THE MARRIAGE IN ISLAM

One of the recognized and indisputable commandments of Islam is the marriage – the sacred union that takes place only between man and woman. Man has been created for woman and vice versa. They are attracted to each other like magnets. Marriage and establishing a joint family are a natural desire of human beings responding to their instincts. The house is the center of love, kindness, and friendship, whereby it is the best place to relax and live comfortably. Through marriage the procreation of mankind is continued. The love Muslim spouses have for each other should be for the sake of Allah and to gain His pleasure!  Although, there are more than 16 Ayahs relating to marriage, but selected Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an are appended below:

Surah al-Nur Ayah 32, “Marry off those who are single among you and the upright among your male slaves and your female slaves. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them out of His Grace, and Allah is all-bounteous, all-knowing.

 Surah al-Nur Ayah33, “Those who cannot afford marriage should be continent until Allah enriches them out of His Grace.” Thus, one must not resort to evil, sin or illicit sexual relationships because they cannot find a permanent spouse.

Surah al-Rum Ayah 21, “And of His signs is that He created for you mates from your own selves that you may take comfort in them, and He ordained affection and mercy between you. There are indeed signs in that for a people who reflect. “

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Of my tradition is to marry. So then whoever turns away from my tradition (Sunnah) is not from me (my nation).”

Only the marriage of prophet Musa was described in the Glorious Qur’an. He came to Madyan, where Hazrat Shoaib was living with his two daughters. Hazrat Musa (a.s.) helped his daughters in watering their sheep. Hazrat Shoaib wanted to compensate Hazrat Musa for his assistance. One of his daughters came to Hazrat Musa (a.s.) and said, “Then one of two women approached him, walking bashfully. She said, ‘Indeed my father invites you to pay you the wages for watering (our flock) for us. (28:25) She was guiding Hazrat Musa and due to wind, her feet were uncovered. Hazrat Musa told her to walk behind him. She told her father, “One of the two women said, ’Father, hire him. Indeed, the best you can hire is a powerful and trustworthy man’. “(28:26) Hazrat Shoaib said, “Indeed I desire to marry you to one of my two daughters, on condition that you hire yourself to me for eight years…” Thus, Hazrat Musa (a.s.) married that girl.

Factors for the marriage to be noted are Hazrat Shoaib was an Arab while Hazrat Musa was an Israelite, he left his hometown for fear of his life, he was penniless; without any material resources, his daughter noted his piety.

Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) also proposed to marry the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) against the opinion of the people who looked at the apparent material status. She appreciated his “Truthfulness” and “Trustworthiness”. Similarly, in case of her daughter (Fatima Zahra s.a.), the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) did not see the material status of Imam Ali (a.s.) whose only possessions were his sword, camel, and a shield.

Marriage in Islam inculcates the following: Love for the sake of Allah, increase in sustenance, acceptance of personalities, challenge and realization of potential, mercy and forgiveness, respect and care, confidentiality, growth, truthfulness, and selflessness.

Sources: The Religion of al-Islam and Marriage by Arifa Hudda, Principles of Marriage and Family Ethics by Ibrahim Amini

Marriage and Morals in Islam.com, Why Islam.org

THE MARRIAGE OF SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.) AND IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Allah had gifted Sayyida Fatima the intellectual maturity and integrity of conduct. Her religious feelings and literary knowledge were boundless. History has not witnessed any other woman who has achieved the high level of education, knowledge and social graces that she achieved regardless of the fact that she did not attend any school other than the school of Revelation under the sacred guidance of the Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.s.)

One year after the Migration to Madinah, the proposals of marriage for Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) began to be received by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) who politely refused saying that it was the will of Allah and he was awaiting Allah’s decree in this regard.

Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) was the model of Prophet’s teachings for women just as the Lion of Allah; Imam Ali (a.s.) was the best embodiment of his teachings and the supreme and matchless masculine and noble qualities that he possessed. They were the most suitable couple to be united into the matrimonial bonds, but he was too modest to speak about it. After some persuasions from his companions, he finally went to see the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) in the mosque and proposed for the marriage. The Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) discussed it with Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) saying: “Fatima, you know Ali ibne Abi Talib’s relationship with us; his devotion and faithfulness to Islam. I asked Allah to give you in marriage to the best of His creatures, and the most beloved to Him; and Ali has declared his wish to marry you; what do you say?” Sayyida Fatima (s.a.) did not reply, nor did she show any signs of rejection or resentment, so the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) stood up and said “Allah is the greatest! Her silence is her approval”. He inquired from Imam Ali (a.s.) about his state of preparedness to fulfill the requirements needed for the marriage. This marriage would be remembered and will be of great influence for generations to come. Imam Ali (a.s.) replied that he owned a sword, a shield, and a camel. As advised by the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), he sold his shield of armor for 500 Dirham and brought the money to the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) who added similar amount and asked his companions to buy household goods to setup home for this Unique Family.

Ahmad Ibne Yousuf Ad-Demishqi and other narrators of traditions report that Sayyida Fatima said to her father “I ask you to kindly give the dowry back and supplicate to Allah, to make my dowry the right to intercede for the sinners of Muslim Ummah” It is apparent from the above tradition the greatness, honor and excellence of the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.)

 Marriage was solemnized by the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) himself and after the marriage the couple went to live in a separate house next to the house of the Messenger, near the Masjid-e-Nabawi. The Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) arranged the wedding gifts of basic simple items of daily use.

Ibne Tauoos narrates that The Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had purchased a new dress for Sayyida Fatima for her marriage. On her wedding night, a needy person knocked at the door and requested for any old clothes. Sayyida Fatima was about to give her old dress having patches on it, when she remembered the Qur’anic verse “By no means ye shall attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love”. She gave the needy her wedding dress. Consequently, the Jibril descended to the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and said “O Muhammad, Allah sends His blessings upon you; He commanded me to greet Fatima and (give her the gift He sent her) which is a dress from Paradise, made of silk and brocade.”

The Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) asked Imam Ali (a.s.) to hold a dinner as Allah is pleased with those who do so; for the social good it does: such as bringing people together and implementing love and harmony among Muslims.

When Imam Ali (a.s.) reached the mosque to invite the people, he found it filled with hundreds of Muslims. Imam Ali’s generosity and nobility did not allow him to invite selected people. Hence, he invited everyone present in the mosque. Due to the presence of the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), there was barakah in food, hence not only everyone ate but he (s.a.w.a.s.) sent some of the food to the companion’s homes. Then he (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered his wives to prepare Sayyida Fatima, perfume her and assist her wear the special dress from Paradise.

Ibne Abbas narrates that when Sayyida Fatima was taken to Imam Ali’s house on the wedding night, the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) preceded her, Gabriel was on her right side, and Mika’il was on left side and seventy thousand angels followed her. These angels praised and glorified Allah (s.w.t.) till the dawn.

On arriving, the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) placed Sayyida Fatima’s hand in Imam Ali’s hand and said “May Allah bless His Messenger’s daughter, Ali! This is Fatima, you are responsible for her. Ali, what an excellent wife Fatima is! Fatima, what an excellent husband Ali is! O Allah! bless them, bless their lives, bless their children. O Allah! surely, they are the most beloved to me from among your creatures, so love them too, and assign for them a guardian. I place them and their progeny under your protection from the cursed devil”

This sacred marriage also took place at the fourth heaven when angels gathered and Allah (s.w.t.) ordered one of the angels named Rahil to ascend the Pulpit (Mimber) of Light and praise and glorify His Names. After enumerating His Mercy and Benevolence on angels, Allah, the Omnipotent king, chose the one who was bestowed with special Divine Honor, and the worshiper of His Greatness, for His worshiper, the Mistress of women, and the daughter of the best of Prophets, the Master of all Messengers, and the Imam of the pious; so He brought into relations the Prophet with a man from his kin. One who is his vicegerent and was prompt in answering his call- Ali the devout, with Fatima, the splendid and the daughter of the Messenger.”

Then, Gabriel added the following words on behalf of Allah: “Praise is My garment, Greatness is My Magnificence, All the creatures are My slaves, men and women. I give Fatima, My Worshiper in marriage to Ali My chosen worshiper. So, bear witness O My angels.” (Bihar ul Anwar)

It is to be noted that the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) performed the marriage ceremony in the mosque and announced the dowry. For the Dowry, he said “Avoid exaggerations in (the amounts of) dowries, because this causes enmity (between you)”

Then he (s.a.w.a.s) also assigned the desirable practice of limiting the dowry to 500 Dirham. He and the Infallible Imams never exceeded this amount of dowry in marriages.

Sources used:

Fatima the Gracious by Abu Muhammad Ordoni

A Restatement of the History of Islam by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy

Fatima, the Daughter of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) by Yasin T. Jibouri

THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) - THE APOSTLE AND THE SERVANT OF ALLAH (S.W.T.)

Servitude to Allah implies man’s freedom from all forms of restrictions, attachment, and affection. It gives man so much power that he would not be afraid of any superpower. Because of being a sincere servant of Allah, the wife of Pharaoh became such an impenetrable force that all of Pharaoh’s gold and silver had no effect on her and she remained servant of Allah alone. Her accomplishment was such that she became a model for all believing men and women throughout history. Surah al-Tahrim Ayah 11 refers to it, “Allah draws an (other) example for those who have faith: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, ‘My Lord! Build me a home near You in Paradise, and deliver me from Pharaoh and his conduct, and deliver me from the wrongdoing lot.’”

In any case, the testimony to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s servant hood (ubdiyyat) to Allah is preliminary to the testimony of his apostleship (risalah). Testimony to his apostleship means the negation of all man-made schools; acceptance of the eternity and universality of the apostleship of the Seal of the Prophets (khatem al-anbiya); and the rejection of all taghuts. Testimony of the apostle ship of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) is a covenant that Allah has made with all the prophets; had they not accepted his apostleship; they would not have attained the station of prophet hood. This was stated in Surah Ali-Imran Ayah 81, “When Allah took a compact concerning the prophets, (He said) ‘ In as much as I have given you of the Book and wisdom, should an apostle come to you thereafter confirming what is with you, you shall believe in him and help him.’ He said, ‘Do you pledge and accept My covenant on this condition? They said, ‘We pledge’. He said, ‘Then be witnesses, and I am also among the witnesses along with you.’

Therefore, I am not alone in saying, “Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasulah” as all the prophets (a.s.) have said so as well.

Servitude (ubudiyyah) is the highest station of the prophets (a.s.). Indeed, it is the preliminary stage of apostleship and prophethood. (abduhu wa rasulah)

It is the servitude to Allah that brings the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to the Ascension (Mi’raj) as stated in Surah al-Asra’ Ayah 1, “Immaculate is He who carried His servant on a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose environs We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He is the All-hearing, the All-seeing. Also surah al-Baqarah Ayah 23, “And if you are in doubt concerning what We have sent down to Our servant, then bring a Surah like it, and invoke your helpers besides Allah, should you be truthful.”

Allah also praises His prophets (a.s.) for their servitude to Him. In Surah al-Asra’ Ayah 3, “…. descendants of those whom We carried (in the ark) with Noah. Indeed, he was a grateful servant.” And, Hazrat Suleyman in Surah Sad Ayah 30, “And to David (Dawood) We gave Solomon (Suleyman) – what an excellent servant.”

One of the distinctions of the prophets (a.s.) in relation to the geniuses and inventors is that the latter have obtained their genius and creativity  as a result of intelligence, perseverance and exercise , while the prophets have acquired their miracles as a result of servitude to Allah and under the aegis of the divine grace, and servitude is the foundation of all the stations of the prophets.

Acknowledgment of servant hood of the prophets prevents any form of extremism, fanaticism and radicalism concerning the stations of the saints of Allah. It reminds us that the prophet, though the best of creation, is also a servant of Allah. It is needles to say that this testimony must be based on sincerity and truthfulness for, the hypocrites (munafiqin) used to testify also to the apostleship.

                Source: A Commentary on Prayer by Allama Muhsin Qara’ti

GREAT SINS ACCORDING TO THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

In reply to an inquiry from Abu Ubayd, the Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) enumerated the Great Sins according to the Glorious Qur’an:

                The Greatest Sin is Polytheism, “Surely whoever associates (others) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him.” (5:72)

                Being desperate of the Mercy of Allah, “Surely none despairs of Allah’s Mercy except the unbelieving people.” (12:87)

                Feeling safe from the sudden punishment of Allah, “But none feels secure from Allah’s plan except the people who shall perish.” (7:99)

                Undutifulness to parents because Allah has considered undutiful one to his parents as arrogant and unblessed, and killing a person that Allah has forbidden except for a just cause because Allah says, “And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his punishment is hell; he shall abide in it.” (4:93)

                Defaming a married woman because Allah says, “Those who accuse chaste believing women, who are unaware (of the evil), are cursed in this world and the hereafter, and they shall have a grievous chastisement.” (24:23)

                Eating the properties of the orphans, Allah says, “(As for) those who swallow the property of the orphans unjustly, surely they swallow the fire into their bellies, and they shall enter burning fire.” (4:10)

                Fleeing from Jihad (sacred war) for Allah says, “And whosoever shall turns his back to them on that day, unless he turns aside for the sake of fighting, or withdraws to a company, then he, indeed, becomes deserving Allah’s wrath, and his abode is Hell; and an evil destination shall it be.” (8:16)

                Eating usury because Allah says, “And those who devour will not stand except as stand one whom the Satan by his touch has driven to madness.” (2:275)

                Magic because Allah says, “…they taught men sorcery…then men learned from these two, magic….and surely they do know that he who bought it therein will have no (happy) portion in the Hereafter.” (2:102)

                Adultery because Allah says, “….and (who) do not commit fornication, and he who does this shall find a requital of sin. The punishment shall be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection and shall abide therein in a basement.” (25:68-69)

                Perjury oath because Allah says, “(As for) those who take small price for the covenant of Allah and their own oaths, surely they shall have no portion in the Hereafter.” (3:77)

                Embezzlement because Allah says, “Whosoever embezzles will bring what he embezzled with him on the Day of Resurrection. “(3:161)

                Preventing obligatory zakat because Allah says, “On the day when it shall be heated in the fire of hell, and their foreheads and sides and their backs shall be branded with it.” (9:35)

                False testimony and concealing of a testimony because Allah say, “…and do not conceal testimony, and whoever conceals it, his heart is surely sinful.” (2:283) and drinking alcohol because Allah has prohibited it, worshiping the idols, giving up the prayer intentionally or giving up any other obligation that Allah has imposed because the Messenger of Allah says, “Whoever gives up prayers intentionally will be free from trust of Allah and His Messenger and breaking the promise and the rupture of the relations with the kin because Allah says, “And those who break the covenant of Allah after its confirmation and cut asunder that which Allah has ordered to be joined and make mischief in the land ; (as for) those, upon them shall be curse and they shall have the evil abode.” (13:25)

Source: The Life of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad by Allama Baqir Sharif al-Qurashi

SELF BUILDING

The greatest aim of Divine Messengers was to emphasize the importance of refinement, perfection, and training of human selves. The existence of man starts from the insignificant dusty material lacking any sort of sense and feelings and ultimately terminates into a precious celestial jewel! Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Self is like precious jewel whoever strives for his protection, he will help him attaining exalted positions, and whoever acted negligently in his protection he shall pull him towards humiliation.

Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini had written a book on “Self-Building”. Self-building is the preparation for attaining piety.

Following are the salient feature of bad habits and the bad practices.

Bad Habits:

1.       Al Riya – showoff

2.       Al-Nifaq- Hypocrisy

3.       Al-Ghazab- Anger

4.       Takabbur – Arrogance

5.       Ujub – Self praise

6.       Ujlat – Haste

7.       Al-Zulm – Oppression

8.       Al-Makr – Deception

9.       Al-Gheebah – Back biting

10.   Al-Buhtaan – Allegation

11.   Find fault in others

12.   Wada Khilafi – Break the promise

13.   Huqooq al-Waladain – Parents rights

14.   Qata al-Raham – Neglecting the relatives

15.   Al-Israaf – Extravagance

16.   Al-Hasad – Jealousy

17.   Foul language

Bad Practices:

1.       Stealing

2.       Murder

3.       Adultery

4.       Grabbing other’s property

5.       Fraud

6.       Breaking Trust

7.       Alcohol and other intoxicants

8.       Eating Prohibited Meat

9.       Gambling

10.   Giving false witness

11.   Taking False Oath

12.   Accusing innocent ones for adultery

13.   Abandoning obligations like Prayers, Fasting, Hajj, Amir e Bil Maroof and Nahi Anil Munkar.

Source: Self Building by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini

                Lecture by Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Amir Mukhtar Faezi        

THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) SPEAKS ONLY THE DIVINE REVELATIONS

The houses of the emigrants from Makkah was built around the Mosque in Madinah with the doors of the houses opening inside the Mosque. When the number of the houses increased then Allah commanded His Prophet to close all the doors, save that of Imam Ali (a.s.). Some people remarked that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) has been maddened of his love for Imam Ali (a.s.) and has gone astray. Allama Sayuti, a famous Sunni scholar, in his book “Tafsir Dure Manthur narrates; One day the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered to close all the doors of the houses which opened in the Mosque, except that of Imam Ali (a.s.). This order made the companions upset and his (s.a.w.a.s.) uncle Hazrat Hamzah complained as to why he ordered the closure of the doors of his uncle, Abu Baker, Omer and Abbas and kept his cousin Imam Ali (a.s.)’s door open. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) called the people in the Mosque and delivered a forceful sermon from the pulpit saying, “O People! I did not close your doors nor kept open nor have I expelled you from the Mosque nor kept him (Imam Ali) in the Mosque. Then he (s.a.w.a.s.) recited these Ayahs of Surah an-Najm.

Similar messages were reported in the Torah and Bible.

“Then the Lord said to me (Musa): “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you, one of their own races, and I will put my words into his mouth. He shall convey all my commands to them. (Deuteronomy – 18:18)

“However, when he, the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you into the truth; for he will not speak of his own authority, but will tell what he hears; and he will make known to you the things that are coming. (John 16:13)

 Ibne Abbas says that once we offered our ‘Isha’ night prayers with the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) who after the prayers told us, “At dawn a star will descend from heaven. On whosoever’s house it gets down, he shall be my Heir, my Calif, and the Imam. The star descended on Imam Ali (a.s.)’s house. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) told Imam Ali (a.s.), “O Ali! By the One Who has sent me as His Apostle, I say that you have been assigned by God, to be my Heir, my Calif, and Imam.

Surah an-Najm Ayahs 1 to 4 were revealed, “By the star when it goes down. Indeed, your companion (Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) has neither gone astray nor has erred. Nor does he speak of concupiscent desire. His word is only a Revelation revealed to him."

The first 8 Ayahs assert the infallibility of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) in his movements between the Creator and the creation, like the movement of the star in its orbit. The negation about his going astray or deviating from the right path or uttering of anything of his own inclination and the assertion of his being directly under the revelation, is not restricted to any particular age or period or any particular aspect of his life but starts from his very pregenital  state to which facts bears testimony and evidence. The statement of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) , his (s.a.w.a.s.) uncle and the father of Imam Ali (a.s.) in one of his eulogical  verses addressed to him (s.a.w.a.s.) while he was still very young, “Certainly do I bear testimony to the fact that you never exaggerate and speak the truth though you are a young child.” The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) in the Nahjul Balagha Sermon number 187 takes the description of the infallibility and unique divine excellence of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to the climax.

                Sources: The Holy Qur’an (English translation) by Ayatullah Agha H.M.M Pooya Yazdi

                                  Tafsir-e-Namounah (Urdu translation) by Ayatllah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

                                 The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Maulana Farman Ali

WHO IS ON THE STRAIGHT PATH (SIRAT-AL-MUSTAQEEM)

Temptation is housed in the breasts of the people as stated in Surah al-Nas, “Say, I seek the protection of the Lord of the humans, Sovereign of humans, God of humans, from the evil of the sneaky tempter who puts temptations in to the breasts of humans, from among the jinn and humans.”

As per the teachings of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Pure Progeny (a.s.) Allah is not the creator of evil but only virtues. Allah created jinn not Iblees.

Similarly, Surah al-Shams Ayah 7 to 10, “By the soul and Him who fashioned it, and inspired it with (discernment between) its virtues and vices: one who purifies it is felicitous , and one who betrays it fails.

Human beings are endowed with both virtues and vices; one who develops virtues becomes pious and the one who commits vices and sins becomes the follower of Iblees.

Surah al-Hujurat Ayah 14, “The Bedouins say, ‘We have faith.’ Say, ‘You do not have faith yet; rather say, “We have embraced Islam,” for faith has not yet entered into your hearts.”

The seat of Islam is the “breasts” as in the Surah al-Nas above, while the seat of belief (Iman) is the “hearts”. So, the Iblees enters the breasts and tempts the Muslims but cannot enter the hearts wherein lies the Wilayat of Imam Ali (a.s.)

After Iblees refused to prostrate to Adam in defiance of the Divine Order, Allah degraded him. Iblees beseeched for respite and Allah granted him that. Iblees said, Surah al-Hijr Ayah 36 to 40, “He said, ‘My Lord! Respite me till the day they will be resurrected.’ Said He, ‘You are indeed among the reprieve until the day of the known time. ‘He said, ‘My Lord! As You have consigned me to perversity, I will surely glamorize (evil) for them on the earth, and I will surely mislead them all except Your Exclusive Servants among them.” Exclusive ones are the translation of “Mukhlaseen”; whom Allah created pure!  From this point on, paths of virtues and vice became different.

Except the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Hazrat Ibrahim was at the highest standing. But to him also Allah said He guided Ibrahim towards the “Straight Path” Surah al-Nahl Ayah 120 and 121, “Indeed Ibrahim was a nation obedient to Allah, a hanif, and he was not one of the polytheists. Grateful (as he was) for His blessings, He chose him and guided him to a straight path.”

Only the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was on the Straight Path as stated in Surah al-Yaseen Ayah 1 to 4, “Ya Sin! By the Wise Qur’an, you are indeed one of the apostles, on a Straight Path.” And there is another person; Nafse Rasool, Imam Ali (a.s.). Surah al-Nahl Ayah76, “Allah draws (another) parable: Two men one of whom is dumb, having no power over anything and who is a liability to his master: wherever he directs him he does not bring any good. Is he equal to someone who enjoins justice and is (steady) on a Straight Path? There is a tradition that a senior companion Abdullah ibn Masood was in the presence of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and inquired as to who the person referred to in this Ayah. Momentarily, Imam Ali (a.s.) opened the door of his house, Abdullah ibn Masood saw Imam Ali (a.s.) then drew his attention back to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “You are seeing the person and still asking who was referred in the Ayah.”

Compare the purity of character, conduct and the inimitable personal excellence of Imam Ali (a.s.) and his identity with the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), and what yeoman services he lent in establishing Islam, in the worst of the situations, to those whose personal weaknesses, lack of faith and cowardice made them run away leaving him (s.a.w.a.s.) amidst the worst of his blood thirsty enemies.

Sources: Tafsir-e-Namouna by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi, Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by Ali Quli Qara’i

                   The Holy Qur’an (English translation) by Ayatullah Pooya (r.a.), lecture by Ayatullah                           Talib Jauhari (r.a.)

CHASTISEMENT FOR THE QUESTIONER ABOUT THE WILAYAT OF IMAM ALI (A.S.)

When the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) announced the Wilayat of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) as ordered by Allah (s.w.t.), the Mighty, he raised Imam Ali (a.s.) over his sacred shoulder and said, “Man Kuntu Mawla Fahaza Aliun Mawla””Whosoever’s Master I am, Ali is also his Master.” This was the most historic event in Islam. Allah wanted to consolidate and complete His Divine Plan for future as to the continuity of Guidance by the Pure Progeny of His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) after his death. This event occurred at Ghadir-e-Khum while returning from his (s.a.w.a.s.) pilgrimage to Makkah with over 120,000 Muslims. Over two months after this memorable event, the Noble Messenger bid farewell for Paradise.

The news about the Wilayat of Imam Ali (a.s.) spread far and wide. A man named Noman bin Harith Fahri (a hypocrite) came in the presence of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and addressed him in an impertinent tone said, “O Muhammad! You ordained us to believe in the Unity of Allah and that you are His Messenger and we testified. You inflicted on us the fast for one complete month, we bore it You prescribed for us the pilgrimage , we performed it and now you have posted your cousin Ali over our heads as our Lord and Master in your place, is it God’s command you have done this or of your own accord?”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “By Allah Who is the only God, this is from Allah, the Mighty, the Glorious.”

(Surah al-Najm Ayah 3 and 4, “He (Muhammad) does not speak out of his own desires. It (whatever he says) is a revelation which has been revealed to him)

On hearing this Harith turned back and proceeded towards his she-camel saying:

“O Allah, if what Muhammad says is true then fling on us a stone from the sky and make us suffer severe pain and torture.”

He had not reached his she-camel when a stone came at him and struck him on his head and penetrated his body leaving him dead. This is only one of the many instances of open or expressed animosity or aversion to Ali’s actual position in Islam, the cause of this aversion was the evil intention latent in the minds of the majority of the people, who only waited for the departure of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) from this world, to usurp the power and authority over the people and the State. Such opportunists did not like the supreme authority of the succession to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to be established during his very lifetime.  The following first three Ayahs of Surah al-Ma’aarij were revealed:

                “Demanded, a demander, the chastisement inevitable, For the disbelievers against it, there is no repeller, From God, the Lord of the Ways of Ascent.”

The polytheists sought the chastisement of Allah as stated in Surah al-Anfal Ayah 32, “And when they said, O Allah, if this be the truth from You, rain down upon us stones from the sky, or bring us a painful punishment.” But Allah informed the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) in the next Ayah, “But Allah will not punish them while you are in their midst, nor will Allah punish them while they plead for forgiveness.”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “There were two means to prevent the chastisement of Allah; one (the presence of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the other is repentance (As’tagh’far)” He (a.s.) recited the above Ayah. (Ibne Abbas)

Apparently, Allah wanted to punish the denier of the Wilayat of the “Nafs-e-Rasool”-Imam Ali (a.s.)

Sources: Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) – Tafsir-e-Namounah by Ayatullah Nasir                                        Makarem Shirazi

              The Holy Qur’an (English translation) by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali & Ayatullah Agha                                  H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

              Imam Ali in the Noble Qur’an by Kamil Hussain Roowala

              An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM ALI IBNE MUSA AL-RIZA (A.S.)

Imam Ali al-Riza (a.s.) was born on 11 Dhu al-Qa’dah 148 A.H. in Madinah al-Munawara, one month after the sad demise of his grandfather Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.). Imam Musa ibne Ja’far could see that the hostile behavior of the Abbasid ruler would not allow him to live peacefully and the circumstances would take such a turn that his followers would not be able to see him. Hence, he invited seventeen prominent dignitaries from the descendants of Imam Ali (a.s.) and proclaimed that his son Ali ibne Musa (a.s.) would succeed him. He also wrote his will on which 60 respected elders of Madinah signed it as witnesses.

Imam al-Riza (a.s.) was 35 years old when his father was martyred in the prison of Harun Rashid in Baghdad. Imam al-Riza carried the responsibilities of administering the Divine Law of Sharia as taught by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his (a.s.)’s forefathers. The Imam was under the constant surveillance of the government and people could not freely visit the Imam to seek his guidance.

Although, Harun had obtained pledge from his two sons; Amin and Mamun that after his death the western part of the kingdom will be ruled by Amin and the eastern part by Mamun. Upon Harun’s death, Amin immediately proclaimed himself as the king of the whole empire and deposed Mamun. Realizing that most of the Persians favored the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), the Imam was called from Madinah to Tus. Leaving his son Imam Muhammad Taqi al-Jawad (a.s.) and his mother, the Imam left along with some of his loyal friends. When he reached Qumm, he stayed there for some time and established for the first time the Majlis to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.). Mamun received the Imam with great honor and later offered his throne to him. The Imam firmly and resolutely declined the offer. He forced the Imam to at least accept to be his heir apparent. The Imam informed him that the Imam will die before the king but accepted the offer to console him. In an assembly of three thousand dignitaries, he declared that he had surveyed the descendants of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Abbas and found no one except Imam al-Riza (a.s.) to be his successor. He gave his daughter Umme Habib in marriage to the Imam. With the Persians support, his army attacked Baghdad, killed Amin, and became the sole king of the whole empire. The chiefs of the Abbasid family in Iraq felt that by appointing Imam al-Riza as successor, the kingdom will depart from Abbasid and hence deposed Mamun and appointed his uncle as a king.

While the Imam was still in Merv, Abul Fadl bin Sahil arranged a multi-religious conference in which Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians attended and the Imam clarified about the infallibility of the prophets and of the guided Imams. This was proved to be a success but Mamun feared increasing influence of the Imam. This was further witnessed when once Mamun asked the Imam to lead the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. The Imam first refused but on insistence he prepared to proceed to lead the prayers. All senior civil and military officers gathered at the Imam’s house. The Imam came out in white dress, bare footed and everyone followed him barefooted and in white dress. A huge crowed was following him loudly shouting “Allah-o-Akbar” The situation became so tense that Mamun sent a message to the Imam to withdraw from leading the prayers!

According to Yaqubi, Mamun’s henchman Ibn Hisham administered poison in grapes and the Imam was martyred. Mamun declared that “The Caliphate of Banu Abbas “would remain within the family!

Imam al-Riza (a.s.) led a simple life even though he was the heir apparent of the vast Abbasid Kingdom just like his grandfather Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (a.s.) during the five years he was the Caliph of the large Muslim empire. The Imam would eat food with his servants as a mark of equality

Some of the Sayings of Imam al-Riza (a.s.) are, “This world is a prison for a believer (momin) and Paradise for the unbeliever.”” Among the habits of Prophets is cleanliness.” “One who is blessed with plenty must spend generously on his family.” The best of wealth is that which safeguards one’s honor.” “Accompany with caution the person who has authority over you; be humble when in the company of a friend; stay alert when facing an enemy and mingle with the public with a smile on your face.

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

                  Imam ar-Ridha, a Historical and Biographical Research by Muhammad Jawad Fadhlallah