah 71 to 80: Allah says that in spite of their covenant, Israelites rejected the Messengers and even killed some of them. Because of their misunderstanding, they thought themselves to be chosen ones of Allah and hence they became blind of seeing the realities and deaf of hearing the message. Allah forgave them but they returned to old habits. Those who said that Hazrat Eisa was God had become disbelievers. Hazrat Eisa himself had said: “Worship Allah, my lord and yours. Allah will deprive of Paradise anyone who considers anything equal to Allah, and his dwelling will be fire.” Even those who say Allah is the third of the three were also disbelievers. There is no Lord but Allah, the only one Lord. If they do not give up this belief, they will suffer painful torment. They should repent and ask for forgiveness. Hazrat Eisa was just a Messenger like many other Messengers. His mother was a truthful woman and that both of them ate earthly food. It means they were human beings. He is addressing the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s) to ask the disbelievers why they worship those who can neither harm nor benefit them. Advising the People of Book not to exceed the limits of devotion to their religion or follow the erroneous ones.

Hazrat Dawood and Hazrat Eisa condemned the disobedient and transgressors among the Israelites. They did not prevent each other from committing sins nor would they abstain. Many of them became friendly with the disbelievers. They have invoked the Wrath of Allah.

Sources used:

Translation of the Glorious Qur’an                            By:S.V.Mir Ahmad Ali & Ayatullah Agha Pooya Yazdi

                                                                                By: Muhammad Sarwar

Tafsir-e-Namoona                                                    By: Ayatulla Nasir Makaram Shirazi

FATIMA, THE BRAVE DEFENDER OF HER HUSBAND'S RIGHTS

In the prevalent culture of Arabia, the births and demise of women folks was not known to outsiders, hence there are many traditions about such events relating to the Lady of Paradise, the mother of the Princes of Paradise, Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Some reports mention her birth on 13 Jamadi-al-Awwal and some other reports her birth day on 3 Jamadi-as-Saani. Hence we treat the period of 20 days as “Faatimiyyah”. Accordingly, we will try to shed some light on her Pure Life during this Period.

During the life time of her father, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), she did not openly pleaded for her husband, the Conqueror of Khyber, the Gateway of Knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.). After his demise, the people openly became hostile or became silent spectators to the oppression over Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).

While pleading her case at the usurpation of her property – Fadak- in the Mosque of the Prophet, she described how the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to tackle the enemies of Allah and Islam through the Commander of the Faithful and the Conqueror of Khyber, Imam Ali (a.s.). She said: “…and whenever the thorn of Devil appeared or a mouth of the polytheist opened in defiance, he would strike its discords with his brother Ali (a.s.), who will not come back until he treads its wings with the sole of his feet and extinguishes its flames with his sword. Ali (a.s.) is diligent in Allah’s affair, near to the Messenger of Allah, a master among Allah’s worshipers, setting to work briskly, sincere in his advice, earnest and exerting himself (in service of Islam). While you were calm, happy and feeling safe in your comfortable lives, waiting for us to meet disasters, awaiting the spread of news, you fell back in every battle, and took to your heels at the time of fighting.

Addressing the Ansaars, after giving a long sermon, she said: “Nevertheless, I see that you are inclined to easy living; dismissed he who is more worthy of guardianship (Imam Ali).

After the sad demise of the Chief of Prophets Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.s.), Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.) lost her great father, and with him went her happiness and joy; with his death came sadness and pain. The enormity of oppression and sufferings may be gauged by her couplet: “The pain and sufferings befallen on me are so great that if it fell on the days it will turn into nights!” In spite of the clear succession directed by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) throughout his life, that Imam Ali (a.s.) will be his vicegerent; starting with the “Dawat-e-Zul’Ashira” wherein the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) solicited help at the declaration of his prophet hood. No one responded except Imam Ali (a.s.) who was a young boy of 9 or 10 years. Then he declared that Imam Ali (a.s.) was his brother and vicegerent after him. In the battle of Khandaq, when Imam Ali (a.s.) proceeded to fight with Amr ibn Abdawad, he said: “Total faith is going to fight against total Kufr”. When The Lion of Allah (a.s.) killed Amr ibn Abdawad, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Ali’s sword’s blow on the Battle of Khandaq (Trench) is better than all the worship of the Jinn and human beings till the Day of Judgment.”. Imam Ali (a.s.) was the “Nafse Rasool” on the eve of Mubahela (Ayah 3:61). He was one of his family members in the Ayah of Purity in the Glorious Qur’an (33:33). And lastly, at the time when the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was returning after performing Hajj and at the place of Ghadeer-e-Khumm, and he received a threatening Ayah (5:67) from Allah saying: “O Messenger, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord. If you did not do so, it will be as though you have not conveyed His Message. Allah protects you from men. He does not guide the unbelieving people.” He stopped about 100,000 Hajjis and formally performed Coronation of Imam Ali (a.s.). Then the last Ayah was revealed; Ayah 5:3: “…..On this day I have perfected your religion, completed My favors to you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” While Imam Ali (a.s.) was preparing for the burial of Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.), other people elected a successor.

Afterwards, they came to Imam Ali (a.s.)’s house, forcibly tried to enter the house and Hazrat Fatima was pressed between the door and the wall, her ribs were broken and she lost Hazrat Mohsin she was pregnant with. After few days, they came and forcibly dragged Imam Ali (a.s.) to the mosque to get allegiance by force. Hazrat Fatima (s.a.) followed him and cried and said: “Do you wish to make me a widower. By Allah if you do not let him go, I will uncover my head, rip my shirt, and go to my father’s tomb and cry to my Lord.” So she took young Imam Hasan and Imam Hussayn and proceeded towards her father prophet Muhammad (a.s.w.s.)’s tomb. When Imam Ali (a.s.) saw the seriousness of the situation, he told Salman Farsi: “Prevent Muhammad’s daughter from reaching her father’s grave, I can see the outskirts of Madinah sinking in the earth. Salman later said: “I was near Lady Fatima (s.a.) when, By Allah, I saw the foundations of the Mosque’s walls being elevated…” Hence, Imam Ali (a.s.) was released.

Sources used:

Fatima, the Gracious                                                          By Abu Muhammad Ordoni

Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad                                 By Yasin T. al-jibouri

Bihar-ul-Anwar                                                                   By Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.)

MODERN DNA AND THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL IMAM ALI (A.S.)

What is DNA? DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic Acid. It is hereditary material in human beings and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in human body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus. The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four bases: Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T). Human DNA consists of about 3 Billion bases, and more than 99% of those bases are the same in all human beings. The order or sequence of these bases determines the information available for building and maintaining an organism, similar to the letters of the alphabets appear in certain order to form words and sentences.

DNA bases pair up with each other, A with T and C with G to form units called base pairs. Each pair is attached to a sugar molecule and phosphate molecule. Together, a base, sugar and phosphate are called nucleotide. Nucleotides are arranged in two long strands that form a spiral called a double helix. The structure of the double helix is somewhat like a ladder, with the base pairs forming the ladder’s rungs and the sugar and phosphate molecules forming the vertical sidepieces of the ladder.

An important property of the DNA is that it can replicate, or make copies of itself. Each strand of the DNA in the double helix can serve as a pattern for duplicating the sequence of the bases. This is critical when cells divide because each new cell needs to have an exact copy of the DNA present in the old cell.

Carl Sagon says in his book: “Cosmos” “And at the very heart of life on earth, the proteins that control cell chemistry, and the nucleic acid (DNA) that carry hereditary instructions, we find these molecules to be identical in all the plants and animals. An oak tree and I (Carl Sagon) are made of the same stuff. If you go back far enough, we have common ancestor.”

This is an extract taken from the best selling science book “Cosmos” a scientist and atheist: Carl Sagon, director of Viking Mission to Mars, at NASA.

The important to note is that all living things are the same with respect to their fundamental ingredients. All living things have chromosomes for storing genetic information. The chromosomes are made of DNA like a shirt is made of threads.

If we go back fourteen centuries back, the Gateway of Knowledge of the city (Noble Prophet s.a.w.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.) says in Nahjul Balaghah, Sermon 183 page 305 line 13: “If you tread in the paths of your imagination and reach extremity it won’t lead you anywhere except that the Creator of the ant is the same who is the Creator of the date palm because everything has (the same) delicacy and detail and every living being has little difference.”

It appears that Imam Ali (a.s.) and Carl Sagon are contemporaries, but everyone knows that there is a time difference of fourteen centuries between them.

DNA was discovered in 1950 and it was established that all living things from bacteria to virus plants to human beings are made of DNA and that there is little difference between them.

Can we name Imam Ali (a.s.) as the First Molecular Biologist!

Sources used:

Nahjul Balagha             A Literary Master Piece of Sermons, letters and sayings of Imam Ali (a.s.)

Cosmos                          By Carl Sagon

What is DNA? Your guide to genetics Home Reference

SURAH AL-MA'IDAH IN THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN - 2

Ayah 31 to 40: Allah sent a crow, who in order to guide Qabeel, started to dig the soil and buried the other dead crow. Then gives a general directive that whoever kills one human being, it is as if he had killed the entire human race, and also whoever saves one human being it is as if he had saved the entire human race. Next, Allah gives few punishments for the people who spread evil in the land; such as killing, crucification or both or cutting hands and feet in opposite directions or deported. Allah promises to forgive them if they repent before being captured. After that, Allah encourages people to fear Him and find “Means” or “Tawassul” to have nearness to Him to achieve everlasting bliss and happiness. The unbelievers are warned that they will not escape torment in the life hereafter even if the global wealth is presented on the Day of Reckoning. In the next Ayah, the punishment for theft is prescribed to cut the hands of the thieves; male or female. Lastly, again if the wrongdoers repent and reform themselves then Allah is All-forgiving and All-merciful.

Ayah 41 to 50: People say by tongue only that they believe in Allah but they had no faith in their hearts! This is a common and age-old dilemma. A rich Jewish man committed adultery with a rich Jewish woman, both were already married. To avoid punishment, some Jewish people approached the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and inquired about the punishment in Islam. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied that both should be stoned and also affirmed that a similar punishment was prescribed in Torah. He sent for a Jewish scholar who confirmed it and explained that they used to stone the poor while the rich were whipped. Then Allah reaffirms Torah as a divine book and their prophets used to dispense justice in accordance therewith. Next, Allah reaffirms the rules of retaliation as capital punishment for murder, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose and a just compensation for wounds. Then Allah made Hazrat E’isa a prophet and confirmed what existed in the Torah and that he was given Injeel containing light and guidance. Then He talks about Qur’an and invites people to excel each other in righteousness.

Ayah 51 to 60: Allah warns the Muslims, “do not consider the Jews and Christians as your intimate friends for they are only friends with each other.” Then he exposes the hypocrites who did not follow this warning. Later, he described the true Muslims whom He loves and in turn they love Him; who are humble towards the believers, who are dignified to the unbelievers, who strive hard for the cause of Allah, and who have no fear of any ones’ accusations. Then Allah praises the Commander of the Faithful (Imam Ali) for his unique action of paying alms while bowing down (Ruk’oo) in prayer and assures those whose guardians are Allah, His Messenger will certainly triumph. In the next Ayah, He again warns the believers about the People of Book and the unbelievers are not their protectors, because they mock your religion. In the end, He says: “(Muhammad), say to the People of the Book, “Do you take revenge on us because of our belief in Allah and what He has revealed to us and to others before us? Most of you are evil- doers. Should I tell you who will receive the worst punishment from Allah? Those whom Allah has condemned, afflicted with His anger, made apes out of them, swine, and worshipers of Shaitaan, will have the worst and will wander away from the right path.”

Sources used:

Translation of the Glorious Qur’an                                     By S.V.Mir Ahmed Ali & Ayatullah Pooya Yazdi

Tafsir-e-Namoonah                                                           By Ayatullah Makaram Shirazi

Translation of the Glorious Qur’an                                      By Muhammad Sarwar

WHO IS ULIL AMR?

Some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an regarding “Amr” are:

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 54: “Your Lord is Allah, Who established His dominion over the Throne (of the realm) after having created the heavens and the earth in six days (period of time). He made the night darken the day which it pursues at a (considerable) speed, and He made the sun and the moon submissive to His Command. Is it not He Who creates and governs all things. Blessed is Allah, the Cherisher of the universe.”

Surah al-Shu’ra Ayah 52: “Thus, We have revealed a Spirit (Ruhul Quds) to you, (Muhammad), by Our Command….”

Surah al-Ya’sin Ayah 82: “Whenever He decides to create something He has only to say, “Exist”, and it comes into existence.”

Surah al-Qadr Ayah 4: “On this night, the angels and the spirit descend by the permission of their Lord with His Decree (to determine every one’s destiny). Question is, on the Night of Power, where do the angels descend on earth. Can they descend in the presence of ordinary person or an “Ulil Amr” which is Imam Mahdi (a.s.), the Awaited One?

Surah al-Dukkhan Ayah 3-6: “that We have revealed the Qur’an on a blessed night to warn mankind. On this night, every absolute Command coming from Us becomes distinguishable; the Command that is from Us which We have been sending as a mercy (for human being), from your Lord. Your Lord is All-hearing and All-knowing.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 2: “He sends the angels with the Spirit to carry His orders to whichever of His servants He wants so that they would warn people that He is the only “Ilah” (one deserving to be worshiped) and that people must have fear of Him.”

Surah al-Ahz’ab Ayah 24: “We appointed some of the Israelites as leaders for their exercising patience to guide the others to Our Commands. They have firm belief in Our revelations.”

The word “Amr” relates to the world of spirits as stated in Surah Night Journey Ayah 85: “They ask you about the Spirit. Say, “The Spirit comes by the command of my Lord. You have been given very little knowledge.”

In Surah al-A’raf Ayah 54, the word Amr relates to “Command”- : “…..His, is verily, all creation and commandment.”

Surah al-Nisa Ayah 59; “Believers, obey Allah, His Messenger, and those vested with authority from among you. If you have faith in Allah and the Day of Judgment, refer to Allah and His Messenger concerning matters in which you differ. This would be a more virtuous and a better way of settling differences.” The obedience demanded of the Ulil Amr being the same as for Allah and His Messenger, demands the Ulil Amr to be of the conduct and character of highest order like that of the Messenger of Allah manifesting through their practical lives the Divine Attributes of Allah.”

Allama Majlisi (r.a.) narrates in his Hayat-al-Quloob: “When this Ayah was revealed, Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari (r.a.) asked the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) as to who was the “Ulil Amr”; he replied that his successors were the Ulil Amr. They were the twelve Imams.”

Some of the translators of the Glorious Qur’an thought that Ulil Amr are the people in authority. But looking at the history to date, there were many tyrants, like Yazid, Saddam, evil doers, mischief makers, even non-Muslim rulers. Allah Who is just can never expect us to obey evil doers.

Imam Ali (a.s.), Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Hussayn (a.s.) did not give up their right to a non-Ulil Amr person as they themselves were Ulil Amr at their individual time. After Imam Hussayn (a.s.) to Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), these nine Imams refused to obey a non-Ulil Amr. Consequently, they were tortured, imprisoned and ultimately martyred.  

Surah al-Ma’idah Ayah 55: “Verily, your guardian is (none else) Allah, His Messenger (Muhammad), and the true believers, who are steadfast in their in prayer and pay alms, while they bow down during prayers, are your guardians.”

Surah al-Ra’ad Ayah 43: “(Muhammad), the unbelievers say, “You are not a Messenger.” Say, “Allah and those who have knowledge of the Book are sufficient witness (to my prophet-hood).” In this Ayah, the person referred by Allah as the one who has knowledge of the Book, is Imam Ali (a.s.).

Khair-ul-Bariyyah, as referred to in Surah al-Zilzal Ayah 7: “The righteously striving believers are the best of all creatures.” Is Imam Ali (a.s.).

Imam Ali (a.s.) is the Ulil Amr ,who sold his “Nafs” to seek Allah’s pleasure on the decisive night of Hijrat when the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) migrated to Madinah and Imam Ali (a.s.) willingly offered to sleep in the Prophet’s bed which was the target of Quraish’s swords. Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 207 refers.

Who else can be Ulil Amr other than a person who was “Nafs-e-Rasool” as stated in Surah Al-Imran Ayah 61: “And unto him who disputes with you therein after the knowledge has come unto you, Say! (O Our Apostle Muhammad!) Come you, let us summon our sons, and you summon your sons, and (we summon our women), and (you) your women, and (we summon) ourselves and (you) your selves and then let us invoke and lay the curse of Allah on the liars!”

Surah al-Nisa Ayah 54: “Are they jealous of the favors that Allah has done for certain people? We have given to the family of Ibrahim the Book, Wisdom, and a great kingdom.” The kingdom, Temporal as well as Spiritual, belongs to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and his Pure Progeny. As per the narrator, Ayyashi, the Infallible Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.): “Great kingdom means, He appointed Great Imams and made their obedience Allah’s obedience.”

It is narrated that once some people wanted to play a trick with Imam Ali (a.s.) and persuaded a woman to let her son lie down in the dead body coffin and request the Imam (a.s.) to recite the Namaz-e-Janazah (prayers for dead) for her son who was alive but pretended to be dead. The poor lady was not fully cognizant that she was trapped and unaware of the boundless knowledge of the Imam (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.) came near the coffin and asked her three times if she permits him to recite the Namaz-e-Janazah of “this body” pointing towards the coffin in which her son was alive but pretended as dead. She gave the permission. Imam Ali (a.s.), being the “Ulil Amr” called the angel of death and ordered to extricate his soul. After the namaz, the Imam (a.s.) advised her to take away the body for burial. When the cloth was removed, her live son was found dead.

It can be concluded that “Amr” and the Power related to it involves everything from heavens to the earth. Whoever Allah gives this authority will have the Power to control everything. These selected people or the “People of Command” have got to be infallible, and Ahlul Bayts’s infallibility is confirmed in Ayah-e-Tatheer Surah al-Ahz’ab Ayah 33 which says: “….O People of the House, Allah wants to keep away all kinds of uncleanness from you and to purify you thoroughly.” Hence, the leader of this “selected people” and one of the Infallible in the Ayah, is the Owner of the Divine Sword Zulfiqar, the Conqueror of Khyber, the Gate Way of the Knowledge, the Imam Mazhar al-Ajaib, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (a.s.).

Translation of the Glorious Qur’an                                           By S.V.Mir Ahmed Ali & Agha Pooya Yazdi

                                                                                               By Muhammad Sarwar

Hayat-al-Quloob                                                                     By Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.)

SHAYKH MUHAMMAD IBN YAQUB IBN ISHAQ KULAYNI (R.A.)

He was born around 250 A.H. in Kulayn near Ray, which is present day Tehran. It was the time of our Eleventh Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).He belonged to a learned family; his father was a scholar. His early mentors were 36 and prominent among them was Abu Jafar Ali Ibn Samri who was later to be nominated as the Fourth Deputy of the Twelfth Imam (a.t.f.). It was the year 329 A.H. when the great scholars like Ali ibn Ibrahim Qummi, Muhammad Yaqub Kuayni , Shaikh Sadooq and Ali ibn Bauya Qummi, died. Hence it was called “Sirr al Nujum” or the year of the breaking of the stars. The “Great Occultation” or Ghaibat-e-Kubra also occurred in the same year.  

He was respected and trusted by all Muslims; hence he was given the title of “Thiqatul Islam” means trusted one.

He had written few other books other than al-Kafi, which are Ruqqatul Aimma, Kitab ar-Rijaal, Kitab al madh al-Aimma, Kita brad al-Qaramata.

Disciples of Yaqub Kulayni: Although he had numerous students but history records the names of 15 students. Three of them were instrumental in bringing his master piece “Usul al-Kafi” to the posterity. They were Ahmed ibn Ahmed Katib Toofi, Muhammad ibn Ibrahim and Abu Abdullah Safwani, a descendant of Safwan. Safwan was a companion of our Seventh Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.). He was in the business of hiring out camels to Haroon during Hajj season. The Imam once said to Safwan: “We like all your acts except renting out camels to the tyrannical ruler.” There is an incident in the life of Abdullah Safwani. When the Qazi (judge) of Musul came to the court of the ruler of the time and talked about the issue of Imamate, Abdullah Safwani challenged him to “Mubahelah” that the curse of Allah will visit the liar. They did the “Mubahelah” and the very next day the Qazi died.

Conditions prevalent: During the times of our infallible Imams, the conditions were very adverse, but still the followers would go to them but inform their families about their final will as their return was not guaranteed. During the time of Imam Jaffar al-Sadiq (a.s.), his students managed to write books, 400 of which were very important and were called “Usul” but Mansoor Dawaniqi hired false mujtahid who issued fatwas to counter those books. It is reported that once a man wanted to resolve a problem, he went to Madinah and disguised himself as a vegetable vendor to meet the Imam. Anyone found in possession of those “Usul” books, was arrested and the house and the book were burnt down.

Similarly, Ishaq ibn abi Umair was a companion of our Infallible Sixth Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) who had compiled several books in the company of the Imam. When the ruler of the time came to know about it, he sent troops to arrest Ishaq. His sister quickly buried all the books in the courtyard. The troops could not find any book in his possession but still he was arrested and the caliph sent him to jail for 14 years! What a tragedy, the so called Muslims imprisoned the writers on the charges of writing books. When Ibn Umair returned from prison after 14 years, the first thing he asked was those invaluable books.

Al-Kafi:  It is one of the “Four Shia Books of Traditions”. It is a collection of 16,199 Traditions. As per Najashi, it took about 20 years to compile this huge collection. It is divided into three parts; Usul-e-Kafi which contains Traditions on beliefs consisting of 2 volumes, Furu-e-Kafi which relates the Traditions pertaining to jurisprudence consisting of 5 volumes, Rawadatul Kafi . Rawadha means garden. It contains all other Traditions which are not related to the other parts. It relates to the lives and times of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)

As mentioned earlier, the books “Usul” were not written in any particular order but the students would write down whatever the Infallible Imam said in reply to any question or problem. Hence, Yaqub Kulayni had to collect these books, edit them and arrange them in some order. He spent 20 years of his life on this gigantic project.

Usul-e-Kafi is divided into eight chapters or kitab and most of the chapters are divided into sections or abwab

1.       Kitab al-aql wal jahl: (The chapter of reason and ignorance)

2.       Kitab al-fazl al-ilm: (The chapter of excellence of knowledge)

3.       Kitab al-Tawhid: (The chapter of Unity of God)

4.       Kitab al-Hujja: (The chapter of the Proof) It deals with the need for a man and the world to have a proof which is Imam.

5.       Kitab al-Iman wal Kufr: (The chapter of Faith and Unblief)

6.       Kitab al-du’a’: (The chapter of prayer)

7.       Kitab alfazl al-Qur’an (The chapter of excellence of Qur’an)

8.       Kitab al-Ishra : (The chapter of the companionship). It deals with man’s relationship with his fellow humans.

Furu of al-Kafi, deals with the details of Islamic laws and is divided into 26 chapters or Kutub (plural of Kitab).

It deals with the first six “Furu-e-Deen” followed by manner of earning a living, marriage, aqiqa, divorce, slavery, hunting and zabiha, food and drinks etc.   

Desecration of Yaqub Kulayni’s grave: Many years after the demise of Yaqub Kulayni, the Muslim ruler of Baghdad, who was sworn enemy of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), passed near the grave of this great scholar. When he noticed many people offer fateha on his grave, he inquired about the identity of the person and when he was told that it was the grave of Yaqub Kulayni, he ordered his grave to be dug up. When the grave was dug up, people found his body as fresh as it was buried the same day. They say that there was the body of a small child also buried with him which was also untouched by the elements. The perpetrators of this heinous crime felt that such miracles are attributable to the prophets and Imams. Nemat ullah Jazaeri, a scholar also reports this incident slightly differently. He mentions that a Muslim ruler of Baghdad who was extremely biased with the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and was jealous about people visiting the grave of the Infallible Seventh Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.) and wanted to dug up his grave! The Inferiority Complex of the kings of Banu Umayyia and Banu Abbas who possessed power and wealth but witnessed that people still loved and respected the Progeny of the Noble Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.s.) hence they always tried to imprison them and ultimately martyred them! Someone told him that Shia Muslims believe that even their scholars bodies did not deteriorate by time. Hence, he ordered the grave of Yaqub Kulayni be dug up and his body was found fresh.

Sources used:

Great Shi’i works: Al-Kafi                                                                              By Dr. I. K. A. Howard

Allama Yaqub Kulayni                                                                                     Islamic-laws.com

Shia Great Scholars                                                                                         Scribd.com