IMAM ALI (AS)'S SERMON WITHOUT ANY DOTS

All praise be to Allah, the Praised King, the Affectionate Owner, the Fashioner of all who are born, the Recourse of every downtrodden, the Out stretcher of lands, the Establisher of firm mountains, the sender of rains, the Alleviator of difficulties, the Knower and Perceiver of secrets, the Destroyer of kingdoms, and Perisher of possessions, the Renewer of eras and their Repitator, the Source of all things and their Destination. Widespread is His Generosity and sufficient are the layered clouds and the supply of rain. He responds to the one who asks or hopes, giving wide and with abundance.

I praise Him endlessly. I consider Him as one as He is considered one by those who turn to Him. Lo! He is Allah; there is no God for nations except Him. No one can distort what He sets upright and established. He sent Muhammad (P) as the standard- bearer of Submission (Islam), the leader for the rulers, and Preventer of their oppression, The crippler of the authorities of Wudd and Sawa (the idols). He informed and educated, appointed and perfected. He founded the fundamentals and eased them in. He emphasized the appointed promise (Day of Judgment) and forewarned. Allah has linked him with honor and granted his soul the peace, and may Allah have mercy on his progeny and his venerated family; as long as the guiding stars shine, the crescent continues to rise, and the chant of the oneness (la ilaha illa Allah) is made to be heard around.

May God protect ye! Work towards the best of deeds. So tread the path seeking the lawful and give up the forbidden and abandon it. Listen to the command of Allah and be aware of it. Maintain the ties with relations and nurture them. Disobey desires and repel them. Bond as kins with righteous and pious and discontinue the company of amusement and greed.

Your groom is the most impeccable of free men by birth, most generous and honorable with glories, and of the sweetest of the descent. Here he came to you, took your kin with permission, in marriage, the gracious bride. Offered a dowry just as the Messenger of Allah did to Umm Salamah. Certainly, he (P) was the most gracious son-in-law. Kind to his progeny. He gave them in marriage to whom he wanted. He was neither confused in his choice of wife nor had an oversight.

I ask Allah, on your behalf, for the lasting graciousness of His connection. And the continuation of His pleasures and that He may inspire all; the reform of their own condition, and the preparation for their individual destiny and the hereafter. Gratitude is for Him for ever and the praise for His Messenger Ahmad (P)

This sermon appears to have been delivered by Imam Ali (AS) on the occasion of some ones marriage, and may well have been his own marriage. It has been quoted by several scholars such as;

Muhammad Rida al-Hakimi in “Saluni Qabl An Tafqaduni”

Sayyid al-Musavi in “al-Sitarak Min Bihar Manaqib Aaale Nabi Wa al-Ithar”

Hasun al-Dulafi in “Fadail Aal al-Rasul”

As usual, this sermon of Imam Ali (AS) shines in Arabic Literature as Unique, Unparallel

and Par-Excellence by any human being. 

IMAM ALI (AS) AND QUR'ANIC VERSES - 1

One fourth of Qur’an had been revealed in praise of Imam A (as), The True Commander of the Faithful. Although, all the caliphs of Bani Umaiyya, Bani Abbas, and Bani Fatima were addressed by the title of ‘Amir-ul-Momineen’

Following are the verses of Qur’an, wherein Imam Ali is expressly addressed. The implied verses have been left alone:

Allah wishes to remove all abominations from you, members of Ahlul-Bayt (as) and purify you with perfect purification (33:33)

Say (O Muhammad ) I do not ask for you any reward other than being kind to my kin, and who ever attains a good deed (being kind to them), We shall certainly increase him in  goodness; Verily Allah is Forgiving (to those who are kind to them), Appreciative (of such kindness) (42:23)

Then who ever argues with you about it after (this) knowledge has come to you Say  ( O Muhammad) Let us bring our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our selves and your selves, then supplicate earnestly (together) and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars (among us) (3:61)

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience (103:3)

And uphold Allah’s rope all of you together, and do not be separated (3:103)

O you, who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are Truthful (9:119)

Do not follow different paths; else they should divert you from Allah’s path (6:153)

Imam Ja’fer al-Sadiq said “Right Path is the Imam”

Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you (4:59)

Ask the custodian of Revelation if you do not know (21:7)

Whoever differs from the Messenger after guidance have been made clear to him, following paths other than those of the Believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and place him in Hell, what an evil refuge (4:115)

As narrated in Tafsir al-Ayyashi and Sahihs, this relates to Imam Ali (as)

You are a Warner and for each nation there is a Guide.

Warner is the Holy Prophet (P) and Guide is Imam Ali (as)

Guide us to the Straight Path; Path of those whom you have blessed (1:5, 6)

This is Suara Tauheed.

These are with those whom Allah has blessed from among the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous (4:69)

Imam Ali (as) and the eleven Imams are the Siddiqs, Martyrs, and the Righteous.

Your Master is Allah, and his Messenger and the Believers who uphold prayers and pay zakat even while prostrating.

In the Sahihs and Tafsir Kabir mentioned that Imam Ali (as) gave the alms while praying.

I am most Forgiving for those who repent, believe, do good deeds, and received Guidance (20:82)

Imam Ja’fer al-Sadiq (as) and writer of Sawaiq e Muhriqa confirms Guidance refers to Imam Ali (as) and Ahlul Bayt (as)

We offered the Trust unto the heavens, the earth, and the mountains, but they all refused to bear it out of the extreme fear, then man bore it: he is most unjust and most ignorant

(33:72)

O ye who believe, enter in peace all of you, and do not follow the steps of Satan (2:208)

According to Sahihs, it relates to the government of Imam Ali (as) and his descendants.

You will be questioned on the Day about the Blessing (102:8)

O Messenger, Convey that which has been revealed unto you, and if you do not do it, then you have not really conveyed His Message at all, and Allah shall protect you from (mischievous) people (5:70) it relates to the coronation of Imam Ali at Ghadeer-e-Khum.

Today I have completed your religion for you, perfected My Blessings unto you, and accepted Islam as your religion (5:4)  Also relates to Ghadeer-e-Khum.

A person questioned about the penalty to befall the unbelievers who cannot be warded off: (a penalty) from Allah, Lord of the ways of Ascent (70:12)

At Ghadeer, a man questioned the Prophet (P) about the Wilayat of Imam Ali (as)

And follow in their foot steps for they have the authority (37:24)

And ask the Messengers whom We sent before Thee (43:45)

 When Thy Lord drew forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their descendants, making them promise, asking them: Am I not your Lord? They said “Yes, we testify. This is so lest you should say on the Day of Judgment: Of this we were never mindful (7:172)

Through their intercession, has Allah granted forgiveness to Adam, who learned the words of repentance (2:37)

The Holy Prophet (P) said “Adam asked Him by the prestige He held for Muhammad (P)

Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Hussain and thus did He accept his repentance and forgive him”

Should they feel jealous of them because He has granted them His favors (4:54)

Ibne Hajr in Sawaiq-e-Muhriqa quotes Imam Baqir (as) saying “By Allah we are the ones who are envied”

Those who are deeply grounded in knowledge say “we believe” (3:7)

Imam Ja’fer al-Sadiq (as) said “We are a people, the obedience to whom have been mandated by Allah, the Exalted, and the Sublime; we are the ones who are deeply rooted in knowledge, and we are the ones who are envied”

Up on the Heights are men who know all by their marks (7:48)

Imam Ali (as) said “We shall stand, on the Day of Judgment, between Paradise and Hell

and recognize those who support us by their mark and would let them in Paradise”

Among the believers are the men who fulfilled their promise unto Allah; some of them have passed away, while others are waiting, and they have not changed in the least (33:23)

Imam Ali (as) said “This verse was revealed in honor of myself, my uncle Hamza and my cousin Ubaidah bin Harith. Ubaidah was martyred in Badr, Hamza was martyred in Uhad

and I am waiting a painful death…”

He is glorified in the early morning and during the night by men who are not diverted, by either trade or selling, from mentioning Allah, the saying of prayers or the paying of zakat: they fear the Day when hearts and sights are overturned (24:36, 37)

Dahya al-Kalbi came from Syria to sell merchandise, beat drum to attract buyers and most of the Muslims left the Prophet (P) in the mosque except Imam Ali (as) and his sons.

In houses which Allah permitted to be elevated and His names be recited therein (24:35)

Tafsir Kabir mentions that Abu Baker pointing towards Imam Ali (as)’s house enquired if

the verse refers to this house, the Prophet (P) replied “Yes”

Those who obey God and the Prophet (P) are with those who are blessed by God, the prophets, the sincere and the trustful, the martyrs and the upright; and how excellent the company are they (4:69)

Prophet (P) said in Sawaiq e Muhriqa “Siddiq are three; Habib Najjar (Sura Yaseen)

Ezekiel of Pharaoh and Ali (as) who is the best of them”

Should we treat those who believe and do good deeds as We treat those who cause corruption on earth or We should equal virtuous to corrupt (38:28)

IMAM ALI (AS)'S DUAA-E-KUMAYL - 1

Kumayl Ibne Ziyad was one of the companions of Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (AS). The Imam had taught him this Duaa also known as “Duaa-e-Khizr”

Imam Ali (AS) said “ O Kumayl, try to read this duaa every Thursday night or at least once a month or once in every year or once in life time. Benefits include increase in sustenance and forgiveness of big and small sins and Allah will accept duaas for both worlds.”

O Allah, I beseech Thee by Thy mercy which encompasses all things

And by Thy power by which Thou overcometh all things and submit to it all things and humble before it all things

And by Thy might by which thou hast conquered all things

And by Thy majesty against which nothing can stand

And by Thy grandeur which prevails upon all things

And by Thy authority which is exercised over all things

And by Thy own self that will endure for ever after all things have vanished

And by Thy Names which manifest Thy power over all things

And by Thy knowledge which pervades all things

And by the light of Thy countenance which illuminates every thing

O Thou who art the light; O Thou who art the most holy; O Thou who existed before the foremost; O Thou who shall exist after the last

O Allah, Forgive me my such sins as would affront my defense

O Allah, Forgive me my such sins as would bring down calamity

O Allah, Forgive me my such sins as would change Divine favors

O Allah, Forgive me my such sins as would hinder my supplications

O Allah, Forgive me my such sins as bring down misfortunes

O Allah, Forgive me my such sins as would suppress hope

O Allah, Forgive every sin I have committed and every error that I have erred

O Allah, I Endeavour to draw myself nigh to Thee through Thy invocations

And I pray to Thee to intercede on my behalf

And I entreat Thee by Thy Benevolence to draw me nearer to Thee

And grant me that I should be grateful to Thee and inspire me to remember and to invoke Thee

O Allah, I entreat Thee begging Thee submissively, humbly and awe strikingly

To treat me with clemency and mercy and to make me pleased with what Thou hast allotted to me

And cause me to be modest and unassuming in all circumstances

O Allah, I beg Thee as one who is passing through extreme privation and who supplicates his needs to Thee and his hope has been greatly raised by that which is Thee

O Allah, great is Thy kingdom and exalted is Thy greatness

Thy plan is secret, Thy authority is manifest, Thy might is victorious and subduing and Thy power is prevalent through out and it is not possible to escape from Thy dominion

O Allah, except Thee I do not find anyone able to pardon my sins nor to conceal my loathsome acts

Nor have I any one except Thee to change my evil deeds into virtues

There is no God but Thou glory and praise be to Thee I have made my own soul to suffer I have the audacity (to sin) by my ignorance

Relying on my past remembrance of Thee and Thy grace towards me

O Allah, my Lord, how many of my loathsome acts you have screened (from public gaze)

How many of my grievous afflictions have Thou reduced in severity

And how many of my stumbling hast Thou protected, how many of my detestable acts have Thou averted and how many of my undeserving praises hast Thou spread abroad

O Allah my trials and sufferings have increased and my evilness has worsened, my good deeds have diminished and my yokes (of misdeeds) have become firm

And remote hopes restrain me to profit (by good deeds) and the world have deceived me with its allurement and my own self has been by treachery and procrastination

Therefore, my Lord, impose Thee by Thy greatness not to let my sins and my misdeeds shut out access to my prayers from reaching Thy realm and not to disgrace me by exposing those (hidden ones) of which Thou hast knowledge nor to hasten my retribution for those vices and misdeeds committed by me in secret which were due to evil-mindedness, ignorance, excessive lustfulness, and my negligence

O Allah I beg Thee by Thy greatness to be compassionate to me in all circumstances and well disposed towards me in all matters

My God, my Nourisher, has I any one except Thee from whom I can seek the dislodging of my evils and understanding of my problems?

My God, my Master Thou decreed a law for me instead I followed my own low desires

And I did not guard myself against the allurements of my enemy

He deceived me by vain hopes whereby I was led astray and fate helped him in that respect

Thus I transgressed some of its limits set for me by Thee and I disobeyed some of Thy commandments; Thou hast therefore a just cause against me in all those matters and I have no plea against Thy judgment passed against me

I have therefore become justifiably liable to Thy judgment and afflictions

But now I have turned to Thee, my Lord, after being guilty of omissions and transgressions against my soul, apologically, repentantly, brokenheartedly, entreating earnestly for forgiveness, yieldingly confessing to my guilt as I can find no escape from that which was done by me and have no refuge to which I could turn except seeking Thy acceptance of my excuse and admitting me into the realm of Thy capacious mercy

O Allah accepts my apology and have pity on my intense sufferings and set me free from my heavy fetters of my evil deeds

IMAM ALI (AS)'S SUPERIMINENCY

Imam Ali (AS) said “I am the slave of Allah and The Great Truthful, whoever other than me claims to be so is a liar”. The saints are normally “Abdullah” like Isa (AS) said after birth “Inni Abdullah Aatanial Kitab Wa Jaalani Nabiya”.

Imam Husayn (AS) said “Once my father Ali (AS) was bathing in River Euphrates and had left his clothes on the bank. A rising wave swept away his clothes. When he came out and did not see his clothes, he heard a voice asking him to look on right where he saw a dress. He picked it up and wore it. A paper was attached to it which read “This is a gift from Allah. This was given to Imraan. Like wise we give inheritance to people of later periods”

Once Imam Ali (AS) came to Holy Prophet (P)’s house and sat between him and Aisha (RA) to which she did not appreciate. The Holy Prophet (P) said “Aisha do not upset my brother. He is the best of the Muslims and Commander of the Faithful and on the Day of Judgment he will be in charge and send his followers to Paradise and his enemies to Hell.

When the Holy Prophet (P) used to be very angry, no one dared to talk to him except Imam Ali.

Once, a cooked bird was presented to the Holy Prophet (P). He prayed to Allah “Please send that person who is the friendliest to you” Imam Ali (AS) came and they both ate the bird”

When the Holy Prophet (P) went on Ascension (Meraaj), he saw a lion restrained in the lighted (noorani) chains and obstructed his path. He asked Jibra’eel as to what the lion wants. Jibra’l said that there may be a worldly thing in your possession. The Holy Prophet (P) threw the ring from his finger in front of the lion. When the Holy Prophet (P) returned on earth, Imam Ali (AS) congratulated him and presented his ring back to him.

The Holy Prophet (P) said “May Allah bless you with the virtues of both worlds,

O Lion of Allah”

Ammar Yassir, a companion of Imam Ali (AS) said “I and Imam Ali (AS) were sleeping in the shadow of a date tree, when the Holy Prophet (P) came and awakened Imam Ali (AS) saying “Qum Ya Abu Turaab” meaning “Get up O Father of Soil”. From that time on Imam Ali (AS) really loved that epithet or kunniyat.

The reason for writing “Karram Allah Wajhahu” after Imam Ali (AS) are narrated in two traditions; Fatima Binte Asad (SA) told the Holy Prophet “ when ever you come in our house, the baby in my womb hits me inside forcing me to stand up” The Holy Prophet (P) said  “ Karram Allahu Wajhahu”. Another tradition says that Abu Talib (AS) and Hamza (AS) wanted to see for themselves as to how Fatima Bine Asad (SA) is forced to stand up when the Holy Prophet (P) comes in front. One day they both kept their hands on her and called the Holy Prophet (P) to come in the room, she stood up by some mysterious force. The other non-Shia scholars say that every one except Imam Ali had worshipped the idols, hence he is called Karram Allahu Wajhahu as he did not bow to any idol.

During the period of Imam Ali al Riza (AS), a man came from China in his presence. Imam asked him if people in China recognized him. The man replied in affirmative and told him that in China in the spring season there is a tree which gives flowers on which we see the kalema “La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadun Rasoolullah” written in the morning and in the evening this phrase is written “La Ilaha Illalla Aliun Khalifatuhu Rasool ullah”

Imam Hasan (AS) narrates as “One night, my father told me that there is no water in the house, I went in search for it then I heard a voice saying that he had brought water from Paradise. I took the water and came in presence of my father and saw that he was praying. When I asked from where he got the water, he replied that a person was speaking loudly” O Ali! Who can be like you? Jibra’il brings water from Paradise and Jibra’il told me that he felt proud among other angels for performing this act”

Caliph Haroon Rasheed told his courtiers “I was told by my governor of Damascus that there is a man who curses Imam Ali (AS), I summoned the man and enquired the reason for his cursing. He replied that because he (Imam Ali) had killed his relatives to which Haroon replied that the Imam performed jehad according to Allah and Prophet’s commands. He ordered the sinner to be whipped 100 lashes. Haroon saw in dream The Prophet (P), Imam Ali (AS), Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husayn (AS). Jibra’il had brought some water. The Holy Prophet (P) asked Shias to stand up out of a huge crowd, took water from Jibra’il and gave it to the Shias. The Prophet asked for the man who cursed Imam Ali (AS). When Imam Ali (AS) saw him he prayed to Allah for his punishment and the man turned into a dog. Next day, when the guards visited the prison they found a dog instead of a man.”

After the Victory of Makka, the Holy Prophet along with Imam Ali (AS) entered Kaaba and started breaking idols. However, there were few idols at an elevated place. The Holy Prophet (P) asked Imam Ali (AS) to stand on his shoulder and break the idols. It is important to note that Imam Ali (AS)’s feet were on the “Stamp of Prophet hood” on the Prophet (P)’s shoulder. The Prophet (P) asked Imam Ali (AS) as to how he was feeling? Imam replied that he felt as if he was reaching the Arsh. The Prophet (P) said “ May Allah bless you, you are doing the work of ‘Haq’ and I am also fine as I am also carrying the weight of ‘Haq’” Imam Ali (AS) smiled when he jumped off from the Prophet(P)’s shoulder. On enquiry from the Prophet (P), Imam Ali (AS) replied that even after coming down from such a height, he did not feel any discomfort. The Prophet (P) said “How can feel any thing as Muhammad (P) raised you up and Jibra’il helped you in coming down.”

After Migrating to Madina, the Holy Prophet (P) formed ‘contract of brotherhood’ between Migrants from Makka and the Ansars of Madina. Imam Ali (AS) was left alone without any Ansar. The Holy Prophet (P) said “I am your brother in this world and also in hereafter”.

In the year 9 AH near the end of the month of Ze’qaada, the Holy Prophet (P) send Abu Baker to Makka and asked him to educate the Makkans about performing Hajj and also to recite 40 verses of Sura Baraat. In the mean time Jibra’il descended with the Divine instructions that the task can only be performed by you (Prophet) or one who is your ‘self’ or Imam Ali (AS). The Prophet (P) responded immediately and sent Imam Ali (AS) to relieve Abu Baker from the assignment. Abu Baker returned to Madina dejected and enquired of Holy Prophet (P) if he had done any thing wrong. The Holy Prophet replied “There was nothing wrong with you but it was in compliance of the Divine Command.”

The Holy Prophet (P) ordered that doors of all companion’s houses which were opened in to the Prophet (P)’ mosque should be closed as they used to enter the mosque even when they were not clean. Only Imam Ali (AS)’s house doors were allowed to remain open. Some of the affected Muslims objected to this restriction. On hearing such reactions, the Holy Prophet (P) ascended the pulpit and explained that the order was given by Allah and he simply complied with it. By the way, it is mentioned elsewhere in the Holy Qur’an ;

“Wa Ma Yentekha Anil Hawa, In Howa Illah Wahiyan Yuha” meaning “The Messenger does not speak by his personal liking, but only speaks as directed by revelation” 

IMAM ALI (AS)'S DAUGHTER, ZAYNAB

According to the Sharia (revealed law) of Allah, women are hidden treasures, neither to be displayed nor advertised. Theirs is a subtle, fundamental and discreet domain. And hence the accurate information about birth, death, marriage and number of children cannot be ascertained. Imam Ali (AS) asked Bibi Fatima (SA) “who are the best among women?” Bibi replied “those who do not see men nor are seen by them”

Bibi Zaynab (SA) was born in the year 5 AH. Angel Jibra’il brought the name of the little girl to the Holy Prophet (P) and wept. On enquiry he explained “this girl will be entangled in trials and tribulations in this world. She will be separated from you and later on she will suffer the loss of ImamAli (AS), Bibi Fatima (SA), and Imam Hasan (AS). The events of Karbala will turn her hair grey and her back will be bent”

She grew up in extraordinary environment among the exemplary personalities to learn from. After the death of her grandfather, she lost her beloved mother when she was 7 years old. From early on, she developed an unbreakable bond with Imam Husayn (AS).

She reflected the best attributes of those who raised her. In sobriety and serenity, she was likened to Umm-ul-Momineen Khadija (SA); in chastity and modesty to her mother Fatima (SA), in eloquence to Imam Ali (AS), in forbearance and patience to her brother Imam Hasan (AS); and in bravery and tranquility of the heart, to Imam Husayn (AS).

She was married to her cousin, Ja’far Tayyar.

She used to hold regular meetings for women in which she shared her knowledge of Qur’an. She became known as Fasiha (skillfully fluent) and Baligha (intensely eloquent)

When Imam Ali (AS) became caliph, she and her family moved to Kufa and continued her sessions of teaching there. Imam Zainul Abedin (AS) called her “Aalimah Ghayr Mu’allimah”, she who has knowledge without being taught.

After the assassination and martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS), she was submerged in grief and later returned to Medina with her family.

Some 10 years later, she was again stricken with a grievous loss of her brother, Imam Hasan (AS) who also fell victim to the schemes of power hungry Bani Umayya.

Mu’awiya appointed his son Yazid as his successor and pressurized Imam Husayn (AS) to pledge allegiance to him. Imam Husayn (AS) was compelled to leave Medina in 60 AH.

The Imam, his family and companions arrived at Karbala on 2^nd Muharram. Water was cut-off from 7^th and on the day of Ashura by Asr, this small band of warriors of Islam was martyred. Women’s veils were snatched and the tents looted and set on fire.

Now she was the in charge of the widows and orphans as Imam Zainul Abedin (AS) was sick and unconscious. Next day, the prisoners were made to sit on camels without seats and were led towards Kufa. People were jubilant but some of them realized the sins they had committed and were crying. She addressed them with a piercing eloquence and said:

“Praise be to Allah and blessings be on my grandfather Muhammad (P) and his purified and chosen progeny. So now, O people who deceive forsake and contrive, it is you who weep. May Allah not stop your tears and may your chests burn incessantly with the fire of grief and sorrow. Your example is that of a woman who assiduously prepare a strong rope and then untwines it herself, wasting her own hard labor.  

The victory of the voyage from Medina to Mecca to Karbala to Kufa and finally to Damascus was achieved when Yazid came out in true colors. All along, the Yazidi army was telling people that some one revolted against the government hence they were killed and their women are the captives.

When the caravan-e-Karbala entered the court, Yazid was hitting the lips of Imam Husayn (AS) and said “My ancestors who were killed at Badr have been avenged today.

Now it is clear that Bani Hashim had just staged a play to gain power and there was never any divine revelation.” Bibi Zaynab stood up boldly and said “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds and blessings on my grandfather, the chief of divine Prophets”

O Yazid, Allah says “Then evil was the end of those who did evil because they rejected the communications of Allah and used to mock them (30:10)”

She further said “O son of the freed slaves, is this your justice that you keep your daughters and slave maids veiled while the daughters of Prophet of Allah are being paraded from place to place exposed” O Yazid what ever you have done proves your revolt against Allah and your denial of His Prophet (P) and of the Book and Sunnah. Your deeds should not cause amazement because one whose ancestors chewed the liver of martyrs, who fought against the chief of divine prophets, should conspicuously excel all Arabs in unbelief, sinfulness, excesses and enmity against Allah and His Prophet (P).

O Yazid, you are striking the lips of Imam Husayn (AS) while these very lips used to be kissed by the Prophet (P) of Allah. By my life, by killing the chief of youths of Paradise, the son of the chief of Arabs (Imam Ali) and the shining sun of the progeny of Abdul Mutallib, you have deepened our wounds and uprooted us completely.

O Yazid it is not seeming for you to swell with joy after slaying the Prophet (P)’s progeny. ‘Reckon not those who are killed in Allah’s way to be dead, nay they are alive and are provided sustenance from their Lord; rejoicing in what Allah has given them out of His grace (3:169-170)

By the fearless and eloquent speeches of Bibi Zaynab (SA), there was a general awakening in the masses and signs of revolt were apparent hence Yazid decided to release the captives. A separate house was arranged to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (AS) and his family and friends and thus first Majlis was founded by Bibi Zaynab (SA). On their way to Medina, this caravan stopped at Karbala.

The exact date and place of her martyrdom is not known, but probably she died six months after her return in 62 AH.

IMAM ALI (AS) IN THE EYES OF THE HOLY PROPHET (P)

Following are the sayings of the Holy Prophet (P) praising Imam Ali (AS):

Allah (S) had created Ali and me from light (noor) in front of the Arsh about 2,000 years.

Our noor traveled through pure forefathers till it reached Abdul Mutallib  from where it split into my father, Abdullah  and Abu Talib  to Ali . Then again our noor combined into Fatima . Hence Hasan  and Hussain  are made by the Divine noor.

I am from Ali and Ali is from me. After me he is the Vali of every faithful (momin).

There were three most truthful persons in the nations; one was Habib Najjar, momin of

Aal-e-Yaseen, other was Khazqeel, momin of Aal-e-Firoun, and Ali ibne Abi Talib

and he is superior to the other two.

Ya Ali, according to Islam, you are the first Muslim, according to faith (Iemaan), you are the first faithful (Momin). To me you are as Haroon was to Musa.

Ali will arrive at the Fountain of Kausar before any one.

Whoever tortures Ali, will be raised as a Jew or Christian on the Day of Judgment.

I am the Warner and Ali is the Guide

On the Night of Ascension (Mairaaj), I saw writing on the Arsh “There is no god but Allah, Mohammad is his Messenger and I helped him through Ali”

Ali’s example among people is like that of Sura Tauheed in Holy Qur’an.

Ali’s friendship and love eats away sins as fire consumes wood.

I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate and whoever is in pursuit of knowledge should enter through the gate.

Ali’s right over Muslims is the same as the right of a father over his son.

Ali is the top judge among Muslims.

Ali’s friend is my friend and Ali’s enemy is my enemy and my enemy is Allah’s enemy.

Hypocrite will not be a friend of Ali and Faithful (Momin) will not be his enemy.

Whoever curses Ali curses me.

Looking at the face of Ali is ibaadat.

Your flesh is my flesh and my flesh is your flesh.

If Allah would not create Ali, there would be no one equivalent to marry Fatima.

O’Ali, you will be the distributor of Heaven and Hell on the Day of Judgment

After me there will be chaos, but you should follow Ali.

My Ahlul Bayt among you is like the boat of Noah, whoever boarded will be successful.

If a person prays for the time of Noah’s age, if he has gold equal to the weight of the mount of Uhad and he gives it away as charity, and if he could have time to perform one thousand Hajj and if he is murdered between the Mounts of Safa and Merwa, but he does not love Ali then he will not even smell the scent of Paradise.

Whoever recites Salawaat on me and Ali will enter Paradise.

If people would have agreed on the love and friendship of Ali, Hell would not be created.

Ali and his shias will be enjoying the blessings of Allah in Paradise.

Ali is the best among your men, and his sons Hasan and Hussain are the best among your youth, and Fatima is the best among your women.

Ali’s blow of Zulfiqar on Amr ibne Abdu Wudd in the Battle of Khandaq is superior to the prayers of men and jinn till the Day of Judgement.

Of whomever I am the ‘Maula’, Ali is also his ‘Maula’

I am leaving behind two very important and heavy things; one is the Holy Qur’an and the other is my Ahlul Bayt. If you follow them you will be successful. They will not be separated till they arrive at the Fountain of Kausar. 

IMAM ALI (AS)'S KNOWLEDGE

As it has been stated in earlier article, more than 300 verses of Holy Qur’an have been revealed in praise of Imam Ali (AS), some of these are reproduced below:

1. Sura Ar-Ra’d verse 43 “ And those who disbelieve say “You are not a messenger” say O Muhammad, Sufficient is Allah as witness between me and you, (and the witness of) whoever has the knowledge of the Scripture”
2. Sura An-Nisa verse 59 “O You who believed, obey Allah, obey the Messenger and those in authority among you”
3. Sura Al-A’Raf verse 48 “And the companions of the Elevation will call to men (within Hell) whom they recognize by their mark, saying “ Of no avail to you was your gathering and (the fact ) that you were arrogant”
4. Sura Fatir verse 32 “Then we caused to inherit the Book those we have chosen...”

The Holy Prophet (P) said

1. I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate.
2. Ali is the most knowledgeable and wise person.
3. Ali is the most judicious person.
4. Whoever wants to see knowledge of Adam, acumen of Noah, piety of Yahya, dread of Musa should look at Ali.
5. Ali will fight for the interpretation of Qur’an as I fought on the revelation.

Imam Ali (AS) has said:

1. I know the true nature of every thing.
2. Ask me about anything on the earth or the skies.(he was the only man in history to have given such a challenge)

Islamic learning rotates on the pivot of his intellect. There was no branch of science which was either founded by him or had a big part in its foundation. He had left deep marks on social sciences. From spiritual point of view, there is a hadees that the Prophet (P) and Imam Ali (AS) were made of one light (noor) long before Adam was created.  This universe was created in front of them hence they knew the nature of every thing. Further more, the Prophet (P) had given his sacred tongue in the mouth of infant Ali in Kabaa, hence it was the effect of the prophetic saliva that all types of knowledge were transmitted to him. As a sample we can narrate few incidents of his matchless intellect and divine knowledge:

Abdullah bin Abbas was in his presence when he explained in detail the meaning and significance of alphabet ‘Ba’ in the verse Bismillah Hirrahmanir Rahim. Near the time of dawn, he said that he could write the explanations of ‘Ba’ which could be so enormous as to form the load of 70 camels!

He said that he was thoroughly familiar with each and every verse of Holy Qur’an, when and where and for whom it was revealed.

He said that the Holy Prophet (P) taught him one thousand parts of knowledge and he revealed one thousand parts from each part.

According to Ibine Abbas, the famous narrator of hadees, that Allah created ten parts of knowledge and awarded nine parts to Ali (AS) and one part to every one and even in that Ali’s share dominated.

A person asked him if he had seen Allah to which he replied that he had seen by Gnostic eyes. He said that if he had time he would render decisions for Christians from Bible, for Jews from Torah.

According to Jundab bin Abdullah, he was fighting along with Imam Ali (AS) during the Battle of Nahravan, when Imam Ali said that only ten enemy’s soldiers will be left alive and rest of them will be killed and only nine of his companions will be martyred. Jundab said after the battle was over he counted and found that Imam Ali (AS)’s forecast was accurate.

Once a very pious man named Muzar asked Imam Ali (AS)

1. Who was the masculine born without parents? Imam replied “Adam”
2. Who was the feminine born without parents?   Imam replied “ Eve”
3. Who was that masculine born without father?  Imam replied “ Jesus”
4. Who was the prophet who was neither from men nor Jinn nor angel? Imam    replied “the crow who taught Qaabeel to bury his brother Haabeel”
5. Which was the grave which roamed around with its inmate? Imam replied “ The fish which carried Prophet Younus for three days”
6. Which was that animal who warned its companions? Imam replied “ The ant which warned about Prophet Suleiman’s approaching army”
7. Which was the body which ate but did not drink? Imam replied “ the baton of Prophet Musa which swallowed the magician’s snakes”
8. Which is that land on which sun shined only once? Imam relied “ River Nile which gave way for Prophet Musa and his followers”
9. Which was the stone that gave birth to a living thing? Imam replied “ Female camel of Prophet Saleh”
10. Who was the woman who gave birth in three hours? Imam replied “ Lady Miriam who was pregnant in one hour, one hour in labor pain , one hour in delivery”
11. What are the two moving things which will not be stationery? Imam replied “Sun and the Moon”
12. Who are the two friends who will never be enemies? Imam replied “ Body and the soul”
13. Who are the two enemies who will never be friends? Imam replied “ Life & death”
14. What is a thing (shay)? Imam replied “ Faithful”
15. What is nothing (la shay)? Imam replied “ Disbeliever”
16. What is the most beautiful thing? Imam replied “ Face of a human being”
17. What is the ugliest thing? Imam replied “ A body without head”
18. What is the first thing made in the womb? “ Imam replied “ Finger used in reciting Kalema”
19. What is the thing which falls last in the grave? Imam replied “End of spinal cord”

During the period of the second caliph, there was a case in which two women gave birth to a boy and a girl. The girl’s mother switched her baby with the boy of another woman. When the matter was brought to the caliph, he could not resolve it and requested Imam Ali (AS) to help. Imam Ali (AS) asked to bring weights and a bottle and both women to fill the bottle with their milk. He gave the boy to the woman whose milk was heavier and the girl to the woman whose milk was lighter.

During the period of the first caliph, the Caesar of Rome sent huge gifts to the Prophet (P) when he had already expired. When the matter was communicated back to him he sent three questions and said that whoever replied it correctly must be the vicegerent of the Prophet (P) and the gifts should be given to him. Questions were: What is that thing which is not for God? What is that thing which is not with God? What is that thing which is not known to God? The caliph was angry by the nature of questions and requested Imam Ali (AS) to help. He said the thing which is not for God is his partner. The thing which is not with God is their belief that Jesus was son of God while God does not have any son. Lastly, the thing which is not known to God is oppression. After listening to Imam Ali (AS), the ambassador of Rome recited kalema, became a Muslim and delivered the royal gifts to him.