LEADER OF THE OPPRESSED, INDIGENT AND FREEDOM FIGHTERS

The Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.) was born on 3^rd Sha’ban 4 A.H. His father was the Conqueror of Khyber, the Lion of Allah, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.). His mother was the Lady of Paradise, the Chief of the women of the world, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), the daughter of the Chief of the Prophets of Allah (s.w.t.), the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). After the birth, Jibra’il descended on earth with greetings from Allah s.w.t.) to him (s.a.w.a.s.) and directed to name the new born as “Husayn” and conveyed the news that he will be mercilessly martyred by the so called, in the desert of Karbala, depriving him water for three days. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) cried and his daughter also cried upon hearing the impending tragedy. On inquiry from Sayyida Fatima (s.a.), the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) forecasted that Allah will create a nation who will cry on her son Husayn (a.s.). She promised that she will not enter the Paradise until every mourner of her son enters the Paradise.  There is a famous tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) which says, “Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn”

When the people interfered in the Divine scheme of leadership and elected their own leaders, the deviation started and the leadership settled in the arch-enemies of Islam and the Prophet of Allah, the hypocrites Bani Umayyads. Muawiya, after breaking the truce with the grandson of the Prophet of Allah, the Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.), appointed his son Yazid to be the caliph of Muslims. Yazid openly ridiculed Islam and Islamic tenets. After he became the caliph, he demanded the grandson of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s) to pay allegiance to him, to get the seal of approval for all his anti-Islamic actions from Imam Husayn (a.s.).

Imam Husayn (a.s.), who was one of the Pure ones in the Qur’anic Ayah of Purity (Surah al-Ah’zab Ayah 33) and included in the “Truthful” according to Ayah 61 of Surah Al-Imran, could never pay allegiance to a vicious, immoral and tyrant person.

Imam Husayn stood for and defended the human rights, human dignity, freedom of speech, justice, the rights of the oppressed, compassion and mercy to even his enemy, forgiveness and clemency, chivalry and bravery, faith and sacrifice.

He saved not only Islam but all the Abrahamic faiths revealed by Allah from beginning of time. Before the tragedy of Karbala, the world knew only the rule of “Might is Right” The Day of Ashura introduced even more powerful rule to this world; “The Right is the Might”

Mahatma Gandhi of India said, “I learned from Husayn, how to achieve victory while being oppressed.” The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Nehru said, “Imam Husayn (a.s.) ‘s sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of the path of Righteousness.” Former President of India Dr. Radha Krishna said, “Though Imam Husayn gave his life 1300 years ago, but his indestructible soul rules the hearts of the people even today.”

There is a saying that, “Every land is Karbala and every day is Ashura”

Most of the freedom movements in the world draw inspiration from Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s powerful sacrifice.

When this small band of freedom fighters left Makkah, and was travelling towards Iraq, Yazid’s army commander Hurr leading an army of about one thousand soldiers met Imam Husayn (a.s.). They were thirsty. Imam Husayn asked his brother Abbas ibn Ali (a.s.) to let the enemy be provided with water even to their horses. While travelling in the desert, water is a precious commodity but the son of “Saqi-e-Kusar” offered his water resources to the enemy.

The famous Urdu poet Josh Malih’abadi said, “Insan ko bedar tu holane do Har qaum pukaregi hamare hain Husayn.” It may be translated as, “Let the human beings be awakened, every nation will claim to own Imam Husayn” 

THE GREAT SACRIFICE

Eid al-Azha is the Divine order to remember the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Is’mail. Prophet Ibrahim saw in a dream that he was slaughtering his son. He saw this dream for two nights. Prophet Ibrahim prayed for a son for many years and Allah granted him Is ‘mail at the age of 90 years. When Prophet Is ‘mail was of the age of 11 or 12 years, then Prophet Ibrahim saw the dream.

The Glorious Qur’an describes the event in the following manner in Surah al-Sa’ffat Ayahs 102 to 108, “When his son was old enough to work with him, he said, “My son, I have had a dream that I must sacrifice you. What do you think of this?” He replied, “Father, fulfill whatever you are commanded to do and you will find me patient, by the Will of Allah.” When they both agreed and Ibrahim laid down his son on the side of his face (for slaughtering), We called to him, Ibrahim! you have fulfilled what you were commanded to do in your dream. “Thus, do We reward the righteous ones. It was certainly an open trial. We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice and perpetuated his praise in later generations.” After Prophet Ibrahim opened his eyes, he saw that a ram was slaughtered and his son was standing nearby smiling!

There are many interpretations for what the “great sacrifice” was. Some commentators suggested that the ram was the “great sacrifice”. There is no comparison between a Prophet and a ram. Yet some others say that the “King of Martyrs” the Infallible Imam Husayn ibn Ali (a.s.)’s sacrifice in Karbala was the “great Sacrifice”. Imam Husayn (a.s.) cannot be the ransom for Prophet Is ‘mail as it is universally accepted that the Infallible Imams (a.s.) are superior to all the Prophets except the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.) was known to the Prophets Adam, Nuh, and Ibrahim. At the time of the sacrifice of Prophet Is ‘mail, the seeds of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), the Chief of the Women of the world Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and all the Infallible Imams (a.s.), were in the loins of Prophet Is ‘mail and if he would have been slaughtered at that time, the seeds of all Imams would have destroyed. 

The famous companion of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari inquired from the Infallible Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) about it and he (a.s.) replied, “O Jabir, there is an interior of the Qur’an and an interior of the interior. And it has an exterior and an exterior of the exterior of the Qur’an.” There are many meanings of the Ayahs of the Qur’an. If one believes in the apparent meaning, it does not mean that one denies the inner interpretations.

   

According to Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari that Fazal narrates that Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.) said, “Prophet Ibrahim wished that if he would have been allowed to slaughter his son with his own hands, he would have been eligible for the rewards of grief-stricken people. Thus, Allah revealed to him, “O Ibrahim! Who is more beloved to you among all the creatures? Ibrahim replied: O My Lord! None among your creatures is as much beloved to me as Your beloved, Muhammad.” The revelation asked: Is he more precious to you or your own self? He said that he was more beloved to him than himself. Then he was asked whether Muhammad’s son was more beloved to him or his own son (Ismail). Ibrahim replied, “His (Muhammad’s) son is more beloved to me.” At that time Allah informed Ibrahim, “Would you be more aggrieved upon his oppressive slaughter or upon the slaughter of your son by your own hands under My orders?” Ibrahim replied that he would be more aggrieved on the slaughter of Prophet’s son at the hands of the enemies. Then the Almighty informed him that a group would think that they are from nation of Muhammad and after Muhammad they would unjustly slay his son like a ram is slaughtered. And those people would be eligible for the divine wrath due to this act. Hearing this incident, Ibrahim (a.s.) became restless and his heart became aggrieved and began to weep.” At that time, Almighty Allah revealed: O Ibrahim! The grief you would have suffered due to slaughtering Ismail with your own hands, We have ransomed it with this restlessness that you experienced due to Husayn and his slaying and I have bestowed you with the highest position of the grief-stricken people; and that is the aim of the divine saying, “And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.”

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an, Bihar-ul-Anwar by Allama Majlisi, Understanding Karbala by Allama Saeed Akhter Rizvi 

THE KING OF MARTYRS - IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)'S MIGRATION FROM MADINAH TO MAKKAH

In the history of Islam, there is no instance when any Infallible Imam (a.s.) had ever attacked first on any suspected enemy in either open encounter or from a hiding place. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) never attacked an enemy who was disarmed or unable to defend himself. He gave clear instructions to the Muslims in the light of the Glorious Qur’an, never to attack women, children, disabled, sick or one who run away from the battlefield. This principle saved the lives of Abu Sufiyan and Muawiya who ran away from the battlefield during their fight against the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The King of Martyrs Imam Husayn (a.s.) followed his grandfather and father during the entire course of events leading to the greatest tragedy in human history-Karbala. During this period, many of his friends offered to accompany him, the Imam dissuaded them saying that Yazid was after his blood.

The Makkans received him with great love and reverence and gathered around him for guidance. The Imam’s chief aim was to train people to be pious and God-fearing and strictly follow the Islamic practices. While he was still in Madinah, he had received hundreds of letters from Kufans, which increased to 12,000 after the death of Muawiya. They complained about the oppressive, vicious and merciless killing of innocent people by the governor of Basra, Ibn Ziyad. The letters emphasized that they were left without an Imam, and as the Imam of the time it was incumbent upon him to come to the rescue of the oppressed and to render justice, and if he failed to do so, he would be responsible before God.

Imam Husayn (a.s.) replied to their appeals and told them that he was sending his trusted cousin Muslim bin Aqil to let him know the real affairs in Kufa and that the people were unanimously petitioned that they were without an Imam for guidance. Further he was not planning to come as a conqueror but as an Imam fettered by the chains of Divine laws to act justly and righteously. He was not an opportunist to empower himself with the support of the disgruntled and impatient masses.

At Mina, Imam Husayn (a.s.) gave a sermon: “You are fully aware of the tyranny and oppression of Mu’awiya and Yazid. By God and the close relationship between me and the Messenger of Allah, I ask you to bear witness to what I shall say, and to write it down and propagate my speech to everyone in your city. I apprehend that the truth will be buried and falsehood will be made to prevail. Is not Muhammad the Messenger of Allah? Is not Fatima the only child of the Prophet and Chief of the women in Paradise? Is not Ali the cousin and deputy of the Prophet? Have you not heard that the Prophet say, when he created brother hood between his followers that Ali was a brother to him like Aron was to Moses? Am I not the son of Ali and Fatima? Have you not heard that the Prophet say that I and my brother Hasan are the masters of the youth in Paradise? Is it true that when the Prophet constructed the mosque, he had all the doors closed except the one leading to the house of Ali and Fatima, and when Umar wanted to open a chink in the wall of his house so that he could peep into the mosque, the Prophet sternly forbid it? Is it true that on the day of Mubahaila with the Christians, the Prophet took my mother Fatima to represent women, my father Ali to represent men and I and my brother Hasan to represent the children of the Prophet? This the Prophet did in accordance with what was revealed to him by God. Have you not heard the Prophet say that ‘Fatima, Ali, Hasan and Husayn are from me and I am from them’ and ‘they are my Ahlul Bayt’? Have you not heard the Prophet say that’one who loves my Ahlul Bayt loves me and one who loves me loves Allah, and he who opposes my Ahlul Bayt opposes me and one who opposes me oppose Allah’?” The people said, “We affirm the truthfulness of what you said.”

The Imam (a.s.) said, “I make it obligatory on all of you gathered here to repeat all what you have heard from me now, to your kith and kin, friends and acquaintances, in villages, towns and cities and wherever you find two believers gathered in one place.” 

  

            Source: The Hidden Truth about Karbala by A.K. Ahmed

THE MARTYRDOM OF THE INFALLIBLE IMAM MUHAMMAD AL-BAQIR (A.S.)

The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) was the fifth divinely appointed leader (Imam) of the Muslims. He (a.s.) was the son of the Infallible Imam Ali Zain-al-Abidin (a.s.), son of the Infallible the King of Martyrdom Imam Husayn (a.s.), son of the Conqueror of Khyber, the Gateway of Knowledge, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). His mother was Sayyida Fatima Umm Abdullah, daughter of the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.).

The Divine scheme was to appoint Infallible Imams after the termination of Prophet hood. It started with the birth of Imam Ali (a.s.) in the Holy Ka’ba, a unique distinction not accorded to any human being, not even a Prophet. Imam Ali was raised by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and was formally appointed a vicegerent at the “Feast of Zul’Ashirah” when young Imam Ali (a.s.) vowed to support him and complied with that promise throughout his life. He (a.s.) defended Islam and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). When the Prophetic mission was nearing completion, at the Pond of Khum, the Divine reminder was communicated by the Ayah 67 of Surah al-Ma’idah, “O Messenger, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord…”. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) responded and appointed Imam Ali (a.s.) his vicegerent in front of more than 120,000 pilgrims.

The members of this “Golden Chain” never sought the worldly position. Allah has provided the option to the human beings and the mankind has to pick up the right and virtue as mentioned in Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 256, “There is no compulsion in religion. Certainly, right has become clearly distinct from wrong.” The worldly kings were all along jealous and afraid of the divinely appointed Imams as the Muslims were attracted towards them and they in turn continued to guide the Muslims.

During the period of Walid bin Abdul Malik, the Byzantine currency was in use and they decided to issue a new currency with a phrase which was considered derogatory to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) advised the king to issue a new coin with a statement “La Ilaha Illallah” on one side and “Muhammad Rasool Allah” on the other side of the coin. It was unanimously approved by all and for the first time an Islamic coin was minted.

During the period of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, he stopped the tradition started by Muawiya ibn Abu Sufiyan of cursing Imam Ali (a.s.) from the pulpits of Muslim empire! It is an irony of fate that the person who was treated as “Nafse Rasool” in Surah al-Imran Ayah 61, “If any one disputes after knowledge has come to you, say, “Let us bring our sons and you bring your sons, bring our women and you bring your women, bring ourselves and you bring your selves and curse the liars.” He was cursed by the order of Muawiya bin Abu Sufiyan!

Similarly, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz wept in the presence of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) for the injustice inflicted upon Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and returned the Territory of Fadak to him. It was from the revenue of the lands and orchards of Fadak that the Imam opened schools in Madinah wherein thousands of students came to learn the Glorious Qur’an and its true and correct meaning along with the Hadiths. It is reported by many historians that during the life time of the Imam (a.s.) about 25,000 students graduated from these schools and about 400 books of Hadiths were compiled under the Imam (a.s.)’s guidance.

As it happened with other divinely appointed leaders (Imams), the Umayyad king Hisham bin Abdul Malik skillfully arranged to poison the Imam in the saddle of the horse he was riding. He was martyred on 7 Zilhijja 114 A.H. and was laid to rest in Jannat-ul-Baqi in Madinah al-Munawara.

SAYINGS OF IMAM MUHAMMAD BAQIR (A.S.): “Our followers are of three kinds, one who follows us but depends on others, one who is like a glass involved in his own reflections, but the best are those who are like gold, they more they suffer the more they shine.”

“I admonish you regarding five things; if you are wronged, do not commit wrong doing to others, if you are betrayed, do not betray anyone, if you are called a liar, do not be furious, if you are praised, do not be jubilant, if you are criticized, do not fret and think of what is said in criticism, if you find in yourself what is criticized about you, then you are falling down in the eyes of God; when you are furious about the truth, it is much greater calamity then your falling down in the eyes of the people. And if you are opposite of what is said (in criticism) about you, then it is a merit you acquired without having to tire in obtaining it.”

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

THE MARRIAGE OF THE UNIQUE FATIMA (S.A.) AND ALI (A.S.)

Allah had gifted Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) the intellectual maturity and integrity of conduct. Her religious faculties and literary knowledge was matchless. History has not witnessed any other woman who has achieved the supreme 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 her father, the Noble 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 that 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 perfect embodiment of Islamic teachings and the supreme and matchless masculine and noble qualities he possessed. They were the most suitable couple to be united in the matrimonial bonds, but he was too modest to speak about it. After some persuasions from the companions, he finally went to the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)  and proposed for the marriage. He (s.a.w.a.s.) discussed it with Sayyida Fatima Zahra (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?” She (s.a.) did not reply, nor did she show any signs of rejection or resentment, so He (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 material standing for the wedding. As this marriage was 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 him (s.a.w.a.s.), he sold his shield of armor for 500 Dirham and brought the money to him (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 showed her greatness, honor and excellence of the Lady of Paradise.The marriage was solemnized by the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) himself and after the marriage the couple moved to a separate house next to the Masjid-al-Nabavi.

Ibne Ta’uoos narrates that he (s.a.w.a.s.) had purchased a new dress for her wedding. On her wedding night, a needy person knocked at the door and requested for any old clothes. She (s.a.) was about to give her old dress with patches on it, when she remembered the Qur’anic verse of Surah al-Imran Ayah 92 “You can never have extended virtue and righteousness unless you spend part of what you dearly love”. She gave the poor man her wedding dress. Consequently, the Jibra’il descended and said, “O Muhammad, Allah sends His blessings to you; He commanded me to greet Fatima and give her the gift He sent her which is a dress from Paradise, made of silk, and brocade.”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) asked Imam Ali (a.s.) to hold a feast 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, 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 his (s.a.w.a.s.) presence, 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, perfume 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, Jibra’il was on her right side, and Meka’il was on left side and seventy thousand angels followed her. These angels praised and glorified Allah until dawn.Upon arriving, the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) gave Sayyida Fatima’s hand into 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 in 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 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, he continued as “Allah, the Omnipotent king, chose the one who was bestowed with special Divine Honor, and the worshipper of His Greatness, for His worshipper, 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 believing companion, and was prompt in answering his call- Ali the devout, with Fatima, the splendid and the daughter of the Messenger. “Then, Jibra’il 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 Worshipper in marriage to Ali My chosen worshipper. So, bear witness O My angels.” (Bihar ul Anwaar)

It is to be noted that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) performed the marriage ceremony in the mosque and announced the dowry. For the Dowry, he said “Avoid exaggerations in (the amounts of) dowries, because this causes enmity (between you)” Then he (s.a.w.a.s) also assigned the desirable practice of limiting the dowry to 500 Dirhams. He and the Infallible Imams never exceeded this amount of dowry in marriages.

Next day, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) visited the couple and asked Imam Ali (a.s.), “Ali how did you find your wife?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “The best companion in giving service to the Creator!”

Sources:

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

SALAAT-AL-AYAAT

Salaat-al-Ayaat is obligatory on every Muslim. “Ayah” means Sign. Abnormal and unusual celestial phenomena which may generate fear among the people requires the faithful to pray special Salaat called “Salaat-al-Ayaat”. It directs the Muslims towards the Almighty Allah, who created these heavenly bodies, rain and thunder.

Salaat-al-Ayat is required to be performed at the time of Solar or Lunar Eclipses, earthquakes, severe wind storms. It is imperative to perform this salaat as soon as the abnormal phenomena starts with the intention of “Ada”. If for some reasons it could not be performed on time, then as soon as possible thereafter it should be performed with the intention of “Qaza”

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) guided the people when his son, Ibrahim died, it was a Solar Eclipse. The people speculated that because of the death of Prophet’s son, it caused Solar Eclipse. On hearing these comments, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) mounted the pulpit and said, “O People! The sun and the moon are the Signs of Allah. They run on the specified courses on His Command, and they are subservient to Him. Eclipses takes place irrespective of life or death of anyone. So, if there is a Solar or Lunar Eclipse, you offer the prayer.”

The Infallible Imam Jaffar as-Sadiq (a.s.) narrated that his father, the Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said, “Earthquakes, Solar and Lunar Eclipse, strong and dreadful winds, are among the Signs of the Day of Resurrection. Whenever you happen to witness them, think of the Day of Resurrection, seek refuge in the mosques, and stand in prayer.”   

Salaat-al-Ayaat is obligatory and should be recited during the life-time.

Methods of reciting Salaat-al-Ayaat:

1.It is two rak’a prayer like morning (Fajr) prayer. In each ra’at, there are five Roku’. After making intention (Niyyah) of offering salaat, one should say Takbir and then recite Surah al-Hamd and any other Surah and then bent into Roku’ and recite the Zikr. Thereafter, one should stand straight and recite Surah al-Hamd and any other Surah, then bent into Roku’ and recite the Zikr. Thereafter, one should stand straight and continue as stated above to complete five Roku’. One should proceed to prostrate two Sajda. After standing up, one should repeat the above procedure to perform five Roku’ and complete two sajda and finish the salaat.

2.Another way to perform the Salaat-al-Ayaat is to make intention of the salaat, say takbir then recite Surah al-Hamd. Then recite any other Surah but split in five parts. After completing one part, bent into Roku’, say the Zikr then stand up and recite other part of the Surah, bent into Roku’, say the Zikr then stand up and recite the third part and bent into Roku’. Complete the five parts of the other Surah as stated above then prostrate two sajda to complete first Rak’a. Stand up and repeat the procedure as performed in first Rak’a. Complete the second Rak’a and finish the salaat.

The prerequisites of performing regular obligatory salaat like purification, direction of Qibla and Zikr in Roku’, Qunoot, Sajda, Salaam and Tasha ‘Hud, are applicable in Salaat-al-Ayaat as well.

Salaat-al-Ayaat is obligatory whether it is partial or complete Eclipse.

Sources: Islamic Laws by Ayatollah Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani

               Salaat al-Ayaat by Hujjatul Islam Muhsin al-Qara’ati

               Prayer for the Signs-imamreza.net

SAYYIDA NAFISA - THE GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER OF IMAM HASAN (A.S.)

Sayyida Nafisa was the daughter of al-Hasan al-Anwar, the son of Hazrat Zayd, son of the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.). She is well-known for her worship, asceticism, narrating hadiths, generosity and memorization of the Glorious Qur’an. She was born in Madinah al-Munawara on 11 Rabi-ul-Awwal 145 A.H. Their house was near the house of the Infallible Imam Jaffar as-Sadiq (a.s.). She used to pray behind her father in Masjid-al-Nabawi at the age of six. She became well-known for her piety, fasting during the day and spending nights in prayers.

She was married at the age of 16 to her cousin Ishaq al-Mu’tamin, the son of the Infallible Imam Jaffar as-Sadiq (a.s.). It is said that initially, her father did not agree with the marriage, however, after a dream in which the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered him to agree with the marriage, he decided to accept the request. Ishaq al-Mu’tamin was famous for his piety, knowledge and reliability in narrating hadiths. He witnessed the Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.)’s last will to his son; the Infallible Imam Ali ar-Raza (a.s.). Because of his trustworthiness, he was called “al-Mu’tamin”. They had two children named al-Qasim and Umm Kulthum.

Sayyida Nafisa along with her father, migrated to Egypt in the year 193 A.H. When the people of Egypt heard about her arrival, they flocked to welcome her. According to “Nasikh al-Tawarikh”, she received profound respect and high status while people asked her for blessings.” She was over-whelmed by the substantial number of visitors in her modest house, and, she had no time for herself to pray and supplicate, she decided to leave Egypt. When people heard about her decision to leave, they approached the governor to arrange for her residence. The governor, al-Sirri bin al-Hakam, gifted a house to her, wherein she lived for the rest of her stay in Egypt.

She was so much attached to the Glorious Qur’an, it is said that she had read the Glorious Qur’an 1900 times. It is reported that she breathed her last while reciting the Ayah 127 of Surah al-An ‘am of the Glorious Qur’an, “They will live in peace with Allah. Allah protects them as a reward for their deeds; He is their Guardian.” She had performed 7 Hajj.  Because of the fear of God, she would have tears in her eyes. She fasted most of the days and prayed at nights. She had dug-up her own grave and used to recite the Glorious Qur’an and prayed in it!

Some of the writers have expressed their thoughts about her piety, knowledge and compliance to Allah’s directives:

Yafai Yamani said, “She was a virtuous, gracious and respectable woman”

Ibn Khallakan said, “She was skilled in narrating hadiths and some of the great scholars have quoted her.”

Saleh al-Wardani said, “She shed tears for fear of God, memorized Qur’an and was familiar with its Tafsir”

Some of the great scholars were her students e.g. Mohammad bin Idris al-Shafi’i, Ahamd bin Muhammad bin Hanbal, Dhul Nun al-Misri, Bushar bin Haritha. She financially supported Muhammad Idris Shafi’I for education.

Some of her extra-ordinary acts included curing the sick, saving the Egyptians and saving the River Niles from drought, preventing a ship from sinking, helping the poor, freeing a prisoner through intercession.

She passed away on the 1^st. Ramadan, 208 A.H. Her husband wanted to take her body to Madinah. The people requested him to bury her in Egypt and on receiving an order in the dream by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), he agreed to bury her in Egypt. A mausoleum was erected on her grave and even today, it is the most visited site.

Sources: WIKISHIA, WIKIPEDIA, MOSAIC, SUNNAH.ORG