THE INFALLIBLE IMAM HASAN AL-MUJTABA (A.S.)

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

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

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

This was the period in which conquests of many lands took place. His father and no member of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) participated in them. Imam Ali (a.s.) and his family formed a Trust and whatever their share of prosperity came to them, they all put into this Trust. The funds were used to help the poor and needy.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Hasan and Husayn are the chiefs of the youths of Paradise.” Imam Hasan (a.s.) was also included in the Qur’anic Ayahs of Tatheer and Mubahela.

There are numerous traditions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) in praise of Imam Hasan (a.s.).

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

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

Muawiya knew in his heart that he was not going to comply a single term!

Imam Hasan proposed the following conditions:

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

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

Muawiya agreed with the wife of Imam Hasan (a.s.), Ju’ada binte Ashas, that if she poisons Imam Hasan (a.s.), he will give her hundred thousand dirham and marry her to Yazid.She poisoned the Imam and he was martyred in Safar 50 AH.

Muawiya sent the promised dinars but did not marry her to Yazid.

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

Sayings of Imam Hasan (a.s.):

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

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

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

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

Imam Hasan had performed 25 Hajj on foot.

            

HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN - 1

According to the experts and the traditions of AhlulBayt (a.s.), a child comprehends the meaning of other’s words from the time he/she is four months old in his mother’s womb. Therefore, it is recommended that mothers should recite the Glorious Qur’an during pregnancy and after birth, let the child hear the Glorious Qur’an. It is reinforced by the recitation of Azan and Iqama in the child’s ears.

General Behavior:

As soon as a child begins to utter words, coach him/her  the basic Shia faith like the Oneness of Allah, names of Panjetan, names of twelve Imams and the names of the Infallible Fourteen Masoomeen; progressively, first numbers followed by the names. Roots and Branches of Islam, first names then English or Urdu meanings should be learnt by heart.

Slowly, teach him the etiquette and good manners.

Do not order or forbid your child too much.

Do not hit your child when he cries.

Do not ridicule actions of your child. Kiss and hug your child a great deal.

Say Salaam to your child to build his/her character and personality.

Respect your child and always keep your promises to him.

As a prelude to the future sexual training, train them to ask for permission to enter parent’s bed room.

While giving bath to a child, make sure other children are not present, do not play with the genitals, chests or thighs, and never leave children alone for a long period of time. Do not let a girl of six years or over, sit on the lap of a “Na-Mahram” or even kissed by a “Na-Mahram”. Do not let girls be naked in front of others.

Create love for Salaat in your child. In Surah al-Ankaboot Ayah 45 which says: “Indeed the prayer prevents indecencies and wrongs.”

Do not spoil a child which will create weakness and a lack of determination and will power.

Pray for your children, both during pregnancy and afterwards.

Reminders and requests should be given with gentleness so as not to create a barrier between parents and the child.

Respect your child so as to avoid rebellion against the rules of the house.

Become a role model for your child.

Foster the faith of your child.

Cuddle and kiss your child, it is one of our soul food.

Separate the beds of children over 6 years old.

When guiding the child, do not mention or compare the names of other children constantly.

Stay away from the bossy behavior towards your child.

It is very important to inculcate the habit of telling the truth in the child. Parents should lead by example.

Do not use fear as a factor of raising a child as this damage his/her personality.

Stories are a useful and important tool of encouraging virtues as the Glorious Qur’an contains numerous stories. But in selecting stories attention be focused on child’s age, intelligence, name of Allah should be mentioned, avoid extremes, truth and righteousness should prevail and it should be short.

Make sure your child performs Salaat (Namaz) from 7 years and fasting from 9 years of age.

Do not be quick to accuse your child of lying.

Encourage your child to ask questions to satisfy his inquisitiveness.

Avoid quarreling in front of your child which will affect him adversely.

Children have a particular fear of the word death, especially the death of their mother or father. Hence, at a suitable age explain the truth about death, clearly and calmly without eliciting fear.

Sources used:

Better Future                                                                                                   by: Abdul Azeem Mutadi

Pious son                                                                                                         by: Rayhaneye Beheshti

A SYNOPSIS OF MIR BABBAR ALI ANEES'S FAMOUS MARSIYA

Mir Babbar Ali Anees (r.a.) was the most prestigious Urdu poet who took the art of ‘Marsiya goi’ to the peak.

The word “Marsiya” is derived from the Arabic word “Risa” meaning a great tragedy or lamentation for a departed soul. But after the Great Sacrifice, the tragedy of Karbala, Marsia used exclusively to describe the events at Karbala. It is poetry full of pathos, love, emotions, bravery, patriotism and ultimate sacrifice. It was this incredible talent, enormous vocabulary of Urdu, Arabic and Persian and commendable mastery of Mir Anees. He added beauty through perfectly balanced verses, simplicity, emotional painting, psychological treatment depicting moral and human values, universally acknowledged and acclaimed. His treatment of different relations in the tragedy of Karbala as evidenced in South East Asia is commendable.

 Mir Anees had compiled 92 Marsias, 70 Salaams, and numerous Rubaais, Nauhas, Munajaat, and Mukhammas.

Appended below are a few stanzas of his famous Marsiya “Jab Qata Ki Musafat e Shab Aftab Ne” which was translated by Dr. David Matthews, professor of Oriental and African Studies at University of London. This Marsiya is a long one describing the shahadat of some of the Bani Hashim. At the end, he described the brave and fearless jihad of Imam Husayn. The Marsiya consists of 194 couplets of six verses each.

Jab qata’ ki musafat e shab aftab ne                            The sun had run its journey over the night

Jalwa kia sahar ke rukhe be hijab ne                     Unveiled, the dawn revealed her glorious face.

Dekha sooe falak shahe gadroon rikab ne              The King who rides the heavens saw her light

Mud kar sada rafiqoon ko de us janab ne           And called his brave companions to their place.

A’akhir hai raat hamd o sana e khuda karo            The time has come at last; to God give praise

Uttho fariza e sahri ko ada karo                                   Arise! In fitting prayer your voices raised.

Haan Ghazio ye din hai jidal o qital ka     Brave hearts! For strife and slaughter dawns this day

Yan khoon bahega aaj Muhammad ki aal ka        Here the blood of Muhammad’s race will flow

Chehra khushi se surq hai Zahra ke lal ka                     Zahra’s darling, honored, seeks the fray;

Guzri shab e firaq din a’ya wisal ka                       The night of parting fades ‘neath union glows.

Ham wo hain gham karenge malik jin ke waste             We are those for whom the angels weep;

Raaten tarap ke kati hai is din ke waste                          To libve this day we sacrificed our sleep.

Ye subha hai wo subha mubarek hai jis ki sham    This morning brings an evening ever blessed;

Yaan se huwa jo kooch to hai khuld me muqam                We who depart for Paradise will slake

Kausar pa aabru se pahoch jain tishnakam    Our thirst by Kausar’s spring, and there find rest

Likkhe Khuda namazguzaraun me sab ke naam       May God exalt our names for honor’s sake

Sab hain waheed e asr ye ghul char soo uthe        Unequalled, each one of them to joy gave birth

Duiya se jo shaheed uthe sur khuroo uthe                     Let martyrs rise in glory from this earth.

Jungal se aie Fatima Zahra ki ye sada                           Far from waste came Fatima’s pure voice

Ummat ne mujh ko loot lia wa Muhammada                      Se Muhammad! Our family despoiled

Is waqt kaun haqqe muhabbat kare ada                Now who will save our friendship and rejoice?

Hai hai ye zulm aur do alam ka muqtada                        Against what tyranny our Leader toiled

Unnis sau hain zakhm tane chak chak par    Full nineteen hundred wounds were on him thrust

Zainab nikal Husayn tarpta hai khak par              Ah Zaynab! Come Husayn writhes in the dust

It should be stressed that any translation cannot convey the entire message of the writer.  Hence, in order to thoroughly appreciate the Marsiyas or Ruba’I, one must learn the Urdu language.

Sources used:

The Battle of Karbala                                                                                        by: Dr. David Matthews

MirAnees.com