SUPPLICATIONS FROM THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

 

Supplications in the Glorious Qur’an are 62. Some of them had been collected in my article dated May 20, 2019. The remaining supplications are reported below:

Idninassiraatal Mustaqeem Siraatalladeena An-amta Alayhim Ghayril Maghzoobi Alayhim Wa Laz Zaaaleen. (1:6-7)

“Keep us on the right path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favors. Not (the path) of those upon whom Your wrath is brought down, nor the path of those who go astray.

Rabbana Taqabbal Minna Innaka Antas Sameeul Aleem. (2:127)

Wa Ida Sa-alaka Ibadi Annee Fa Innee Qareeb Ujeebu Da-Watad Daa’I Id’aa Da-a’ani Fal-Yastajeeboo Lee Wal Yoominoo Bee La-A’llahum Yarshudoon. (2:186)

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely, I am extremely near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me, that they may walk on the right way.

Rabbi Hab Lee Mil Ladunka Du’rriyatan Ta’iyyabah Innaka Samee-ud Duaa (3:38)

O Lord bestow me a goodly offspring from You; Verily, You are the hearer of the prayer.

Rabbanghfirlana D’unoobanaa Wa Israafanaa Wa Thabbit Aqdamanaa Wan Surnaa Alal Qawmil Kaafireen. (3:147)

O our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses in our affairs, and set out foothold firm, and help us against disbelievers

Rabbanaa Maa Khalaqta Haadaa Baatilaa Subhaanaka Faqinaa Ada’bannaar. (3:191)

O our Lord, You have not created (all) this in vain. Glory be to You. Save us then from the torment of the fire.

Rabbanaa Wa A’atina Maa Wa At-tanaa Ala Rasulika Wa La Tukhizna Yumul Qiyamah Innaka La Tuflikhul Me’aa’d (3:193)

O our Lord give us what You have promised us through Your Messengers, and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Verily, You do not break Your promise.

Hasbiyallah Laa Ilahaa Illaa- Huwa Alaihi Tawakkkaltu Wa Huwa Rabbul A’rshil Azeem (9:129)

Suffices me Allah. There is no God save Him. On Him do I rely, and He is the Lord of great Arsh (Glorious Throne of God)

Rabbi Innee A-Odubika An As-laka Maa Laysa Lee Bihee Ilm Wa Illa Taghfirle Wa Tarhamne Akum Minal Khasirin (11:47)

O Lord, verily I seek refuge with You, from asking You of that of which I have no knowledge; and unless You forgive me and have mercy on me, I shall be of losers.

Tawafani Musliman Wa Alhiqnee Bis-Saliheen (12:101)

(O Lord) Let me die submitting to You (as a Muslim), and join me with the righteous

Rabbidhaj al- Haadal Balad Aaminaw Wajnubni Wa Baniyya An Na’budal Asnaam (14:35)

(My) Lord, make this city secure, and keep me and my sons away from worshiping idols.

Rabbir Hamhuma Kama Rabbayani Sagheera (17:24)

O my Lord have mercy on them (parents) just as they nourished me when I was small.

Rabbi Adkhilnee Mudkhala Sidqin Wa Akhrijnee Mudkhraja Sidqin Waj al Lee Mil Ladunka Sultaanan Naseera (17:80)

Rabbana A’tina Mil Ladunka Rahmatan Wa Hayyi Lana Min Amrinaa Rashadaa (18:10)

Rabbi Shara Sadree Wa Yasserlee Amri Walul Uqtdatam Mil Lisani Yafqahu Qauli (20:25-28)

O Allah, expand for me my breast, make my task easy for me. Loose the knot of my tongue, so they may understand me.

Rabbi Zidni Ilma (20:114)

My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.

 

THE UNIQUE BIRTH OF IMAM ALI (A.S.) INSIDE THE HOUSE OF ALLAH (S.W.T.)

 

Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) was born in the year 600 A.D. on 13 Rajab 30th Year of Elephant in Makkah. His father was the Protector of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and his mother was Sayyida Fatima Bint Asad (s.a.). Her grandfather was Hazrat Hashim (a.s.). She was a monotheist like all the ancestors of the Prophets of Allah.

She went to the Sacred Ka’ba and while she was circumambulating, she felt the pains of delivery. She prayed to Allah: “O Allah! I believe in You, and in the Messengers and the Scripts You have sent. I believe in what my grandfather Ibrahim, who built the Ancient House (Ka’ba), believed in. So, for the sake of the Builder of this House, and for the sake of the child in my womb, who talks to me and who is my helper and friend, I implore You to make my labor easy. The child I am carrying is a sign of Your Greatness and Power.” (Al-Arbili, Kashf Al-Ghummah, volume 1 chapter on Imam Ali)

Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (s.a.) leaned against the wall of Ka’ba to rest. Miraculously, the wall cracked opened. Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (s.a.) entered and the wall closed behind her. Hazrat Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s uncle witnessed this miracle. He and his companions rushed to the gate of the Sacred House, which was locked, and tried in vain to open it. Understanding that the Divinity was at work there, he and his companions ceased to interfere. The news of this miracle spread throughout Makkah like wildfire. 

Imam Ali (a.s.) was born within the Ka’ba with his eyes closed and his body in humble prostration before the Almighty Allah. Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (s.a.) stayed in Ka’ba for three days and as the fourth day approached, she stepped out carrying her baby in her arms. She found the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) waiting to receive the new-born child in his anxious arms. Hence, the first face that little Imam Ali (a.s.) saw in this world was the smiling face of his cousin the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Assalaamu alaika ya Rasool Allah” Thus it is confirmed that he (a.s.) was a born Muslim. Imam Ali (a.s.)’s first food was the saliva of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) when he gave his tongue into the mouth of the baby. The Muslims use the phrase “Karramallahu Wajha” for Imam Ali (a.s.) meaning the one who never prostrated to idols!

No one was ever born or will ever be born inside the Sacred House of Allah, An Arabic poet said, “He is the one for whom House of Allah was turned into a maternity home; And he is the one who threw idols out of the House; Ali was the first and the last child ever to be born in the Ka’ba.”  This unique distinction was reserved for Imam Ali (a.s.). Hazrat Fatima bint Asad (s.a.) had said about this special privilege Allah had granted to her and said: “Allah preferred me to all women before me. Asiyah (wife of the Pharaoh) performed the acts of worship in seclusion where Allah did not like to be worshiped except in case of necessity. Mary (s.a.), the daughter of Imran, shook the trunk of the Pam- tree and ripe dates fell upon her. I entered the House of Allah and ate fruits of Paradise, when I was about to leave the place, I heard the Divine call: O Fatima! Name your son Ali because he is high and his Lord Most High. I gave him a name derived from My Own Name. I cultured him the way I willed. I made known to him the intricacies of My Own Omniscience. He is the one to crush the idols in My House. He is the one to call the people to prayer from the roof of My House. He worships Me. Blessed are those who love him, and woe to those who are his enemies.” 

His birth in Ka’ba had been reported both by Shi’i and Sunni scholars. To name a few are as under:

Masoodi in Murroj-udh-Dhahab, Muhammad ibn Talha al-Shafei in Matalib-us-Saool, Hakim in Mustadrak, Al-Umair in Sharh Ainia, Halabi in Sira, Sibt ibn al-Jauzi in Tadhkira Khawasil Ummah, Ibne Sabbagh Maliki in Fusoolul Mohimma, Muhammad bin Yousuf Shafei in Kifayat al-Talib, Shablangi in Nurul Absar, Ibne Zahra in Ghiythul Ikhtisar.

Among the modern historians, Abbas Mahmood al-Akkad of Cairo (1970), Egypt, writes in his book Al-Abqarriyet al-Imam Ali that Ali ibne Abi Talib was born inside the Ka’ba.

Another contemporary historian, Mahmood Saeed al-Tantawi, of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affair, Arab Republic of Egypt writes: “May God have mercy upon Ali ibne Abi Talib. He was born in Ka’ba. He witnessed the rise of Islam; he witnessed the Dawah of Muhammad, and he was a witness of the Wahi (Revelation of Quran al-Majid). He immediately accepted Islam even though he was still a child, and he fought all his life so that the word of Allah would be supreme.”

Dr. Taha Husain of Egypt says that Messenger of God became himself Ali’s guide, teacher, and instructor, and this is one more distinction that he enjoys, and which no one else shares with him (Ali). 

Miraculous birth of Imam Ali has many important points to ponder:

Sayyida Fatima bint Asad did not enter the Holy Ka’ba through the door but Allah opened an unusual opening. When Prophet Isa was born, Lady Mariam was told to leave the place of worship and go outside. What was the sustenance of Sayyida Fatima bint Asad for three days? When she entered the Ka’ba, Hazrat Abbas, Hazrat Abu Talib tried to open the door but it will not open, why? On the fourth day, the wall of Ka’ba again opened to give passage to her and the Priceless baby. Imam Ali (a.s.) did not open his eyes for three days while he was inside the Kaaba and opened only when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) took him in his arms and saw his sacred face when Ali opened his eyes. He (s.a.w.a.s.) placed his noble tongue in Imam Ali (a.s.)’s mouth. 

G.E. Von Grunebaum, a German historian, said, “Islam presents the spectacle of the development of a world religion in the full light of history.

There is no part of his life, whether it is his infancy, childhood, boyhood, youth, manhood, or maturity, that is hidden from the spotlight of history. He was the cynosure of all eyes from his birth to his death. In the years to come, the creative synergy of Muhammad and Ali – the master and the disciple – was going to place the “Kingdom of Heaven” on the map of the world.” 

Sources used: 

Imamreza Network, The birth of Ali Ibn Abi Talib by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy, WIKIPEDIA

 

POLARIZATION ABOUT IMAM ALI (A.S.)

 

The greatest proportion of friendships and affections or enmity and hatred are all manifestations of human attractions and repulsions which are based on resemblance or otherwise. There is a saying that birds of the same feather flock together!

Imam Ali (a.s.) was the man who attracted the people and repelled the people with extremes. Throughout his life, noble, civilized individuals, worshipers of Allah, self-sacrificing, merciful, and just men rotated round the axis of his existence. After his death during the times of Muawiyah and Umayyad, great number of people were arrested for the crime of friendship to him and underwent the most severe tortures, but they did not give way in their friendship and love of Imam Ali (a.s.) and stood firm to the end of their lives! Among them we can notice Maytham al-Tammar who, twenty years after Imam Ali (a.s.)’s martyrdom, spoke from his crucifixion of Ali and his virtues and human qualities. People thronged round to hear what Maytham had to say. The tyrants of Umayyads, seeing their interest in danger, ordered to put a gag in his mouth and later finding it unsuccessful killed him. During the period of another Abbasside tyrant, Mutawakkil, as-Sikkit, a Shia of Ali, was employed as a teacher for his children. This was 200 years after Ali’s martyrdom. Mutawakkil asked the teacher if he loved Mutawakkil’s children more than Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn. He replied, “By Allah, I swear the Ali’a slave Qanbar is dearer to me than your children and you.” Mutawakkil was angered and ordered to cut as-Sikkin’s tongue from his throat!  History books are studded with examples of such people who were completely overwhelmed by the love for Ali. To the same degree, Ali had stubborn enemies, enemies who set people trembling at the sound of their names.

Traditions about Ali and his followers and lovers: The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Ali and his party (Shias) will be the triumphant ones.”  Shias are extremely fond of him and drawn to him. Thus, Shi’ism is the religion of love and devotion. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “If I strike the nose of a believer with my sword so that he may become enemy, it will not create hostility, and if I pour (the riches of the) whole world on the head of a hypocrite so that he may like me, he will never like me, because this has been decreed and laid down by the tongue of the Prophet when he said, “O ‘Ali, the believer will never be your enemy and the hypocrite will never love you.” Ali is the embodiment of truth. There was a good believing friend of Imam Ali who fell into error who had to be punished. Imam Ali cut off his right-hand fingers. The man held his cut hand. A Kharijite, ibn al-Kawwa met him and inquired as to who cut his hand? The man paid glowing tributes to Imam Ali (a.s.). It is the “Love “and one of the effects of love is power, love is the power of glory which makes the coward a courageous one! Love awakens sleeping power, and frees chained and fettered forces, just like the splitting of the atom freeing the atomic power! Love perfects the soul and brings out astounding latent abilities. Love brings out man from egoism and self-love. As soon as he takes a step outside his “Self “all the ugly habits and qualities are also destroyed.

Spiritual love which is falling in love with excellence and goodness. Allah loves people with distinct qualities like: “Truly Allah loves those who repent, and those who cleanse themselves.” (2:222) “Allah loves the good doers.” (3:148) “Allah loves those who guard themselves.” (9:4) “Allah loves the just.” (49:9) “Say, if you love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” (3:31)

When Imam Ali (a.s.) appointed Malik al-Ashtar governor of Egypt, he advised Malik, “Awaken in your heart mercy for (your) subjects and love for them, and kindness towards them. So, give them of your forgiveness and your pardon, just as you would like Allah to give you of His forgiveness and pardon.”

 

Source: Polarization Around the Character of Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.)  by Ayatullah Murtada Mutahhari (r.a.)

THE NINTH INFALLIBLE IMAM MUHAMMAD TAQI AL-JAWAD (A.S.)

 

Imam Muhammad bin Ali, al-Taqi-al-Jawad was born on 10^th Rajab 195 A.H. in Madinah. His parents were the Infallible Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.) and Sayyida Khaizarun (s.a.). He became the Imam at the age of 8 years on martyrdom of his father (a.s.).

The caliph Mamun invited the young Imam to Baghdad to get him married to his daughter Ummul Fadhal, to fulfill his political plans. This infuriated his Abbasid clan. To substantiate his choice, Mamun arranged a meeting between the young Imam and the leading scholars headed by Yahya bin Aktham, the Chief Justice of the kingdom. It was a grand occasion with 900 scholars present. Yahya asked:

                     “What is the compensation (kaffarah) for a person in Ihram who hunted and

                      killed his prey?” The Imam replied that there were more details required, and asked:                               

1.      Did the Muhrim (one in Ihram) hunt inside the Haram or outside?

2.      Did the Muhrim know the Sharia or not?

3.      Did he hunt intentionally or not?

4.      Did he hunt the first time or hunted many times before?

5.      Was he a free man or a slave?

6.       Was his prey a bird or an animal?

7.      Was it big or small?

8.    Did he hunt by day or nighttime?

9.      Was he an adult (baligh) or not?

10.  Was he repentant or not?

11.  Was his Ihram for Hajj or Umrah? 

Yahya was stunned and looked down and started sweating due to surprise and shame. Mamun requested the Imam to answer the question himself. The Imam replied: “If he had killed the animal outside the sacred ground and it was winged and large, an atonement of a sheep would have been necessary for him. If he had struck it down in the sanctuary, the penalty would have been doubled. If he killed a young bird outside the sacred ground, then the atonement of a lamb which has been weaned off milk would have been required of him. If he had killed it in the sanctuary, then he would be required to sacrifice a lamb and the value of the young bird. As for wild animals, if it were a wild donkey, he would be required to sacrifice a cow. If it were an ostrich, the sacrifice of a camel would be necessary. If it had been a deer, then a sheep would be necessary. If he had killed any of those in the sanctuary, the penalty would have been doubled. Maamoun said to the Imam: “You have been excellent O Abu Jaffer and God has rightly adorned you”

Maamoun asked the Imam to ask any question from Yahya bin Akhtam.

The Imam asked the Chief Justice:

“Can you describe the situation when a man looked at a woman at dawn when it was forbidden (haram) to do so; but then at sunrise it was permissible (halal)? Then at noon hour, it became haram; but in the afternoon, it became permissible? Then at sunset it became haram; but at night, it became halal? Then at midnight, it became haram; but at dawn, it became halal for him to look at her”

Yahya bin Akhtam said: “By Allah! I do not know the answer to this question. We would benefit from your answer”

The Imam explained the answer as follows:

“At dawn, the woman was a slave of someone else; however, by sunrise, the man had already bought her for himself, so it became halal for him to look at her. “At noon, he made her free, so she became haram for him; but by afternoon, he had married her, so she became halal for him” “At sunset, he did zihar by which one’s wife becomes haram for a person; but by nighttime, he paid the penalty for Zihar, and so she became halal for him again. “At midnight, he divorced her; but by next morning he revoked his divorce, so she became halal for him” 

To uphold the imperialistic and luxurious ways of life, after usurping the rights of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), these monarchs wanted to do away with these Infallible Imams who were the symbols of righteousness, compassion, faith, piety, fraternity, and justice which are the main teachings of Islam. Similarly, Yazid’s demand of allegiance from Imam Husyain (a.s.), or Maamoun’s appointment of Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.) as heir apparent were two distinct aspects of the same wicked planning.

Contentment: The Imam used to lead a simple and austere life wearing ordinary clothes. One day someone told him that since he sat next to the king, it did not befit him to wear such simple clothes. The Imam said: “If my value had been due to my clothes, it would have befitted me to wear expensive clothes, when it is not so, why should I give up simplicity. My present dress is concealing my body and it is comfortable, then why should I give up for costly ones. We Ahlul Bayt are content with whatever we get, and we do not allow greed to approach us.”

Hospitality: Like other imams, he was also very hospitable. Once, a guest arrived at his place in the middle of the night. The Imam asked him if he would like to have dinner. The man replied that although he was hungry but would not bother the Imam at such odd hour and that he would sleep hungry. The Imam said: “Guests do not sleep hungry at our place”

The Imam went inside and with the help of a servant, prepared the food and personally brought to the guest. Seeing this man started crying and on inquiry from the Imam, said: “I am crying at the thought that why the world did not recognize such Godly persons”

Patience: The Abbasid clan did not approve of the marriage of Umm-ul- Fadhl with the Imam hence they continued to poison her ears. And Umm-ul-Fadhl herself was of a haughty nature and these instigations increased the gulf between them. She made the Imam’s life miserable, but the Imam exercised utmost patience.

Forgiveness: The relatives of the Imam were against him because of inheritance. Some of the allegations were that the Imam’s complexion differed from Imam Reza (a.s.) and they refused to accept that he was Imam Reza’s son. The Imam heard such taunting remarks but said nothing. One day, some money of Khums arrived and he distributed it to everyone including the one who was most inimical to the Imam. When people pointed out, the Imam said that he has left the affair to Allah. On hearing this, the person felt ashamed and fell on Imam’s feet and asked for forgiveness. The Imam had forgiven him.

Sources:

            Fourteen Masoomeen                                                              by Muhammadi Trust, London

            Akhlaq-e-A’imma                                                                       by Sayyid Zafar Hasan Amrohvi

            The Infallibles                                                                             by workshop@dir.com.Co.UK

THE GOLDEN SAYINGS OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) - PART ONE

 

The Divine Sayings as communicated by the sacred Messenger of Allah who is backed by Ayah 3 and 5 of Surah al-Najm, “Nor does he speak out of (his own) desire: it is just a revelation that is revealed (to him) taught him by One of great powers.”. Following are some of his sayings:

*As man grows older, two characteristics begins to grow younger: Greed and Desire.

*Two sections of my Ummah are influential; If they are good, people become good, if they are distracted, people will be distracted; they are the scholars and the rulers.

*You are all shepherd responsible to watch one another.

* Everyone cannot be made agreeable by wealth, but everyone can be pleased with good manners.

* Faithful is always in search of wisdom.

* Man’s heart is like a feather on a tree in the jungle, which fluctuates up and down by wind.

* He is a Muslim by whose hands and the tongue other Muslims are safe and protected.

* Paradise is beneath the feet of mother.

* Be wary of Allah in treating women and treat them with goodness and humanity as far as possible.

* People are placed close to one another like the teeth of a hair comb.

* Allah is the Creator of every human being; man is made from soil and is equal but only pious one is respectable.

* Avoid stubbornness, as its cause is illiteracy, and the result is shamefulness.

* Do not be angry but if you are then pause and think for a moment about the Powers of Allah.  

* If you are praised then pray to Allah to make you better than what people think of you and pray for forgiveness of                      your shortcomings which they do not know.

* When Allah intends to be kind to a man then He makes his self as a guide to himself.

* A believer always thinks about his sins.

* Your enemy is your own “Nafs-e- Ammarah” inciting you to commit sins.

* The bravest man is the one who controls his “Nafs-e- Ammarah”

*Fight the “Nafs-e-Ammarah and become the master of yourself.

* Truth brings peace and tranquility to the heart and Falsehood brings suspicion and discomfort.

*The faithful’s love and friendship with one another is like the parts of a body; when one part is in pain it is felt by all.

* It is obligatory on every Muslim to acquire knowledge from cradle to grave even if he must go to China (farthest)

                Source: Shianeali.com/Ayatullah Murtada Mutahhari

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

 

The All-Mighty Allah appointed the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to guide the humanity and He had to appoint his successor also. Hence, He appointed Imam Ali (a.s.) as his successor and directed the Prophet to announce it before his demise from this world. Seeing the Prophet’s reluctance, an Ayah was revealed ordering him for compliance, “O Apostle! Communicate that which has been sent down to you from your Lord, and if you do not, you will not have communicated His message, and Allah shall protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the faithless lot.” (5:67). This was the Coronation of Imam Ali (a.s.) at Ghadeer Khumm.

Hence, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the first Imam followed by Imam Hasan, Imam Husayn, Imam Ali Zaynal-Abidin, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq, Imam Musa al-Kazim, Imam Ali al-Riza, Imam Muhammad al-Taqi and Imam Ali al-Naqi, Imam Hasan al-Askari and the last Imam of the Time, Imam Muhammad Mahdi (a.t.f.)

After the “Khilafat-e-Rashedah”, monarchy dominated the Muslim Ummah; Umayyads and Abbasids ruled like kings. Thus, the usurpers of the rights of the Divinely appointed Imam developed guilt and the history of Islam is filled with the oppressions, atrocities, imprisonments, poisoning and murders of the Progeny of the last Prophet of Allah. The irony is the fact Ayah 23 of Surah Shura expressly says, “…Say ‘I do not want any reward for it except love (Mawaddat) of (my) relatives’” The Ansar of Madinah offered their properties to give financial assistance to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Allah directed the Messenger to say the above Ayah! The Muslims rewarded the Progeny first oppressing his beloved daughter, deprived the Lion of Allah, the Conqueror of Khyber, his rightful place, poisoned his grandson and mercilessly slaughtered the ‘Leader of the Youths of Paradise’ Imam Husayn (a.s.) and his family and friends, desecrated the daughters of the Messenger, imprisoned like the slaves in Karbala.

Imam (a.s.)’s Decisions: The ruler of the time; Mutawakkil, was poisoned by his opponents and he vowed that if he recovers fully then he will give “lot of money” in charity. When he recovered from the poison there was a discussion as to what was “lot of money”? People offered different answers but without logical reason. Mutawakkil sought Imam (a.s.)’ opinion. He (a.s.) said, “Eighty Dirhams be given in charity.” When Mutawakkil requested for explanation, the Imam (a.s.) said, “The All-Mighty Allah said ‘Allah certainly helped on lot of occasions. Since the military expeditions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) were eighty in number, it may be concluded that “a lot” denotes eighty! Mutawakkil was pleased with Imam (a.s.)’ reply.

Similarly, a polytheist committed fornication with a Muslim woman. He was brought before Mutawakkil. When Mutawakkil wanted to sentence him, he became a Muslim. Qazi Yahya said that he cannot be sentenced then because he was converted, and all his past sins were remitted. Someone suggested that Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.)’ s opinion be sought. The Imam said, “He should be beaten till he dies.” The court scholars refused to accept the verdict and requested an explanation. The Imam said, “A clear verdict is given in Surah al-Momin Ayah 84, “But when they saw our punishment, they said: We believe in Allah alone and we deny what we used to associate with Him.”  

Ziarat-e-Ja’mia: One of the followers of Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.) requested the Imam (a.s.) to instruct him a composite Ziarat which may be recited at any of the Infallible Masoomeen (a.s.). Hence, the Imam (a.s.) dictated him the famous “Ziarat-e-Ja’mia”  

Sources: Lantern of the Path, Imam Reza Network, Fourteen Masoomeen by Peer Muhammad                   Trust,                  Akh’laq-e-A’imma, the Morals and manners of the Holy Imams

THE RESPECTABLE MAID OF SAYYIDAH FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.)

 

Hazrat Fizzah was the maidservant of The Chief of The Women of the Universe, Sayyidah Fatimah Zahra (s.a.). She was the Queen of Ethiopia, was enslaved, purchased then freed by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). She was given the title of “Amma” due to her dedication and loyalty to the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). She lived in the house of Sayyidah Fatimah Zahra (s.a.).

The Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s daughter set an example of humanity and equality by the working arrangement that she will work one day, while Hazrat Fizzah will rest and the next day she will work, and the Lady of Paradise will rest.

Can it be imagined that the house where Glorious Qur’an was revealed, and the company of the Lady of Paradise influenced Hazrat Fizza to such an extent that for twenty years she would quote an Ayah of the Holy Qur’an in response to any question.

Abul Qasim Al-Qashiri narrates a story from Abdullah Bin Mubarak and his encounter with Hazrat Fizzah. He noticed she was behind a caravan in the desert. He wanted to help her rejoin the caravan. So, he approached her and asked her: “Who are you?” She replied, “And when those who believe in Our revelation come unto thee, say: “Peace be unto thee!” (6:54) She wanted to correct Abdullah Bin Mubarak reminding him of the proper ethics before opening conversation. He then offered his salutations and asked: “What are you doing here?” She replied: “And one who Allah guides none can mislead” (39:37) Abdullah understood from this Ayah that she was not lost in the desert. He then inquired: “Are you a human being or jinn?” She replied: “O Children of Adam! Adorn yourself at every place of worship” (7:31) He then asked: “Where are you coming from?” She replied: “They are being from a place far distant!” (41:44) He continued to inquire: “Where do you want to go?” She informed him: “And Pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind.” (3:97) She was informing him that she was going to perform Hajj. He then asked: “When did you leave for Makkah?” She replied: “And verily We created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them in six days.” (50:38) He asked: “Are you hungry?” She replied in affirmative: “And We did not make for them a body that can live without eating.” (21:8) He waited at a distance on his horse while she ate the food, he offered to her. When she finished her meal, he called out to her: “Come running, hurry up!” She told him: “Allah burdens not a soul beyond its scope.” (2:286) He said: “Sit behind my horse” Once again she had to remind him of Islamic etiquette. She refused and recited: “If there were therein gods beside Allah there would have been disorder.” (21:22) It can be seen how she glorifies oneness of Allah while reminding to guard his faith (Taqwa). He took heed to the Ayah and dismounted from the horse. After she was comfortably seated on the horse, she recited the words of praise: “Glory is to Allah who has subdued these (animals) unto us.” (43:13) When they caught up with the caravan she was traveling with, He asked: “Do you have anyone in this caravan? “O David, We have made you a khalifa in the earth.” (38:26) “Muhammad was but a Messenger” (3:144) “O John, holdfast to the Scripture” “O Musa, I am Allah, Lord of the worlds” (28:30) By reciting these Ayahs, she named four people in the caravan. When David, Muhammad, Yahya, and Musa saw her they ran towards her. He asked: “Who are they?” She answered: “Wealth and children are the ornaments of this life.” (18:46) These were the sons of Hazrat Fizzah. Seeing that Abdullah had assisted their mother with kindness, they treated him with due respect. She ordered her children: “Hire him. The best person you should hire is the one who is strong and trustworthy.” (28:26)

Hazrat Fizza served the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) for 58 years. She was the symbol of deed and commitment and by confronting the problems and difficulties along with Sharikatul Hussain, Sayyada Zaynab (s.a.) with courage, bravery, and firmness; she forever became the symbol courage and sincerity for women.

Hazrat Fizzah was part of the incident when Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain fell sick and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) suggested to Imam Ali (a.s.) to make a “Nazr” – vow, to keep three fasts when the Hasnain (a.s.) recover from sickness. When they recovered from sickness, everyone kept the fast for three days, including Hazrat Fizzah. Each day, at the time of “Iftaar” someone knocked at the door to solicit food and they all gave their share of food to him and kept the second day fast without eating anything. After third day, the following Ayah of the Holy Qur’an was revealed: “They who fulfill their vows, and fear the Day, the woe of which stretches far and wide. And they give away food, out of love for Him, to the poor and the orphan, and the captive, (saying) we feed you only for the sake of Allah, we do not want anything from you, not even thanks. Verily we fear from our Lord a stern day of distress.” So, Allah will guard them from the evil of that Day and give them freshness and pleasures.” (76:7-11)

It is reported that once she invited the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) for meals in the house of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Sayyida Fatima. Because she had trust in Allah in spite the fact that there was nothing in the house. When the Prophet arrived, she went and offered two rakat prayers and solicit help from Almighty. Allah accepted her prayers and sent food from Paradise for the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)

She knew the art of making gold from other metals. Once, she converted copper into gold and presented it to Imam Ali (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “If you would have melted pewter and make gold, the color of the gold would have been sharper and more valuable.”

She inquired if the Imam was familiar with the process to which Imam replied that even his son, (Imam) Hussain, knows it. Then, the Imam told her to look towards a direction and she saw that a golden piece of about the size of a camel’s neck was there. She was surprised at the Imam’s contentment. The Imam mentioned the short life of this world and the everlasting life of Hereafter. Afterwards, she adopted patience, contentment, and piety. The Imam prayed: “O Allah! Make Fizzah a source of blessings for us”

During a period when Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) were passing through a tough time and were starving for three days, then Fizza took permission from the Lady of Paradise, Sayyidah Fatimah Zahra (s.a.) and went out to collect some wood, grass and a special leaf called “Gule Khairi” She put her bangle (from Paradise) in a pot and put it on fire. After some time, she hammered it up and put the special grass in it, sealed it and put-on fire for few hours. When it cooled off, it became silver. When she brought the price of selling it, Bibi Fatima asked her to distribute it to poor. She was surprised about it. Next day, Bibi Fatima asked Fizza to bring some special grass and heated the pot for some time. Then she took the metallic portion of a spear and put it in the pot. After few hours, it turned into gold. Like yesterday, she asked Fizza to sell the gold and distributed the money to the needy and poor. Fizza asked as to why she did not retain a portion of money for the house. Bibi replied: “If I do this then I would be deprived of the bounties from Allah”

When the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was on the death bed, he asked Fizza if she had any wish. Fizza replied: “Please pray to Allah to grant me long life so that I may live till the tragedy of Karbala and share the pains and afflictions with Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)” The Prophet confirmed the acceptance of her wish. Hence, Fizza remained loyal to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and she served Sayyidah Fatima, remained with Sayyidah Zaynab (s.a.) in Karbala, Kufa and Syria. In the court of Yazid (l.a.), she stood like rock in front of Sayyidah Zaynab (s.a.) and refused to move away. Yazid (l.a) ordered to whip her. She asked for help from the black bodyguards of Yazid, seeing the signs of revolt, he abandoned the whipping.  As reported in some narrations that she was with Sayyidah Zaynab (s.a.) till her martyrdom and was buried in her tomb. 

Source: Bibi Fizzah by Maqbool Ahmad (Urdu)

 

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM MUHAMMAD BAQIR (A.S.)

He was born on the first of Rajab in the year 57A.H. in Madinah. He was 4 years old in the Great Tragedy of Karbala. He lived with his father, Imam Ali Zain-ul-Abedin (a.s.) for 39 years. His mother, Umme Abdullah was the daughter of Imam Hasan al-Mujtabah (a.s.). Period of his Imamate was 18 years. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) informed his companion, Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari and said: “You will live and meet one of my grandsons who will be the grandson of (Imam) Husayn (a.s.), who will spread knowledge. When you meet him, give my “Salaam to him”. 

Miracles of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.):

In Amali, Muhammad ibn Sulayman narrates from his father that there was a Syrian who used to visit the Imam. He was an enemy of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) but was impressed by the Imam’s knowledge and good manners. He fell sick and told his companion to request the Imam to pray his Namaz-e-Janaza. By next morning, his body was cold and was presumed dead. When a man came to inform the Imam (a.s.), the Imam told him not to rush to prepare his burial. The Imam (a.s.) prayed two rakaat namaz and came to the Syrian’s house and called him by name. He (the presumed dead) replied the Imam (a.s.), who sat with him and comforted him. The Imam (a.s.) returned home. After some time, he came to the Imam and wished to speak in seclusion. He narrated: “O Imam, you are the Hujjat of Allah and the Right Path. I was in a semi sleep condition when I heard someone saying, ‘return his soul as Muhammad ibn Ali had requested for him!” This was also reported in “Manaqib Shaher Ashoob”.

Abu Baseer was a blind man. He went in the presence of the Imam (a.s.) and inquired: “You belong to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and inheritors of the miracles of all the prophets, can you cure a blind man?” The Imam (a.s.) replied that with the permission of Allah, he can cure him. The Imam (a.s.) asked Abu Baseer to come nearer to him and moved his hand over his eyes. He retrieved his eyesight instantly and could see. The Imam (a.s.) said to him: “Do you want to live like normal seeing person and rise on the Day of Resurrection with hope and despair or go to the Paradise as a blind man?” Abu Baseer replied that he wanted to revert to the previous condition. The Imam (a.s.) again moved his hand over his eyes, and he became blind again.” (A’alam ul Wara, Manaqib) 

Result of enmity with Ahlul Bayt (a.s.):   

Abu Utaibah narrates in “Al-Kharaij”: “I was sitting in the presence of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.), when a Syrian man came and told the Imam (a.s.) that he was his Shiah, but his father loved Bani Umayyad. He had a garden in Ramallah. After his death he searched for his father’s wealth but could not find it.” The Imam (a.s.) asked if he wished to meet his dead father, he replied in affirmative. The Imam (a.s.) gave him a letter and told him to go to Baqiyyah Graveyard the same night and call “Darjaan”, a man in turban will appear, give the letter to him. Next morning, Abu Utaibah came in the presence of the Imam to know as to what had transpired with that Syrian. They both entered the Imam’s house simultaneously. The Syrian said: “Only Allah knows whom to grant His knowledge. I went to the graveyard last night per your instructions and a man came, took the letter, and asked me to wait. After a while he brought a man who was black and said that he was my father. I refused to accept it. The man told me that because of the fire and smoke of the Hell, his complexion had changed. I inquired from the man if he was really my father. He replied in affirmative. But because he loved Bani Umayyad and I loved Ahlul Bayt hence he developed enmity towards me and wanted to deprive me of his wealth. Hence he had buried it in the garden under the olive tree.”   

Miracle Thread of Prophets Musa and Haroon:

Ja’bir ibn Yazeed Ja’afi narrates in “Manaqib Shaher Ashoob”: “People complained to Imam Zain-ul-Abedin (a.s.) about the oppressions of Bani Umayyad. The Imam (a.s.) called his son Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) and gave him a thread and directed him to slowly move it. The Imam came in the mosque, prayed two rak’at namaz, placed his cheek on the soil, and recited something. After the prayer, he drew a thread which smell like musk, and gave one end to me to hold it and slowly moved the thread. There was an earthquake, voices of crying people could be heard, and many houses were demolished. The Imam went up the minaret and addressing the people said loudly; “You Liars” and recited the Ayah 26 of Surah al-Nahl: “Their ceilings toppled on their heads and torment struck them from a direction which they have never expected.” People imagined it to be a voice from skies and fell on their knees.” The Imam told Ja’bir the thread belonged to Prophet Musa and was given to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) by Jibra’eel.

Umar Bin Abdul Aziz’s respect for AhlulBayt (a.s.):

According to “Qurb-ul-Asnad”, the only caliph of Bani Umayyad, who was not oppressive like the rest of them; Umar Bin Abdul Aziz, openly said that he had heard the traditions about the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) loved her immensely and had said that whoever makes her unhappy, that person makes the Noble Messenger himself unhappy.

Return of Fadak to AhlulBayt (a.s.):

The Imam was visiting Umar Bin Abdul Aziz and saw him crying. The Imam asked for the reason of his crying. He replied that he was crying for some of the actions of Husham of Bani Umayyiad.The Imam said: “O Omar, this world is a bazaar, people buy beneficial and harmful things, so fear Allah and remember two things; watch for and send those deeds which you want to be with you in the presence of Allah on the Day of Judgment, and watch and exchange those deeds which you do not want to be with you in Allah’s presence. Help the oppressed and stop the oppressor.”

The Imam further said: “Remember three things for perfect faith; do not be happy in committing wrong, let not your anger distract you from righteousness, when you have power, do not acquire a thing which does not belong to you.” Hearing this, Umar Bin Abdul Aziz asked for the writing material and wrote: 

                                    In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful

I, Umar Bin Abdul Aziz, am returning the property of Fadak to Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.). This property was acquired by oppression and without justification. 

Once, on way to Syria, a priest asked the Imam (a.s): “In Paradise, people will eat and drink but there will not be any excretion, is there any resemblance in this world similar to that?” The Imam (a.s.) replied: “a baby in mother’s womb!” He further asked: “A woman gave birth to twins, who were born, died and buried at the same time, their ages were 150 and 50 years, who were those persons?” Imam (a.s.) replied: “These were two brothers; Uzair and Uzaira. Both lived together for 30 years. Then, Allah made Uzair dead for 100 years while Uzaira remained alive. After Uzair was brought back to life, both brothers lived for another 20 years!” The priest told the people that he did not see any one more knowledgeable than this person (Imam).

 

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an

  Bihar-ul-Anwar                                                          by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.)

                                                                

THE STORY OF PROPHET MUSA (A.S.) - PART ONE

Prophet Musa (a.s.) Is mentioned in 30 Surahs (Chapters) of the Glorious Qur’an. His life may be divided in five periods.

1.       From birth to Fir’aun’s palace.

2.       His exit from Egypt to Prophet Shoaib in Madyan.

3.       His Prophet hood and tussle with Fir’aun.

4.       Salvation from Fir’an and voyage to Jerusalem.

5.       Tussle between Prophet Musa and Bani Isra’il.

Fir’an had ordered every male baby born to the Bani Israel woman should be killed as he was informed by the fortune tellers that his government will collapse by a man from Bani Israel. Allah had obscured the pregnancy of Musa as He wanted to protect and raise him. Allah showed miracles at different stages of his life. After his birth, the government spies came in the house to search for the baby, his mother panicked and wrapped the newborn in a cloth and placed him in the oven, and after the spies left, she recovered him from the oven, unharmed! Allah sent her wahi directing her to place the baby in the River (Niles). She asked a carpenter to make a well-ventilated wooden box for her baby. (She told the truth as she was not used to lying). He wanted to inform the authorities about the baby but as soon as he started speaking, he was made tongue-tight! She fed the baby one last time and placed him in the box and the box in the river. Fir’an had a sick daughter (Not from Asia), and the clergies (Cohen) foretold that she can only be cured by saliva of a man who will come from the sea! Love for the baby was inserted by Allah specially the wife of Fir’an and when his saliva cured her daughter, the loved increased manifold. Prophet Musa’s sister followed the movement of the box and his retrieval into the palace. Allah prohibited for Musa the milk of any other woman except his mother, hence he would not accept anyone else. He became hungry and everyone was in panic. Musa’s sister offered to find a woman from Bani Israel who had lost his son but has milk to feed. Hence, Musa’s mother was brought inside the palace and Musa was satiated with her milk. Thus, Allah completed His promise to reunite her with her baby! According to Imam Baqir (a.s.), “Musa was united with his mother within three days.”

Musa remained in the palace till he attained puberty and Fir’aun started suspecting, hence he left the palace. He saw two men fighting and one of them was his shiah who called Musa for help. Musa punched on the chest of the Qubti, a cook of Fir’aun soliciting to use this Bani Isra’il for collecting wood, who instantly died, though Musa did not mean to kill him. Musa, said, “This is of Satan’s doing. Indeed, he is an enemy, manifestly misguiding.” Because the prophets and Imams are infallible, so this act of Musa was “Tark-e-Aula” (an act which was not prohibited but left out an act which was better.) Next day, Musa saw the same man again fighting with another man and calling him for help. Fir’aun ordered to kill Musa. A man, Hizqeel from Fir’an’s court, rushed and told Musa to migrate from Egypt and he did. He proceeded towards Madyan (present day Ma’an), which is South of Syria and North of Hejaz. This was the residence of Prophet Shoaib. In this voyage, the provision he had was Faith and Tawakkul in Allah. On reaching Madyan he saw people drawing water from the well and watering their goats and sheep, but two girls were standing alone for their turn. Musa helped them water their sheep and rested in a shade and prayed saying, “O Allah! I am helpless and will accept whatever virtue you bestow.” One of the two girls came with shyness to him and said, “Our dad wants to see you and reward you for the help.” The girl was walking in front and part of her legs were exposed by wind, hence he told her to walk behind and show the rout to her house. There, he met Prophet Shoaib, a very elderly white-haired man who pacified Musa not to worry about anything. The girl said, “Father! Why don’t you employ him as he is strong and trustworthy?” Prophet Shoaib offered to marry one of daughters in exchange for a dowry of look after his sheep for eight or ten years, to which Musa agreed and married Safoorah.

Sources: Tafseer – Namounah compiled under the supervision of Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi

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