THE PROPHET YOUNUS (JONAS), THE COMPANION OF THE FISH

The story of Prophet Younus (Jonas) is narrated in three Surahs of the Glorious Qur’an viz Al-Anbiya, As-Saffa’at, Al-Qalam.  In Ayah 87 of Surah al-Anbiya, he is referred as “Zan-Nun”. The Arabic word “Nun” means a huge fish or crocodile. Zan-Nun means ‘The possessor of crocodile’ He was the descendant of Prophet Hud born before 825B.C. in Neynawa, Iraq. He invited people towards Monotheism and struggled against corruption for 40 years, but no one accepted his invitation except a few. When he was disappointed with them, he decided to curse them, and Allah accepted his plea and informed him of the time of punishment to fall on the people. Before the arrival of chastisement, he went away from his people and boarded a ship. Surah As-Saffa’t Ayah 140 uses the word “Abaqa” meaning ‘a ran away slave’ shows how Allah treats a high stationed Prophet, by virtue of his “leaving the better” (Tark-e-Ula), treats him like a ran away slave!  His “Tark Ula was twofold; he made haste in invoking Allah’s Chastisement on his people and left his people instead of staying with them to the end. While on the ship, a huge fish came near it with open mouth as if asking for food. The captain of the ship said that it seemed there was a sinner on board (or that there was excessive weight in the ship hence one person was to be off-loaded), and they cast lots 3 times and each time it came for Younus; hence they threw him into the waiting mouth of the fish. Allah ordered the huge Fish not to hurt him. Ayah 143 and 144 of Surah As-Saffa’t which says, “So had he not been of those that Glorify Allah, He would have tarried in its belly until the Day of Resurrection.”

As for the period for which he was in the belly of that huge fish, there are reports stating that time varying from 9 hours to many weeks. There is no definite proof for that. In Tafsir Noor al-Thaqalayn by Ali ibn Ibrahim that the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said that Prophet Younus was in the belly of the fish for 9 hours.

Allah protected four Prophets in relation with water in different forms: Younus was protected under the water, Noah on the water, Musa and Yousuf near the water. He supplicated to Allah as, “La Ilaha Illah Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minazzalimeen.” “There is no god but you (O my Lord!) Glory be to You! Verily I was of the unjust ones!”. Allah accepted his Du’a’ and ordered the huge fish to throw him out near a sea-side. He became sick being inside the belly and Allah by His infinite Mercy, caused to grow the plant of gourds over Younus which has large leaves full of water and prevents insects approach it. As a practical advice facing any calamity or hardship, one should realize that except for Allah there is no support or savior. Do not have any misgivings about Allah and accept your mistake or sin. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had advised us to invoke any Beautiful Names of Allah (Asma-ul-Husna) relevant to the situation for acceptance of Du’a’.

When Prophet Younus left his people, they were shocked severely for the approaching Divine Wrath and went to a learned man and under his leadership decided to repent. They went to a desert keeping men, women and children separate, cried loudly for the sins which resulted in the termination of Allah’s Wrath.

Later, Prophet Younus returned to his people to see the extent of punishment but was surprised to see what repentance had done to them that from idol-worshipers they had turned into worshipers of Allah.

Lessons drawn from this story:

Sins or even “Leaving the better” Tark Ula from a Prophet is not acceptable.

Realization of sins and supplication seeking Allah’s forgiveness.

A community destined to face the Allah’s Wrath may revert to virtues as early as possible and repent to Allah.

Faith and abstention from sins may increase Blessings and Gifts of Allah.

Allah is the Most Powerful and nothing is impossible for Him.

Sources: The Holy Qur’an by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali and Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

                  The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

THE DIVINE GIFT AND JUSTICE

This is the story of a gift by the Almighty to an obedient son and the solution of a murder mystery during the time of Prophet Musa. A young man from the Israelite was murdered and the murderer was untraceable, hence people approached the Prophet Musa for help, who with the guidance of the Almighty Allah solved the mystery. Justice was the identifying the murderer by touching one part of a special cow. Below given is the outcome of this episode:

The Israelite cow is narrated in the Glorious Qur’an in the Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 67 to 74, “And remember when Musa said to his people, “Surely, Allah commands you that you should sacrifice a cow.” They said, “Do you mock us?” He said: I take refuge with Allah from being one of the ignorant!” They said, “Ask your Lord for us to make it clear to us what she is.” Musa said, “He says: Surely She is a cow neither old nor young., but of middle age; so, do what you are commanded.” They said, “Ask your Lord for us to make it clear to us what color she should be.” Musa said, “He says she should be yellow cow, bright in color, giving delight to the beholders.” They said, “Ask your Lord for us to make it clear to us what kind of cow must it be, for surely to us the cows are all alike, and if Allah wills, we shall be surely be guided aright.” Musa said, “Verily, He says: Verily, she is a cow not yet trained to till the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth. Then they offered her in sacrifice.” “And remember when you killed a man and disputed thereon: but Allah was to bring forth what you were hiding.” “So, We said: Strike him (the corpse) with a part of it (the sacrificed cow). Thus, Allah gives life to the dead and shows you of His Signs, so that you might understand.”

The Israelite searched for the cow with those peculiar qualities, it was available only with a pious young man who sold it for a leather bag full of gold. One of the companions of Prophet Musa narrated the back-ground of the cow and said that there was a young Israelite who was very obedient and respectful to his father. One day he came to get some money from his father for a business transaction. The father was sleeping, and the keys were kept below his pillow. He did not want to disturb his father and let go the business. When the father woke up and heard the whole episode, he was very happy and sought blessings of Allah for him and gave away the cow to him.

When a part of the sacrificed cow was touched with the corpse, it revived, and it was a young man who identified his cousin as the murderer.

The Divine Gift was the water bag full of gold to the pious young man who was respectful towards his father and cared so much for his comfort. The justice was the identification of the real murderer in an abnormal manner.

These are Almighty’s mysterious ways to reward the pious!

Sources: Tafsir al-Mizan of Ayatollah Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai translated in Urdu by Ayatollah Hassan Raza              

Ghadeeri

Tafsir-e-Namoona Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi translated in Urdu by Sayyid Safdar Husayn Najafi (r.a.)

THE TWELFTH INFALLIBLE IMAM MAHDI (A.T.F.)

Every religion in the world is waiting for the for the appearance of a “Savior”. The Muslims are also waiting for the Savior; the Shia Muslims and a majority of Sunni Muslims believe that he was born. He was named after the name of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He is also called by other names like Saheb az-Zaman, Mahdi, Qa’im etc.  His father was the Eleventh Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).

At the death-bed the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) had said, “I am leaving behind two weighty things; the Glorious Qur’an and my Pure Progeny. If you are attached to both, you will not go astray” As there is a constant struggle between Truth and Falsehood from the commencement of life on this planet, the same phenomena continued after the sad demise of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). The Umayyads and Abbasids continued to imprison, isolate, murder and poison the Pure Progeny of the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). After the martyrdom of the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari by the Abbasside king, Allah (s.w.t.) saved the 5-year Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) and placed him in occultation (invisible to the people). He will reappear when Allah wishes and fill the world with justice as it would be filled with oppressions and injustice.

There are many questions relating to his abnormal disappearance, which may be addressed as follows:

1.      How a 5-year-old boy can become the Imam of the mankind? Muslims gladly accept the Prophet hood of Prophet Isa when he was an infant!

2.      How can Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) live so long? Prophet Noah had lived and preached for 950 years. Prophet Isa is still alive and must be about 2000 years old! Al-Khizr is still alive, he was before the time of Prophet Musa, hence he must also be 3,000 years old. Hanafi scholar Sibt ibn al-Jawzi in his book “Tazkirat al-Khawas al-Ummah” page 325-328 gives the names of 22 people believed by Muslims to have lived from 300 to 3,000 years. Allah (s.w.t.) is most Powerful and when He (s.w.t.) intends to do anything, He says “Kun Fa Yakoon” and it is done. No one can dare to challenge His Will.

3.      Why Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) disappeared? When Allah (s.w.t.) ordered Prophet Adam and Shaytan (l.a.) to descend on earth and promised (out of His love for the mankind), He will send Guidance to humanity. “When My Guidance comes to you, those who follow it will not go astray.” (Ta-Ha 123). Consequently, He sent 124,000 prophets and after the demise of His last Messenger the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), and to continue with the Divine promise of Guidance, He started the Golden Chain of Imamate. The Infallible Imam Ali (a.s.) was the first Imam and Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) was designated as the last. But the hostile forces of evil continued either to slay or poison the eleven Divinely appointed Imams, hence to continue the Guidance of humanity, Allah (s.w.t.) placed Imam Mahdi in Occultation. Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) is guiding the humanity apparently obscured from the eyes but functioning as sun is supplying light and energy from behind the cloud!

After the “Great Occultation “till the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.), the Muslims were directed by Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) to follow such learned scholars who possessed complete and through knowledge of Halal and Haram. Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) said, “…turn to the narrators of our traditions, because they are proof to you, while I am the proof of Allah to them.”

Hence, the Shi’i Muslims unanimously elect the most pious and knowledgeable scholar as the Grand Marjah who leads a very simple life and responsible for the spiritual, social guidance of Muslims as a whole, protects Islam if attacked. He looks after the poor and needy.

It is the duty of his (Imam)s followers to practice what they believe – watch for Halal and Haram, practice the “Furu’-e-Deen” Branches of Islam, comply with the rights of the people specially the relatives, read and understand the Glorious Qur’an as frequently as practical, try to be a good representative of our Imams in our social dealings.

Sources: Life of Imam Mahdi by Allama Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi, The Sun behind the clouds by Allama Baqir Majlisi (r.a.) A shi’ite Encyclopedia – Special Specifications of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.)   

NIGHT PRAYER (NAMAZ-E-SHAB OR NAMAZ-E-TAHAJJUD)

The Night Prayers has been referred in the Glorious Qur’an in many places , some of them are; Surah al-Asra’ Ayah 79, “Say your special (Tahajjud) prayer during some part of the night as an additional (obligatory) prayer for you alone so that perhaps your Lord will raise you to a highly praiseworthy position.” Surah al-Muzammil Ayahs 1-4, “You who have wrapped yourself up with a mantle, worship Allah for a few hours at night. (Worship Him) for more or less than half of a night and recite the Qur’an in a distinct tone.” Surah al-Dha’riyat Ayah 17-18, “They slept very little during the night and asked for forgiveness in the early morning.” Surah al-Sajdah Ayah 16, “Their sides give up rest in beds in order to pray before their Lord in fear and hope. They spend for the cause of Allah out of what We have given them.”

The Infallible Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) quotes the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) as saying that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said that a person who performs the Salatal Layl gets the following 24 benefits:

“Secures Allah’s Pleasure, makes friends with the angels, is the Sunnah of the prophets, increases knowledge, physical fitness, drives Shaytan away, protection from enemies, causes acceptance of du’as and virtues, increase in sustenance, lightens his grave, companionship in the grave, facilitates questioning in the grave, provides shelter and clothes on the Day of Resurrection, protects from Hell Fire, gets Allah’s pardon, increases the weight of good deeds on the Scale, facilitates the crossing on the Bridge of Sira’at, and forms the Key to the Paradise.”

The Night Prayer may be performed from mid-night to the time of Adhan Fajr. The night prayer consists of 3 parts; Nawafil 8 raka’at, Shaf’a 2 raka’at, Witr

Nawafil may be performed like morning prayers 4 times. It is recommended to recite Surah Hamd in first raka’at followed by Surah Tawhid. In second raka’at recite Surah Ka’firun after Surah Hamd.

Shafa’ also like morning prayer but recite Surah Hamd and Surah Na’as in the first raka’at. In the second raka’at, recite Suarh Hamd and Surah Falaq.

Namaz-e-Witr consists of reciting Surah Hamd 1 time, Surah Tawhid 3 times, Surah Falaq 1 time and Surah Na’as 1 time. Recite following in Qunoot:

Bismillah HirRahman nirRahim * Laa Ilaha Illallahul Halimul Karim * Laa Ilaha Illallahul Aliyyul Azim * Subhaanallahi Rabbis Samaawaatis Sab * wa Rabbil Arzinas Sab * wa Maa Fihinna wa maa baynahunna * wa Rabbil Arshil Azim * Wal Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbil Aalamin.

Pray for the forgiveness of 40 or more Mu’mineen/Mu’minaat by taking individual names after “Allahummagh Firli” Recite Astaghfirulah Rabbi wa Atuubu Ilayh 70 times

Recite Haadhaa Maqaamul A’idhi Bika Minannaar 7 times

Recite “Al-Afwa” 300 times

Recite Rabbigfirli warhamni wa tubalaiyyi, Innaka Anta Tawwaburrahim

Complete the Namaz s usual by Rukuu, Sajdah, Tashahud, and Salaam

As Ta’khibaat, recite Tasbih-e-Fatima Zahra (s.a.), recite Ayatal Kursi, perform “Sajdah of Shukr” (5 times Subbuhun Quddusun Rabbil Malaekatil wa Ruhi)

                Sources: Ramadhan with the Holy Qur’an by Muhsin Qarati

                                Taqwa Advice of Ahlul Bayt by Sayyed Hussain Tooyserkani

                                Salat Layl by H.T. Kassamali

                                Duas.org

THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, IMAM ALI (A.S.)'S FOOD, DRESS AND GENEROSITY

All the Infallible Imams of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) demonstrated the superior quality of humility although they were the “selected ones” of Allah (s.w.t.). Worldly kings will show their superiority in display of enormous types of food on their food spread. The Progeny of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) were always with the down-trodden section of the Ummah barely affording 2 times of basic food.

Although, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had said, “Awwaluna Muhammad, Ausatuna Muhammad, A’keruna Muhammad, Kulluna Muhammad.” It means all the Twelve Infallible Imams represent the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). But there is a special place of the first Imam Ali (a.s.) when he (a.s.) was always with the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), showed his bravery in the battles with the faithless, was married to the Chief of the women of the world, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), his sons; Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (a.s.) are the Princes of the Paradise and all of them personified the contents of ayah of Purity (Al-Ah’zab:33) and Ayat of Mubahelah. (Ale Imran:61)

Imam Ali (a.s.) normal food was barley with salt and water. Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal reported by Sweda bin Ghafla in his “Masnad” that while he was in the presence of the Imam some pieces of bread were brought as his food which was hard to break. Also, in his Masnad, he quotes Tabayi bin Abi Rafey that once he witnessed that a sealed bag was brought which contained dry pieces of bread which he ate by softening with water. The Imam (a.s.) gave the reason for sealing because the Imam’s children would replace the dried bread with softer bread or apply oil on the bread!

Similarly, Kamaloddeen bin Muhammad Talha Sha’fei in his book “Matalebos -So’al” quotes Abdullah bin Zorara that once he went in the presence of Imam Ali (a.s.) on a Festival day, the usual poor man’s food was served. When Zorara pointed out, the Imam replied, “Abdullah bin Zorara, you have heard of mighty kings who have lead life of luxury. Let me be a ruler leading the life of a poor and humble person.”

Once, a beggar came and asked for food, the Imam offered the dry bread which he eats himself, he complained of hardness, the Imam directed him to the house of Imam Hasan (a.s.) where delicious food was being served. When the man reached there, he started saving some food. On inquiry from the Imam Hasan (a.s.), he said that he was saving for an old man who was eating dry bread. The Imam replied that he was his father and that was his house!

Imam Ali (a.s.) did not take any funds from the public treasury during his apparent khilafah and continued to wear the cotton garment he brought from Madinah. Imam Ahmad quotes Abu Naziya, the ready-made cloth merchant in Kufa that Imam Ali (a.s.) purchased two shirts from his shop, one was of a superior quality, which he gave to his slave Qambar and the other which was of rough quality and cheap, he reserved it for himself.

Imam Ali (a.s.) was hardworking man with pleasing personality. He worked hard to cultivate farming and orchards and then gave them away for the sake of Allah. Once, he dug a well and endowed in charity. He further elaborated in writing that its income should be used to help poor and destitute, travelers, to arrange expenses of marriages of orphans, medical expenses of the poor, any work to help for public benefit.  

THE MARTYRDOM OF THE SEVENTH INFALLIBLE IMAM MUSA AL-KAZIM (A.S.)

Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.) was born at Abwa-between Makkah and Madinah on 7^th Safar 128 A.H. His parents were the Infallible Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) and Hazrat Hamida (s.a.). His matchless devotion and worship of Allah had earned him the title of “al-Abd as-Saleh” (virtuous slave of Allah). Generosity was synonymous with his name which continued even after his Martyrdom. His additional title is “Babul Hawa’ij” (the door to fulfilling needs).

He passed twenty years of his sacred life under the patronage of his sacred father. His inherent genius and gifted virtues combined with the enlightened guidance of Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) reflected in the manifestation of his future personality. Allama Majlisi narrates that once Abu Hanifa came to ask some religious questions from Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.). As his father was sleeping, Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.), who was five years old at that time, came out to see him. After offering him his best compliments, he asked the young Imam (a.s.): “O Son of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)! What is your opinion about the deeds of a man? Does he himself do it or God makes him do it?”

The young Imam replied at once, in the typical tone of his ancestors, “The deeds of a man are confined to three possibilities. First, that God alone does them while the man is completely helpless. Second, that both God and man equally share the commitment. Third, the man does them alone. If the first assumption is true then it shows the unjustness of God, Who punishes His creatures who did not commit the sins by their free will. In case of second scenario, God is still unjust because He is equally responsible for the sin. Because God can never be unjust, hence the first two scenarios are out of question. Now only the third scenario is left in which the man is wholly responsible for his deeds.

His period of Imamate was 35 years. For the first decade, he discharged his spiritual responsibilities of his sacred office and propagated the Golden Teachings of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). But thereafter, the kings made his life miserable and being afraid of the people’s love for Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.), they placed him in various prisons. He had seen the reigns of Mansur ad-Dawaniqi, al-Mahdi and Harun ar-Rasheed. Mansur and Harun were the despotic kings who killed numerous innocent descendants of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.).

Ibne Hajar al-Haytami said: “The patience and forbearance of the Imam (a.s.) was such that he was given the title of “al-Kazim” (one who bears up his anger).” He devoted his nights in the prayers and during the days, he fast. Like his ancestors, he always forgave those who did oppressed him.

The kings of Banu Umayyad and Banu Abbas were aware that the leadership of Muslim Ummah rightly belonged to the Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) and they were the usurpers of their rights. Hence every king tried by all possible means to undermine their status, keep them away from the Muslim populace. Consequently, they were subjected to oppression, imprisonment and outright use of military power at the time of the Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.)

Harun’s conspiracy against the Imam (a.s.): Harun sent his minister, Yahya Barmaki, to the Imam a week before his Martyrdom with a message written in a soft and nice tone: “Send my regards to my cousin and tell him it has been proven to us that you have committed no sin and are blame- less. However, I have unfortunately made an oath and cannot break my word. I have made an oath not to free you before you have confessed to sinning and request me for forgiveness. No one needs to know. It is enough if you confess in the presence of Yahiya and say, ‘I am sorry I have breached your trust and I want the caliph to forgive me.’ I will then set you free.” The Imam (a.s.) replied to Yahya Barmaki: “Tell Harun that there is not much time left of my life!” The Imam (a.s.) was poisoned after a week and was martyred on 25^th Rajab 183 A.H.

Bishr Hafi and the Imam (a.s.): One day, the Imam (a.s.) was passing through the alleys of Baghdad. The sounds of music were exploding from a house. Incidentally, one of the servants came out to empty some garbage. The Imam (a.s.) asked the servant: “Does this house belong to a free man or a slave?” The servant replied:” This is the house of Bishr Hafi, one of the authorities and aristocrats, of course he is a free man.” The Imam replied: “Yes, it must belong to a free man. If he was enslaved, all these noises would not be coming out of his house.” When the servant returned inside the house, Bishr asked the servant: “What took you so long?” The servant described the whole conversation. Bishr realized that he must be Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.). He asked the servant in which direction the Imam (a.s.) went, and although he was bare-footed, he ran in the direction and threw himself at the feet of the Imam (a.s.) and said: “Maula, from this time, I want to be Allah’s slave.”

Safwan Jammal and Harun: Safwan Jammal was an influential businessman dealing in renting the camels. One day, Harun wanted to go on a trip to Makkah, and signed a contract with Safwan for renting the huge fleet of camels. Safwan was also one of the followers and the companions of Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.). When he came to see the Imam (a.s.), he showed his displeasure over the deal. Safwan sold away the business right away. When Harun came to know about it, he summoned Safwan and wanted to know the real reason for the sale. Harun said that he knew that the Imam (a.s.) had influenced his decision. Harun threatened that because of the long relations with Safwan and his family he was leaving him alone, otherwise, he would have killed Safwan.

Sayings of the Imam (a.s.):

No charity is superior than giving a helping hand to the weak.

Never bother to learning something not knowing of which does not do you any harm, and never neglect to learn something whose negligence will increase your ignorance.

Moderation is half of the livelihood.

Amicability is half of the intelligence.

Hastiness is the true clumsiness.

The one whose two days are equal is a loser.

Never be an arrogant, for one who has even a little arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise.

Make piety your ship to sail safely, faith its cargo, trust in Allah its sails, and intellect its sailor, knowledge its guide, and patience its passengers.

Dua changes what has been destined and what has not been destined.

A man asked about “conviction”, the Imam replied: “The conviction is to depend upon Allah, submit to Him, consent to His acts, and entrust Him with the affairs.

Sources used:

A Survey into the lives of The Infallible Imams                               by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari

Brief History of the Fourteen Infallibles                                           by Al-Islam.org

Living Right Way                                                                              by Ayatullah Jawad Tehrani

Sayings of Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.)                                             by Ali Moula.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF GHADEER IN ISLAM

It is belief of every Muslim that right from the Prophet Adam to the last Prophet, every Messenger preached Islam. Is it possible to believe that Allah had left the Muslims without a frame work for them to follow till the Day of Resurrection? Allah was completely aware of the events to follow till the Day of Resurrection and beyond.

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s appointment as the successor may be noticed from the day of “Dawat-al-Zul’Asheerah” when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was ordered by Allah to openly invite the people towards Islam. After his formal announcement, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) inquired who could help him in his efforts to preach and protect Islam, at that time Imam Ali (a.s.) though the youngest in the audience, offered his services three times as none came forward to help. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) proclaimed, “Behold my brother, my Vazir (Successor) and the executor of my will among you. Listen to him and obey him.” This was the confirmation by Allah that after the culmination of Prophet hood, the Wilayah or Imamate will continue till the Day of Resurrection. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) speaks only what is directed by Allah as per surah al-Najm Ayah 3-4, “Wa Ma Yantiqu Anil Hawa, In Howa Illah Wahiyn Yuha” “He (Muhammad) does not speak out of his desires. It (whatever he says) is a revelation which has been revealed to him.”

Similarly, a needy person entered the Mosque of the Prophet in Madinah and solicited charity while the Muslims were praying, Imam Ali (a.s.) who was bowing down in salat, pointed his finger in which there was a ring and the needy person took it out and left the Mosque and Ayah 55 of Surah al-Maida was revealed, “Innama Waliukumullahu Wa Rasuluhu Wallazina Amanullazina Yaqimunassalata Wa Yutunazzakata Wa Hum Ra’keun.” “Verily, your guardian (Walyy) is only Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe, those who establish prayer and pay the poor rate while bowing down (in the prayer)”

In Ayah al-Mubelah, Allah confirmed the highest status of Imam Ali (a.s.) to His Messenger when Imam Ali (a.s.) accompanied him (s.a.w.a.s.) as his soul or “Nafs” as explained in Surah Ale-Imran Ayah 61, “Faman Hajjaka Fihe Min Ba’de Ma’ja’aka Minal Ilme Faqul Ta-lau Nadu Abna’ana Wa Abna’kum, Nisa’ana wa Nisa’ukum, Wa Infusana Wa Anfusukum Summa Nab’tahil Fa’najalaLa’natallahe Alal’Kazebeen.” “If anyone disputes after knowledge has come to you, say, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women and our selves and your selves and pray to Allah to curse (condemn) the liars among us.”

The bravery of Imam Ali (a.s.) was first known to people in the Battle of Badr when 36 polytheists out of 70 were killed by him. In the Battle of Trench (Khandaq), the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Total faith (Iman) is going to fight Total disbelief (Kufr) ““One stroke of Ali on the day of Khandaq, is heavier than all the good deeds of my Ummah till the Day of Judgment.” On the eve of the Battle of Khyber, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Tomorrow, I will give the standard of Islam to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and Allah and His Messenger love him and does not run away from the battlefield and he will not return until Allah grants victory at his hands.

Ultimately, about 3 months before his demise from this world, Allah cautioned the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to announce the successorship of Imam Ali at Ghadeer-e-Khumm Ayah 67 Surah al-Maida refers, “O Messenger, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord. If you did not do so, it will be as though you have not conveyed His message. Allah protects you from men. He does not guide the unbelieving people.”

Every detail about different prayers or social situations included in the complete code of life in a Muslim society was communicated and practically demonstrated by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). What important message was left for which Allah used this tone for His Messenger that if he did not do it then it would be considered that he did not performed his task of Messenger ship? This was the last time before his death that more than 100,000 companions were at hand and from this point, the routes were splitting towards different directions and the pilgrims will return to their homes. After giving a detailed sermon about Islamic principles, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) raised Imam Ali and said, “Man Kuntu Mawla Fahaza Aliun Mawla”” Whoever’s master I am, Ali is also his master.” The last Ayah of Glorious Qur’an was revealed, “On this day I have perfected your religion, completed My favors to you.” (5:3) It is perfectly clear that the Vilayet of Imam Ali is so important that when his Coronation was solemnized, then the religion was complete!