THE GOLDEN SAYINGS OF THE CHIEF OF THE WOMEN OF THE WORLD AND THE LADY OF PARADISE SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

EXCELLENCE OF SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.): Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is the only lady among the Infallible Fourteen Masoomeen (a.s.), the best woman in this world and the Hereafter as no woman excels her in love, obedience and nearness to Allah (s.w.t.). One of her excellence is that she is the beloved daughter of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), wife of the Conqueror of the Khyber, Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.), and the mother of the Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.) and the King of Martyrs Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his nine Infallible Imams (a.s.). She (s.a.) was the Defender of the rights of her husband, the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.) and hence became a role model for the women. Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was the only woman summoned by her father the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) on the eve of Mubahela when the Ayah 61 of Surah Ale Imran was revealed which had the accommodation for 3 or more women (Nisa’). This was a great excellence for her! Please remember that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) speaks only as directed by Allah (s.w.t.) as stated in Surah al-Najm Ayah 3 and 4: “He does not speak out of his own desires. It (whenever he says) is a revelation which has been revealed to him.”

SAYINGS OF SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.):

                Faith is blessings from Allah to purify you from polytheism. (Faith may be tongue                       only, or it may be in heart only, faith that controls all deeds throughout one’s life)                        (Looking from other way, faith is a firm belief in the Usool-e-Deen; unity and justice of                Allah, divine guidance through prophets and the imams, and the Day of Resurrection                  when justice will be dispensed by Allah.)

                Allah has prohibited polytheism so that all people worship Him sincerely.

                Allah has made patience helpful in attaining its fruits.

                Allah has assigned rewards for His obedience and ordained punishment for His                            disobedience in order to  prevent His obedient servants from His punishment and to                    direct them towards His Paradise.

                Allah has commanded virtues and excellence and prohibited vices and wickedness for                 general welfare.

                Allah has ordered justice for making hearts intimate and upright.

                Allah has prescribed Hajj to strengthen the religion.

                Allah has prescribed jehad for honor and glory of Islam.

                Allah has commanded obedience to us (AhlulBayt) to preserve the disciplined system                  of the nation and He has prescribed our Imamate for prevention of deviation and                        differences.

                Allah commenced creation of things without any material that existed before. He                         created them without any   model or specimen for imitation. He brought them into                        existence by His powerful creative ability.

                He created them according to His inclination without His need for them and without                   any benefit to Him in giving them shape and image except to establish His wisdom and                to prompt His obedience and to demonstrate His power of creation and to guide all His                creation how to worship Him and how to Glorify His inviting call with deep respect for                worship.

                I bear witness that my father Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) is Allah’s servant and His                            Messenger. Allah selected him  and distinguished him before sending him Allah named                him and made him Pure and blameless for His  Messenger ship when all the creations                  were hidden behind the curtain of oblivion.

                Allah has prescribed Salaat-the daily prayers, to purify you from pride and conceit.

                Allah has prescribed Zakaat for purification of soul and for increase of sustenance.

                Allah has prescribed Fasting in sincere devotion to Him.

Sources:

                The Glorious Qur’an

                Sayings of Hadrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.)                                        by: ImamReza Network

BENEFITS OF TASBIH-E-FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

The Chief of the Women of the world and the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) used to grind barley manually by the stone mill in her house which caused cuts in her sacred hands. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) asked her to go to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and request for a maid assistant. When she requested for a maid, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said to her: “Fatima! Shall I tell you something which is better than a servant and even better than everything that is in this world? After the Salat, recite Allahu Akbar 34 times; Alhamdulillah 33 times and Subhanallah 33 times, and end it by saying La Ilaha Illallah once.” (Kanzul Ummal v2 p 57)

Surah al-Ahza’ab Ayah 35: “Allah has promised forgiveness and great rewards to…. the men and women who remember Allah very often.” The Infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Whoever recites Tasbih-e-Fatima Zahra (s.a.) at night, becomes included in Ayah 41 of Surah al-Ahza’ab: “O believers, remember Allah very often”

Someone asked the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.): “On the Day of Judgment, which of the servants will have the highest status?” He (s.a.w.a.s.) replied: “Those who remember Allah very often”

The Infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “We command our youngsters to read Salat and also recite Tasbih-e-Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Whoever recites the Tasbih will avoid misfortune, his sins are forgiven, Allah makes him worthy of Paradise, and Angels protect him if he recites the Tasbih before sleep, protection from tragedies, it cures the pain.”

The Tasbih should be recited without interruption and it is helpful if few tears rolled out while reciting it.

It is stated in the book Makarem-ul-Akhlaq that initially Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) used to recite the Zikr on a woolen thread with one hundred knots tied in it. When Hazrat Hamza, the uncle of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) was martyred in the Battle of Uhad, the soil from his grave was used to make the first beads of the Tasbih. When the King of Martyrs, the Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.) was martyred at Karbala, the soil from around his grave was used to make the beads of the Tasbih which have many merits and blessings.

Meanings of the elements of Tasbih:

Allahu Akbar: means Allah is Superior and Greater than what we can think or suppose of Him; Allah is greater than everything in existence; Allah is Superior to all creations which can be sensed, which our intelligence can discern, and all that which is within the world and the universe. The words, ‘Allahu Akbar” are the same word which a newborn Muslim child hears for the first time in Azaan and Iqamah; and the last words that a person will hear when one dies in Talqin. The words “Allahu Akbar” are the first and only Zikr in the Salat which are obligatory and a part of the foundation (Rukn) of the Salat.

Alhamdulillah: means All Praise be to Allah. This is reserved for Allah alone Who nurtures the entire universe. By saying this phrase, the feeling of thanking Him is brought to life in our souls. Speaking of this Zikr removes any sort of negligence within us and causes us to remember the blessings which we have been given and we are able to take notice and remind ourselves of the Majesty of Allah. There are 99 names of Allahbut the name “Allah” is the most comprehensive of all names.

Subhanallah: means Glory be to Allah. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “It means to testify that Allah transcends all things which are unworthy of being thought about Him.” About the meaning of the phrase “Subhanallah”, the Gateway of Knowledge, Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “It meant that Allah is Great and of high status, the Possessor of Nobility and Greatness Who is free from all defects and from all those things which the polytheists may  say about Him. Any time a servant of Allah says this phrase, all of the Angels immediately send prayers and salutations upon that person.” (Mizan al-Hikmah v. 5 p 2363) The Infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Allah will remove seventy types of difficulties from a person who says “Subhanallah” thirty times every day-the minimum difficulty is poverty. The second benefit is that the person will be saved from grief, sorrow, and a fatal death, just as we see that the reason for the safety of Prophet Younus when he was in the belly of the whale was because of him reciting “Glory be to You (Allah), surely I was from amongst those who were unjust (to themselves)” Surah al-Anbiya Ayah 87 (Al-Amali of Shaykh Saduq)

                Sources used:

               The Glorious Qur’an                                                                                                                  

                Tasbih Fatima                                                                            by Abbas Azizi

MARTYRDOM OF THE LADY OF PARADISE, SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), the only beloved daughter of the Chief of Prophets, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s) and Sayyida Khadija (s.a.), the richest woman of the Arabian Peninsula, who sacrificed her entire wealth for the propagation of Islam.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “The best of the women of the world are: Mariyam bint Imran, Asia bint Muzahim, Khadija bint Khowailid, and Fatima bint Muhammad.” He further said: “The best women of the Paradise are: Khadija bint Khowailid, Fatima bint Muhammad, Asia bint Muzahim (Pharaoh’s wife), and Mariyam bint Imran”

He loved his daughter the most; whenever he would go out of city, he would see Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) at the last and when he would return home, she would be the first person he would see. His respect for Sayyida Fatima was unparallel in the history; he would stand whenever she comes to see him and made her sit on his place. He used to say; “Fatima is a part of me, whoever angers Fatima has angered me, I love those whoever loves Fatima, whoever fights Fatima fights Fatima fights me.” He used to call her “Umme Abiha” which means she was the mother of her father, as she also loved and took care of him like a mother.

Ayah of Purity (Tatheer)-Surah al-Ahzab Ayah 33 which reads as: “O’ People of the House! Allah wants to keep off all kinds of uncleanness from you and purify you thoroughly.”It has been narrated in Hadees-e-Kisa. When Archangel Jiba’il inquired form Allah (s.w.t.) as to who are under cloak (Kisa), Allah said: “She is Fatima, her father, her husband and her sons” Allah introduced the Prophet and the Imams through Sayyida Fatima (s.a.)! One can imagine the stature of the Lady of Paradise!

Her truthfulness was certified by the Divine Revelation via Sura Ale-Imran Ayah 61 which reads as: “And whoever argue with in this matter after what has come to your knowledge, then say “come let us call our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, ourselves and your selves, then let us humbly pray (to our Lord) and invoke the curse of Allah on the liars.” This Ayah was revealed when the Christians of Najran unsuccessfully argued with the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and he came out with Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.) to represent the “Sons” in the Ayah, and brought Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) to represent more than two women in the Ayah and brought the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) to represent more than two men. From that time onwards, all Infallible ten Imams were always addressed as “Sons of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and Imam Ali (a.s.) as the Self (Nafs) of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). The integrity of Islam was at stake as the curse of Allah would fall on the Liars hence the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) took the four Infallible Personalities who had never lied in their life-time! But Alas! When Sayyida Fatima re-claimed her property of the gardens of Fidak, the caliph of the time refused to admit their testimony about Fidak which was “gifted” by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) to her beloved daughter whose mother, Lady Khadija (s.a.) gifted her entire wealth to her husband, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) for spread of Islam.

During the life-time of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was respected by the Muslims, but as soon as the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) died, the Muslims inflicted so much physical and emotional injuries on his daughter Fatima that she expressed it in a couplet as: “O Father! After your demise enormous calamities have befallen on me that if such calamities were to fall on the bright days they would have turned into black nights!”

Surah al-Shura Ayah 23: “(Muhammad), say, “I do not ask you for any payment for my preaching to you except (your) love of (my near) relatives.”History is clear evidence of how the Muslims responded to this Divine Command.

It is reported that she attained martyrdom after about 75 days or 95 days of the death of her father (s.a.w.a.s.). She was so unhappy with the people that she wanted to be buried at night without informing anyone except the trusted shias and a few members of the Hashemite clan. 

BIRTH OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, IMAM ALI (A.S.) INSIDE THE KA'ABA

Commander of Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) was born in the year 600 A.D. in Makkah. His father was the Protector of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and his mother was Sayyida Fatima Bint Asad (s.a.). Her grandfather was Hazrat Hashim (a.s.). She was a monotheist like all the ancestors of all Prophets.

She went to Holy Ka’abah and while she was circumambulating, she felt the pains of delivery. She prayed to Allah: “O Allah! I believe in You, and in the Messengers and Scripts You have sent. I believe in what my grandfather, Ibrahim who built the Ancient House (Ka’abah). So, for the sake of the Builder of this House, and for the sake of the child in my womb, who talks to me and who is my helper and friend, I implore You to make my labor easy. The child I am carrying is a sign of Your Greatness and Power.” (Al-Arbili, Kashf Al-Ghummah, volume 1 chapter on Imam Ali)

Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (s.a.) leaned against the wall of Ka’abah to rest. Miraculously, the wall opened. Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (s.a.) entered and the wall closed behind her. Abbas ibn Abdul Mutallib, the Prophet’s uncle witnessed this miracle. He and his companions rushed to the gate of the Sacred House, which was locked, and tried in vain to open it. Understanding that the Divine was at work there, he and his companions ceased to interfere. The news of this miracle spread throughout Makkah.

Imam Ali (a.s.) was born within the Ka’abah with his eyes closed and his body in humble prostration before the Almighty Allah. Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (s.a.) stayed in Ka’abah for three days and as the fourth day approached, she stepped out carrying her baby in her arms. She found the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) waiting to receive the new-born child in his anxious arms. So the first face that little Ali (a.s.) saw in this world was the smiling face of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Muslims use the phrase “Karramallahu Wajha” meaning the one who never prostrated to idols!

No one has ever born or will ever be born inside the Sacred House of Allah. This unique distinction was reserved for Imam Ali (a.s.). Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (s.a.) had said about this special privilege Allah had granted to her and said: “Allah preferred me to all women before me. Assiyah (wife of the Pharaoh) performed the acts of worship in seclusion where Allah did not like to be worshiped except in case of necessity. Mary (s.a.), the daughter of Imran, shook the trunk of the Pam- tree and ripe dates fell upon her. I entered the House of Allah and ate fruits of Paradise, when I was about to leave the place, I heard the Divine call: O Fatima! Name your son Ali because he is high and his Lord Most High. I gave him a name derived from My Own Name. I cultured him the way I willed. I made known to him the intricacies of My Own Omniscience. He is the one to crush the idols in My House. He is the one to call the people to prayer from the roof of My House. He worships Me. Blessed are those who love him, and woe to those who are his enemies.”

His birth in Ka’aba had been reported both by Shi’i and Sunni scholars. To name a few as under:

Masoodi in Murroj-udh-Dhahab, Muhammad ibn Talha al-Shafei in Matalib-us-Saool, Hakim in Mustadrak, Al-Umair in Sharh Ainia, Halabi in Sira, Sibt ibn al-Jauzi in Tadhkira Khawasil Ummah, Ibne Sabbagh Maliki in Fusoolul Mohimma, Muhammad bin Yousuf Shafei in Kifayat al-Talib, Shablangi in Nurul Absar, Ibne Zahra in Ghiythul Ikhtisar.

Among the modern historians Abbas Mahmood al-Akkad of Cairo (1970), Egypt writes in his book Al-Abqarriyet al-Imam Ali that Ali ibne Abi Talib was born inside the Ka’aba.

Another contemporary historian, Mahmood Saeed al-Tantawi, of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affair, Arab Republic of Egypt writes: “May God have mercy upon Ali ibne Abi Talib. He was born in Ka’aba. He witnessed the rise of Islam; he witnessed the Dawa of Muhammad, and he was a witness of the Wahi (Revelation of Quran al-Majid). He immediately accepted Islam even though he was still a child, and he fought all his life so that the word of Allah would be supreme.”

Miraculous birth of Imam Ali has many important points to ponder:

Sayyida Fatima bint Asad did not enter the Holy Ka’aba through the door but Allah opened an unusual opening. When Prophet Isa was born, Lady Mariam was told to leave the place of worship and go outside. What was the sustenance of Sayyida Fatima bint Asad for three days? When she entered the Ka’aba, Hazrat Abbas, Hazrat Abu Talib tried to open the door but it will not open, why? On the fourth day, the wall of Ka’aba again opened to give passage to her and the Priceless baby. From the time of construction of Ka’aba, no one had ever been born inside the Holy Ka’aba nor will ever be born till the Day of Judgment. Imam Ali (a.s.) did not open his eyes for three days while he was inside the Kaaba, and opened only when the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) took him in his arms and saw his sacred face when opened his eyes. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) placed his noble tongue in Imam Ali (a.s.)’s mouth.

Sources used:

ImamReza Network, The birth of Ali Ibn Abi Talib by Sayyid Ali Asgar Razwy, WIKIPEDIA

WHAT IS BADA'?

Bada’ means “To Appear”. It is a process in which Allah makes known His Plan to the Prophets, Imams, or Angels only to the extent which is beneficial to the man kind or which is necessary to make a test meaningful. When the time comes for the Prophet or the Imam concerned to think that the plan of work is nearing its end, a new development extends the plan or brings it to an unexpected end.

The concept of Bada’ will be cleared by the following illustrations:

                The story of Prophet Ibrahim responding to a dream in which he saw that he was sacrificing                 his beloved son Prophet Isma’il. He narrated his dream to Prophet Isma’il, who agreed,                       being a Prophet he knew that their dreams are the Commands of Allah. Prophet Ibrahim did                 what he saw in the dream as doing; he bound the hands and feet of the child, placed him in                  the position of prostration; and blindfolding himself, put the knife and cut the throat. After                   removing the blindfold from his eyes, he saw Isma’il smiling and a goat was slaughtered                    in his place. Allah did not inform him of the events up to the last stage. If Ibrahim would                      have known that Isma’il would be saved, or if Isma’il would have known that he would be                  saved, there would have been no meaning in the test. So Allah showed Ibrahim the events                    up to a stage but kept him unaware of the final stage; not informing him how the whole                        episode was to end. Since they did not know the result, Ibrahim and Isma’il were  able to                     show how willingly they were to obey the Command of Allah even to the extent of                               sacrificing their lives and the lives of their dear ones in His name.

                The story of the people of the Prophet Younus as detailed in Surah al-Younus Ayah 98.                       Except two people; one of them a pious person without knowledge and the other a                               righteous man with knowledge, rest of the tribe rejected him. When Prophet Younus prayed                 to Allah to send punishment to his people because of their disbelief, Allah promised him                      that on certain day, affliction would visit them. Prophet Younus along with his pious                            companion went away. The learned man did not go but remained with the people and tried                 to put the fear of Allah in their hearts. He told them that there was still time to repent from                   their Kufr, believe in Allah and His Prophet and pray to avert that affliction.

                On the appointed day, to enhance desperation, children were removed from their mothers;                   everybody fasted and came out of the village, there they prayed and cried, prostrated and                     asked His forgiveness and prayed for the aversion of that affliction. The sky was covered                    with black clouds, day became like night, and lightning and thunder was shattering the                         atmosphere. It was fortunate that they had repented before seeing the affliction, and                    therefore, Allah,  in His Mercy forgave them and they were saved. Allah knew before                  hand that the people of Prophet Younus would accept the true faith, but He did not                      reveal the whole event to Younus. Naturally, he thought that the affliction would wipe out                the whole community. He was not told that the community would  repent and the affliction                  would be avoided. If the learned companion would have known that the affliction would                      clear away, then he would not  have exhorted them so sincerely. It was because Allah in His                infinite Wisdom wanted them to listen to the voice of wisdom. Allah did not tell Younus a                  lie but intend to keep the promise.

               Similarly, Prophet Musa was ordered to go to Mount Sinai, fast there for thirty days. On the                thirtieth day, he cleansed his teeth and went to Mount Sinai. Allah asked him as to why did                   he cleanse his teeth. He replied that he thought that he was going to a holy place and hence                 wanted to be neat and clean. Allah told him that the smell of a fasting person was sweeter                   before Him than musk. Hence, Musa was ordered to return to his place and fast for ten                more days and return to Mount Sinai without cleansing his teeth.Thus it was on the                      fortieth day he was given the Tablets of Tawrat. The Bani Isra’il left the path of true religion                in the presence of his vice- gerent Prophet Harun, started idol-worshiping just because Musa               was delayed by few days! This test of faith could not be completed if Allah would have                   told Musa that he was supposed to stay for forty days; or if he would have been told                     him not to clean his teeth on the thirtieth day.

Source used:

The Justice of God                                                                      by Allama Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi

ALLAMA MUQADDAS ARDBELI (R.A.)

Allama Muhammad ibne Ahmad Ardbeli (r.a.) was born in Ardbel, Iran. He is generally known by the name of “Muqaddas Ardbeli”. He became the Marja after the death of Shaheed-e-Sa'ni” His contemporaries were Mir Baqir Damad and Shaikh Baha'i. He died in the year 993 A.H. and was buried in the right hand corner of the Mausoleum of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.). One of his disciples was the son of Shaheed-e-Saani, who authored a book, “Mu'allim” which is being taught in the Shi'a Seminaries for the last 450 years and is constantly referred by Shi'a Jurist in their edicts (Fatwa). His twofamous books are “Zabdat al-Bayan”, dealing with all Ayahs of Glorious Qur'an dealing with Jurisprudence (Fiqh), and “Hadiqat-al-Nadiya”, on the lives of the “Fourteen Infallible”
His piety may be imagined that he met The Imam of the Time (atf) several times. Throughout his life, he did only Obligatory (Wajib) and Optional (Mustaheb) acts, and did not do any Permissible (Mubah) act. It is said that his piety was like the manners of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), the valor of Imam Ali (a.s.) and the magnanimity of the famous philanthropist, Hatim Tai.
Shah Abbas was a strong king of the Safavid Dynasty. He invited Muqaddas Ardbeli to come to Iran but he refused to go as he was streamling the Seminay at Najaf al-Ashraf. Shah Abbas wrote him to give an order which he would dutifully fulfill. Once it so happened that a fugitive Momin from Iran came to Muqaddas Ardbeli in Najaf requesting him to write to the Shah recommending a pardon . Muqaddas Ardbeli wrote:
“The holder of a temporary rule, Abbas:although this man was initially a transgressor, he now seems to be oppressed. If you pardon him, Allah may forgive some of your lapses. From the slave of the Master of Wilayat (Imam Ali a.s.) Ahmad Ardbeli.”
In reply, Shah Abbas wrote: “I bring to your esteemed notice that Abbas has rendered the service ordered by you feeling profoundly obliged. I hope you will not forget this devotee of yours in your good prayers. From a dog on the threshold of Ali (a.s.) Abbas.”
Amir Alam, one of the deputies of Muqaddas Ardbeli narrates an incident as follows: “ One night I was in my room studying and came out in the courtyard of Imam Ali (a.s.)'s Mausoleum when I saw someone walking towards the haram. Those days security was not sufficient hence I followed the stranger. When he reached the gate of haram, I saw the locks opened automatically and the man neared the sarcophagus and said salam loudly and I heard the reply from sarcophagus. Then a conversation started. Now I  recognized one of the voice was that of my mentor Ardbeli but could not identify the other sound or saw any person. After sometime I saw my mentor emerged from the mausoleum and headed towards Kufa, and entered the Masjid-e-Kufa and said salam loudly and some one replied the salam, but I could not see anyone. A conversation  started between my mentor and the invisible person. Muqaddas Ardbeli started walking towards Masjid-e-Sahla. At that time I had a loud hiccup, and my mentor stopped.. Upon inquiry, he explained the whole event. The mentor said: “As long as I live you must not mention about this incident to anyone. There was a problem and I went to Imam Ali (a.s.)'s sarcophagus and requested his guidance. He told me to go to Imam-e-Zamana who was in Masjid-e-Kufa. Hence, I/ went there and greeted him and explained my problem which he resolved.”
In those days there was no proper arrangement for supply of water. People will draw water from wells. One night, Muqaddas Ardbeli wanted water for the Night Prayers, hence he lowered the bucket in the well and withdraw the bucket, he was surprised to see the bucket full of precious stones. He turned back the precious stones in the well and lowered the bucket again and he found the precious stones again. His eyes watered. He said: “O' Allah! I want water for my ablution and not any riches!”
He was residing in Kufa and the country was passing through acute famine. During this period Muqaddas Ardbeli would give away all provisions from his house and was left with negligible provision for the family. When his wife complained, he went to the mosque for A'tikaaf for 3 days. In his absence, on the third day, someone knocked on the door. When his wife opened the door she saw an Arab standing with best quality flour bags laden on the two mules. The Arab brought the bags inside and said that it was sent by the man in A'tikaaf in the mosque. When Muqaddas Ardbeli came home and was informed about the bags of flour, he immediately knew who the person was. He immediately performed two rakat of prayers for thanksgiving and said: “My Imam has so much concern about me that he felt the scarcity in my house that he personally came for my help!”
Muqaddas Ardbeli's love for Ahlul Bayt had been proverbial. While residing in Karbala, he would walk 14 miles to attend on his nature's call as a mark of respect.
Sources used:

Islamic Laws.com
Imam Reza Network

COMPREHENSION OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

The Glorious Qur’an is the last Divine Message from the Creator to the mankind, not to the Muslims only!

When Adam and Hawwa were asked to go on earth, Allah said in Surah Ta’ha’ Ayah 123: “Get out of here all of you; you are each other’s enemies. When My Guidance comes to you, those who follow it will not go astray nor will they endure any misery.” So from the time of creation of human race, the Creator promised to send Guidance and directed the mankind to follow it. Hence to follow the “Guidance” one has to read, understand, ponder over it and practice it to attain salvation. At numerous places, Allah has encouraged human beings to think and ponder over the contents of this Divine Message. Detailed below are some of the Ayahs:

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 219: “This is how Allah explains for you His Guidance so that perhaps you will think.”

Suarh al-Baqarah Ayah 266: “This is how Allah explains to you His evidence so that you may think.”

Suarah al-Imran Ayah 191: “It is these who speak of Allah while standing, sitting, or resting on their sides and who think about the creation of the heavens and the earth and say, “Lord, you have not created all this without reason.”

Surah al-An’am Ayah 50: “(Muhammad), tell them, “I do not claim to have all the treasures of Allah in my hands, or to know the unseen, nor do I claim to be an angel. I follow only what is revealed to me (from Allah).” Say to them, Are the blind and the seeing equal?” Why then do you not think?”  

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 176: “… (Muhammad), tell them such stories so that perhaps they will think.”

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 184: “Thus, do We explain the evidence (of the truth) for the people who reflect.”

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 3: “It is Allah who spread out the earth and fixed mountains and placed rivers therein. He made a pair of every fruit and made the night cover the day. This is evidence (of existence of Allah) for the people who think.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 44: “We have revealed the Qur’an to you so that you can tell the people what has been revealed to them and so that perhaps they will think.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 69: “From out of their (bees) bellies comes a drink of different color in which there is a cure for human being. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people of understanding.”

Surah al-Rum Ayah 21: “His creating spouses for you out of yourselves so that you might take comfort in them; and His creating love and mercy among you. In this there is evidence (of the truth) for the people who (carefully) think.”

Surah al-Zumar Ayah 42: “Allah preserves the souls when they die as well as those which did not die during people’s sleep. He withholds those souls which He has decreed to die and releases the others for an appointed time. In this there is evidence (of the Truth) for the thoughtful people.”

Surah al-Jathiya Ayah 13: “He has also made subservient to you all that is in the heavens and the earth. In this there is evidence (of the Truth) for those who use their minds.”

Surah al-Hashr Ayah 21: “Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and rent asunder for fear of Allah. These are parables which We tell to people so that perhaps they will think.”

Surah al-Muhammad Ayah 24: “Is it that they do not think about the Qur’an or are their hearts sealed?”

The Glorious Qur’an was revealed in four stages:

                Surah al-Rahman Ayah 1-4: “The Beneficent (Allah) has taught the Qur’an to                              (Muhammad). He created the human being and taught him intelligible speech.” Allah                  revealed Qur’an on the light of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)

                Surah al-Buruj Ayah 21-22: “What is revealed to you is certainly a Glorious Qur’an                  that exists in a Well- guarded Tablet.” The second revelation was from the light of                            Muhammad to the Tablet.

                Surah al-Qadr Ayah 1: “We revealed the Qur’an on the Night of Destiny.” The                            complete Qur’an was revealed   on the heart of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)

                Surah al-Insan Ayah 23: “(Muhammad), We revealed the Qur’an to you in gradual                    steps. In the end, it was revealed step by step as needed on the heart of the Noble Prophet                    (s.a.w.a.s.) and he narrated to the Muslims.

Ideally, for a comprehensive understanding of the Glorious Qur’an, one should have command of the Arabic language, but for practical purposes, one may read it in his mother tongue translation. Further, one should have knowledge of the Sunnah of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) which leads to the Traditions (Ahadees). The cardinal principle as recommended by the Infallible Imams, is that any tradition purported to be reported by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) should be compared with the Glorious Qur’an; if it is in agreement with the Glorious Qur’an then accept it, otherwise reject such Tradition.  Qur’anic Ayahs interpret one another; hence look for such Ayahs which elaborate other Ayahs.

Sources used:

 The Glorious Qur’an

 Spiritual Journey of the Mystics                                                by Haj Mirza Jawas Maliki Tabrizi

Understanding the Uniquness of the Qur’an                               by Ayatullah Murtaza Mutahhari (r.a.)

Towards Better Understanding Qur’an                                       by Shaikh Muslim Bhanji

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM ALI IBN AL-HUSAYN, ZAYN-AL-ABIDIN (A.S.)

He was born in Madinah 15 Jamad-as-Saani  38 A.H. His parents were the Infallible King of Martyrs Imam Husayn ibn Ali (a.s.) and Sayyida Shahr Bano daughter of the last Sassanid Emperor Yazd Jard III of Persia. His titles were Al-Sajjad and Zayn-al-Abidin apart from others. He opened his eyes in the most sacred atmosphere; 2 years with the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) and 12 years with the Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.). He was present but sick in the most deadly massacre of human history, the tragedy of Karbala and was duly appointed an Imam by Imam Husayn (a.s.) on Ashura.

He was martyred by poison on 25^th of Muharram 95 A.H. by the Umayyad ruler Waleed bin Abdul Malik Marwan and was buried in “the Jannat-ul-Baqi” graveyard in Madinah.

After his release from the prison of Damascus along with the sacred daughters of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) along with other Hasimite ladies and the widows and orphans of companions of Imam Husayn (a.s.), he had three important tasks; to announce his Imamate publicly, to weld the community together, and to expand the true faith. Muhammad ibn Hanafiyyah, his uncle, claimed his Imamate. It was the time of Hajj and thousands of Muslims had gathered in Makkah. Imam Zayn-al-Abidin (a.s.) suggested that the “Black Stone” of Ka’bah decide the authenticity of the claim. Muhammad Hanafiyya agreed and both of them approached in front of thousands of Hajjis. First Muhammad Hanafiyya addressed the Black Stone but there was response. Then Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) prayed to Allah and asked the Black Stone to state in clear Arabic as to who were the Wasi and Imam after Imam Husayn (a.s.). There was a tremor in the stone and Allah made it speak in clear Arabic: “O’ Allah, verily Wisayah and Imamah, after Husayn ibn Ali are for Zayn-al-Abidin Ali ibn al-Husayn, son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatima bint Rasulillah.”

After the tragedy of Karbala, he used to weep and cry when water was brought to him as his father was mercilessly slaughtered deprived of water for 3 days!

Similarly, his compilation of Sahifa Sajjadiya, a book of prayers and supplications, spread the true faith directly from the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) to Imam Ali (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.). By the way, when this book was shown to the famous Egyptian scholar Shaikh Tantavi, he wrote: “...How the Muslims all along been ignorant of such valuable treasure. They have been in deep slumber all these centuries. They could not even feel that Allah had supplied them with such a precious store of knowledge.”

Imam Zayn-al-Abidin (a.s.) fell sick while he was a young man. Imam Husayn (a.s.) after inquiring about his health asked him if any desire, the young Imam had replied: “My only wish is that Allah may count me among those people who do not have any wish against the destiny settled by Allah!” Imam Husayn (a.s.) was very pleased by his reply.

On instruction from Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, the tyrant Hujjaj bin Yousuf attacked Ka’ba and the people looted every article inside Ka’ba. When they decided reconstruction, a huge snake appeared and sat at site. At last Imam was requested for help. The Imam (a.s.) said that unless all the looted articles are not returned. When articles were returned, the Imam went near the snake and it moved away. Hence, reconstruction started.

Abdul Malik ibn Marwan came to perform Hajj. Incidentally, Imam Zayn-al-Abidin (a.s.) was also performing Hajj and was walking in front of the ruler. He asked the Imam (a.s.) if he needed any financial help. The Imam (a.s.) replied that he did not need any help as Allah was there to help him. Saying this, he spread his cloak on the ground and addressing towards Ka’ba said: “My Lord! Grant me your gift” Momentarily the cloak was filled with pearls, and he distributed to the needy.

Hasham bin Abdul Malik went to Makkah to perform Hajj and tried to kiss the Black Stone but failed and sat on a chair waiting for clearance of rush. Imam Zayn-al-Abidin (a.s.) came near the Black Stone and everybody squeezed to give passage to him. Hasham was jealous to see this special treatment of people to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Showing his deliberate ignorance, he inquired as to who was that person? Farazdaq, the poet of the court spontaneously recited a Qasidah paying glowing tribute to the Imam (a.s.). Hasham in rage punished Farazdaq by cancelling his court status. When Imam Zayn-al-Abidin (a.s.) heard about it, he sent 12,000 dirham to Farazdaq, which he first refused to accept but when the Imam told him that when AhlulBayt grants anything, they do not take it back, he reluctantly accepted.

Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz, the lone ruler of Umayyad Dynasty who was fair minded and judicious, requested the Imam (a.s.) to grace the occasion of repair of a wall of Masjid-e-Nabavi. He was the man who stopped the sinful practice of cursing Imam Ali (a.s.) from every mosque which was started by Muawiya ibn Abu Sufyan. He also returned the property of Fidak to AhlulBayt (a.s.) which was gifted by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) to his beloved daughter Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and  was confiscated after the sad demise of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.).

Sources used:

ImamReza Network, Fourteen Stars by Allama Sayyid Najmul Hasan Karrarvi (r.a.)

THE EFFECTS OF SINS ON HUMAN SOUL

What is sin? Sin is the disobeying the Commandments of Allah, The Wise and failure to comply with His Wishes. It is a commission and omission of an action which is clearly expressed in the Glorious Qur’an and explained by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). Moreover, there is a Messenger placed by Allah in our hearts-conscious - which warns us when we are committing a sin. As for the “commission” - an action which is displeasing to Allah is a sin. As for the “omission” – to avoid an action which is obligatory (Wajib) is also a sin. In any case, the actions which are prohibited are for the benefit of mankind. Similarly, the actions which are obligatory are also for the benefit of man. The entire philosophy of prohibiting and encouraging for different acts revolves around the health and progress of our “Souls”.

Shaitaan is a sworn enemy of mankind. He does not order man to commit a sin but lures towards and man responds. His charms, apart from other temptations, include desire for wealth and power, and exploitation of sexual drive.

Consequences of committing sins on the individual basis:

                It contaminates and pollutes the soul; it darkens the soul resulting in withholding                         many secrets.

                After submitting to the satanic temptations, his heart becomes the dwelling place of                     Shaitaan.

                It is a veil of self-knowledge resulting in the eternal forfeiture of his life.

                It deprives the sinner the pleasure of worship. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said:                      “When one commits a sin, a black speck appears on his heart; if he repents, his heart                  will be purified. But if he repeats the sin, the spot spreads until it overtakes the entire                  heart. The excess of sins destroys the heart.”

                The infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “I advise you to be pious, to abstain                      from sins, and to be diligent in the course of worship. Be aware; worship without                          abstaining from sins is sterile (unproductive).”

                The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) addressed to Abu Dharr and said: “O’ Abu Dharr, the                  crux of religion is abstaining from sins and the secret of religion is obedience to Allah.                 Those who have relinquished the forbidden pleasures of this world are indeed the                      friends of Allah.”

The social effects of sins:

                Sin leads to the social decline and the increase of crimes. It hinders the activities of the                 effective individuals of the society due to the far reaching consequences of the sins,                       thus obstructing the progress of the society.

               The most effective weapon of an enemy is to produce heedlessness. Shaitaan makes                      human beings heedless. If by Shaitaan’s temptations, a righteous thought is effaced                     from one’s mind, he will be at ease.

The ways of redemption from sins:

                Repent and plead for forgiveness. Tawbah (Repentance) means “To Return”. When a                 servant returns to his master( Allah), it is said that he has done tawbah.

                Remember our own sins.

                Remember Allah as frequently as possible.

                Acquire piety by considering the temporary life span of this world and the                                     accountability on the Day of Resurrection; seek protection of Allah from the accursed                Shaitan.

Source used:

Faith and Reason                                                                         by Ayatullah Mahdi Hadavi Tehrani

THE EATING HABITS OF THE NOBLE PROPHET (S.A.W.A.S.)

Eating is necessary to live and human beings are created for prayer (Ibadah) in the broader sense as mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an Surah al-Zariyat Ayah 56: “Wa Ma Khalaqtu Jinne wal Inse Illah Le’yabudoon.”Consequently, man has to eat so that he may fulfill his purpose of creation. The famous proverb says: “Eat to live not live to eat” The human body works as a vehicle for soul; hence the quality of food influences the soul. In al-Kafi of Yaqub-e-Kulayni volume 5, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “O’ Allah! Grant us abundance of bread, and do not let us be separated from it, for without it we will not be able to perform ritual prayers, fast, and perform our Divine obligations.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) chose food that was permissible (Halal), simple, and beneficial. He used to eat with his family, servants, and the poor. He always emphasized on eating with others. He would start with the name of Allah and praised Him when the meal was finished. He will only eat permissible food and was guided divinely if impermissible food was presented to him. Once, it so happened that after he put a morsel of cooked meat in his mouth, chewed it but did not swallow and took out from his mouth and said that the mutton was supplied unfairly! The host confirmed that as they could not get a sheep in the market hence they procured a sheep from the neighbor without his permission but expected to pay later.  

He never insisted on any particular type of food, he ate whatever was presented to him within the permissible limits. In most cases he ate barley bread made from whole grain flour. According to Infallible Imam Reza (a.s.), barley was the food of the Prophets and the Righteous People.

He (s.a.w.a.s.) recommended not to eat very hot food but to allow it to cool down as it then becomes blessed. Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said that He (s.a.w.a.s) would broke fast with sweets if available, otherwise with lukewarm water as it cleansed the liver and stomach, strengthens teeth and sharpens eyesight, stimulates blood vessels.

He further said “In the eyes of Allah, nothing is more unfavorable and hated than a full stomach.” It causes disease, hard-heartedness and sluggishness in worship and prayers .Food should be eaten in moderation.

The Infallible Imams had recommended to eat 2 meals a day and a small portion at night and advised not to miss the dinner even if it were 3 morsels, otherwise a vessel dies in the body which will never be revived.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said:

                 “Eat when you have appetite for eating, and stop eating while you still have an                               appetite.”

                 “Eat dinner even if it is low quality dates because avoiding dinner will bring about                          old age.”

                 “Eating food with people brings about abundance. One person’s food portion is enough for two the people, and two people’s food portion is enough for four.”       

He (s.a.w.a.s.) used to drink water in three gulps, praising Allah at the beginning and at the end. He (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Drink water by sipping and do no drink it all at once, because it causes pain in the liver.” When He (s.a.w.a.s.) drank water, he would remove the container from his mouth. He (s.a.w.a.s.) would use his right for all and every work including eating and drinking. He (s.a.w.a.s.) used to start eating first and finish after every one present. It was to make the guests comfortable and finishing at the end was to accommodate others who will stop eating as a mark of respect. He (s.a.w.a.s.) would wash his hands before and after the meals, as it increases sustenance, keeping away insanity, accuracy of eye-sight etc. He would finish the food completely without wasting the food at the end.

Sources used:

Bihar-al-Anwar                                                                     by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.)

Al-Kafi                                                                                  by Allama Yaqub-e-Kulayni (r.a.)

Makaram –al-Akhlaq                                                            by Al-Tabrisi (r.a.)

Tazkirah –Al-Fuqaha                                                            by Allama Al-Hilli (r.a.)