THE IMPORTANCE OF INTENTION (NIYYAH) IN ALL THE DEEDS

Muslims are expected to perform all deeds for Allah’s pleasure and are accepted and rewarded only if performed solely for His pleasure. It is also stated 70 times in the Glorious Qur’an as “Fi Sabilillah”. Intention is the pillar of worship. Any act of “Furu-e-Deen” performed without intention of pleasure of Allah is invalid, e.g. fasting without intention is dieting only! Any action done without intention or with ungodly intention is invalid (Batil). Imam Sadiq (a.s.) quoted a statement of Allah as, “I do not accept anyone except the one who is sincere to me.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “The heart is the sanctuary of Allah, so do not allow anyone to dwell therein except Allah.” “And not associate anyone with the worship of his Lord”. Sincerity is crucial for the acceptance of deeds. Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) said, “The penetration of polytheism (shirk) in a man’s work, is subtler than the movement of an ant on a dark night on a black rock!” In one of the sayings of Imam Ali (a.s.) about sincerity, he says, “The acceptance and exaltation of deeds depends on sincerity. When the intention is corrupt, affliction will come.” The Noble Prophet said, “Verily, the action is (judged) by the intention behind it. Anyone who, out of sincerity and uprightness, prays for martyrdom, Allah will include him in the company of martyrs on the Day of Resurrection even if he dies in bed.”

Ways of acquiring sincerity:

1.      Attention to values; Man was given status of vicegerent of Allah on earth and He compensates the good intentions by awarding Paradise, accepts even small deeds, even conceals his wicked deeds.

2.      Reflecting on creation enhances our cognition of the Power of Almighty Allah resulting in the direction of our deeds towards Him with greater sincerity and pure intentions.

3.      Attention to the Attributes of Allah; learning, reciting and remembering His Attributes specially Jaushan Kabir Supplication containing 1,000 names of Allah.

4.      Attention to His Blessings; paying attention to them draws the creatures toward Him and increases love for Him. Hence, the Infallible Imams have always mentioned it in their supplications like Imam Sajjad in Abu Hamza supplication and Imam Husayn (a.s.) in Du’a’ al-Arafah.

5.      Attention to the sure gain; the outcome of the deeds of those who strive in the way of Allah are certain. “Whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it with an effort worthy of it, should he be faithful-the endeavor of such will be well-appreciated.” (17:19)

6.      Attention to the worthlessness of the world; he who is not seduced and charmed by the world and does not desire it, will attain purity. Phrases such as “mata’-ul-ghurur”, ‘laibun and lahwun” used in the Glorious Qur’an, depicts the worthlessness, deceptive nature, and transitory world.

7.      Attention to impotence of the created beings; absolute Power belongs to God Almighty and none other than Him. Therefore, anyone created by Allah is not worthy of focus of attention and worship.

8.      Learning from other’s experience like Prophet Noah’s son, Qarun, who rejected Prophet Musa’s invitation.

Signs of Sincerity:       

1.      Not expecting anything from others; the person is not influenced by the criticism or appreciation.

2.      Focusing on duty, not on money, title or fame.

3.      Having no regrets for offering services or assistance.

4.      Treating receptivity and heedlessness equally.

5.      Consistency of motive and action.

6.      Lack of wealth and position does not hinder.

7.      Oneness of the apparent and hidden. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “One who is honest in his secret activities as in overt deeds, has sincerely obeyed Allah only to achieve His favors and blessings. “

8.      Without factional bigotry and partisanship.

9.      Pursuit of important works undone. God gives significant impact to even small deeds performed sincerely.

10.  Desisting from error. The fact that one persists in error shows his lack of sincerity.

Source: The radiance of the Secrets of Prayer by Professor Muhsin Qarati

                A Commentary on Prayer by Professor Muhsin Qarati            

END OF THE WORLDS ACCORDING TO THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Man is reluctant to believe in a Supreme Power who had created the world. They postulate theories such as “The Big Bang” which in a nutshell assumes that there was a big bang and the world came into existence. But according to the First Law of Motion, which says, “Everybody continues in its state of rest or uniform motion unless it is compelled by an external force to change its state of rest or uniform motion”. The basic question arises who caused that Big Bang?

In Islam, “The Gateway of Knowledge”, the Commander of the Faithful, the Lion of Allah, the Soul of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.) had described the creation of earth in Nahjul Balagha. The ultimate end of the world has been described in the Glorious Qur’an Surah al-Takwir.

The Surah may be divided in two themes; the first contains the signs of the Hereafter and momentous changes regarding the end of this world and the other about the truthfulness of the Qur’anic revelation through Archangel Geb’rail.

The Ayahs 1 to 7 describes some shocking hints such as, “when the sun is folded up, when the stars darken, when the mountains shall move, when the (costly) pregnant camels shall be neglected, when the wild beasts shall be herded together, when the seas boil over, and when the souls are united.”

Folding of the sun means the extinction of the extreme heat and light darkening and shrinking of its body. Similarly, the stars shall lose their light and fall. The modern science also follows the Qur’anic prediction about these astronomical bodies. Likewise, the mountains will first leave their base and ultimately become dust. The Arabs at the time of revelation considered pregnant camels as most valuable commodity, but because of the horror and fear of the Day, this precious property will be left unattended. Some of the animals normally stay away from each other like tiger and goat but because of the horror of the Day they will stay together. Water is formed by the combination of oxygen and hydrogen; both the gases are flammable, but because of the unique conditions of the Day, water of the oceans will break into the component gases and burn. The pious souls will be united with the pious ones.

The Ayah from 10 to 14 describes the next phase of the Hereafter saying, “When the books of deeds will be spread out, when the heaven will be unveiled; the hidden things like angels, heaven and Hell etc., when the Hell is set ablaze, when the heaven is brought near the righteous ones (proximity of place and time), and every soul shall know what he has brought on the Day.

The Ayah from 15 to 25 relates about the planets, day and night, Archangel Geb’raeel saying, “No, I swear by the orbiting planets that run their course, by the night when it ends, by the morning when it breaths, surely it is the word of a gracious Messenger, endowed by the power of his Lord, obedient and trustworthy, O (people) your companion (Noble Messenger) is not mad, and he (s.a.w.a.s.) saw Geb’raeel on the clear horizon, and he (s.a.w.a.s.) is trustworthy and communicated to people what he had received (from his Lord).

The Ayah 26 to 29 reminds the rejecters of the Divine Message saying, “Whither then will you go? Surely, it (Glorious Qur’an) is a reminder to (all) the worlds, for whoever go straight, but you cannot will except Allah wills.”

Man is neither completely independent nor obliged and even his free will is granted by Allah, hence he needs Allah’s help for decision-making.

The benefits of reciting this Surah includes that whoever recites it will be happy when his deed sheet will be opened on the Day of Resurrection. Its good for the eyes and removes ailment, if any.

               Sources: The Glorious Qur’an – Urdu translation – Tafsir-e-Namuna by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

                                An Enlightening Commentary into The Light of The Holy Qur’an, Du’as.org

SHIA ADHAN/AZAN AND IQAMAH

Azan is the call for prayer. There is a slight difference between the Shia Azan and Sunni Azan. The command for Azan was given in Madinah. The word “Azan” was used in the Glorious Qur’an in Suarh al-Tawbah Ayah 3, “This Announcement from Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) is to be made to the people on the day of the great Pilgrimage; Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) have declared no amnesty for the pagans.” Al Kulayni said in al-Kafi, “The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said: When the Messenger of Allah ascended to the Heaven and reached “Bayt al-Ma’mur, the prayer time came. Hence, Archangel Geb’raeel called out Azan and Iqamah. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) stood in front and the angels and other Prophets queued behind him” In another tradition it is narrated that the Infallible Imam Ja’ffar as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “When Archangel Geb’raeel descended to the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) bearing the command of Azan, his honorable head was on the lap of Imam Ali (a.s.). Geb’raeel called out Azan and Iqamah. When he (s.a.w.a.s.) recovered back to his normal state, he asked Imam Ali (a.s.), “Did you hear that?”, he (a.s.) replied, “Yes”, he (a.s.w.a.s.) asked, “Did you memorize it?” he (a.s.) replied, “Yes”. He (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Call Bilal, and teach him the Azan.”   The person who recites the Azan is called “Mu’azzen”. The first “Muazzen” was Hazrat Bilal.

The Shia Azan is as follows:

“Allahu Akbar” “Allah is the Greatest” (4 times),

“Ash’hadu An La Ilaha Illallah” “I certify that there is no deity but Allah” (2 times)

“Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadur Rasulallah” “I testify that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah” (2 times)

“Ashhadu Anna Aliun Waliullah” “I testify that Ali is the vice-gerent of Allah” (2 times) (Preferable)

“Hayya Alas Salah” “Hasten towards prayers” (2 times)

“Hayya Alal Falah” “Hasten towards success” (2 times)

“Hayya Ala Kharul Amal” “Hasten towards best activity” (2 times)

“Allahu Akbar” Allah is the greatest” (2 times)

“La Ilaha Illallah” “No deity except Allah” (2 times)

Iqamah (Set up for prayers) is recited just before the Salat/Namaz starts  

“Allahu Akbar” “Allah is the Greatest” (2 times),

“Ash’hadu An La Ilaha Illallah” “I certify that there is no deity but Allah” (2 times)

“Ash’hadu Anna Muhammadur Rasulallah” “I testify that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah” (2 times)

“Ashhadu Anna Aliun Waliullah” “I testify that Ali is the vice-gerent of Allah” (2 times)

“Hayya Alas Salah” “Hasten towards prayers” (2 times)

“Hayya Alal Falah” “Hasten towards success” (2 times)

“Hayya Ala Kharul Amal” “Hasten towards best activity” (2 times)

“Qad Iqamatis Salah” “Stand for prayers” (2 times)

“Allahu Akbar” Allah is the greatest” (2 times)

“La Ilaha Illallah” “No deity except Allah” (1 time)

In Salat al-Eid and Salat al-Janaza, no Azan or Iqamah is recited, but only 3 times “Assalaat” is said loudly.

When a child is born, it is required to recite Azan in his right ear and Iqamah in his left ear.

Sources: The glorious Qur’an, Sistani.org, Salat:The mode of Divine Proximity Recognition by Ayatulah Mirza Mahdi Isphahani, Shiism Sunnism by Sayyid Muhammad Ridha Mudarrisi Yazdi, Elements of Islamic Studies by Allama Saeed Akhtar Rizvi

SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.) AND HAZRAT MARYAM (S.A.)

Hazrat Maryam was the daughter of Imran while Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was the daughter of the Master of all Prophets, The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.).

Prophet Zakariya raised Hazrat Maryam (s.a.) as an orphan, while Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was raised by the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) himself.

Hazrat Maryam (s.a.) was assured the safety and security of Prophet Isa while no such assurance of survival of Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn was given by Allah (s.w.t.) hence she deserved more praise.

Allah (s.w.t.) pacified her saying, “Do not be sad” (19:24) while the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) told Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), “Allah becomes happy with whatever makes you happy!”

When Hazrat Maryam became pregnant with Prophet Isa, Allah said, “We breathed Our spirit” (21:91) while Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was one of the “Holy Five” about whom Archangel Gib’raeel said proudly, “I am the sixth of “The Holy Five” under the Cloak of Purity” referring to the Hadees-e-Kissa.

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Maryam was the leader of the women of the world at her time but Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is the leader of all the women at all time, from beginning till the end of the world. She is the Chief of the women in Paradise. She is the human houri. Allah is angered when she is angry and He (s.w.t.) is pleased when she is pleased. She is part of me, whoever annoys her annoys me.” (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi, Masnad Ahmad etc.)

In the Glorious Qur’an, there is one Surah Maryam in her praise. There are many Ayahs generally praising Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and four Surahs viz. Surah al-Kauthar, Surah al-Dahr, Ayah of Purity 33:33, Ayah of Muwaddat 42:23

When Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was born, Hazrat Maryam (s.a.) along with Hazrat Hawwa, Asiya bint Muzahim, Kulsum, Prophet Musa’s sister came to assist Sayyida Khadija. (Fatima the Gracious by Abu Muhammad Ordoni).

The Poet, Philosopher Allama Iqbal praising Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) said in “Ramuz-e-Bekhudi”:

                          Maryam az ek Nisbete Isa Aziz* Az sey Nisbet Hazrat-e-Zahra Aziz

 Hazrat Maryam is exalted only by one relation; being the mother of Prophet Isa, but Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is respectable and exalted by three relations; her father was the Chief of all Prophets, The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), her husband was the bravest man in history, the soul of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.), and the mother of “the Princes of the youths of Paradise; Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.)

Once, the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) was hungry for several days and he came to Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and inquired about any food, but she had nothing to offer him. As soon as he left, a neighbor brought some food. She sent her children to call their grandfather. When he came, she uncovered the tray of food and found bread and meat. He (s.a.w.a.s.) asked, “From where you have gotten this food?” She replied, “It is from Allah. Surely Allah gives sustenance to whomever He pleases without measure.” (3:37) The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Grace be to Allah who has made you similar to the best of women (Maryam) of the world during the time of Israelites”

Apart from this incident, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was honored by Allah many times, sending food from Paradise. Once, she prayed for clothes for her young sons Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (a.s.), and Archangel Gib’raeel brought new clothes from Paradise posing as the “Tailor” 

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an, Allama Iqbal’s Ramuz-e-Bekhudi, Fatima The Gracious by Abu Muhammad Ordoni,

               Behar-al-Anwar by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.)

THE SIXTH GEM OF THE GOLDEN CHAIN - IMAM JA'FFAR AS-SADIQ (A.S.)

The Infallible Imam Ja’ffar as-Sadiq (a.s.) was the 6^th Gem of the “Golden Chain” “Silsila az-Zahabiyyah”. He was born in Madinah on 17^th Rabi al-Awwal 83 A.H. He used to visit the grand school of his father Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.). At the age of 11 years, he surprised the students by saying, “The earth was not flat, because the way sun rises in the East and sets in the West and day and night changes in 24 hours, it cannot be possible!”

Bani Umayyad’s evil kingdom came to an end and Abbasids raised slogan, “Right to rule is for the family of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)” but once they came to power, they were the worst enemy of the “Ahlul Bayt” Like Banu Umayyads, Banu Abbas also felt guilty that worldly power belonged to the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s Progeny. Hence, they tried every dirty trick to harass the Infallible Imams, who possessed every virtue and remained patient to their excesses.

Once, a pilgrim who was visiting the Prophet’s Mosque fell asleep. On waking up, he searched for his purse containing money but could not find it. There was only Imam Ja’ffar as-Sadiq in the mosque praying in one corner. He accused the Imam of having picked up the purse. He (a.s.) took the man to his house and paid him the amount he was missing. On return in the Mosque, the man searched his belongings thoroughly and found his missing money. He was ashamed of himself and wanted to return Imam’s money, but the Imam refused to take back as Ahlul Bayt grants but never take it back.

His (a.s.) profound knowledge was famed across the Muslim world. Students came from distant places to quench their thirst of knowledge from the Imam who was the “Inheritor of the Gateway of Knowledge”. The number of students exceeded four thousand in his school in Madinah, which included Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik bin Anas, Ja’bir bin Haiyan etc. He used to teach mathematics, chemistry, medicine, astrology among other faculties. Influenced by his mentor, Jabir wrote about 400 treatises on the above subjects.

Imam Abu Hanifa remarked his disagreements with his teacher Imam Sadiq (a.s.) on three questions;

1.      The Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Good is from God and evil is from the man’s own deeds” where as I say that man has no choice; good and evil both come from God.

2.      The Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “In the Final Judgement, the devil will burn in the Fire” where as I say that fire cannot burn devil as the same material cannot injure itself (devil was made from fire)

3.      The Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “It is impossible to see God in this world or in the next world” where as I say that anyone who has an existence may be seen, if not in this world then in the next world.

Shaikh Behlul, who was one of the companions of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) but pretended to be insane, picked up a clod of earth and threw at the head of Imam Abu Hanifa shouting at him saying, “All of your three points are refuted”. Imam Abu Hanifa complained of pain in his head, to the caliph who summoned Behlul and asked, “Why did you throw the clod of earth at Abu Hanifa? He replied, “I did not throw it” Abu Hanifa protested and said, “You did throw it.” Behlul replied, “You yourself have said that good and evil is from God and that man has no choice, so why you are blaming me? And you have also said that same material will not injure itself. The devil is made from fire and fire of Hell will not hurt him. Accordingly, you are made from earth, how the clod of earth could hurt you? You have also claimed that you cannot see God to prove His existence. Show me the pain you are complaining about that exists in your head. “Imam Abu Hanifa had no answer to that and the complaint was dismissed. In the end he agreed with the sayings of Imam Ja’ffar as-Sadiq (a.s.)

     

Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) quoted the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) that the prayers of the following were unacceptable:

·        Persons, who wish ill for their parents.

·        Persons who lend money without any witness or written pledge.

·        Persons who sit idle at home and pray for sustenance.

·        Persons who are granted abundant wealth, waste it through abundant generosity

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Our intercession will not be available to those who ignore the importance of Salaat.”

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

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROSTRATION (SAJ'DAH)

Prostration is the ultimate degree of humility.  Surah al-Hajj Ayah 18 says, “Did you not see that those in the heavens and the earth, the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, the mountains, the trees, the animals, and many people, all bow down to Allah. Similarly, Surah al-Nahl Ayah 48 says, “Did they not see that the shadows of whatever Allah has created turn to the right and to the left in prostration and submission to Allah? Surah al-Mu’minun Ayah 77 says, “Believers, worship your Lord, bow down and prostrate yourselves before Him and do virtuous deeds so that perhaps you will have everlasting happiness.

Apart from spiritual benefits of prostrating, there are numerous benefits to the body as well. While in the state of prostration (Sajdah), we are “earthing” our body absorbing electrons which neutralizes the “free radicals” which damage our body cells. Earthing decreases inflammation, pain and stress. Earthing increases blood flow and makes it thin and decrease the chances of heart attack and stroke. It also improves the left side of the brain resulting in increase in energy as the circulation improves. It also improves the sleeping pattern.

 Prostration or Saj’dah is allowed only to the Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) in Islam. The only exception was the Saj’dah out of respect ordered by the Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) Himself to the angels to Hazrat Adam (a.s.) as narrated in Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 34, “And when We said to the angels: ’Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ They all prostrated themselves except Iblis; he refused and was full of pride, and so he became one of the infidels.”

After the return from the Ascension (Mair’aj), five times salaat was made obligatory for the Muslims. In every Raka’at of salaat, one must perform prostration (Sajdah) twice reciting “Subhana Rabbial A’la wa Behamdeh”

The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) had said that salaat was the Mai’raj of the faithful (Momin) and during the salat, a faithful is at the nearest state to his Creator while performing prostration (Sajdah), so supplicate a lot in this position. Prostration (Sajdah) should be performed on the pure soil and not eatables or clothing things. The purest earth is the “Khak-e-Shifa”, the soil cakes made from the soil around the Holy Shrine of Sayyid-us-Shuhada Imam Husayn (a.s.). It should be clear that Shias prostrate on Khak-e-Shifa and not to the Khak-e-Shifa!

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) had a special place in Islam; born in the House of Allah, martyred in the House of Allah-Masjid of Kufa, he recited salat whole night as the neighbors used to hear Takbir of Allah-o-Akbar 1,000 times. His grandson, the Infallible Imam Ali ibnal Husayn (a.s.) was given the title of “Sayyid-us-Sajideen” or “the Leader of the Prostrators”

According to rawdhah al-Kafi (page 128), Imam Jaffar as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Prophet Musa was passing by one of his followers who was in prostration. When Prophet Musa returned, he was still in prostration. Being impressed by this act, Prophet Musa said, “If I could fulfill your needs, I would certainly do it. A call came from Allah saying: Even if he keeps on prostrating resulting in breaking his neck, I will not accept it unless he keeps his busy with what I like and give up what I dislike.”

The Thinker of Pakistan, poet-philosopher, Allama Iqbal (r.a.) had said, “Wo Aik Sajdah Jesay tu Giran Samjhta Haiy* Hazar Sajdaun Se Deta Haiy Admi Ko Najaat.” “You feel burdensome for only one Sajdah to Almighty Allah*This relieves you from making one thousand sajdas to Allah’s creation”. He further said, “Islam Ke Daman May Bas Iske Siwa Kia Hay* Aik Zarbe Yadullahi Aik Sajda-e-Shabbiri” “the most important things in Islamic history are the strike of Zulfiqar; sword of Imam Ali (a.s.), in Khyber and other battles defending Islam and the sajdah of Imam Husayn (a.s.) on the Day of Ashura in Karbala under the dagger of Shimr (l.a.)

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an, Shiism and Sunnism by Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Ridha Mulavisi, Taqwa Advice of Ahl al-Bayt by Sayyed Hussain Tooyserkani, Amazing Benefits of Prostration in Islam and new Science