SURAH AL-JUMAH AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE JUMAH CONGREGATION

Surah al-Jumah was revealed in Madinah and it has 11 Ayahs. This surah basically revolves around “The Unity” of Allah and the importance of the Jumah Congregation in Islam. If we look at a different angle, this surah addresses the other aspects e.g. the prayers of all and every creatures of Allah, the purpose of the prophet hood of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) to educate and enhance the morals of humanity, warnings to the Muslims not to be distracted from the principles of Islam as the Jews were distracted from their original Message, the general laws of the death being the window towards the permanent abode, strict directives about the attendance in the Jumah Congregation and suspension of all other activities during the Jumah prayer and the sermon by the imam of prayers.

According to a tradition of the Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.s.), who said: “Whoever recites Surah al-Jumah, Allah will grant him the virtues equal to ten times the number of the Muslims who attended the Jumah congregations and even those who did not attend the congregation.”

In yet another tradition it is stated that if a person recites this surah daily, he will be safe from every dangerous and frightening thing.

The reason of the advent of the Messenger of Islam is elaborated in Ayah 2 which says: “He it is Who sent amongst the unlettered ones a Messenger from among themselves to recite unto them His Ayahs, to foster them and absolved them of polytheism and discord, and teach them the Heavenly Book and Wisdom. And indeed, they had been formerly in manifest error.”

As for the Blessings of Allah, as referred in Ayah 4, there is tradition that once the not so wealthy Muslims approached the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and complained that unlike the wealthy people who can perform Hajj, they did not have resources to go for Hajj, unlike the wealthy, who can pay to liberate the slaves, they cannot do that. The Messenger said: “a person who recites “Allah-o-Akbar” 100 times is more blessed than the one who gets the release of a slave, one who recites “SubhanAllah” 100 times is more blessed than the one who arranges for 100 horses for Jihad, and the one who recites “La Ilaha Illallah” 100 times is more blessed than the virtuous deeds of all the people on that day.” 

Referring to the Jews, Allah says that their carrying Torah but not practicing it is like burdening books on a donkey. And if Jews thought that they were the friends of Allah, and then should wish for death but because of the deeds they had sent to Allah, they will not wish for death.

The call for Jumah prayer is expressly mentioned in Ayah 9 to 11: “O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the Friday prayer, hasten toward the remembrance of Allah and leave off the business. That is better for you if you did know. Then when the prayer is ended, you are free to disperse through the land and seek Allah’s Bounties and remember Allah much that you may be saved. And when they see some merchandise or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it and leave you standing (while reciting your sermon). Say, that which Allah has (of Bounties and Blessings) is better than any amusement or merchandise! And Allah is the best of the providers.”                     

  Prayer in congregation gives the Muslims both worldly and spiritual benefits as stated below:

1.       Islamic Unity: In the congregation, rich and poor, high and low, all stand shoulder to shoulder. This destroys the haughtiness of the rich and creates self-respect in the poor.

2.       Unity: In the congregation prayer, all have one niyyah (intention), one language and identical actions.

3.       Love and Co-operation: People meet one another in the congregation prayers. They know the hardships and worries of each other and try to help. New things are known, mutual love develops and circle of friendship is widened resulting in an opportunity to learn from other’s experience and mould their lives accordingly.

4.       Discipline: We stand in rows follow the imam of jama’ah and practice obedience to commands.

5.       Prestige of Islam: Our mosques thrive due to the congregation of prayers. It enhances the prestige of Islam and the unity of Muslims affects greatly the enemies of Islam.

6.       Limitless Reward: The Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “If there are only 2 people in a congregation, every rak’at gets the reward of 150 prayers. The reward is increased by the increase in the number of people praying. Thus in a jama’ah prayer of 3 persons, every rak’at gets the reward of 600 prayers. With each increase of the number of people, the reward doubles. Hence, if there are 10 persons, every rak’at gets the reward of 72, 800 prayers. If there are more than 10 people, then nobody can estimate its reward, except Allah. 

Sources used:    Fawaid-e-Qur’an by Sayyid Mustafa Musawi,

                          Elements of Islamic Studies by Allama Saeed Akhtar Rizvi

                          Enlightening Commentary of Light in Qur’an

KHALID BIN WALID

Khalid bin Walid was the son of Walid bin al-Mughirah, who belonged to the tribe of Banu Maghzum. His father was the wealthiest man of his time. His father Walid al-Mughirah used to say, “Should the Qur’an and the Prophetic mission be revealed unto Muhammad, the indigent while I, the master of and the greatest among Quraish, be left out?”

Khalid grew up bearing animosity towards Islam and the Prophet of Islam. Hence he participated in each and every war waged against the Messenger of Allah. He raised a huge army and financed it from his own wealth to fight in the Battle of Uhad, lying in ambush to kill the Allah’s Messenger.

After seeing the Messenger of Allah had become invincible and people were accepting Islam in large numbers, he also accepted Islam 4 months before the “Conquest of Makkah”. Contrary to the clear instruction of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.), he killed 30 people on the day of the Conquest of Makkah.

On yet another occasion he disobeyed the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) when he was sent by the Messenger to Banu Khuzaymah to invite them to Islam but did not ask him to fight anyone. Yet Khalid went there and afflicted them with treachery even after their declaration of acceptance of Islam, by asking them to lay down their arms, still killing some of them in cold blood. Abdul Rahman bin Awf, who was eye-witness to that incident, said that Khalid killed them only to seek revenge for both of his uncles whom Banu Khuzaymah had killed. (Tarikh al-Yaqubi, volume 2 page 61). When the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) heard about that shameful treachery, he thrice dissociated himself before Allah from what Khalid bin Walid had done. Then he sent them Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) carrying with him lot of money to pay their blood-money, the blood spilled by Khalid. As a rule, a brave man is always kind and merciful.

During the time of the First Caliph Abu Bakr, Khalid betrayed Malik ibn Numayrah and executed his men in cold blood, although they were Muslims. Then married Malik’s wife and cohabited with her the same night of her husband’s murder, discarding Islam’s Shariah with regard to the “Iddah” and the Arab’s principles of valor and manliness.

Even the second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab exposed him and called him an enemy of Allah, promising to stone him to death, which he never carried out even after he became the caliph.

Al-Tabari, in his book “Al-Riad al-Nadira” indicates that Banu Saleem had reneged, whereupon the First Caliph Abu Bakr sent them Khalid bin Walid, who gathered some of their men inside the sheds of animals then set them on fire. (Islam prohibits burning humans or animals or even green plants). When Umar ibn al-Khattab came to know about this incident, he went to see Abu Bakr and said, “Why do you let a man employ the same method of torture employed by Allah?”Abu Bakr replied, “By Allah I shall not shame a sword which Allah unsheathed against His foes till He Himself shames it.” In his Sahih, al-Bukhai indicates that the Messenger of Allah had said, “Nobody employs the fire for torture except Allah”

During the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, two incidents occurred which brought his dismissal from his military career.  At a city called Emesa, Khalid had a special bath with certain substance prepared with alcoholic mixture. Caliph Umar’s spies informed him about it as alcohol is forbidden in Islam. Another incident occurred shortly after the capture of Marash, when Khalid heard about a poet Ash’as, who had recited a poem praising him (Khalid). Khalid gave him a gift of 10,000 dirham apparently from the state treasury. (WIKIPEDIA)

Sources used:

  WIKIPEDIA

  Misbah- ul-Zulum, Roots of the Tragedy of Karbala                by Sayyid Imdad Imam

 Tragedy of al-Zahra: Doubts and Responses                              by Jafar Murtadha al-Amili

THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, THE GATEWAY OF KNOWLEDGE, IMAM ALI (A.S.)'S ADVICE ON LEADING A USEFUL LIFE

Imam Ali (a.s.) said:

Do not be among those people who want to gain good returns without working hard for them, who have long hopes and keep on postponing repentance and penance, who talk like pious persons but run after vicious pleasures. Do not be among those who are not satisfied if they get more in life and are not content if their lot in life’s pleasures is less (they are never satisfied), who never thank Allah for what they get and keep on constantly demanding increase in what is left with them: who advise others for such good deeds that they themselves refrain from; who appreciate good people but do not follow their ways of life; who on account of their excessive sins hate death but do not give up the sinful ways of life; who, if fallen ill, repent their ways of life and on regaining their  health fearlessly readopt the same frivolous ways; who get  despondent and lose all hopes, but on gaining health, become arrogant and careless; who, if faced with misfortunes, dangers or afflictions, turn to Allah and keep on beseeching Him for relief and when relieved or favored with comfort and ease, they are deceived by the comfortable conditions they found themselves in, forget Allah and forsake prayers ; whose minds are allured by day dreams and forlorn hopes and who abhor to face realities of life; who fear for others the enormous repercussions of vices and sins but for their own deeds expect very high rewards or very light disciplinary actions. Riches make such people arrogant, rebellious and wicked, and poverty makes them despondent and lethargic. If they have to work, they work lazily and if they put up a demand they do it stubbornly.

Under the influence of inordinate cravings, they commit sins in quick succession and keep on postponing repentance. Calamities and adversities make them give up the distinguished characteristics of Muslims (patience, hope in future and work for improvement of circumstances). They advise people with narrations of events and facts but do not take any lesson from it. They are good at teachings but bad at practice, therefore they always talk of lofty deeds but their actions belie their words. They are keen to acquire temporal pleasures but are careless and slow to achieve permanent (Divine) benefits. They think good for themselves the things which are actually injurious to them and regard harmful the things which really benefit them. They are afraid of death but waste their time and do not resort to good deeds before death overtakes them. The vices which they regard as enormous sins for others, they consider as minor shortcomings for themselves. Similarly, they attach great importance to their obedience to the orders of Allah and belittle similar actions in others. Therefore, they often criticize others and speak very highly of their own deeds. They are happy to spend time in society of rich persons, wasting it in luxuries and vices but are averse to employing for useful purposes in the company of poor and pious people: They are quick and free to pass verdicts against others but they never pass a verdict against their own vicious deeds. They force others to obey them but they never obey Allah. They collect their dues carefully but they never pay the dues they owe.  They are not afraid of Allah but fear powerful men.

These are the Golden Words of the man who was born in the House of Allah and was martyred in the House of Allah, who was nurtured by “The Perfect Intellect”, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s), who named him as “The Gateway of Knowledge”, who attained perfection in every walk of life. We should review his invaluable pearls of wisdom frequently!

Reproduced from “The Peak of Eloquence”

RESPECTFUL LOVE AND DEVOTION OF AHLUL BAYT (A.S.)

       Surah al-Shu’rah Ayah 23: “Qul La Asalukum Alaihe Ajran Illal Mawaddata Fil Qur’ba”                                                                                                                                                                  (Muhammad), say, “I do not ask you for any recompense for my preaching to you except (your) love of my (near) relatives.”

When Islam was firmly anchored in Madinah, the Ansars came to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and offered financial help to him. Thereupon the above Ayah of Mawaddah was revealed. Mawaddah is a deep, respectful love. The hypocrites commented that it was not from Allah but he (s.a.w.a.s) made it up. The Ayah 24 was promptly revealed saying: “Do they say that he (Muhammad) has invented falsehood against Allah?” Some of the hypocrites felt guilty and started crying. People tried in vain to interpret this Ayah differently to keep the Ahlul Bayt away from the real intended Infallibles. The word “Qur’ba” has been used 15 times in the Glorious Qur’an meaning near relatives in every case.

Love of Ahlul Bayt in the light of the Prophetic Traditions:

1.       Ahmad reported from Sa’eed bin Jubair from A’mir in the book Ahqaq al-Haq, the companions asked about who were the “Qur’ba”? He (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Ali, Fatima and their two sons.” He (s.a.w.a.s.) repeated 3 times.

2.       In “Mustadrak Sahihain” Imam Zain al-Abedin said that after the martyrdom of Imam Ali (a.s.), Imam Hasan (a.s.) addressing the people, had said: “I belong to that family whose love has been made obligatory in Ayah Mawaddah.”

3.       Suyuti in Tafsir-e-Dur-e-Mansoor, Ibne Abbas narrated that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Protect my right over you and for my sake (respectfully) love them.”

4.       Famous Sunni traditionalist Hakim Haskani reported in “Shawahid-al Tanzil” through Abu Amama Bahili that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Allah had created other Prophets by different trees, but He created me and Ali from one tree. I am the root, Ali is the branch, Fatima is the cause of its growth, Hasan and Husayn are the fruits and our Shias are the leaves. If anyone prays between the Safa’ and Marwa for thousands of years and become absolutely thin but if he does not have our love in his heart, Allah will send him to Hell.

5.       Zamakhshari in his Tafsir “Kashshaf” and Allama Fakhr-ud-din Razi and Allama Qartabi in their tafsirs. This tradition shows the status and the importance of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said:

       Whoever dies with the love of Ale Muhammad in his heart dies as a martyr, his sins will        be deleted, he dies   with the perfect faith, the angels of death will give him the good              news of going to Paradise, Munkir and Nakir in the grave will greet him, he will be                taken to Paradise respectfully like a bride is taken to her groom’s house, two doors will        be opened two doors of Paradise in his grave, Allah will make his grave pilgrimage site          of angels of mercy.

       And whoever dies with enmity of Ale Muhammad in his heart, will enter the plain of           Qiymat with the wordings “This man is disappointed of the Mercy of Allah, he will die          as faithless (kafir) and he will not even smell the scent of Paradise.”

Allama Fakhr-ud-din Razi had reported the above-mentioned tradition by the name of “Hadees Mursal Musallam” and further said: “Ale Muhammad are Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn who had the strongest bond with Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.)” He also narrated a tradition from Zamakhshari in Kashshaf that when the above Ayah was revealed, the companions asked the Prophet as to who were his near ones whose love had been made obligatory on Muslims, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “They are Ali, Fatima and their two sons”

Allama Fakhr-ud-din Razi concluded his tradition with the famous poetry of Imam Sha’fe’i (one of the Four Schools of Sunni Muslim Jurisprudence): “If the person who loves  Ale Muhammad is known as Ra'fzi, then let the Jinn and Humans be witness that I am Rafzi”

Source used:

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) Tafsir-e-Namoona   by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

                

PROPHET IBRAHIM (A.S.) - APOSTLE TO IMAM

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 124: “Wa Izibtala Ibrahima Rabbahu Bekalematin Fa-atammahunna  Qala Inni Ja’eluka Linnase Imama Qala Wa Min Zurriati Qala La Yanalu Ahid Za’lemeen.” “When His Lord tested Ibrahim’s faith (by His words) and he satisfied the test, He said, “I am appointing you as the leader of the mankind.” Ibrahim asked, “Will this leadership also continue through my descendants?” The Lord replied, “The unjust do not have the right to exercise My authority.”

The “tests” stated in the above Ayah refers to the following:

                His opposing and blaming the patriarch Azar against the idolatry,

                His rise to the observation of the holding authorities on the earth and in the heavens,

                His attainment of the stage of certainty,

                His method of argument to take the people out of the idolatry or polytheism to the utmost                     heights of  monotheism,

                His efforts to translate the monotheistic theory into the practical unity of worship by                             building the House of Worship-Ka’ba’,

                His sacrificing all the limitations of the Ego by directing his attention to Allah,

                His conscience beginning to focus the Divine Will in the dream as well as while he was                       awake,

                His leaving of his wife and infant son in the desolated desert of Arabia, where the present                     day Makkah is situated,

                Taking his young son, Ismail, to the place of sacrifice and showed determination to                                slaughter him in accordance with the Divine Instruction in the dream,

                His showing of exemplary faith, peace and determination in the face of Babul’s idolaters,                     breaking the idols,consequently punished by the idolaters in the mammoth fire,

                Migrate from the city of idolaters sacrificing his financial assets to go to other places to                       promote the Unity of Allah.

The status of Imamate entails not only bringing message from Allah, give good news to the pious, warn those who oppose the Divine Commandments, but also enforcement of Divine laws and purify the souls of the faithful. Surah al-Sajdah Ayah 24: “We appointed some of the Israelites as leaders for their exercising patience to guide the others to Our commands. They had firm belief in Our revelations.”

Abdullah ibn Masood narrated a tradition saying the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Allah said to Prophet Ibrahim ‘I will not assign the status of Imamate to the “Unjust” or “Za’lim”.’ Prophet Ibrahim inquired; “Who are the unjust ones?” Allah said: “Who ever had prostrated to the idols.”

So any one who had committed sins, either small or big, including idol-worshipping (Shirk) is an “Unjust” person and is incapable for the status of Imamate. Consequently, the Imam should be “Infallible”. From this stand point no one except Imam Ali (a.s.) was capable to succeed the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). A person is Infallible or not, only Allah (s.w.t.) knows the conditions of our hearts heart. Hence the title of Imamate is a Divine status and only Allah (s.w.t.) can appoint an Imam.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) were the direct descendants of Prophet Ibra’him. They were Infallible and sinless. Hence the prayer of Prophet Ibrahim was accepted by Allah.  Similarly, the eleven Infallible Imams after Imam Ali (a.s.) are the Imams as promised by Allah (s.w.t.) and the last one, Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is guiding the humanity as the sun continues to supply life to the inhabitants of the planet earth, humans, animals and the plants.

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an (English Translation) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

SURAH AL-QAMAR

Surah al-Qamar was revealed in Makkah. It has 55 Ayahs. The contents of the Suarh may be highlighted as under:

It relates to:

                 The “Nearness of the Day of Resurrection”, rent asunder of the moon, negation from                            opposition,

                 The hostile people of the Prophet Noah,

                 The chastisement of the people of A’d,

                 The opposition by the people of Thamud to the Prophet Saleh and the She camel,

                 The people of Prophet Lot and their irregular sexual behavior and the painful chastisement,

                The Pharaoh (Fir’aun) and his followers, their punishment,

                 According to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.): “Whoever recites this Surah on alternate days, his face will be shining like the full moon on the Day of Resurrection”

In order to attain the maximum benefits of this Surah, one should ponder and think over the contents of this Surah and make every effort to put into practice in his life.

Like other Surahs of the Glorious Qur’an revealed in Makkah, this Surah also deals with the Roots of Islam e.g. Unity of Allah, Prophet Hood of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and the Day of Resurrection.

As the unique style of the Glorious Qur’an is to discuss and describe various concepts and the events of many Prophets and their people’s hostile behavior and the Divine Chastisement. Similarly, in this Surah also the stories of the Prophet Noah, Prophet Saleh and Prophet Lot are described.

The rent asunder of the moon had been narrated by some reliable sources. The companions such as Anas bin Malik, Ibne Masood, Huzaifa-e-Yamani, Jabir bin Mat ‘am have also narrated this event. This was a unique miracle of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). It is reported that Abu Jehl and some Jews came to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and said: “O’ Muhammad, if you are in fact the Apostle of God, cause the moon to get rent asunder.” The Noble Prophet prayed to the Lord and with God’s help, he pointed to the moon with his finger and the moon was seen split into two parts. Ibne Masood says that he saw the peak of the Mount Hira interposing between the two parts. Then the people wanted the two parts to be joined together and it was done. The Jew, convinced of the great miracle, embraced Islam but Abu Jehl remained the same saying that it was a transient sorcery. According to the tafsir of Dur al-Mansour, the caravans from Syria when arrived in Makkah did confirm the miracle but the Polytheists did not change.

In reply to the objections from certain quarters about the lack of universal attestation of this miracle, it may be stated:

                The earth is always lighted by the sun’s light on the half of the globe, hence only half                   of the globe was in dark.

                As this miracle occurred past the midnight, naturally about one-fourth of the                               inhabitants may be aware of        this.

                Even in parts of the globe might be covered by clouds.

                People may be looking towards sky only in abnormal conditions like thunder storms                   or Lunar Eclipse etc.

                At that period of time the means of communications were not as prompt as the                             modern times.

The Ayah “We made the Qur’an easy to understand, but is there anyone who would take heed?” has been repeated in this Surah four times.

NASA Photograph: Appolo Mission photographs of Rima Ariadaeus revealed a rift line across the surface of the moon. A 2004 book by Naghloul El-Naggar reproduces one of these photographs and says that British Muslim David Musa Pidcock told him he had seen a 1978 “program” (sic) in which he claimed that unnamed US space scientists had said that “the moon had been split a long time ago and rejoined, and there is a lot of concrete evidence on the surface of the moon to prove this.”(WIKIPEDIA)

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Ayatollah Nasir Mukarem Shirazi

WIKIPEDIA

DESCENT OF THE STAR AND THE KHILAFAT AND THE IMAMAT

Suarah An-Najm Ayah 1 to 4: “Wan-Najm-e-Iza Hawa, MaZalla Sahebukum Wa Ma Ghawa,Wa Ma Yantiqu Anil Hawa,  In Howa Illa Wahian Yuha.” “By the star, when descending (in space), your companion (Muhammad) is not in error nor has he deviated. He does not speak out of his own desires. It (whatever he says) is a revelation which has been revealed to him.”

This Surah was revealed in Madinah. The houses of the emigrants from Makkah were built around the Masjid-e-Nabawi with doors opening inside the mosque. When the number of Muslims increased, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) received the Commandments from Allah (s.w.t.) to close all the doors of the houses of Muslims except the doors of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). When the revelation was announced, Imam Ali (a.s.) was prepared to close the doors of his house. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “O ‘Ali! The order does not apply to you, as you are of me and I am of you. Some people remarked that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has been maddened of his love for (Imam) Ali and has gone astray.

The famous narrator of the Traditions Ibne Abbas says: “Once we offered our ‘Isha’ prayer, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) turned towards us and said: “At dawn a star will descend from heaven. On whosoever’s house it gets down, he shall be my heir, my Caliph, and the Imam.” Everyone sat waiting for the star, and more than any one, Abbas the uncle of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), coveted for the star, but the star from heaven, and descended on (Imam) Ali’s house. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) told Imam Ali (a.s.): “O’ Ali! By the One Who has sent me as His Apostle, I say that for you have been assigned by Allah, to be my Heir, my Kalif and Imam.” (Minhaj -us-Sadiqeen, Persian Tafsir). The hypocrites, who could not relish it, said that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) in his love for Ali had gone mad or gone astray. On this occasion this Ayahs were revealed.

The famous Sunni scholar, Suyuti narrated in his book “Durrul Manshur” as: “One day the Prophet of Allah ordered that all doors of the houses which opened in the Mosque should be closed, (Except the doors of Ali’s house). It was not like by the Muslims. The Prophet’s uncle Hamzah complained that why his doors and the doors of Abu Bakr, Omar and Abbas were closed?

 On hearing these complaints, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) ascended the pulpit and delivered a matchless sermon and said: “O’ People! Neither I have opened nor closed the doors; I did not expel any one from the mosque nor stationed him (Ali) in the mosque. (Whatever happened was in accordance with the Commands of Allah). Then he recited these Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an.

This hadith not only highlights the supreme stature of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) after the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), but also points out to the fact that all actions (speech or otherwise) of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) has the backing and support of the Divine Commandments. It also strengthens the Shia belief about the Infallibility of the Prophets and the Pure Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)

Sources used:

The Glorios Qur’an (English Translation) by Muhammad Sarwar

The Glorious Qur’an (English Translation) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Maulana Farman Ali

Al-Amali by Shaikh Saduq

Manaqib Mullah Abul Hasan bin Mughazili Shafe’I, Sharf-ul-Mustafa Abu Hamid Sha’fei, Ibne Marduya

THE TREATY OF HUDAIBIYAH

In order to insure impartiality and unbiased approach, we are collecting the historical facts as reported by the Orientalists and Western writers.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) had a dream that he was performing tawaf of the House of Allah (Ka’ba) and when he told his companions, they also got ready to go to Makkah for the pilgrimage and 1,400 Muslims started towards Makkah. At the place of Hudaibiyah, the Polytheists of Makkah denied entrance and the Muslims camped. The Glorious Qur’an for-told the victory in Suarh al-Fath Ayah 1: “We have granted to you, (Muhammad), a manifest victory”

Sir William Muir was an Scottish Orientalist, educated at Glasgow and Edinburg Universities and a British civil servant served at very high positions in the British India and author of 18 books. He wrote about “The Treaty of Hudaibiyah” as:

                The first messenger from Muslims to the Meccans was treated rudely; the Prophet’s camel                   on which he was travelling was killed and the messenger himself was threatened.                                 Muhammad desired Umar to proceed to Mecca but he declined on the ground of lack                  of safety for his own life.

Samuel Margoliouth was also an orientalist, professor of Arabic at University of Oxford. Some of his books on Islam became the standard treatises, and was a winner of numerous awards on classical and oriental languages. He wrote in Mohammad and the rise of Islam:

                Presently it was determined to send a representative to Mecca rendered the heroes of Islam                 unwilling to risk their lives on such an errand; even Omar, ordinarily so ready with his                     sword, hung back.

Bai’at-e-Rizwan (Pledge of Rizwan): When Omar declined to go Uthman was sent and when no news came from him and a rumor circulated that the Meccans had killed him. On hearing this rumor, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) asked the Muslims to renew their allegiance to the Messenger of God regardless of the events which might takes place.

Suhayl bin Amr came out from Makkan side to negotiate a treaty along with Othman who was also released.

The more important terms of treaty were as follows:

                Muhammad and his followers would return to Madinah without performing Umra                       (the lesser pilgrimage).

                There would be peace between the Muslims and the Quraysh for a period of 10 years.

                If any Makkan accepts Islam and seeks sanctuary with the Muslims in Madinah, they                would extradite to Makkah. But if a Muslim fleeing from Madinah seeks sanctuary                      with the pagans in Makkah, they would not extradite him.

                All the tribes in Arabia would be free to enter into treaty with any party – the                              Muslims or the Quraysh.

                The Muslims would visit Makkah to perform the pilgrimage the following year but                      they would not stay in the city for more than 3 days, and the only weapons which they                  would be allowed to bring with them, would be their swords in the scabbards.

The Treaty of Hudaibiyah was the most important in the history of Islam. The Treaty was being written by the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s). The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) was dictating to Imam Ali (a.s.): “Write, In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, and the Most Beneficent.”Suhayl objected and suggested to write: “In Thy name of Allah”. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) accepted it. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) asked Imam Ali (a.s.) to write: “This is a treaty between Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah and the Quraysh” Suhayl again objected to the word Messenger of Allah, as Imam Ali (a.s.) had already written ”Muhammad the Messenger of Allah”, he refused to delete it by his own hand saying: “This high rank has been bestowed upon you by Allah Himself, and I shall never delete the words “Messenger of Allah” with my hand!” The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) deleted by his own hand.

Tore Andre wrote in “Mohammed- the Man and His Faith”: Umar turned excitedly to Abu                    Bakr and other leaders who were near the Prophet to ascertain whether they really                      intended to submit to this humiliation. He declared later that never before he had he                    such doubts concerning Mohammed’s truthfulness, and if he had found merely a                          hundred like-minded men, he would have resigned from the umma of Islam.”

R.V.C.Bodley, a British army officer, a writer, moved to U.S. and joined the War Information Office             in 1935 wrote in the book “The Messenger-The life of Mohammed”: “Umar read in the treaty,             the ‘surrender’ of the Muslims, it is truly remarkable. But if Umar’s saber-rattling that day                   had led to a showdown with Quraysh, and then one can surmise what part he would have                     played in it, judging by his own “track record” both before and after.

Sources used:

                WIKIPEDIA, Duas.org

                Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims by Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy

THE GENEROSITY OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, IMAM ALI (A.S.)

There are three ways in which one can share his belongings with the deserving people for the Pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.). Once, the “Nafs-e- Rasool”, Imam Ali (a.s.)  had 4 dirham and he gave 1 dirham in the day time, 1 dirham at night time, 1 dirham openly and 1 dirham secretly.  The Al-Mighty Allah revealed an Ayah to appreciate his alms-giving. Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 274: “Those who spent their wealth by night and (by) day, secretly and openly, for them shall be their reward with their Lord, fear shall not be on them nor shall they grieve.”

It is an accepted fact even by the scholars of the Sunni school that this Ayah was revealed in praise of Imam Ali (a.s.) who offered them only four dirham and gave away in charity-one by night, one in day, one secretly and one openly. It is reported through Ibrahim ibne Saleh, Yousuf bin Bilal, Muhammad bin Haroon, Muhammad bin Saleh, Abi Saleh and from Ibne Abbas, that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) that this Ayah was revealed in praise of (Imam) Ali since he parted with the four dirham he possessed in this world. Once (Imam) Ali met with the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) asked why he parted with whatever he had. (Imam) Ali replied: “To please Allah I had nothing more than this and I will be fully satisfied if Allah accepts it.”

Sayings of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.):

                Generosity is to help a deserving person without his request, if you help him after the                   request, then it is either out of self-respect or to avoid rebuke.

                Overlook and forgive the weakness of the generous people, because if they fell down,                  Allah gives his hand in their hand and help them.

                Generosity hides shortcomings.

                To whosoever Allah gives wealth, he should use it in extending good behavior to his                     kinsmen, in entertaining, in releasing prisoners and the afflicted; in giving to the poor                and to debtors, and he should endure (the troubles arising out of) the fulfillment of                      rights (of others) and hardships in expectation of reward. Certainly, the achievements                  of these qualities is the height of greatness in this world and achievement of the                            distinctions of the next world; if Allah so wills. (Nahjul Balaghah Sermon 142)

It is reported that once Imam Ali (a.s.) was returning from a journey with a string of camels fully loaded with goods. On the way a beggar asked for some bread, and Imam Ali (a.s.) asked Qambar, his slave, to give the beggar some bread. Qambar was searching for the bread. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked for the reason of delay. Qambar replied that he was searching for the bread. Chief of the Philanthropy, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Give the beggar the camel on which bread is loaded.” After a while Imam Ali (a.s.) again asked about the reason for the delay. Qambar replied that he was searching the camel on which the bread was loaded. Imam Ali (a.s.) ordered: “Give the whole caravan!” Qambar hurriedly jumped off the camel and handed over the reins to the fortunate beggar.  Imam Ali (a.s.) smiled at the agility of Qambar and asked: “Why did you jumped off the camel so quickly and handed over the reins in such haste?” Qambar replied: “Master, you were in such a mood that on account of a little delay, you gave away the whole caravan. I was afraid that if there was some more delay, you might give me away also with the caravan. You will get a thousand slaves like me, but where will I get a master like you?”

Washington Irving, an American author and essayist wrote: “He (Ali) was the noblest branch of the noble race of Koreish. He possessed the three qualities most prized by Arabs: courage, eloquence, and munificence.”

Generosity is the hall-mark of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and the books of history are filled with numerous incidents of their generosity. Sura al-Insan is a prima facie evidence for this. People of Madinah knew that there was one house from which no needy ever returned empty handed! 

Sources used:

Translation of the Glorious Qur’an by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

www.ezsoftech.com & AlmujtabaIslamicnetwork & WIKIPEDIA  

THE BRAVE LION OF ALLAH, THE CONQUEROR OF KHAIBAR, IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Khaibar is a locality about 90 miles from Madinah. It consisted of 8 or 10 forts where the Jews lived and was the centre of conspiracies against Islam. In the year 7 A.H. after receiving the conspiracy of Jews along with their enemies of Islam, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) held a consultative meeting of the companions and decided to take on the enemies outside Madinah. According to Allama Tabrisi, the number of Muslims was 1,400 and the number of Jews was 14,000.

The Muslims laid a siege of the forts of Khaibar. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) became ill and could not participate in the battle. Similarly, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) was also suffering from eye illness. In the “Tarikh-e-Abul Fada (volume 1 page 187), it is stated: “Due to the illness of Prophet Mohammad (sawaw)Hazrat Abu Bakr took the banner and went to fight but returned unsuccessful and then Hazrat Umar took the banner and fought even harder but he as well returned unsuccessfully, Prophet Mohammad (sawaw) was informed of this situation.”

From the above narration it is clear that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) never awarded the banner to the companions!

After 5 days of general fighting, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Tomorrow I will award the Standard of the Islamic forces to a man who loves Allah (s.w.t.) and His Prophet and Allah (s.w.t.) and His Prophet love him. He is the one who attacks forcefully and does not run away from the battlefield and he will not return until Allah grants victory on his hand.” Every companion was waiting and wishing to be awarded this honor.

Next morning, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) called for Imam Ali (a.s.), he was told that Imam Ali (a.s.) was suffering from eye illness but he (s.a.w.a.s.) insisted upon seeing the Imam (a.s.) and when arrived, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) applied his saliva on the eyes of Imam Ali (a.s.) which cured him instantly. Then he (s.a.w.a.s.) prayed to Allah (s.w.t.) and awarded the standard of Islam to him. Imam Ali (a.s.) led the Islamic forces to the strongest fort of Khaibar named Qamoos. When they reached near the fort, the Jews started the battle. Their strong man Haris attacked and martyred 2 Muslims, after which Imam Ali (a.s.) took on Haris and killed him instantly. He was followed by the strongest man in Jews-Marhab. Marhab was killed by Imam Ali (a.s.). His “Zulfiqar” cut him into exactly 2 pieces. Then the general battle started and the Muslims fought courageously under Imam Ali (a.s.). On realizing that they were losing the battle, the Jews started to run towards their fort and closed the huge iron bridge from inside. It was reported that the gate was so mammoth that 40 strong men used to open and close it. Imam Ali (a.s.) gave a big jolt to the gate and extricated it from the foundation. He (a.s.) used it as a bridge on the trench to let the Muslims cross over. The Jews inside the fort cried for mercy and Imam Ali (a.s.) ordered to stop the battle and declared peace for those who surrendered.

It is reported that Marhab’s mother had a dream in which she was attacked by a lion. She used to warn Marhab not to fight with any one whose name resembles ‘lion’.  Abu Rafay, the personal attendant of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) narrates: “When we reached near the gate of the fort, an old Jewish guard asked: “Who are you?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: “I am the one who was named “Haider” by his mother, I am the lion of the valley, and I am the great lion, the lion that attacks his prey by chasing it.” The man turned to the people inside the fort and said: “You are destroyed!”

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s whole life, including all the battles in which he was victorious, was in compliance of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s commandments, which in turn was wholly and completely for Islam and the Pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.). Hence, in any battle he did not take any armor or any valuables of the ones he killed. After the conquest of Khaibar, Imam Ali (a.s.) came down the hill of Khaibar, completely empty handed. That makes the Imam Ali (a.s.), the great!

Washington Irving describes Imam Ali (a.s.) in his book “Life of Mohammad”: “He was distinguished for an amiable disposition, sagacious intellect, and religious zeal, and from his undaunted courage, was surnamed “The Lion of God”

R.V.C.Bodley wrote in “The Messenger-Life of Mohammad, 1946”: “Marhab had never been defeated. His huge size frightened the opponents. Marhab attacked first, Ali Gave way. A feint and parry sent the spear flying. Before Marhab could get one of his swords, Ali’s scimitar (curved sword) had cloven his head through his helmet so that it fell on either side of his shoulders…”

Sources used:

Restatement of history of Islam and Muslims                          by Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy

Al-Mawwadat.com, Ziaraat.com, WIKIPEDIA

PARENT'S STATUS IN THE LIGHT OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN AND THE SUNNAH OF THE NOBLE PROPHET (S.A.W.A.S.)

From the infancy of a human child to the maturity, it is the selfless and unparallel love and care of his parents which brings the child from the stage of weakness and helplessness to strength and independence. The sacrifices of the mother are more than father as she carries the baby for 9 months, encounters pains and discomforts.

The Commandments of the Creator through the Glorious Qur’an are given below:

                Surah al-Isra’ Ayah 23 and 24: “Your Lord has ordained that you must not worship                   anything other than Him, and that you must be kind to your parents. If either or both                of your parents should become advanced in age, do not express to them word which                    show your slightest disappointment. Never dispute with them but always speak to                        them with kindness.” “Be humble and merciful towards them and say “Lord, have                      mercy upon them as they cherished me in my childhood.”

                Surah Baqarah Ayah 83: “We made a covenant with the children of Isra’il that they                  should not worship anyone except Me that they should serve their parents.”

                Surah al-Nisa Ayah 36: “Worship Allah and consider no one equal to Him. Be kind to                your parents…”

                Surah al-In’aam Ayah 151: “(Muhammad), say, let me tell about what your Lord has                 commanded: Do not consider anything equal to Allah; be kind to your parents…”

                Surah Luqman  Ayah 14 and 15: “(Concerning his parents), We advised the man,                         whose mother bears him with great  pain (weakness after weakness) and breast-feeds                    him for two years, to give thanks to Me first and then tothem; to Me all things                             proceed..” “If they try to force you to consider things equal to Me, of whom you have                  no knowledge, do not obey them. Maintain lawful relations with them in this world                      and follow the path of those who turn in repentance to Me. To Me will all return and I                 shall tell you all that you have done.”

                Surah al-Ah’qaf Ayah 15: “We have advised the human being to be kind to his                            parents; his mother bore him    with hardships and delivered him while suffering a                       great deal of pain. The period in which his mother bore d weaned lasted for 30                            months. When he grew up to manhood and became 40 years old, he then said, “Lord,                  inspire me to give You thanks for the bounties You have granted to me and my                            parents, and to act righteously to please You.”

                Surah Ibrahim Ayah 41: “Lord, on the Day of Judgment, forgive me and my parents                  and all the believers.”

                Surah Nuh Ayah 28: “Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers who have                          entered my house….”

                Surah Ankaboot Ayah 8: “We have advised the human being, “Be kind to your                            parents. Do not obey them if they force you to consider equal to Me things which you                 do not know.”

                Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 215: “They ask you what to spend for the cause of Allah,                       (Muhammad), tell them that whatever you spend, give it to your parents, the relatives,                 the orphans, the destitute, and those who may be                

                in urgent need of money while on a journey. Whatever good you do, Allah is certainly                is aware of it.”

 Hadees-e-Qudsi (Allah’s words not in Qur’an): “I swear by My Glory and Power that if a person is disobedient to his parents, comes to Me with all the good deeds of all the Prophets; I will not accept them from him.”

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

                The Greatest Sins are “Shirk” and disobedience of parents. One who hurts his parents                 hurts me, and one who hurts me hurts Allah. There are three types of sins which are                   punished in this world; the first is “A’q-al-Waledain” (Disowned by parents), second                  is injustice upon people, third is thanklessness of favors. A man came to the Noble                        Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and said: “I have committed every type of sins. Is there any chance                of  repentance for me? The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Go and do goodness to                      your father to expiate your sins.” After the man left, he (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “If his mother                had been alive, it would have been more meritorious to do good to her!”  Aa’q-al-                       Waledain (Disowned by parents) causes poverty and misfortunes.

Parent’S Rights after death:

                Carryout their obligatory acts (Wajib) which they did not perform during their life time, e.g.salaat, fasts, Hajj,repay their debts. Comply with their “will”. Perform good deeds for them e.g. sadaqa, salat, donations.

Respect for the parents:

As a mark of respect, one should not address them by name, should not in front of them, should not start meals before them, should not raise their voices above parent's voices, should any act which may bring bad reputation to them, should provide necessities to them before they ask for  them.

ABU HURAIRAH

He was born in Yemen and remained there till the age of 31, when in the year 7 A.H. after the Battle of Khaibar, he came to Madinah and joined the destitute of Suffa, the people who do not have any house or relatives.

As per Abu Hurairah himself, he was in the company of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) for 3 years. (Al-Bukhari page 182 of Sahih volume 2 section “Signs of Prophet hood in Islam”)

Without any comments, some of his reported traditions (ahadiths) are reproduced below:

                He reported that Allah (s.w.t.) had created Adam like his own shape.

                He reported that the Angel of Death used to come to people visibly, but when he came                 to Prophet Moses to take his life, Moses (a.s.) slapped him, gouged his eye, and sent                     him back on his sumpter to his God one-eyed. After this incident, the Angel of Death                   went to people invisibly.

                He reported that Hell will not be full until Allah (s.w.t.) puts His leg in it.

                He reported that Allah (s.w.t.) comes down to the lower sky every night and says:                        “Who prays to Me, so that I grant him.”

                He reported that Prophet Solomon (a.s.) said: “I will go to bed with 100 women                             tonight that every one of them will give birth to a boy, who will fight for the sake of                    Allah.”

 He reported that Prophet Muhammad (S) was sleeping and missed the Fajar (dawn) prayer.

The second caliph Omar ibn Khattab appointed Abu Hurairah as the governor (Wali) of Bahrain in the year 21 A.H. But in the year 23 A.H. he deposed Abu Huairah from the governorship on the charges of stealing 10,000 dinars from public treasury. Ibn Abd Rabbih al-Maliki mentioned in his book, al-Aqd al-Fareed in the first pages of volume 1, that caliph Omer called for Abu Hurairah and said to him: “You know well that I had appointed you as Wali of Bahrain and you were bare-footed and now came to my ears that you have bought horses for 1,600 dinars.” Abu Hurairah said: “We have some horses that bore and gifts that accumulated.” The caliph said: “I counted your livelihood and income and found that it is over than yours and you have to return it. Abu Hurairah said: “You can’t do that.” Omar said: “Yes, I can and I will beat you on the back.” Then Omar got up and beat him with his stick. Abu Hurairah said later: “Omar took the money from me but when I offered the Fajar (dawn) prayer, I asked Allah (s.w.t.) to forgive me!”

During the period when Bani Umayyad was ruling the Islamic world, because Abu Hurairah invented traditions (ahadiths) as wished by them, in turn they made him wealthy. They built him a palace in al-Aqeeq. He died in this palace. (Ibn Hajar in his Issaba, Ibn Qutayba in Ma’arif and Ibn Sa’d in Tabaqa’t)

 As per WIKIPEDIA, Abu Hurairah was with the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) for 2 years only. Even if we take 3 years as some of the narrators reported that he was the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) for 3 years. In this 2 to 3 years, Abu Hurairah reported the traditions of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) numbering 5,375. While the senior companions like the first caliph Abu Bakr reported only 142 traditions, while the second caliph Omar Ibn Khattab reported  537 traditions, the third caliph Osman bin Iffan reported 146 traditions, and Imam Ali (a.s.) reported 586 traditions making a combined total of 1,411 during their life time association with the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)

Sources used:

WIKIPEDIA

Truth about Shias

Abu Hurairah                                                 by  Ayatollah Abdul Husayn Sharafiddin al-Musavi (r.a.)

THE LION OF ALLAH AND THE HERO OF THE BATTLE OF HUNAYN-IMAM ALI (A.S.)

The victory of Islam and the bravery of the Lion of Allah, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) have become synonym. Every war against Islam, when victory was achieved, it was the bravery of Imam Ali (a.s.) and his famous sword “Zulfiqar”. It was the Grace of Al-Mighty Allah that whoever came to fight the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.), he was sent to the Hell! In the Glorious Qur’an, Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 247: “Their Prophet said ’Allah has chosen him (Taloot) as your ruler and has given him Physical Power and Knowledge…” Hence, Imam Ali (a.s.) possessed paramount and matchless God-gifted Bravery and God-gifted Knowledge!

The leading tribes of Hawazin, Thaqeef, Banu Sa’ad and Banu Jashm with a force of 20,000, wanted to attack Makkah which was recently conquered by the Muslims under the able leadership of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) without any bloodshed. Hence, he left Makkah with a huge army of 12,000 soldiers including 2,000 newly converted Muslims from Makkah (Quraysh). The newly converted Muslims were lead by the hypocrite, Abu Sufyan. Seeing this huge army, Abu Bakr exclaimed, “We cannot be defeated this time because of lack of numbers.”

Sir William Muir writes: “When the first column of the Muslim army led by Khalid bin Waleed entered the valley of Hunayn, the enemy was already lying in ambush and at dawn the Hawazin launched the attack. Caught by surprise they panicked and started running away. They were followed by Umayyad of Makkah under Abu Sufyan. The Apostle called out the fugitives but no one listened. The Apostle stood like a rock and Ali ibn Abi Talib and seven other men were still with him protecting him. As Abbas, his uncle had a powerful voice, hence the Apostle asked him to call back the fleeing men.

Mohammad Husayn Haykal, wrote in “Life of Muhammad, Cairo 1935” “Abu Sufyan felt no little pleasure at the defeat of his previous enemies, and said, “The Muslims will not be checked until they are thrown into the sea!”

D.S.Margoliouth wrote in “Mohammed and the Rise of Islam, London 1931” “Khalid son of Waleed, whose savagery had already won a rebuke from the Prophet, earned a fresh one by thinking it is his duty to kill the women of the enemy; an act which was totally against the Prophet’s ideas of gallantry.”

M.Shibly, the Indian historian, wrote in his book “The Life of the Prophet, Azamgarh, India 1976”Instead of the victory one could see their rout. Abu Qatada, a companion, who was present in Hunayn, says that when army was on the run, he saw Umar ibn Khattab , and asked him, ”What is the state of the affairs of the Muslims?” He said: Such is the Will of God.”

Muhammad ibn Ishaq wrote in his book “Life of the Messenger of God” “The Apostle, after the Battle of Hunayn, passed by a woman whom Khalid ibn Waleed had killed, the Prophet forbade Khaleed not to kill a child, a woman”

The hero of the Battle of Hunayn was Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). At a time when all companions had fled from the battlefield, it was Ali who stood between the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and his enemies. The tribesmen charged repeatedly and the Lion of Allah repulsed them each time. Eventually, Ali succeeded in turning the tide of the battle. First he caused Usman bin Abdullah, one of the leaders of the enemy to fall from his camel, and be killed; and later he killed Abu Jerdel, the Hawazin leader. When these two generals were killed, the enemy lost heart and lost the battle.

The enemy lost 70 soldiers out of which 40 were killed by the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.)

Surah al-Taubah Ayah 25: “Allah has helped you on many occasions including the day of Hunayn. When you were happy with the number of your men who proved to be of no help to you and the whole vast earth seemed to have no place to hide you and you turned back in retreat….”

 Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

The Message                                                                                 Ayatollah Jafar Subhani

Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims                       Ayatollah Sayyied Ali Asghar Razwy

Misbah-uz-zaman-Roots of Karbal                                               Sayyid Imdad Ali

Ziaraat.com/ Battle of Hunayn & WIKIPEDIA

THANKFULNESS IN ISLAM

The word “Thankfulness” (Shukr) and its derivatives have been used in the Glorious Qur’an 75 times. Muslims or even non-Muslims should ponder over the universe, himself, his body and different systems of the body and naturally one would thank his Creator.  Islam is the guide for humanity and at many places in the Glorious Qur’an Allah addresses to the entire humanity.

Although there are 75 Ayahs pertaining to thankfulness but some of them are reproduced below:

Surah Ibrahim Ayah 7: “Remember, when your Lord said to you, ‘If you give thanks, I shall give you greater (favors), but if you deny the Truth, know that My retribution is severe.”

Surah Luqman Ayah 12: “We gave wisdom to Luqman so that he would give thanks to Allah. Those who give thanks to Allah do so for their own good. Those who are ungrateful should know that Allah is self-sufficient and Praiseworthy.”

Surah al-Naml Ayah 19: “(Sulayman) smiled at the ant’s remarks and said, “Lord, inspire me to thank you for Your favors to me and my parents and to act righteously so as to please You. Admit me, by Your Mercy into the company of Your righteous servants.”

Surah al-Nisa Ayah 147: “Why should Allah punish you if you give thanks and believe in Him…?”

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 152 & 172: “therefore, remember Me and I shall remember you. Thank Me and do not hide the truth about Me.””Believers, eat from the good things that We have given you and give thanks to Allah if you worship only Him.”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 114: “(People), consume the pure and lawful sustenance which Allah has given to you and thank Allah for His bounty if you are His true worshippers.”

A thankful person realizes and appreciates all blessings in his heart, then thanks with his tongue, and lastly expresses his gratitude by rightful deeds.

Khajah Abdullah Ansari in his book “Manazil al Sa’irin” (The Stations of the Wayfarers) laid more emphasis on the first stage of realization of the blessings in heart.

                To know that something is a gift: for example, one might know everything about health, but                 to know that the health is a “Gift” from Allah is to know something additional.

                To acknowledge that this is a gift from Allah: this means to admit that what one has been                     given is a gift, and that  he is the recipient. Sometimes men do not acknowledge out of                         arrogance.

                To praise Allah for it.

                Thankfulness has different levels:

                Regular level is shared by ordinary people: they understand that there are some gifts from                   Allah that we are thankful for, and they are pleased and praise Him.

                On higher levels, people are not only thankful to Allah for the gifts but also thank Him for                   any bad thing that occurs to them.

                Some people are very concerned with Allah’s presence. Out of love for Him, they do not                     have time to think about whether they are in state of any ease or pain. This is the                                   thankfulness of the Elite.

Love and Thankfulness are two intertwined concepts which can help us practically on our journey to self-improvement. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) in his book “Forty Hadiths” points out that the appearance of the effects of love and thankfulness become apparent in the heart, on the tongue and in the bodily acts and movements. As for the heart, one becomes filled with humility, awe and love.

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

Ethical Discourses                                                                   by Ayatollah Nasir Makarim Shirazi

Key Concepts in Islamic Spirituality                                      by Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Shomali

THE BRAVE HERO OF THE BATTLE OF THE TRENCH (KHANDAQ)

The Battle of the “Trench” or “Khandaq” is also called the Battle of Ahzab because many Divine Ayahs were revealed in Surah al-Ahzab relating to this very decisive battle between Islam and combined Kufr.

Two years after the Battle of Uhad, 5 A.H. the Polytheists of Quraysh together with other forces who were against Islam and its Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). They managed to collect a combined army of 10,000 strong warriors. According to Montgomery, the strategic aim of the Meccans was nothing less than the destruction of the Muslim community, or the removal of (Prophet) Muhammad from his position of authority (Muhammad, Prophet and Statesman). This was the largest force ever assembled by the Arabs till that time.

Muhammad Husayn Haykal wrote in “The Life of Muhammad, Cairo 1935”: “The mobilization of the whole of Arabia against them instilled fears in their hearts as they faced the prospect of being not only defeated but wiped out. The Prophet convened an emergency meeting of the principal companions to face the grave situation. Salman, the Persian, who was later called Salman-e-Muhammadi, advised to dig a trench around Madinah so as stop the onslaught of the huge army. Everybody started digging the trench and the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) participated doing manual work. The trench was completed 3 days before the arrival of the enemy.  Abu Sufyan, this time had brought Amr Ibn Abd Wudd, the fiercest of the warriors of pagan Arabia. Abbas Mahmood al-Akkad, Egyptian historian and m.Shibli, an Indian historian, say that Amr Ibn Abd Wudd was reckoned, by the Arabs of the time, more than a match for 1,000 cavaliers.  When the enemy saw the trench, which was some thong new in that part of the world at that time. They lay siege of the city. One day, Amr and three other warriors succeeded in clearing the trench and were now inside Madinah. Amr threw challenge to the Muslims for a duel. The Muslims saw in his challenge the sentence of their death. He repeated the challenge 3 times and taunted: “You believe that if you die in the path of Allah, you will go to Janna, who wants to go to Janna?”

Ayahs 10 and 13 of Suarh al-Ahzaab refers: “Behold, they came on you from above you, and from below you, and behold, the eyes became dim and the hearts gaped to the throats, and you imagined various (vain) thoughts about God. Behold, a party among them said: “You men of Yahtrib! You cannot stand (the attack).Therefore go back.” And a band of men asked for leave of the Prophet saying, “Truly our houses are bare and exposed.” Though they were not exposed: they intended nothing but to run away.” It is true that most of the Muslims were terror –stricken but there was among them who were not. He had volunteered to accept Amr’s first challenge, but the Prophet had restrained him hoping that someone else might to face Amr! But the Prophet could see that no one dared to measure swords with him. The young man who was willing to take up Amr’s challenge was no one other than Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the “Hero of Islam” The Prophet of Islam had no choice now but to allow his cousin, Ali, the Lion of Allah, to go and silence the taunts of Amr Ibn Abd Wudd. As Imam Ali (a.s.) proceeded to meet Amr, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s) prayed: “O Allah! You have called to your service, Obaydah in Badr, and Hamza in Uhad. Now Ali alone is left with me. Be his Protector, give him victory, and bring him back safely to me.” For the praise of Imam Ali (a.s.), He said: “He (Ali) is the embodiment of all Faith is going to encounter with the embodiment of all Unbelief (Kufr).”

Imam Ali (a.s.), whenever encounters an enemy, he offers 3 options:

1.    1.   Abandon idolatry and accept Islam,

2.     2. Withdraw from battle-field and never fight against God and His Messenger,

3.     3.  Strike the first blow. (Because, Imam Ali (a.s.) never started an attack)

Amr accepted the third option and struck on his head which cut through his shield, helmet and turban and made a deep gash on his forehead and blood leapt out from the wound but Ali was not dismayed. He rallied and struck a counter blow with his famous “Zulfiqar” and it cleft the most formidable warrior into two! When Amr was killed, his 3 companions fled away.  Contrary to the custom of Arabia, Ali did not touch the finest armor Amr was wearing to the great surprise of Umar ibn al-Khattab! Amr’s sister came to his dead body and composed some verses praising Imam Ali: “If someone other than Ali had killed Amr, I would have mourned his death all my life. But the man who killed him is a HERO and he is peerless. His father was also a Lord. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Ali’s blow on the day of Khandaq is better than the prayers of Muslims till the Day of Judgment” It is important to remember that no Muslim was martyred in the Battle of Khandaq and Allah says in Surah al-Ahzab Ayah 25: “Allah repelled the unbelievers in their rage. They could not achieve anything good. Allah rendered sufficient support to the believers in fighting…”

Sources used :

Restatement of the history of Islam by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy, The Life of Muhammad by Sayyid Sa’eed Akhtar Rizvi, The Message by Ayatollah Ja’far Sub’hani and Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM JAFFER AL-SADIQ (A.S.)

Imam Jaffer Al-Sadiq (a.s.) was born in Madinah on Rabi-ul-Awwal 17, 83 AH. It is reported that he used to visit his father’s school and would discuss serious matters of Fiqh and jurisprudence with senior students. In one such discussion, at the age of 11, he entered a class where astronomy was being discussed, and he surprised everyone, except his father, he said: “The earth was not flat, because the way sun rises in the East and sets in the West and day and night change in 24 hours, it cannot be possible.

Up to the age of 12, he was raised under the guidance of his grandfather, Imam Zain-ul-Abedin (a.s.). After his grandfather’s death, up to the age of 31 years, he was directly under the supervision of his father, Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.).In the year 114 AH, his father died and the responsibilities of Imamat devolved on his shoulders. The fall of Bani Umaiyyds was eminent as there were wide spread revolts and his uncle, Zaid was also preparing to rise against them but the Imam advised him against it. His uncle, Zaid was brutally murdered and after him, his son Yahya also followed his father’s path and met the similar fate. The Imam concentrated on the spread of spiritual sciences of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).

Abbasids came to power on the slogans of “Right to rule is for the family of the Noble Prophet” but once they attained the reign of power, they were the worst enemy of Ahlul Bayt. Abbasid caliph, Mansur did not like the respect and esteem the Muslims showed to the Imam. He tried every possible means to harass the Imam, arranged debates with the Imam but failed in his attempts. The Imam was one of those infallibles created by Allah to be the models of moral excellence. His particular character traits included hospitality, charity, helping the needy in secrecy, the fair treatment of poor relatives, forgiveness, patience and fortitude.

Once, a pilgrim who was visiting the Prophet’s Mosque fell asleep. On waking up he hurriedly searched for his belongings and found his purse which contained One Thousand Dinars missing. Looking around he saw the Imam praying in one corner of the Mosque. He accused the Imam of having picked up his purse. The Imam took him to his house and gave the missing Dinars. The stranger greatly satisfied came back and searched his other bags and found his money. Greatly ashamed of his conduct, he tried to return the money to the Imam. The Imam replied, “We never take back what ever we once give away, but if you feel guilty you may give it to the poor of the town.” 

His profound knowledge of religion and other sciences was famed across the Muslim world. People came from distant places and the number of his student in his classes reached Four Thousands. Among them was Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik ibne Anas. Apart from religious sciences, he used to teach mathematics, chemistry, medicine and astronomy. Jabir Ibn Hayyan, the famous pioneer of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, was his disciple who wrote about four hundred treatises based on his mentor’s instructions.

Perhaps the most interesting of all his pupils was Imam Abu Hanifa. In giving decisions he claimed the right to exercise the privilege of deductions and of using of his own judgment to supplement the Prophet’s Traditions.

Once, Imam Abu Hanifa remarked that the Imam Jaffar al-Sadiq (a.s.) did not teach three things so that he would be able to accept him statements:

1. He said: “Good is from God and evil is from the deeds of men,” where as I say that men have no choice but good and evil both come from God.
2. He said: “In the final judgment the devil suffers in the fire,” where as I say that the fire will not burn him, as the same material will not injure itself.(the Devil being from fire)
3. He said: “It is impossible to see God in this world or the next,” where as I say that anyone who has an existence may be seen, if not in this world then in next.

At this point Shaikh Bahlul, who was the companion of the Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) but pretended to be an insane person, picked up a clod of earth and threw on the head of Abu Hanifa, declaring as he made the hasty exit,: “All of your three points are refuted” Imam Abu Hanifa complained to the caliph, who called Behlul before him and asked him, “Why did you throw the clod of earth at Abu Hanifa? He replied, “I did not throw it.” Abu Hanifa protested, “You did throw it.” Behlul replied, “You yourself have said that good and evil is from God and men have no choice, so why you are blaming me? And you have also said that same material will not injure itself. The Devil is from fire and fire of Hell will not hurt him. Accordingly, you are from dust how the clod of dust could hurt you? You have also claimed that you cannot see God to prove His existence. Show me the pain you are complaining about that exists in your head.”Imam Abu Hanifa had no answer to that and the complaint was dismissed and he eventually agreed to what Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (AS) had taught about these things.

In response to the objection of Sufis, the Imam narrated sayings of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), “If a person have some loafs of bread, dates, or money, which he wants to distribute, he must first share with his parents, then his wife, children and himself, then relatives in descending order in the blood chain, and then in fourth place, on others as charity.” The Imam continued, “The Glorious Qur’an clearly states: The pious and god-fearing are those who are neither niggardly and miserly, nor over generous and extravagant in charity, but always are moderate and balanced”

The Imam continued, “The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) classified the persons whose prayers are not accepted are:

• Persons, who wish ill for their parents.
• Persons, who lend their money without any witness or written pledge.
• Persons, who sit idle at home and pray for sustenance.
• Persons, who are granted abundant wealth, waste it through abundant generosity.

Hazrat Salman Farsi used to set aside an amount that would cover his annual expenditure. People questioned him saying that he was a pious person but he provided himself for the whole year. If he dies within a week what good that provision serve him. He replied, “I may not die. If I survive the year, I will need the essentials of life. You do not realize that a person suffering from financial problems cannot worship or obey his Lord as peacefully and easily as one whose needs have been taken care of.”

Imams-Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) and Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) had more opportunities to spread the wealth of knowledge of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). There is a Tradition of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), “Awwaluna Mohammad, Ausatuna Mohammad, Akheruna Mohammad, Kulluna Mohammad” It means that the entire “Golden Chain of Ahlul Bayt” possessed the Divinely given Knowledge. It was a matter of environment and opportunity that certain Imams disclosed the Treasure of knowledge to the people.

The most important article of his will was: “Our intercession will not be available those followers who ignore the importance of Salaat.”