DUA AL-NUDBA

Nudba means calling, wailing, and mourning, because it includes calling Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) for help, lament on his occultation and wail in his absence. This Dua has been narrated by authentic sources from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.). It is recommended (Mustahab) to recite it on Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Ghadeer and every Fridays.

The supplication starts by glorifying and praising Allah (s.w.t.) and sending his peace and blessings on the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Pure Progeny (a.s.). It continues explaining the purpose of choosing prophets and saints, and then the most important part of Adam and Ulul-Azam prophets (Noah, Ibrahim, Musa, Eisa and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). It has been emphasized that Allah has appointed an executor and successor for each one of them so that Right (Haqq) stays and Wrong (Batil) cannot overcome the Right. Afterward, it proceeds with the succession of Imam Ali (a.s.) and after mentioning some of his virtues, it points out the disloyalty and wickedness of their enemies who-against the Prophet’s explicit order-martyred Imam Ali (a.s.) and his holy sons (a.s.) one after another. Then it goes on with asking for help and yearning for the re-appearance of the last remaining infallible of the Prophet’s Progeny (a.s.).

There are 222 verses of Dua al-Nudba. Selected verses are reproduced below:

The Dua continues with the blessings to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) saying, “Allah’s wish is but to keep away uncleanness far from you “O People of the House” and purify you with a through purification. You said, ‘Say (O Muhammad): I ask you no recompence, save love of (my) kinsfolk. You gave authority to his successor Ali Ibn Abi Talib(as) a guide for the people and in a public meeting overflowing with people, he said, “Of whomsoever I am the Mawlaa, Ali is his Mawlaa. O Allah! Be a friend of him who is a friend of him (Ali), be an enemy of him who is enemy of him (Ali). And said, “I and Ali are from one basic root of a tree, and the rest of mankind are like diverse plants. He said, “I am to you as Musa was to Haroon, but there is no prophet after me.” Ali’s life partner was his (Muhammad)’s daughter, the Chief of the Women of the World. Muhammad and Ali’s doors were open in the mosque, all other doors were closed. He said, “I am the city of Knowledge and Ali is its gate.” He told Ali, “You are my brother, successor and inheritor, your flesh is my flesh, your blood is my blood, your fight is my fight, your truce is my truce, you are the fulfilment of my religion, you shall execute and keep alive my “way of life”, your friends and followers shall speak with authority, command respect and hold the torch of  good manners and refinement, their faces will be all around me in Paradise. Was it not you O Ali, the faithful would not know the truth after me?” Ali had thrown the proud tribal chiefs of Arabia into a fright, destroyed their heroes, attacked, and dispersed its cavalries because of which hatred and deep grudge took roots in their hearts. Badr, Khaybar and Hunain created jealousy and envy in them. Ali destroyed the deserters who had swerved from what was right, the shameless who deviated from true religion. A malicious criminal killed him. An unparalleled approach was applied to the direction of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) concerning the Imams one after the other. The narrow minded obstinate “Ummah” did not care for and had ill-feelings towards him. Where is Hasan? Where is Husayn? Where are the children of Husayn? Where is the “Awaited Savior” and “Hope” who will put an end to the tyranny and oppression? Where is the investigator of the blood of the martyrs of Karbala? O inheritor of “Taa-Haa”, “Yaa-seen” “Toor” and “A’adiyaat”. O son of him who “drew near and came down till he was two bows’ length or nearer.” I eagerly long for you who is out of sight but has not forsaken us. O my Allah! Help us to discharge the duties made incumbent upon us by him, keep from that which is declared unlawful by him. Accept our prayers, forgive our sins, fulfill our desires, give us means of livelihood, make less our hardships.

                Sources: supplication.al-islam.org/adiya/dua-nudba, WIKISHIA.NET

PILLAR OF ISLAM - ALLAH (S.W.T.) -PART ONE

Knowledge of Allah (s.w.t.) through the Glorious Qur’an:

My Lord is the One Who brings life and Who causes Death. (2:258)

He is your Lord and the Lord of your fathers of old. (26:26)

Our Lord is the One Who gave everything its creation, then He guided it (to its destination). (20:50)

The Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He; therefore, take Him for a protector. (73:9)

…. nothing at all is like Him. (42:11)

Pharaoh asked Musa, “And what is Lord of the worlds? (26:23)

Musa answered by saying that He is “Your Lord and the Lord of your fathers of old.” (26:26)

Say: He, Allah, is One. (112:1)

And your God is One God. (2:163)

Had there been in them any gods besides Allah, they would both have certainly been in a state of disaster. (21:22)

He is the Supreme (watching) over His worshipers. (6:61)

They revere their Lord High above them. (16:50)

The Beneficent God is firmly established on the throne (of authority). (20:5)

There is no God but you! Glory to You! Surely, I have become one of those who commit injustice against their own souls. (21:87)

All those in the heavens and the earth glorify Allah (s.w.t.). (57:1)

The Praised One has said, He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent, and He has the full knowledge of all things. (57:3)

Everything is to perish except the face of Allah. (28:88)

Everyone on earth will perish but will abide (forever) the Face of your Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honor. (55:26-27)

Blessed is He in Whose hands is the dominion. (67:1)

Say: O Allah! Master of authority! You give authority to whomsoever You please and take it away from whomsoever You please. (3:26)

Whose will be the dominion that Day? It is Allah’s, the One, the Subduer (of all). (40:16)

(He is) the one Who knows the unseen and the seen. (6:73)

And with Him are the keys of the unseen treasures: none knows them except Him. (6:59)

Slumber does not overtake Him nor sleep. (2:255)

And your Lord is not forgetful. (19:64)

Were every tree on earth (made into) pens and the sea (to supply it with ink), with seven more seas to add thereto, the words of Allah would not have been exhausted; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise. (31:27)

Allah’s is the command before (now) and thereafter. (30:4)

The Day on which no soul shall control anything for (another) soul, and the command on that Day shall be entirely Allah’s. (82:19)  

                                Source: The Glorious Qur’an, Allah by Yasin T. al-Jibouri

BACKBITING (GHEEBAH) IS A GREATER SIN

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) has defined backbiting as, “To speak about such a quality of his brother which he would like to be discussed.”

Backbiting is discouraged in the Glorious Qur’an in many Ayahs, directly or indirectly. Some of the Ayahs are:

“O you who believe! Avoid most of suspicion, for surely suspicion in some cases is a sin, and do not spy nor let some of you backbite others. Does one of you would like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? But you abhor it: but be careful of (your duty to) Allah, surely Allah is oft returning (to mercy), Merciful.” (49:12)

“Do not follow (say)what you do not know; the ears, eyes and hearts will be held responsible for their deeds.” (17:36)

“When they hear impious words, they keep away from them, saying, “We shall be responsible for our deeds and you will be responsible for yours. Peace be with you. We do not want to become ignorant.” (28:55)

“Woe unto every slanderer, defamer!” (104:1)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said to Abu Dharr Ghifari, “O Abu Dharr, a slanderer (backbiter) will not enter Paradise. He cannot be safe from the chastisement of Almighty Allah.” He (s.a.w.a.s.) also said, “Gheebah is worse than fornication because if a fornicator repents, Allah forgives him, but He does not forgive the backbiter till the person about whom he has backbites forgives.”

Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Backbiting is the best effort of a weak person.”

Reasons for backbiting are:

jealousy, annoyance, amusement, pleasure, egotism.

Later, if he realizes his disobedience to Allah, then he should repent with the intention never to repeat and seek forgiveness from Allah. If possible, he must apologize to the person he had done gheebah. If this is not possible, he must ask Allah’s forgiveness for him.

There are some exceptions to the backbiting:

                1.Gheebah of a person whose defect is not hidden.

                2. If an oppressed person complains about the oppressor and mentions his acts of injustice.

                3. Advice to those who ask for it.

                4. Gheebah is allowed with the intention of Nahy Anal Munkar.

5. Gheebah of a person is allowed if in addition to committing the sin himself, he is instrumental in instigating others to follow him.  

6. Gheebah is allowed in connection with a person who narrates false hadith or gives a false testimony.

7 It can mention the defect of a person by which he is well-known.

8. It can expose the false claims of a person’s lineage.

Listening to Gheebah is prohibited (Haraam). The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “The one who listens to Gheebah is one of those who do Gheebah. If possible, he must defend the believing brother.”

Ayatollah Shaikh Ansari writes in “Makasib”: If a person backbites about a person but heaps excessive praises on him in his presence, the sin of backbiting is double.

They say, “Give more to your ears and less to your tongue.” Hazrat Luqman told his son, “O son! If you take speech equal to the weight of silver, then observing silence is worth the weight in gold.”

                Sources: Greater Sins-volume 3 by Ayatollah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Dasteghaib

                                  Backbiting by Peer Mohammad Ebrahim Trust, Understand Qur’an.com

TELLING LIES IS A GREATER SIN

There are many Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an which condemns lying e.g. “Only they forge the lie who do not believe in Allah (s.w.t.)’s communications, and these are the liars.” (16:105) “Surely, Allah (s.w.t.) does not guide him aright who is a liar, ungrateful (39:3) “And pray for the curse of Allah (s.w.t.) on liars.” (3:61) “…the curse of Allah (s.w.t.) be on him if he is one of the liars.” (24:8) “Surely, Allah does not guide him who is extravagant, a liar.” (40:34)

The evil consequences of lying has been collected by late Haji Nuri:

1.       “…. there shall be no intercourse nor transgression (lying) nor quarreling among one another.” (2:197)

2.       “O you who believe! If an evil doer (liar Walid) comes to you with a report, look carefully into it, lest you harm a people in ignorance, then be sorry for what you have done.” (49:6)

3.       “…therefore, avoid uncleanness of idols and avoid false words (lying)” (22:30)

4.       Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said, “Falsehood is absolutely an evil and a sin. Certainly, Allah has created the lock of every evil and the keys to all these locks is drinking wine but lying is worse than drinking. Lying destroys the faith.”

5.       As per a tradition that on Day of Judgement the mouth of a liar will give an awful smell.

6.       The angels abhor the liars. The angels of the sky curse the liars.”

7.       Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Every believer is deprived the taste of faith till he gives up lying even in jest. The disease of lying is the most dreadful of the (psychological) diseases. Every Muslim is supposed to avoid friendship and brotherhood with a compulsive liar. Even if he speaks the truth, he is not trusted.”

8.       According to traditional reports, lying causes animosity and hatred between people.

9.       The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “The least forbearing is the one who is liar. Avoid speaking falsehood because it is a kind of evil and transgression. And both belong to Hell. The worst of the profit is from the trade called ‘lying’. When a believer speaks a lie, he is prone to commit every sin and becomes kafir. Falsehood is inversely proportional to belief.” The greatest of the sins is talkativeness and falsehood. According to other reports, seventy thousand Angels curse the liar. Beware of falsehood! Because false hood blackens the face. The advice of a liar has no value.

10.   According to Mustadrak ul Wasa’il, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “The three signs of hypocrite are Lying, betraying trust, and not fulfilling his promise.”

11.   Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “One of the divine punishments for too much lying is that Allah makes the liar afflicted with forgetfulness. He is deprived of reciting namaz-e-shab and sustenance is reduced.”   

12.   “And Allah does not guide the unjust people.” (62:5)

13.   Prophet Isa said, “Civility abandons the one who is a frequent liar.”

14.   Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), while describing the scenes of “Mai’raj” – Ascension, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) told her, “On the Night of Mai’raj I saw a woman whose head resembled a pig and her body was like that of a donkey. It was because she spread discord and told lies.”

Source: Greater Sins-volume 2 by Sayyid Abdul Husayn Dasteghaib

THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN AND OBLIGATORY/RECOMMENDED SAJDAH THEREIN

There are fifteen places in the Glorious Qur’an where the reciter is required to do Sajdah; out of which four Ayahs contain Sajdah Wajib (obligatory) and the remaining eleven places, it is Mustahab (recommended) to perform Sajdah.

Wajib (obligatory) Sajdah are:

1.       Surah al-Sajdah Ayah 32, “Only those believe in Our Ayahs who, when they are reminded by them, fall down in prostration and exalt with praise of their Lord, and they are not arrogant.”

2.       Surah al-Najm Ayah 62, “So prostrate to Allah and worship Him.”

3.       Surah al-Alaq Ayah 19, “No, do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near (to Allah).”

4.       Surah al-Fussilat Ayah 38, “If people are very arrogant to prostrate before your Lord, allow them to know that Allah’s other creatures glorify Him both day and night without fatigue.”

Mustahab (recommended) Sajdah are:

1.       Surah al-A’raf Ayah 206, “Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.”

2.       Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 15, “And to Allah prostrate whoever is within the heaven and the earth, willingly or by compulsion, and their shadows (as well) in the mornings and the afternoons.”

3.       Surah al-Nahl Ayah 50, “They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded.”

4.       Surah Bani Isra’el Ayah 109, “And they fall upon their faces weeping, and the Qur’an increases them in humble submission.”

5.       Surah Maryam Ayah 58, “They were the ones upon whom Allah bestowed favors among prophets of the descendants of Adam and of those We carried (in the ship) with Noah, and the descendants of Ibrahim and Isra’el, and of those whom We guided and chose. When the Ayahs of the Most Merciful are recited to them, they fall in prostration and weeping.”

6.       Surah al-Hajj Ayah 18, “Do you not see that to Allah prostrate whoever is in the heavens and whoever is in the earth, and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people. But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allah humiliates-for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allah does what He wants.

7.       Surah al-Furqan Ayah 60, “And when it is said to them, “Prostrate to the Most Merciful”, they say, “And what is the Most Merciful?” Should we prostrate to that which you order us?

8.       Surah al-Namal Ayah 26, “Allah is the only Lord and Master of the Great Throne.”

9.       Surah Sad Ayah 24, “David realized that it was a test from Us, so he asked forgiveness from his Lord and bowed down before Him in repentance.

10.   Surah al-Inshiqaq Ayah 21, “Why, when the Qur’an is recited to them, do they not prostrate?”

11.   Surah al-Hajj Ayah 77, “Believers, worship your Lord, bow down and prostrate before Him and do various deeds so that perhaps you will have everlasting happiness.”

Sources:

Elements of Islamic Studies by Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi & Understanding Qur’an.com

THE RICHEST TREASURE

The Commander of the Faithful, The Gateway of Knowledge whose City was the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.) accepted the worldly khilafah on great public demand of the multitude of Muslim Ummah present in Madinah at that time. He implemented the Qur’anic principles of justice and equality for everyone irrespective of their faith, social status, gender, ethnicity. Upon assuming power, he replaced most of the governors of the then Islamic state and appointed pious officers. One of the Companions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), who took part in the Battle of Yarmouk, Malik al-Harith al-Ashtar was appointed as the governor of Egypt and surrounding areas.

   

In 2002 A.D., The Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan issued a Declaration of Human Rights which is this advice of Imam Ali (a.s.) to Malik al-Harith al-Ashtar, urging the world leaders to follow the example of his (a.s.) sound and humanitarian method in ruling which revealed the spirit of social justice and peace.

The historian Massoudi, recognized Imam Ali (a.s.) as being the source of no less than 480 treatise, lecture, and epistles, as collected by Zaid bin Wahab and Asbagh bin Nabata in the Imam (a.s.)’s lifetime. These contributions were held in such high regard, both for their contents as well as intrinsic literary worth, that some of his masterpieces stimulated into being many subjects of study in Muslim colleges and universities. Imam Ali (a.s.) ‘s reputation reached Europe by the time of Renaissance. Edward Powcock, a professor at Oxford University in 1639 A.D. delivered lectures on his “Rhetoric” and published his (a.s.) “Sayings”. Later, scholars like Nasr ibn Mazahim (148 A.H.), Jahiz Basari (255A.H.), Syed Razi (404 A.H.), Ibn Abil Hadid and Allama Mustafa Bek Najib, the great living scholar of Egypt, reproduced it.

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s letter to Malik al-Harith al-Ashtar:

Be it known to you, o, Malik, that I am sending you as governor to a country which in the past has experienced both just and unjust rule. Men will scrutinize your actions with a searching eye, as you used to scrutinize the actions of those before you. The fact is that public speak well of those who do good, they furnish the proof of your actions. Keep your desires under control and deny yourself that which you have been prohibited from. Develop in your heart a feeling of love for your people and let it be the source of kindness. Do not behave with them like a barbarian, and do not appropriate to yourself that which belongs to them. Remember that the citizens of the state are of two categories. They are your brother in religion or your brother in kind. They are subject to infirmities and liable to commit mistakes. Some even commit mistakes. But forgive them even as you like Allah to forgive you. Bear in mind that you are placed over them, even as I am placed over you. Even there is Allah over him who has given you the position of governor. You will be judged by what you do for them. Do not set yourself against Allah. Do not feel sorry over any act of forgiveness, nor rejoice over any punishment meted out to them. Do not say, “I am your overlord, bow to my commands.” as that will corrupt your heart, weaken your faith, and create disorder in the state. Should you ever feel slightest symptoms of pride and arrogance then look at the Divine governance over which you have no control. Beware! Never put yourself against the Majesty and grandeur of Allah. Let your mind respect through your actions the rights of Allah and the rights of men.  Nothing excites Divine Wrath against him more easily than cruelty. Maintain justice in the administration and seek consent of the people. Miserliness, cowardice, and greed deprive man of his trust in Allah. Do not treat good and bad alike. Turn to Allah and His Prophet for guidance whenever you feel uncertain. Treat businessman well. Beware! Fear Allah when dealing with the problems of the poor who have none to patronize them. Meet the oppressed and the lowly periodically in open conferences. Set apart the best time to communicate with Allah. Never keep aloof from the people. Do not throw away the offer of peace by your enemy. Do not make haste to do a thing before its time, nor put it off when time arrives. Keep your anger in control and keep your hands and tongue in check. Study carefully the principles which have inspired just and good rulers who have gone before you. Give close thought to the example of our Prophet, his traditions, and the commandments of the Holy Qur’an.

Sources: www.islamicmobility.com, www.al-islam.org/richesttreasure-ImamAli,

Nahjul Balagha Part 2, Letters and sayings by Allama Sharif Razi

FRIENDS AND FOES OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Because of the unique and multifaced personality of Imam Ali (a.s.), there were friends, admirers, and enemies even during the lifetime of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and such distinct division had enormously grown over the time to date.

 Even after the spell of cursing the “Nafse Rasool” for 40 years on orders from Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan, the ever-growing number of Truth loving humanity loves and admires him. Although, the Muslim Ummah was going through poverty, Muawiya lavishly spent their wealth to falsely fabricate traditions directed against Imam Ali (a.s.) but failed to belittle the status of the spotless image of the holder of The Divine Ayah of Purity (33:33)

It is human nature to be attracted toward virtues and abhor the falsehood. After the dawn of Islam, the Muslims witnessed the bravery (in the battles of Badr, Uhad , Khandaq and Khyber) , knowledge (speaker of the pulpit of Saluni) self-sacrifice (sleeping on Prophet’s bed in the night of Migration 2:207), friend of the down trodden, best Judge deciding the most difficult legal situations, pious (gave alms while praying-in ruk’u 5:55).

Friends of Imam Ali (a.s.) were the people who have sound faith, love him to the extent that Maitham Tammar was told by him (a.s.) that because of his love for Imam Ali (a.s.) he will be killed mercilessly and hanged on a tree. Even after Imam Ali (a.s.)’s martyrdom, Maitham nourished the tree and when hanged he still called people to listen to the virtues of Imam Ali (a.s.). Ibn as-Sikkit was the teacher of the Abbasside tyrant al-Mutawakkil’s sons. Mutawakkil asked al-Sikkit, “Are my sons dearer to you than al-Hasan and al-Husayn?” As-Sikkit replied, “By Allah, I swear the ‘Ali’s slave Qambar is dearer to me than these two and their father.” Mutawakkil ordered that Sikkit’s tongue should be cut from his throat.

Allah and his Messenger persuaded everyone to love his family as in Surah al-Shura Ayah 23, “Say: I do not ask of you a wage for this, except love of my family”. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) explained that his family includes Fatima, Ali, Hasan and Husayn”. He said, “Love of Ali is faith. Looking at Ali’s face is ibadah”

The basis of the love for Ali is the connection of our souls with the Truth which has been laid down in our nature and since our nature is eternal, love for Ali is also eternal. Humanity loves Ali (a.s.) because of his manifestation of a “Perfect Man”; excellent traits of wisdom and knowledge, self-sacrifice and altruism, humanity and modesty, kindness and mercy, protection of the weak and justness, liberality and love of freedom, respect for humanity and generosity, bravery and magnanimity towards his enemies.

Every principled man who has an aim and struggle towards it, particularly revolutionary, who pursues the putting into practice of his sacred goals, makes enemies and leaves dissatisfied people. Ali had no concern for anyone in the way of Allah. In the period of his apparent khilafat, Ali battled with them: the people of (the battle of) Jamal, whom he himself named Nakithuns (those who break their allegiance), the people of (the battle of) Siffin whom he called Qasitun (those who deviate); and the people of (the battle of) Nahrawan, the Khawarij, whom he called Mariqun (those who miss the truth of the religion). There is a tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) addressing Imam Ali (a.s.), “I did jihad with the Polytheists about the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an and you will do jihad for its implementation.” (Ahmad ibn Hanbal and al-Hakim reported by Abu Saeed al-Khudri). Men like Muawiya and Amr ibn A’s negatively influenced the Muslim history and may still be at work.

Extracts from “The Voice of Human Justice” by a Lebanese Christian in praise of Imam Ali (a.s.) is worth reading:

“He cut off the heads of big giants but was himself overcome by love and kindness. He was a stranger and a lovely person who suffered all sorts of hardships so that the people might remain happy. The Prophet had said many times: O Ali! Only a hypocrite will be inimical towards you.” The entire wealth of the world and all its treasures could not equal the lace of his shoes!”

Sources: Polarization around the character of Ali ibn Abi Talib by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari

                  Shiite Encyclopedia  

THE SIMILITUDE BETWEEN THE SIEGE OF SH'IB ABU TALIB (A.S.) AND THE PANDEMIC

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was the beloved uncle of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the respectable father of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.). To protect and safeguard his nephew (s.a.w.a.s.), he did not openly recite the “Shahadah”. He was the custodian of Ka’ba and the strong man of Makkah. Quraish feared and respected him. He was like “The Momin of Surah Yasin” and “The Shia of Prophet Musa” who advised him about the plan of Pharaoh and his advisors to kill him. His wife was Hazrat Fatima bint Assad (s.a.). They nourished and raised the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) when he was a young orphan. She would give the best of the food to him and if the food is insufficient, she will give it to him while her own sons sleep hungry. The Quraish respected him for 40 years and gave him the titles of “The Truthful and The Trustworthy”.

 As soon as the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) announced about his Prophet hood, they became his staunch enemy. People of Makkah, specially the oppressed poor class people, slowly began accepting the new faith. The Quraish tortured them. When the number of new Muslims increased, the Quraish became furious and worried. They complained to Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) to ask his nephew to stop his noble mission, but he refused.

The Quraish prepared a covenant, after consulting other tribes,  detailing the terms of the blockade against Hashemites stating as an act of war without truce, not to marry from them and not to let them marry from them, not to sell or buy from each other, without any mercy or pity. Nothing would make Quraish to give up the blockade unless they hand over the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). A signed copy was hanged on the wall of Ka’ba.

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) criticized and warned them of the disastrous consequences. He discussed it with all the Hashemites and decided to go to the Shi’b (mountain pass) to be safe from Quraish. They were in great distress. Hunger harmed them extremely until they were obliged to eat the leaves of the tree. To protect his nephew, he would spread his bed before the sight of all. He remained awake the whole night. He would take his nephew to his son Ali (a.s.) and let him sleep in Ali’s bed. After three years, Allah revealed to His Prophet that He had made the termite eat the blockade document except the name of Allah.

Sir William Muir described the Siege as, “It should be pointed here that the hatred and anger of the Umayyad clan of the Quraish was directed not against Muslims but against the clan of Banu Hashim. Their aim was to destroy Islam. But they could not destroy Islam without killing Muhammad. They made numerous attempts to kill him, but they failed because he was beyond their reach. He was safe and comfortable in the “fortress” which Abu Talib and Banu Hashim had built for him. Ali was 16 years old and he was charged with the most difficult and dangerous task of victualling the whole clan. He discharged this duty at great risk to his own life and brought water and grain whenever he could find any” (A Restatement of the History of Islam by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy)

All this time, the sacred ladies of Islam like Sayyida Khadija (s.a.), the richest woman in Hijaz, who gave her entire huge wealth to her beloved husband (s.a.w.a.s.) for use in the maintenance and spread of Islam, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), the Chief of the Women of the World, Sayyida Fatima bint Assad (s.a.), who gave birth to Imam Ali (a.s.) inside the sacred Ka’ba. They patiently endured the hardship for the pleasure of Allah.

The Covid-19 Virus Pandemic have locked down the huge population of the world but at least people are staying in their homes comfortably, eating and drinking.

Sources: Abu Talib the Faithful of Quraish by Abdullah al-Khunayzi, A Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims by Ali Asghar Razwy

DHIKR/REMEMBRANCE

Dhikr has many meanings in the Arabic language. Dhikr under discussion here is the remembrance of Allah (s.w.t.). The word “Dhikr” has been used in the Glorious Qur’an for more than 26 times. Some of the Ayahs includes:

Surah al-Baqarah Ayah152, Therefore, remember Me, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.”

Surah ale-Imran Ayah 191, “Who remembers Allah while standing, sitting, reclining on their sides and contemplating on the creation of the heavens and the earth and say, “O our Lord, you have not created all this in vain ,Glory be to You. Save us from the punishment of the Hell.”

Surah al-A’raf Ayah 205, “And remember your Lord deep within yourselves, in humility and awe, and not in a loud voice, in the mornings and evenings and do not be of heedless ones.”

Surah al-Anfal Ayah2, “Verily believers are only those who when Allah is mentioned, their hearts are thrilled, and when unto them are recited His signs they increase them in faith, and they rely only on Allah.”

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah 28, “And those who believe, and their hearts are set by Allah’s remembrance; certainly, by Allah’s remembrance (only) are the hearts set at rest.”

Surah Ta-Ha Ayah 14, “Verily I, I (alone)am Allah: there is no god but I: worship thou (only) Me and establish prayer for My remembrance!”.”

Surah al-Ah’zab Ayah 21, “The Messenger of Allah is certainly an excellent example (of conduct) for him and have hope in Allah and in the Day of Judgement and who remember Allah very often.”

Surah al-Zukhruf Ayah 36, “We shall make Shaitan the companion of whoever turns blind toward the remembrance of the Beneficent.”

Surah al-Ju’mah Ayah 10, “When the prayer ends, disperse through the land and seek the Grace of Allah. Remember Allah often so that perhaps you may be successful.”

Surah al-Munafiqun Ayah 9, “Believers, do not let your wealth and children divert you from remembering Allah. Whoever is diverted will suffer a great loss.”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “One who remembers Allah (s.w.t.) he is in the company of Allah (s.w.t.).” 

Dhikr is divided in “Dhikr-e-Lisani” or “remembrance by tongue” and “Dhikr-e-Qalbi” or “remembrance at heart”. Some of the important Dhikr are:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim”, “La Ilaha Illallah”, “Subhana Malikal Quddus”, “Subhana Behamdehi”, “Alhamdu Lillaha Kama Hua Ahlu” , “Allahu Akbar” , “SubhanAllahe Wal Hamdulillahe Wa La Ilaha IllallahuWallahuAkbar” , “Tasbih-e-Zahra” (Allahu Akbar 34 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, SubhanAllah 33 times) , “la Haula Wala Quwwata Illah Billah”, “Ayatal Kursi”, “Salawaat”, La Ilaha Illah Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimin”

               Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali and Ayatullah                                 Agha H.M.M. Pooya

     Anecdotes of Reflection by Sayyid Ali Akbar Sadaqat

    Maulana Amir Mukhtar Faezi (Baitul Ilm recording)