BACKGROUND OF THE BLOODSHED AT KARBALA

 

Hashim and Umayya were the two sons of Abde Munaf. Hashim was noble, generous and Umaiyya was clever, evil. These characteristics travelled in their generations. One of Hashim’s sons was Abdul Muttalib and two of his sons were Abdullah and Abu Talib. Hazrat Abdullah’s son was the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Hazrat Abu Talibs’ son was Amir al-Momineen Imam Ali (a.s.). Similarly, Umayya’s son was Harb, and his son was Abu Sufiyan. Abu Sufiyan opposed the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Islam. He was one of the leaders of Quraysh in Makkah. As an arch enemy of Islam, he fought in the battles of Uhad, Trench and Yarmouk. When the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) entered peacefully in Makkah realizing that he cannot defeat Muslims, he decided to enter the rank of Islam then destroy it from inside. His equally crafty son Muawiya also apparently accepted Islam.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had verbally communicated the Divine scheme to nominate Amir-al-Momineen Imam Ali (a.s.). Starting with the Feast of Dhul-Ashirah, when he announced his Prophet hood and sought assistance from his tribes’ men and promised that whoever helps him will be his brother, vicegerent, caliph after him but no one came forward except young Imam Ali (a.s.) who was 12 or 13 years old. In the battle of Khyber when no one could defeat the Jewish forces, he declared that tomorrow he will give the standard of Islam to one who will be victorious, Allah and His Prophet love him, and he loves Allah and His Prophet. Although Imam Ali (a.s.) was suffering from eye sickness but still he gave the standard to Imam Ali (a.s.) who came victorious and exhibited abnormal strength by lifting the mammoth gate of Khyber and helped Muslims to cross the drawbridge and enter the fort. While still in Makkah, when Abu Sufiyan and his companions planned to kill the Prophet, Allah informed him and asked to let Imam Ali (a.s.) sleep in his bed to deceive the enemy and secretly left for Madinah. An Ayah was revealed praising Imam Ali (a.s.)’s sacrifice, Surah Baqarah Ayah 207 “And among the people is he who sells his soul seeking the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is most kind to His servants” In Mubahelah, the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) took Imam Ali (a.s.) as representing his own soul, Surah ale-Imran Ayah 61 “And whoever argue with you in this matter after what has come to you as knowledge then, say, come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and your selves, then let us humbly to (our Lord) and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars.” Wali means master. In Surah, al-Ma’idah Ayah 55, “Your guardian is only Allah, His Apostle, and the faithful who maintains the prayer and give zakat while bowing down.” On his way back to Madinah, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) in compliance with the Divine Order stopped at Ghadeer-e-Khumm and after gathering all pilgrims in the scorching heat of the desert declared, “whoever’s Master (Mawla) I am, Ali is his Master (Mawla). It was the largest congregation of the lifetime of the Messenger. Unfortunately, within 50 days of his return, he breathed his last and the Ummah forgot his instructions and elected a caliph against the Will of Allah leaving behind the unburied body of their guide. As the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said earlier, “O Ali! You are like Ka’ba, people will come to you, you will not go to people.” During his lifetime, the Noble Messenger had said, “I am leaving behind two valuable things if you are attached to both you will not go astray; one is Allah’s Book, and the other is my Progeny." The events proved that Ummah picked up only the Glorious Qur’an and left the Progeny.

After the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) Abu Sufiyan came to Amir-al-Momineen Imam Ali (a.s.) and encouraged him to snatch the khilafat and further that he could fill the streets of Madinah by his forces to support Imam Ali (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.) rejected the offer saying since when he had become the well-wisher of Muslims?

 

EXTRACTS FROM THE WILL OF AMIR AL-MOMINEEN IMAM ALI (A.S.)

 

Amir al-Momineen and the eleven infallible Imams were role models for humanity. Their supplications were meant for the followers. Imam Ali (a.s.) was the soul of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) i.e., Nafse Rasool and the “Gateway of Knowledge” He had recorded a long will to his son. Every sentence is a gem worth reading, its extract is given below:

My first advice to you is to fear Allah, be His obedient servant. Be attached to and carefully guard the principles (Islam) which connect you to Him. Adopt piety and kill your inordinate desires with its help. Subjugate your nature with the vision of death. Mediate over the lives of past people, what they had achieved during their lives and how it ended and what was their contributions to the human welfare.

Do not talk about things which you do not know. Advise people to do good and live virtuously. Let your words and deeds teach the world lessons of how to abstain from wickedness and vicious deeds. Try your best to keep away from those who indulge in vices and sins. Fight to defend the cause of Allah. Fearlessly help truth and justice. Develop the habit of patience against sufferings, calamities, and adversities. Trust in Allah and let your mind seek His protection in every calamity and sufferings because you will thus you will entrust yourself and your affairs to the Best Trustee and to the Mightiest Guardian. Do not seek help or protection from anybody but Allah. Ask as much as His Blessings and seek as much as much of His Guidance as you can. The knowledge which does not benefit anybody is useless.

In case of uncertainty or doubts seek guidance of the Lord and beseech Him for right direction. The Lord who is the Master of death is also Master of life. The One who sends calamities has also the power to protect you from them. Remember that this world is working under the laws ordained by Him, and it consists of assemblage and aggregation of actions and reactions, causes and effects, calamities and reverses, pains, pleasures, rewards, and punishments. Remember, had there been any other God, besides the One, he would have sent his messengers and prophets. But no such incident ever took place. He is One Allah whom we all should recognize and worship. Nobody is a partner to Him in His Domain, Might and Glory. He is Eternal, has always been and shall always be. He existed even before the Universe came into existence. There is no beginning or end to His existence. Allah has not ordered you to do anything but that which is good and propagates goodness and He has not prohibited you from anything but that which is bad.

Let yourself act as scale to judge its goodness or wickedness. Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you. Vanity and conceit are forms of folly. Lead a well-balanced life; neither be conceited nor suffer from inferiority complex. Exert yourself to earn an honest living. Whenever you receive the guidance of the Lord to achieve a thing you desire, then do not get proud of your achievement but be humble and submissive to Him and realize that your success was due to His Mercy. Remember, before is a long arduous journey of life wherein you will need refreshing, renovating and enlivening aids and helps. Do not overload yourself with so many obligations and duties that you cannot honorably fulfill them or be wicked and vicious. Otherwise, your journey will be painful and tiresome. If you find around you such poor, needy, and destitute people who are willing to carry your load for you as far as the Day of Judgement then consider this to be a boon, engage them and pass your burden on to them. Remember, that all you give out in charities and virtuous deeds are like loans which will be paid back to you. Therefore, it is wise to send your things there beforehand.

Realize that the Lord who owns and holds the treasures of Paradise and earth has given permission to ask and beg for them and He has promised to grant your prayers.

Source: A Letter from Father to son, the Last will of Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) – al-Islam.org

THE VICTORY AT MUBAHILAH

 

In the early days of Islam, Najran was a big center of learning whose inhabitants were idol-worshipers. Subsequently, they accepted Christianity as their religion. Najran is in the modern Saudi Arabia, south of Jeddah. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had sent letters to the heads of different countries inviting them to Islam. One such letter was also sent to the bishop of Najran.

It read as follows:

In the name of the God of Ibrahim, Ishaaq and Yaqoob. This letter is from Muhammad, the Prophet, and Messenger of  Allah to the Bishop of Najran.

Praise be to the God of Ibrahim, Ishaaq, and Yaqoob. I invite you to worship Allah instead of His servants. I invite you to come out of the rule of servants of Allah and into the rule of Allah Himself.

It is also stated that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) included the following Ayah of the Glorious Qur’an:

“Say, (O’Muhammad) O People of the Book (Bible), come to an agreement between us and you; that we shall worship none but Allah and that we shall claim no partner to Him, and that none of us shall take others for Lords besides Allah” And if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah).

This was the event of 10 A.H. Sixty learned priests headed by their chief monk priest, Abdul Masih, came to Madinah and went straight to meet the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) wearing golden ornaments and dressed in silken clothes. The Messenger did not like their attire and turned his face away from them. They inquired from a few influential Muslims for the reason, but they did not know the state of his (s.a.w.a.s.)’s mind. The Commander of the faithful, Maula Mushkil-Kusha, Imam Ali (a.s.) came to their rescue and advised them to dress in simple clothes. When they returned wearing simple clothes, the Messenger warmly welcomed them. It may be concluded that appearances and attires show the thinking of the person. They wanted to show pride and high status.

 Following conversation followed:

The Messenger: I invite you to the belief of Tauheed and the worship of one God and submission to His will. (Then he recited Ayah 64 of Surah Aale Imran.)

Abdul Masih: If Islam means faith in one God of the universe, we already believe in Him and follow His commands.

The Messenger: Islam has a few other signs and some of your actions show that you have not accepted true Islam. How do you claim worship of one God when you worship the cross and do not abstain from eating pork and believe that God has a son?

Abdul Masih: Certainly, he [I’sa (a.s.)] was the son of God because his mother Mary [Mariyam (s.a.)] had given birth to him without marrying anyone in the world. Therefore, obviously his father is the God of this universe. And, because he used to bring the dead back to life, cure the sick and create birds from clay and make them fly. It shows that he is God.

The Messenger: No, he was the servant and creature of God, and placed in the womb of his mother Mariyam (s.a.). All his power and strength were granted to him by God.

At this time, Archangel Jibra’eel brought the following Ayah 59 of Surah Ale Imran:

“Surely, the example of I’sa to Allah is like that of Adam; He created him from dust and then said to him, “Be” and he was” 

It means that if Isa (a.s.) could be called the son of God because he was born without father, then Adam (a.s.) deserves this title more because he was born without a father and a mother. The priests could not reply to this argument and continued to argue out of obstinacy.

Then the following Ayah 61 of Surah Ale Imran was revealed:

              “And whoever argue with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge then say, come, let us call our sons and your sons, and our women and your women, ourselves, and yourselves, then let us humbly pray (to our Lord) and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars” 

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) produced this verse before the priests and challenged for “Mubahilah.” The priests consulted each other and accepted the challenge. It was agreed that the two parties' contest would take place the next day in the open desert outside Madinah. On 24^th Zilhajj, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) came out for Mubahilah. He was holding Imam Husayn (a.s.) in his arms and held Imam Hasan (a.s.) by his hand; Lady of Paradise Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was behind him, while the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.) was behind her. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said to them, “When I pray for curse of Allah, you should say Ameen.”

In compliance of the Ayah of Mubahilah, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) brought Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (a.s.) as his “SONS,” Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) in place of “WOMEN” while he could have brought three or more women, and Imam Ali (a.s.) as his “SELF “while the Ayah had the accommodation for three or more.

The priests, after seeing these shining faces emitting light, were spellbound. Their hearts trembled and they began to shake on seeing the light radiating from the faces of The Sacred Panjetan (a.s.).

Their leader asked: “who are these persons who have come with Muhammad?”

A man told their names and their relationship with the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He could no longer hold his patience and cried out:

“By God, I am seeing such faces that if they were to pray to God to move the mountain, God Almighty would move the mountain for them. O You People of Najran, if you contest with Muhammad in this prayer of invoking curses on the liars, then I warn you that all of you will be destroyed and not a single soul will remain on this earth. I feel that it would be better to surrender to them and obey them”

After the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) heard these words, he later remarked:

“By God, had the Christians of Najran contested with us, they would have been transformed into monkeys and swine. Fire would have rained over them”  

It is a historic event of a unique triumph of Islam. This event unquestionably established the truth about Islam and the spiritual purity of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). It proved beyond doubt as to who were the members of The House of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and their “unquestionable Truthfulness!”

There is a point to be remembered here that in Arabic language the plural tense is used for more than three persons. Allah had provided the place for three or more than three persons in the categories of “SONS,” “WOMEN,” and “SELVES.” But the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had to decide as to who were the persons who were “TRUTHFUL” and never lied in their lifetime, because Mubahilah would bring up Allah’s wrath on the “LIARS.” It was a crucial test for Islam. Hence, he picked-up Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.); only two persons for the place in “SONS.” While in the place of “WOMEN,” he picked-up only his daughter, The Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Similarly, in the place of “SELVES,” he picked up The Conqueror of Khyber, Imam Ali (a.s.). 

After the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), when Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) claimed her gifted property of Fadak, which was given to her by her father, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), the Caliph did not accept her testimony, that of Imam Ali (a.s.) nor Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.). These were the same Panjetan, whose Truthfulness was accepted by Allah on the eve of Mubahilah! 

                Sources: Duas.org, al-islam.org

THE IMPORTANCE OF GHADEER

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

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

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

The other alternative was election by Shura for which he (s.a.w.a.s.) never prepared the people. In fact, it was neglected by the first caliph, and he nominated the second caliph. Even the second caliph admitted that it was a ‘slip.’ The second caliph appointed a 6-member committee with a strange directive to kill those who disagreed with the majority which is neither supported by the Glorious Qur'an nor the Sunnah of the great Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As soon as the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) finished the sermon, the famous poet Hassan bin Thabit, with his permission recited a manqabat in praise of the newly crowned successor. When Harith bin Nauman heard about the succession, he questioned the Messenger if it was from Allah or his personal preference. Then he invited curse of Allah by saying, “if it was a Divine decree then let a stone fly from sky to punish him.” Allah punished him as stated in Surah al-Ma’arij Ayah 1-3, “A questioner questioned about the punishment to fall…” 

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

  

WHAT IS NAFS - PART TWO

 

Nafs is referred in Surah Al-Shams Ayah 7 – 9, “By the Soul and Him who fashioned it, and inspired it with (discernment between) its virtues and vices: one who purifies it is felicitous.

Nafs is an absolute reality. Unlike matter it does not have dimensions, cannot be seen or measured. Nafs need body to be created but does not need body for its existence. It is also a source of knowing Allah. Amir-al-Momineen Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Whoever knows his self recognizes Allah.” If we think about it that Nafs is not our property, who created it and where it will be after we die.

Philosophers say that every cause has an effect. Fire causes warmth, Ice causes coolness. It is not possible that fire may cause warmth and coolness. There are different things in the world, how they were created by the philosophy of cause and effect. This erroneous approach mislead many honest polytheists and became disbeliever.

Human being needs eyes to see, because our Nfas is weak we need help (wasila). When Nafs is free from body it does not need eyes to see or ears to hear. Allah has created dreams for humans to enlighten this point. In dreams the shortcoming of matter is eliminated; we see although while our eyes are closed, we travel thousands of miles in a blink of eyes although our material bodies are in the bed. But whose Nafs is strong their bodily eyes and the eyes of their heart (Barzaqi) both work; it is said that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) could see in front as well as people behind his back. It goes to prove that material curtain was not an obstruction for him and his progeny (a.s.). They can see and hear today also. Imam Ali (a.s.) being the “Nafse Rasool” said, “If the curtains are removed there will be no change in my conviction”

Now the question arises as to how we can strengthen our Nafs. To make our material bodies strong we need food which when digested become part of our body. Similarly, as Nafs is an abstract reality hence we need abstract food which is knowledge. We need to act or perform in the light of knowledge. Nafs is called Lahooti bird, and the bird flies with two wings, hence Nafs also need two wings: knowledge and action. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Amir al-Momineen Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Knowledge calls action, if it comes it stays otherwise knowledge departs.” In Arabic, there are three alphabets in the word “Ilm;” “Ain, Laam, Meem” and the same three alphabets are in “Amal.” We should advise our children to always act in the light of knowledge. Knowledge becomes a part of Nafs, and the process of this conversion is called “Amal” or action.

Human being can eat any food to a point after which body does not take any more. There is no limit to acquire knowledge as Allah asked His Messenger in Surah Ta Ha Ayah114 “Rabbi Zidni Ilma.”” My Lord! Increase me in knowledge” Is it possible that Allah is asking His Messenger for increase in knowledge, and He will not grant it? It is also not possible that Allah is asking His Messenger and he will not ask for it. Whateverthe Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s) requested Allah granted it. Also, Knowledge becomes a part of Nafs and Amir al-Momineen Imam Ali (a.s.) was the “Nafse Rasool,” hence whatever Allah granted the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) he transferred it completely to Imam Ali (a.s.)

The smallest unit of the Knowledge is whatever we say in our intention for praying Namaz; there is no God but Allah, who ordered us to pray for His nearness. The Prayer or Namaz is that Amal or action.

The Majalis or congregations for honoring Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) is the best source of strengthening our Nafs.

 

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an, WIKIPEDIA, Speech of Ayatullah Aqeel Gharavi on “Marefat-e-Nafs” Duas.org, al-Kafi 3/70

SPECIAL MONTHLY PRAYERS

 

According to Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim in his book, “The Role of Ahlal Bayt in Building the Virtuous Community,” He quotes Shaykh al-Tusi in his book, “Misbah al-Mutahajjid” Imam Taqi al-Jawad (a.s.) had said, “

At the beginning of each month and on the first day, a two-unit prayer may be offered. In the first unit, Surah al-Fatiha is recited once, and Surah al-Tawheed is recited thirty times. In the second, Surah al-Fatihah is recited once and Surah al-Qadr repeated thirty times. After completing it, alms should be given. One who does so will gain throughout that month. (Al-Hurr al-Amili, Wasa’il al-Shia 5:286)

It is also recommended to recite the following nine Ayahs:

Surah al-Hud Ayah 6                       Every animal’s sustenance is provided by Allah

Surah al-An’am Ayah 17                 If Allah wishes to bring harm no one can stop it

Surah Talaq Ayah 7                         Allah will bring about ease after hardship

Surah al-Kahaf Ayah 39                 There is no power except by Allah

Surah Ale-Imran Ayah 173             Allah is sufficient for us, and He is an excellent trustee

Surah al-Anbiya Ayah 87               There is no God except You, I have been among the wrongdoers

Surah al-Qasas Ayah 24                 My Lord! I am indeed in need of any good You send down to me

Surah al-Anbiya Ayah 89               My Lord! Do not leave me without an heir

Surah al-Ghafir Ayah 44                And I trust my affair to Allah, Indeed Allah sees best the servants

Also recommended to give Sadaqah and wear “Hirz al-Jawad,” (Ya Nooru Ya Burhanu Ya Mubinu Ya MuniruYa RabbikfiniShrura wa Afaatiduhure wa As’alukaNajaata Yuma Ynafaqu Fissure) on his shoulder.

 

Sources: The Role of Ahlul Bayt in Building the Virtuous Community book Eight by Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-     Hakim, Speech of Maulana Kumail Mehdavi

THE MARRIAGE OF SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.) WITH 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 had achieved the elevated level of education, knowledge, and social graces that she achieved although 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 profound 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 five hundred 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 evident 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 Tawoos 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 was 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 the 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, 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 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 five hundred 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