THE FIRST AND THE FOREMOST ONES

Whenever a new revolutionary movement starts, the people who respond to the call are not the same in any way with those who join after the movement is firmly anchored and the original comrades had already born the onslaught of criticism, victimization, oppression etc.

Similarly, when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) introduced Islam to his near ones, Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) and the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) were the only ones who accepted and practiced Islam.

There are two Ayahs in the Glorious Qur'an relating to this; Surah al-Tawbah Ayah 100 which reads: “Allah is well pleased with the foremost ones of those who left their homes for the cause of Allah, those who helped them after their arrival in Madinah, and those who nobly followed these two groups. He has prepared gardens for them wherein streams flow and wherein they will live forever. This certainly is the supreme triumph.”

Surah al-W'aqia Ayah 10 which says : “The foremost ones (in faith and virtues) – the foremost ones in receiving their reward.”

In the Sunni and Shia books, it is written that the first in Islamic history were three persons i.e. Hizqeel of Ale Fir'aun, Habib Najjar of the time of Prophet Ie'sa and Imam Ali and he was superior to the other two.

The famous writers A'lousi, Al-Suyuti and Hakim of Mustadrak maintained that Imam Ali (a.s.) was the first Muslim.

Some of the writers in order to minimize the bravery and superiority of Imam Ali (a.s.) say that although he was the first Muslim but he was a child.

There was a drought in Makkah and Hazrat Abu Talib had six children. Hence, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)visited Hazart Abu Talib (a.s.) and offered to raise Imam Ali (a.s.). The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) describes his early life in Nahjul Balagha Sermon 190: “He used to press me to his chest and lay me beside him, touch his body with mine and make me smell his smell. He used to chew a thing and then feed me with it. From the time of weaning Allah had put a great angel with him to take him along the path of high character and good behavior throughout day and night, while I used to follow him like a young camel following in the foot print of its mother. In those days Islam did not exist in any house except that of the Prophet of Allah and Khadija while I was the third after these two. I used to see and watch the effulgence of divine revelation and message, and smelt the scent of Prophet hood. When the revelation descended on the Prophet of Allah (s.a.) I heard the moan of Satan. I said, O 'Prophet of Allah, what is this moan? And he replied, “This is Satan who lost all hope of being worshiped. O' Ali you see all that I see and you hear all that I hear, except that you are not a Prophet, but you are a vicegerent and you are surely on (the path of) virtue.”

Later, Is'haque commented to Abbasid Caliph Ma'moun “Imam Ali was the first to accept Islam but he was a boy” Ma'moun said “Did Allah asked Ali to accept Islam?” Is'haque “The Prophet asked him” Ma'moun “Prophet did not do any thing except what Allah desires, hence Allah asked the Prophet to ask Ali to accept Islam, hence Allah knew that Ali understands what he is accepting.”

The “foremost ones” were Imam Ali (as.), Sayyida Khadija (s.a.), Umme Ayman, Abu Zar Ghiffari, Ammar-e-Yasir and his parents etc.

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur'an, Tafsir-e-Namoona, Lectures by Ammar Nakshwani

THE AMAZING QUR'AN

The last revelation of Allah -The Glorious Qur'an- sent to the last Messenger (s.a.w.a.s) for the guidance of humanity was not only respected and appreciated by the Muslims but also some of the followers of the last scriptures. It is a testimony to the fact that the Glorious Qur'an is beyond time and place but guidance for the humanity till the last day of this universe.

One such individual is Mr. Gary Miller, a Christian mathematician from Canada. He narrates that some years ago, a merchant marine came to him. He had read the Glorious Qur'an completely and asked about Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) if he was in any way related to the sea. When he was told that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) lived in desert. The man was so impressed that he immediately embraced Islam. He explained that the storm described in Surah al-Nur Ayah 40 assumes that the person (s.a.w.a.s.) must have himself experienced a storm.

Surah al-Nur Ayah 40 states: “Or they (the deeds of the unbelievers) are like the darkness of a deep, stormy sea with layers of giant waves, covered by dark clouds. It is darkness upon darkness whereby even one stretches out his hands he could not see them. One can have no light unless Allah gave him light.”

Mr. Gary Miller further says: Many centuries before the onset of Muhammad's prophet hood, there was a well-known theory of atomism advanced by the Greek philosopher, Democritus. He and the people who came after him assumed that matter consists of tiny, indestructible, indivisible particles called atoms. The Arabic word “Dharrah” commonly referred to the smallest particle known to man. Now, the modern science that this smallest unit of matter can be split into its component parts. This is the development of last century; yet interestingly enough, this information had already been documented in the Quran (Surah Saba, 34:3): “He (Allah) is aware of an atom's weight in the heavens and on the earth and even anything smaller than that....”

Undoubtedly, fourteen centuries ago, that statement would have looked unusual, even to an Arab. For him, the Dharrah was the smallest thing there was. Indeed, this is proof, that the Quran is not outdated.

Source:

The Amazing Quran by Dr. Gary Miller (www,the islamic bulletin.com)

THE PROTECTOR OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) - HAZRAT ABU TALIB (A.S.)

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was the great protector of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the savior of Islam. It is stated that there must be a Hujjah at all time for the guidance, hence there were twelve guides and protectors during the period of Prophet Ie’sa and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was the last of that chain. He was called “Hanif” Reciting the kalmah is required if and when one is converting to Islam.

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.), the father of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) were born from one mother and the father being Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.). Hence the promised leadership (Imamate) from the lineage of Hazrat Isma’il (a.s.) continued through these just followers of Ibra’himi faith. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.)’s faith was further strengthened when the forces of Abraha attacked the Ka’bah and on his prayers, Allah destroyed the enemy as detailed in Surah al-Feel of the Glorious Qur’an.

There is a famous tradition when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “I and the man who protects an orphan will be in Paradise together (and he pointed his two fingers jointly)” He further said: “Whoever tapped the head of an orphan, there will be light for every hair he touches on the Day of Judgment.” This should be an eye-opener for those who cast doubts about the faith of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.)

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) performed the marriage ceremony (Nikah) of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and said: “I am the one who believes in the Lord of Ibra’him, Is’haq and Dawood.” It is the same as the Shahada. Imam Zain al-Abidin said: “I wonder why people doubt of Abu Talib when a woman cannot continue in her matrimonial alliance with a non-Muslim after she had embraced Islam and Fatima bint Asad was among those women.” Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said: “The faith of Abu Talib was superior to the faith of many people and Ali, the Commander of the Faithful ordered that Hajj should be performed on his behalf.” (Sharah Nahjul Balagha v. 14 page 76) Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Abu Talib was like the People of Cave. They had faith in their hearts. For this reason they will be reward twice! (Usul Kafi page 244)

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) raised exemplary children like the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Ja’far-e-Tayyiar. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “None resembles me like Ja’far because Allah loves Ja’far for his four qualities during the period of Ja’hiliya which are; when everybody lied he never lied, when everybody drink alcohol he never drank, when everybody committed adultery he never committed adultery, when everybody did idol-worshipping he did not worship idols. Can the father who raised such gems of Muslims be an unbeliever? Moreover, his poetry clearly demonstrates his monotheistic faith.

The opponents of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s) refer two Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an to allege his non-believing. They refer Surah al-An’am Ayah 26 which says: “They keep away from the faith and forbid others to accept it. They destroy no one except themselves, yet they do not realize it.” There is no record in history that Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) stopped anyone from Islam. The famous Zamakshary in his Book “Kashshaf” said that this Ayah was revealed about a man called Nuzur who wanted to convert to Islam while Waleed ibn Muhgeera the father of Khalid bin Walled and Abu Sufiyan the father of Muawiya would discourage him to become a Muslim. Hence Allah condemned Waleed and Abu Sufiyan.The next Ayah is 113 Surah al-Tawbah which say: “After it was made clear that the pagans are to be dwellers of Hell, the Prophet and the believers should not have sought forgiveness from Allah for them even though they may have been relatives.” Surah al-Tawbah was the last Surah revealed in Madinah 13 years after Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) death in Makkah. Barar bin Ma’oon died in Madinah and the Noble Messenger recited the Sala’t al Mayyat for him.

It was a planned conspiracy of the Banu Abbas against the family of Hazrat Abu Talib. Banu Abbas were the descendants of Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib who was born of a slave woman. They became jealous that the family of Hazrat Abu Talib had a conspicuous status; hence they deployed resources to downgrade the family of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and falsely accused him of being an unbeliever. The major books of Muslims like Sahih Bokhari, Sahih Muslm, and Nisai’ were compiled in Banu Abbas time. In reply to a question about his father, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Allah has given me the honor of splitting the Heaven and the Hell and I know where my father will go. If my father wants to do Shafa’h for anyone, Allah will do it. On the Day of Judgment, my father will exceed the light of everyone except the Panjetan.”

Ibn Abil Hadid-e-Mu’tezili said: “If Abu Talib and his son (Ali) had not been there, the religion (Islam) would not have been successful. He supported and protected Muhammad in Makkah, and his son (Ali) dived in the whirlpool of death in Yathrib for him.”

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an, The Message by Ayatollah Ja’far Subhani, Lectures of Ammar Nakshwani

AMR BIL MA'ROOF AND NAHI ANIL MUNKAR

The root word of “Ma’roof” is “Urf” comprising of three Arabic words “Ain” “Ra’” and “Fa’”. Urf means identify. Similarly, Munkar means which is not identified.

This obligation had been referred to in the Glorious Qur’an:

Surah Ale-Imran Ayah 104 as: “Let there be a group among you who will invite others to do good deeds, command them to obey the Law, and prohibit them from committing sins. These people will have eternal happiness.”

Surah Ale-Imran Ayah 110“You are the best nation that ever existed among humanity, as long as you command people to do good, prohibit them from evil, and believe in Allah.”

Surah Al-Tawbah Ayah 71: “The believers, both male and female, are each other’s protectors. They try to make others do good, prevent them from committing sins, perform their prayers, pay the religious tax, and obey Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Allah will have mercy on them; Allah is Majestic and All-Wise.”

Surah Luqman Ayah 17: “My son be steadfast in prayer. Make others do good. Prevent them from doing evil.”

Surah Al-Asr: “(I swear) by the time, human beings are doomed to suffer loss (and fail), except the righteously striving believers who exhort each other to truthful purposes and to patience.”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “The world is like a ship and mankind its passengers. The welfare of all depends upon the safe conduct of each. If anyone is found making a hole in the side of the ship, he must be stopped. He who does ‘amr bil ma’roof and nahi anil munkar’ is the vicegerent on the earth of Allah, His Messenger and the Book.”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “All virtuous deeds including struggle in the path of Allah in comparison to amr bil ma’roof and nahi anil munkar are like spitting in the sea!”

The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said: “Amr bil ma’roof and nahi anil munkar are the most important obligations because upon them depends the performance of all other obligations. If amr bil ma’roof and nahi anil munkar are done, the earth will be a safe place, enemies will be subdued and all other affairs are discharged satisfactorily.”

These obligations are in two phases; in the first phase everyone is responsible to observe others and in the second phase it is the collective responsibility of a group to be assigned for this task, which is the “Wajib-e-Kifa’I”  

There are three requirements for these obligations:

1.       The person himself should have complete knowledge of what is good and what is bad.

2.       The person performing these obligations believes that the other person will listen and follow his advice.

3.       The person performing these obligations is satisfied that by his efforts, no personal or financial suffering is caused to any third party.

These obligations may be performed orally with a good intention at a reasonable occasion by persuading in a very polite manner. Surah Al-Nahl Ayah 125: “Call to the path of your Lord through wisdom and good advice and argue with them in the best manner.”Similarly, Surah Ale Imran Ayah 159:”Only through the divine mercy have you (Muhammad) been able to deal with your followers so gently. If you had been stern and hard hearted, they would all have deserted you a long time ago.”

The King of Martyrs, the Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.) had recorded his will and gave it to his brother Hazrat Muhammad Hanafiya which states: “I did not revolt for the cause of evil tyranny or corruption, but to reform my grandfather‘s nation. I want to enjoin the good and denounce evil (amr bil ma’roof and nahi anil munkar), and take the course of my father (Imam Ali) and grandfather (the Noble Messenger s.a.w.a.s.)

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) – Tafsir –e-Namoona  by Ayatollah Naser Makarim Shirazi

Tawzeeh-ul-Masa’il by Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini & Ayatollah Gul Pa’igani (al-islam.org/Aalim Network)

THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.), HIS PROGENY AND THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Sayings of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.):

“The one who recites the Qur’an and the one, who listens to it, have an equal share in the reward”

                                                                                        (Mustadrak ul Wasa’il volume 1 page 193)

“The best among you is the one who learns the Qur’an and then teaches it to others.”

                                                                  (Al-Amali of Shaikh Tusi volume 1 page 5)

“These hearts rust just as iron rusts; and indeed they are polished through the recitation of the Qur’an”

                                                                                                                   (Irshad al-Qulub page 78)

“Nothing is harder for Shaytan to bear than a person who recites the Qur’an by looking at the pages (of the Qur’an)”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (Thawab-ul-Amal page 231)

“One who recites ten Ayahs of the Qur’an every night will not be counted among the negligent ones (Ghafilin); and one who recites fifty Ayahs of the Qur’an will be written as those who remember Allah (Dhakirin); and one who recites one hundred Ayahs will be written down as the obedient and worshipper of Allah (Qanitin)”

                                                                                                                (Thawab-ul- Amal page 232)

“I advise you to recite the Qur’an and remember Allah, for surely the Qur’an will remember you (do your dhikr) in the Heavens and it will be a Divine Light (nur) for you on the Earth.”

                                                                                                                              (Al-Khisal page 525)

“Whoever recites the first four Ayahs of Sura Al-Baqarah, Ayatul Kursi (Ayahs 255 to 257 upto Hum Fiha Khaledun), and the last three Ayahs of the same Sura, will not see any bad or sorrow in his life or his wealth; Shaytan will not come near him; and he will not forget the Qur’an”

                                                                                                                 (Thawab-ul-A’mal page 234)

“Surely this Qur’an is the rope of Allah, and a manifest Light (Nur), and a beneficial cure. Therefore, busy yourselves with its recitation, for Allah-the Mighty and Glorious- grants the reward of ten good deeds for very letter recited.”

                                                                                                     (Bihar-ul-Anwar volume 92 page 19)

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

“Learn the Qur’an for it is the best of narrations, and understand it thoroughly for it is the best blossoming of the hearts"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (Nahjul Balagha Sermon 110)

“Recite the Qur’an and seek assistance from it for surely Allah will not punish one who has memorized it.”                                                                                                                                   (Bihar-ul-Anwar volume 92 page 19)

Sayings of the Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.):

“Three things will complain to Allah: A deserted Masjid in which the people of the town did not recite salaat; an Alim who was among the ignorant ones (who did not make use of him); and the Qur’an which was not read and was left for dust to collect on it.”

                                                                                                               (Usul Kafi volume 2 page 613)

“Surely the Qur’an is not to be read in a rush or very quickly but recited slow and measured portions. Whenever you reach an Ayah which talks about Heaven, then stop and ask from Allah for the bounties of Heavens. And whenever you reach an Ayah which speaks about Hell, then stop and seek protection from Allah from Hell Fire (and the punishment)”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   (Usul Kafi volume 3 page 301)

TESTS AND TRIALS BY THE CREATOR

Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow) Ayah 154 to 157 lays emphasis on the “Life of the Martyrs” and “The Trial and testing of mankind” by Allah (s.w.t.). Ayah 154 says: “Wa La Taqulu Leman Yuqtalu Fi Sabil liallahe Amwa’tun Bal Ahyaun Walakin La Tash’urun” “Do not consider those who are slain for the cause of Allah (s.w.t.) to be dead. They are alive but you are unaware of them.” Ayah 155 to Ayah 157 says: “Wa Lanabluwannakum Beshai’in Minal Khaufe Walju’e Wa Naqsin Minal Amw’ale Walanfuse Wassamarate Wa Bashshiril Sa’berina. Allazina Iza Asa’bathum Museebatun Qa’lu Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Ilaihe Ra’jeun. Ula’ika Alaihim Salawatun Miinrrabbehim Wa Rahmatun Wa Ula’ika Humul Muhtadun.” “We shall test you through fear, hunger, and loss of life, property, and crops (sons). (Muhammad), give glad tidings to the (steadfast) patients. Who, when a calamity befalls them (by showing perseverance), say: verily we belong to Allah, and certainly unto Him we shall return. Those are they on whom are blessings and Mercy from their Lord, and they are the ones that are guided (aright).”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Even though Allah knows them more than they know themselves, yet He does so to let them perform actions with which they earn reward or punishment.” Apparently, these Ayahs fit the Martyrs of Karbala who were Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.), his relatives and his companions.

In reality, Allah is the owner and master of His creatures but in His Sublime Mercy, He has given permission to the creatures to own all his powers but man had misunderstood and boasts that he owns everything!

From the understanding that we are for Him, the loss of any gift does not affect us because He is the Master and we are the slaves, all the gifts and we ourselves belong to Him. Today He grants us something, tomorrow He takes it back. And the fact that we will return to Him gives us a lesson that this worldly life is temporary and short-lived and any loss of gifts will pass away very soon. These concepts strengthen the patience.

Testing by Allah has been mentioned at more than twenty places in the Glorious Qur’an. Allah knows even what is in our hearts but He wants to reveal and bring to light what is obscured in it. The standard for the reward and punishment is not based on what is in our hearts but it is based on those thoughts as exhibited by our deeds and character. 

Testing has been stated at many places in the Glorious Qur’an; Surah al-Ankabut Ayah 2: “Do people think they will not be tested because they say, “We have faith?” Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 124: “When his Lord tested Ibrahim’s faith (by His words) and he satisfied the test….” Surah al-Namal Ayah 40: “When Sulayman saw the throne placed before him, he said, “This is a favor from my Lord by which He wants to test whether I am grateful or ungrateful.”

Apart from the above-mentioned modes of testing by Allah, there are modes of testing like dreams of prophets, virtues and vices etc.

Secret of success in the tests and trials:  1. Exercise patience as stated above. 2. Realization that the trials and tribulations of this world are temporary and will pass away very soon. The “Kalama Isterja” which says,” We are for Allah and we will return to Him” is the center of one’s trust in Allah. 3. Seeking help from the Most Powerful as explained in Surah al-Ankabut Ayah 69 which says: “We certainly guide those who strive for Our cause (with patience), to Our path (keep them on it well protected). Allah is certainly with the righteous ones.” 4. It is very effective for the facing of trials and tests to scrutinize the conditions of people in history. Allah, to increase the spiritual strength of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the believers, says in Surah al-Ana’m Ayah 10: “They mocked the Messengers who lived before you (Muhammad), but those who received warnings of punishment and mocked the warnings, all suffered their torments accordingly.” 5. It increases the resolve to face the trials and tests by the fact that everything is happening in the presence of Allah and He is aware of it. The Chief of Martyrs Imam Husayn (a.s.), after witnessing the painful martyrdom of his near relatives, said: “It is easier for me to face these events as I am aware that it is happening within Allah’s knowledge” 

Sources:

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

                                    (English translation) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M.Pooya

                                    (Urdu translation-Al-Mizan) by Ayatollah al-Uzma Muhammad Husayn                                                                                                                                                     Tabatabai

  Nahjul Balagha          A collection of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s sermons, letters and sayings               

THE BACK GROUND OF THE MASSACRE AT KARBALA

The events occurred at Karbala were not accidental. Allah had prescribed the future of humanity after the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had completely and successfully communicated the divine Message and practically demonstrated what he preached. Hence nothing was left to be communicated to the Muslims. Two months before his return to the Creator, while returning from Makkah after performing last Hajj along with over 120,000 Hajjis, a harsh toned Ayah was revealed to him saying: “O Messenger! Deliver what has been revealed to you. If you did not do so you have not delivered His Message (at all); and Allah will protect you from the people.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) crowned Imam Ali (a.s.) as his vicegerent. Allah showed the future course of events after Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s demise. But Muslims decided otherwise. Hence, Allah, His Messenger, Imam Ali, Sayyida Fatima Zahra, Imam Hasan, and Imam Husayn knew where the Muslim society was proceeding and it culminated in the brutal massacre of Imam Husayn, members of Banu Hashim and his companions.

The seeds of the massacre were sown on the occasion of the Great Victory of Makkah, when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) re-entered Makkah triumphantly without shedding any blood. Abu Sufyan, who directly or indirectly fought the battles against Islam and the Messenger of Allah and failed to stop the spread of Islam throughout the region, then changed the strategy from open confrontation to hypocrisy and converted as a Muslim with the flame of revenge still burning in his heart. His son Muawiya also converted to Islam seeing a golden opportunity on the horizon to capture the khilafah. After the death of the third caliph, Muslims in thousands pleaded Imam Ali (a.s.) to accept khilafah which he first refused but was forced to accept on the plea that when Ummah was in dire situation and requested the Imam to lead but he refused. Imam Ali (a.s.) was and is the “Mushkil Kusha” hence he tried to help them.

Muawiya sensing a golden opportunity to extricate (worldly) caliphate from Imam Ali (a.s.), fanned the tide of the so called revenge for murder of Usman, and then openly fought the legitimate caliph of Muslims at Siffeen. Later, conspired to assassinate the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.), conspired against the fifth Khalifa-e-Rashid, Imam Hasan (a.s.) using his tactics of hypocrisy, money and use of sword, forcing the Imam to enter into a treaty to leave the power to the cunning manipulator. The details of the treaty have been stated in a separate article but the three conditions are worth-mentioning here. 1. Muawiya shall rule strictly according to the Glorious Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) 2.After his death; the khilapha shall revert to Imam Hasan (a.s.) or Imam Husayn (a.s.) as the case may be. 3. The cursing of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) from the pulpits of the Muslim world shall cease immediately! He did not comply with any of the terms. Muawiya purchased Imam Hasan (a.s.)’s wife, Ja’dah bint Ash’as, to poison the Imam. In the clear contravention of the Treaty, he appointed his son Yazid (l.a.) as the caliph. Yazid was a transgressor (Fasiq) and debaucher (Fajir).

Muawiya laid the foundation of the Umayyad Kingdom and Yazid (l.a.) became the second king. They unlawfully used the public treasury to consolidate and strengthen their illegitimate kingdom while Muslims were leading miserable life having barely the basic necessities of life. The moral fabric of the Muslims was so much torn apart that just after 50 years of the demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), they openly opposed and committed heinous crime of brutally slaughtering the grandson of the very Prophet whose kalmia they recited, they denied water and other provision to the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) including small babies in particular a six month old Ali Asghar, they looted and set on fire the belongings of Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his companions, desecrated the most respectable daughters of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), forcibly snatched the era-rings of Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s 3 year old daughter causing her ears to bleed.

Yazid openly disclosed the intentions of the Umayyad when he declared in his royal court in front of the imprisoned daughters of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.): “There was no revelation from God, no angels came. It was a drama played by Banu Hashim to gain power. If my ancestors killed in the battle of Badr (against Muslims) were alive, they would have praised my achievement (of killing Imam Husayn and desecrating his family!)”