DU'A JAUSHAN -E-KABEER

In Arabic “Jaushan” means armor. In olden days people used to wear metallic dress for protection while in battlefield. Kabeer is the English word for Great. It was narrated by the Infallible Fourth Imam of the Muslims, Imam Ali ibnal Hussayn, Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) from his father, from his grandfather the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) who received it from Angel Gabriel during one of the battles. The Prophet had a very heavy coat of armor on to protect himself. The coat was hurting the Prophet. The Angel Gabriel came to the Prophet and said, “O Muhammad! Your Lord sends salutations to you and tells you to take out this coat of armor (Jaushan) and recite this Du’a (instead), as it is a protection for you and your Ummah.” The Angel Gabriel explained the greatness of this supplication.

Whoever writes this supplication on his burial shroud (kafan), Allah will not send him to the Hellfire, and whoever recites this Dua’a with pure intention in the beginning of the month of Ramadan, Allah will create seventy thousand angels, who will continue praising and Glorifying Allah. The reward will be given to the reciter.

In addition, whoever recites this supplication three times during the month of Ramadan, Allah will make Hell fire forbidden to him and certainly send him to Paradise. Allah will also appoint two angels to protect him from all evils in this world.

The Du’a consists of one hundred sections, each containing ten Names or Attributes of Allah. Each section is designated to beseech Allah for various human needs like cure for different parts of body ailments, increase in sustenance, overcome difficulties, love and long life, success, solution of problems, forgiveness etc. At the end of each section, one has to recite a Du’a; “Subhanaka Ya La Ilaha Illah Antal Ghauas alGhaus Khallisna Minan Nare Ya Rabb”which means “Praise be to You, there is no God but You, the Grantor of all Succor, Protect us from the Fire, O Lord”

For example, the Du’a number 7 is to supplicate to Disperse Calamities: “Ya Ghaferal Khataya; Ya Kashfal Balaya; Ya Muntahar Rajaya; Ya Mujzelal Ataya; Ya Wahebal Hadaya; Ya Razeqal Baraya; Ya Qazial Manaya; Ya SameashShakaya; Ya Ba’esal Baraya; Ya Mutleqal Usara.” Which means:

O Forgiver of sins, O Dispeller of tribulations, O Aim of hopes, O giver of abundant gifts, O Bestower of bounties, O Provider of creatures, O Judge of destinies, O Hearer of complaints, O Resurrector of creatures, O Freer of captives. Praise be to You, there is no God but You, the Grantor of all Succor, Protect us from the Fire, O Lord.”

The complete Dua’a may be seen in any book of Supplications.

Source: Duas.org, Qul.org, Qfatima.com

THE LIFE AND STATUS OF HAZRAT ABBAS (A.S.), THE MOON OF BANI HASHEM

Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was the result of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.)’s supplication!

After the martyrdom of the Chief of the women of the world, Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Imam Ali (a.s.) asked his brother Hazrat Aqeel, who was an expert in the genealogy, to search for a brave tribe to marry so that a brave son will be born who will safeguard and protect the Chief of Martyrs, Imam Hussayn (a.s.) and other sacred members of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Although, he (a.s.) was an Imam and was fully aware of the different tribes and their characteristics, but he must have intended for the posterity as to what character traits should be considered for selecting a wife!

The Chief of Martyrs, Imam Hussayn (a.s.), had very close and unique relation with his brother al-Abbas (a.s.). In one of the many situations in Karbala, Imam Hussayn (a.s.) said to his brother al-Abbas (a.s.), “Ride on, may I be your sacrifice.” When al-Abbas (a.s.) breathed his last breaths, his head was on the knees of Imam Hussayn (a.s.), he said in a deep sad tone,” Now, my spine is broken, and I have become helpless.” 

The fourth Infallible Imam of Muslims, Imam Ali ibnal-Hussayn (a.s.), used to refer his uncle al-Abbas (a.s.) with admiration and commendation saying, “May Allah have mercy on my uncle, al-Abbas. He preferred his brother to himself; he did well and sacrificed himself for his brother until he lost his both hands, Allah will give him two wings with which he will fly with the angels in Paradise. In the sight of Allah, the Blessed, the Exalted, al-Abbas enjoys a peculiar rank for which all the martyrs (shahids) will be hopeful for if they had it like on the Day of Resurrection.” (al-Khissal 1/35)

The Twelfth Imam, the Great Savior of the world said, “Salaam be upon Abul-Fadhl al-Abbas, son of Amir ul-Mominin. He preferred his brother to himself, supplied himself with (opportunities of) today for (rewards of) tomorrow, sacrificed himself for his brother, protected him, hurried for fetching him water, and his two hands were cut-off. May Allah cursed his killers.” (Muhammad al-Mash’hadis al-Mazar)

The sixth Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “My uncle al-Abbas was clear-sighted and steadfastly faithful. He fought along with his brother al-Hussayn, did very well and was martyred. (Takheerat -ud Darien 123)

Abu Hamza Thumali had the privilege to be in the presence of three Infallible Imams: Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.), Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.). Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) advised Abu Hamza Thumali to recite the Ziarat of al-Abbas while visiting his mausoleum. The wording is worth noting; “Salamullah wa Salamu Malaikatehil Muqarrabeen wanbiyahilmursaleen wa Ibadehis Sa’leheen….Alaika yabna Amir al Momineen” Peace of Allah and peace of His favorite angels, His commissioned prophets, His righteous servants…be upon you, O son of the Commander of the Faithful” (A copy of the Ziarat is attached)   

Source: Du'as.org

THE SAVIOR OF HUMANITY

The followers of every religion in the world are waiting 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. Others believe that he will be 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 uz-Zaman, Mahdi, Qa’im etc. His father was the Eleventh Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). 

At the deathbed, the Noble Messenger (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 after me” As there is a constant struggle between the Truth and the Falsehood from the commencement of life on this planet, the same phenomena continued after the sad demise of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). The Umayyads and Abbasids kings continued to imprison, isolate, murder and poison the Pure Progeny of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) as they were aware that they were the usurper and the leadership of Ummah belonged to the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). After the martyrdom of the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari orchestrated by the Abbasside king, Allah (s.w.t.) saved the 5-year old 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 and long life, 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 them (out of His love for the mankind), He will send Guidance to humanity. As is stated in Surah Ta-ha Ayah 123, “When My Guidance comes to you, those who follow it will not go astray.” Consequently, He sent 124,000 prophets and after the demise of His last Messenger (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 Imam. 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 of the people but he is 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 the complete and through knowledge of Islam. 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 elite circle of Shi’i Muslims scholars, unanimously elect the most pious and knowledgeable scholar as the Grand Marjah to lead the Ummah .He himself leads a very simple life and is supposed to be responsible for the spiritual, social guidance of Muslims as a whole, protects Islam if attacked from inside and outside. He manages the Khums funds placed at his disposal to look after the indigent and needy.

It is the duty of his (Imam)s followers to practice what they believe – watch for the “Prohibitions”, 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 possible, try to be a good follower of our Imams.

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.) 

NEED FOR SUPPLICATION (DUA)

Man had always trusted the material resources for his safety and well-being. He was and is facing natural disasters or occurrences beyond his understanding. Modern man has always been shied to connect disasters to Divine order but would prefer to name it “nature” or natural disasters.

In the year 570 A.D., the year when the  Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was born, the king Abraha of Yemen wanted to destroy the House of Allah-Ka’ba, when Imam Ali (a.s.)’s grandfather Hazrat Abdul Muttalib prayed to Allah to safeguard His House. Allah sent waves after waves of small birds called “Ababeel” carrying small stones in their peaks and claws, threw it on the elephants. When the stones hit the bodies of the elephants and the soldiers, it penetrated them resulting in instant death. Abraha’s army was destroyed. Abraha depended on the material strength.

Despite our modern resources, the Corona virus has spread over the globe effecting every country rich or poor, in Europe, America, Asia or Africa. It is invisible by the naked eye, has so far killed thousands of people. It is not intended to establish at this stage whether it is Divine Wrath or test and tribulation. It is worthwhile to beseech the Creator for help.

Supplication has psychological benefits apart from spiritual values e.g. enhanced will power, strengthens hope, nearness to the Creator, conviction of God’s superiority, develops humility. Supplication had been practiced by the followers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Allah is encouraging the people in distress to supplicate, offer repentance and beseech His forgiveness.

Some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an are appended below to ponder and taking account of our lives:

 “Call upon Me, I will answer you; those who are too proud for My worship shall soon enter Hell abased.” (40:60)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near, I answer the prayer (Dua) of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk on the right path. (2:186)

There is no God but You (O Lord). Glory be to You. Verily, I was of the unjust. (21:83)

O Lord, forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of Merciful (23:118)

O Lord, verily I have wronged myself, so forgive me. (28:16)

O our Lord, perfect for us our light, and grant us protection. Verily You have power over all things. (66:8)

Religious books are flooded with supplications; like the Glorious Qur’an, Nahjul Balagha and Sahifa Kamila.

EXCELLENCE OF KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge made Adam superior to the angels when Allah ordered them to prostrate towards Adam. In Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 33,” The Lord said to Adam, “Tell the names of the beings to the angels. “When Adam gave their names, the Lord said, “Did I not tell you (angels) that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth and all that you reveal and hide.”

Allah says in Surah al-Zumar Ayah 9, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”

Asif Barqiyyah (Barqiyyah is derived from Barq i.e. electricity or speed) was the vicegerent of Prophet Suleyman, who had some knowledge of the Book and he brought the queen’s throne from far distance in the blink of an eye. This incident has been described in Surah al-Naml Ayah 38 to 40. Prophet Suleyman asked his people, “Who among you can bring her throne before (the queen of Sheba) comes to me submissively?” A monstrous jinn said, “I can bring it before you even you stand up.” The one who had some knowledge from the Book said, “I can bring it to you before you even blink your eye. When Prophet Suleyman saw the throne placed before him, he said, “This is a favor from my Lord.”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) had complete knowledge of the Book (the Glorious Qur’an). Surah al-Ra’ad Ayah 43says, “(Muhammad), the unbelievers say, “You are not a Messenger.” Say, Allah and those who have the knowledge of the Book are sufficient witness (to my prophet-hood).” There are numerous traditions, both from Sunni and Shia narrators, that this Ayah was revealed honoring the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.)

In Surah Ale Imran Ayah7, Allah is reminding about the people who have a firm grounding in knowledge (War Rasekhuna fil Ilm) as stated here, “It is Allah who has revealed the Book to you in which some verses are clear statements (which accepts no interpretation) and these are the fundamental ideas of the Book while other verses may have several possibilities. Those whose hearts are perverse follow the unclear statements in pursuit of their mischievous goals by interpreting them in a way that will suit their own purpose. No one knows its true interpretation except Allah, and those who have a firm grounding in knowledge say, “We believe in it. All its verses are from our Lord.” No one can grasp this fact except the people of reason.” 


The poet of the East, Allama Iqbal had said, “Islam ke daman may bas is kay Siva kiya Hai* Ek Zarbe Yadullahi ek Sajda Shabbiri” Because of his (Imam Ali) super natural power, he was called “Yadullah” meaning “Allah’s hand “Shabbir was the name of Imam Husayn (a.s.), who sacrificed himself while prostrating (sajdah) to save Islam.


Imam Ali (a.s.)’s knowledge may be ascribed to the fact that when he (Imam Ali) was born inside “The House of Allah” – Ka’ba, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) placed his tongue in the baby’s mouth. Imam Ali (a.s.) recited some Ayahs of the Glorious Qur'an. He was raised by the Messenger of Allah in his house who had fed him the knowledge as a bird feeds its newborn.


The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) was uniquely knowledgeable and the most supernaturally powerful which is evident from various battles fought during the time of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). His famous feat of extricating the gates of the fortress of Khyber which used to be opened by forty strong men. Allah had appointed “Talut” as the king as explained in Surah al-Baqarah Ayat 247 which says, “Their Prophet said, “Allah has appointed Saul (Talut)as a king for you. “They replied, “How can he dominate us when we deserve more to be king than he.” Besides, he was not given abundant wealth.” Their Prophet said, “Allah has chosen him as your ruler and has given him physical power and knowledge.”


Similarly, there is a famous tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), “Ana Madinatul Ilme wa Aliun Babuha”” I am the City of Knowledge and Ali is its Gateway”

Source: The Glorious Qur’an

AYATAL KURSI - PART TWO (AYAHS 256 & 257 OF SURAH AL-BAQARAH)

Ayatl kursi Part one dealt with the Unity of Allah, His Pure Essence and Attributes.

Ayahs 256 and 257 are stated below:

“There is no compulsion in the religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbeliefs the rebels  (false deities) and believes in Allah, he indeed has laid hold on the strongest handle, for which there is no break off; and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Allah is the Guardian of those who believe; He brings them out of the darkness into the light; and (as to) those who disbelieve, their guardians are the rebels, they take them out of the light into the darkness. They are the inmates of the Fire in it they abide forever.”

Religion is faith and belief, it is a matter of conscience, and such a thing cannot be created by coercion and compulsion. One may force someone to do a certain physical action against his will, but he cannot be forced to believe against his will. Belief follows reason and understanding; and nothing but reason and understanding can create it.

In Islam, man is invited to investigate the “Roots of Islam” before accepting the faith. Roots of Islam are Unity of Allah, the Justice of Allah, the Prophet hood; Allah sent 124,000 prophets to guide the humanity, the last one being the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), the Imamate to continue the guidance by interpretation of the Last Message; the Glorious Qur’an, and narrating the authentic Traditions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), and lastly the concept of accountability on the Day of Resurrection and Judgment.

After a man has thoroughly understands Islam by scrutinizing the Roots of Islam, testifies the Shahadah, he has laid hold on the unbreakable and strongest handle. To practice Islam, one needs the correct guiding principles as practiced by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Pure Infallible Progeny (s.a.). This is provided by the “Furu-e-Deen” or Branches of Islam. These are Salat, Fasting, Hajj, Zakat, Khums, Jihad, Amre bil Maruf, Nahianil Munkar, Tawalla, Tabarra.

The reason for the revelation of Ayah 256 was that there was a man from Madinah named Abu Haseen who had two sons. Some of the merchants who were Christian used to invite them to Christianity while transacting business with them. The boys were seriously influenced by them. He went to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and requested him to bring back his sons. At that time Ayah 256 was revealed and manifested this fact that there is no compulsion in accepting the religion. This Ayah seriously answers those people who insist that Islam was spread by the force of sword and martial power.

As for the Ayah 257 which says, “Allah brings them out of the darkness into the light and the guardians of disbelievers take them out of light into the darkness.”, it may be said that man in his creation has the light of natural faith; it is a general light which needs details and particularization but he is in darkness about the detailed knowledge and good deeds. When the believer acquires the correct faith, he goes out from the darkness into the light of knowledge and good deeds. And the disbeliever, by his disbelief, goes out from the natural light into the darkness of disbelief and evil deeds. It is worth mentioning that Allah has used light as singular indicating that truth is One; and that false hood is used as plural exhibiting multifaced, diverse and variable.

                Sources:  Tafsir-e-Namoonah by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi

                                  Tafsir al-Mizan by Ayatullah Muhammad Husayn Tabatabaei

AYATAL KURSI - PART ONE (AYAH 255 OF SURAH AL-BAQARAH)

Complete Ayatal Kursi consists of Ayahs 255 to 257 of the Surah al-Baqarah of the Glorious Qur’an. The importance and excellence of Ayatal Kursi may be assessed by a couple of traditions; The Noble Messenger(s.a.w.a.s.) was asked as to what was the best Ayah that was revealed to him and He (s.a.w.a.s.) replied “the Ayah of the “Chair” (Kursi).” Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “I have not spent a single night, since I heard it from the Messenger of Allah, without reciting it (Ayatal Kursi)”. The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.)said , “The one who recites Ayatal Kursi once, Allah will remove one thousand unbecoming things from his worldly unbecoming affairs, the easiest of which is poverty, and one thousand unbecoming things from his (affairs) in the Hereafter, the easiest one among which is the pain of the grave.” (Bihar-al-Anwar volume 92 page 262)

Ayah 255 of Surah al-Baqarah states:

“Allah! There is no God but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting (the Sustainer of all things); slumber seizes Him not, nor sleep; to Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him save by His leave? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, while they comprehend nothing of His knowledge except what He wills. His Kursi (Knowledge) extends over the heaven and the earth; and preserving them both tires Him not; and, He is the Highest, the Greatest. “

The Ayah begins with the Pure Essence of Allah and continues with the subject of Unity, Asma-ul-Husna and His Attributes:

Allah! There is no God but He: Allah is the appellation of God which means the Essence which includes all the Attributes of Divine Perfection, Glory and Beauty.

Ever Living and Self-Subsisting: It is evident that life for Allah is the real life, because His life is the same as His Essence, His Knowledge and His Power. Human life as He created is transitory.

Slumber seizes Him not nor sleep: The governance of Absolutely bountiful Allah, is perpetual, and never ceases.

Whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him: When people know whatever they posses really belongs to Allah; they surely will avoid transgressing other people’s rights.

Who is it that can intercede with Him save by His leave: No one can intercede without His permission?

He knows what is before them and what is behind them: Whatever is in the expose of time and place is entirely manifested in His knowledge. That’s why everything, even intersession, depends on his Command.

They comprehend nothing of His knowledge except what He wills: He has let others know only a small part of His knowledge that has been advisable and proper for them. Limited knowledge of others is a beam of light of His unlimited knowledge.

His Kursi (knowledge)extends over the heavens and the earth; and preserving both tires Him not: Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Heavens and the earth, compared to Kursi, is like a ring in the midst of a desert, and Kursi, in comparison with ‘Arsh, is like a ring in the midst of a desert. (Al-Burhan fi Tafsir -il-Qur’an Volume1 page 241)

He is the Highest and the Greatest: The Lord who is the Highest and the infinite, can do everything and nothing is difficult for Him. He is never tired of managing the world of existence. He never remains neglectful, nor unaware of it. His knowledge involves all things because He is Omnipotent, Omnipresent.

                Sources: Tafsir al-Mizan by al-Allamah as-Sayyid Muhammad Husayn at-Tabatabaei

                                  Tafsir -e- Namoonah by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi