THE KING OF MARTYRS - IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)'S MIGRATION FROM MADINAH TO MAKKAH

In the history of Islam, there is no instance when any Infallible Imam (a.s.) had ever attacked first on any suspected enemy in either open encounter or from a hiding place. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) never attacked an enemy who was disarmed or unable to defend himself. He gave clear instructions to the Muslims in the light of the Glorious Qur’an, never to attack women, children, disabled, sick or one who run away from the battlefield. This principle saved the lives of Abu Sufiyan and Muawiya who ran away from the battlefield during their fight against the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The King of Martyrs Imam Husayn (a.s.) followed his grandfather and father during the entire course of events leading to the greatest tragedy in human history-Karbala. During this period, many of his friends offered to accompany him, the Imam dissuaded them saying that Yazid was after his blood.

The Makkans received him with great love and reverence and gathered around him for guidance. The Imam’s chief aim was to train people to be pious and God-fearing and strictly follow the Islamic practices. While he was still in Madinah, he had received hundreds of letters from Kufans, which increased to 12,000 after the death of Muawiya. They complained about the oppressive, vicious and merciless killing of innocent people by the governor of Basra, Ibn Ziyad. The letters emphasized that they were left without an Imam, and as the Imam of the time it was incumbent upon him to come to the rescue of the oppressed and to render justice, and if he failed to do so, he would be responsible before God.

Imam Husayn (a.s.) replied to their appeals and told them that he was sending his trusted cousin Muslim bin Aqil to let him know the real affairs in Kufa and that the people were unanimously petitioned that they were without an Imam for guidance. Further he was not planning to come as a conqueror but as an Imam fettered by the chains of Divine laws to act justly and righteously. He was not an opportunist to empower himself with the support of the disgruntled and impatient masses.

At Mina, Imam Husayn (a.s.) gave a sermon: “You are fully aware of the tyranny and oppression of Mu’awiya and Yazid. By God and the close relationship between me and the Messenger of Allah, I ask you to bear witness to what I shall say, and to write it down and propagate my speech to everyone in your city. I apprehend that the truth will be buried and falsehood will be made to prevail. Is not Muhammad the Messenger of Allah? Is not Fatima the only child of the Prophet and Chief of the women in Paradise? Is not Ali the cousin and deputy of the Prophet? Have you not heard that the Prophet say, when he created brother hood between his followers that Ali was a brother to him like Aron was to Moses? Am I not the son of Ali and Fatima? Have you not heard that the Prophet say that I and my brother Hasan are the masters of the youth in Paradise? Is it true that when the Prophet constructed the mosque, he had all the doors closed except the one leading to the house of Ali and Fatima, and when Umar wanted to open a chink in the wall of his house so that he could peep into the mosque, the Prophet sternly forbid it? Is it true that on the day of Mubahaila with the Christians, the Prophet took my mother Fatima to represent women, my father Ali to represent men and I and my brother Hasan to represent the children of the Prophet? This the Prophet did in accordance with what was revealed to him by God. Have you not heard the Prophet say that ‘Fatima, Ali, Hasan and Husayn are from me and I am from them’ and ‘they are my Ahlul Bayt’? Have you not heard the Prophet say that’one who loves my Ahlul Bayt loves me and one who loves me loves Allah, and he who opposes my Ahlul Bayt opposes me and one who opposes me oppose Allah’?” The people said, “We affirm the truthfulness of what you said.”

The Imam (a.s.) said, “I make it obligatory on all of you gathered here to repeat all what you have heard from me now, to your kith and kin, friends and acquaintances, in villages, towns and cities and wherever you find two believers gathered in one place.” 

  

            Source: The Hidden Truth about Karbala by A.K. Ahmed

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

The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) was the fifth divinely appointed leader (Imam) of the Muslims. He (a.s.) was the son of the Infallible Imam Ali Zain-al-Abidin (a.s.), son of the Infallible the King of Martyrdom Imam Husayn (a.s.), son of the Conqueror of Khyber, the Gateway of Knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). His mother was Sayyida Fatima Umm Abdullah, daughter of the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.).

The Divine scheme was to appoint Infallible Imams after the termination of Prophet hood. It started with the birth of Imam Ali (a.s.) in the Holy Ka’ba, a unique distinction not accorded to any human being, not even a Prophet. Imam Ali was raised by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and was formally appointed a vicegerent at the “Feast of Zul’Ashirah” when young Imam Ali (a.s.) vowed to support him and complied with that promise throughout his life. He (a.s.) defended Islam and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). When the Prophetic mission was nearing completion, at the Pond of Khum, the Divine reminder was communicated by the Ayah 67 of Surah al-Ma’idah, “O Messenger, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord…”. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) responded and appointed Imam Ali (a.s.) his vicegerent in front of more than 120,000 pilgrims.

The members of this “Golden Chain” never sought the worldly position. Allah has provided the option to the human beings and the mankind has to pick up the right and virtue as mentioned in Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 256, “There is no compulsion in religion. Certainly, right has become clearly distinct from wrong.” The worldly kings were all along jealous and afraid of the divinely appointed Imams as the Muslims were attracted towards them and they in turn continued to guide the Muslims.

During the period of Walid bin Abdul Malik, the Byzantine currency was in use and they decided to issue a new currency with a phrase which was considered derogatory to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) advised the king to issue a new coin with a statement “La Ilaha Illallah” on one side and “Muhammad Rasool Allah” on the other side of the coin. It was unanimously approved by all and for the first time an Islamic coin was minted.

During the period of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, he stopped the tradition started by Muawiya ibn Abu Sufiyan of cursing Imam Ali (a.s.) from the pulpits of Muslim empire! It is an irony of fate that the person who was treated as “Nafse Rasool” in Surah al-Imran Ayah 61, “If any one disputes after knowledge has come to you, say, “Let us bring our sons and you bring your sons, bring our women and you bring your women, bring ourselves and you bring your selves and curse the liars.” He was cursed by the order of Muawiya bin Abu Sufiyan!

Similarly, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz wept in the presence of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) for the injustice inflicted upon Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and returned the Territory of Fadak to him. It was from the revenue of the lands and orchards of Fadak that the Imam opened schools in Madinah wherein thousands of students came to learn the Glorious Qur’an and its true and correct meaning along with the Hadiths. It is reported by many historians that during the life time of the Imam (a.s.) about 25,000 students graduated from these schools and about 400 books of Hadiths were compiled under the Imam (a.s.)’s guidance.

As it happened with other divinely appointed leaders (Imams), the Umayyad king Hisham bin Abdul Malik skillfully arranged to poison the Imam in the saddle of the horse he was riding. He was martyred on 7 Zilhijja 114 A.H. and was laid to rest in Jannat-ul-Baqi in Madinah al-Munawara.

SAYINGS OF IMAM MUHAMMAD BAQIR (A.S.): “Our followers are of three kinds, one who follows us but depends on others, one who is like a glass involved in his own reflections, but the best are those who are like gold, they more they suffer the more they shine.”

“I admonish you regarding five things; if you are wronged, do not commit wrong doing to others, if you are betrayed, do not betray anyone, if you are called a liar, do not be furious, if you are praised, do not be jubilant, if you are criticized, do not fret and think of what is said in criticism, if you find in yourself what is criticized about you, then you are falling down in the eyes of God; when you are furious about the truth, it is much greater calamity then your falling down in the eyes of the people. And if you are opposite of what is said (in criticism) about you, then it is a merit you acquired without having to tire in obtaining it.”

Source: Story of the Holy Ka’ba and its people by S.M.R.Shabbar

THE MARRIAGE OF THE UNIQUE FATIMA (S.A.) AND ALI (A.S.)

Allah had gifted Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) the intellectual maturity and integrity of conduct. Her religious faculties and literary knowledge was matchless. History has not witnessed any other woman who has achieved the supreme knowledge and social graces that she achieved although she did not attend any school other than the school of Revelation under the sacred guidance of her father, the Noble Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.s.)

One year after the Migration to Madinah, the proposals of marriage for Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) began to be received by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) who politely refused saying that it was the will of Allah and he was awaiting Allah’s decree in that regard.

Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) was the model of Prophet’s teachings for women just as the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the perfect embodiment of Islamic teachings and the supreme and matchless masculine and noble qualities he possessed. They were the most suitable couple to be united in the matrimonial bonds, but he was too modest to speak about it. After some persuasions from the companions, he finally went to the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)  and proposed for the marriage. He (s.a.w.a.s.) discussed it with Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) saying: “Fatima, you know Ali ibne Abi Talib’s relationship with us; his devotion and faithfulness to Islam. I asked Allah to give you in marriage to the best of His creatures, and the most beloved to Him; and Ali has declared his wish to marry you; what do you say?” She (s.a.) did not reply, nor did she show any signs of rejection or resentment, so He (s.a.w.a.s.) stood up and said “Allah is the greatest! Her silence is her approval”. He inquired from Imam Ali (a.s.) about his material standing for the wedding. As this marriage was be remembered and will be of profound influence for generations to come. Imam Ali (a.s.) replied that he owned a sword, a shield and a camel. As advised by him (s.a.w.a.s.), he sold his shield of armor for 500 Dirham and brought the money to him (s.a.w.a.s.) who added similar amount and asked his companions to buy household goods to setup home for this Unique Family.

Ahmad Ibne Yousuf Ad-Demishqi and other narrators of traditions report that Sayyida Fatima said to her father “I ask you to kindly give the dowry back and supplicate to Allah, to make my dowry the right to intercede for the sinners of Muslim Ummah” It showed her greatness, honor and excellence of the Lady of Paradise.The marriage was solemnized by the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) himself and after the marriage the couple moved to a separate house next to the Masjid-al-Nabavi.

Ibne Ta’uoos narrates that he (s.a.w.a.s.) had purchased a new dress for her wedding. On her wedding night, a needy person knocked at the door and requested for any old clothes. She (s.a.) was about to give her old dress with patches on it, when she remembered the Qur’anic verse of Surah al-Imran Ayah 92 “You can never have extended virtue and righteousness unless you spend part of what you dearly love”. She gave the poor man her wedding dress. Consequently, the Jibra’il descended and said, “O Muhammad, Allah sends His blessings to you; He commanded me to greet Fatima and give her the gift He sent her which is a dress from Paradise, made of silk, and brocade.”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) asked Imam Ali (a.s.) to hold a feast as Allah is pleased with those who do so; for the social good it does: such as bringing people together and implementing love and harmony among Muslims.

When Imam Ali (a.s.) reached the mosque, he found it filled with hundreds of Muslims. Imam Ali’s generosity and nobility did not allow him to invite selected people. Hence, he invited everyone present in the mosque. Due to his (s.a.w.a.s.) presence, there was barakah in the food, hence not only everyone ate but he (s.a.w.a.s.) sent some of the food to the companion’s homes. Then he (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered his wives to prepare, perfume and assist her wear the special dress from Paradise.

Ibne Abbas narrates that when Sayyida Fatima was taken to Imam Ali’s house on the wedding night, the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) preceded her, Jibra’il was on her right side, and Meka’il was on left side and seventy thousand angels followed her. These angels praised and glorified Allah until dawn.Upon arriving, the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) gave Sayyida Fatima’s hand into Imam Ali’s hand and said “May Allah bless His Messenger’s daughter; Ali! This is Fatima, you are responsible for her. Ali! what an excellent wife Fatima is! Fatima, what an excellent husband Ali is! O Allah bless them, bless their lives, bless their children. O Allah, surely, they are the most beloved to me in Your creatures, so love them too, and assign for them a guardian. I place them and their progeny under your protection from the cursed devil”

This sacred marriage also took place at the fourth heaven when angels gathered and Allah ordered one of the angels named Rahil to ascend the Pulpit (Mimber) of Light and praise and glorify His Names. After enumerating His Mercy and Benevolence, he continued as “Allah, the Omnipotent king, chose the one who was bestowed with special Divine Honor, and the worshipper of His Greatness, for His worshipper, the Mistress of women, and the daughter of the best of Prophets, the Master of all Messengers, and the Imam of the pious; so He brought into relations  with a man from his kin, One who is his believing companion, and was prompt in answering his call- Ali the devout, with Fatima, the splendid and the daughter of the Messenger. “Then, Jibra’il added the following words on behalf of Allah: “Praise is My garment, Greatness is My Magnificence, All the creatures are My slaves, men and women. I give Fatima, My Worshipper in marriage to Ali My chosen worshipper. So, bear witness O My angels.” (Bihar ul Anwaar)

It is to be noted that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) performed the marriage ceremony in the mosque and announced the dowry. For the Dowry, he said “Avoid exaggerations in (the amounts of) dowries, because this causes enmity (between you)” Then he (s.a.w.a.s) also assigned the desirable practice of limiting the dowry to 500 Dirhams. He and the Infallible Imams never exceeded this amount of dowry in marriages.

Next day, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) visited the couple and asked Imam Ali (a.s.), “Ali how did you find your wife?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “The best companion in giving service to the Creator!”

Sources:

Fatima the Gracious by Abu Muhammad Ordoni

A Restatement of the History of Islam by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy

Fatima, the Daughter of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) by Yasin T. Jibouri

SALAAT-AL-AYAAT

Salaat-al-Ayaat is obligatory on every Muslim. “Ayah” means Sign. Abnormal and unusual celestial phenomena which may generate fear among the people requires the faithful to pray special Salaat called “Salaat-al-Ayaat”. It directs the Muslims towards the Almighty Allah, who created these heavenly bodies, rain and thunder.

Salaat-al-Ayat is required to be performed at the time of Solar or Lunar Eclipses, earthquakes, severe wind storms. It is imperative to perform this salaat as soon as the abnormal phenomena starts with the intention of “Ada”. If for some reasons it could not be performed on time, then as soon as possible thereafter it should be performed with the intention of “Qaza”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) guided the people when his son, Ibrahim died, it was a Solar Eclipse. The people speculated that because of the death of Prophet’s son, it caused Solar Eclipse. On hearing these comments, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) mounted the pulpit and said, “O People! The sun and the moon are the Signs of Allah. They run on the specified courses on His Command, and they are subservient to Him. Eclipses takes place irrespective of life or death of anyone. So, if there is a Solar or Lunar Eclipse, you offer the prayer.”

The Infallible Imam Jaffar as-Sadiq (a.s.) narrated that his father, the Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said, “Earthquakes, Solar and Lunar Eclipse, strong and dreadful winds, are among the Signs of the Day of Resurrection. Whenever you happen to witness them, think of the Day of Resurrection, seek refuge in the mosques, and stand in prayer.”   

Salaat-al-Ayaat is obligatory and should be recited during the life-time.

Methods of reciting Salaat-al-Ayaat:

1.It is two rak’a prayer like morning (Fajr) prayer. In each ra’at, there are five Roku’. After making intention (Niyyah) of offering salaat, one should say Takbir and then recite Surah al-Hamd and any other Surah and then bent into Roku’ and recite the Zikr. Thereafter, one should stand straight and recite Surah al-Hamd and any other Surah, then bent into Roku’ and recite the Zikr. Thereafter, one should stand straight and continue as stated above to complete five Roku’. One should proceed to prostrate two Sajda. After standing up, one should repeat the above procedure to perform five Roku’ and complete two sajda and finish the salaat.

2.Another way to perform the Salaat-al-Ayaat is to make intention of the salaat, say takbir then recite Surah al-Hamd. Then recite any other Surah but split in five parts. After completing one part, bent into Roku’, say the Zikr then stand up and recite other part of the Surah, bent into Roku’, say the Zikr then stand up and recite the third part and bent into Roku’. Complete the five parts of the other Surah as stated above then prostrate two sajda to complete first Rak’a. Stand up and repeat the procedure as performed in first Rak’a. Complete the second Rak’a and finish the salaat.

The prerequisites of performing regular obligatory salaat like purification, direction of Qibla and Zikr in Roku’, Qunoot, Sajda, Salaam and Tasha ‘Hud, are applicable in Salaat-al-Ayaat as well.

Salaat-al-Ayaat is obligatory whether it is partial or complete Eclipse.

Sources: Islamic Laws by Ayatollah Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani

               Salaat al-Ayaat by Hujjatul Islam Muhsin al-Qara’ati

               Prayer for the Signs-imamreza.net

SAYYIDA NAFISA - THE GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER OF IMAM HASAN (A.S.)

Sayyida Nafisa was the daughter of al-Hasan al-Anwar, the son of Hazrat Zayd, son of the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.). She is well-known for her worship, asceticism, narrating hadiths, generosity and memorization of the Glorious Qur’an. She was born in Madinah al-Munawara on 11 Rabi-ul-Awwal 145 A.H. Their house was near the house of the Infallible Imam Jaffar as-Sadiq (a.s.). She used to pray behind her father in Masjid-al-Nabawi at the age of six. She became well-known for her piety, fasting during the day and spending nights in prayers.

She was married at the age of 16 to her cousin Ishaq al-Mu’tamin, the son of the Infallible Imam Jaffar as-Sadiq (a.s.). It is said that initially, her father did not agree with the marriage, however, after a dream in which the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered him to agree with the marriage, he decided to accept the request. Ishaq al-Mu’tamin was famous for his piety, knowledge and reliability in narrating hadiths. He witnessed the Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.)’s last will to his son; the Infallible Imam Ali ar-Raza (a.s.). Because of his trustworthiness, he was called “al-Mu’tamin”. They had two children named al-Qasim and Umm Kulthum.

Sayyida Nafisa along with her father, migrated to Egypt in the year 193 A.H. When the people of Egypt heard about her arrival, they flocked to welcome her. According to “Nasikh al-Tawarikh”, she received profound respect and high status while people asked her for blessings.” She was over-whelmed by the substantial number of visitors in her modest house, and, she had no time for herself to pray and supplicate, she decided to leave Egypt. When people heard about her decision to leave, they approached the governor to arrange for her residence. The governor, al-Sirri bin al-Hakam, gifted a house to her, wherein she lived for the rest of her stay in Egypt.

She was so much attached to the Glorious Qur’an, it is said that she had read the Glorious Qur’an 1900 times. It is reported that she breathed her last while reciting the Ayah 127 of Surah al-An ‘am of the Glorious Qur’an, “They will live in peace with Allah. Allah protects them as a reward for their deeds; He is their Guardian.” She had performed 7 Hajj.  Because of the fear of God, she would have tears in her eyes. She fasted most of the days and prayed at nights. She had dug-up her own grave and used to recite the Glorious Qur’an and prayed in it!

Some of the writers have expressed their thoughts about her piety, knowledge and compliance to Allah’s directives:

Yafai Yamani said, “She was a virtuous, gracious and respectable woman”

Ibn Khallakan said, “She was skilled in narrating hadiths and some of the great scholars have quoted her.”

Saleh al-Wardani said, “She shed tears for fear of God, memorized Qur’an and was familiar with its Tafsir”

Some of the great scholars were her students e.g. Mohammad bin Idris al-Shafi’i, Ahamd bin Muhammad bin Hanbal, Dhul Nun al-Misri, Bushar bin Haritha. She financially supported Muhammad Idris Shafi’I for education.

Some of her extra-ordinary acts included curing the sick, saving the Egyptians and saving the River Niles from drought, preventing a ship from sinking, helping the poor, freeing a prisoner through intercession.

She passed away on the 1^st. Ramadan, 208 A.H. Her husband wanted to take her body to Madinah. The people requested him to bury her in Egypt and on receiving an order in the dream by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), he agreed to bury her in Egypt. A mausoleum was erected on her grave and even today, it is the most visited site.

Sources: WIKISHIA, WIKIPEDIA, MOSAIC, SUNNAH.ORG

NAFSE MUT'MAINNAH (SERENE SOUL)

The word “Nafs” and its derivatives were used 298 times in the Glorious Qur’an. Similarly, the word “Rooh” and its derivatives were used 57 times in the Glorious Qur’an.

Marxism has defined man as an animal and the life is limited to the satisfaction of the body only and there is no life after death! Unfortunately, half of humans believes in the Marxism.

In one of the philosophical outlooks of Islam, man is composed of three parts; the Physique, the Nafs and the Rooh.

The Physique or body which is dealt with in physiology and biology. Islam agrees with its approach.

The Nafs which is the man’s personality which encompass desires, sentiments, wishes, tendencies, and genetic characteristics. Nafs differ from person to person. The Rooh transform and evolves in the direction the Nafs acts day and night. On the Day of Judgment, the Nafs will be questioned. Surah Al-Imran Ayah 185 says, “Kullu Nafsin Za’eqatul Maut”, which means, “Every soul is destined to experience the agony of death.”

The Rooh is described in Surah Al-Isra’ Ayah 85, “They ask you about Spirit (Rooh). Say, ‘The Spirit comes by the command of my Lord. You have been given very little knowledge.” The Spirit is clean and innocent and it cannot err. Rooh has always appeared in the Glorious Qur’an as a singular. What distinguishes one man from another is Nafs. To improve the Nafs, it is essential to analyze and examine the Nafs. There are seven stages of Nafs:

Nafse Ammarah (Commanding Soul). It commands man to sin. It is lower than animals. Surah Al-Yousuf Ayah 53, “all human souls are susceptible to evil except for those to whom my Lord has granted mercy.” The Gateway of Knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “The Nafs is like a wild horse and you are riding upon him, if you move your attention for one second, he will throw you off.”

Nafse Lawwamah is the stage where if it commits a sin, its conscience criticizes the person and makes him sorry for the act. Most of the men in the world are at this stage. The Creator swears by the “Nafse Lawwamah” in Surah Al-Qiyamah Ayah 2, “and by the self-accusing soul”

Nafse Aqilah is the stage at which man thinks and reflects before any action and avoids extreme sentiments of desires.

Nafse Malhamah is the stage at which the person receives inspiration (Elham) from Allah (s.w.t.) by the development of virtuous and devotion to the Creator. Revelation or “Wahy” is the communication from Allah (s.w.t.).

Nafse Mutmainnah (Satisfied Soul) is the stage of certainty. It is the goal of life. It is the total contentment with Allah (s.w.t.). The man does not commit any sin knowingly and takes pleasure in performing virtuous deeds. Surah Al-Fajr Ayahs 27 to 30 refers, “O Serene Soul, return to your Lord well pleased with Him and He will be pleased with you. Enter among My servants into My Paradise.”

Nafse Raziyah is the state at which Nafs is satisfied with its own position.

Nafse Marziyah is the last stage at which the Nafs is a lover of the Divine. The Nafs is satisfied with itself and the Lord is also satisfied with it.

From Nafse Ammarah to Nafse Marziyyah is a long journey which needs discipline. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Surely, Allah has characterized angels by intellect without sexual desires and anger, and animals with anger and desire without reason. He exalted man by bestowing him with all these qualities. Accordingly, if man’s reason dominates his desires and ferocity, he rises to the station above that of the angels, because this station is attained by man despite the existence of hurdles.”

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an. Islamicoccasions.com, al-islam.org, WIKIPEDIA

THE BEST CREATURES

Surah al-Bayyinah (The Testimony) is the 98^th Surah of the Glorious Qur’an, revealed in Madinah. It contains 8 Ayahs. Ayah 7 defines as to who are the “Best Creatures”. Ayah 7 says, “Surely those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are the best of all creatures.”

The Noble Messenger (a.s.a.p.) said, “There will be no servant who recites it at night but that Allah (s.w.t.) sends angels who protect him in his faith and his present life and that seeks forgiveness and mercy for him; and when on the day he recites it, he will be rewarded as much as what the day sheds light upon and what the night darkens.” (Majma’ al Bayan volume 10, page 521)

The rewards for the Best Creatures have been stated in Ayah 8, “Their reward with their Lord will be Gardens of eternity, beneath which rivers flow, therein dwelling forever; Allah is well-pleased with them and they are well-pleased with Him. That is for him who fears Lord and Cherisher.”  

Paradise for man’s body, is the eternal Gardens of the next world, but the Paradise for his soul is the Lord’s pleasure! Fear of his Lord Cherisher is the motivation of all obedience, piety, and righteous deeds.

There are great many narrations both from Shi’ite and Sunnite sources in which the Ayah “…they are the best creatures” is rendered to mean the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) and his followers. Hakim Haskani Neyshapuri, one of the famous Sunnite scholars in the fifth century A.H., have cited narrations with more than 20 different references in his book; Shawahid- but -Tamil:

1.Ibne Abbas says, when this Ayah was revealed, the Noble Messenger (saw’s.) told Imam Ali (ads.), “It is you and your followers who will come on the Day of Reckoning when you and your followers are well-pleased (yourselves) and well-pleasing Him and your enemy will come angrily pushed (into Hell)” (volume 2, page 357 # 1126)

2.Abu Barazah has narrated a tradition from the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) referring the above Ayah said, “They are you and your followers. O Ali! The appointment for you and I is beside Pool of Kauthar” (volume 2 page 359 # 1130)

3.Jabir ibne Abdullah Ansari narrates, “We were sitting with the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), when Imam Ali came in his presence, he said, “By the Lord of Ka’ba, this man and his followers will be triumphant on the Day of Judgment” At that time the above Ayah was revealed and from that time on, whenever the companions saw Imam Ali (a.s.) coming, they will say, “The best of all creatures next to the Messenger of Allah.” (volume 2 page 362 # 1139)

Some of these traditions were cited by Ibne Hajar-e-Makki in Sawaiq-e-Muhriqa and Muhammad Shablanji in Nur-ulu-Absar. Also, Jalal-ud-Din Suyuti in Durr-ul-Manthur. (volume 6 page 379)

4.Ibne Murduyah narrates from Imam Ali (a.s.) that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said to him “Have you not heard the word of Allah: Surely those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are the best of all creatures? You and your followers are those and the appointment place of mine will be at the Pool of Abundance. When I come for the account of nations you will be invited while your foreheads are white”

The other Sunnite scholars who have cited the same meanings are: Khatib Kharazami in Manaqib, Abu Na’im Isphahani in Kifayat-ul-Khisam, Allam Tabard in Tabari, Ibne Shabbaq Maliki in Fusul-ul- Muhammad, Allana Shoukani in Fath-ul-Qadir, Shaykh Suleyman Qanduzi in Yanabi-ul-Muwaddah, Alois in Ruh-ul-Ma’ani and some others.

It is worth -mentioning here that the term “Shi’a” was already in use even during the life-time of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Also, Shi’a means followers in deeds not only by verbal repetition!

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