THE JUDICIAL DECISIONS OF MAULA MUSHKIL-KUSHA- IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Peace and tranquility in any society depends on the justice meted out to the populace. The Commander of the Faithful, the Gateway of Knowledge, the Infallible Imam Ali (a.s.) was the best Judge as confirmed by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Following are some of the judicial decisions given by Imam Ali (a.s.):

Two men’s Trust: Once, two men deposited 100 dinar with a woman with the clear instructions that the money should only be returned to them when both of them come back together. After some time, one of them came to her and said that his other friend had died hence the money may be returned to him. The woman returned the money to him. Later on, the other man came and asked for the money. She told him that his friend had come and said that his friend had died so the money may be given to him. The man tried to fight with her. When the matter was referred to the “Mushkil-Kusha Ali”, the Imam told the man: “It was agreed that the money will be returned only when both of you come together, so now you search your friend and both of you come back and the money will be returned to you.” (Manaqib Shahre Ashoob)

Loss of sight, smell, and speech: Once, a man was hit by another man and the victim complained that as result of the blow, he lost eyesight, sense of smell, and the power of speech. The “Mushkil-Kusha Ali” said that if he was telling the truth, then he was entitled to one-third compensation of a life. It was inquired as how to establish if he was telling the truth.  Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Ask the man look towards the sun when sun rises, if his eyes closed then his sight is normal. Bring a burnt piece of cloth near his nose, if sense of smell is normal tears will flow from his eyes. Penetrate a pin on his tongue and if he was dumb then black blood will flow otherwise red blood will flow.” (Man La Yahzaral Faqih, Judicial Decisions of Amir-ul-Momineen page 45)

A Sister of Ten Brothers: Rawandi had reported in “Khara’ij” that in one of the Arabian tribes, there were ten brothers who asked their sister to remain unmarried and they will deposit their earnings with her. Time passed and one day after her period of menstruation, she went in a river and while bathing a leech entered her body and after sometime her belly started to enlarge. The brothers suspected that she might have become pregnant. Some of them wanted to kill her; others said that they should approach the “Mushkil-Kusha Ali”. The Gateway of Knowledge Imam Ali (a.s.) asked to bring a large pot full of water and asked to place few baby-leeches in the container and asked the girl to sit in water. When the leech smelled its babies, it came out of the girl’s belly into the water. The brothers were over-joyed to witness the miracle and called Imam Ali (a.s.) as the knower of unseen god. Imam Ali (a.s.) severely admonished them. (Al Dama’tul Sakiba page 282)

Distribution of seventeen camels: Once three businessmen came to “Mushkil-Kusha Ali” and sought his help to distribute the profit in the form of seventeen camels. The profit was to be distributed as one-half, one-third, and one-ninth. They wanted that distribution be done in such a way that no camel may be cut nor sold. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked that the camels may be arranged in a row and asked his slave Hazrat Qambar to add one camel from his side making a total of eighteen camels. He asked one of the partners to take nine camels which were one-half. Then nine camels were left, and Imam Ali (a.s.) asked the other partner to take six camels which was one-third of eighteen leaving three camels. Lastly, the Imam Ali (a.s.) asked the last partner to take two camels which was one-ninth of eighteen. Then Imam Ali (a.s.) asked Qambar to take away his camel. The people who witnessed it were dumb-founded. (Nasiq-ul-Tawariq volume 3 page 757)

Pregnant Virgin: Ammar-e-Yasir and Zayd bin Arqam reported in Bihar-ul-Anwar: “We were sitting in the presence of “Mushkil-Kusha Ali” when we heard noises of a girl shouting for help as people were trying to kill her as she had become pregnant without getting married. Imam Ali (a.s.) called a mid-wife to examine her. She confirmed that she was pregnant with a baby. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked to procure some ice which was available only about 250 Farsakh away. Imam Ali (a.s.) extended his hand and by a miracle retrieved a piece of ice. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked the mid-wife to take the girl in seclusion and make her sit on ice. After some time a leech came out of her belly. Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “When the girl was about ten years old, she bathed in a water-tank of the village and a leech entered her belly. She is virgin and did not commit adultery.” (Al Dama’tul Sakiba, volume one pages 299-303)

Source:                         Twenty Five Years of Imam Ali in Madinah by Sayyid Manzar Husayn Kazmi

VICEGERENTS OF THE PROPHETS IN HISTORY

In the history of humanity, every prophet appointed his deputy or vicegerent to assist him during his life time and protect and safeguard his mission of guidance. Following is a list of such vicegerents:

                                                Adam                                                    Shees

                                                Shees                                                    Anosh

                                                Anosh                                                   Qainan

                                                Qainan                                                  Mahlayal

                                                Mahlayal                                              Yarad

                                                Yarad                                                     Khunu

                                                Khunu                                                   Idrees

                                                Idrees                                                   Matushalaq

                                                Matushalaq                                        Lamak

                                                Lamak                                                   Noah

                                                Noah                                                     Saam

                                                Saam                                                     Unknown

                                                Ibrahim                                                                Is’haque

                                                Is’haque                                              Yaqoob

                                                Yaqoob                                                 Yousuf

                                                Yousuf                                                  Yhuda

                                                Yahuda                                                 Unknown

                                                Ayyub                                                   Humal

                                                Musa                                                     Haroon

                                                Haroon                                                 Yush’a

                                                Yush’a                                                   Kalib bin Yuqna

                                                Kalib bin Yuqna                                 Yusaqus

                                                Ilya’s                                                      Alyasa’

                                                Alyasa                                                   Zulkifl

                                                Sh’aya                                                   Saita bin almus

                                                Dau’d                                                    Sulayman

                                                I’sa                                                         Sham’un

                                                Muhammad                                       Ali ibne Abi Talib

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was the last Prophet of Allah (s.w.t.). But as Allah (s.w.t.) had promised to the mankind that they will not be left un-guided, hence the task of guidance was entrusted to the “Golden Chain” of Twelve Imams who were the descendants of the Noble Messenger through the Pure Lineage of the Infallible Lady of Paradise Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) as detailed below:

                                                Ali ibne Abi Talib                             Hasan

                                                Hasan                                                   Husayn

                                                Husayn                                                 Ali, Zainal Abidin

                                                Ali, Zainal Abidin                             Muhammad Baqir

                                                Muhammad Baqir                           Ja’far as-Sadiq

                                                J’afar as-Sadiq                                   Musa al-Kazim

                                                Musa al-Kazim                                  Ali al-Reza

                                                Ali al-Reza                                          Muhammad al-Taqi

                                                Muhammad al-Taqi                        Ali al-Naqi

                                                Ali al-Naqi                                          Hasan al-Askari

                                                Hasan al-Askari                           Muhammad Mahdi (Living Imam)

                Extracted from: Twenty five years of the Commander of Faithful in Madina by Manzar                                                 Husayn Kazmi

IMAM ALI (A.S.)'S WILL TO HIS SON

The Commander of the Faithful, the Gateway of knowledge, Imam Ali (a.s.) had written a will to his son. There are reports that it was addressed to The Infallible Imam Hasan-e-Mujtaba (a.s.) and others report that it was addressed to Muhammad-e-Hanafiyya. Extracts from his will is appended below:

My first advice to you is to “fear Allah”. Be His obedient servant. Keep His thought always fresh in your mind. Be attached to and carefully guard the principles of Islam which connect you with Him. Accept good exhortations and refresh your mind with them. Adopt piety and kill your inordinate desires with its help. Build your character with the help of true faith in religion and Allah. Subjugate your nature with the vision of death, make it see the mortality of life, and compel it to study the lives of past people. Take care to provide well for your future abode. Do not barter away eternal blessings for pleasures of this mortal and fleeing world. Do not talk about things which you do not know.

Advise people to do good and live virtuously. Let your words and deeds teach the world lessons on how to abstain from wickedness and vicious deeds. Try your best to keep away from those who indulge in vices and sins. Fearlessly and boldly help truth and justice. Develop the habit of patience against sufferings, calamities and adversities. Trust in Allah, and seek help and protection from Him only.

Had there been any other God besides the One, he would have also sent messengers and prophets.

Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you. Do not oppress and tyrannize anybody. Be kind and sympathize with others. Vanity and conceit are the forms of folly. Lead a well-balanced life and exert yourself to earn an honest living. Whenever you receive a guidance of the Lord to achieve a thing you desire, then do not get proud of your achievement but be humble and submissive to Him. Before you is a long and arduous journey, you need provisions to keep going. Do not over-load yourself but if you find any poor, needy and destitute people who are willing to carry your load as far as the Day of Judgment then consider this to be a boon, engage them and pass your load to them (distribute your wealth among poor, help others to the best of your ability)

The Lord who owns the treasures of the heaven and the earth has permitted you to ask you for them and has promised to grant your prayers. If you break your vows, He will not immediately punish you and if you repent once again He will not taunt you. He has decreed repentance as a virtuous and pious deed. The Merciful Lord has ordered that every evil deed of yours is counted as one and a good deed and pious action will be rewarded tenfold. He has left the door of repentance open.

You are created for the next world not this world. You are born to die and not to live forever. Your stay in this world is transient. Death is following you. You cannot run away from it. The powerful persons exploit and tyrannize powerless.  There are others whom wealth and power have made them mad. They behave like unruly beasts.

Be contented with what you get honestly and honorably. Have patience and do not let your desires drive you madly. Do not make yourself slave of anybody. Allah has created you a free man and do not sell away your freedom in return of anything. The little which is given to you by Allah is going to be more useful, honorable, and respectable than what is granted by man in abundance. The losses you suffer on account of your silence can be easily been compensated but the losses which arise out of excessive and loose talk are difficult to requite.     

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM MUHAMMAD TAQI AL-JAWWAD (A.S.)

Imam Muhammad bin Ali, al-Taqi-al-Jawad was born on 10^th Rajab 195 A.H. in Madinah. His parents were the Infallible Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.) and Bibi Khaizarun. He became the Imam at the age of 8.

The caliph Mamun invited the young Imam to Baghdad to get him married to his daughter for his political aims. This infuriated his Abbasid clan. To prove his choice, Mamun arranged a meeting between the Imam and the leading scholars headed by Yahya bin Aktham, the Chief Justice of the country. It was a grand occasion with 900 other scholars present.

Yahya asked:

                     “What is the compensation (kaffarah) for a person in Ehraam who hunted and

                      Killed his prey?”

                     Imam replied that there were many more details required before he could answer the                            question:

1.      Did the Muhrim (one in Ehraam) hunt in the Haram or outside?

2.      Did the Muhrim know the Sharia or not?

3.      Did he hunt intentionally or not?

4.      Did he hunt the first time or was this one of many times?

5.      Was he free or a slave?

6.       Was his prey a bird or an animal?

7.      Was it big or small?

8.      Had he hunted by day or night time?

9.      Was he adult (baligh) or not?

10.  Was he repentant or not?

11.  Was his Ehraam for Hajj or umra?

Yahya was stunned and looked down and started sweating. Mamun requested the Imam to answer the question himself. The Imam replied: “If he had killed the animal outside the sacred ground and it was winged and large, an atonement of a sheep would have been necessary for him. If he had struck it down in the sanctuary, the penalty would have been will be doubled. If he killed a young bird outside the sacred ground then the atonement of a lamb which has been weaned off milk would have been required of him. If he had killed it in the sanctuary, then he would have been required to sacrifice a lamb and the value of the young bird. As for wild animals, if it was a wild donkey, he would have been required to sacrifice a cow. If it was an ostrich, the sacrifice of a camel would be necessary. If it had been a deer, then a sheep would have been necessary. If he had killed any of those in the sanctuary, the penalty would have been doubled. Mamoun said to the Imam: “You have done well Abu Jaffer and God has adorned you”

Mamoun asked the Imam to ask any question from Yahya bin Akhtam.

The Imam asked the Chief Justice:

“Can you describe the situation when a man looked at a woman at dawn when it was forbidden (haram) to do so; but then at sunrise it was permissible (halal) for him to look at her? Then at noon hour, it became haram for him to look at that woman; but in the afternoon, it became permissible for him to look at her? Then at sunset it became haram for him to look at that woman; but at night, it became halal for him to look at her? Then at midnight, it became haram for him to look at her; but at dawn, it became halal for him”

Yahya bin Akhtam said: “By Allah! I do not know the answer to this question. We would benefit from your answer”

The Imam explained the answer as follows:

“At dawn, the woman was a slave of someone else; however, by sunrise, the man had already bought her for himself so it became halal for him to look at her. “At noon, he made her free, so she became haram for him; but by afternoon, he had married her, so she became halal for him”“At sunset, he did zihar by which one’s wife becomes haram for a person; but by night time, he paid the penalty for Zihar, and so she became halal for him again.“At midnight, he divorced her; but by next morning he revoked his divorce, so she became halal for him”

In order to uphold the imperialistic and luxurious ways of life, these monarchs wanted to do away with these Godly saints who demonstrated righteousness, compassion, faith, piety, fraternity, and justice as the main teachings of Islam. Similarly, Yazid’s demand of allegiance from Imam Husyain (a.s.), or Mamoun’s appointment of Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.) as heir apparent were two different aspects of the same wicked desire.

Contentment: The Imam used to live a simple and austere life wearing ordinary clothes. One day someone told him that since he sat besides the king, it did not befit him to wear such simple clothes. The Imam said: “If my value had been due to my clothes, it would have befitted me to wear expensive clothes, when it is not so, why should I give up simplicity. My present dress is concealing my body and it is comfortable, then why should I give up for fashionable ones. We Ahlul Bayt are content on whatever we get and we do not allow greed to approach us.”

Hospitality: The Imam was very hospitable. Once, a guest arrived at his place in the middle of the night. The Imam asked him if he would like to have dinner. The man replied that although he was hungry but would not bother the Imam at such odd hour and that he would sleep hungry. The Imam said: “Guests do not sleep hungry at our place”

The Imam went inside and with the help of a servant, prepared the food and personally brought to the guest. Seeing this man started crying and on inquiry from the Imam, said: “I am crying at the thought that how the world did not recognize such Godly people”

Patience: The Abbasid clan did not approve of the marriage of Umme Fadhl with the Imam hence they continued to poison her ears. And Umme Fadhl herself was of a haughty nature and these instigations increased the gulf between the couple. She made the Imam’s life miserable, but the Imam exercised utmost patience.

Forgiveness: The relatives of the Imam were against him because of inheritance. Some of the allegations were that the Imam’s complexion differed from Imam Reza (a.s.) and they refused to accept that he was Imam Reza’s son. The Imam heard such taunting remarks but said nothing. One day, some money of Khums arrived and he distributed it to everyone including the one who was most inimical to the Imam. When people pointed out, the Imam said that he has left the affair to Allah. On hearing this, the person felt ashamed and fell on Imam’s feet and asked forgiveness. The Imam had forgiven him.

Sources:

            Fourteen Masoomeen                                                              by Muhammadi Trust, London

            Akhlaq-e-A’imma                                                                     by Sayyid Zafar Hasan Amrohi

            The Infallibles                                                                          by workshop@dir.com.Co.UK

THE TRADITIONS OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) ABOUT IMAM ALI (A.S.)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) himself had said that he and Imam Ali (a.s.) were a part of one “Light”. Imam Ali (a.s.) was his vice-gerent, brother and son-in-law. The lineage of the Messenger of Allah continued through his daughter, the Infallible Lady of Paradise Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Imam Ali (a.s.) opened his eyes in the ‘House of Allah”-Ka’ba in the lapse of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), saved the Messenger’s life on the night of Migration to Madinah by sleeping in his bed when the swords of Quraysh were guarding his bed to kill him in the morning. Imam Ali (a.s.) was the “Self” of the Messenger on the eve of “Mubahelah”. Imam Ali (a.s.)’s sword-Zulfiqar saved Islam during almost all the defensive battles defeating the well-known fighters of infallibles. Imam Ali (a.s.) shared the Ayah of Purity with the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Selected Tradition are reproduced below:

1.       I and Ali were created by a light in front of the “Arsh” two thousand years before Adam was made and we were praying to Allah (s.w.t.). (Jabir ibne Abdullah Ansari in Sahih Bukhari)

2.       Ali is from me and I am from Ali, and he is “Vali” and “Hakim” of every believer after me. (Saha Sitta)

3.       There are three “Siddiq” – most truthful; Habib Najjar of Ale Yasin, Hazqeel of Ale Firaun, and Ali ibne Abi Talib (Sawaiq-e-Muhriqa)

4.       O Ali! You are the first Muslim, the first believer (Mumin), you are to me as Aaron (Haroon) was to Moses (Musa) (Ibne Abbas and Umar ibne Khattab)

5.       Whoever hurts Ali will be raised as Yahoodi or Nasrani on the Day of Judgment. (Masnad Ahmad ibne Hambal)

6.       I am the Warner and Ali is the Guide. (Ibne Abbas in Arba’een and Ibne Masood in Firdaus al-Akhbar)

7.       Ali’s status among people is like Surah Tauheed in the Glorious Qur’an. (Arba’een and Firdaus al-Akhbar)

8.       Ali’s friendship consumes your sins like fire consumes wood. (Abdullah ibne Abbas in Mawaddat and Arba’een)

9.       I am the city of knowledge and Ali is the gateway. (Tirmizi, Sawa’iq-e-Muhriqa, Mustadrak)

10.   Ali is the best judge in my ummah. (Tirmizi, Abu Saeed Khudri in Istie’ab)

11.   Hypocrite will not love Ali and a believer (Mumin) will not be an enemy of Ali. (Tirmizi, Masnad Imam Hambal)

12.   Whoever curses Ali verily he curses me. (Umme Salma in Sawa’iq-e-Muhriqa, Mustadrik, Masnad Imam Hambal)

13.   Looking at Ali is like worship. (Abu Bakr in Fasl-ul-Khitab, Sawa’iq-e-Muhriqa, Mustadrak, Tibrani)

14.   Whoever is a friend of Ali he is my friend and whoever is my friend is a friend of Allah. (Umme Salma in Sawa’iq-e-Muhriqa, Salman-e-Farsi in Tirmizi)

15.   O Ali! You will be the distributor of Paradise and Hell on the Day of Judgment. (Sinan Darqutni, Sawa’iq-e-Muhriqa)

16.   No one dare pass on the “Sira’t” without a letter from Ali. (Abu Bakr in FaslulKhitab, Darkhutni, Sawa’iq-e- Muhriqa)

17.   I am leaving behind two weighty things; Allah’s Book and my Ahlul Bayt and if you are attached with both of them, you will not get astray. (Hassan bin Thabit in Hidayat-as-Sa’ada, Jabir ibne Abdullah Ansari in Tirmizi and Mishka’t)

18.   O Ali! Allah has forgiven you, your sons, your Ahlul Bayt, your friends and your friend’s friends, so be happy. (Jama Dailami, Sawa’iq-e-Muhriqa)

19.   My Ahlul Bayt is like “Noah’s ship” whoever boarded it will attain salvation. (Masnad-e-Ahmad ibne Hamble, Mishka’t, Sharf al-Nubuwwa, Abu Zar Ghifari in Hidayat as Sa’ada)

20.   The man will enter the Paradise whose last words will be Salawa’at on me and Ali. (Imam Ali)

21.   Whosoever treats me like his “Vali” then Ali is also his “Vali” and whomsoever’s I am Imam, Ali is also his Imam. (Lady of Paradise Sayyida Fatima Zahra s.a.)

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

Imam Ali (a.s.), the Conqueror of Khyber, the Lion of Allah, the Commander of the Faithful, the Vicegerent and “The Self” of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), the husband of the Lady of Paradise Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), one of the souls whose Purity was certified by Allah (s.w.t.) in the Glorious Qur’an, was born inside the” Sacred House of Allah (s.w.t.)” – the Ka’bah on the 13^th Rajjab.

Appended below are the some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an revealed in favor of this Unique Personality:

Surah al-Mai’dah Ayah 55: “Only Allah, His Messenger, and the true believers, who are steadfast in prayer and pay alms, while they bow down during prayer, are your guardians.”

Surah a-lBaqarah Ayah 207: “There are those among people who give their lives to seek Allah’s pleasure. Allah is affectionate to His servants.”

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 274: “Those who spent their property for the cause of Allah, any time during the day or night, in public or in private, will receive their reward from their Lord. There will be no fear for them nor will they grieve.”

Surah al-Mujadilah Ayah 12: “Believers, whenever you consult (ask a question from) the Prophet, offer charity before your consultation. This will be better for you and more pure.”

Surah al-Haqqah Ayah 11-12: “When the flood rose high and covered the whole land, We carried you in the Ark, to make it a lesson for you, but only attentive ears will retain it.”

Surah al-Sajdah Ayah 18: “Is a believer equal to an evil-doer? They are not equal at all.”

Surah al-Ma’idah Ayah 67: “O Messenger, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord. If you did not do so, it will be as though you have not conveyed His message. Allah will protect you from men. He does not guide the unbelieving.”

Surah al-Ma’idah Ayah 3: “Today, the unbelievers have lost hope about your religion. Do not be afraid of them but have fear of Me. On this day I have perfected your religion, completed My favors to you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.”

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 124:”When his Lord tested Ibrahim’s faith and he satisfied the test, He said: “I am appointing you as the leader of 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.”

Surah al-Tawbah Ayah 119: “Believers, have fear of Allah and always be friends with the truthful ones.”

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 7: “The unbelievers say, “Why has his Lord not sent him, (Muhammad), miracles.” (Muhammad), you are only a Warner. For every nation (generation) there is a guide (Imam).”

Surah al-Ahz’ab Ayah 33: “….O People of the house, Allah wants to keep away all kinds of uncleanness from you and to purify you thoroughly.”

Surah al-Imran Ayah 61: “If anyone disputes (your prophesy) after knowledge has come to you, say, “Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and your selves, then let us humbly pray to Allah and invoke the curse of Allah on the liars.”

Surah al-Saffa’t Ayah 24: “Stop them. They must be questioned.”

Surah al-Baiyynah Ayah 7-8: “The righteously striving believers are the best of all creatures. Their reward from their Lord will be the gardens of Eden wherein streams flow and wherein they live forever. Allah will be pleased with them and they will be pleased with Him. This reward is for those who fear their Lord.

Surah al-Shura Ayah 23: “This is the glad news which Allah gives to His servants, the righteously striving believers. (Muhammad), say, “I do not ask for any payment for my preaching to you except (your) love of (my near) relatives.”

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 43: “(Muhammad), the unbelievers say, “You are not a Messenger.” Say, “Allah and those who have the knowledge of the Book are sufficient witness (to my Prophet hood).”

Surah al-Nisa Ayah 59: “Believers, obey Allah, His Messenger, and your (qualified) leaders.”

Surah al-Insan Ayah 7-9: “The servants of Allah fulfill their vows and are afraid of the day in which there will be great widespread horror. They feed the destitute, orphans, and captives for the love of Allah, saying, “We only feed you for the sake of Allah and do not want any reward or thanks from you.”

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM ALI AL-NAQI (A.S.)

Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.) was 10^th gem of the “Golden Chain” of Imamate. He was born in Madinah in 214 A.H. and was martyred in 254 A.H. and was buried in his home in Samarra, Iraq.

Like his forefathers, he was also very kind to the slaves. One day he was going somewhere, he saw that a master was beating his slave severely. The Imam said to him: “O man, is this weak man your creature? “Not my creature, but my slave.” replied the man. The Imam said: “You have not created him, you have only purchased him for few Dirham and do you have the right to beat him so much?” The man said: “Yes, that is why I am beating him. He is my disobedient slave.” The Imam said: “If according to you, a disobedient slave is eligible for such punishment, for how much punishment a disobedient creature would be eligible? Do you not disobey the commands of Allah?

Are you not the same person who lied and became drunk? If Allah punishes you for that disobedience, what would be your condition?”

During the time when Mutawakkil had made Imam’s life miserable, the Imam used to go without food but he never complained to any one about it. One day, he managed to get some food after being hungry for two mealtimes. He was about to commence eating when a guest arrived. He placed his food before the guest in a cheerful manner and did not at all let him realize that he had missed two meals. When the person finished eating, he gave the Imam some Khums money. The Imam did not use the money for food but distributed it to the poor and destitute and slept hungry!

Ziarat-e-Jaamea:

One of the learned companions of the Imam was Musa bin Abdullah an-Naqa’i. Once he went to the Imam and requested for a composite Dua’a which he could recite whenever he visits for Ziarat of any Imams of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). The Imam (a.s.) dictated to him a Ziarat which became famous as “Ziarat-e-Jaamea”

Intellectual qualities:

Like other Imams of AhlulBayt (a.s.), Imam Ali al-Naqi was also divinely gifted. When someone poisoned Mutawakkil, he made a vow that if he survived he would give “lot of money” in charity. When Mutawakkil recovered, there was a difference of opinion among scholars regarding what constituted “lot of money?” At last, the Mutawakkil sought help from Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.) about it. He said: “Eighty Dirham be given in charity” When Mutawakkil requested for an explanation, the Imam said: “The Almighty Allah said: “Allah certainly helped on a lot of occasions.” Since the military expeditions of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) were eighty in numbers, it may be concluded that “a lot” denotes eighty.” The reply of the Imam pleased Mutawakkil.

A Christian committed fornication with a Muslim woman. He was brought to Mutawakkil. When Mutawakkil wanted to sentence him, he became a Muslim. Qazi Yahya said that he cannot be sentenced then because he was converted to Islam and all his past sins were remitted. Someone suggested that the opinion of the Master of the Faithful, Imam Ali al-Naqi be sought. The Imam said: “He should be beaten till he dies” The court scholars refused to accept this verdict and requested an explanation. The Imam said: “A clear verdict is given in Surah Momin Ayah 84 “But when they saw our punishment, they said: We believe in Allah alone and we deny what we used to associate with Him.”

Piety of the Imam:

Someone lied to Mutawakkil that Imam Ali al-Naqi was leading a luxurious life. And that he had collected a lot of wealth and weapons in his house, and was secretly raising an army of his followers.

Mutawakill ordered that all the contents of Imam’s house may be collected. When the soldiers entered the Imam’s house, they found only a sack, a coarse shirt of wool and some clay utensils. When this was reported to Mutawakill, he punished the man who had given false report.

Worship of Imam Ali Naqi:

Mutawakkil brought the Imam from Madinah and imprisoned him without any reason and put a harsh man in-charge of the prison. But the man became a devotee of the Imam. When Mutawakill heard about the situation, he called for the jailer and inquired. The jailer said: “O Chief! This person seems to be higher than angels in spiritual accomplishments. I have never seen him eat during the day and sleep whole night. His favorite activity is remembrance of Allah. He laments so intensely that his beard is wet with his tears. He recites the Glorious Qur’an in such a melodious way that anyone who hears it even if he had a heart of stone, it would melt like wax.”

Affection of Imam Ali al-Naqi

In spite of leading an impoverished life in Samarra, he was not neglectful of the poor creatures of Allah. He himself visited the widows and orphans and carried food on his back for them while he himself remained hungry. If an orphan came in his presence, he would caress his head affectionately and if he desired something, Imam (a.s) would provide it to him.

Sayings of Imam Ali al-Naqi:

Others will fear him who fears Allah. He, who obeys Allah, will be obeyed. He, who obeys Allah, will not care for the dissatisfaction of His creatures. He, who enrages the Creator, should be sure of encountering the dissatisfaction of the creatures.

Do not expect honesty and purity of intentions from someone who has suffered from your malice; do not expect loyalty from one to whom you have been disloyal; do not expect goodwill from someone whom you regard with ill-will; his heart towards you is the same as your heart towards him.

There are certain places in which Allah wants His servants to supplicate to Him. One of such places is the tomb of Imam Husayn (a.s.), King of the Martyrs (a.s.).

No one can describe Allah with attributes other than those which He describes Himself. How can any one describe Him when the senses are too short to perceive Him, illusions are too short to comprehend Him, ideas are too short to mark Him, and sights are too short to appreciate Him? He is remote in His nearness and near in His remoteness. He created the “how” without being asked “How” and founded the where without being asked “where?”

He is out of how and where. He is the One and Only. Exalted be His majesty and sacred be His names.

The neglector of “Bismillah” is the same as the neglector of (the obligatory) prayers.

Sources used:

Akhlaq-e-A’imma, Morals and Manners of the Holy Imams    by Maulana Zafar   Hasan Amrohvi
Fourteen Masoomeen                                                                 by Peer Muhammad Trust, London

Imam Reza Network

Lantern of the Path 

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM MUHAMMAD AL-BAQIR (A.S.)

He was born on the first of Rajab in the year 57A.H. in Madinah. He was 4 years old in the Great Tragedy of Karbala. He lived with his father, Imam Ali Zain-ul-Abedin (a.s.) for 39 years. His mother, Umme Abdullah was the daughter of Imam Hasan al-Mujtabah (a.s.). Period of his Imamate was 18 years. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) informed his companion, Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari and said: “You will live and meet one of my grandsons who will be the grandson of (Imam) Husayn (a.s.), who will spread knowledge. When you meet him, give my “Salaam” to him”

Miracles of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.):

In Amali, Muhammad ibn Sulayman narrates from his father that there was a Syrian who used to visit the Imam. He was an enemy of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) but was impressed by the Imam’s knowledge and good manners. He fell sick and told his companion to request the Imam to pray his Namaz-e-Janaza. By next morning, his body was cold and was presumed dead. When a man came to inform the Imam (a.s.), the Imam told him not to rush to prepare his burial. The Imam (a.s.) prayed two rakaat namaz and came to the Syrian’s house and called him by name. He (the presumed dead) replied the Imam (a.s.) , who sat with him and comforted him. The Imam (a.s.) returned home. After some time, he came to the Imam and wished to speak in seclusion. He narrated: “O Imam, you are the Hujjat of Allah and the Right Path. I was in a semi sleep condition when I heard someone saying ‘return his soul as Muhammad ibn Ali had requested for him!” This was also reported in “Manaqib Shaher Ashoob”.

Abu Baseer was a blind man. He went in the presence of the Imam (a.s.) and inquired: “You belong to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and inheritors of the miracles of all the prophets, can you cure a blind man?” The Imam (a.s.) replied that with the permission of Allah, he can cure him. The Imam (a.s.) asked Abu Baseer to come nearer to him and moved his hand over his eyes. He retrieved his eye-sight instantly and could see. The Imam (a.s.) said to him: “Do you want to live like normal seeing person and rise on the Day of Resurrection with hope and despair or go to the Paradise as a blind man?” Abu Baseer replied that he wanted to revert to the previous condition. The Imam (a.s.) again moved his hand over his eyes, and he became blind again.” (A’alam ul Wara, Manaqib)

Result of enmity with Ahlul Bayt (a.s.):   

Abu Utaibah narrates in “Al-Kharaij”: “I was sitting in the presence of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.), when a Syrian man came and told the Imam (a.s.) that he was his Shiah but his father loved Bani Umayyad. He had a garden in Ramallah. After his death he searched for his father’s wealth but could not find it.” The Imam (a.s.) asked if he wished to meet his dead father, he replied in affirmative. The Imam (a.s.) gave him a letter and told him to go to Baqiyyah Graveyard the same night and call “Darjaan”, a man in turban will appear, give the letter to him. Next morning, Abu Utaibah came in the presence of the Imam to know as to what had transpired with that Syrian. They both entered the Imam’s house simultaneously. The Syrian said: “Only Allah knows whom to grant His knowledge. I went to the graveyard last night per your instructions and a man came, took the letter and asked me to wait. After a while he brought a man who was black and said that he was my father. I refused to accept it. The man told me that because of the fire and smoke of the Hell, his complexion had changed. I inquired from the man if he was really my father. He replied in affirmative. But because he loved Bani Umayyad and I loved Ahlul Bayt hence he developed enmity towards me and wanted to deprive me of his wealth. Hence he had buried it in the garden under the olive tree.”   

Miracle Thread of Musa and Haroon:

Ja’bir ibn Yazeed Ja’afi narrates in “Manaqib Shaher Ashoob”: “People complained to Imam Zain-ul-Abedin (a.s.) about the oppressions of Bani Umayyad. The Imam (a.s.) called his son Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) and gave him a thread and directed him to slowly move it. The Imam came in the mosque, prayed two rak’at namaz, placed his cheek on the soil, and recited something. After the prayer, he drew a thread which smell like musk, and gave one end to me to hold it and slowly moved the thread. There was an earth-quake, voices of crying people could be heard, and many houses were demolished. The Imam went up the minaret and addressing the people said loudly; “You Liars” and recited the Ayah 26 of Surah al-Nahl: “Their ceilings toppled on their heads and torment struck them from a direction which they have never expected.” People imagined it to be a voice from skies and fell on their knees.” The Imam told Ja’bir the thread belonged to Prophet Musa and was given to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) by Jibra’eel.

Umar Bin Abdul Aziz’s respect for AhlulBayt (a.s.):

According to “Qurb-ul-Asnad”, the only caliph of Bani Umayyad, who was not oppressive like the rest of them; Umar Bin Abdul Aziz, openly said that he had heard the traditions about the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) loved her immensely and had said that whoever makes her unhappy, that person makes the Noble Messenger himself unhappy.

Return of Fadak to AhlulBayt (a.s.):

The Imam was visiting Umar Bin Abdul Aziz and saw him crying. The Imam asked for the reason of his crying. He replied that he was crying for some of the actions of Husham of Bani Umayyiad.The Imam said: “O Omar, this world is a bazaar, people buy beneficial and harmful things, so fear Allah and remember two things; watch for and send those deeds which you want to be with you in the presence of Allah on the Day of Judgment, and watch and exchange those deeds which you do not want to be with you in Allah’s presence. Help the oppressed and stop the oppressor.”

The Imam further said: “Remember three things for perfect faith; do not be happy in committing wrong, let not your anger distract you from righteousness, when you have power, do not acquire a thing which does not belong to you.” Hearing this, Umar Bin Abdul Aziz asked for the writing material and wrote:

                                    In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful

I, Umar Bin Abdul Aziz, am returning the property of Fadak to Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.). This property was acquired by oppression and without justification.

Once, on way to Syria, a priest asked the Imam (a.s): “In Paradise, people will eat and drink but there will not be any excretion, is there any resemblance in this world similar to that?” The Imam (a.s.) replied: “a baby in mother’s womb!” He further asked: “A woman gave birth to twins, who were born, died and buried at the same time, their ages were 150 and 50 years, who were those persons?” Imam (a.s.) replied: “These were two brothers; Uzair and Uzaira. Both lived together for 30 years. Then, Allah made Uzair dead for 100 years while Uzaira remained alive. After Uzair was brought back to life, both brothers lived for another 20 years!” The priest told the people that he did not see any one more knowledgeable than this person (Imam).

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

Bihar-ul-Anwar                                                                                    by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi

ZIARAT-E-IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.) - THE KING OF MARTYRS

The benefits of visiting the mausoleum of the King of Martyrs, the Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.) are numerous. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said: “Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn”. Although every Infallible Masoomeen (Fourteen) were martyred for protecting the Message of Allah (s.w.t.) but the King of Martyrs, Imam Husayn (a.s.), his male relatives and companions were mercilessly slaughtered in the most unbearable conditions of deprivation of food and water for three days in the scorching desert heat of Karbala in Iraq. The believers at least may recite the Ziarat and earn rewards from Allah (s.w.t.)

The complete Ziarat is long hence the first part of the Ziarat is appended below for pondering:

Peace be upon you, O Inheritor of Adam, the Choice of Allah

Peace be upon you, O Inheritor of Noah, the Prophet of Allah

Peace be upon you, O Inheritor of Ibrahim, the Friend of Allah

Peace be upon you, O Inheritor of Musa, who conversed with Allah

Peace be upon you, O Inheritor of Isa, the Holy Spirit of Allah

Peace be upon you, O Inheritor of Muhammad, the most beloved friend of Allah

Peace be upon you, O Inheritor of Ali, the Commander of the Faithful and the vicegerent of Allah

Peace be upon you, O son of Muhammad Mustafa

Peace be upon you, O son of Ali whom Allah was pleased to choose

Peace be upon you, O son of Fatima, the most exalted among the women of the world

Peace be upon you, O son of Khatija-tul-Kubra

Peace be upon you, O Martyr, for whose blood Allah claims compensation.

I testify that you established the prayers and paid the poor rate and ordered to do what is right and lawful and forbade sinful actions and obeyed Allah and His Messenger till the inevitable came unto you.

So, May Allah curse the people who assassinated you, and may Allah curse the people who oppressed you, and may Allah curse the people who heard of it and were pleased with it.

O my Master, O Aba Abdullah, I bear witness that you were Light before and during conception.

The impurities of pre-Islamic age could not touch you, nor does its uncleanness affect you.

I bear witness that verily, you are the pillar of our religion and the Leader of the faithful.

I bear witness that you are the Imam, virtuous, that you guarded yourself against sins, which you were pleased to resign to the Will of Allah, that you are pure, that you are guided aright, and that you are divinely guided.

And I bear witness that verily the Imams that are your Progeny are the essence of abstinence, the signs of guidance, the strong rope of religion and the proofs of Allah for the people of the world.

And I make Allah, His Angels, His Prophets and His Messengers, the witness that I believe in him and in his return and in the Laws of Allah and in the consequences of human actions. I sincerely submit to him and follow his commands. May Allah bless them and their souls and their bodies and what is visible and what is unseen and what is unseen, and what is apparent and what is hidden.

HUJR IBNE ADI - A COMPANION OF THE LION OF ALLAH, IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Hujr ibn ‘Adi al-Kindi was a companion of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He was sentenced to death by Muawiya for his unwavering support and praise for (Imam) Ali (a.s.), the fourth Rashidun Caliph of Islam and the first Imam of the Shias, when he objected to publicly cursing (as ordered by Muawiya). (WIKIPEDIA)

He was one of the companions of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.). Naturally he was very pious and reported to perform one thousand raka’ts of salaat every day and night. He had participated in the Battles of Siffeen and Nahravan. In the battle of Nahravan, he was the commander of the right wing of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s army.

In an effort to eradicate “freedom of expression”, Muawiya started with killing of Hujr ibne Adi, who was a famous “Tabi’I” and a respectable companion of Imam Ali (a.s.). During the time of Muawiya, when Imam Ali (a.s.) was being cursed from the pulpits of the mosques, it caused a great pain and grief to the Muslims, but people were patient. However, Hujr could not bear this anymore hence he started praising Imam Ali (a.s.) and cursed Muawiya.

When Mugheera became the governor of Kufa, he ascended the pulpit and abused Imam Ali (a.s.) and his Shias. He stood up and recited the Ayah 135 of Surah al-Nisa: “Believers, be the supporters of justice and testify to what you may have witnessed, for the sake of Allah, even against yourselves, whether it be against the rich or the poor.” He further said: “I bear witness that the man whom you have abused, his merit is far more worthy than the one whom you have praised (Muawiya). While the one whom you have applauded (Muawiya) is worthy of abuse than the one whom you slander.” Mugheera replied: “Woe be to you O Hujr! Restrain yourself from such speech and keep away from the wrath of the King which would increase until he kills you.”

After the death of Mugheera, Ziyad became the governor. Initially he was nice to Hujr but later when Hujr’s popularity increased in Kufa and his supporters thronged the mosque. False charges were labeled against Hujr and his twelve supporters which included; that Hur swerved Muawiya, instigated people to rise against Muawiya, sends blessings on Imam Ali (a.s.), and believed that the caliphate belonged to Imam Ali (a.s.) and his progeny. Hujr and his supports were arrested. Ziyad prepared a case against Hujr by asking four chiefs of Kufa to write a complaint against Hujr and his friends alleging that he had cursed the caliph (Muawiya). They falsely included the name of the Qazi (Judge) Shurayh bin Harth as one of the complainant. Qazi Shurayh gave a letter one of the Hujr’s twelve supporters who were arrested and were being sent to Muawiya. It stated: “I testify that Hujr offer prayers, gives alms, performs Hajj and Umra. He enjoins good and forbids evil. His life and property is worth respect.”

Muawiya ordered Hujr and his supports to be killed but offered amnesty on the condition that they should curse Imam Ali (a.s.). Hujr replied: “I cannot utter those words from my tongue that would anger my Lord.”

Dr. Taha Husayn of Egypt wrote: “A Muslim ruler considered it to be legal to kill those whose protection was desired by Allah. The ruler ordered them to be killed without meeting them or giving them a chance to defend themselves.

On May 2, 2013, the Takfiri group demolished the mausoleum of this great companion of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Imam Ali (a.s.), dug-up his grave and removed his body which was found in-tact after 1400 years, and taken away.

Sources used:

History of Tabari volume 4 pages 190 to 206, History of Ibn Kathir volume 3 pages 230 to 242

History of Ibn Khaldoon volume 3, Al-Istiab by Ibn Abdal Barr volume 1 page 135

Al Bidaya wa Al- Nihaya volume 8 pages 50 to 55, Islamic- forum.net

ESTABLISHING THE PRAYERS

The word Prayers has been used in the Glorious Qur’an 98 times. Mostly the phrase “Establish the prayers” is used. Allah did not use the word “Perform the prayers”

What is the difference between “Establishing” and “Performing”?

                One should realize that Sala’t is the pillar of faith and on the Day of Judgment, if Sala’t is                   accepted other acts will also be accepted and if Sala’t is rejected then other acts will also be                 rejected.

                Sala’at keeps us away from vices and indecency as mentioned in Surah al-Ankabut Ayah                45: “(Muhammad),  recite to them what has been revealed to you in the Book and be                    steadfast in prayer; prayer keeps one away from indecency and sins. Allah’s paying                      attention to the worshipper is (indeed) the greatest (reward for worshiping Allah).                        Allah knows what you do.”

                Performing the prayer is only in form, not from our heart. Establishing the prayers means                 reciting prayer  properly and completely, paying attention to the prayer’s segments                     like bowing, prostration etc.

                Prayer is the “Mai’raj” of a believer. He is talking to his Creator and Sustainer.

                The intention (Niyyah) must be clear in our hearts.

                The clothes must be pure and clean, purchased with the lawful sustenance.

                The ablution (wuddu) should be performed properly as advised by the Noble Messenger                       (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Pure Progeny (a.s.) with pure water obtained lawfully.

                The prayers must be performed at the earliest time, reciting every zikr calmly and                                 peacefully, if possible understanding the meaning of the Arabic words. We should not be in                 hurry to finish the prayer.

                The prayer must be performed with our heart and soul, not mere physical movements of                       sitting and standing.

                It should be performed with full attention and fear of Allah, remembering that Allah is                         watching us.

                After completing the prayers, read “Tasbih-e-Fatima Zahra (s.a.), seek Du’a from Allah for                 its acceptance and for other Muslims, ourselves and our family.

                The performance of prayers should affect our character, way of life, piety should increase.                   If there is no change, it means we did not understand the Zikr. The Commander of the                         Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) had said that a believer’s two days should not be the same. That                     means we should learn something from yesterday and change our today.

                We should not pray to show-off to other people e.g. reciting deliberately longer zikr if                         someone is watching us.

                We should not take prayers lightly meaning praying at the last minute of the particular                         prayer. There is a tradition from the Infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.): “Our intercession                 will not be available to those of followers who take Salat lightly.”

                At the end, a couple of the great philosopher and thinker of Pakistan, Allama Iqbal (r.a.)                     may be appended below:

                                “Ye aik sajdah jisay tu giran samjhta hai * Hazaar sajdaun say deta hai                                           a’dmi ko naja’t”

                                It means “O Muslim! You feel difficulty to prostrate once, but this saves you                                 from being humble one thousand time before unworthy beings.”