THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWLEDGE ('ILM) IN ISLAM

Islam is the path of knowledge (‘ilm). The first teaching class for Adam started soon after his creation and he was taught ‘All Names’. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “One who realizes his own self, realizes his Lord.” Knowledge (‘ilm) in Qur’anic Ayahs is referred as light (nur) and Allah is also described as ultimate nur. It means that in general sense knowledge (‘ilm) is synonymous with the light of Allah. In Islam, knowledge (‘ilm) is not mere information, it requires the believers to act upon their believes. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “The reward for piety in the other world would be bestowed upon a believer in proportion to the degree of his intellectual development and his knowledge.”

Great emphasis has been placed on knowledge in the Glorious Qur’an and by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The word “knowledge” and its derivatives has been used 854 times in the Glorious Qur’an. There is a tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) encouraging Muslims to go out to far flung places even China to acquire knowledge as it is obligatory. Of course, at that time, Islam was still within the Arabian Peninsula. There is yet another tradition wherein he (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Ana Madinatul Ilm wa Aliun Babuha” translated as, “I am the City of Knowledge and Ali is its Gateway.”

Surah ar-Ra’d Ayah 43 says, “And those who disbelieve say:’ You are not a Messenger’. Say: Allah is sufficient as a witness between me and you and he with whom is the knowledge of the Book.” Abu Saeed Khidary said that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said the person referred in the Ayah is “my brother Ali ibn Abu Talib” (Tafsir al-Mizan)

Surah Ale-Imran Ayah 7, says, “He it is Who has sent down to you the Book, in it are decisive Ayahs which are the basis of the Book, while others are allegorical. But for those in whose hearts there is perversity, they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking (to cause) dissension by seeking it (their own) interpretation, while none knows its (hidden) interpretation except Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge.” Anas bin Malik asked the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) as to who are the “firmly rooted” persons. He (s.a.w.a.s.) replied, “They are those who perform good deeds, they are truthful, their hearts are straight, avoid prohibited food, protect their private parts.” Naturally, these qualities were possessed by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Progeny.

Prophet Sulayman asked his companions as to who can bring the throne of Sheba quickly, Asif Barqiya (his vicegerent) said that he will bring before an eye twinkling. The Glorious Qur’an says in Surah al-Niml Ayah 40, “One with whom was some knowledge (of the part) of the (Divine) Book said: “I will bring it to you before your eye twinkles.”

Hence, we can imagine the great status of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) who had the compete knowledge of the Book (the Glorious Qur’an).

The place of scholars in Islam is that the light of knowledge and learning has encompassed their entire existence and has radiated allowing them to see the light of Allah, faith and piety. They are dedicated people practicing what they preach!

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an, Islamic concept of knowledge by Sayyid Wahid Akhtar, The                   Status of knowledge in Islam by Mohammad Hossein Faryab, al-Islam.org

SAYYIDA ZAYNAB BINT IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.)was the third child of the Lion of Allah Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Chief of the women of the world, for all time, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). She was born in Madinah 5 years after Migration of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) form Makkah to Madinah. When she was born, her grand father (s.a.w.a.s.) was not in town. On his return, the family requested him to name the newborn. The Angel Jibril descended on earth, brought the name Zaynab and started to cry. On inquiry, he said, “O Prophet of Allah! From early on in her life this girl will remain entangle with trials and tribulations- First she will weep over your separation (from this world); thereafter she will bemoan the loss of her mother, then her father and then her brother Hasan. After all this she will be confronted with the trials of the land of Karbala and the tribulations of that lonely desert, as a result of which her hair will turn grey and her back will be bent.”

Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) shared with her brothers and sister the extra ordinary position of having such examples to look up to, emulate and learn from as her grandfather, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), her mother, Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet, and her father Imam Ali , the cousin of the Prophet. In this pure environment, she absorbed the teachings of Islam. While still a young girl, she was thoroughly able to care for and responsible for running her father’s household, cared for the comforts and ease of her brothers and sister and very generous to the poor, homeless and orphans.

When the time of marriage came, she was married in a simple ceremony to her cousin Abdullah bin Jaffar al-Tayyar. Together this young couple had five children, of whom four were sons, Ali, Aoun, Muhammad and Abbas, and one daughter Umm Kulthum.

In Madinah, she held regular meetings for women to share her knowledge of Islam. Her gatherings were well and regularly attended. She was able to impart the teachings with such clarity and eloquence that she became known as Fasiha (skillfully fluent) and Baligha (intensely eloquent). In the year 37 A.H. Imam Ali (a.s.) moved to Kufa to finally take up his rightful position as Khalifa. He was accompanied by his daughter (Sayyida Zaynab) and her family. Her reputation as an inspiring teacher preceded her in Kufa. Thereto women thronged to her daily sittings where they all were benefitted from her wisdom and scholarship in the exegesis of the Glorious Qur’an. The depth of her knowledge earned her the name given to her by her nephew the Infallible Imam Ali ibnal Husayn Zaynal Abedin (a.s.) of “A’limah Ghayr Mu’allamah” She was also nick-named Z’ahidah (abstemious) and A’bidah (devoted) because of her piety. She found little of interest in worldly adornments, always preferring the bliss and comforts of the Next World. Humble and of high morals, her main concern was to strive to please Allah (s.w.t.).

Her trials and tribulations shall be dealt with in a separate article, Insha’Allah.

                Source: The Victory of Truth: The Life of Zaynab bint Ali by Muna Haeri Bilgrami

PROHIBITION (HARAAM) IN ISLAM

Because Allah is the Creator of mankind and loves His creation many times more than their natural mothers, hence He sent 124,000 prophets in the world to guide them and ordered them to follow His Commands to avoid going to Hell Fire. The man is supposed to thoroughly ascertain if he is committing any prohibited act and abstain from it. The philosophy of prohibition is to avoid acts which are physically, spiritually, and socially harmful to the man himself.

The sources of Jurisprudential prohibition in Islam are the Glorious Qur’an and the (authentic) Traditions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Haraam means the things or acts forbidden by Allah. The related terms in the Islamic Jurisprudence are; Wajib (Farz) means Compulsory, Mustahab means recommended or desirable, Mubah means permissible (Neutral), Mak’ruh means disliked and Haraam means sinful or prohibited. There is a punishment for the one who commits Haraam act. The eight part of the “Furu-e-Deen” or Branches of Islam (Shiah) is “Nahi-anil-Munkar” which means the Muslim himself/herself should not commit the “Munkar” or sinful acts and advise others also not to commit any sinful act.

Broadly, sins (Gunah) are divided into Greater or Kabirah and Smaller or Saghirah. Some of the Greater Sins are believing in a partner of Allah, despair, total disregard of Allah’s punishment, murder of an innocent human being, fornication, disobedience to parents, Qata ar-rahm (cut-off ties with relatives), usurping the rights of orphans, usury (taking interest), fornication, homosexuality, Qazaf (wrongfully accuse of fornication), drinking liquor and gambling.

Allah in His infinite mercy may forgive the Smaller Sins as stated in Surah al-Nisa Ayah 31 which says, “If you shun the Greater Sins which you are forbidden, We will do away with your Smaller Sins and cause you to enter an honorable place of entering.”

The concept of Prohibition of Sins is related to the Piety (Taqwa). Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq (a.s.) defined Taqwa as “Submit to the Commands of Allah and do not go near the prohibited.” Some of the Prohibited acts mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an are as under:

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 173 which says, “He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.” Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 275, “But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest….” Certain blood relations have been prohibited for marriage as detailed in Surah al-Nisa Ayah 23.” Shirk or associating others with Allah is prohibited as stated in Surah al-Mai’dah Ayah 72, “O Children of Isra’il, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Indeed, he who associates others with Allah, Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire.” Surah al-An ‘am Ayah 151 saying, “…. And do not approach immoralities, what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the souls which Allah has forbidden except by (legal) right.” Surah al-Nur Ayah 2, “Flog the fornicating woman and the fornicator with a hundred lashes each.” Surah al-A’raf Ayah 81, “You engage in lustful activities with men instead of women. You have become transgressing people.” Surah al-Nisa Ayah 10, “Those who wrongfully consume the property of orphans are, in fact, consuming fire in their bellies and they will suffer the blazing fire.” Surah al- Ma’idah Ayah 90, “Believers! wine, gambling are all abominable acts associated with Satanic activities.”

 Making light of Salaat is also counted among Greater Sins. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “One who considers prayer (Salaat) unimportant is not from me. By Allah he is not from me. By Allah he cannot reach near me at Hauz al-Kawthar.”

                Sources: The Glorious Qur’an and Greater Sins by Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husayn                                             Dasteghaib Shirazi

THE MULTIPURPOSE BENEFITS OF ISTIGHFAR STATED BY IMAM ALI (A.S.)

The Gateway of Knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) was sitting among his companions when a man approached him and sought his advice about the remedy for the sins he had committed and Imam Ali (a.s.) advised him to recite Istighfar. After some time, another person approached the Imam (a.s.) and complained about poverty and sought advice to increase sustenance and the Imam advised him also to recite Istighfar. Later, another person came and asked for advice for offspring (children) and the Imam (a.s.) repeated the same advice of reciting Istighfar. After some time, a man came and told the Imam (a.s.) that he had a garden which was destroyed and sought advice to replenish the loss. Imam Ali (a.s.) gave him the same advice to recite IstIghfar. Some people from the outskirts of Madinah came and sought help for the drying up of a small river which they toiled to direct towards their village. Imam Ali (a.s.) repeated the same advice to them to recite Istighfar.

The companions inquired about the prescription of Istighfar for different situations as stated above. The Gateway of Knowledge, Imam Ali (a.s.) referred them to Surah Nuh Ayah 10 and 12 which says, “(Noah told his people) Ask forgiveness from your Lord; He is All-forgiving, strengthen you by (providing) you wealth and children, and make gardens and streams for you”.

Surah Nasr was revealed at the time of the Victory of Makkah which says, “(Muhammad), when help and victory come from Allah, you will see large groups of people embracing the religion of Allah. Glorify your Lord with praise and ask Him for forgiveness. He accepts repentance.”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was infallible, hence there is no question of Istighfar from sins as normally people think that Istighfar is always for seeking forgiveness from sins. Now it is clear why the Fourteen Infallibles used to recite Istighfar.

Surah al-Anfal Ayah 33, says, “Allah would not punish them while you were among them nor while they were asking for forgiveness.” In this regard the existence of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) is a safety for the population of earth. Also seeking forgiveness hinders calamities. The same concept was asserted by the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) in Nahjul Balagha (saying 88) after the demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), “There were two sources of deliverance from Allah’s punishment, one of which has been raised up, while the other is before you. You should therefore adhere to it. (Which is seeking forgiveness). Similarly, in the famous Supplication of Imam Ali (a.s.) in Dua-e-Kumayl, there is a clause that points to the sins which afflictions to come down. It is recited as follows:

                “O Allah! Forgive me the sins which bring about tribulation”

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an Urdu Translation of Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem                           Shirazi

                Inspiration from a speech by Allama Talib Johari

PARENTS AND CHILDREN - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES - 2

Rights of Parents: Allah (s.w.t.) says in Hadith al-Qudsi: “I swear by My Glory that if a (child who is) disobedient to his parents comes to me with all the good deeds of all the prophets, I will not accept them from him.” (Hadees-e-Qudsi is the word of Allah spoken by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) which is not the Glorious Qur’an).

If there is anyone, after the Creator, who is directly responsible for the existence and progress of the child, it is his parents. Metaphorically, parents are the lords of their children. It is for this reason that the Glorious Qur’an mentioned the obedience of parent’s side by side with the worship of Allah (s.w.t.). In Surah al-Nisa Ayah 36, “Worship Allah and consider no one equal to Him. Be kind to your parents….” Also, Surah al-Isra’ Ayah 23, “Your Lord has ordained that you must not worship anything other than Him and that you must be kind to your parents. If either or both of your parents should become advanced in age, do not express to them which show your slightest disappointment. Never dispute with them but always speak to them with kindness. Be humble and merciful toward them and say, “Lord, have mercy up on them as they cherished me in my childhood.”  

The rights of the parents are very much akin to the rights of Allah (s.w.t.) which may be divided into three categories;

First: The right upon the “soul”, e.g., the knowledge of Allah.

Second: The right upon the “body”, e.g., prayer and fast.

Third: The right upon “property and wealth”, e.g. Zakat and Khums (religious taxes)

The rights of the parents may also be divided into these very categories.

The relevant Ayahs with the explanations by Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in parenthesis is given below:

“Worship Allah and consider no one equal to Him. Be kind to your parents.” (behave kindly with them and do not compel them to bring their needs to your attention; but fulfill their requirements before they must tell you, even though they are not in need of your assistance.) “If either or both of your parents should advance in age” (and become angry with you), “do not express to them which show your slightest disappointment.” (if they beat you). “Never dispute with them, but always speak to them with kindness.” (and respect, i.e. say to them May Allah forgive you.) “Be humble and merciful towards them” (and whenever you look at them, look with gentleness and kindness, do not raise your voice upon their voices, nor your hands above their hands; nor walk before them).

Allah (s.w.t.) has imposed financial obligation on wealthy but spending in the path of Allah for others is recommended. Likewise, everyone has been exhorted to give financial help to their parents. Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 215 says, “They ask you what to spend for the cause of Allah. (Muhammad)tell them that whatever you spend, give it to your parents…. Whatever good you do; Allah certainly is aware of it.” Surah al-Ahq’af Ayah 15 says, “We have advised the human being to be kind to his parents; his mother bore him with hardship and delivered him while suffering a great deal of pain. The period in which his mother bore and weaned him lasted for thirty months. When he grew up to manhood and became forty years old, he then said, “Lord, inspire me to give You thanks for the bounties You have granted to me and my parents, and to act righteously to please You. Lord, make my offspring virtuous. Lord I turn to you in repentance; I am a Muslim.” It is obligatory for the son to help his parents if he can while he maintains himself and his family. If any of the two conditions are not fulfilled, his obligation ceases, but the emphasized recommendation to help the parents remains. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Anyone who likes long life and increase in sustenance should do good to their parents; because doing good to them is in fact obeying Allah. Rights of a father on his son are that; he should not call his father by name, he should not walk ahead of him, he should not sit until his father is seated, he should not do such acts as a result of which people abuse his father. The look of a child towards his parents out of love for them is an act of worship. Whoever visits the grave of his parents every Friday, Allah shall forgive his sins. Allah shall not accept the prayers of person who looks at the parents with hatred. One who argues with his father is humiliated in this world. Becoming disowned by the parents is one of the Great Sins. Lastly, there is Paradise beneath the mother’s feet.”

                Sources: Islamic Family Life by Allama Sayyid Akhtar Rizvi, Forty Ahadiths on Parents (al-islam.org)

PARENTS AND CHILDREN - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES

From infancy to adulthood, it is unparalleled tender love and acre of the parents which brings the child from the stage of absolute weakness and helplessness to perfect strength and independence. On the contrary, in old age man becomes like a small child, the mind and body becomes so weak that Allah says in Surah Yasin Ayah 68, “If We grant long life to any, We cause him to reverse in nature.”  Parent’s heart is the fountain head of love but still Islam has given some guidelines. The most important are education and character building. Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “The first beneficence of a parent towards the child is to give him or her a good name.” Life may be divided into three stages:

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

“The child is the master for 7 years (First stage); and a slave for 7 years (Second stage) and a vizier for 7 years (Third stage) ; so if he builds a good character within 21 years, well and good, otherwise leave him alone because (if you looked after him for 21 years) you have discharged your responsibility before Allah.”

Instructions for First Stage: It is essential to give utmost priority to proper upbringing and character building. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Respect your children and teach them good behavior, Allah will forgive your sins.” He (s.a.w.a.s.) further said, “O Ali, it is among the rights of the child on his father to teach him good manners and keep him in good society.” It is desirable to give them religious education as the impressions of childhood are difficult to erase.

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “When the child is 3 years, teach him 7 times to recite ‘La Ilaha Illallah’, after 7 months train him to say ‘Muhammadun Rasulu’llah’, when he is 4 years, teach him to recite Durood 7 times. When he is 5 years old make him face Qibla and teach him Prostration (Sajdah). At 6 years age, he should be told to pray and teach him ruku and sajdah. At 7 year’s age, he should be asked to wash his face and hands and tell him to pray. When he reaches 9 years, he should be taught proper wudu- (and should be punished if he is not careful) and proper salat (and should be punished if he is not regular). When he learns proper wudu and salat, Allah forgives the sins of his parents.

Instructions for Second Stage:  It is the most crucial period of life; hence the child must be given necessary religious education. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “It is the right of a male child on his father to teach him the Glorious Qur’an, riding and swimming.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “It is the duty of a father to teach his son (the art of) writing.” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said about the Muslim girls that they should be taught the Surah al-Noor but not the Surah Yusuf. Islam recommends girls to be a good wife when married, but not obliged to earn her livelihood.

Instructions for Third Stage: It is the period of earning livelihood. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said that it is the right of the girl upon her father that he should make haste in sending her to the house of her husband. Sometimes, the irresponsible parents delay the marriage of their daughters due to financial superiority, sect or clan. The deciding factor should be the character of the prospective spouse. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Every believer is equal in status (in matter of marriage) to any other believer.”

The same hadith guides us about male children.; that they should be married when they become mature. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) first marriage was performed when he was 25 years old. Similarly, Imam Ali (a.s.) was married to Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) when he was 25 years old. The deciding factor is that when a young man becomes emotionally mature and when he feels an urge to enter matrimonial relationship then he should get married without any delay. If anyone brings up his children remaining within these Islamic limits then that child will be the apple of the parent’s eyes and the delight of their hearts; and it is this child who, in turn, may be hoped to fulfill his obligations towards his parents. Referring to such offspring, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “The virtuous child is a flower from the flowers of Paradise. Among the good fortunes of a man is the virtuous child.”

                                                                   CONTINUED

Source: Islamic Family Life by Allama Sayyid Akhtar Rizvi

ZIYARAT AL-NAHIYA AL-MUQADASSA BY IMAM MAHDI (A.T.F.) - 2

Peace be upon the loneliest of the lonely.

Peace be upon the (greatest) martyr of all martyrs.

Peace be upon him, who was slain by the individuals of illegitimate birth.

Peace be upon the one who is at rest in Karbala.

Peace be upon the one for whom the heavenly Angels wept.

Peace be upon the one whose descendants are the pure.

Peace be upon the chief of the religion.

Peace be upon the places of the (divine) proofs.

Peace be upon the Imams, the masters (of mankind).

Peace be upon the bloodstained chests.

Peace be upon the parched lips.

Peace be upon the plucked souls.

Peace be upon the snatched spirits.

Peace be upon the stripped corpses.

Peace be upon the pallid bodies.

Peace be upon the gushing bloods.

Peace be upon the dismembered limbs.

Peace be upon the heads raised upon the lances.

Peace be upon the women (forcibly) exposed.

Peace be upon the Proof of the Lord of the worlds.

Peace be upon you and upon your pure ancestors.

Peace be upon you and upon your martyred sons.

Peace be upon you and upon your children who aided (you).

Peace be upon you and upon the accompanying Angels.

Peace be upon the slain and the oppressed one.

Peace be upon his poisoned brother (Imam al-Hasan).

Peace be upon Ali, the elder (Ali al-Akbar).

Peace be upon the suckling infant (Ali al-Asghar).

Peace be upon the plundered bodies.

Peace be upon the family and children who were nearby (the place of martyrdom, who were without support)

Peace be upon the mangled corpses (left) in the desert.

Peace be upon those who were left far from their homeland.

Peace be upon those who were buried without shrouds.

Peace be upon the heads severed from the bodies.

Peace be upon the bereaved and the patient one.

Peace be upon the oppressed one who was without a helper.

Peace be upon the inhabitant of the purified soil.

Peace be upon the possessor of the lofty dome.

Peace be upon him, whom the Almighty purified.

Peace be upon him, of whom Gabriel was proud.

Peace be upon the one to whom Michael spoke tenderly in the cradle.

Peace be upon the one whose pact was broken.

Peace be upon the one whose rights and dignity were violated.

Peace be upon the one whose blood was shed unjustly.

Peace be the one who was bathed in the blood of his wounds.

Peace be upon the one who tasted the spears raining down over his body.

Peace be upon the one against whom people came together and made lawful the shedding of his blood.

                                                                                                    Continued

ZIAYRAT AL-NAHIYA AL-MUQADDASA BY IMAM MAHDI (A.T.F.)

This Ziyarat was recited by the “Imam of The Time” Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.), describing in detail every aspect of the horrific events faced by the Master of the Martyrs Imam Husaayn (a.s.). It was reported by one of the “Four Special Deputies” of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) and it was mentioned in “Bihar al-Anwar “by Allama Majlisi (r.a.). The Ziyarat is as follows:

Peace be upon Adam, the chosen one of Allah from among His creation.

Peace be upon Seth (Shaith), the friend of Allah and His elite.

Peace be upon Enoch (Idris), who established (religion) on behalf of Allah by His authority.

Peace be upon Noah (Nuh), whose invocation (for punishment) was answered

Peace be upon Hud, who was assisted through Allah’s aid.

Peace be upon Salih, whom Allah crowned with His generosity.

Peace be upon Abraham (Ibrahim), whom Allah endowed with His friendship.

Peace be upon Ishmael (Ismail), whom Allah ransomed with a great sacrifice from His Heaven.

Peace be upon Isaac (Is’haq), in whose progeny Allah placed prophethood.

Peace be upon Jacob (Yaqoob), for whom Allah restored his sight by His mercy.

Peace be upon Joseph (Yusuf), whom Allah rescued from the well by His Majesty.

Peace be upon Moses (Musa), the one for whom Allah split the sea with His Power.

Peace be upon Aaron (Harun), whom Allah distinguished with his prophethood.

Peace be upon Jethro (Shuaib), whom Allah made victorious over his people.

Peace be upon David (Dawood), to whom Allah turned (in mercy) after his mistake.

Peace be upon Solomon (Suleiman), for whom Allah made the Jinn subservient by His Majesty.

Peace be upon Job (Ayyub), whom Allah cured after his (prolonged) illness.

Peace be upon Jonah (Younus), for whom Allah fulfilled the support of His promise.

Peace be upon Ezra (Uzair), whom Allah brought to life after his death.

Peace be upon Zechariah (Zakariya), who remained patient in his tribulations.

Peace be upon John (Yahya), whom Allah drew near (his rank) by his martyrdom.

Peace be upon Jesus (Isa), the spirit of Allah and His word.

Peace be upon Muhammad, the beloved of Allah and His elite.

Peace be upon the Leader of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was exclusively selected for brotherhood to him (S)

Peace be upon Fatima al-Zahra, his daughter.

Peace be upon Abu Muhammad al-Hasan, the executor of (the will of) his father and his successor.

Peace be upon al-Husain, who sacrificed himself up to the last drop of the blood of his heart.

Peace be upon him, who obeyed Allah secretly and openly.

Peace be upon whom placed a cure in the soil of his place (of martyrdom).

Peace be upon the one under whose dome answer (to supplication) is guaranteed.

Peace be upon the one in whose descendants are the Imams (after him).

Peace be upon the son of the seal of the prophets.

Peace be upon the son of the chief of the executors.

Peace be upon the son of Fatima, the radiant.

Peace be upon the son of Khadija, the great.

Peace be upon the son of the lote-tree in the outer most boundary (of the Heaven).

Peace be upon the son of the Garden of refuge.

Peace be upon the son of Zamzam and al-Safaa.

Peace be upon him who was saturated in (his) blood.

Peace be upon him, whose tents were violated.

Peace be upon the fifth of the People of the Cloak.

                Source: Bihar ul-Anwar (Ziaraat.com)

SHAREEKATUL HUSSAYN (A.S.), SAYYIDA ZAYNAB AL-KUBRA (S.A.)

Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) was born on 5^th of Jumadiul Awwal 5 A.H. She was the third child of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Chief of the women of the world Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) named her “Zaynab” as instructed by Allah through Gabriel. He (s.a.w.a.s.) kissed her and said, “I enjoined you to honor this child for she resembles (Sayyida) Khadija (s.a.).” The name may also be a compound of two words-Zayn (beauty) and Ab (father)-thus the beauty (adornment) of her father which reflects the life of Zaynab (s.a.) perfectly. She is the ideal for all women in all roles: daughter, wife, mother, community member, teacher. She is an embodiment of moral features. Zaynab (s.a.) like her mother Fatima Zahra (s.a.) proves that a Muslim woman can hold on to her dignity while taking part in social activities and preserve her nobility as a Muslim.

Some of her titles are: Fasiha (Fluent), Baligha (Eloquent), A ‘lima Ghayr Mua’llama (She who has knowledge without being taught), Aqilah (Intellectual), Zahida (Modest), Abida (Devoted), Sadiqa (Truthful). The title “Shareekatul Hussayn”; every revolution has two faces; Sacrifice and Message. Imam Hussayn (a.s.) accomplished the first part of the mission to reform the Ummah and revive the values of his grandfather (s.a.w.a.s.) but the mission would not have been accomplished had there not been Zaynab (s.a.) to spread the Message. She was also called “Ummul Masa’ib”. Her grandfather (s.a.w.a.s.) died when she was 7 years old and within 75 days her beloved mother died.

From the time of Shaam-e-Ghareeban”, she (s.a.) became responsible for the caravan of orphans, widows and others. She saved Imam Sajjad (a.s.) from the burning tent and protected him many times from the beastly hypocrites of Yazid (l.a.) and his governor. She filled the gap of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.). The women and children were made captives and made to sit on camels without saddles. They were first taken to Kufa and later to Damascus where Yazid made them wait till he completed victory celebration. Yazid (l.a.) was hitting the sacred teeth of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) saying: “My ancestors who were killed at Badr have been avenged today. Now it is clear that Bani Hashim had staged a play to gain power and there was never any divine revelation”  

Zaynab (s.a.) replied with confidence saying: “All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the world and blessings on my grandfather. O Yazid, Allah has said” “Evil was the end of those who did evil, because they mocked and rejected the signs of Allah.” (30:10) Do you believe that we have been disgraced and you have been honored by Allah. That your position is safe now that your crooked affairs are smoothed out and you are ruler of our country. Wait! Wait! Have you forgotten what Allah says: Do you think that We give respite to the evil doers and unbelievers for any good that they have done? Surely We give them time so that they may increase their evil deeds and it will lead them to degrading punishment” (3:178). O Yazid! Whatever you have done proves your arrogance against Allah (s.w.t.) and your denial of His Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and of the Holy Book and the Sunnah. Your deeds should not cause amazement because one whose ancestors chewed the livers of the martyrs. I swear by God who sent upon our household His Book and Prophet hood that you will never get our status. You will never be able to destroy our status or our light, nor you will be able to wipe out your shame and dishonor, your word now is weak, and your days are numbered.”

The sermon of Zaynab (s.a.) changed the atmosphere in Yazid (l.a.)’s court. He (l.a.) was taken aback by her courage and eloquence.

Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) witnessed the demise of her niece Sayyida Sakina (s.a.) in the prison of Damascus. The Little Princess of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) was more anxious of returning home to Madinah was left behind. When Yazid (l.a.) offered to release them, Sayyida Zaynab scored another victory to the offer; she demanded three conditions; return of the martyrs’ heads, return of all looted materials and a house where she could mourn the martyrdom of her beloved brother (a.s.) and other martyrs. Thus, she laid the foundation of Azadari in Yazid (l.a.)’s own capital!

            Source: The Victory of Truth: The Life of Zaynab bint Ali by Muna Haeri Bilgrami, Duas.org

           

THE INNOCENT, OPPRESSED SAYYIDA SAKINA BINT AL-HUSSAYN (A.S.)

Sayyida Sakina bint al-Hussayn was the beloved daughter of the Master of Martyrs Imam Hussayn (a.s.). Her mother was Sayyida Rubab(s.a.). She was the favorite of her uncle Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (a.s.), the Moon of Banu Hashim. He was always ready to meet any of her wish. Her infant brother was Ali al-Asghar who was martyred by a beastly Yazid’s army man at Karbala. She was full of love, very religious from very early age, loved reciting Qur’an and never missed her prayers. From the age of 2, she took great care to make sure that her head and face were properly covered when in public.

When Muawiya died, he had already nominated his sinful son Yazid (l.a.) as the Khalifa of Muslims. This was in contravention of a Peace Treaty with Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.). Yazid (l.a.) forthwith asked for the allegiance from Imam Hussayn (a.s.). It is a tragedy that within 40 years of the demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), a vicious sinner became his successor! Naturally, the grand son and the Prince of the Youths of Paradise-Imam Hussayn (a.s.) could not confirm Yazid (l.a.) as the successor of his grand father (s.a.w.a.s.). Imam Hussayn (a.s.) left Madinah with his family for Makkah and later to Karbala. Sayyda Sakina was also travelling with the Imam (a.s.)

When the caravan reached near Karbala, an army of one thousand horsemen headed by Hurr tried to stop Imam Hussayn (a.s.). The Imam (a.s.) saw that the enemy was thirsty, hence he (a.s.) first advised his brother Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) to quench their thirst. Sayyida Sakina witnessed this. They reached Karbala on Muharram 2^nd. 61 A.H. and the Yazid (l.a.)’s army stopped water to reach the Imam (a.s.) ‘s camps. Like other children, Sayyida Sakina also remained thirsty for three days. Her uncle Hazrat Abbas (a.s) was sent by the Imam (a.s.) to get some water for the children, but he was martyred while bringing water for the children (specially for Sayyida Sakina). After the martyrdom of her uncle Abbas, she never asked for water nor talked about thirst. Imam Hussayn (a.s.)’s righteous companions and relatives consisted of only 72 against the 30,000 beastly army of Yazid (l.a.)

By the afternoon prayers, everyone was martyred including the 6-month-old Ali al-Asghar by an arrow to his neck when the Imam (a.s.) had taken the infant to ask for water. Instead of giving water, the stone hearted Hurmula (l.a.) sent an arrow towards the baby! Soon after Imam Hussayn (a.s.) fought the enemy and was slaughtered by Shimer (l.a.). The Imam (a.s.)’s camps were looted and set on fire; the women’s head covers were snatched. Shimer (l.a.) slapped Sayyida Sakina, forcibly snatched her earrings caused bleeding to her ears. After Sham-e-Ghareeban, Sayyida Sakina searched for her father and was attracted by the voice from the headless body of her father. She went near it, complained about the atrocities and slept on her father’s corpse! She was retrieved by her aunt Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) and brought near the burnt remains of the tents. Later, that evening, the widow of Hurr brought some water for the bereaved family of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). When she was given some water, she asked why Sayyida Zaynab was not drinking water first. She replied, “Because we want to give it to the youngest in the family.” she started to go toward battlefield. Sayyida Zaynab inquired, “Where are you going?” Sayyida Sakina replied, “To give the water to my infant brother Ali Asghar as he is the youngest.”

Next day the women were made to sit on the bare backs of the camels. Once, she fell from the camel, then Shimer (l.a.) tied her to the bare back of the camel. When the camel moved fast her body was injured causing bleeding!  At one time, the arms of women captives and the neck of Sayyida Sakina, were fastened in one rope. When an elder tried to stand up this caused suffocation of Sayyida Sakina. These oppressions and atrocities were not committed by non-Muslims but by the so called Muslims who believed in Allah (s.w.t.) and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s) but slaughtered His Progeny, desecrated his daughters while taking them without head covers from city to city, their hands were tied behind their necks. They were taken first to Kufa, then to Damascus in Yazid’s court. They were put in a prison which had no light or roof. She used to cry and remember her father. When she used to see the birds flying to their nests in the evening, she would innocently ask her aunt Zaynab (s.a.), “Will Sakina ever be going home like those birds flying to their homes?” One day, she saw her father in dream telling her that soon she will join him. She woke up, cried and kept calling her father, everyone was awake and tried their best to console her. Yazid (l.a.) ordered her father’s head be send in the prison. She took the head in her lap, talked to it, cried and then passed away. Imam Sajjad (a.s.) dug a grave in the prison and buried her sister in her clothes as they were stuck to her body due to fire in the night of Ashura, in Karbala!

                Source: ezsoftech.com, Wikipedia, military.wikia.org, AL-Islam.org/Journey of Tears

SERMON OF THE INFALLIBLE IMAM ZAIN-AL-ABEDIN (A.S.) IN YAZID (L.A.)'S COURT

After Praising Allah (s.w.t.), the Imam (a.s.) said, “O people, we were granted six things and favored with seven: We were granted knowledge, clemency, leniency, fluency, courage and love for us in the hearts of the believers. We were favored by the fact that from among us came the chosen Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), al-Siddiq (the very truthful one), al-Tayyar (the one who flies in the heaven), the Lion of Allah and the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), the mistress of the women of the world Fatima, the chaste, and both lords of the youths of Heaven from among this nation.

Whoever recognizes me knows me, and whoever does not recognize, let me tell him who I am and to what family I belong: I am the son of Makkah and Mina; I am the son of Zamzam and al-Safa, I am the son of the one who carried zakat in the ends of the mantle; I am the son of the best man who ever put on sandals and walked barefooted; I am the son of the best man who ever made tawaf (circumbulation around Ka’ba) and Sa’i (running seven times between Safa and Marwa); I am the son of the best man who ever offered the Hajj and pronounced talbiya (Here I am at your service); I am the son of the one who was transported on the Buraq in the air; I am the son of the one who was made to travel from the Sacred Mosque to the Remote Mosque, so Glory belongs to Him who made (His servant) travel; I am the son of the one who was taken by Gabriel to Sidarat ul- Muntaha, I am the son of the one who drew near (his Lord) and suspended, so he was the measure of two bows or closer still, I am the son of the one who led the angels of the heavens in prayer; I am the son of the one to whom the Almighty revealed what He revealed; I am the son of Muhammad al-Mustafa; I am the son of Ali al-Murtaza. I am the son of the one who struck (the enemy) with two swords before Allah’s Apostle (s.a.w.a.s.), emigrated twice, pledged allegiance twice (to the Prophet), prayed in the two Qiblas, and fought (against the unbelievers) at Badr and Hunayn and never disbelieved in Allah not even as much as the twinkling of an eye. I am the son of the best of the believers, the heir of the prophets, the destroyer of the unbelievers, the Commander of the Muslims, the light of the Mujahidin, the ornament of the worshipers, the crown of the weepers, the most patient of the patient, and the best of the steadfast from among the family of Yasin, and the Messenger of the Lord of the world’s inhabitants. I am the son of the one who was backed by Gabriel, supported by Mikael.

I am the son of the one  who defended the Muslims, the breaker of aggressors, the destroyer of the atheists, the tongue of the wisdom of worshipers, the supporter of the religion of Allah, the garden of the wisdom of Allah, the container of the knowledge of Allah, tolerant, generous, benevolent, pure, satisfied, intrepid, gallant, patient, fasting, refined, steadfast, courageous, honored, the severer of the backbones, the scatterer of the allies,  the calmest of them, the boldest of them in tongue, the firmest of them in determination, the most powerful of them, a lion, brave, the possessor of the miracle, the father of the two grandsons (of the Prophet) al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the one who manifested miracles, the piercing meteor, the victorious lion of Allah, the request of every seeker, such is my grandfather Ali bin Abi Talib. I am the son of Fatima, the chaste and Mistress of the women, I am the son of the Purified. I am the son of the part of the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). I am the son of the one who was covered with blood. I am the son of the one who was slaughtered at Karbala. I am the son of the one for whom Jinn wept in the dark, and for whom the birds cried in the air.”

Fearing a revolt, Yazid (l.a.) ordered Adhan to be recited. The Imam repeated every part of Adhan, when the Muaddhin said, “Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah”, the Imam turned toward Yazid (l.a.) and asked him, “Yazid, is Muhammad your grandfather or mine? If you say that he is yours, then you are a liar, and if you say that he is mine, then why did you kill his family?”

                Source: The Life of Imam Zayn al-Abedin (a.s.) by Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi

PURGATORY (BARZAKH)

The word “Barzakh” has been used three times in the Glorious Qur’an; Surah al-Momenoon Ayah 100, “…And before them is a barrier (Barzakh) until the day they are raised.”, Surah al-Furqan Ayah 53, “It is He who has joined the two seas, one palatable and sweet, and other is bitterly salty, and has established a barrier between them as a partition.”, Surah ar-Rahman Ayah 20, “but has created a barrier between them so that they will not merge totally.”

Burzakh literally means a curtain or separation, which lies between two things and does not allow them to meet each other. Allah has placed a curtain between this world and the hereafter. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “By Allah! I fear a lot for your state in Barzakh.” Barzakh is also called a corporeal or non-material world (Alame Misali) because while it seems somewhat like this world, but its nature and matter are totally different. In Barzakh the physical components of a man will be the same as in this world but will be independent of matter. In fact, it will be more pleasant and lighter (Lateef) than air, and it will be transparent. If one looks at one’s father in the dream, he will surely say that his appearance and bodily components were the same as when he was alive. But the reality is that his body and matter lie buried in the grave. According to traditions (Ahadiths), in Barzakh body consumes the variety of food and drinks, and hears the music, the likeness of which cannot be found in this world. The spirit (Rooh) also rejoices in the pleasures along with the corporeal body. The food and drink of that world are tastier and freer from pollution. According to the wish of the believer, one thing gets converted to another; like plums turn into grapes.

In the state of Barzakh the intellect of the corporeal body is very strong. The pleasures which we drive are nothing as compared to those in that stage because the reality lies there whereas here is the likeness of it.

Allama Naraqi narrates in ‘Khazaen’ that he along with his father and friends were passing through a cemetery and his friend asked near a grave in a humor to invite them and a voice came inviting them next week. When they went next week near the grave the curtains of the hidden were lifted and they found themselves in a garden laden with fruits. The man welcomed them, served sweets and fruits of different types. Upon inquiry about the blessings of Allah, he said, “ I am a native of your town, a butcher by profession, and the reasons for these blessings are (1) I never weighed less at the time of sale, and (2) I always recited the Prayers (Namaz) on time all throughout my life.”

One of the peculiarities of Barzakh is that it is eternal and permanent.

In Bihar-ul-Anwar volume three, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Before Proclamation of Prophethood, once when I was grazing the cattle, I suddenly saw that the cattle stopped grazing and looked frightened. Upon inquiry from Gabriel he said that when people are being punished in Barzakh scream with pain, while humans and jinn do not hear their voices, animals can hear it and hence become tense.”

The spirit (Rooh) receives the reward or punishment in the grave. But due to its long relation with the body, the body also feels pain. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said that verily the spirit (Rooh) of the believer is in “Wadi-us-Salaam” but surely it keeps an eye on what is happening in the grave. It also looks at the people who have come to visit his grave.

Sayyid Ne’matullah Jaza’eri narrates in his book “Anware No’maniyah” that once Shah Ismail Safawi came to Karbala. He ordered to dig open the grave of Hurr bin Yazid ar-Riyahi (r.a.). People saw the corpse of Hurr lying afresh! A kerchief was tied on his forehead which was tied by Imam Hussayn (a.s.) himself. He ordered that kerchief be removed and given to him for his own grave. As soon as the kerchief was removed, blood started oozing from his forehead, hence it was tied back.

                                                                       Continued

Source: Manzil-al-Akhira by Shaikh Abbas Qummi

ALLAH (S.W.T.) AND THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.), who was born in the House of Allah -Ka’ba- and was martyred in the House of Allah-Masjid-e Kufa, raised by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and subsequently became “Nafse Rasool”, who saw the Divine Revelation, heard the cry of Shaitan and smelled the scent of Prophet (showing closeness), who was declared “The Gateway of Knowledge” by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.),  had thrown light on the “Praise of Allah, His Oneness and Divine Essence” which no one had explained before him. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “He (s.a.w.a.s.) transferred a thousand chapters of knowledge and everyone of which opened for me one thousand other chapters.” Imam Ali (a.s.) further said, “Even if the Divine Curtains are removed, there will not be any change in my faith.” Imam Ali (a.s.) had discussed at length about the subject in various sermons in the famous book; Nahjul Balagha, some of them are collected below:

“The foremost duty in religion is the acknowledgment of Him; the perfection of acknowledging Him is to bear witness to Him; the perfection of bearing witness to Him is to believe in His Oneness; the perfection of believing in His Oneness is to regard Him as pure; and the perfection of regarding Him as pure is to deny Him attributes, because every attribute is a proof that it is different from that to which it is attributed. Thus, whoever attempts a description of Allah, creates His like; and whoever creates His like, regards Him as two. Whoever said, “In what is He? “held that He is confined; and whoever said, “On what is He?” held He is not on something else. He is a being, but not through the phenomenon of coming into existence. He exists, but not coming out of non-existence. He is near to everything, but not in physical proximity. He is distinct from everything, but not separated by distance. He acts, but without the need of movement or need of instruments. (Sermon 1)

Allah speaks, but without the need of a tongue. He hears, but without the need of ears or listening aids. He remembers but does not need to memorize. He determines, but without the need of mental faculties. He loves but without suffering sentimentally. He entertains dislikes and gets angry without experiencing emotion or pain. He joins diverse things and separates things that are joined together. He is not confined by any limits of time and space. He is far beyond the sight of the seers. He brought into existence His creation without following any example and He did not need any assistance. He created earth and suspended it without effort. He fixed mountains on it like pegs, caused streams to flow. He is too exalted to have son. He is too sublime to have consorts. Human imagination, perception, and senses cannot reach His Essence. Passage of nights and days do not cause Him to age. Light and darkness does not affect Him. He will end the earth, as it presently exists, so that everything on it will become non-existent. Surely after the end of the world, Allah, the Glorified will remain alone with nothing else except Him. Time, periods, places and intervals would cease to exist. The long duration of earth’s existence does not make Him weary. He has nurtured it with His kindness, kept it intact with His command, and perfected it with His power. After its destruction, He will resurrect it, but not because He needed it, nor to attain any honor or power.  (Sermon 185)

I stand witness that there is no god but God; He is One, and He has no partner; He is the First, such that nothing existed before Him; He is the Last (Eternal), such that there is no End to His existence. Division or splitting into parts of His entity is not possible. Hearts cannot comprehend His nature. Eyes cannot envision Him. (Sermon 84)

His forbearance is vast, so that He forgives, and He is just in His decisions. He has the knowledge of the present and the past. He designed the creation with knowledge and brought it into existence with His unlimited capacity. (Sermon 190)”

                Source: Peak of Eloquence – Nahjul Balagha         Presentation by Dr. Syed H. Akhtar,                                                                                                                                        Austin Texas

IMAM HUSSAYN (A.S.)'S FAMILY'S JOURNEY FROM KARBALA TO KUFA

On the 11^th of Muharrum 61 A.H., the family of Imam Hussayn (a.s.) and that of his companions started from Karbala. The female members were made captives and were made to sit on the camels without any seats and their hands were tied at the back of their necks like the slaves. Imam Ali ibnal Hussayn (a.s.)’s hands and feet were chained down and a thorny garget (taoq) was hung from his neck causing bleeding. He was also made to sit on a seat less camel. When they passed near the trampled bodies of their loved ones, they screamed and beat their faces. Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) cried and said, “O Muhammad! Here is al-Hussayn in the desert covered with blood, his limbs cut off! Here are your daughters taken captive and your offspring slaughtered!” Then she put her hands under his sacred body and lifted it as she supplicated saying, “O Lord! Do accept this sacrifice from us.” Bibi Sukayna hugged the body of her father and kept telling him how she had heard him saying:

O my Shias! Whenever of water you drink * Never from mentioning my name should you shrink

Al-Bahrani narrated in Madeenat al-Ma’ajiz chapter 127 page 263, “A man belonging to Bani Asad, narrated as under:

“Once the army left, I came to the battlefield and saw light emanating from those corpses that were covered with blood and smelled sweet scents. I saw a terrifying lion walking between the amputated parts till he reached the embodiment of sanctity and the sacrifice of guidance. He rubbed himself in his blood and rubbed his body on his as he kept muttering and letting out a very strange sound. Never have I seen such a fierce lion abandon what would be for his like nothing but a meal. I hid among the marshes. I was more amazed when midnight came. It was then that I saw candles with voices that filled the earth with painful cries and wailing.”

When they reached Kufa, Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) signaled the crowd who had gathered to see the captives and said, “All Praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon my father Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) and his upon his good and righteous Progeny (a.s.). Your similitude is one who unspins what is already spun out of the desire to violate a trust. You make religion a source of your income. Is there anyone among you who is not a boaster of what he does not have, a man of grudge without any justification, an instigator. Truly bad is that which your souls have committed. You have the Wrath of Allah, remaining in chastisement for eternity. By Allah, you should cry a great deal and laugh very little, for you have earned nothing but shame and infamy, and you shall never be able to wash it away. The descendant of the Bearer of the Last Message, the very essence of the Message, the source of your security and the Beacon of your guidance, the refuge of the righteous among you, the Master of the Youths of Paradise is killed. O how horrible is the sin that you bear. Miserable you are and renegades from the path of righteousness; may you be distanced and crushed. The effort is rendered futile, the toil is ruined, the deal is lost, and you earned nothing but Wrath from Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). You are doomed with servitude and humiliation. Woe unto you, O Kufians! Do you know whose heart you have burned, what a feat you have labored, what blood you have shed, and what sanctity you have violated? You have done a monstrous deed, something for which the heavens are about to split asunder and so is the earth, and for which mountains crumble. Do you wonder why the sky rain blood? Surely the torment of the hereafter is a greater chastisement, and they shall not be helped.”

            Source: Karbala and Beyond by Yasin T. al-Jibouri

SAYINGS OF WORLD DIGNITARIES ABOUT IMAM HUSSAYN (A.S.)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Hasan and Hussayn are the leaders of the youths of Paradise.” “As a result of the assassination of Hussayn, such a warmth will be kindled in hearts of the believers that shall not become cold till the Day of Resurrection.”

Muhammad Ali Jinnah (First President of Pakistan)

He was the embodiment of love, valor and personification of sacrifice and devotion.

Mahatma Gandhi (Father of nation – India)

I learn from Hussayn how to achieve victory while being oppressed. Islam progressed due to the sacrifice of Hussayn.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (First Prime Minister of India)

Hazrat Imam Hussayn sacrificed his all, but he refused to submit to a tyrannical government. His sacrifice is a beacon of light of guidance for every community and every nation.

Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (Thinker of Pakistan and Famous Poet)

Imam Hussayn uprooted despotism forever, till the Day of Resurrection. He watered the dry gardens of freedom with a surging wave of his blood, and indeed he awakened the sleeping Muslim nation. If Imam Hussayn had aimed at acquiring worldly empire, he would not have travelled the way he did. Hussayn weltered in blood and dusk for the sake of truth. Verily, therefore he becomes the foundation of Muslim creed.

Josh Malihabadi (The Revolutionary Poet)

Let humanity awaken and every tribe will claim Hussayn as their own.

Al-Fakhri (Famous Arab Historian)

This is a catastrophe that which naught more shameful has happened in Islam.

Washington Irving (American Author, Essayist, Biographer and Historian)

It was possible for Hussayn to save his own life by submitting to the will of Yazid. But his responsibility as a reformer did not allow him. He therefor prepared to embrace all sorts of discomfort in order to deliver Islam from the hands of Umayyads. Under the blazing sun, on the parched land against the stiffing heat of Arabia, stood the immortal Hussayn.

Antoine Bara (Lebanese Writer)

No battle in the modern and history of mankind has earned more sympathy and admiration as well as provided more lessons than the martyrdom of Hussayn in the battle of Karbala.

Charles Dickens (English Novelist)

If Hussayn had fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sister, wife and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore, that he sacrificed purely for Islam.

Thomas Carlyle (Scottish Historian and Essayist)

Th best result we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Hussayn and his companions were rigid believers in God. They illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to the truth and the falsehood. The victory of Hussayn, despite his minority, marvels me.

Sarojini Naidu (Great Indian Poetess titled Nightingale of India)

I congratulate Muslims that from among them, Hussayn, a great human being was born, who is revered and honored totally by all communities.

Dr. Radha Krishnan (Ex-President of India)

Though Imam Hussayn gave his life almost 1300 years ago, but his indestructible soul rules the hearts of the people even today.

Edward Gibbon (English Historian and Member of Parliament)

In a distant age and climate, the tragic scene of the death of Hussayn will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.

                Source: realiran.com, phupo.com, imamhusain-lib.com, Islamic-stuff-corner.blogspot.com

THE JOURNEY OF THE INFALLIBLE IMAM HUSSAYN (A.S.) FROM MAKKAH TO KARBALA

After starting from Madinah on the 28^th of Rajab 60 A.H. Imam Hussayn (a.s.) stayed in Makkah till 8^th Dhul Hijja, he (a.s.) decided to perform Umrah and left for Kufa to avoid bloodshed. The news of the martyrdom of Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel had not reached him yet. On the way, he met the famous poet Farazdaq, who told the Imam about the situation in Iraq, “The hearts of the people are with you, but their swords are against you!”

When Imam Hussayn (a.s.) reached Batn al-Rumma, he sent Quays bin Mushier with a letter addressed to the people of Kufa about their invitation to guide them. Quays was intercepted on the way and was brought to Ubaid Allah bin Ziyad, who ordered him to go on pulpit and curse Imam Hussayn (a.s.). Contrary to the order, Quays praised Allah and Imam Ali (a.s.) and Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) and cursed Ubaid Allah bin Ziyad and his father. Ubaid Allah bin Ziyad ordered that Quays be thrown alive from the top of the palace. Imam Hussayn (a.s.) continued the journey and met Zuhayr bin al-Qayn on the way. After talking to Imam Hussayn (a.s.), Zuhayr changed his mind and joined the Imam (a.s.). At Thalabiyya, the Imam (a.s.) was informed about the ruthless martyrdom of Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel and he recited “Inna Lillahe wa Inna Ilayhe Ra’jeoun” several times.

At the place of Sharaf, a cavalry of 1,000 horsemen headed by Hurr bin Yazid al-Tamimi intercepted the Imam Hussayn (a.s.)’s caravan. Seeing that the enemy and their horses were thirsty, the Imam (a.s.) ordered his men to quench their thirst from their own reserved resources of water bags, which is the most asset in desert travelling! At the time of mid-day prayer, after Azan, the Imam addressed the Hurr’s army, “People, I did not come to you until your letters came to me. In these letters you stated, “Come to us for we have no Imam.” If you do not like my coming, I will go back.” There was complete silence. Hurr and his army prayed behind Imam Husayn (a.s.). After the afternoon prayers, the Imam again addressed the Hurr’s army saying, “People, if you fear God and recognize the rights of those who have rights, God will be more satisfied with you. We are the House of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) and as such are more entitled to the authority (Wilaya) of this affair over you than these pretenders who claim what does not belong to them. They have brought tyranny and aggression among you. If you refuse or do not know our rights or changed your views, then I will leave.” Hurr denied any knowledge of those letters, whereupon Imam ordered to bring in two saddlebags containing the letters. Hurr said, “We are not among those who wrote the letters. We have been ordered to be with you and take you to Ubaid Allah bin Ziyad.” The Imam said, “Death will come to you before that happens.” When the Imam’s caravan started to go, Hurr stopped his horse. The Imam said, “May God deprive your mother of you.” Hurr said, “If any one other Arab than you have said this, I would have replied in the same way but by God there is no way for me to mention your mother except by best things.” Ultimately, Hurr agreed to go along with the Imam. On the way, the Imam (a.s.) repeated Kalama Isterja three times whereupon his son Ali al-Akbar inquired about it. The Imam said that he saw a horse man appeared to him and said, “Men are travelling and the fates travelling toward them.” Ali al-Akbar said, “Are we not on the right path then we have no concern.” The caravan reached Ninawa and next day Umar bin Sa’d came with 4,000 horsemen. Ibn Ziyad sent letter to Umar bin Sa’d saying, “Prevent al-Husayn and his followers from getting water. Do not let them taste a drop of it just as was done with Uthman bin Affan.”

Later, Ibn Ziyad sent Shimer Zil Jawshan to Ibn Ziyad and pressured him to expedite confrontation with the Imam. On the 9^th of Muharram, Shimer went in front of the Imam’s camp and called out to Hazrat Abbas, the commander of the Imam’s small army, and offered amnesty to him and his brothers. It was refused by Hazrat Abbas (a.s.).

Source: The Journey of imam Hussayn (a.s.) by Shaykh al-Mufid Translator Dr. I.K.A. Howard-Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an

CONCEPT OF TASBIH IN ISLAM

Tasbih is the act of saying “Subhan Allah”. It consists of two words; “Subhan” and “Allah”. Subhan is from three alphabets -Seen, Ba, and Haa. It means to glorify, praise, extol Allah by tongue or by heart. It includes to say He is Perfect; He has no similarity with His creation, He is free from all kinds of association or “Shirk” Subhan and its derivatives has been used 92 times in the Glorious Qur’an.

It is reported in traditions that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) used to say in Qunut, “Suboohun Qudoosun Rabbal Malaikate war Rooh.” It means, “He is Exalted, He is Pure, He is the Rabb of the angels and Gabriel.”

Glorifying (Tasbih) is the root of all authentic Islamic beliefs and thoughts. In fact, Tauheed, Justice of Allah, Prophet hood and the Day of Resurrection are the manifestation of Glorification of Allah. On the same lines, “Subhan Allah” circumscribes Riza (satisfaction)tawakkul (reliance), love, praise, salvation from all superstitions. Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) said that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said, “When a servant of Allah utters, “Subhan Allah” whatever is under the Divine Throne glorifies Allah along with him and ten times the reward will be given to him. (Wasail ash-Shia v.7 page 187). Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Allah has made it necessary for His creation to do “abundant remembrance” (Dhikr al-Kathir). It means to remember Allah at the time of committing any act whether it is Halal or Haram. (Al-Kafi v. 2 page 80)

Apart from human beings, every creation of Allah Glorifies Him; Surah Jumah Ayah 1, “All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, the King, al-Quddus, the Majestic, and the All-Wise.” Surah Anbiya Ayah 79, “We made the mountains and the birds glorify the Lord along with Dawood.” Surah Ra’ad Ayah 13, “Both the thunder and the angels glorify Him….” Surah Isra’ Ayah 44, “The seven heavens, the earth, and whatever is between them all glorify Him. There is nothing that glorify Him and always praise Him, but you do not understand their praise and glorification. He is All- Forbearing and All-forgiving.”

Tasbih-e-Fatima: It was granted by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to his daughter Saiyyada Fatima Zahra (s.a.) when she asked for a helper or servant. He said, “I have granted you something that is superior to a maidservant and to the world and everything in it.” Tasbih is 34 times Allaho Akbar, 33 times Alhamdulillah, 33 times Subhan Allah and one time La Ilaha Illallah. It is a simple, short yet very powerful act of worship.

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Reciting of Tasbih Fatima Zahra (s.a.) every day after every Salat is liked by me more than reciting one thousand rakat of Mustahab Namaz. One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra and then seeks forgiveness, will be forgiven. (Reciting Tasbih) drives away Shaitan. You do adhere to it and be regular about its recitation, for surely one who is steadfast upon its recitation, will not encounter adversity. One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra before even moving his feet, Allah will forgive him. One who recites Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra at the time of going to bed, he will be accounted among those who have remembered Allah a lot. At the time of going to bed, Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra and the Maoozatain (Surah Falaq and Surah Nas) and Ayatal Kursi should be recited.”

Tasbih Hazrat Zahra is a Powerful Dua for all needs.

Sources: A Commentary on Prayer by Professor Muhsin Qaraati, Duas.org

THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.)'S SERMON AT GHADEER-E-KHUMM-PART TWO

“O people! This is Ali, my Brother, Wasi, the one who comprehends my knowledge, and my successor over my nation, over everyone who believes in me. He is the one entrusted with the explaining the Book of Allah, and the one who invites people to His path. He is the one who does whatever pleases Him, fighting His enemies, befriending His friends who obey Him, prohibiting disobedience to Him. He is the successor of the Messenger of Allah and Amirul Mo’mineen, the man assigned by Allah to guide others, killer of the renegades and of those who believe in equals to Allah, those who violate the Commandments of Allah. Allah says, “My word shall not be changed, nor I am in the least unjust to the servants.” (50:29), and by Your Command, O Lord, do I (submit and) say, O Allah! Befriend whoever befriends him (Ali) and be the enemy of whoever antagonizes him; support whoever supports him and abandon whoever abandons him; curse whoever disavows him, and let Your Wrath descend on whoever usurps his right.

O Lord! You revealed a verse in honor of Ali, Your Wali, in its explanation and to effect Your own appointment of him this very day did You say,” This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion.” (5:3) “And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter, he shall be one of the losers.” (3:85) O people! Allah has perfected your religion through his (Ali’s) Imamate; so, whoever rejects him as his Imam or those my offspring from his loins who assume the status (as Imams) till the Day of Judgment when they shall be displayed before Allah, these are the ones whose (good) deeds shall be nil and void in the life of this world and in the life hereafter, and in the fire they shall be lodged forever. O people! Here is Ali, the one who has supported me more than anyone else among you, the one who most deserves my gratitude, the one who is closest of all of you to me and the one who is very dearest to me. Both Allah and I are pleased with him, and no verse of the Holy Qur’an expressing Allah’s Pleasure except that he is implied therein. O People! He is the one who supports the religion of Allah, who argues on behalf of the Messenger of Allah. He is the pious, the pure, the guide, the one rightly guided. Your Prophet is the best of all prophets, and your Wasi is the best of all Wasis, and his offspring are the best of Wasis. O people! Each prophet’s progeny id from his own loins whereas mine is from the loins of Amirul Mo’mineen Ali. Indeed, none hates Ali except a wretch, and none accepts Ali’s Wilayat except a pious person. None believes in him except a sincere mu’min, and in honor of Ali was the chapter of Asr (103) O people! The Noor from Allah flows through me then through Ali Ibn Abi Talib then in Progeny that descend from him till Qa’im al Mahdi, who shall effect the justice of Allah, and who will take back any right belonging to us because Allah made us Hujjat over those who take us lightly, the stubborn ones, those who act contrarily to our word, who are treacherous, who are sinners, who are oppressors, who are usurpers, from the entire world. O people! I am Sirat al-Mustaqeem (the Right Path) of Allah whom He commanded you to follow, and it is after me Ali then my offspring from his loins, the Imams of Guidance.

O people! I am the Warner (Nazir) and Ali is the one who brings glad tidings (Bashir). O people! I am the one who warns (Munzir) while Ali is the guide (Hadi). He is the one who shall seek redress for all friends of Allah. He is the one who supports the religion of Allah. He ever derives (his knowledge) from a very deep ocean. He shall identify each man by his distinction or ignorance. He is heir of all (branches of) knowledge. He conveys on behalf of his Lord, who points out His miracles. He is wise, the one upon whom (Divine) authority is vested. He is the one whom Allah appointed for you after me as the custodian of His creation. The merits of Ali ibn Abi Talib are more numerous than I can count in one speech; so, whoever informs you of them and defines them for you, you should believe him.

                Source: Duas.org

THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.)'S SERMON AT GHADEER-E-KHUMM

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) spoke in front of the 132,000 Hajis for 3 hours in which he surveyed Islam and enumerated Imam Ali (a.s.)’s contributions from Dawat-ul-Zulasheerah, when he (a.s.) was 11 or 13 years old, to date.

Some of his (s.a.w.a.s.) narrations are given below:

“O Messenger! Convey what has been revealed to you (about Ali), and if you do not do so, you will not have conveyed His Message at all. And Allah shall protect you from (evil) people. Surely Allah will not guide the unbelieving people (5:67). Three times did Gabriel command me on behalf of my Lord to make thus a stand to inform every one black and white that: Ali ibn Abi Talib is my Brother, Wasi, and Successor over my nation and the Imam after me, the one whose status to me is like Aaron to Moses except there will be no prophet after me, and he is your master next only to Allah and to His Messenger and Allah has already revealed to me in one of the fixed verses of His Book saying, “Your Master is Allah and His Messenger and those who believe, those who keep up prayers and pay zakat even as they bow down” (5:55) and, Ali ibn Abi Talib the one keeps up prayers, who pays zakat even as he bows down, seeking to please Allah, on each and every occasion. I asked Gabriel to plead to Allah to excuse me from having to convey such a message to you due to my knowledge that the pious are few while the hypocrites are many. O people! Allah has installed him (Ali) as your Master and Imam, obligating Muhajirun and Ansar and those who follow them in goodness to obey him and so should everyone who believes in His Unity. His decree shall be carried out. His (Ali’s) word is binding; his command is obligating; cursed is whoever opposes him, blessed with mercy is whoever follows him and believes in him, for Allah has already forgiven him and forgiven whoever listens to him and obey him.

O people! This is the last stand I make in such a situation, so listen and obey, and submit to the Command of Allah, then next to Him is His Messenger and Prophet who is now addressing you, then after me Ali is your Master and Imam according to the Command of Allah, then the Imams from among my Progeny, his offspring, till the Day you meet Allah and His Messenger. O people! Prefer him (Ali) over all others! There is no knowledge except that Allah has divulged it to me , and all the knowledge I have learned I have divulged to Imam al-Muttaqeen (leader of the righteous), and he is al-Imam al-Mubin (the evident imam) whom Allah mentions in Surah Ya-Sin….and everything We have computed is in (the knowledge of) an evident Imam.” (36:12) O people! Do not abandon him, nor should you flee away from him, nor should you be too arrogant to accept his authority, for he is the one who guides to righteousness and who acts according to it. He defeats falsehood and prohibits others from acting according to it, accepting no blame from anyone while seeking to please Allah. He is first to believe in Allah and in His Messenger; none preceded him as such. And he is one who offered his life as a sacrifice for the Messenger of Allah and who was in the company of the Messenger of Allah while no other man was. He is the first people to offer prayers and the first to worship Allah with me. I ordered him, on behalf of Allah, to sleep in my bed, and he did, offering his life as a sacrifice for my sake. O people! Prefer him (over all others), for Allah has preferred him, and accept him, for Allah has appointed him (as your leader). O people! He is an Imam appointed by Allah, and Allah shall never accept the repentance of anyone who denies his authority, nor shall He forgive him, and that He shall torment him with a most painful torment for all time to come, so, beware lest you should oppose him. O people Prefer Ali (over all others) for he is the very best of all people after me. Cursed and again cursed, condemned and again condemned, is anyone who does not accept this statement of mine. Gabriel has informed of this: “Anyone who antagonizes Ali and refuses to accept his Wilayat shall incur My curse upon him My Wrath. O people! He (Ali) is Janb-Allah. The Almighty Allah forewarning his (Ali’s) adversaries says, “Lest a soul should say: O woe unto me for what I fell short of my duty to Allah, for most surely I was of those who laughed to scorn.” (39:56) O people! Ali and the good ones from among my offspring from his loins are the Lesser Weight, while the Qur’an is Greater One: each one of them informs you and agrees with the other. They shall never part till they meet me at the Pool (of Kawthar). They are the Trustees of Allah over His creation, the rulers on earth. There is no Amirul Momineen (Commander of the Faithful) save this Brother of mine; no authority over a believer is permissible after me except to him.

                                                                             Continued  

Source: Duas.org (With 43 reliable Sunnis and Shiah references)

THE GREAT EID-E-GHADEER

After performing the last Hajj, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was returning on way to Madinah when the Ayah 67 of Surah al-Ma’idah was revealed saying, “O Messenger, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord. If you did not do so, it will be as though you have not conveyed His Message. Allah protects you from men. He does not guide the unbelieving people.” The tone of the Wahey was very stern. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) directed to congregate the Muslims saying, “Hayya Ala Khairul Amal” meaning “Hasten to the best act” and asked to call back the forward ones and wait for the people coming behind them. The place was Ghadeer Khumm, it was a thorny area which was cleaned and a pulpit (minbur) of the seats of camels was hurriedly erected.

Guidance is a constant need of humanity which requires a guide. Did he (s.a.w.a.s.) think and provided a possible guide to the Muslims after his demise? There are three possibilities; he did not provide a guide, he left it to the Muslims to appoint one, and he did provide.

Allah graced the Muslims with Islam and the Glorious Qur’an; it is unthinkable that He (s.w.t.) did not provide a guide through His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). It should be noted that there were hypocrites in Madinah! In fact he (s.a.w.a.s.) asked for paper and pen on the deathbed to write about future guidance.

The other alternative was Shura for which he (s.a.w.a.s.) never prepared the people. In fact, it was neglected by the first caliph and he nominated the second caliph. Even the second caliph admitted that it was a ‘slip’. The second caliph appointed a 6-member committee with a strange directive to kill those who disagreed with the majority which is not supported by either the Glorious Qur'an or the Sunnah of the great Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)

The last alternative was the appointment by Allah (s.w.t.) as directed by His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). When Ayah 214 of Surah Shu’ara was revealed saying, “Warn your close relatives.”, a “Dawat” or feast was arranged in the house of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). It is known as “Dawat-al-Zul'asheerah”. After the feast, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s) inquired as to who will assist him in his mission, Imam Ali, who was 11 or 13 years of age, stood up and offered his services three times but no one else responded. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “whoever will assist me will be my brother, my successor and my caliph among you.”

Going back to Ghadeer Khumm, when all Hajis totaling more than 120,000 assembled in the burning heat of the desert , the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s) gave a detailed and long sermon (3 hours long) about Islam ,his efforts and the virtues of Imam Ali (a.s.). In that sermon, he narrated 110 virtues of Imam Ali (a.s.) which is also the number of the name “Ali” according to the science of Ab’jad (An Occult science of numbers; Ain 70+Laam 30+ Ye 10). Then, he (s.a.w.a.s.) asked the mammoth crowd, “Do I not have more right over the believers than they have over themselves?” Everyone cried, “Yes, O Messenger of God.” At that moment he (s.a.w.a.s) raised Imam Ali (a.s.) and said, “Whoever’s I am Mawla, Ali is also his Mawla.” Ayah 3 of Surah al-Ma’idah was revealed saying, “…. Today, the unbelievers have lost hope about your religion. Do not be afraid of them but have fear of me. On this day I have perfected your religion, completed My favors to you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered every Muslim to pay allegiance to Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Muslims responded.

This event of Ghadeer is reported in numerous Shi'ah and Sunni books. Some of them interpreted the word “Mawla” as friend. Allah was threatening His beloved Prophet that if he did not proclaim this message, it will be construed as he did not convey His entire message, and that Allah will protect him from people. Was that only to say that Imam Ali was their friend? In the hot desert, people were sweating, and he (s.a.w.a.s.) delivered a long comprehensive sermon just to say that Imam Ali (a.s.) was the friend of the Muslims. Was Imam Ali not friendly to everyone, rich and poor?

Similarly, Ayah 67 of Surah al-Ma’idah says,” proclaim what is revealed to you.” Normally, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) would narrate the Wahey immediately when received. It appears that this Wahey was received earlier but he (s.a.w.a.s.) was reluctant fearing the backlash from the hypocrites and the non-believers. That is the reason Allah guaranteed His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) protection from men.

The auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Ghadeer was the confirmation of his Wilayat on “Dawat-al-Zulasheerah” as mentioned above. Wilayat of Imam Ali (a.s.) was also affirmed in Hadees-e-Qudsi” (The words of Allah (s.w.t.) addressed to His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) which is not the Glorious Qur’an). It says:

“The Wilayat (loving and following) of Ali ibn Abi Talib is My fortress, and one who enters My fortress is safe from My Wrath.” (Al-Sadouq, Oyoon Akhbar al-Rida volume 1 page 146)

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an, Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi, Shi’ism, Imamate and Wilayat by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi, al-islam.org/ghadeer/incident.htm

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM ALI AL-NAQI AL-HADI (A.S.)

The Infallible Imam Ali al-Naqi al-Hadi (a.s.) had narrated traditions from the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his forefathers. A selection of such narrations is reproduced as under:

From the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.): The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Once I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) say, “When people will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection, a caller will call me: O messenger of Allah, Allah has permitted you to reward your lovers and the lovers of your Household (Progeny) who have followed them for your sake, and have been opposed to their enemies for your sake.”

“Love Allah for the Blessings He gives you, and love me for the love of Allah, and love my Household for my love.”

“My daughter was named Fatima because Allah the Almighty has weaned her and whoever loves her from Fire.”

“O Ali, Allah has created me and you from His light. He created Adam and put that light in him. This light reached to Abdul Muttalib and then it was divided and so I was in Abdullah and you were in Abu Talib. Prophet hood does not befit anyone other than me and guardianship does not befit any one other than you. Whoever denies your guardianship denies my prophet hood and whoever denies my prophet hood, Allah will throw him down on his nose into Fire.”

“He who likes to meet Allah (on the Day of Resurrection) safe, purified, and without fearing the great terror, let him follow you O Ali, and follow your two sons al-Hasan and al-Husayn, and (your grandsons) Ali bin al-Husayn, Muhammad bin Ali, Ja’far bin Muhammad, Musa bin Ja’far, Ali bin Musa, Muhammad bin Ali, Ali bin Muhammad, al-Hasan bin Ali, and al-Mahdi the last of them. Allah will forgive their (Ali’s followers) bad deeds and exalt their positions.”

From the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.): He (a.s.) said, “He, who busies himself with thinking of the afterlife, will be rich with no money, feel at ease with no family, and feel mighty with no fellows. Knowledge is a worthy inheritance, morals are graceful garments, pondering is a clear mirror, and taking lessons is a sincere warner. It suffices for you to have good manners by giving up what you hate of others. Whoever feels conceited (excessive pride) will perish. He, who is certain of recompense (from Allah), will give generously. A Jew asked him (a.s.), “Tell me about that which is not of Allah, that which Allah does not have, and that which Allah does not know?” The Imam (a.s.) replied, “What Allah does not know is that He does not know (accept) that He has a child. This refutes your (the Jews’) saying that Uzair is the son of Allah. As for that which is not of Allah, it is injustice because there is no injustice with Allah against His people. And as for your saying about that which Allah does not have, it is that Allah has no partner.” The Jew became a Muslim and said to Imam Ali (a.s.), “I bear witness that you are the truth, from the people of truth, and have said the truth.”

From Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.): He (a.s.) said, “Keep to piety because it is the essence of religion which you keep to and believe in Allah through it. It is that which Allah wants from our followers. He who does not practice taqiyya to keep us safe from the villains of people, is not from us. There are three-time times at which du’a’ is not blocked from Allah the Almighty; the du’a’ after the obligatory prayers, the du’a’ during the falling of rain, and the du’a’ when one of the signs of Allah appears in His earth. A man came to him (a.s.) and said, “I am bored with this life. Would you please ask Allah for death to me?” He (a.s.) replied, “The price of life is to obey and not to disobey. That you live long to obey is better for you than to die and neither disobey nor obey.” The Imam was asked to describe death. He (a.s.) said, “For the faithful death is sweeter than breeze that a faithful smells and refreshes with it and all fatigue and pain ends, and for the unbelievers it is like the stinging of snakes and scorpions or even bitterer.”

Source: The Life of Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) by Allama Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi - Qum