ALL-WISE ALLAH (S.W.T.) COMMANDS BELIEVERS TO LOWER THEIR GAZE

Look is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as, “To direct one’s eyes to see”. Gaze is defined as, “To look steadily; stare”

In one of the traditions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), it is mentioned that Allah loves His creations more than 70 times than their mothers. Human beings should remember that all the commandments of Allah (s.w.t.) are for their own benefits.

Allah (s.w.t.) directs the believing men in Surah al-Nur Ayah 30, “(Muhammad), tell the believing men to cast down their eyes and guard their carnal desires; this will make them purer. Allah is certainly aware of what they do.”

Surah al-Gha’fir Ayah 19, “Allah knows the disloyalty of the eyes and what the hearts conceal.”

Surah al-Fussilat Ayahs 19- 20, “There will be the day when the enemies of Allah will be made to surge towards the fire and spurred on until (on the brink of it) their eyes, ears, and skin will testify to their deeds.”

Surah al-Ahza’b Ayah 36, “The believing men and women must not feel free to do something in their affairs other than that which has been decided for them by Allah and His Messenger. One who disobeys Allah and His Messenger is in plain error.”

Surah al-Infitar Ayahs 10-12, “But you should know that there are angelic guards  watching over you and these honorable scribes know whatever you do.”  

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Lower your eyes and you will see wonders.”

The Gateway of Knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) was asked what could help in lowering one’s gaze, the Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Submission to the Power of Him Who is aware of your secrets. The eye is the spy of the hearts and the messenger of the intellect.; therefore, lower your gaze from whatever is not appropriate to your faith, from whatever your heart dislikes and from whatever your intellect finds repugnant (offensive).”

Prophet I’sa (a.s.) said to his disciples, “Beware of looking at forbidden things, for that is the seed of desire and leads to deviant behavior.”

Prophet Yahya (a.s.) said, “I would prefer death to a glance which is unnecessary.”

Our five senses not only influence our body, but they influence our souls. That is one of the reasons why Islam directs its followers to eat and drink halal and pure food. Similarly, the unlawful looks will affect our souls!

Sources:

The Glorious Qur’an

The Lantern of the Path by The Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.)

Al-Islam.org/Laws and Practices: Why do Muslims have a dress code

Al-Islam.org/ Understanding the month of Glory Lessons in the month of the Ramadan

REVENGE OF THE MASSACRE AT KARBALA BY AMIR MUKHTAR (A.S.)

Hazrat Mukhtar has been credited with the achievement of “Revenge of Massacre at Karbala”. After the tragedy of Karbala, the sacred women of AhlulBayt (a.s.) did not comb their hair. After hearing that Hazrat Mukhtar had severely punished the murders of Imam Husayn (a.s.), his family and companions, they resumed combing the hair. It is narrated that Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Never say a bad word for Mukhtar as it is thanks to him that the killers of Imam Husayn (a.s.) were punished for their deeds.” Similarly, when the heads of Ibne Ziyad and Umer-e-Sa’d were brought in the presence of Imam Ali Zayn-al- Abedin (a.s.), he prostrated and thanked Allah saying: “I am thankful to God that You have taken revenge of our Holy blood. May my Lord grant Mukhtar for this good deed.”

He was born in 1 A.H. at Ta’if and was martyred in Kufa. He was 12 years old when his father died. He was raised by his mother and uncle, Sa’ad Ibn Masud. He was arrested by Ubaid-ullah ibn Ziyad in 61 A.H. He met, Imam Ali (a.s.)’s companion, Maysam Tammar in the prison. In the meantime, the tragedy of Karbala occurred and Ubaidullah bin Ziyad brought Hazrat Mukhtar and showed him the sacred head of Imam Husayn (a.s.). After seeing Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s head, Hazrat Mukhtar determined to avenge his martyrdom. He was later released on the recommendation of Abdullah bin Umar, his brother-in-law. He bravely defended the Ka’ba” against the Yazidi army. He was again imprisoned in Kufa. He was in contact with the Shias of Kufa who were preparing to revolt against Yazid after the “Massacre at Karbala”.

Hazrat Mukhtar Announces the Revolution:  After release from the prison, Hazrat Mukhtar announced that he will punish the perpetrators of “The Massacre at Karbala” and started inviting the likeminded Muslims to get united.  Hazrat Muhammad bin Hanafiya, one of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s sons, sent his message of support. Ibrahim al-Ashter, the son of Malik-e- Ashter, a brave senior army man, also joined him. The concerned and conscientious Kufans felt the need to erase the blot of treachery on them.  These factors started to build the momentum to avenge Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s martyrdom. Hazrat Mukhtar ordered his supporters to make fires, a sign of revolution.  Street clashes started in Kufa, the ruler’s forces and police surrendered and the ruler himself escaped to Hejaz.

The Yazidi forces advanced towards Kufa. Hazrat Mukhtar sent three thousand fighters under Zayd bin Anas, they defeated the Yazidi forces but Zayd died of natural death. As usual, the Umayyad propaganda machine spread rumors that Hazrat Mukhtar’s fighters were defeated, and the commander was killed! They tried to stir up chaos in Kufa but failed. The Mukhtar’s fighters captured and executed every murderer of Karbala including Hurmala bin Kahil, Sanan bin Anas and Umar bin Sa’ad and executed all of them and sent their impure (najis) heads to Madinah. Shimr bin Zil-Jaushan escaped but the fighters of Hazrat Mukhtar chased him and executed him also. After controlling the situation in Kufa, Ibrahim al-Ashtar’s brave fighters reached al-Khazar River, where he met Ubaidullah bin Ziyad’s army. The righteous army attacked the Umayyads and killed all senior commanders including Ubaid Ullah Bin Ziyad and al-Hussayn bin Numair. Ibrahim al-Ashtar’s small army defeated the huge Yazidi army.

Saving Madinah and Alawids against Umayyad and Caliph Abdullah bin Zubair: When Marwan sent a huge army to occupy Madinah, Hazrat Mukhtar sent a strong contingent of three thousand fighters to save and protect the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s Madinah. Abdullah bin Zubair declared himself a caliph and sent two thousand men apparently to protect Madinah but their real aim was to attack Hazrat Mukhtar’s fighters. When his brave fighters were protecting Madinah, the Zubair ds attacked Hazrat Mukhtar’s army.  They killed some of them and brought the rest near Makkah. Hazrat Mukhtar sent five thousand fresh fighters and defeated the Zubair d’s army.

The Last stand: Abdullah Bin Zubair appointed his brother Musaiyyab as governor of Basra who formed a huge army and surprised Hazrat Mukhtar. They besieged him in the palace for four months. Musaiyyab’s cowardly army secretly conspired with Hazrat Mukhtar’s forces inside the palace and offered a deal that if they cooperated with these hypocrites and open the gates, they will pardon them.  Hazrat Mukhtar ordered his men to make street fights, but they disobeyed (because of their treachery). At last he came out with seventeen supporters and fought bravely and died as a martyr of Islam.

The conspirators who were promised pardon were slaughtered by Musaiyyab’s army and paid the price for treachery.

Source:         Behar-ul-Anwar                                                 by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (a.r.)

LYING IS A GREATER SIN

Lying or its derivatives have been used in the Glorious Qur’an 282 times. Lying is one of the Greater Sins. Some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an prohibiting lie are stated below:

Allah does not guide the liars and the unbelievers. (Surah al-Zumar Ayah3)

And pray to Allah to condemn the liars among us. (Surah Ale Imran Ayah 61)

Allah is my witness that he is a liar. (Surah al-Nur Ayah 8)

O you who believe! If an evil-doer (liar) comes to you with a report, look carefully into it, lest you harm a people in ignorance, then be sorry for what you have done.” (Surah al-Hujuraa’t Ayah 6)

Only they forge the lie who do not believe in the signs of Allah. (Surah al-Nahal Ayah 105)

In fact, Shaitan was the first liar, when he told a lie to Adam, “I am your sincere adviser” (Surah al-A’raf Ayah 21)

THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) SAID:

Anas ibn Malik narrates that he (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Accept six things from me, then I will accept (and guarantee) the entrance of Heaven for you:

               When you speak, tell no lies.

               When you promise, do not break it.

               When you are trusted (by others), be honest.

               Lower your eyes (from committing sin)

               Guard your modesty.

               Hold your hands and tongues. (Khisal al-Saduq page 321)

A man asked the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), “Which action makes highest number of people the inmates of Hell? He (s.a.w.a.s.) replied, “Lying. When a believer speaks a lie, he becomes prone to commit every other sin; and when this happens, he commits kufr (disbelief) which then makes him enter Hell.” (Mustadrak al-Wasa’il)

THE GATEWAY OF KNOWLEDGE, COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, IMAM ALI (A.S.) SAID:

What your eyes sees is truth and what your ears hear is for the most part untruth. Friendship is impossible with a liar. Being mute is better than lying.

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM HASAN AL-ASKARI (A.S.) SAID:

Wickedness was put inside a house, and the key (of its door) was rendered to be lies. (Bihar-ul-Anwar v. 72 page 263)

Haji Nuri has collected many Ayahs and Traditions into forty points which may be seen in the book “The Greater sins” by Ayatollah Abdul Husayn Dasteghaib.

There are Greatest Sins which include uttering falsehood against Allah (s.w.t.), the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), the Imams of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Every kind of lie is Haram (prohibited), hence interpreting the Qur’anic Ayahs and attributing any saying to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) to suit oneself is Haram.

Lying has some adverse effects on physical health also. Lying increases worries and stress. It produces Cortisol which in turn increases blood sugar and suppresses the immune system. It also produces Norepinephrine which starts the “flight or fight” response making the heart rate accelerate and blood pressure goes up.

Sources used: The Glorious Qur’an, A Bundle of Flowers by Sayyid Faqih Imani, Greater Sins by Ayatollah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Dasteghaib, ezsoftech.com, Dua-e-Kumayl, Sacredtexts.com 

SILENCE IS GOLD

It is a famous saying, “Silence is gold and speech is silver.”

Silence cultivates one’s spirituality and feeling of nearness to Allah. It promotes tranquility. While keeping silence, reflect about our environment. Silence guards secrets, silence controls tongue, silence gets rid of non-sense, silence sharpens the wits, and silence increases the value of our words.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said:

You must maintain silence for prolonged periods of time for verily it drives Shaitan away and helps you in matters of your faith. (Bihar al-Anwar volume 71 page 279)

Blessed is the man who speaks good and is triumphant; or keeps silent in the face of evil and is secure. (Tabrasi, Mashkat al-Anwar page 175 second edition)

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Wisdom consists in keeping silent, and those who practice it are few. (Al-Baihaqi)

If a man is not able to say something useful, he should keep silent from inappropriate words and his silence will keep him far from Allah’s wrath and the harm which might befall him.

The Gateway of knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said:

He who speaks more commits more errors. He who commits more errors becomes shameless. He who is shameless will have less fear of Allah. He whose fear of Allah is less, his heart dies. He whose heart dies enters the fire. The tongue is like a beast. If you let it loose, it will wound someone. Remain silent until you are requested to speak, for that is better than speaking until you are requested to become silent. When intelligence is complete, speech becomes less. A wise man first thinks then speak, while a fool speaks first then thinks. One who guards his secrets has complete control over his affairs. Silence will create respect and dignity.

The Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said:

Silence is the mark of those who are certain of the realities which have already come to be, and about which the Pen has already written. Allah has made it a veil for the ignorant and an adornment for the man of knowledge. Through silence, patience can be set aside, and with it comes self-discipline, the sweetness of worship, removal of hardheartedness, abstinence, virtuousness and resourcefulness. Therefore, lock your tongue to speech which is not necessary, especially when you do not find anyone worth talking to; except, when you are talking specifically about matters to do with Allah. People’s destruction or salvation lies in speech and silence. Good fortune belongs to those who are given the knowledge of what is incorrect and correct in speech, and the science of silence and its advantages, for it is one of the qualities of the prophets and one of the distinguishing marks of the select. One who knows the value of his speech will also know the value of silence.

Sources used: Nahjul Balagha, Lantern of the path by Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.), Hadith.net, Virtual mosque, Islamic insight, and The Characteristics of a Muslim by Al-Balagh Foundation  

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.), THE INHERITOR OF PROPHET IBRAHIM (A.S.)

The Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) was called “The Friend of Allah”. He was referred in the Glorious Qur’an as “Hanif”. In the classical Arabic, the word “Hanaf” was used for physical disability. Later, the Arabs started using it to mean deviant, which represent not following the majority at a particular time. Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) opened his eyes in an environment of Polytheism when everyone worshipping idols. He did not follow blindly but deviated from the prevalent trend. Hence, the word “Hanif” was derived from the root word “Hanaf”.

The word “Hanif “was used 12 times in the Glorious Qur’an. In these Ayahs, the meaning of “Hanif” represent, the deviation from false hood and inclined towards truth.

“They say, ‘Be Jews or Christians (so) you will be guided.’ Say, ‘Rather, (we follow) the religion of Ibrahim, inclining towards truth, and he was not of the polytheists.” (Al-Baqarah Ayah 135)

“Say, Allah has told the truth. So, follow the religion of Ibrahim, inclining towards truth; and he was not of the polytheists. (Ale- Imran Ayah 95)

“And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a good doer of good and follows the religion of Ibrahim, inclining towards truth? And Allah took Ibrahim as intimate friend.” (Al-Nisa Ayah 125)

“Indeed, I have turned my face towards He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining towards truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah.” (Al-An’am Ayah 79)

“Say, Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path – a correct religion – the way of Ibrahim, inkling towards the truth. And he was not among those who associate others with Allah.”  (Al-An’am Ayah 161)

“And (commanded), ‘Direct your face towards the religion, inclining towards the truth, and never be of those who associate others with Allah.” (Al-Younus Ayah 105)

“Then We revealed to you, (O Muhammad), to follow the religion of Ibrahim, inclining towards the truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah” (Al- Nahal Ayah 123)

In Ziayrat-e-Waritha”, we recite “Peace be upon you, O inheritor of Ibrahim the intimate friend of Allah.”

Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) was a monotheist. His entire life was focused on preserving and protecting the Unity of Allah. He continued his struggle against the polytheists. The opposing forces tried to punish him by throwing him in a mammoth fire. As his nature was to help others but seek help from the Creator only, while flying to the fire, he did not accept help from Jibril saying Allah knows my status and He will help. Imam Husayn inherited the peace and tranquility in difficulties from Prophet Ibrahim. Although, Imam Husayn (a.s.) was an infallible Imam appointed by Allah through his parents and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), but it may be linked with the Glorious Qur’an Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 124, “When His Lord tested Ibrahim and he satisfied the test, He said, “I am appointing you as the leader (Imam) of mankind.” Ibrahim asked, “Will this leadership (Imamate) also continue through my descendants?” The Lord replied, “The unjust do not have the right to exercise My authority.”

Similarly, Imam Husayn (a.s.) inherited the “Great Sacrifice” from Prophet Ibrahim as stated in Surah al-Sa’ffat Ayahs 102 to 108, “When they both agreed, and Ibrahim laid down his son on the side of his face (for slaughtering), We called to him, Ibrahim! You have fulfilled what you were commanded to do in your dream. Thus, We reward the righteous ones. It was certainly an open trial. We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice and perpetuated his praise in later generations.”

In fact, The Master of Martyrs Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his son Ali al-Akbar surpassed the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail as Imam witnessed the martyrdom of son Ali al-Akbar while Ibrahim blindfolded his eyes preparing to slaughter Ismail. And, Ismail submitting to his father’s dream said that he will be among the patients as one exercises patience in the wake of any calamity, while Ali al-Akbar on way to Karbala, when Imam Husayn (a.s.) said, “Inna Lillahe wa Inna Elaihe Ra’jeoon”, Ali al-Akbar inquired if they were on the Right Path, when Imam Husayn confirmed then Ali al-Akbar said, “then we are not worried whether death takes us, or we fall on death!” Please refer my article “The Great Sacrifice” on this blog.

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by Muhammad Sarwar, WIKIPEDIA, Story of the Holy Ka’ba and its people by S.M.R.Shabbar

THE BEARERS AND THE MEMORIZERS OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

The rewards for those Muslims who learn, memorize and act upon the Glorious Qur’an are great.

The Glorious Qur’an itself recommends association with it:

“We have made the Qur’an easy to understand (remember), but is there anyone who will pay attention” (54:17)

“In fact, Qur’an consists of illustrious verses that exist in the hearts of those who have knowledge. No one rejects Our revelations except the unjust ones.” (29:49)

“Thus, recite from Qur’an as much as possible” (73:20)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said about the Glorious Qur’an:

If you want a happy life, death of a martyr, salvation, shadow on the day of heat then study Qur’an the Word of Merciful, shield from Satan and heavy weight on the scale of deeds. He is the best of best who learns Qur’an. He told Abu Dharr, “Allah will not punish a heart in which the Glorious Qur’an resides.” Allah will reveal to earth not to eat the flesh of the memorizer of Qur’an. Whoever recites the Qur’an from the book, Allah reduces his parent’s punishments. For calamities from the sky, Allah saves the builders of mosques, reciters of Salat on time and the bearers of Qur’an. A memorizer of Qur’an who acts upon it, Allah will send him to the Paradise and he may intercede 10 family members. There are levels in the Paradise by the number of Ayahs in the Qur’an. It is said to him, “Rise and read for every Ayah a level.” Whoever learns, teaches and implements Qur’an, will be taken to Paradise. The carriers of Qur’an are draped in the light of Allah, who are closest to Allah. The most honorable worshippers to Allah after the Prophets are the scholars, then the bearers of Qur’an, they leave the world just like Prophets, they are resurrected with the Prophets.

The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) said:

“Learn the Holy Qur’an for it is the best narration, and grasp it for it is the spring of the heart, and heal yourself with its light for it is a remedy for the chests and master its recitation for it is the most beneficial of accounts. There are two kinds of scholars, one who uphold and implements their knowledge, they are saved, and another who disregards their knowledge, they face destruction.

The Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said:

It is incumbent upon the believer to not pass away till he learns the Holy Qur’an, or be in the process of learning it. It is desirable to the Muslims to recite from the Holy Qur’an every day fifty Ayahs. Whoever recites the Holy Qur’an when he is young believer, the Holy Qur’an will infuse into their blood and flesh and Allah will place him with angels and the Holy Qur’an will shield him on the Day of Resurrection. Three will complain to Allah; A deserted mosque, where its people do not pray, a scholar among the ignorant, and a Holy Qur’an gathering dust and not recited with. The reward for memorization will be double when one faces hardship in memorizing.

  

Source: Pursuing Excellence, The Guide to Memorizing the Holy Qur’an by S.L. Al-Hakim (Usul al-Kafi, Man La Yahzarul Faqih, Tahzib ul-Ahkam, Al-Istibsar, Mizan al-Hikmah, Nahjul Balaghah, Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, Sayyid Sistani’s Simplified Jurisprudence, Al-Khisal, Kanzu l-Amal) 

THE GOLDEN HADEES-E-KISA IN THE BOOKS OF AHLE SUNNAT BROTHERS

The Hadees-e-Kisa had been narrated by the Lady of Paradise Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) as described by the trusted companion of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari.

It may be noted that Allah (s.w.t.) confirms the truthfulness of AhlulBayt in Surah Ale Imraan Ayah 61, “Should anyone disputes with you concerning your prophesy, after the knowledge has come to you, then say, “Come: Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our souls and your souls, then let us pray earnestly and call down Allah’s curse upon the liars.”

The Hadees-e-Kisa may be narrated in short as; Once, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) came to the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and told her that he was feeling weakness. She (s.a.) brought a Yamani cloak and placed it on him. Shortly, Imam Hasan (a.s.) came in and inquired from her that he could feel the sacred fragrance of our Grandfather. She told him that his grandfather (s.a.w.a.s.) was resting under the cloak. He went near the cloak, offered his salutations and sought permission to enter the cloak which was granted, and he joined his grandfather. Subsequently, Imam Husyan (a.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.) and Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) also joined the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) under the cloak. At that time, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) addressed Allah (s.w.t.) saying, “O Allah! These are my Ahlul Bayt”

Allah (s.w.t.) said to the angels and the residents of Heavens, “I have not created this universe but for the love of these Five persons under this cloak.” The Archangel Jibra’il inquired as to who were those Five persons? Allah (s.w.t.) replied, “They are the Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet and the Assets of the Prophet hood. They are Fatima, her father, her husband and her two sons.” Archangel Jibra’il sought permission if he could join them and he was granted permission. He descended on earth, offered salutations to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and sought permission to join them which was granted. He then narrated the Ayah of Tatheer, “Indeed Allah desires to repel all impurities from you O Ahlul Bayt, and purify you with a through purification.” (33:33)

It is very important to note from the above narration that Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) described that Allah (s.w.t.) addressed the angels and the residents of Heavens that He (s.w.t.) created the universe but for the love of the Panjetan under the cloak. At this stage the Archangel Jibra’il had not yet descended on the earth. Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) became aware of Allah (s.w.t.)’s address long before the Divine Messenger-Jibra’il descended on earth!

The Hadees-e-Kisa, which is considered “Mutawatir”, have been reported by hundreds of scholars both Shia and Sunni. Some of the Sunni scholars are as under:

Sahih Muslim volume 3 number 5955 and volume 15 page 190

Hakim in Mustadrak volume 2 page 416

Baihique in Sunan al-Kubra

Tabari in Usd al-Ghabah volume 3 page 33

Tafsir Ibne Kathir volume 3page 485 volume 6 page 369

Allama Suyuti in Tafsir Durr al-Manthur volume 5page 376 and volume 5 page 198 and 605

Sahih Tirmizi

Tahavi in Mushkil al-athar volume 1 pages 332-336

Haitham in Majma al-Zawaid

Masnad Ahmad bin Hambal v1 pages 330-331, v 3 page 252, v4 page 107, v 7 page 415,

Sawa’iq al-Muhriqa by Ibne Hajar Makki page 144

Ibne Athir in Usd al-Ghaba volume 2 page 12 and volume 4 page 79

Tabari in Dalail Imama page 21

Zamakhshari in al-Kashshaf volume 1 pages 193, 368-370

Allama Fakhr ad din Razi in Tafsir al-Kabir volume 8 page 247 and volume 2 page 700

Fadha’il al-Sahaba by Ahmad ibn Hambal volume 2 page 578 #978

Al-Khasa’is by al-Nisa’I page 4 and 8

Tafsir AL-Qurtubi

Tarikh al-Khatib al Baghdadi volume 10

Sources used: WIKIPEDIA, Tafsir by Allama Sayyid Murtadha Askari, WIKISHIA.COM, Yaali.webs.com

WHAT IS SLEEP?

Sleep is translated in Arabic as “Naum”. Naum and its derivatives have been used in the Glorious Qur’an 9 times.

1.      Did the people of the towns think themselves secure from Our Wrath that could strike them at night during their sleep. (Surah al-A’raf Ayah 97)

2.    Allah exists. There is no Ilah (one deserving to be worshipped) but He, the Everlasting and the Guardian of life. Drowsiness or sleep do not seize Him. (Ayatal Kursi; Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 255)

3.    Your sleeping during the night and in the day your seeking His favors are evidence (of the truth) for the people who have hearing. (Surah al-Rum Ayah 23)

4.    It is He who has made the night as a covering for you, sleep as a rest for you, and the day for you to rise again. (Surah al-Furqan Ayah 47)

5.    Allah preserves the souls when they die as well as those which did not die during people’s sleep. He withholds those souls which he has decreed to die and releases the others for an appointed time. In this there is evidence (of the Truth) for the thoughtful people. (Surah al-Zumar Ayah 42)

6.    A visitor from your Lord circled around the garden during the night while they were asleep. (Surah al-Qalam Ayah 19)

7.    …made sleep for you to rest. (Surah al-Naba’ Ayah 9)  

The modern scholars have varied ideas about sleep; some of them regard sleep as reduced blood flow in the brain, some of them treat it as a chemical reaction on the nerves, yet some others call it the strain of muscles. Sleep is related to the spirit or soul. The Glorious Qur’an defines sleep as a partial death when the link between the body and the soul is minimal. Allah the Omnipotent directs this process resulting in the suspension of the consciousness and body movements but keeping the heartbeat, respiration and blood circulation. Ayah 42 of Surah al-Zumr, as stated above describes it. As stated in Tafsir as-Safi and Maj’ma al-Bayan, the Infallible imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said, “Whoever sleeps, his “Nafs” ascends towards skies but his “Rooh” or soul remains with the body keeping a connection like solar rays. When Allah decrees for his death, the “Rooh” responds to the call of “Nafs” and joins it. If Allah permits his life for an appointed time, the “Nafs” returns to the “Rooh” in the body.”

The Gateway of Knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) directed his companions as, “A Muslim should not sleep in “ritually impure” or “Janabat”, perform wudhu before sleeping. If water is not available, then perform “Tayammum” as the faithful’s soul “Rooh” ascends toward skies. If his time of death had come, He places him in His Mercy. If the time of his conclusive death has not been decreed, then returns it to his body.”

Looked at another way, that our nightly sleep, besides performing the function of rest to our physical life, gives us the foretaste of what we call death, which does not end our personality. Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Sleep is the brother of death. Make sleep your last affair in this world; remember Allah with your heart and your tongue.”

Hazrat Ibne Abbas said, “Nafs is the key to the intellect which is separated on sleeping. Rooh is responsible for maintaining the body and it leaves the body on death.”

Sources used: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Maulana Farman Ali (r.a.)

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

                          Lantern of the Path by the Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.)

SHIMR ZIL-JUAUSHAN (L.A.), THE MURDERER OF THE KING OF MARTYRS IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)

Shimr (l.a.) was the son of Shurahbil. He was a Kharijite. Different explanations are given as to why he was called “Zil-Juashan” including that he was the first Arab to wear an armor. He belonged to the tribe of Bani Kilab. He converted to Islam on the eve of “The Victory of Makkah” when polytheists surrendered to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He (l.a.) was one of the “Ta’be’in” – one who had seen a companion of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.).

In the Battle of Siffin, he fought with the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali al-Murtaza (a.s.) but later became a Kharijite. When Hujr bin Adi (r.a.), one of the companions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Imam Ali (a.s.), was arrested by Muawiya, Shimr (l.a.) was one of the people who falsely testified that Hujr had become an apostate and a rebel.

When Hazrat Muslim bin Aqil (a.s.) went to Kufa in the year 60 A.H., Shimr (l.a.) gave a speech saying that Hazrat Muslim (a.s.) was a rebel and warned the Kufans of Yazid’s army. He (l.a.) also encouraged Ubaididullah ibne Ziyad to be violent towards the grandson of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Imam Husayn (a.s.).

Shimr (l.a.) arrived in Karbala on the 9^th of Muharram 61 A.H. with 4,000 soldiers. He tried to influence the Commander of Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s forces, Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) with an amnesty for him and his brothers, but he rejected it.

On the Day of Ashura (10^th Muharram), he (l.a.) was the commander of the left wing of Umar ibne Saad’s forces. He (l.a.) tried to approach the Imam (a.s.)’s camps but he was faced with fire-wood around it. Shimr (l.a.) said, “O Husayn! You seem impatient to enter the fire and could not wait for Qiyamat” (Tabari v.4 pages 250-251) When Zuhair bin Qayn was addressing the Kufans inviting them to support Imam Husayn (a.s.), Shimr (l.a.) threw an arrow towards him and insulted him. When Abdallah bin Umayr Kalbi was martyred, Shimr (l.a.) ordered his slave to murder his wife who was sitting next to her husband’s body. When most of the companions of imam Husayn (a.s.) were martyred, the Kufans attacked the camps and Shimr (l.a.) called for fire to burn the tents.

Sibt ibne Jauzi relates in his “Tazkirah” from Hisham bin Muhammad Kalbi that when Imam Husayn (a.s.) saw them persistent on killing him, he brought the Glorious Qur’an and opening placed on his head and called out, “The Qur’an and my grandfather, the Prophet of Allah, are the judge between yourselves and me. O people how do you consider the shedding of my blood lawful? Am I not the grandson of your Prophet? Has not the tradition of my grandfather reached you regarding me and my brother that we are the Masters of the youth of Paradise? Then ask Jabir (ibne Abdullah Ansari), Zaid bin Arqam, and Abu Saeed Khudri. Is not Ja’far at Tayyar my uncle?” Shimr (l.a.) replied, “You shall shortly hasten towards ‘the raging fire (of Hell) (Allah’s refuge).” The Imam (a.s.) said, “Allah is great! My grandfather the Prophet of Allah informed me, that he saw a dog filling his throat with blood of his Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), and I perceive that it is none other than you.”   

Shimr (l.a.) commanded his soldiers to shoot the Imam (a.s.)’s body with arrows, and then attack him. According to al-Waqidi, Shimr (l.a.) stood on the sacred body of Imam Husayn (a.s.) with his horse. According to some reports, Shimr (l.a.) sat on his sacred chest and then cut his holy head from behind. He (l.a.) wanted to murder Imam Sajjad (a.s.) also.

Shimr (l.a.) took the daughters of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and other women of his companions from Karbala to Kufa then to Damascus where he (l.a.) delivered an insulting speech about Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his companions.

Sources used: Tabari, WIKIPEDIA, Nafs al-Muhimma by Shaikh Abbas Qummi, Tazkirah by Sibt ibn Jauzi, Muntazar.com, Wikishia.net