EXCEPTIONAL AND UNBELIEVABLE SELF CONTROL

What is self-control? It is the ability to sub-due our emotions and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses in order to achieve longer term goals.

What is anger? It is an emotion that involves an uncomfortable and emotional response to a perceived provocation, hurt or threat.

Normally, it is difficult to control our anger and we spontaneously respond to the situation and react in an unthoughtful way which results in physical or emotional damage to the person causing the anger.

The Quraysh had gathered more than ten thousand warriors to attack Madinah and obliterate Islam once and for all. One of the companions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Salman Farsi (later named as Muhammadi), advised him to arrange to dig a trench around the city of Madinah. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) agreed and a trench was dig out to ward off any attack from the infidels.

The famous Egyptian writer Muhammad Husayn Haykal described the events as follows:

Although the campaign was organized by Abu Sufyan but the fighting man of his army was Amr ibn Abd Wudd.

It is reported by the historians that he was more than a match for one thousand cavaliers.

The attacking army laid a siege of Madinah and all exit routes were closed. One day Amr and three other infidels succeeded in clearing the trench and entered the premises of Madina. He advanced into the Muslim camp and challenged the heroes of Islam to come out and fight with him. There was no answer form the Muslim camp. The idolaters saw in him their hope of victory, the Muslims saw in his challenge the sentence of their death!

Surah al-Ah'zab Ayah 10 describes their condition as , “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 Allah.”

Amr ibn Abdu Wudd expressed amazement that the Muslims were not showing any eagerness to enter Paradise where he was ready to send them! It is true that most of the Muslims were terror stricken but there was one among them who was not. He had, in fact , volunteered to accept Amr's very first challenge but the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had restrained him, hoping that someone else might like to face him (Amr). But he could see that no one dared to measure swords with him.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had no choice but to allow his cousin, Ali, the Lion of Allah, to go and silence the taunts of Amr ibn Abdu Wudd. He (s.a.w.a.s.) gave Ali his own battle dress and Zulfiqar and prayed to Allah as, “O Allah! You have called to your service Obaida bin Harris in Badr, and Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib in Uhad. Now Ali alone is left with me. Be his protector, give him victory, and bring him back safely to me.” When Ali was going towards his adversary, he said, “He (Ali) is the embodiment of all Faith who is going to an encounter with the embodiment of all Unbelief.”The Battle is not being described here in detail but only a part which relates to the Most Bravest Man in human history and his enormous, unbelievable exhibition of his supreme self-control!Amr struck a mighty blow with his ponderous sword which cut through the shield, the helmet and the turban of Ali, and made a deep gash in his forehead. Blood leap out from the wound in a jet but Ali was not dismayed. He rallied, and then struck a counter-blow with the famous Zulfiqar, and it cleft the most formidable warrior of Arabia into two!”

However, Charles Cameron, a former researcher at Boston University, describes the duel with Amr ibn Abdu Wudd as, “Amr hammered blows on Ali's shield and clashed with his sword . Ali dropped his sword and shield to the ground; he leap to grab Amr's throat, and kicked him out of balance. Amr crashed to the ground, with Ali now towering over him. Amr spat over Ali's face, fully expecting death. Ali rose calmly from Amr's chest and stood a few paces away and said, “I only kill in the way of Allah and not for my private motive. Since you spat on my face , my killing you now may be from a desire for personal vengeance. So I spare your life. But Amr lunged at Ali who had enough time to prepare for a fresh assault. Amr's devastating blow shattered Ali's shield, inflicting a shallow cut on Ali's temple. As the second blow blow rose Ali's Zulfiqar decapitated Amr.”

Sources: Psychology today, WIKIPEDIA, Restatement of History of Islam and Muslims by S. Ali Asghar Razvi

Fourteen Stars by Allama Sayyid Najm-ul-Hasan Kararvi

SHAYTAN - THE ARCH ENEMY OF MANKIND

When Allah created Adam and asked the angels to prostrate to him, every one complied except Shaytan (Iblis). Allah expelled him but on his request allowed him a determined time. Shaytan's enmity with Adam and his progeny started from that time. He vowed to distract them all from the right path.

Shaytan's strategy is to first obstruct man in his virtuous deeds. If the man is not trapped in the devil designs, he will next try to influence his intention. For example, if a man wants to give charity, Shaytan will scare him of poverty but if still he gave charity, he will encourage the man to openly remind the person about it so that the person will not get any thawab for the charity.

Is'te'aza is seeking protection from Allah against Shaytan. The verbal portion is by saying “Auzu Billahe Minashshaytanir Rajeem” translated as “I seek protection from Allah against Shaytan, the banished one”

Hence, one should recite “Is'te'aza” before performing any virtuous even recommended deeds.

Even the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was asked by Allah to recite the Du'a as stated in Surah al-Mu'minun Ayah 97 and 98, “Say, 'Lord, I seek your protection against the strong promptings of the devils (Shaytan). I seek your protection should they approach me.'”

According to the traditions of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), protection from Shaytan is specially recommended on three occasions; in the company of a strange woman, while one is angry, and at the time of dispensing justice.

We cannot see Shaytan but he sees us as stated in Surah al-A'raf Ayah 27, “Children of Adam, do not let Shaytan seduce you , as he caused your parents to be expelled from the garden (Paradise) . Shaytan and those like him see you but you do not see them.”

Shaytan does not force man to commit sins, he misguides and lures man towards the evil. If a man is pious, he will return to Allah and seek His protection and is saved from Satanic actions. But if the man is not pious, he will be trapped in Shaytan's network. Man is independent in his decision for any action and answerable on the Day of Judgment. Surah Ibrahim Ayah 22 says, “When the decree of Allah is issued, Shaytan will say, “Allah's promise to you was true, but I, too, made a promise to you and disregarded it. I had no authority over you. I just called you and you answered. Do not blame me but blame yourselves.”

It is Allah's justice that if He had given Shaytan access to the mankind then He has kept the door of repentance open for the mankind. According to a tradition of Behar-ul-Anwar volume 3, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said, “Whoever repents one year before his death, Allah will forgive him. Then he said, “If he repents even one month before death he will be forgiven.” He said further, “If he repents one day before his death he is forgiven.” Lastly, he said, “Even one day is too much, if repents before seeing the death, Barzaq and the angel of death, he will be forgiven.” The Mercy and Forgiveness of Almighty Allah may be realized!

Shaytan's only purpose is to deprive mankind from faith on Allah and the Day of Judgment or at least he may not perform any virtue and continue in doing prohibited and bad deeds.

Protection (Is'te'aza) should not be only on our tongue but it should be from the depth of our souls. If we only recite Is'te'aza by tongue and continue to disobey Allah, it has no effect.

Seeking protection from Allah against Shaytan (Is'te'aza) may have three situations; one may recite 'Auzu Billahe Miashshaytanir Rajeem' without knowing its meanings and also not from the bottom of ones soul; next, one may know the meaning but without effecting the soul, which may be evident from the Shaytani acts; lastly one knows the meaning of Is'te'aza recited from the bottom of his heart and being fully aware of the Might and Exaltation of Allah. This is the true Is'te'aza.

Source: 

The Glorious Qur'an

 Is'te'aza by Ayatollah Syed Abdul Husain Dasteghaib

SOCIAL EVIL - PRIDE

Pride (Kibr) is the off-shoot of Ujb. When a person perceives a merit in himself and is overcome by a sense of pleasure, exultation and vanity, that state is called Ujb. Pride is the name of a psychic state in which a person feels a sense of superiority and behaves highhandedly with others.

The sense of pride or “Takabbur” may be for good attributes or even sinful behavior; for true faith or invalid faith, good qualities or praiseworthy attributes, righteous or sinful deeds.

Some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur'an are given below:

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 34, “When We told the angels to prostrate before Adam, they all obeyed except Iblis, who abstained out of arrogance, and so he became one of those who deny the truth.” Surah al-A'raf Ayah 13, “The Lord ordered Shaytan to get out of the garden saying, “This is no place for you to be proud. Get out of this place, for you are worthless.”

Surah-al-Nahl Ayah23, “Allah certainly knows whatever you conceal or reveal. He does not love the proud ones.” Surah al-A'raf Ayah 146, “We will deprive those who are wrongly proud in the land of the blessing of revelations.” Surah Luqman Ayah 18,, “Do not show people that you are an inferior person. Do not walk around puffed-up with pride.” Surah al-Gha'fir Ayah 35 and Ayah 76, “Thus Allah cause to go astray the skeptical , transgressing people, those who dispute the revelations of Allah without having received clear authority. This act greatly angers Allah and the believers. Thus Allah seals the hearts of every arrogant oppressor.” “Enter the gates of Hell to live there in forever How terrible is the dwelling of the arrogant ones.” Surah al-Nisa Ayah 36, “Worship Allah and consider no one equal to Him. Be kind to your parents, relatives, orphans, the destitute, your near and distant neighbors, your companions, wayfarers, and your slaves. Allah does not love the proud and boastful ones.” Surah al-Ah'qaf Ayah 20, “On this day you will suffer a humiliating torment for your unreasonably arrogant manners on earth and for the evil deeds which you have committed.” Surah al-Zumar Ayah 60, “On the Day of Judgment you will see the faces of those who had invented falsehood against Allah blackened. Is not Hell the dwelling of the arrogant ones.”

The Infallible imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “There is no person who does not have a harness on his head, and an angel who attends to it. Whenever he is proud, the angel says, 'Be humble, lest God should disgrace you. Thus he is the greatest of human beings in his own eyes, whereas in other people's eyes he is the smallest of creatures. When he is humble and modest, God removes the harness from his head and the angel says to him, 'Elevate yourself, as God Almighty is elevating you'. Thus he is the smallest of persons in his own eyes, while the most elevated and exalted in the eyes of others.” (Al-Kafi volume 3 page 424)

He (a.s.) further said, “Refrain from pride and self-glorification, since pride is God Almighty's mantle, and one who contests with God regarding His cloak, God will shatter him and disgrace him on the Day of Resurrection.”

(Al-Kafi volume 3 page 424)

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur'an, Al-Kafi by Muhammad Yaqoob Kulayni

MANNER AND MORALS OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.)

The Creator Himself has praised His Prophet by saying in Surah al-Qalam Ayah 4, “And most surely you conform (yourself) to sublime morality.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) established his unparalleled moral character before inviting the infidels of Makkah to Islam when they gave him the titles of “Siddique” (Truthful) and “Ameen” (Trustworthy). Manner and morals were the most important factors of his popularity and influence.

His morals reflects the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur'an, some of which may be reproduced below:

Surah al-A'raf Ayah 199, “Have forgiveness, preach the truth, and keep away from the ignorant ones.”Surah al-Nahl Ayah 90, “Allah commands to maintain justice, kindness and proper relations with the relatives...”

Surah al-Nahl Ayah 127, “Exercise patience and let it be for the cause of Allah...”

Surah Luqman Ayah 17, “....and bear patiently that which befalls you; surely these acts require courage.”

Surah al-Shu'ra Ayah 43, “And whoever is patient and forgiving, these most surely are actions due to courage.”

Surah al-Ma'idah Ayah 13, “...so pardon them and turn away; surely Allah loves those who do good (to others)”

Surah al-Nur Ayah 22, “Be considerate and forgiving. Do you not Allah to forgive you?”

Surah al-Fusssilat Ayah 34, “Repel (evil) with what is best, you will certainly find that your enemies will become your intimate friends.”

Surah Al Imran Ayah 134, “....and who also harness their anger and forgive the people.”

Surah al-Hujurat Ayah 12, “...and avoid most of suspicion, for surely in some cases suspicion is sin, and do not spy nor let some of you backbite others.”

He (s.a.w.a.s.) was the most generous, brave, truthful, loyal, kind and social person. Whoever encountered him initially was influenced by his awe and after meeting him became fond him.

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “He (s.a.w.a.s.) was always cheerful, good-natured and soft spoken, he was never nasty, never disappointed anyone. He had purified himself from three things; vain acts, extravagance, and argumentation. He spoke only when it entailed gaining heavenly rewards.”

He was extremely humble and kind, treated all Muslims equally, respected all and expressed his love for them. He was present in funeral ceremonies and saluted children first. He visited the poor to show his support and interacted with underprivileged and even accepted invitation of slaves. When he entered in an assembly, he would sit at the last row. Abu Zarr said that when he used to sit with his companion it would be difficult to identify him as he did not sit at a conspicuous place.

If he did not see a companion for three days, he would inquire about his well being. The Infallible Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “The Messenger of Allah distributed his attention equally to all his companions and looked at them for equal duration of time.”

He was extremely kind and friendly to his wives and helped them in the family chores. Anas was his servant and he said that the Prophet never said:why did you do this? Or why you did not do that.

His life style was simple. He distributed equitably the funds from public treasury. His and his relative's share was never more than others. Ibn Abbas says: Some times many days and nights passed on the Prophet and his family when they did not have any food.

Source: Prophet hood and the Prophet of Islam by Ayatollah Ibrahim Amini

MUTUAL RIGHTS OF THE BELIEVERS

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “The people will be resurrected thirstier, hungrier, and more naked than they lived. Allah will give heavenly robes to those who have given clothing to believers, and feed heavenly blessings to those who have fed any believers, and will give heavenly drinks to those who have given any thing to drink. (Ali ibne abi Hamze). “Everything related to a believer is respectable including his dignity, his wealth, and his life.”

The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said, “The worth of feeding one of my followers is more than feeding one hundred thousands people.” (Ali al-Miqdam). “A believer should advise his believing brothers.” (Abi Obaydeh al-Haz'zae)

“If a believer expresses his hatred of any other religious brother, they are no longer friends. Whenever he tells his brother he is his enemy, one of them has become an infidel.” (Abi Hamza al Somali)

”The closest thing to becoming an infidel is to remember your believing brother's faults with the intention of blaming him in the future.” (Zurareh)

The Infallible Imam J'far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Whoever gives a scary look to a believer will receive a scary look from Allah on the Resurrection Day.”

“Whoever visits an ill Muslim will be submerged in the sea of divine mercy, and whoever sits with that ill man will be accompanied by seventy thousand angels on his way back home. They will say, 'You have been purified and Heaven will be enjoyable for you.”

“If a believer is asked by another believer to help fulfill one of his vital needs , and he refuses to do so although he is able to directly or indirectly fulfill his needs, he will be resurrected with his hands tied to his neck and has to wait until Allah finishes the reckoning of all His creatures accounts.” (Safvan al-Jam'mal)

“Deliver my greetings to my friends and assure them that I guarantee Heaven for all of them except for the following people: 1. alcoholic. 2. gamblers, 3. people who reject the believers, 4. people who are haughty with the believers, 5. people who block the believers' needs, 6. people who do not help fulfill the needs of a believer who asks them for help, 7. people who do not marry off their daughter to a believer who comes to propose to marry her.” (Abdul Malik al-Nofy)

“Any believer who does not make an effort to help fulfill his religious brother's needs and does not advise him has committed treason against Allah and His Prophet.” (Ibrahim ibn Uthman)

“Cover up any act of stinginess you observe from any of your religious brothers.”

“O' Ishaq! Do you know that whenever two believers meet each other and shake hands, Allah will send down two hundred blessings on them. Ninety Nine blessings are for the one who like the other one more. And whenever they hug each other, Allah's Mercy will encompass them”

“Do not be deceitful with people, since you will lose all your friends.” (Abi Baseer)

“Allah will humiliate you in this world and in the Hereafter if you humiliate your believing brothers while you are able to help them. The reward of helping a believing brother is more than that for fasting for fasting and spiritual retreat to Makkah.” (Ibrahim al-Somali)

“Love for your Muslim brother the same things that you love for yourself.”

“Whenever three believers get together, it is not appropriate for any two of them to whisper in each other;s ear.”

Source: Mishkat ul Anwar fi Ghuralil Akhbar (The Lamp Niche for the Best Traditions)

             by: Hassan ibn Fazl ibn Hassan Tabarsi

TEN COMMANDMENTS IN SURAH AL-AN'AM (THE CATTLE)

In Ayahs 151-153 of Surah al-An'am, the prohibitions and the important Great Sins in Islam has been described as, “ (Muhammad), say, “Let me tell you about what your Lord has commanded: Do not consider anything equal to Allah; Be kind to your parents; Do not murder your children out of fear of poverty for We give sustenance to you and to them: Do not even approach indecency either in public or in private: Take not a life which Allah has made sacred except by way of justice and law. Thus does He commands you as you may learn wisdom: Do not handle the property of the orphans except with a good reason until they become mature and strong: Maintain equality in your dealings by the means of measurement and balance. No soul is responsible for what is beyond its ability: Be just in your words, even if the party involved is one of your relatives, and keep your promise with Allah. Thus does your Lord guide you so that you may take heed. This is My path and it is straight. Follow it and not other paths which will lead you far away from the path of Allah. Thus does Allah guide you so that you may become pious.”

Tauheed or Unity of Allah is the soul of Islam which encompasses both the roots and branches of Islam.

Every command is to be followed in three stages; comprehension, absorption, and pious deeds.

Allah mentions the “Ihsa'an” with parents immediately after emphasizing Tauheed which shows the importance of good behavior with parents.

Indecency is a mufti-facet term. It can be patent (public) or private(latent). The acts we commit inside our homes where none can see us are more important. It may include adultery or any prohibitive acts like seeing obscene pictures, reading books filled with obscenity etc. For this reason the Ayah is emphasizing that even do not go near the obscenity which may lead to the greater sins like adultery etc.

Allah is prohibiting murder of innocent human beings. In Surah al-Ma'idah Ayah 32 says, “We made it a law for the children of Is'rail that the killing of a person for reasons other than lawful reprisal or for stopping the evil in the land, is as great a sin as murdering all of mankind.”

The most delicate members of society are the orphans who have lost their fathers and are susceptible to adverse treatment by other members of the society. It is one of the Great Sins to manipulate and misuse orphan's property In Surah al-Nisa Ayah 10 states, “Those who wrongfully consume the property of orphans are, in fact, consuming fire in their bellies and they will suffer the blazing fire.”

Islam encourages justice and fairplay in Muslim society. Hence it orders its followers to be judicious in weighing the commodities correctly and sell fairly for the agreed price. Prophet Shu'aib warned his people about the dishonest weighing and measurement in Surah Hud Ayah 84 saying, “To the people of Madyan We sent their brother Shu'ayb, who told them, “My people,worship Allah; He is your only Lord. Do not be dishonest in your weighing and measuring. I can see you are safe and prosperous, but I am afraid for you of the overwhelming torment of the (appointed) day.” Similarly, Sura Rahman Ayah 9 states, “Therefore, maintain just measure and do not transgress against the Balance.”

Allah is warning to be just in our word. For example if we are required to testify even against our relatives, always speak the truth!, promises must be kept with Allah or others. We should respect our words.

In Surah al-Hamd, we recite 10 times in daily salaat saying, “Guide us to the straight path.” Allah is saying in the above Ayah that it is His path which is straight. It is to attain piety in this world.

Source used:

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

SECRET OF SUCCESS IN THE TWO WORLDS

It is one of the limitless mercy and kindness of Allah (s.w.t.) that He had created Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) as a guide and role model for the humanity! In order to achieve a peaceful and fuller life in this world and attain the intercession of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Ahlul Bayt (a.s), one should love them. Naturally, when we (humans) love, we try to emulate our lover in every possible way. Consequently, when we love Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), we should examine their lives minutely and follow their directives. God-wariness and piety is the corner-stone of their love. In reply to a question by Ja'bir Jaufi, Imam Baqir (a.s.) said, “Only the person who is God-wary and obeys Him is our Shi'a. Whoever obeys God will be our friend and whoever disobeys God will be our enemy” Imam Baqir (a.s.) told Fudayl, “Guard your tongue and restrain yourself from commiting sins. Be patient and perform your prayers for God is with the patient.”

Surah al-Shu'ra Ayah 23 says, “(Muhammad) Say, I do not ask of you any reward for it except the affection for (my) relatives.” In both the Sunni and Shia books, the word “relatives” refers to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)”. Moreover, the word “affection” (Mawaddat) is love coupled with obedience. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Everything has a foundation, and the foundation of Islam is to love us, the Ahlul Bayt.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “By God, no one will love us unless God has purified his heart.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “God has promised me not to accept the faith of a servant except by the love of my Ahlul Bayt.” Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Truly, the Prophet promised me that only believers will love me and the hypocrites will dislike me.”

The effects and requirements of loving Ahlul Bayt (a.s.):

1. The Ahlul Bayt said: Whoever loves us will act like us.”
2. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Whoever loves our friends, loves us.”
3. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “If along with the love for us, a person loves our enemies, he is not one of us.”
4. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Whoever loves us should be prepared for various calamities.”
5. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Whoever disregards a Muslim disregards us and has insulted God.”
6. Happiness at the moment of death.
7. A follower of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) who had restrained himself from all sins, supported by the Imams at the time of death, will be protected from any punishment in the Hereafter.
8. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “If a person who loves us makes a mistake, in his next step he will be guided until the Day of Judgment when Allah will rescue him.”
9. A person who loves Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) will strive to purify his soul and will endeavor to attain virtues and righteous deeds to get closer to them.
10. Resurrection with Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Surah al-Nisa Ayah 69 says, “Whoever obeys God and the Apostle, they are with those whom God has blessed, including the prophets and the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous, and excellent companions are they.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Whoever loves us, the Ahlul Bayt, for the sake of God, will be resurrected with us.”
11. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrated a story that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) on his journey came down from his camel and prostrated five times and resumed the journey. On inquiry, he explained that Gebra'il informed him that Imam Ali (a.s.) will be among the people of heaven and subsequently he was informed about Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Imam Hasan , Imam (a.s.) Husayn (a.s.), their lovers will be among the people of heavens. Hence he performed five prostrations.
12. The love of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) is the foundation of the eternal life that begins with a pleasant death, glad tidings from the angel of death, and the Munkar and Nakir, and will be taken to paradise like a bride is taken to her home.
13. Peace and tranquility in this world. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “ When the Ayah, 'Look! The hearts find rest in God's remembrance' (13:28) was revealed, the Prophet said that this is not merely for those who sincerely loved God, but also His Messenger, and the Ahlul Bayt; he also loves the believers both in their presence and their absence.”

Sources used: The Glorious Qur'an, Love for the Ahlul Bayt by Allama Husayn Ansariyan

HAZRAT BU ALI SHAH QALANDAR (R.A.)

His name was Shaikh Sharafudeen but generally known as “Bu Ali Shah Qalandar” His lineage goes back to one of the four schools of fiqh of Muslims; imam Abu Hanifa. He was born in Panipat, India in 600 A.H. Other reports say that he was born in Ganja, Azerbaijan, former Russian federation.

He was Sufi scholar and as the fact is that all Sufi connections culminate to the Commander of the Faithful, the Chief of Sufis, the Gateway of Knowledge, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.).

He is reported to be praying and meditating a lot; even he used to stand in water for several days. It is said that one day he was meditating, he heard a voice saying, “Sharafudeen, we granted your prayer, say, what do you want?” He replied, “I need none save you.” It is reported that a saint picked him up from water and put him on the soil. It is reported that the saint was the Chief of Sufis, Imam Ali (a.s.) himself. From that day on he was called “Bu Ali Shah Qalandar”

There is another legend that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) visited him in his dream and asked him for his wish. The Qalandar requested for the vilayat to which he (s.a.w.a.s.) replied that Imam Ali was the last Vali. The Qalandar asked for at least the fragrance of Imam Ali (a.s.) which was granted. Hence, from that time he was called “Bu (Fragrance) Ali Qalandar”

It is reported that he received spiritual training from the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.)

He stayed in Panipat, India and spread Islam. The Rajputs living around were the main beneficiaries of his efforts.

He wrote his famous couplet as under:

                                                  Hayderium, Qalandaram, Mustam

                                                  Banda-e-Murtaza Ali Hastum

                                                  Peshwa-e-Tamam Rindan Num

                                                  Kay Sage-Kuo-e-Sher-e-Yazdan Num

Meaning

                                                  I am Hayderi (a follower of Haider, Imam Ali), I am a Qalandar, and I am                                                     intoxicated (with inspiration)

                                                  I am a devote of Murtaza Ali (Imam Ali)

                                                  I am a leader of all Saints

                                                  Because I am a dog of the lane of Allah's Lion (Imam Ali)

One of the hundreds of names of Imam Ali (a.s.) was “Asadullah” Lion of Allah

He died on Ramazan 17, 724 A.H. His tomb is in Panipat, India.

Sources used :

Qalandaria.blogspot.com, Noormahal.in/bu ali shah qalandar, auliasworld.com

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.)

It is difficult to circumvent the characteristics of the person who received the last Message of Allah to whom Allah praises by saying, “Wa Innaka La Ala Khuluqin Azeem” “You have attained a great moral standard”(68:05)

“Wa Ma Arsalnaka Illah Rahmatan LilA'alameen” “(Muhammad), We have sent for no other reason but to be a mercy for mankind.” (21:107)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) while still a young boy, did not like to sit idle and wanted to share responsibilities while living with Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and he shepherd his sheep. He encouraged Muslims to work and said, “ Worship consists of seventy parts, the best of which consists of which is to earn a livelihood by lawful means. The supplication of one who sits at home and who asks Allah for provision without working is not answered.” When praying he always said, “O Allah! I take refuge in you from idleness, laziness.”

While working for Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) on trading trips, he always observed justice and equity and avoided telling lies and fraud.

He became well-known for his truthfulness and honesty. They called him al-Sadiq (the truthful) and al-Amin (the trustworthy). During his prophetic mission, the Quraysh opposed him but still entrusted him with his goods. On the night of Migration to Madina, he ordered Imam Ali (a.s.) to stay in Makkah to return the things people had entrusted him to the owners.

He was very much concerned about the rights of poor and oppressed people and strive hard to reinstate their rights.

He was completely against slavery, by his mature reason and sound conscience that all human beings are alike in the fundamental nature and talents, but could not change the thousand year old custom. He advised the masters and the slaves to regard one another as brothers. He began convincing them that they were all from the same race and were created from clay! He said, “Whites have no natural privilege over blacks. Slaves are your brother. You should feed them of what you eat, dress them of what you dress. Do not ask them to do things beyond their capacity and help them do things. All your men and all your women are servants of Allah, and He is the True Master of all.” Later on, he paved the way for freeing of the slaves by giving different incentives of granting them a reward.

He was interested in cleanliness of body and clothes from his childhood. He was fond of perfume. He possessed excellent manners and social behavior. He was careful to greet every one first, even the slaves and the children. While being addressed, he did not interrupt the speaker and treated his associates in such a manner that the associate would go away thinking himself to be the dearest person to the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He did not speak unnecessarily, spoke slowly and clearly and never used bad language.

He was a perfect model of modesty and shyness. He never got annoyed at anyone's behavior but on occasions, but annoyance might appear on his face. He never used to complain or object. He frequently visited the sick and participated in funeral processions. He did not allow anyone to speak against anyone else except for pleading for justice.

He always overlooked the maltreatment and disrespect shown towards him. He did not hold grudge against anyone and never sought to take revenge. He readily pardoned any mistreatment of his sacred person, but he did not disregard those who violated the limits of the divine law.

He judged the people's actions on the following statement, “Actions are judged according to intentions and everyone will be recompensed according to what he intends.”

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur'an, A Glimpse of the Character Traits of the Holy Prophet by Sayyid Abul Fadl