GOLDEN WORDS OF THE GATEWAY OF KNOWLEDGE-IMAM ALI (A.S.) - 2

18. To render relief to the distressed and to help the oppressed make amends for the great sins.

19. O Son of Adam, when you see that your Lord, the Glorified, bestows His favor upon you, while you disobey Him, you should fear Him (take warning that His wrath may not turn those very blessings into misfortunes).

20. Often your utterances and your expressions of your face leak out the secrets of your hidden thoughts.

21. When you get ill, do not get nervous about it and try as much as possible to be hopeful.

22. The best form of devotion to the service of Allah is not to make a show of it.

23. When you have to depart from this world and have to meet death (eventually) then why wish delay (why feel nervous about death!)

24. Take warning! He has not exposed so many of your sinful activities that it appears as if He has forgiven you (it may be He has given you time to repent.)

25. A virtuous person is better than virtue and a vicious person is worse than vice.

26. Be generous but not extravagant, be economical but not miserly.

27. The best kind of wealth is to give up excessive desires.

28. One who says unpleasant things about others, will he quickly become a target of their scandal.

29. Recommended prayers cannot attain the pleasures of Allah for you when obligatory prayers are left unattended.

30. A wise man first thinks then speaks and a fool first speaks then thinks.

31. One of the companions of Imam Ali (a.s.) fell ill. Imam Ali (a.s.) called upon him and thus advised him: “Be thankful to Allah, He has made this illness a thing to atone your sins, because a disease in itself has nothing to bring reward to anyone, it merely expiates one’s sins and so far as reward is concerned, one has to earn it through good word and good deeds. The Almighty Lord grants Paradise to His creatures on account of their piety and noble thoughts.”

32. Blessed is the man who always kept life after death in his view, who remembered the Day of Judgment through all his deeds, who led a contented life, and who was happy with lot that Allah has destined for him.

33. If I cut a faithful Muslim into pieces, to make him hate me, he will not turn into my enemy, and if I give all the wealth in this world to a hypocrite to make him my friend, he will not befriend me. It is so because the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “O Ali! No faithful Muslim will ever be your enemy and no hypocrite will ever be your friend.”

                Source:                                                                                                 Nahjul Balagha

COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, IMAM ALI (A.S.)'S SUPERIORITY TO THE PROPHETS

Following tradition is found in: “Ihya’u’l Ulum by Imam Ghazali, Sharhe Nahjul Balagha by Ibn Abi’l Hadid Mu’tazali, the Tafsir by Ima Fakhru’d-Din Razi, and Tafsirs by Jarullah Zamakhshari, Baidhawi, Nishapuri, etc.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “The ulema (scholars) of my community are like the prophets of the Bani Isra’il.” As their source of knowledge was the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). Therefore, Imam Ali (a.s.) was definitely superior to the prophets, since the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.” He also said: “I am the house of wisdom and Ali is its gate.” When Imam Ali (a.s.) himself was asked about this topic, he explained some aspects of his superiority to the prophets of the children of Isra’il.

On the 20^th Ramazan, was on his death bed following the attack by the most wretched man, Abdul Rahman bin Muljim, he asked Imam Hasan (a.s.) to call in the Shia, who had gathered at the door of his house.  Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “You may ask any question you like before I leave you, but your questions should be brief.” One of those present was Sa’sa’a Bin Suhan.

Sa’sa’a said to Imam Ali (a.s.): “Let me know who is superior, you or Adam?”

Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “It is not proper for a man to praise himself, but according to the maxim: ‘Declare the blessings that Allah has given you, I tell you that I am superior to Adam.” When asked why this was so, Imam Ali (a.s.) explained that Adam had every means of mercy, comfort, and blessings for him in Paradise. He was asked simply to abstain from the forbidden food. But he could not restrain himself, and he ate from the tree. As a result, he was expelled from Paradise. Allah did not forbid him (Ali) from eating wheat (which, according to Muslim belief was the forbidden tree). But since he had no inclination towards this temporal world, he voluntarily refrained from eating wheat. (The point of Imam Ali’s remark was that excellence of a man before Allah lies in the piety and devotion, and that the height of piety lies in abstaining even from what is permissible!)   

Sa’sa’a asked: “Who is superior, you or Noah?”

Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “I am superior. Noah called his men to worship Allah, but they did not obey. Their shameful mistreatment was torture to him. He cursed them and invoked Allah: ‘O my Lord! Leave not on earth a single person of the unjust ones.’ After the death of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), even though the people caused me extreme difficulty, I never cursed them. I suffered their torment with patience.”

Sa’sa’a asked: “Who is superior, you or Abraham (Ibrahim)?”

Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “I am superior, for Abraham (Ibrahim) said: ‘My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.’ He said: “What! Do you not believe?” He said:  ‘Yes, but that my heart may be at ease.’ (2:260) My faith was such that I said: ‘If the veil over unseen were lifted, my faith would not increase.”

Sa’sa’a asked: “Who is superior, you or Moses (Musa)?”

Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “I am superior, for when Almighty Allah ordered Moses (Musa) to Egypt to invite Pharaoh to the truth, Moses said: ‘My Lord! Surely I killed one of them, so I am afraid that they may slay me. And my brother Aaron (Haroon), he is more eloquent of tongue than I. Therefore send him with me as an aide to help me. Surely I fear that they will reject me.” (28:33-34) The Holy Prophet ordered me, by the Command of Allah, to go to Makkah and to recite the verses of the Chapter ‘Al-Bara’a from the top of the Ka’ba to the Quraish infidels. I was not afraid, even though there were few people there who had not lost a near relative by my sword. Obeying his order, I performed mu duty alone. I recited the verses of ‘Al-Bara’a and returned.”

Sa’sa’a asked: “Who is superior, you or Jesus (I’sa)?”

Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “I am superior, for when Mary (Maryam) became pregnant by the Grace of Allah, and the time of her delivery approached, a revelation was granted to her: ‘Leave this Holy House for this is a house for prayers, not a place for the delivery of children.’ Accordingly, she left the holy House and went to the wilderness where she gave birth to Jesus (I’sa). But when my mother, Fatima Binte Asad, felt labor pains within the precincts of the holy Ka’ba, she clung to the wall and prayed to Allah in the name of that House and the builder of that House, to lessen her pain. Soon a fissure appeared in the wall, and my mother heard a mysterious voice telling her, “O Fatima! Enter the House of the Ka’ba.’ She went in, and I was born inside of the holy Ka’ba.”

         Source:  Peshawar Nights                                by Hamid Quinlan & Charles Ali Campbell

INFALLIBLE IMAM ALI ZAIN-AL-ABEDIN" SUPPLICATION TO WELCOME RAMAZAN - 1

Praise belongs to Allah, who guided us to His Praise

and placed us among the people of praise, that we might be among the thankful for His Beneficence

and that He might recompense us for that with the recompense of the good-doers!

And praise belongs to Allah, who showed favors to us through His religion,

singled us out for His creed, and directed us onto the roads of His Beneficence,

in order that through His kindness we might travel upon them to His good pleasure,

a praise which He will accept from us and through which He will be pleased us!

And praise belongs to Allah who appointed among those roads His month, the month of Ramazan,

the month of fasting, the month of submission, the month of purity,

the month of putting to test, the month of standing in prayer,

“In which the Qur’an was sent down as guidance to the people,

and as clear signs of the Guidance and the Separator.” (Surah Baqarah Ayah 285)

He clarified its excellence over other months

by the many sacred things and well-known excellencies which He placed therein,

for He made unlawful in it what He declared lawful in others to magnify it,

He prohibited foods and drinks in it to honor it,

and He appointed for it a clear time which He (Majestic and Mighty is He) allows not to be set forward

And accepts not be placed behind.

Then He made one of its nights surpass the nights of a thousand months

and named it “The Night of Decree”;

“In it the angels and the Spirit descend by the leave of their Lord upon every command,

a peace” (Surah Qadr Ayahs 4 and 5) constant in Blessings until the rising of the dawn

upon whomsoever he will of His servants according to the decision He has made firm.

O Allah Bless Muhammad and his household,

inspire us with knowledge of its excellence, adoration of its sanctity,

and caution against what You have forbidden within it,

and help us to fast in it by our restraining our limbs from acts of disobedience toward You

and our employing them in that which pleases You,

so that we lend not our ears to idle talk

and hurry not our with our eyes to diversion,

we stretch not our hands toward the forbidden

and stride (walk) not with our feet toward the prohibited,

our bellies hold only what You have made lawful

and our tongues speak only what You have exemplified,

we undertake nothing but what brings close to Your reward

and pursue nothing but what protects from Your Punishment!

Then rid all of that from false show of the false showers and the fame seeking of the fame seekers,

lest we associate therein anything with You

or seek therein any object of desire but You!

O Allah, Bless Muhammad and his Household,

in it make us attend to the appointed moments

of the five prayers within the bounds You have set,

the obligations You have decreed, the duties You have assigned,

and the time You have specified;

and in the prayers make us alight in the station of the keepers of their stations,

the guardians of their pillars, their performers in their times

as Your servant and Your Messenger set down in his Sunna (Your Blessings be upon him and his Household)

in their bowings, in their prostrations, and all their excellent acts,

with the most complete and ample ritual purity and the most evident and intense humility!

Give us success in this month to tighten our bonds of kin with devotion and gift

THE MONTH OF RAMAZAN

The word “Saum” has been used in the Glorious Qur’an 14 times:

Surah Baqarah Ayah 183: “O Believers, fasting has been made mandatory for you as it was made mandatory for the people before you, so that you may have fear of Allah.”

Surah Baqarah Ayah 184: “Fasting is only for a certain number of days. One who is sick or on a journey has to fast the same number of days at another time. Those who can afford redemption should feed a poor person. Good deeds performed on one’s own initiative will be rewarded. However, fasting is better and will be rewarded. “

Surah Baqarah Ayah 185: “The month of Ramazan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed; a guide for the people, the most authoritative of all guidance and a criterion to discern right from wrong. Any one of you who knows that the month of Ramazan has begun must start to fast. Those who are sick or on a journey, have to fast the same number of days at another time. Allah does not impose any hardship upon you. He wants you to have comfort so that you may complete the fast, glorify Allah for His having given you guidance, and perhaps you give Him thanks.”

Surah Baqarah Ayah 187: “It is made lawful for you, during the nights of fasting, to have carnal relations with your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah knew that you were deceiving yourselves. He relented toward you and forgave you. Now it is lawful for you to have carnal relations with your wives and follow what Allah has commanded. Eat and drink until the white streak of dawn becomes distinguishable from darkness. Complete your fast, starting from dawn to dusk. It is not lawful to have carnal relations with your wives during ‘I’tikaf (a certain form of worship) in the mosque. Such are the limits of the laws of Allah. Do not come close to transgressing them. Thus has Allah explained His evidence to men so that perhaps they will have fear of Allah.”

Surah Baqarah Ayah 196 is regarding redemption of injury while shaving the head during Hajj.

Surah Nisa Ayah 92 is regarding the retribution of killing a believer by mistake.

Surah Ma’idah Ayah 89 is regarding expatiation of breaking an oath deliberately.

Surah Mai’dah Ayah 95 is regarding expatiation for hunting within the Holy Precincts.

Surah Maryam Ayah 26 is regarding fast of talking by Lady Maryam.

Surah Ah’zab Ayah 35 is regarding Allah’s promise to forgive the fasting men and fasting women.

Surah Mujadelah Ayah 4 is regarding ransom for Zihar (calling their wives as mothers)

The Prince of the Youths of Paradise, the Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.) is quoted in Shaikh Saduq (r.a.)’s Man La Yazharuhu al-Faqih volume 2 page 49 saying that a group of Jews visited the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and the most learned among asked few questions among them was: “Why did the Almighty enjoin fast upon your nation during day-time for thirty days after having required previous nations to fast for a longer period of time?”

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “When Adam ate of the forbidden fruit, food remained in his stomach for 30 days; therefore, Allah enjoined Adam’s offspring to spend 30 days suffering from hunger and thirst, and what they eat during that period of time (during the night) is due only to His favor upon them just as it was His favor upon Adam. This shows why Allah enjoined my nation to fast. Then the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) recited this Ayah: “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (yourselves) against evil. (Fast) for a certain number of days.” Surah Baqarah Ayah 183

The Jew said: “You have, O Muhammad, said the truth; so, what is the reward of one who fasts?”

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) answered: “No believer fasts during the month of Ramazan seeking nearness to Allah without the Al-Mighty granting him seven merits:

1.        Anything haram (prohibited) in his body will be compressed and extracted;

2.        He becomes closure to achieving the Mercy of Allah;

3.       He will have atoned the sin of his father Adam (a.s.);

4.       His death agony will be reduced;

5.       He will receive an assurance against undergoing the pains of hunger and thirst on the Day of Resurrection;

6.       Allah will grant him a clearance from Hell; and

7.       Allah will feed him of the good things in Paradise

The month of Ramazan is not only a month of abstention of a few things but also a month of sustained efforts toward spiritual perfection which includes realization of the thirst and hunger on the Day of Resurrection, giving alms to the poor, treating parents and elders with respect, being kind and loving to children, looking after the relatives, protecting eyes, ears and tongues from misuse, being compassionate with the orphans, and seeking repentance from Allah.

The Glorious Qur’an was revealed in the Grand Night (Laylatul Qadr) in this month. The Infallible Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “During the Laylatul Qadr, the angels, the spirit, and the trusted scribes all descend to the lower heavens and write down whatever God All-Mighty decrees that year, and if Allah wishes to advance something or postpone it, or add thereto, He orders the angels to erase it and replace it with whatever He decrees.”

Other Divine scriptures were also revealed in this blessed month; Taurait (Torah) was revealed to Prophet Musa on 6^th Ramazan, Injeel was revealed to Prophet Isa’ on 12^th Ramazan, Zuboor (Psalms) was revealed to Prophet Dawood on 18^th Ramazan.

Characteristics of Fasting:

1 .It is the longest worshiping. Prayers do not take more than 1 hour a day, while fasting takes about 12 to        17 hours.

2. Does not interrupt our daily life. We cannot offer our daily prayers while working. It takes about a week      for Hajj.

3. Worship Allah without any action. In performing prayers, we recite Qur’an, some zikr in different                  postures.

4. It is the most sincere worship. The best worship is the secret of all. Once its seal is broken it is spoiled by    showing it off. Salat is recommended to be offered in public and is prone to showing it off and can be            easily void. Fast is worshiping which none other than Allah knows if we are fasting. Fasting is an inner           worshiping, hence most sincere.

5. Penalty for deliberately missing. Missing Salat is a sin but can be made up for lapsed ones but no penalty.     Fasting is the only worship that if missed deliberately then in addition to making it up, there is a hefty penalty   (must free a slave or fast two months or feed sixty poor people).

Sources:

The Glorious Qur’an

Man La Yazaruhu al-Faqih                                                                      by Shaikh Saduq (r.a.)

Al-Kafi  volume 2                                                                                   by Allama Majlisi (r.a.)

Fasting and Holy month of Ramazan                                                        by Shaikh Mansour Leghaei

Laws and Practices of Fasting                                                                      al-islam.org

TYPES OF FAST (SAUM)

Shaikh Saduq (r.a.) had narrated a tradition from the Infallible Imam Ali Zain-al-Abedin (a.s.) in his book Man La Yahzuhruhu  al-Faqih, volume 2 pages 52-54:

“Fast is of forty different types: ten are as obligatory as the fasts of the month of Ramazan; ten are prohibited; fourteen are optional: one may fast during them or he may not; add to that the three different kinds of conditional fast. Add also disciplinary fast, permissible fast, and the fast making up for one who had to go on a journey or who fell sick.

Obligatory Fasts: It includes the fast of the month of Ramazan and of two consecutive months for each one day of fast  in the month of Ramazan deliberately missed, and the fast of two consecutive months as an atonement for “Zihar”; Surah Mujadela  Ayahs  2-4 refers. Another of such fast is fasting for two consecutive months if a Muslim kills another Muslim by mistake and is unable to free a slave. Surah Nisa Ayah 92 refers. Another such obligatory fast is fasting for three days as act of atonement for breaking an oath if one is unable to feed the needy; Surah Mai’dah  Ayah 89 refers. Yet another obligatory fast is fasting for three days if one is injured while shaving his head while performing pilgrimage rites and he cannot offer sacrifice and additional seven days when he returns home; Surah Baqarah Ayah 196 refers. And the fast of one who hunts and is still in “Ihram” is also obligatory; Surah Ma’idah Ayah 95 refers.  Then the Imam (a.s.) turned toward al-Zuhry and said: “Do you know how its equivalent is met by fasting? The (hunted) game is first to be estimated, then the estimated value is to be measured by its equivalent in charity, then such a measure is to be weighed, so he should fast one day for each half of measured unit.” And the fast of Nazr and I’tekaf is also obligatory.

Prohibited Fasts:  It is forbidden to fast on Eid-al Fitr, Eid-al Azha, the three days of Tashreeq (the cutting and sun-drying of sacrificed meat), and the fast of doubt: Allah ordered us to fast it with the month of Sha’ban and every one among us is prohibited from singling himself out to fast when everyone else is not sure whether it is the inception of the month of Ramazan or not.” Al-Zuhry said: “May I be sacrificed for you! But if he did not fast during the month of Sha’ban, what should he do?” The Imam Said: “He should make the intention on the uncertain night that he is fasting the month of Sha’ban; so, if it turns out to be the month of Ramazan, he will receive his reward, but if it becomes evident that it was indeed the month of Sha’ban, he will not have committed any harm.”

Al-Zuhry asked the Imam: “How can the voluntary fast be made up for compulsory one?” The Imam (a.s.) replied: “If someone voluntarily fast one day during the month of Ramazan without knowing that it was the month of Ramazan, then he finds out that it was, should he fast again? The obligation is regarding the day itself.

Wisal fast (fasting only the last day of each Lunar month) is prohibited, and to fast each day of your life is likewise prohibited.

Optional Fasts: It is to fast on Fridays, Thursdays and Mondays, the white (13, 14, and 15 of Lunar months as the moon shines during them) days, the first six days during the month of Shawwal following the month of Ramazan, the fast on the standing at Arafat, all these occasions are optional; one may or may not fast during those days.

Permissional Fasts: A woman cannot fast an optional fast without the permission of her husband; a slave may not fast without the permission of his master, and a guest may not fast an optional fast except with the permission of his host; the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Whoever visits some folks, he should not observe an optional fast except with their permission.”

Disciplinary Fasts:  A boy reaching adolescence is ordered to fast as he reaches the age of adulthood, though it is not obligatory on him to do so. Likewise, if one is forced, due to a sudden ailment, to break his fast at the inception of the day, then he gains his strength thereafter, he should fast rest of the day as a self-disciplinary act although he is not obliged to do so. Likewise, if a traveler eats at the beginning of the day then reaches home, he should abstain from eating for rest of the day as a self-disciplinary act and not not as an obligation. As regarding  the fast of one who forgets and eats or drinks, or if he does so only as a measure of “Taqiyya”, without doing so on purpose, Allah, the Most Exalted and Most Great,  has permitted him to do so and will reward him for it.

As regarding the fast when travelling or suffering from ailment, there are different opinions on this subject. But as far AhlulBayt is concerned, one should break his fast and make it up latter as Allah, the Most Exalted and Most Great says: “And if one of you is sick or travelling, (the fast of) a number on other days (suffices)”

BAHLOOL, THE WISE - 3

THE DRUNKARD CALIPH:

Bahlool once arrived at Haroon’s palace and found him drinking wine. Haroon wanted to cover up his vice; hence he asked this question to him:

“Is it haram if one were to eat grapes?”

“Certainly not.”  Replied Bahlool.

“How it is if one is to drink water after eating grapes?” asked Haroon.

“Nothing wrong in it.” Replied Bahlool.

“Is there anything wrong if after eating grapes and drinking water, one were to sit in the sun?”further questioned Haroon.

“Not at all.” Replied Bahlool.

Bahlool understood what the drunkard caliph was driving at. After pausing for a while, Bahlool asked following questions:

“If a little earth were to be put over the head of someone, what harm would it cause to him?”

“No harm.” replied Haroon.

“If then a little water were to be added to that earth?” asked Bahlool.

“No harm also.” replied Haroon.

“If bricks were to be made by mixing earth and water and then strike his head with it, what would happen?” asked Bahlool.

“His head would burst and blood comes out.” Replied Haroon.

Bahlool thereafter argued that just as earth and water mixed together could cause severe harm to one’s head, similarly, water and grapes when converted into the form of wine would cause much harm and misery to man. Hence the prohibition of wine in Islamic Sharia!

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Alcohol is a collection of sins.”

Obviously, one is likely to commit any sort of sins when in senseless condition under the influence of alcohol or for that matter any intoxicant. The number of ghastly crimes committed today under the influence of intoxicants is a prima facie evidence of its evil effects.

ARGUMENT WITH ABU HANIFA:

Abu Hanifa was once giving lectures to his disciples and disclosed to them his disagreement with three things Infallible Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) had been teaching.

Firstly: Shaitan would go to Hell. How this could happen when Shaitan himself was created from fire and how could fire burn fire?

Secondly: God is not to be seen. Why could we not see God when everything in existence is seen?

Thirdly: Everyone is responsible for his action and not Allah. Experience shows the opposite; that every action of man is caused by God; man has no control over it.

When Bahlool heard about this, he picked up a lump of mud and threw it at the forehead of Abu Hanifa. He tried to run away but the disciples of Abu Hanifa arrested him. They dragged him before the Caliph and lodged a complaint.

Bahlool asked Abu Hanifa: “What are you’re complaining about me?”

“My head pains as a result of the lump of mud you threw at me.” Replied Abu Hanifa

“Show me the pain” Asked Bahlool

“How could the pain, which is invisible, be shown” Replied Abu Hanifa

“But you yourself had argued before your disciples that what is in existence is possible to be seen. That lump of mud has injured you is also untrue. According to your belief, how could something made of mud and earth injure and cause pain to man who is also made of earth? You had also argued that whatever actions committed by man are caused by Allah. Therefore, why complain against me for hitting you?” Concluded Bahlool

Abu Hanifa was dumbfounded and withdrew his complaint!

It was a lesson of Tauheed as expounded by AhlulBayt (a.s.) of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) but presented in a practical way by Bahlool.

In his farewell sermon, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) of Islam reminded his followers that they would never go astray should they follow what he was leaving behind for them:

                “Verily, I am leaving behind among you that which if you take hold of, you will never go astray: The Book of                 Allah (The Glorious Qur’an) and my Progeny (Ahlul Bayt)

Source:

Bahlool Dana                                                                                                                      Scribe

AL-GHADEER BY ALLAMA ABDUL HUSAYN AL-AMINI AL-NAJAFI (R.A.)

He was born in Tabriz, Iran in the year 1320 A.H. He received his early education from his father Mirza Ahmad bin Ali and later was admitted in a local school-Talbisiya. After wards, he proceeded to the Center of Religious Education, Najaf al-Ashraf. After completing his education, he returned to Tabriz and continued his scholarly pursuits. His thirst for knowledge attracted him back to Najaf al-Ashraf and he went back and soon obtained the authority for Ijtehad and also authority of Narration of Traditions.

To compile the famous book al-Ghadeer, he travelled to different cities in Iraq and Iran and India, Turkey and Syria. He wanted to see the source of any tradition which he quoted in the book.

He used to connect with the “Gate way of Knowledge” Imam Ali (a.s.) in the process of acquiring books and other materials. One day, he prayed to the Imam (a.s.) and said: “This book al-Ghadeer is your book and Ghadeer is yours; I seek your help by the grand status you enjoy with the All-Mighty in procuring the books I need.” Allama Amini himself narrates how he was helped; he said: “After a short nap, I was awakened by the knock at the door. When opened the door, I saw my neighbor standing and telling me that he was moving to a different house and while removing his assets, he a book which was not useful to him. He was surprised to see that it was the book he was looking for.”

Surprising incident: He was desperately looking for Zamahshari’s book “Rabi-ul-Abrar”. There were only three hand-written copies available; one in Yemen, other in Syria, and the third one in Najaf. Allama Amini went to the house of the scholar in Najaf and requested to borrow or even read in his own house but he refused. He even tried to use the recommendations of Ayatollah Abul Hasan Isphani and Shaikh Kashif-ul-Ghita, but did not succeed. He visited the Sacred Mausoleum of the Commander of the Faithful and returned home. After sleeping for some time, he saw the Imam (a.s.) in his dream. He recounted all the pains he suffered for the book. The Imam (a.s.) said: “The answer to your dilemma is with my son Hussayn (a.s.)” He proceeded to the Golden tomb of the Chief of Martyrs, Imam Hussayn (a.s.), prayed there and went to the tomb of the “Moon of Bani Hashim, Hazrat Abbas (a.s.)” and prayed there as well. He was sitting in the courtyard of the Mausoleum, when the khatib of Imam Hussayn (a.s.)’s Mausoleum, Sheikh Muhsin Abul-Hab approached him and invited him to his house. After some time, he visited the library of the host, when he saw “Rabi-ul-Abrar”. He started crying loudly. When the host came and learned the cause of crying, he said: “I had refused an offer of 1,000 Dinar for this book!” Then he gifted the book to Allama Amini.

Allama Amini‘s whole life revolved around books. While visiting different countries, he arranged to make micro films of the historic books and manuscripts which is still a mammoth source of knowledge. He frequently travelled between Najaf-e-Ashraf and Karbala-e-Muallah which is about 80 kilo meters apart. He would cover the distance in three days while imparting knowledge on the way. He was a great speaker as well and thousands of people would attend his meetings.

Library of Amir-al-Momineen:  He felt the need of a library for the seekers of knowledge. With that objective in mind, he purchased two houses next to his own house and slowly started acquiring adjacent plots. After seven years, on the day of Ghadeer, by the grace of the King of Ghadeer, Amir-al-Momineen Library was formally opened.  

Scholarly Assets: He had written or compiled many books; some of them are:

Al-Ghadeer, Seeratena wa Sunnatena, Shuhada al-Fazilah, and other nine.

AL-GHADEER:  The book was written in Arabic, spread over 20 volumes, out of which only eleven volumes have been published. It may be called a literary masterpiece and an encyclopedia of Shia Faith. He had thoroughly read 10,000 books; from start to end (some of them might be in few volumes). The contents of the book are so authentic that no one to date has challenged about any of the material discussed in the book. All the sources and traditions referred to in this book were narrated by our Sunni Muslim brothers. Some of the salient features of the book are that 110 companions of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s), and 84 “Ta’bein” had narrated the event of Ghadeer. About 386 scholars have written books on Ghadeer.

Apart from the above, he had collected in detail the names and descriptions of all poets, and everyone or any occasion connected with the event of Ghadeer in one way or another have been thoroughly and completely recorded.

Al-Ghadeer was translated in Urdu by Maulana Sayyid Ali Akhtar Rizvi.

This great scholar died on 28 Rabi-us-Sani 1390 A.H. in Tehran and was buried in Najaf al-Ashraf in the premises of the Amir-al-Momineen Library.

                Source:                 Ghadeer                                                by Maulana Syed Ali Akhter Rizvi

MEETINGS WITH THE INFALLIBLE IMAM MAHDI (A.T.F.) DURING GREAT OCCULTATION

Numerous incidents of meetings of the believers with the Imam (a.t.f.) have been reported in trust worthy books during the period of the Great Occultation. When people in distress sincerely called the Imam (a.t.f.), he did come without disclosing his identity, solved the problem and disappeared. After his departure, the person realized that he was the Imam (a.t.f.). At other times, he was seen by believers in certain Mosques like Masjid-e-Sahla, Masjid-e-Kufa or Masjid-e-Jamkaran. Some of such incidents are reproduced below:

Muqaddas Ardbaily (r.a.): The piety of Muqaddas Ardbaily may be imagined that during visits to the Golden Tomb of Sayyid-us-Shuhada, Imam Hussayn (a.s.), he will not go to wash room with in one mile radius of the Mausoleum!

Allama Majlisi had narrated that Amir Allam was one of the trusted student of Muqaddas Ardbaily who narrated: “One night, I came out from my room with in the premises of Najaf-e-Ashraf. It was late night; I looked around and saw that a person was heading towards the Rauzah. Although he did not see me but I recognized that he was Muqaddas Ardbaily. I concealed myself, and saw that he went to the main door which was locked. To my surprise, I saw that the lock opened automatically and my teacher entered the Mausoleum. I heard as if he was talking to someone. After a while he came out and the door was automatically locked. I was carefully following him. Now he headed toward Kufa Mosque and went straight to the Mehrab of Martyrdom of Imam Ali (a.s.) and stayed there for some time. Then he came out of the Mosque and headed back to Najaf-e-Ashraf but near the Mosque of Hanana, I had an attack of cough and he looked back and recognized me. He said: “Amir Allam! What are you doing here?” I said: “I have been following you from the moment you entered the Mausoleum of Imam Ali (a.s.). Please for the sake of Imam Ali (a.s.); let me know what transpired in the Mausoleum and the Mosque of Kufa? With whom you were talking to?” Muqaddas Ardbaily said: “If you promise me not to tell anyone during my life time, then I will tell you.” Upon giving my promise, ha said: “I was worried about certain problems, hence I decided to go to Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Mausoleum and prayed to Allah that Imam Ali (a.s.) may help resolve my problems. Hence a voice came from the Sacred Grave directing me to approach Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) in the Mosque of Kufa and the Imam (a.t.f.) resolved my problems!”

Miraculous entrance into the Mosque of Kufa: In the book “Jannat-ul-Mawa, Mulla Muhsin Isphhani, the Custodian of the Golden Shrine of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) narrates the story of Sayyid Muhammad Qateefi, a very pious lover of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) in these words: “I wanted to go to Masjid-e-Kufa along with one of my students. During that time there were many cases of robbery. It was Friday night. We entered the mosque and found only one person there. At sun set, we closed the main door and placed some bricks against it to prevent it from opening by wind. We completed our prayer and sat reciting supplications. The other person was sitting near the “Bab-ul-Feel” and was reciting Dua-e-Kumail loudly. Suddenly, there was a unique fragrance and a very bright light filled the mosque. The person reciting Dua-e-Kumail was shocked and stopped reading. A person with a grand personality wearing the Hijazi clothes, having a prayer mat on his shoulders, came from the closed door. He was walking slowly with grace. I lost my senses by his grand and sublime personality. He came near us and said salaam to us. I replied to his salaam with great difficulty but my student became out of control. When he disappeared from our sight, we gained full conscience and saw that the man who was reciting Dua-e-Kumail was crying and had torn off his clothes. He said that he was visiting the mosque for 39 days and it was the 40^th day. He was desperately looking forward to see the Saheb-uz-Zaman. He came near the man and asked: “What are you doing?”He was overpowered by emotions and could not respond. We rushed toward the main gate which was still locked! W e were very happy to have the opportunity of seeing the King of the time Saheb-uz-Zaman (a.t.f.)

Source used:

Mulaqat-e-Imam-e-Zamana                                                       Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Amrohvi

THE TWELVTH INFALLIBLE - IMAM MAHDI (A.T.F.)

Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) is the son of Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and Lady Nargis Khatoon (s.a.). He was born on 15^th Sha’ban 255 A.H. in Samarra, Iraq.

At the time of the creation of Prophet Adam, when Shaitan refused to prostrate (showing respect) and was cursed, he requested an eternal life till the Day of Judgment which was granted by All-Mighty Allah. It is the justice of Allah to continue the Guidance also till the Day of Judgment; hence Allah concealed the Imam (a.t.f.). His guidance is continuing like sun is showering light and energy from behind the clouds.

His Imamate started on 8^th Rabi-ul-Awwal 260 A.H. after he led the prayers of his Martyred father as a five year old son. In the Golden Chain of our Twelve Imams, the funeral and the prayers was always performed by his Infallible son. Keeping with the history, practically every Umayyad and Abbasid king imprisoned and martyred every Infallible Imam. After leading his father’s funeral prayer, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) went inside his home and disappeared according to the Divine Plan. The enemy forces tried in vain to trace him but failed. This was the Small Occultation which lasted for about 70 years, during that period; the Imam continued to meet his trusted representatives but was not seen openly. When Great Occultation started, the Imam did not meet any one. There were many occasions when he did appear to help anyone in distress without disclosing his identity.

A Muslim should not be surprised at the long age of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.).  Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 3 says: “It is the pious that believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and give in charity part of what We have granted them.” Moreover, in Suarah al-Isra Ayah 1: “Allah is the Exalted One who took His servant one night for a visit from the Sacred Mosque to the Aqsa’ Mosque….” All-Mighty Allah does what He wants, whether it is normal for us or abnormal. Similarly, He wants to give long life to His Hujjah, He is the Master!

Surah al-Qadr: The Glorious Qur’an was revealed on the Grand Night or Night of Destiny. Ayah 4 says: “On this night, the angels and the Spirit descend by the permission of their Lord with His decree (to determine every one’s destiny). The question arises as to where and upon whom the angels and the Spirit descend on earth? During the time when the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Progeny were available on earth, they descended on those Infallible Beings. After the martyrdom of the eleventh imam (a.s.), where those Angels and Spirit would descend? For this reason, Allah has kept His Hujjah Imam Mahdi alive!

Hazrat Luqman’s age was 3,500 years, Zul-Qarnain’s age was 3,000 years, Auj bin Anaq lived for 3,300 years, Prophet Noah lived for 950 years after the Mammoth Floods, and Cave men slept but lived for 309 years. Prophet Isa, Prophet Idrees, and Hazrat Khizr are still alive. The enemies who are still alive are Shaitan, Dajjal, and Yajooj Majooj.

Fixing of the “Black Stone” of Ka’abh: The famous scholar, Allamah Ardbeli narrates : “During the Small Occultation, while Husayn bin Rooh was Imam’s representative, one Abul Qasim Jaffer ibn Muhammad Qauloya went to Baghdad with the intention of performing Hajj, but he fell sick and could not go to Makkah. He heard that the government had taken out the Black Stone for repair and planned to put it back during Hajj. He also knew that the Black Stone can only be put back in Ka’bah by an Infallible Imam. Hence he gave a letter to Ibne Hisham with the instructions that whoever will plant the Black Stone in Ka’bah, give the letter to him. People tried in vain to put back the Black Stone but it will not stabilize. At that moment, a young and handsome youth came forward and fixed it. Ibne Hisham carefully followed the person. The person turned back and said: “Ibne Hisham! Give me the letter of Jaffer ibne Muhammad, look, he has inquired from me as to how long will he live. Tell him that he will live for 30 more years.” The Imam then disappeared.

Ziarat-e-Nahiyya al-Muqaddisah: This is the Ziarat written by the Imam Saheb-uz-Zaman for his forefather Sayyid-sh-Shuhadah Imam Hussayn (a.s.). It is divided into ten parts. It describes the tragic events of the Day of Ashurah.

Sources used:

Story of Holy Kaabah and its People                                        by S.M.R.Shabbar

Fourteen Stars                                                                          by Allama Sayyid Najmul Hasan Karrarvi

Al-Shia.org & Ziaraat.com

HAZRAT SALMAN AL-MUHAMMADI (R.A.)

Hazrat Salman-e-Farsi’s original name was Roozbah. He was born in a village of Isfahan in Iran.

Salman accepts Islam:

The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said that one day some of the companions were visiting the grave of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), when the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) asked Salman: “O Salman! How did you accept the faith of Islam?” Salman replied: “O Amir-ul-Mominin! Since it is obligatory for me to reply to your queries, I am narrating to you the circumstances under which I accepted the Faith. I am a native of the city of Shiraz and my profession was farming. My parents loved me very much.

One day I was visiting a hermitage along with them. I heard a voice saying “There is no God but Allah, Isa is the spirit of Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” These words had profound effect on me and the love of the Prophet got embedded in my entire existence. I instantly abandoned my ancestral belief of worshiping sun. My father was very angry and threw me in a well. I was rescued and sent from hermit to other and at last I was sold to a lady named Salimia. I was assigned to water her orchard of trees.

One day a group of persons entered the garden. I saw that a cloud was hovering over their heads; they were the Prophet, Amir-al-Mominin Ali (a.s.) and his companions. The Prophet (s) called me and showed me his seal of Prophet-hood on his back. I instantly fell on his feet but he raised me with great affection. Now the Prophet told to Salimia that he wished to buy me from her. The price she asked for was four hundred date pals; half yellow and half red. The Prophet accepted the deal and asked Amir-al-Mominin Ali (a.s.) to arrange for it. When he arranged for it, then the Prophet started sowing and Imam Ali watering the seeds. Now the four hundred trees were ready.

When Salimia saw that her wish had been fulfilled, she came up with another condition that all the palms to have yellow fruits. Therefore, with Allah’s wish Gibrai’l came and with the touch of his wings, he turned all the palms to bear yellow dates. Now Salimia had to release me and the Prophet also released me and said: “O Roozbah! From this day we give you the name Salman.”

Battle of Trench (Khandaq):

It was the Ramazan of 5 A.H. when the Muslims received the news that about 10,000 were planning to invade Madinah with the financial help of the Jews. The Muslim army was about 1,000 fighters. While the Muslims were discussing the means to defend the city, when Salman stood up and said: “O Allah’s Apostle! In Persia we dug a trench when an enemy attacked us.” The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) liked the idea and ordered every ten Muslims to dig 40 meters. The digging of the trench was going on. One day, they found a hard white rock which will not crack. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s) himself went in the trench, asked for some water, threw it on the rock and hit the rock and split one –third and said: “Allah is Great! I have been given the keys of Shaam; I can see its palaces.” He hit the rock second time and said: “Allah is Great! Allah has given me the keys of Persia, I can see the palaces of Mada’in” And he hit the rock third time and said:  “Allah is Great! I have been given the keys of Yemen; By Allah I can see the gates of Sana!”

After the great victory, when the “King of Men”- Shah-e-Mardan, Imam Ali (a.s.) killed their strongman, Ama I bne Abdavad, Muslims gathered in the Prophet’s Mosque and looking at Salman with love and appreciation, the Ansars from Madinah were saying, “Salman is one of us!” and the Muhajireen were shouting, “Salman is one of us!”. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Salman is member of my family. Do not say Salman al-Farsi but say Salman al-Muhammadi!”

Salman took part in all battles against the enemies of Islam e.g. battle of Khyber, battle of Tabook, battle of Hunain, and the Conquest of Makkah. Salman was a truthful believer, first to pay homage to the Apostle of God under the tree, called “Homage of ar-Ridhwan”. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “The Paradise is longing for three persons. They are Commander of Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.), Ammar and Salman.

A man asked the Infallible Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) as to why he (Imam) talks so much about Salman, the Imam replied: “Because Salman possessed three traits. The first one is that he preferred the wishes and desires of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) over his own wishes. The second reason is because he loved poor people and preferred them over those who had wealth and riches. The third reason is due to his love of knowledge and those who possessed knowledge. Unquestionably, Salman was a servant of Allah, righteous, upright, and submissive to Allah and was not from among the polytheists.”

Abu Hurairah reported: “We were sitting in the company of Allah’s Apostle (s.a.w.a.s.) that Surah al-Jumah was revealed to him, and when he recited these words, “Others from amongst them who have not yet joined them” (62:3), a person sitting there said: Allah’s Messenger! But he did not reply. When he asked three times, Allah’s Messenger placed his hand on Salman and said: “Even if faith were near the Pleiades (Star), a man from among these would surely find it.”

Lady of Paradise, Fatimah Zahra (s.a.) taught the following supplication to Salman and said to him:

                “If it pleases you not to be inflicted with fever as long as you live in this world, then read                these words, which my father Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) taught me, and I say every morning                and evening:

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

                In the name of Allah the light. In the name of Allah the light of light. In the name of Allah                light upon light.

                In the name of Allah, the planner of affairs. In the name of Allah, who created light from                  light.

                And Revealed light upon the Turr. By a decree inscribed. In a scroll unfolded.

                According to a decree fore-ordained. Unto a Learned Prophet. Praise be to Allah, Who is                 known with Might.

                Whose Glory is established. Who is praised during prosperity and infliction.

                And May Allah’s Grace be upon our Master, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) and His Purified                     Progeny.”

Salman later said: “By Allah! I have taught this supplication to more than a thousand souls in Makkah and Madinah who were inflicted with fever, and they were all relieved by the Will of Allah!”

When the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) became the Caliph, he appointed Salman al-Muhammadi as the Governor of Mada’en. When he reached Mada’en, people were surprised to see the Governor having only his praying mat as the sole possession! He was a true follower of Imam Ali (a.s.).

Sources used:

Salman al-Muhammadi                                                                 by Kamal al-Sayyid

Ain al-Hayat                                                                               by Allamah Majlisi

Last Luminary and ways to Delve into light                                    by Sayyid Ridha Husayn Mutlaq

Fatima-The Gracious                                                                    by Abu Muhammad Ordani

Shiiite Encyclopedia

INFALLIBLE IMAM ZAIN-AL-ABEDIN (A.S.)'S SUPPLICATION ON SEEING THE CRESCENT

O obedient creature, speedy and untiring,

frequenter of the mansions of determinations,

moving about in the sphere of governance!

I have faith in Him, who lights up darkness through you,

Illuminates jet-black shadows by you,

appointed you one of the signs of His kingdom

and one of the marks of His authority,

and humbled you through increase and decrease

rising and setting, illumination and eclipse.

In all of this you are obedient to Him, prompt toward His will.

Glory be to Him! How wonderful is what He has arranged in your situation!

How subtle what He has made for your task!

He has made you the key to a new month for a new situation.

So I ask God, my Lord and your Lord,

my creator and your creator, my Determiner and your Determiner,

my Form-giver and your Form-giver

that He bless Muhammad and his Household

and appoint you a crescent of blessings not affected by days

and of purity not defiled by sins;

a crescent of security from blasts

and safety from evil deeds;

a crescent of auspiciousness containing no misfortune,

of prosperity accompanied by no adversity,

of ease not mixed with difficulty,

of good unstained by evil;

a crescent of security and faith, favor and good-doing, safety and submission!

O God, bless Muhammad and his Household,

place us among the most satisfied of those over whom the crescent has risen,

the purest of those who have looked upon it,

the most fortunate of those who have worshiped you under it;

give us the success during the new month to repent,

preserve us within it from misdeeds,

guard us therein from pursuing disobedience to You,

allot to us within it thanksgiving for Your favor,

clothe us during it in the shields of well-being,

and complete for us Your kindness by perfecting obedience to You!

Surely You are All-Kind, Praiseworthy.

And bless Muhammad and his Household, the good, the pure.

The All-Mighty Allah has emphasized in the Glorious Qur’an that He has placed the heavenly gigantic bodies’ .i.e. the sun and the moon under His Subservience. The word “Qamar” has been used in the Glorious Qur’an 27 times. Also, there is a Surah al-Qamar number 54.

If we think for a moment about ourselves compared to the moon and imagine our tiny existence and count our sins and disobedience ignoring the commands of All-Mighty!

SHIA BELIEFS IN THE BIBLE

Thomas McElwain, from Ohio, U.S.A., had delivered a series of lectures in London covering topics of Imam Hussayn (a.s.), Tragedy of Karbala, the Injeel and the event of Ghadeer. These lectures were published under the title of “Shia Beliefs in the Bible”.

Following are extracts from his lectures:

Unity of God:

Psalms 86:10 “for you are great, and do wondrous things: You are God alone.”

“Jesus agrees with the Unity of God and says in Mark 12:29 ‘the first of all Commandments is here; O Israel! The Lord our God is One Lord.’”

Justice of God:

Isaiah 45:21 “and there is no other God beside me; a just God, there is none beside me.”

Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways is judgment: a God of truth and without inquiry, just and right is he.”

Prophet Hood:

Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he will reveal his secrets to his servants the prophets.

Psalms 106:24“Indeed they despise the land of Muhammad.”

Imamate:

Exodus 8:5(9) “And Moses said to Pharaoh ‘Glorify Ali: when shall I entreat for you, and for your servants, and for your people, to destroy the frogs from you and your houses, and they may remain in the river only”

The word Ali in the Bible:

The word cAli has been used in the Hebrew Scriptures 226 times. There are some striking parallels between the Biblical Eli and Imam cAli (a.s.) who had two sons who became righteous leaders.

Such texts as Number 11:13 and 14:27 could conceivably translated cAli as well as a form of interjection something on the order of “Ya Ali”

Day of Resurrection:

Revelation 14:6-7 “Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come.”

Amre Bil Maroof and Nahi anil Munkar:

Psalms 45:7 “Thou lovest righteousness and hates wickedness.”

Hussayn (a.s.) in Bible:

The word Hoosen is found in Exodus 25:7, 28:4, 15, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30; 29:5, 35:9, 27

THE MOON OF BANI HASHIM - AL-ABBAS IBN ALI (A.S.)

Al-Abbas (a.s.) belonged to the most noble, prestigious and brave families from both his mother’s side and father’s side. His father was the Commander of the Faithful, the “Gateway of Knowledge, the Conqueror of Khyber, one of the Purest Persons as decreed by Allah in the Ayah of Tatheer. His mother was Lady Fatima (s.a.) Bint Hizam, the chief of his illustrious tribe Kelab, famous for honor, open-handedness, nobility, courage, and bravery. Apart from Al-Abbas, she had four sons; hence she was called “Umm-ul- Banin”.

After the sad demise of the Lady of Paradise Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Imam Ali (a.s.) married Lady Umm-ul- Banin (s.a.). From the first day in the sacred “House of AhlulBayt (a.s.), she established herself as a kind and loving person. She told Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussayn (a.s.), who were very young, that she did not come in their house as a mother but as a servant to take care of them. She had groomed Al-Abbas (a.s.) accordingly. Hence, all along their life, he would call Imam Hussayn (a.s.) “master” and considered himself as his slave.

Birth of Al-Abbas (a.s.): He was born on 4^th of Sha’ban 26 A.H. As soon as the news of his birth was given to the Commander of the Faithful, he hurried to take him and kissed him frequently, recited Azan in the newborn’s right ear and Iqama in the left ear. Young Lady Zaynab (s.a.) had a special link with the newborn. She asked: “Father, have a chosen a name and a nick name for the new baby?” Imam Ali replied: “Yes, I have named him Al-Abbas and nick name “Abul Fazl”. Al-Abbas means a lion that other lions fear and escape. Abul Fazl means “Father of Virtues”

At Turaihi described Al-Abbas (a.s.) in his al-Muntakhab as “Al-Abbas Ibn Ali looked like an unshakable mountain. His heart was the same as such an immovable mound because he was such a unique horseman and hero. In battlefields, he was fearless!”

Once, Imam Ali (a.s.) was holding baby Al-Abbas on his knees and kissed his little hands and cried. Upon Inquiry from his mother, he predicted as to what will happen to his hands and the mother cried heavily. Imam Ali (a.s.) told her about her baby’s great position with Allah.

From early childhood, Al-Abbas would follow Imam Hussayn (a.s.) like a shadow. If Imam Hussayn was thirsty, he would rush to get water for him. If he felt hot in summer, Al-Abbas would fan him with the hem of his cloak. At the battle of Siffin in the year 34 A.H. Al-Abbas was only 8 years old. Imam Hussayn was fighting in the field, when Al-Abbas saw an enemy approaching Imam Hussayn from behind, he took a sword and rushed into the battlefield and killed the enemy, at the same time crying loudly: “How can anyone dare attack my Mawla while I am alive.” Muawiya saw this and asked: “Who is this boy?” When he was told he was Abbas ibn Ali, he said: “By God, No one can fight like that at that age except a son of Ali!”

Al-Abbas was nursed at the hands of a faithful mother who nurtured him on faith, loyalty, knowledge, devoutness and high principles. His father was also great personality who is described as a copy of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.), the inheritor of his knowledge and the bravest man on earth. After his father’s demise, he adhered to his two brothers who were the “Chief of the Youths of Paradise”. Consequently, he became a true copy of the knowledge and morality of the two Infallible Imams.

Al-Abbas (a.s.) had more than thirteen epithets. Epithet is word or phrase which is considered to be a quality or characteristic of a person. Some of his famous epithets were; Babul Hussayn, Qamar-e-Bani Hashim, As-Saqqah, Hamil ul Liwaa, Al-Abd-us Saleh, and Bab-ul-Hawa’ij.

Al-Abbas (a.s.) was a manifestation of all virtues and merits which included every lofty characteristics. It is sufficient to say that he was the son of the Commander of the Faithful, the “Perfect Man”. Consequently, he inherited all noble manly qualities from his father. He was a symbol of courage, faith, disdain patience, loyalty, will power, mercy and kindness.

Al-Abbas (a.s.) was the Commander of his brother Imam Hussayn (a.s.)’s army of pious and fearless warriors and the women-folk of harem-e-Imam Hussayn were confident about their security all along the journey from Madinah al- Munawwarah to the desert of Karbala. He was the back-bone of Imam Hussayn (a.s.). His patience and discipline was unparallel in history. He completely put in rein his bravery to abide by the decisions of his brother Imam Hussayn (a.s.), the King of Martyrs.

The Infallible Imam Ali Zain-al-Abedin (a.s.) said about his uncle Al-Abbas (a.s.): “May Allah have Mercy upon my uncle, Al-Abbas. He preferred his brother to himself; he did well and sacrificed himself for his brother until he lost his two hands for the sake of this. Thus, instead of his two hands, Allah will give him two wings with which he will fly with the angels in Paradise, just like Jaffer ibn Abi Talib. In the sight of Allah, the Blessed, the Exalted, Al-Abbas enjoys a peculiar rank for which all the Shahid (Martyrs) will be hopeful for if they have its like on the Day of Resurrection.” (al-Khissal 1/35)

The Infallible Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) and the Infallible Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) also expressed similar sentiments for this Great Lion of Karbalah!  

Sources used:

Al-Abbas                                                                        by Badr Shahin – Ansarian Publications, Qum

Journey of Tears                                                              by Bashir Hasan Ali Rahman