GOLDEN DISCOURSES OF THE LADY OF PARADISE SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

A book titled as “Forty Hadiths from each of the fourteen infallibles” was compiled by the Islamic Propagation Organization, the International Relations, Turkish Department. It was compiled by two scholars from Qum Seminary who were Aqai Fakhruddin Altan and Aqai Mujahidi. The book contained 560 Hadiths from the Fourteen Infallibles; 40 from each infallible, with Arabic text followed by its translation in Turkish language in the Latin scripture. Subsequently, the book was translated into Persian and then into English.

The current article is a condensed form of the English work. It relates to the Chief of the women of the world, the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), whom the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) called, “Fatima is a part of me.”

1.      Praise is for Allah for the blessings and bounties He has bestowed and invited the servants to be thankful to enhance His boons and blessings.

2.      I testify that there is no Deity except the matchless Allah. Allah cannot be seen by eyes and tongues are unable to describe His virtues and attributes.

3.      Allah made the beings without previous sample. He created them by Divine wisdom and intention.

4.      Allah fixed the reward for His obedience and torment for His insubordination so that He may restrain His servants from His wrath and lead them to His Paradise.

5.      I testify that my father, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) is the apostle and servant of Allah. Allah selected and chose him before appointing him as the Prophet and named him before choosing and chose him before everything. Allah appointed him so that he may complete and implement His order and materialize His decrees.

6.      People were idol worshipping, they denied Allah’s signs. So, Allah illuminated the darkness through my father Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) and removed the darkness from their hearts and removed the blindness of eyes.

7.      My father Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) guided the people, saved them from perversion and enlightened them.

8.      You, the servants of Allah, are to maintain His Injunctions and Prohibitions, trustees of Allah on your souls.

9.      O the servants of Allah! (Beware) the real leader from Allah is present among you and the commitment has previously been made to you. That is the speaking book of Allah the truthful Quran.

10.   The Glorious Qur’an is the guide to its followers towards the pleasure of Allah.

11.   Allah made the faith for you as purity from polytheism (and infidelity).

12.   Made service (Salaat) the cause of your getting distant (purification) from pride.

13.   And rendered alms for the purity of your soul and expansion of your sustenance.

14.   And rendered fasting for the maintenance and firmness of your sincerity.

15.   And Allah set Hajj for the consolidation and reinforcement of the religion.

16.   Allah executed and rendered justice for the sake of putting together and harmonization of the hearts.

17.   Allah set the subordination and obedience of us (The Household of the Prophet) for the security of society’s system and our Imamate as a safety from segregation and disunity.

18.    Allah made holy war, the honor and glory of Islam and humbleness for the infidels and hypocrites.

19.   Allah rendered patience as a help for getting reward.

20.   Allah caused commanding goodness and forbidding to do evil for the correction of society and public.

21.   Allah made kindness to parents as a shield to His Wrath and displeasure.

22.   Allah made connecting with the kinship, the cause of lengthening of life.

23.   Allah made the law of revenge for homicide, as the security of blood (from being shed).

24.   Allah executed the vow performing as a medium of forgiveness.

25.   Allah rendered the correct use of weight and measure, a medium of stopping selling less than actual.

26.   Allah rendered the prohibition from drinking wine for the cause of taking distance from evil.

27.   Allah made the prohibition to accuse someone of adultery a protection for avoiding His curse.

28.   Allah made refraining from theft for the sake of positivity and affirmation for modesty.

29.   Allah prohibited polytheism for the sake of bringing about sincerity in His adoration and worship.

30.   Certainly, an apostle has come to you from among yourselves; he is my father, and his cousin (Ali). He (s.a.w.a.s.) invited people toward Allah by wisdom and beautiful admonition.

31.   You were socially, politically and financially at the lowest level. Allah liberated you from this misfortune through my father Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.). Although, my father was involved at war with the hungry Arab wolves and the stubborn people of Book (Christians and Jews) but Allah extinguished the fire of these wars for your benefit.

32.   Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.) said, “I saw my mother continuously kneeling and prostrating on a Friday night praying for the faithful men and women, but she did not pray at all for herself. I asked, ‘O mother, why did you not pray for yourself like you prayed for others?” She replied, “O my son, first thy neighbor and thereafter for yourself.”

33.   The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) asked her, “What is the thing which is a blessing for a woman?” She replied, “She must not see a man (stranger and not be intimate) and a man must not see her.”

34.   One day, a lady came and asked many questions on behalf of her mother and felt embarrassed for excessive questioning.

35.   O Allah! Belittle me in my eyes and Glorify Your station to me. Inspire me about Your obedience and practice which may cause Your pleasure and shunning from things and matters which are the cause of Your Wrath.

36.   Oh Allah! Content me with the sustenance you have granted me. Till such time that you keep me alive, hide me and make me sound and prosperous. Forgive me and take pity upon me when I die. Facilitate the achievement of that thing which You have predestined for me.

37.   O Allah! Bestow upon my parents and all those who have rights of their blessings and beneficence upon me, the best of Your rewards. O Allah! Spare me the leisure and the respite for which You have created me. Do not torment me when I ask forgiveness. Do not deprive me of what I yearn and request for.

38.   While mourning for her father (s.a.w.a.s.) she said, “The person who smells the sweet fragrance of the grave of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) so what if he does not smell any other fragrance for long time to come. Agonies, anguishes and griefs poured upon me in such a way that had they poured upon days they would have turned into nights.”

39.   The earth has become dark and gloomy after the death of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), whose light is the source of blessings for the humanity. The great Ka’ba and the mountains should shed tears.

40.   Intrigues and revolts occurred after you (s.a.w.a.s.). After your demise, the world is like the earth without rain. Your nation has upset the discipline of the affairs, so be witness and see the affairs.

Source: Fascinating Discourses of the Fourteen Infallibles by Shaikh Muhammad Ishtihardi

HUMBLE SUPPLICATION

Shaytan is the archenemy of the children of Adam from the time of creation. When Allah (s.w.t.) created Prophet Adam from clay and ordered all angels to prostrate (as a mark of respect), everyone obeyed except Iblis (Shaytan) on the pretext that he was created by fire and Adam was created from clay and fire was superior to clay. Allah expelled him whereupon Shaytan vowed to mislead the children of Adam till the specified time. Surah al-Isra’ Ayah 61 and 62 refers, “When We told the angels to prostrate before Adam, they all obeyed, except Iblis who said, “Should I prostrate before one whom You have created out of clay? He continued, “Take notice: the one whom You have honored more than me, I shall bring him and most of his offspring under my sway if You will give me respite until the Day of Judgment.”

Shaytan has access to every man but man cannot see him, one can defend himself if he can see the enemy. Not only man cannot see his enemy - Shaytan -  but also cannot perceive his strikes. How to know which thought is Shaytani or which is Rehmani or virtuous. Every thought which makes a man suspicious about the outcome, which takes a man away from Allah, His Messenger or the pure Imams is Shaytani.  For example, if one wants to give charity, Shaytan tries to discourage him by scaring him of poverty or somehow delay it. Every thought which brings man nearer to Allah and spiritual rewards in the Hereafter, is Rehmani. For example, if it is time to pray, he should do it right away, or if someone asks for charity, one should spend the money right away. Some time, even while performing a pious deed, Shaytan tries to pollute the worship, like making the deed as show-off or drown him into superiority complex. At times, Shaytan distracts man while doing pious deeds for nearness to Allah, he penetrates the thoughts to make them for public appreciation and hypocrisy. Every good deed should be strictly for the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.).

At numerous places in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah has warned mankind about the enmity of  Shaytan; e.g. Surah al-Kahf Ayah 50, “Why do you (people)obey him (Shaytan) and his offspring instead of Me, even though they are your enemies? How terrible will be the recompense that the wrong doers will receive!”, Surah al-Fatir Ayah 6, “Shaytan is your enemy. Thus, consider him as your enemy. His party only calls you to make you the dwellers in the burning fire.”, Surah Yaseen Ayah 60, “Children of Adam, did We not command you not to worship Shaytan? He was your sworn enemy.”

Because man is quickly attracted towards carnal desires, hence Shaytan strikes the hardest in those situations. The event of Prophet Yusuf involving Zulaykha is an eye opener for us as detailed in Surah al-Yusuf. Prophet Yousuf asked for the Mercy of Allah and He helped Prophet Yusuf overcome the situations involving carnal desires. He (a.s.) said in Surah Yusuf Ayah 53, “…all human souls are susceptible to evil except for those to whom my Lord has granted Mercy. My Lord is certainly All-forgiving and All-merciful.”

Whenever a man apprehends that Shaytan is attacking him, he should right away supplicate humbly to Allah (s.w.t.) for safety from the accursed one sincerely from the bottom of his heart.

For the preventive defenses against the attacks of the invisible enemy, Shaytan, one should consciously make efforts to remain nearer to Allah; keep his body and thoughts clean, follow the instructions given by the Glorious Qur’an, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Pure Progeny (a.s.), avoid the prohibitions in Islam, perform all and every good deed and humbly supplicate to Allah (s.w.t.) and seek His Mercy.

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi – Tafsir-e-Namuna

               “Iste’aza” by Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Dasteghaib (Shaheed)

BENEFITS OF RECITING CERTAIN SURAHS IN THE PRAYERS (SALAAT)

Normally, it is recommended to recite Surah al-Qadr after Surah al-Fateha in the first rakah and Surah Tawheed in the second rakah. There are other smaller Surahs which have varied benefits. Some of them are given below:

Surah Shams (Sun): The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “He who recites this Surah is like he who has given charity in the way of Allah (s.w.t.) to all the things that the sun and moon shine upon.” Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Recitation of this Surah increases sustenance, courage and popularity among the people.”

Surah Duha (Morning Light): The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Allah is pleased with the reciter of this Surah; and it is possible that Muhammad intercedes for him, and he will be rewarded ten good deeds for each orphan or needy.” If recited together with the name of a person gone missing, he will return home safe and sound. If something is forgotten somewhere by mistake, the recitation keeps it safe until you get it back.

Surah Tin (The Fig): The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Allah will endow, in this world, the two qualities of safety and certainty to the person who recites this Surah, and when he dies, He (s.w.t.) will give him reward equal to the reward of fasting one day multiplied by the number of all those who have recited this Surah.” If recited on food, it’s evil effects are removed. The reciter of this Surah is compared to the person who has visited the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.).

Surah ‘Adiyat (The Chargers): Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “He who recites this Surah regularly, Allah will raise him up with Amir-al-Momineen Ali (a.s.) on the Dooms Day and he will be with him (a.s.) and his companions. If recited on daily basis carries the reward of reciting the whole Qur’an. If a person has many creditors, recitation of this Surah clears the debt.

Surah Takasur (Vying in Exuberance): The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Whoever this Surah before going to bed will be saved from the torments of the grave. The reciter will get the reward of one hundred martyrs.” Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq said, “The recitation of this Surah in obligatory or optional prayers has a reward like Martyrdom.”

Surah Fil (The Elephant): Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “He who recites this Surah, the land or mountain will bear witness for him and on the Day of Judgment, a herald calls saying’ You are right about My servant I accept your witness for him. Let him enter Paradise without Reckoning on him.” The reciter is saved from his enemies and his problems are solved quickly.

Surah Ma’un (Co-operation): Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said, “He who recites this Surah in prayers, Allah accepts his prayers and the fasting, and does not count the evil acts he committed in this world.”

Surah Kawthar (The Abundance): The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “One who recites this Surah will quench his thirst from the Heaven and will recompense him good rewards as many as the number of every sacrifice which the servants of Allah make on the Day of the Feast of Sacrifice, together with those sacrifices which are of the People of the Book and the pagans.”

Surah Falaq (Day Break) & Surah Naas (Mankind):  The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “There are some Ayahs revealed to me the likes of which have not revealed before, such as Surah Falaq and Surah Naas. Read them whenever you get up and whenever you go to bed.”

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi – Tafsir-e-Namuna

Fawaid-e-Qur’an by Maulana Sayyad Mustafa Musawi, An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of Holy Qur’an

IMAM ALI (A.S.)'S PROSTRATION (SAJ'DA) OF THANKS FOR THE BOUNTY (NE'MAT)

When the polytheists of Makkah witnessed the spread of Islam, they unanimously agreed to assassinate the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) by inviting every tribe to participate in the venture to avoid any reprisal from the Banu Hashim tribe. They all gathered around the sacred house of the Prophet at night. Notwithstanding their faithlessness, they had the humanity not to scare the children in the house if they attacked at night. Hence, they waited for the dawn but kept the surveillance of the house.

 Allah (s.w.t.) informed His Messenger through His Archangel Jib ‘rail about the idolater’s sinister designs and advised the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) to let Imam Ali (a.s.) sleep on his bed. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) informed Imam Ali (a.s.) accordingly and advised him to cover himself with sheet so that the polytheists would imagine that Allah’s Messenger was sleeping on the bed and will not try to trace him down. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) asked, “If I sleep on your bed you will not get hurt and will be saved?” The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) replied, “Yes.”

One of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s wives said that when he (s.a.w.a.s.) used to sleep, a light used to emit from his face even from inside the cover sheet. The fact that Imam Ali (a.s.) slept on his bed the whole night and the polytheists could not detect that the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was not under the sheet. It can be safely inferred that as usual a light must have continued to emit from the sheet under which Imam Ali (a.s.) was sleeping. It may not be surprising as Imam Ali (a.s.) was the “self” of the Noble Prophet according to the Ayah of Mubahelah Surah al-Imran Ayah 60, “If anyone disputes after knowledge has come to you, then say, ‘Bring your sons we will bring our sons, bring your women we will bring our women, bring your selves we will bring our selves and pray to Allah to curse the liars.”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) fell and performed prostration (Saj’da). Imam Ali (a.s.) might have thought that Allah (s.w.t.) is the Omnipotent and if He (s.w.t.) wanted to save His Messenger, He (s.w.t.) could have used numerous ways to save him, but He (s.w.t.) picked up Imam Ali (a.s.) to sacrifice his life for his cousin. Imam Ali (a.s.) thanked Allah for the sacrifice. What a unique and unusual gesture!

When Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) saw in a dream that he was slaughtering his son Prophet Ismail (a.s.) and asked him as to what his opinion was. Prophet Ismail (a.s.) replied, “Father, fulfill whatever you are commanded to do, and you will find me among the patient one, by the will of Allah.” (37:102) Patience is exercised in the face of trouble or difficulty. Prophet Ismail treated sacrifice as a trouble or difficulty. Imam Ali (a.s.), the self of Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), treated sacrifice to be a boon (ne’mat) and thanked Allah for the honor to save the life of His Messenger!

Allah (s.w.t.) revealed an Ayah to approve and appreciate Imam Ali (a.s.)’s sacrifice. Surah al-Baqa Ayah 207, “Wa Minanase Man Yashri Nafsahubtegha Marazatillahe Wallahu Raufun Bil’Ibad.” “There are those among people who give their lives to seek Allah’s pleasure. Allah is affectionate to His servants.”

Source: The Glorious Qur’an