BIRTH OF THE KING OF MARTYRS - THE INFALLIBLE IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)

The Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.) was born on 3^rd Sha’baan 4H in Madinah. His father was the Lion of Allah, the Conqueror of Khyber, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.). His mother was the Chief of the Women of the world, Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.).

The Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Umme Ayman told the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) that she dreamed that a part of his (s.a.w.a.s.) body was thrown in her house. He (s.a.w.a.s.) told her that Sayyida Fatima will give birth to al-Husayn (a.s.) and she will bring the new born to him (s.a.w.a.s.).” Safia binte Abdul Muttalib, Asma binte Umays and Umme Salama were also present when Imam Husayn (a.s.) was born. Arch Angel Jib’raeel descended and informed the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to name the new born as “al-Husayn”. Al-Husayn is the Arabic version of the old Hebrew name of “Shabbir”, which was the name of Prophet Haroun’s second son. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said Azan and Iqama in the new born’s ears. Imam Husayn (a.s.) was not nursed by anyone; instead, he suckled the tongue of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) until he grew old enough to eat. Consequently, his characteristics were the same as his grandfather the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). After seven days, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) shaved new born’s head and gave the weight of his hair as charity.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) cried on the birth of Imam Husayn (a.s.). When Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) asked, what was the reason of his crying, he (s.a.w.a.s.) informed her that the baby will achieve martyrdom, but consoled her by adding that Allah will create a nation who will mourn Imam Husayn (a.s.) till the Day of Judgment.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Husaino Minni wa Ana Minal Husayn ““Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn” As for the first part of the Tradition that Husayn is from me, clearly refers to the fact that Husayn is from the Noble Messenger as he was the grandfather, but the other part “I am from Husayn” needs some explanation. He was talking about Islam, the Deen which was assigned to him, it was duty to propagate and protect Islam. He was forecasting that soon after his death, Imam Husayn will save Islam when the hypocrites will try to distort Islamic values.

Khawaja Moinuddin Chishty Ajmeri (r.a.) later rightly explained this Tradition as follows:

               Husayn is the king, indeed he is the king of kings * Husayn is Deen and the protector                    of Deen

               He gave his head but not his hand of allegiance in hand of Yazid * Indeed he was the                    founder of Unity of God

Allah commanded Jib’raeel to descend upon the earth with a thousand angels to congratulate His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) on the birth of Imam Husayn (a.s.). As Jib’raeel was passing by an island where an angel Fitrus was banished by Allah. When Fitrus heard that they were going to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), he requested Jib’raeel to take him also. Once in the presence of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Fitrus requested for help and he (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered Fitrus to touch his body with Imam Husayn (a.s.). As soon as Fitrus touched Imam Husayn (a.s.) he regained his wings and flew away saying, “Who is like me? For I am the freed one of Husayn (a.s.).”

According to Allama Mjlisi (r.a.), in Bihar-ul-Anwar volume 36, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “I swear by the One who sent me as Prophet with Truth that the remembrance of Husayn (a.s.) is greater in the Heavens than it is on earth. On the right of God’s Throne, he (Imam Husayn) is written as ‘The Lamp of Guidance and the Ship of Salvation.”

Sources: Fatima, the Gracious by Abu Muhammad Ordoni, Story of the Holy Kaaba by S.M.R.Shabbar, Imam-US.org, Nafasul Muhimma by Shaikh Abbas Qummi, Ziaraat.com

ADVENT (BE' SAT) OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.)

Advent (Be ‘sat) of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was the occasion when the Omnipotent Allah (s.w.t.) sent the Arch-Angel Gabriel to Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) in the cave of Hira near Makkah. Gabriel brought the first 5 Ayahs of Surah al-Alaq which says, “(Muhammad), read in the name of your Lord Who created (all things). He created man from a clot of blood. Recite! Your Lord is most Honorable One, Who by the pen taught the human being: He taught the human being what he did not know.” It was the 27^th Rajab 40^th year of Elephant (610 C.E.). This was the start of the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an which continued for 23 years. Hence, the Divine Mission began to proclaim the Unity of Allah and the equality of mankind.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s prophet hood was planned by Allah (s.w.t.) long before his birth in the world and a covenant was obtained from all prophets as stated in Surah Al-Imran Ayah 81, “When Allah made a covenant with the Prophets, saying, “When I give you the Book and wisdom and a Messenger comes to you who will testify to the guidance which you have received from Me, you must believe in him and help him,“ He then asked them, “Do you affirm and accept my covenant?” They replied, “Yes, we affirm it.” The Lord said, “Then bear witness to this and I shall bear witness with you.”

His (s.a.w.a.s.) wife Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) was the first to testify his truth followed by his cousin Ali (a.s.).

There is some misconception in certain quarters that he (s.a.w.a.s.) was awarded prophet hood at the age of 40 years. This is incorrect. According to Ibn Abbas, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) himself said, “I was a prophet even when Adam was between clay and water.” (al-Tabarani, al-Mujjam al-Kabir, al-Khasa’is al-Kubra v. 1 page 4). At another place he said, “Allah created my light first” (Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari in al-Qastalani volume 1 page 5,9,10). Allah said to the light of Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), “It is because of you that I am going to create the earth and the skies, lay down reward and punishment, and bring into being the Garden and the Fire. Then the tradition goes on to speak about Ahlal Bayt” (al-Masudi in Maruju’dh-dhahb, also in famous Hadees-e-Kissa’)

Hence, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was a born prophet. He was among the people of Makkah for 40 years and by his matchless character, the infidels gave him the title of “Truthful” and “Trust-worthy”. He spent most of his time in Mount Hira in meditation and solitude. No one could go there except Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) and the young Imam Ali (a.s.) the Commander of the Faithful.

Surah al-Hijr Ayah 94, “Preach what have been commanded to and stay away from the pagans.” Surah al-Muddaththir Ayah 1 to 3, “O Cloaked one, stand up, deliver your warning, proclaim the greatness of your Lord.”

Initially, he invited people to Islam secretly. After three years, he was commanded by Allah to openly spread the word of Unity of Allah in Surah al-Shu’ra Ayah 214, “Warn your close relatives.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) told the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) about the Divine Command and asked him to arrange for the first feast in the Islamic history called “Dawat-e-Zul’Ashirah” which was held in the house of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the Guardian and the Protector of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an, imamreza.net, al-muntazar, Life of Muhammad by Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM MUSA AL-KAZIM (A.S.)

Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.) was born at Abwa-between Makkah and Madinah on 7^th Safar 128 A.H. His parents were the Infallible Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) and Hazrat Hamida (s.a.). His matchless devotion and worship of Allah had earned him the title of “al-Abd as Saleh” (virtuous slave of Allah). Generosity was synonymous with his name which continued even after his Martyrdom. His additional title is “Babul Hawa’ij” (the door to fulfilling needs).

He passed twenty years of his sacred life under the patronage of his sacred father. His inherent genius and gifted virtues combined with the enlightened guidance of Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) reflected in the manifestation of his future personality. Allama Majlisi narrates that once Abu Hanifa came to ask some religious questions from Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.). As he was sleeping, Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.), who was five years old at that time, came out to see him. After offering him his best compliments, he asked the young Imam (a.s.): “O Son of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)! What is your opinion about the deeds of a man? Does he himself do it or does God makes him, do it?”

The young Imam replied at once, in the typical tone of his ancestors, “The deeds of a man are confined to three possibilities. First, that God alone do them while the man is completely helpless. Second, that both God and man equally share the commitment. Third, that man does them alone. If the first assumption is true then it shows the unjustness of God, Who punishes His creatures who did not commit the sins by their free will. In case of second scenario, God is still unjust because He is equally responsible for the sin. Because God can never be unjust, hence the first two scenarios are out of question. Now only the third scenario is left in a which man is completely responsible for his deeds.

His period of Imamate was 35 years. For the first decade, he discharged his spiritual responsibilities of his sacred office and propagated the Golden Teachings of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). But thereafter, the kings made his life miserable and being afraid of the people’s love for Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.), they placed him in various prisons. He had seen the reigns of Mansur ad-Dawaniqi, al-Mahdi and Harun ar-Rasheed. Mansur and Harun were the despotic kings who killed numerous innocent descendants of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.).

Ibne Hajar al-Haytami said: “The patience and forbearance of the Imam (a.s.) was such that he was given the title of “al-Kazim” (one who swallows his anger).” He devoted his nights in the prayer of God and days in fasting. He always forgave those who did wrong to him.

The kings of Banu Umayyad and Banu Abbas were aware that the leadership of Muslim Ummah rightly belonged to the Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) and they were the usurpers of their rights. Hence every king tried by all possible means to undermine their status, keep them away from the Muslim populace. Consequently, they were subjected to oppression, imprisonment and outright use of military power at the time of the Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.)

Harun’s conspiracy against the Imam (a.s.): Harun sent his minister, Yahya Barmaki, to the Imam a week before his Martyrdom; this message was in a soft and nice tone: “Send my regards to my cousin and tell him it has been proven to us that you have committed no sin and are blame- less. However, I have unfortunately made an oath and cannot break my word. I have made an oath not to free you before you have confessed to sinning and ask me for forgiveness. No one needs to know. It is enough if you confess in the presence of Yahiya and say, ‘I am sorry I have breached and I want the caliph to forgive me.’ I will then set you free.” The Imam (a.s.) replied to Yahya Barmaki: “Tell Harun that there is not much left of my life and that is it!” The Imam (a.s.) was poisoned after a week and was martyred on 25^th Rajab 183 A.H.

Bishr Hafi and the Imam (a.s.): One day, the Imam (a.s.) was passing through the alleys of Baghdad. The sounds of music were exploding from a house. Incidentally, one of the servants came out to empty garbage. The Imam (a.s.) asked the servant: “Does this house belong to a free man or a slave?” The servant replied:” This is the house of Bishr Hafi, one of the authorities and aristocrats, of course he is a free man.” The Imam replied: “Yes, it must belong to a free man. If he was enslaved, all these noises would not be coming out of his house.” Bishr asked the servant: “What took you so long?” The servant described the whole conversation. Bishr realized that he must be Imam Musa ibn Jafer (a.s.). He asked the servant in which direction the Imam (a.s.) went, and although he was bare-footed, he ran in the direction and threw himself at the feet of the Imam (a.s.) and said: “Maula, from this very hour I want to be Allah’s slave.”

This news reached Harun. That is why he felt threatened, and said to the Imam: “Basically, your presence (Imam al-Kazim) is sin in my view.”

Safwan Jammal and Harun: Safwan Jammal was an influential businessman dealing in renting the camels. One day, Harun wanted to go on a trip to Makkah, and signed a contract with Safwan for renting the huge fleet of camels. Safwan was also one of the followers and the companions of Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.). When he came to see the Imam (a.s.), he showed his displeasure over the deal. Safwan sold away the business right away. When Harun came to know about it, he summoned Safwan and wanted to know the real reason for the sale. Harun said that he knew that the Imam (a.s.) had influenced his decision. Harun threatened that because of the long relations with Safwan and his family he was leaving him alone, otherwise, he would have killed Safwan.

Sayings of the Imam (a.s.):

No charity is superior than to giving a helping hand to the weak.

Never bother to learning something not knowing of which does not do you any harm, and never neglect to learn something whose negligence will increase your ignorance.

Moderation is half of the livelihood.

Amicability is half of the intelligence.

Hastiness is the true clumsiness.

The one whose two days are equal is a loser.

Never be an arrogant, for one who has even a little arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise.

Make piety your ship to sail safely, faith its cargo, trust in Allah its sails, and intellect its sailor, knowledge its guide, and patience its passengers.

Dua reverts what has been destined and what has not been destined.

A man asked about “conviction”, the Imam replied: “The conviction is to depend upon Allah, submit to Him, consent to His acts, and entrust Him with the affairs.

Sources used:

A Survey into the lives of The Infallible Imams                               by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari

Brief History of the Fourteen Infallibles                                           by Al-Islam.org

Living Right Way                                                                              by Ayatullah Jawad Tehrani

Sayings of Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.)                                             by Ali Moula.com

TIME AND LIFE IS THE SAME

The Glorious Qur'an warns that life on this earth is very short and Allah had created human being to worship Him (for ibadah). Worship means having faith in Allah's Unity and Justice, the Prophet hood of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), theVilaya (Imamate) of Imam Ali (a.s.), and the Day of Accounting or Resurrection. We should sincerely follow the Commands of Allah in the Glorious Qur'an as directed and demonstrated by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) himself and interpreted by the Twelve Imams after the apparent demise of the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.).

The concept of accounting on the Day of Resurrection is the foundation of Islam.

The life and time is the same thing. As Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “O' man! You are the collection of stipulated

breathes and each breath reduces your life span and become nearer to your death.” He further said, “How quickly the hours pass into a day, and the days quickly pass into a month, the months quickly pass into year and the years pass into the age of a man.” (Shrah Nahjul Balagha by Ibne Abil Hadid Mu’tazeli)

Imam Ali (a.s.) had said in Nahjul Balagha, “The days of life passes like clouds, so do virtuous deeds while you are alive. Death is near and our mutual company is short.”

To salvage the lost time, Imam Ali said, “What passed from your day is gone but your present moment can be seized. Make use of the opportunity and never trust time.”

It has been expressed in another way as the maximum length of a man is zero when he is born, and as days pass his age goes on decreasing.

Upon inquiry, the Infallible Imam Ali ibnal Husayn Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) replied that he hoped for eight qualities; Pray to Allah to fulfil his obligations, long life for my children, strength for the children, protection from lust, safety from sins by Shaytan’s instigation, endeavor for sincerity in charitable deeds, prepare the soul for the angel of death, body in the grave.”

In Islam, the importance of time has been emphasized as there are many Surahs named in the Glorious Qur'an like al-Asr, al-Layl, al-Fajr, al-Zuha,.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) advised his great companion Abu Zarr Ghifari as follows:

“Be greedier, in terms of your time (life time) more than that of your gold and silver coins (wealth). There are two blessings seriously taken for granted (misused) by mankind, health and spare time.”

He also said, “Appreciate five things before five others; youth before old age, health before illness, wealth before poverty, spare time before challenging work, and life before death. “He further said, “Men in their forties are already achieved their professional peak; men in their fifties should consolidate in piety; men in their sixties should be ready to account for the deeds and have no more excuses; and the men in their seventies should always be ready for death.” He (s.a.w.a.s.) advised the people that although the record of deeds is closed upon one’s death but the deceased man can extend his life by three possibilities; leave some intellectual and scholarly work from which mankind continue to benefit from his work; Sadaqa-e-Ja’ria like building a mosque, drilling a well for water for the community, and a pious son or daughter who will pray for him and send other virtuous deeds for the benefit of his soul.

The Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim said, “Divide your day into four parts; one part for supplications with Allah; one part to search for sustenance; one part for socializing with your friends and your relatives; and the last part for enjoying the lawful pleasures.” (Tuhfatul Uqul)                                     

BIRTH OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL IMAM ALI (A.S.) IN SACRED KA'BA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources used:

Imamreza Network, The birth of Ali Ibn Abi Talib by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy, WIKIPEDIA

THE QUALITIES OF A SHIA OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL IMAM ALI (A.S.)

The renowned Shia scholar Shaikh Saduq (r.a.) had compiled a book named “Sifat ush-Shia” meaning the Qualities of Shia. Jabir al-Jufi narrated from the Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.), who said, “O Ja’bir! Do you think that it is sufficient for those who claim being a Shia to say that they cherish us; the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s Household?

By Allah I swear, our Shias are only those who fear and obey Allah. Their signs are:

Modesty

Submission

Fulfilment of the Trust

Very much reference to Allah (Zikr of Allah)

Fasting (not restricted to only obligatory fasting)

Offering Prayers (not restricted to obligatory prayers only)

Piety to their parents

Helping the Neighbors, specially the poor and destitute

Helping the indebted and orphans

Truthfulness

Reciting the Glorious Qur’an

Avoid mentioning people except for praising them

Most Trustworthy

Jabir said, “O son of Allah’s Messenger, we do not know anyone who bear such characters.” The Imam said, “No Jabir, do not misunderstand the matter. It is not enough for a man to claim that he loves and follows Imam Ali (a.s.). As a matter of fact, if he claims that he loves the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), who is preferable to Imam Ali (a.s.) but he does not follow the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s traditions and does not act upon his (s.a.w.a.s.) instructions, such claim of love will be definitely useless. Hence, you should fear Allah and work for the cause of obtaining that which He has in possession. There is no relation between Allah and anybody. The most favorable and honorable servants of Allah are the most God-fearing and the most pious.

O Jabir, the only means through which a servant seeks to gain Allah’s favor is the obedience to Him. We, the Prophet’s Household, do not carry a patent for saving from Hell. Likewise, none of you has a claim against Allah. He who obeys Allah is only our disciple and whoever disobeys Him is our enemy. The loyalty to us cannot be gained except by means of diligent work and piety.”

Source:

               Sifat ul-Shia by Shaikh Saduq (r.a.)