THE SERMON OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) AT GHADIR-E-KHUMM

When the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) performed the last Hajj in the year 10 A.H. along with 120,000 Muslims, The Divine Command came at Arafa about the “Wilayah” of Imam Ali (a.s.), Surah Ma’idah Ayah 67 refers. Again, at Mina, He reminded the Muslims about this urgent matter and recited the “Hadees-e-Thaqalayn”. On Dhull Hijjah18, 10 A.H. when he reached Ghadir Khumm, Imam Ali (a.s.) joined him with 12,000 Muslims from Yemen. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) delivered a long sermon highlighting his mission. Excerpts from his sermon are given below:

“First, he praised Allah (s.w.t.), then testified about his prophet hood followed by “The Ayah of Wilayah” as stated in Surah Al-Ma’idah Ayah 67, “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.” O ‘people I have not committed any shortcoming in conveying what Allah Almighty revealed to me. Three times Gabriel commanded me on behalf of Allah to inform you that Ali ibn Abi Talib is my brother, Wasi, and successor over my nation and Imam after me, the one whose status to me is like that of Haroon to Musa except there will be no prophet after me, and he is your master next only to Allah and to His Messenger and Allah has already revealed to me in one of the fixed verses of His Book saying, “Your Master is Allah and His Messenger and those who believe, those who keep up prayers and pay zakat even when they bow down” (5:55) and Ali ibn Abi Talib is the one who keeps up the prayers, he pays zakat even as he bows down, seeking to please Allah, the Sublime, the Almighty on each and every occasion.

There is no knowledge except that Allah has divulged it to me, and all the knowledge I have learned I have divulged it to Imam al-Muttaqeen (leader of the righteous), and there is no knowledge (that I know) except that I divulged it to Ali, and he is Imam al-Mubeen (the evident Imam) whom Allah mentions in Surah al-Yaseen:…..and everything We have computed is in (the knowledge of) an evident Imam. (36:12)

O people! Do not abandon him, he is the one who guides to righteousness. He defeats falsehood and prohibits others from acting upon it, accepting no blame from others while seeking to please Allah. He is first to believe in Allah and in His Messenger. And he is the one who offered his life as a sacrifice his life for the Messenger of Allah. He is the first to offer prayer. I ordered him, on behalf of Allah, to sleep in my bed, and he did, sacrificing his life for my sake.

O people! He is an Imam appointed by Allah, and Allah shall never accept the repentance of anyone who denies his authority, nor shall He forgive him; this is a must decree from Allah never to do so to anyone who opposes him, and that He shall torment him with a most painful torment for all time to come, for eternity; so, beware lest you should oppose him and thus enter the fire the fuel of which is the people and the stones prepared for the unbelievers.

O people! Prefer Ali (over all others), for he is the very best after me. Cursed and again cursed, condemned and again condemned, is anyone who does not accept this statement of mine. Gabriel himself has informed me of the same on behalf of Allah Almighty Who he said (in Gabriel’s words): “Anyone who antagonizes Ali and refuses to accept his Wilayah shall incur My curse upon him and My Wrath” “……and let every soul consider what it has sent forth for the morrow, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah.” (59:18)

O people! He (Ali) is “Janb-Allah” mentioned in Qur’an (39:56), the Sublime one, The Almighty, forewarning (Ali’s) adversaries, says, “Lest a soul should say: O woe unto me for what I fell short of my duty to Allah, and most surely I was of those who laughed to scorn” 

                Source: The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s sermon at Ghadeer-e-Kuhmm (Dua’s.org)

HAZRAT KHIZR (A.S.)

Hazrat Khizr was not a prophet but was a scholar who was given knowledge by Allah (s.w.t.). Hazrat Musa represented the Jurisprudential (“Tash’riie’”) leadership while Hazrat Khizr represented the Creational or Universal (“Tak’wini”) leadership. Consequently, Hazrat Musa objected to the actions of Hazrat Khizr which were against “Tash’rie” or Jurisprudence (Religious Laws). He acted according to the wishes of Allah (s.w.t.)

It was revealed to Hazrat Musa (a.s.) that there was a man who had vast knowledge than him. He prayed to Allah about his willingness to meet that person (Hazrat Khizr). The story of Hazrat Khizr has been stated in Surah al-Kahf from Ayat 60 to Ayat 82 as narrated below:

“Then they met one of Our servants who had received Blessings and Knowledge from Us. Musa asked him, “Can I follow you so that you will teach me the guidance that you have received?” He replied, “You will not be able to have patience with me. How can you remain patient with that of which you did not have complete information?” Musa said, “If Allah wishes, you will find me patient and I shall not disobey any of your orders.” He said to Musa, “If you follow me, do not ask me about anything until I tell you the story about it.

They started their journey and some time later they embarked on a boat in which he made a hole. Musa asked, “Did you make hole to drown the people on board? This is certainly very strange>” He said, “Did I not tell you that you would not be able to remain patient with me?” Musa said, “Please, forgive my forgetfulness. Do not oblige me with what is difficult for me to endure” They continued in their journey until they met a young boy whom he killed. Musa said, “How could you murder an innocent soul? This is, certainly, a horrifying act.” He responded, “Did I not tell you that you would not be able to remain patient with me? Musa said, “If I ask such questions again, abandon me; you will have enough reason to do so.” They continued their journey again until they reached a town. They asked the people there for food, but no one accepted them as guests. They found there a wall of a house which was on the verge of tumbling to the ground. The companion of Musa repaired that wall. Musa said, “You should have received some money for your labor.”

He replied, “This is where we should depart from one another. I shall give an explanation to you for all that I have done for which you could not remain patient.” “The boat belonged to some destitute people who were using it as a means of their living in the sea. The king had imposed a certain amount of tax on every (undamaged)boat. I damaged it so that they would not have to pay the tax.” “The young boy had very faithful parents. We were afraid that out of love for him they would lose their faith in Allah and commit rebellion so We decided that their Lord should replace him by a better and more virtuous son.” “The tumbling wall belonged to two orphans in the town whose father was a righteous person. Underneath the wall there was a treasure that belonged to them. Your Lord wanted the orphans to find the treasure through the Mercy of your Lord when they mature. I did not repair the wall out of my own desire. These were the explanations of my deeds about which you could not remain patient.”

Lessons to be learned from this story are: the pursuit of knowledge is important for everyone, the essence of the Divine knowledge is servitude and submission to Allah, acquisition of knowledge should be to practice it, avoid haste and be patient, there are apparent and innate feature of every affair, confess the reality, parent’s faith impacts the children, hurting the parents shortens the life-span, people become enemy of the things they do not know, the courteous behavior of students before a teacher.

The treasure of the orphans referred to in the story, was in fact a “Golden Tablet” as stated by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) “It is surprising why a person who believes in Allah’s decrees becomes grievous. It is amazing why a person who is sure of the death, is happy; who is certain of Reckoning, is neglectful; who is certain of sustenance, troubles himself more than the common; and who is assured of the change of the world but he trusts in it.” (Majma-ul-Bayan)

                Source: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) – Tafsir-e-Namouna by Ayatollah Nasir                                   Makarem Shirazi

SUPPLICATION OF QUNUT IN NAMAZ-E-EID

Namaz-e-Eid is not obligatory during the time of Great Occultation (Ghaybat-e-Kubra), but it is

recommended. It is two raka’at namaz; in the first raka’at after reciting Surah al-Hamd, it is

recommended to recite Surah A’la then recite Dua-e-Qunut 5 times. In the second raka’at, after

reciting Surah al-Hamd, recite Surah al-Shams then recite the Dua-e-Qunut 4 times and complete the namaz. The English translation of Dua-e-Qunut is as follows:

O Allah: You are the Lord of Glory and Greatness

And the Lord of Magnanimity and Omnipotence

And the Lord of Pardon and Mercy

And the worthiest of being feared and the Lord of Forgiveness

I beseech in the name of this day, which You have decided to be the feast for the Muslims

And to be safety and increasing honor for Muhammad – Peace of Allah be upon him and his

Household

(I beseech You) that You may send blessings upon Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad,

And You may include me with every item of goodness with which You have included Muhammad and  the Household of Muhammad,

And that You save me from any item of evil from which You have saved Muhammad and the

Household of Muhammad,

May Your Blessings be upon him and upon them,

O Allah: I pray You for the best of all that for which Your righteous servants have prayed You,

And I seek Your protection against all that against which Your righteous servants have asked for Your

 protection.

Source: Duas.org

SUPPLICATIONS STARTING WITH "RABBANA"

In the Glorious Qur’an, there are many supplications starting with the word “Rabbana”. Some of them are normally recited in “Qunoot” which are detailed below:

Rabbana Taqabbal Minna Innaka Antas Samiul Alim (Al-Baqarah :127)

Our Lord! Accept from us this (service); Verily You alone are the All-hearing, the All-knowing.

Rabbana Waj’alna Muslimine Laka wa Min Dhurriyatina Ummatam Muslimital Laka Wa Arina Manasikina wa Tub Alayna Innaka Antat TawwaburRahim (Al-Baqarah :128)

Our Lord! Make us (Muslims) submissive to Your Will and raise from off-spring a (Muslim) community submissive to You and teach us our rites of worship and relent towards us. Verily You alone are the most relenting, the Ever Merciful.

Rabbana A’tina Fiddunya Hasanataw wa Fil A’khirati Hasanataw Wa Qina Azabannar (Al-Baqarah: 201)

Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the Fire.

Rabbana Afrigh Alayna Sabraw wa Thabbit Aqdamana Wan Surna Alal Qawmil Kafirin (Al-Baqarah:250)

Our Lord! Bestow upon us endurance and make us firm of foot and grant us victory over the disbelieving folks.

Rabbana La Tua khizna In Nasina Aw Akhtana (Al-Baqarah:286)

Our Lord! Call us not to account if we forget or err

Rabbana wa La Tahmil Alayna Isran Kama Hamaltahu Alal Lazina Min Qablina (Al-Baqarah:286)

Our Lord! Lay not on us such a (heavy) burden as You did lay on those who passed away before us.

Rabbana wa La Tuhmmilna Ma Taqatalana Beh Wa Fu Anna Waghfirlana, Warhamna. Anta Mawlana Fansurna Alal Qawmil Kafirin. (Al-Baqarah:286)

Our Lord! Lay not on us that burden which we have not the strength to bear. And pardon us; absolve us; and have mercy on us; You alone are our Friend and Helper; help us to triumph over the unbelieving folk.  

Rabbana La Tuzigh Qulubana Ba’da Idh hadaytana wa Hablana Mil Ladunka Rahmah; Innaka Antal Wahhab (Al- Imran:8)

Our Rabb! Do not stray our hearts after granting us Guidance and gift us from Your Mercy. You are Bestower      

Rabbana Innaka Jamiun Nasi Li Yumil La Raiba Fih; Innal Laha La Yuqlifil Mi’ad (Al-Imran:5)

Our Lord! Surely You are the Gatherer of all mankind on a Day about which there is no doubt. Verily Allah never fails in His Promise

Rabbana Faghfirlana Zunubana wa Kaffir Anna Sayyiatina wa Tawaffana Ma’al Abrar (Al-Imran:193)

Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and wipe off our misdeeds from us and cause us (in all grace) to die with the righteous.

Rabbana Zalamna Anfusana: wa Illam Taghfir Lana wa Tarhamna Lanakunanna Minal Khasirin (Al-A’raaf:23)

Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls; and if You do not forgive us and have no mercy on us, we shall be losers.  

Rabbana Afrigh Alayna Sabran wa Tawaffana Muslimin (Al-A’raaf:126)

Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and cause us to die as Muslims (Bowing to Your Will)

Rabbana wa Taqabbal Du’a’ (Ibrahim:40)

Our Lord! Accept my humble prayer

Rabbanghfirli wa Li Walidayya wa Lil Muminina Yawma Yaqumul Hisab (Ibrahim:41)

Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents and all the Muslims on the Day when Reckoning will take place.

Rabbana Hab Lana Min Azwajina wa Zurryyatina Qurrata A’yunin Waj Alna Lil Muttaqina Imama (Al-Furqan:74)

Our Lord! Grant us in our wives and offspring coolness of eyes and make us leaders of those who guarded against evil

THE BENEFACTOR OF ISLAM - SAYYIDA KHADIJA-TUL KUBRA (S.A.)

Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) was the first wife of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). He did not marry anyone while she was alive. There is well known saying, “Islam did not rise except by Ali (a.s.)’s sword and Khadija (s.a.)’s wealth.”

She was born in Makkah in 565 A.D. and died in 623 A.D. which was 11 years after Hijra. Her father was Hazrat Khuwaylid bin Asad belonging to Banu Asad tribe, a clan of Banu Hashim. He was a successful merchant and Sayyida Khadija inherited his vast wealth. Her trade caravan surpassed the caravans of all other traders of Quraysh put together.

In the Arabian society of Ja’hiliah, she earned the titles of “Ameert-ul-Quraysh” or “Princess of Quraysh” and “al-Tahira” or “the Pure One” due to her impeccable personality and virtuous character, not to mention her honorable descent. She used to be kind to the poor, assist her relatives financially. She did not worship idols and followed the Ibrahimic faith of Islam. As she did not travel herself with the caravans of trade, she used to employee an agent. At one time, she was looking for a new agent and Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) suggested his nephew, the young Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) to do the job. She sent her servant, Maysarah, with him. The trip produced more profit than expected. Maysarah also saw some unusual events with the young Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.). She sent him on another trade trip to Yemen. Her cousin Waraqa bin Nawfal told her that the manners of young Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) were like a messenger of God. She had also heard about his trust and truthfulness. Consequently, she proposed to marry him. The Nikah was performed by Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and Nawfal gave away her hand to the young Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.). The marriage was a very happy one and produced two boys who died in infancy. Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) was the only daughter who survived. Her period of happiness lasted for 15 years. When the revelation started, she was the first woman to confirm his prophecy. As Islam started to spread across the Arabian Peninsula, she handed over her entire wealth to her beloved husband and he used it for the welfare of Muslims. When the Quraysh boycotted the family of Hazrat Abu Talib (A.S.), the richest woman of Quraysh gladly shared the hardships with her husband in the Shib-e-AbuTalib for 3 years. She used to give one gold coin to Imam Ali (a.s.), who was 16 years old at that time, to bring water secretly.  

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) used to say that Sayyida Khadijatul Kubra (s.a.) was one of the four best women of the world; the other three being Hazrat Maryam, mother of Prophet Eisa’, and Hazrat A’siya, wife of the Pharaoh and her daughter Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.)

On the death bed, she sought forgiveness from her husband if she in any way had failed to serve the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Then asked for Shifaa’t on the Day of Judgment from her husband. She told her wish to her beloved daughter, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) to ask her father to shroud her dead body in the clothes he (s.a.w.a.s.) was wearing when the first Wahi was revealed.  

Sayyida Khadijatul Kubra (s.a.) and the “Protector of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)” Hazrat Abu Talib (A.S.) died in the same year. It was a great shock for him (s.a.w.a.s.), hence he called that year as “Aam ul Huzn” which means “Year of Grief”. Both these personalities were very dear and important to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the All-Mighty Allah had referred to their functions in his life in Surah az-Zuha Ayah 6 and 8, “Did He (Allah) not find you an orphan and gave you shelter? Did He (Allah) not find you poor and enrich you?”

After her death, when one of his other wives heard him remembering and praising Sayyida Khadijatul Kubra (s.a.), the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) became very angry and said, “She believed in me when all others disbelieved; she held me truthful when all others called me a liar; she sheltered me when others abandoned me; she comforted me when others shunned me; and Allah granted me children by her while depriving me of children by other women.”

Surah al-Ahza’b Ayah 6, “The Prophet has more authority over the believers than themselves. His wives are their mothers.” The Muslims in Makkah were very poor. The infidel Quraysh had ordered their community members not to pay any wages to the Muslims. Sayyida Khadija (s.a.) fed them day after day so that no Muslim slept hungry. As a mother wants to see her children are well-fed, hence she took loving care of the Muslim Ummah. There is a well-known tradition the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) that Paradise is under the feet of their mothers.

               Sources: Khadijatul Kubra by Sayyid Ali Asghar Razwy, Duas.org, Ziaraat.com, imamreza.net

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.)