THE MESSAGE

Allah is the Unique One and His Message was and is one i.e. Islam. The message of Islam was sent for all humanity not restricted to the Muslims only. In the Glorious Qur’an, Allah has addressed “The Humanity” in about twelve Ayahs e.g. “People, worship our Lord Who created you and those who lived before you so that you may become pious.” (2:22) “People, have fear of your Lord Who has created you from a single soul…” (4:1) “People, We have created you all male and female and have made you nations and tribes so that you would recognize each other. The most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious of you.” (49:13) “People, the promise of Allah is true. Let not the worldly life deceive you…” (35:5) “People, you are always in need of Allah and Allah is Self-sufficient and Praiseworthy” (35:15) “People, I have come to you all as the Messenger of Allah, to whom the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs.” (7:158) “People, listen to this parable: Those whom you worship instead of Allah do not have the power to create even a fly…” (22:73) “People, remember the bounty of Allah that He has granted to you.” (35:3) “Mankind, have fear of your Lord and the day when a father will be of no avail to his son, nor will a son carry any part of the burden of his father.” (31:33) “Mankind, the Messenger has come to you from your Lord in all Truth.” (4:170) “People, eat of the good and lawful things on earth.” The last Surah is named “Mankind”

Saum means to abstain from those things which break the fast from true dawn (Subh al-sadiq) till Maghrib, in obedience to Allah. All the Holy Scriptures were revealed in the month of Ramadan; Torah (Tawrait) on the 6^th, Bible (Injeel) on the 12^th, Psalms (Zuboor) on the 18^th and the Glorious Qur’an (most probably) on the 23^rd.

The laws governing “Saum” or fasting are described in the following Ayahs:

Surah al-Baqarah (Cow) Ayah 183 to 185, “O believers, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for the people before you, so that you may guard yourselves (against evil). Fasting is only for a certain number of days. One who is sick or on a journey must fast the same number of days at another time. Those who can afford redemption should feed a poor person. Good deeds performed on one’s own initiative will be rewarded. However, fasting is better and will be rewarded. The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed; a guide for the people, the most authoritative of all guidance and a criterion to discern right from wrong. Anyone of you who knows that the month of Ramadan has begun must start to fast. Those who are sick or are on a journey must fast the same number of days at another time. Allah does not impose any hardship upon you. He wants you to have comfort so that you may complete the fast, glorify Allah for His having given you guidance, and perhaps you give Him thanks.”

The voluntary abstention from Halal foods and drinks for the Pleasure of Allah is an exercise to abstain from Haram food and drinks for the next year. It elevates man from the kingdom of animals to the kingdom of angels. Fasting is prevention and which is the separation and detachment and detachment is the heart and reality of servitude to God.

Fasting is the longest worship without any action, not interrupting daily life, it is the sincerest and if deliberately missed has penalty. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “For every good deed there are ten to seven hundred times reward, save fasting. For fasting is for Me and I am the reward of it.” (Mahajjatul Baydha v.2 p.121 by Mohsen Kashani)

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said about the rewards of fasting: Allah will melt Haram from his body, nearness to His Mercy, rectify the mistake of Adam, will ease the stupor of death, secure him from the hunger and thirst of the Day of Judgement, liberate him from Hell Fire, and will provide pure things in Paradise.

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation)-Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi, Elements of Islamic Studies by Allama Sayyid Saeed Akhtar Rizvi, Fasting and Ramadan by Mansour Leghaei

THE IMPORTANCE AND THE BENEFITS OF SALAT/PRAYER/NAMAZ

In the Shia Islam, “The Branches of Islam” (Furu’ e Deen) are ten. The first being the Salaat/Prayer/Namaz. It is obligatory on every Muslim to pray five times every day. The pre-requisite of prayer is to make wudu and if a person is sick, he may perform “Tayammum” and if he is weak to stand for prayer, he is allowed to pray while sitting and if he is fragile he may pray while lying in the bed and lastly if he cannot utter the words he may use sign language. It shows the importance of this worship!

The obligation has been stated in many Ayahs, directly and indirectly e.g.in Surah Is’ra Ayah 78, “Perform the prayer from the declension of the sun till the darkness of the night, and the recitation (of prayer) at the morning , verily the recitation (of prayer) at the morning is witnessed (by the angels)” Surah Hud Ayah 114, “And establish the prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night.”

Similarly, there are many Ayahs about the neglect of the prayer e.g. Surah al-Muddasir Ayah 40, “In gardens, they shall ask each other. About the guilty: What has brought you in the Hell? They shall say: We were not of those who prayed.” Surah al-Ma’un Ayah 4-6, “And wail (woe) to the praying ones, who are unmindful of their prayers, who do (good) to be seen.” Surah Maryam Ayah 59, “But there came after them an evil generation, who neglected prayers and followed sensual desires, so they will meet perdition.” Surah ar-Rum Ayah 31, “…And keep up prayer and be not of the polytheists.” 

  

To be a Muslim, one must pray because on the Day of Resurrection, the first question asked will be about prayer and if prayer is accepted then other deeds may be accepted. Prayer is the “Mai’raj” (Ascension) of the believer.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “The position of prayer to the religion is similar to that of the head to the body.” “The example of five times prayer is like that of a clear water river flowing in front of your houses in which a person washes himself five times a day-cleansing five times a day.”” Do not abandon your prayers intentionally for surely the obligation of Allah and His Messenger cease to cover one who forsakes his prayers intentionally.” “The good deeds of one who, without any appropriate excuse does not offer his prayers until its time passes away, are annulled. The divide between a believer and disbelief, is the abandonment of prayers.” “The name of one who forsakes his prayers intentionally is written on the door of Hell from which he shall (eventually) enter.

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Our intercession shall never reach one who considers his prayers to be inconsequential and unimportant.” “Surely, the Angel of Death repels Shaytan from the proximity of the one who had adhered to and guarded his prayers, and makes him speak out the testimony ‘There is no God except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ during that terrifying and frightening state (of death).

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “A person who neglects prayers is punished with fifteen calamities as under:

Reduction in life span, decrease in sustenance, disappearance of righteousness sign from his face, his good deeds not accepted, his invocations are not accepted, supplications of other people will not benefit him. He will die in disgrace, hungry and thirsty. His grave will be dark, and horrifying and it will squeeze him. On the Day of Resurrection, his accounting will be very strict, and Allah will not look at him with mercy, will not purify him and terrible punishment waits for him.”

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) of Tafsir-e-Namoona by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi, The Greater Sins by Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Dasteghaib Shirazi, al-islam.org/Forty Hadith on Salat

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