PROPER WAY TO PERFORM SALA'T AS ADVISED BY IMAM JA'FAR AL-SADIQ (A.S.)

Ayatullah Shamsuddin Muhammad al-Maliki al-Amili (r.a.) was called “Shaheed-e-Awwal” meaning “The First Martyr”. He was born in the year 734 A.H. in Jabal al-Amel, an area which is located in present day South Lebanon. He became a Mujtahid at an early age of 35 years and more than 1,000 Mujtahid obtained their permission for Ijtehad from him which is unique! Apparently, he did not perform any ‘Haram’, and ‘Makrooh’ act during his life-time. He was equally proficient in other Sunni Schools of Jurisprudence. Due to the professional jealousy from non-Shia scholars, he was imprisoned for about one year. While in prison, he compiled in 7 days, the famous book on Shia laws of Jurisprudence, al-Lum’ah meaning “The Damascene Glitter”.

Apart from other books, he had also compiled a book called “Forty Hadith”. In hadith number 39; he narrated a hadith from Sheikh Saduq (r.a.) as follows:

                “One of the companions of the Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.), Hammad bin I’esa                    said: “One day Imam Sa’diq (a.s.) said to me: “I hope you perform namaz correctly!” I                         replied: “O my Imam! I have learnt by heart the book “Hariz” about prayer.” The Imam                       said: “Rise up and perform namaz now.” I stood near the Imam facing the House of Allah,                   Ka’ba and recited two rak’at namaz. The Imam said that the namaz was not correct. I felt                     very embarrassed and ashamed. I said: “My life may be ransomed for you; I want to learn                   from you.” The Imam  stood facing Ka’ba while keeping his hands in front on his                         sacred thighs, fingers closed and pointing towards his knees. While standing, he kept                   the distance between the feet as long as three open fingers and pointing straight                             forward. With peace and tranquility he said: “Allaho Akbar” Then the Imam Recited                 Surah al-Hamd and Surah al-Tawheed. After completing Suarah al-Tawheed, he                         paused for a moment and then said: “Allaho Akbar” and went in ruk’u while putting                   his palms on his knees pushing them backwards keeping his fingers open. In this                           position, his back was straight enough that if a drop of water or oil is placed on his                       back, it will stay there. His head was straight in line with the back. Comfortably, he                     recited three times: “Subhana Rabbial Azime Wa Behamdehi” Then he stood up firm                 and said: “SameAllaho Leman Hamedah”. Raised his hands near to his head and                        went into Sajdah while keeping the fingers of the palms closed to one another. He said                  three times:“Subhana Rabbi al-A’la Wa Behamdehi” While in Sajdah, eight parts of                    his body were touching the ground; two palms, two knees, two finger tips of the feet,                    fore-head and nose.

                The Imam said: “It is obligatory (Wa’jib) to place the seven parts of the body on the                  ground; forehead, palms, knees, fingertips of feet. Placing nose on the ground is                            recommended (Sunnah). The Omnipotent Allah said in His Glorious Qur’an: “Verily, the                  mosques are for Allah and do not worship anyone other than Allah”

                After first Sajdah said “Allaho Akbar” sitting by placing his right foot on the sole of his left                foot and said: “Astaghferullahe Rabbi Wa Atoobo Ilaih” and said: “Allaho Akbar” and                 went in Sajdah again. After the completion of first raka’at, the Imam recited the second                        rak’at exactly as the first raka’at then the Imam recited the “Tasha’hud and Salaam” and                 finished the namaz. During the entire namaz, he kept the fingers closed to one another.

                Source used:

                Chehel Hadees (Persian)                                                            by: Muhammad Ali Kusha

                

SALAT AL-AYAT (PRAYER FOR THE SIGNS)

Some phenomenon occurring in nature has uncommon characteristics which create fear among the people. In Islam, Salat al-Ayat has been made obligatory so that man’s attention is diverted towards the Creator of the universe and regard His Power as the source of these changes and occurrences.  

When the son of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Ibrahim died, there was a Solar Eclipse. The people started saying that because of the death of Ibrahim, there was a Solar Eclipse. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) mounted the pulpit (minbar) and said: “O People! The sun and the moon are the signs of Allah. They run on the respective courses by His command, and they are subservient to Him. Eclipses take place not on account of death or life of anyone. So, if there is Solar or Lunar Eclipse, you offer prayer.” “The Infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) narrated that his father the Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said: “Earthquakes, Solar and Lunar Eclipses, strong and dreadful winds, are among the Signs of the Day of Resurrection. Whenever you happen to witness them, think of the Day of Resurrection, seek refuge in the mosques, and stand in prayer.”

 Salat al-Ayat is obligatory on every Muslim, and should be performed at any time as long as he lives. But sooner one performs it, the better. It should be recited on the eve of celestial phenomena like partial or total Solar and Lunar Eclipses, Earthquake, thunder and lightning, red and black strong winds which frightens most of the people. It is obligatory on the Muslims of that particular city where that phenomenon is taking place with intention(niyyah) of “Ada”. It should be recited after the commencement of the event like Lunar Eclipse and before it comes out of the Eclipse. If the Eclipse is ended then the niyyah should be of “Qaza”.  

Method of offering salat al-Ayat:

Salat al-Ayat consists of two raka’at. In each raka’at there are five Ruku. After making the niyyah of offering the salat, one should say Takbir (Allaho Akbar) and recite Surah al-Hamd and any other Surah, and then perform the Ruku. Thereafter, he should stand and recite al-Hamd and any other Surah and then perform another Ruku. He should repeat this action five times, and, when he stands after the fifth Ruku, he should perform two Sajdah, and then stand up to perform the second Raka’t in the same manner as he has done in the first Rak’at. Then he should recite Tashahud and Salam.

If a person doubts as to how many Raka’ats he has offered in Salat al-Ayat, and is unable to arrive at a decision, then his prayer is void, and he should start again.

Sources used:

Islamic Laws by Ayatullah sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Seestani

Salat al-Ayat by Hujjatal Islam Muhsin Qara’ati

THE SACRIFICE OF PROPHET ISMA'IL (A.S.)

The story of Prophet Ibra’him (a.s.) and his son Prophet Isma’il (a.s.) is narrated in the Glorious Qur’an in Sura al-Saffat Ayah 99 to 109 as stated below:

“And he said: “Verily, I am going to my Lord, He will guide me. My Lord grant me a righteous son. So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he (the son) reached (the age of working) with him, he said: O my son! Verily I see in a dream that I shall sacrifice you. Now see what is your view?’ He said, O my father, Do what you are commanded; you will find me, Allah willing, of the patient ones. So when they both submitted (to our command) and he (Ibra’him) laid him (his son) prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), And We called out to him: O Ibra’him! Indeed you have proved true the dream; verily thus do We reward the doers of good! This is indeed the manifest trial. And We ransomed him with great sacrifice. And We left (praise) for him among generations (to come) in later times. Peace be on Ibra’him.”

Hazrat Ibrahim is called the “Father of Prophets”. He was in his seventies but did not have any children with Bibi Sarah. Both were very fond of children. Bibi Sarah advised him to marry their servant Bibi Hajerah (Hagar) so that they can have a baby in the house. Hazrat Ibrahim married Bibi Hajerah and Prophet Ismail was born.

A time came when disagreement grew between his two wives and at last one day Prophet Ibrahim brought Prophet Ismail, who was still an infant and Bibi Hajerah to the place where the present day Makkah is located. He left some food and water for them and departed.

When water was finished, Bibi Hajerah went in search of help. She first climbed the Mount Safa and looked around then ran to the opposite side and climbed the Mount Marwah. She kept on running between these mountains in search of water but found nothing. Hazrat Ismail was dragging his feet on the ground and to her surprise she saw a spring of water erupted near his feet. She quenched the thirst of the baby. During the Hajj, Muslims repeat her act of running between these mountains. The spring is still there and is called Zamzam and Hajjis drink this sacred water and take with them. The Glorious Qur’an Sura al-Baqarah Ayah 58 says: “Safa and Marwa (Names of these mountains) are reminders of Allah. It is no sin for one who visits the Sacred House (In Makkah) to walk seven times between Safa and Marwa. Whoever willingly does a good deed in obedience to Allah, he will find Allah All-knowing and fully Appreciative.”

When Hazrat Ismail grew up then Allah commanded them to reconstruct The House of Allah; The Kaabaa. Hence, these two prophets extended the walls of Kaabaa. Allah then revealed Ayah 26-27 in Sura al-Hajj: “When We prepared for Ibrahim the place to build the Sacred House, We told him not to consider any thing equal to Me and to keep the House clean for those walking around it, those standing, bowing down, and prostrating in prayer. (We commanded Ibrahim), Call people for Hajj. They will come on foot and on lean camels from all the distant quarters.”

When Hazrat Ismail was about 14 years of age, one day Hazrat Ibrahim told him that he had a dream which showed as if he was sacrificing him (Ismail), and asked for his decision. By the way he saw that dream 3 times. Unlike normal people, Prophet’s dreams are real and a command of Allah to do certain act. Hazrat Ismail was also a prophet and he was fully aware that it was a command of Allah. He replied to his father that he should comply with Allah’s command and that, by the Will of Allah, he will be among the patient ones.

Next day Hazrat Ibrahim picked up a knife and a rope and took Hazrat Ismail along with him and both proceeded towards Arafaat, a suburb of Makkah. When Hazrat Hajerah inquired as to why he was taking a knife and a rope, he replied that he might need it at his friend’s house to slaughter a goat. At Mina, Shaytan tried to persuade him to abandon the sacrifice. He refused to listen and as he was bothering the prophet, he threw stone at him (Shaytan) 7 times. During Hajj, Muslims go to the place “Jamaraat” and repeat the sunnat-e-Ibrahimi and they also throw stones 7 times. Prophet Ibrahim had blind-folded himself so that he may not witness the pain and distress of his son. He also tied-up Hazrat Ismail’s hands and legs to reduce struggle during the sacrifice. He placed the knife on Hazrat Ismail’s throat and kept cutting. When he had finished the sacrifice and removed the blindfold, he was both surprised and delighted to see his son was safe. Instead, a goat was slaughtered.

Allah is All-Knowing and is aware of our intentions and in this case also Hazrat Ibrahim was blindfolded and he thought he had sacrificed his son but by Allah’s order he was replaced by a goat.

As mentioned above, Sura al-Saffat verse 107 “We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice”. This great sacrifice was the Martyrdom of Imam Husayn. In Karbala, when Imam Husayn (a.s.) was talking to his son, Hazrat Ali Akbar, The Ismail of Karbala, and forecasted that they all were going towards death. Hazrat Ali Akbar asked “Father, are we not on the Right Path?” When Imam Husayin (a.s.) replied in affirmative then he said “We are not worried about death”. Similarly, when Hazrat Qasim ibne Hasan wanted permission to go to the battlefield to sacrifice his life for his uncle, Imam Husayin (a.s.) asked him “Qasim! How do you see death?” He replied “Sweeter than honey”

For a moment, just compare these youths. Hazrat Ismail was a prophet and when his father narrated his dream about sacrifice in Allah’s path, he replied that in the face of death, he will be found among “the patient ones”. In Karbala, the grandsons of Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) were welcoming death!

Once Hazrat Ibrahim inquired from Allah as to how He revives the dead as stated in the Glorious Quran, Sura al-Baqara Ayah 260 “When Ibrahim prayed ‘ Lord show me how you bring the dead back to life,’ the Lord said, ‘ Do you not yet believe? Ibrahim replied ‘I believe but want more confidence for my heart’ Allah told him,’ Take four birds, induce them to come to you, cut and scatter their bodies leaving parts on every mountain top, then call them and they will swiftly come to you.’ Know that Allah is Majestic and Wise.”

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.)’s faith in Allah was at the zenith of faith as he said “There will not be any change in my faith even if the curtains are lifted!”

So every year, Muslims from all over the world congregate in the Holy City of Makkah to perform Hajj and repeat all the above-mentioned acts including running between the Mounts of Safa and Marwa called “Sa’ee”, throwing stones to the three Shaytaan called  ‘Rammi-e-Jamaraat”, slaughters a goat and drink water of Zamzam.

Every Muslim, who can afford should perform Hajj at least once in his life-time. However, every Muslim should slaughter a goat or any allowable (halal) animal every year on the eve of Eid-al-Azha.

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by Ayatullah Nasir Makrem Shirazi

The Glorious Qur’an (English Translation) by Ayatullah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

SURAH AL-FALAQ (THE DAWN) OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Surah al-Falaq is the 113^th Surah of the Glorious Qur’an revealed in Makkah.

                “Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the Dawn,

                From the evil of what He has created,

                From the evil of the dark night when it overtakes

                And from the evil of blowing on knots (of the malignant witchcraft)

                And from the evil of the envious when he envies.”

Although, there are some traditions regarding the revelation of this Surah that some Jews had performed some sort of magic on the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), but this charge may be refuted on few grounds such as this Surah is “Makkan” and confrontation of the Messenger with the Jews was in Madinah. Moreover, if magic or sorcery could influence the Messenger physically, then it could affect his soul also and ultimately the mission of Islam. Allah is Powerful and Omnipotent and protected him from such influences. Allah negates such charges of magic against His Messenger in Surah al-Furqan Ayah 8 and 9: “The unjust ones say, “You are merely following a bewitched person.” Consider their various views about you (Muhammad).They have gone astray and are not able to find the right path.”

We should seek protection from Allah against all wicked creatures, wicked men, animals, Jinn, and evil happenings and from the evil of “carnal soul”.

The second Ayah above does not mean that the Divine creation, by itself, has an evil because creation is the same as existence and existing is absolute goodness. As asserted in Surah al-Sajdah Ayah 7: “He Who has made everything which He has created Most good…” Evil appears where the creatures diverge from the laws of creation and separate from the appointed path.

In the third Ayah, the word “Ghasiq” is derived from “Ghsaq” which means the intense darkness of the night which appears at mid-night. Another meaning of the “Ghasiq” is “attacker” or “evil creature” that uses the cover of the darkness of the night to attack, because not only the wild and biting animals come out of their dens at night and cause damage, but also filthy persons often misuse the darkness of the night for their wicked aims.

In the fourth Ayah, the word “Naffathat” is derived from “Naffth” which means to blow a little water from mouth; hence the term is used for blowing. But many commentators have interpreted this word to witches who blow on knots chanting in sorcery, while some others interpreted it for “tempting women”, especially their own wives. It does not mean that magic or sorcery was practiced on the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). It is like healthy persons seek refuge to Allah from deadly diseases.

The last Ayah refers to the envy which is the worst and most disgraceful quality of a wicked person because Allah has counted it equal to the savage animals, biting snakes, and tempter Shaitan.

In summary, the main sources of evil are: dark night when it comes, those who blow on knots, envious ones. Envy is the origin of many great sins. The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said: “Verily, envy eats faith as fire eats wood.” The Infallible Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “The decay of religion is envy, arrogance and pride.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “Some Ayahs have been revealed to me, the likes of which have not been revealed before; Surah Falaq and Surah Nas. Read them whenever you get up and whenever you go to bed.”

Supplication:  O Lord! We too seek refuge to You from the evils of the envious ones, to protect us from being envious to others. O Lord! Keep us safe and sound from the evils of those who ‘blow on knots’ and from their temptations against the path of Justice and Truth.

Sources used:

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

The Glorious Qur’an (English Translation) by Ayatullah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM MUHAMMAD BAQIR (A.S.)

He was born in 57A.H. in Madinah. He was 4 years old in the Great Tragedy of Karbala. He lived with his father, Imam Ali Zain-ul-Abedin (a.s.) for 39 years. His mother, Umme Abdullah was the daughter of Imam Hasan al-Mujtabah (a.s.). Period of his Imamate was 18 years. The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) informed his companion, Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari and said: “You will live and meet one of my grandsons who will be the grandson of (Imam) Husayn (a.s.), who will spread knowledge. When you meet him, give my “Salaam” to him”

Miracles of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.):

In Amali, Muhammad ibn Sulayman narrates from his father that there was a Syrian who used to visit the Imam. He was an enemy of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) but was impressed by the Imam’s knowledge and good manners. He fell sick and told his companion to request the Imam to pray his Namaz-e-Janaza. By next morning, his body was cold and was presumed dead. When a man came to inform the Imam (a.s.), the Imam told him not to rush to prepare his burial. The Imam (a.s.) prayed two rakaat namaz and came to the Syrian’s house and called him by name. He (the presumed dead) replied the Imam, who sat with him and comforted him. The Imam returned home. After some time, he came to the Imam and wished to speak in seclusion. He narrated: “O Imam, you are the Hujjat of Allah and the Right Path. I was in a semi sleep condition when I heard someone saying ‘return his soul as Muhammad ibn Ali had requested for him!” This was also reported in “Manaqib Shaher Ashoob”.

Abu Baseer was a blind man. He went in the presence of the Imam and inquired: “You belong to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and inheritors of the miracles of all the prophets, can you cure a blind man?” The Imam replied that with the permission of Allah, he can cure him. The Imam asked Abu Baseer to come near to him and moved his hand over his eyes. He retrieved his eye-sight and could see. The Imam said to him: “Do you want to live like normal seeing person and rise on the Day of Resurrection with hope and despair or go to Paradise as a blind man?” Abu Baseer replied that he wanted to revert to the previous condition. The Imam again moved his hand over his eyes, and he became blind again.” (A’alam ul Wara, Manaqib)

Result of enmity with Ahlul Bayt (a.s.):   

Abu Utaibah narrates in “Al-Kharaij”: “I was sitting in the presence of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.), when a Syrian man came and told the Imam that he was his Shiah but his father loved Bani Umayyad. He had a garden in Ramallah. After his death he searched for his father’s wealth but could not find it.” The Imam asked if he wished to meet his dead father, he replied in affirmative. The Imam gave him a letter and told him to go to Baqiyyah Graveyard the same night and call “Darjaan”, a man in turban will appear, give the letter to him. Next morning, Abu Utaibah came in the presence of the Imam to know as to what had transpired with that Syrian. They both entered the Imam’s house simultaneously. The Syrian said: “Only Allah knows whom to grant His knowledge. I went to the graveyard last night and a man came, took the letter and asked me to wait. After a while he brought a man who was black and said that he was my father. I refused to accept it. The man told me that because of the fire and smoke of the Hell, his complexion had changed. I inquired from the man if he was really my father. He replied in affirmative. But because he loved Bani Umayyad and I loved Ahlul Bayt hence he developed enmity towards me and wanted to deprive me of his wealth. Hence he had buried it in the garden under the olive tree.”   

Miracle Thread of Musa and Haroon:

Ja’bir ibn Yazeed Ja’afi narrates in “Manaqib Shaher Ashoob”: “People complained to Imam Zain-ul-Abedin (a.s.) about the oppressions of Bani Umayyad. The Imam called his son Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) and gave him a thread and directed him to slowly move it. The Imam came in the mosque, prayed two rak’at namaz, placed his cheek on the soil, and recited something. After the prayer, he drew a thread which smell like musk, and gave one end to me to hold it and slowly moved the thread. There was an earth-quake, voices of crying people could be heard, and many houses were demolished. The Imam went up the minaret and loudly said; “You Liars” and recited the Ayah 26 of Surah al-Nahl: “Their ceilings toppled on their heads and torment struck them from a direction which they have never expected.” People imagined it to be a voice from skies and fell on their knees.” The Imam told Ja’bir the thread belonged to Prophet Musa and was given to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) by Jibra’eel.

Umar Bin Abdul Aziz’s respect for AhlulBayt (a.s.):

According to “Qurb-ul-Asnad”, the only caliph of Bani Umayyad, who was not oppressive like the rest, Umar Bin Abdul

Aziz, openly said that he had heard the traditions about the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) that the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) loved her immensely and had said that whoever makes her unhappy, that person makes the Noble Prophet himself unhappy.

Return of Fadak to AhlulBayt (a.s.):

The Imam was visiting Umar Bin Abdul Aziz and saw him crying. The Imam asked for the reason of crying. He replied that he was crying for some of the actions of Husham of Bani Umayyiad.The Imam said: “O Omar, this world is a bazaar, people buy beneficial and harmful things, so fear Allah and remember two things; watch for and send those deeds which you want to be with you in the presence of Allah on the Day of Judgment, and watch and exchange those deeds which you do not want to be with you in Allah’s presence. Help the oppressed and stop the oppressor.”

The Imam further said: “Remember three things for perfect faith; do not be happy in committing wrong, let not your anger distract you from righteousness, when you have power, do not acquire a thing which does not belong to you.” Hearing this, Umar Bin Abdul Aziz asked for the writing material and wrote:

                                    In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful

I, Umar Bin Abdul Aziz, am returning the property of Fadak to Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.). This property was acquired by oppression and without justification.

On way to Syria, a priest asked the Imam (a.s): “In Paradise, people will eat and drink but there will not be any excretion, is there any resemblance in this world like that?” The Imam (a.s.) replied: “a baby in mother’s womb!” He further asked: “A woman gave birth to twins, who were born, died and buried at the same time, their ages were 150 and 50 years, who were those persons?” Imam (a.s.) replied: “These were two brothers; Uzair and Uzaira. Both lived together for 30 years. Then, Allah made Uzair dead for 100 years while Uzaira remained alive. After Uzair was brought back to life, both brothers lived for another 20 years!” The priest told the people that he did not see any one more knowledgeable than this person (Imam).

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an

Bihar-ul-Anwar                                                                                    by Allama Muhammad Baqir Majlisi

AYATULLAH SAYYID ABDUL HUSAYN SHARFUDDIN AL-MUSAWI (R.A.)

Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Sharfuddin was born in the sacred city of Kazimayn in Iraq in the year 1290 A.H. His parents were related to each other. His father was Sayyid Yousuf ibne Jawad Sharfuddin and his mother’s name was Zahra binte Sayyid Hadi. He grew up in a scholarly family of repute, and was educated under the guidance of his father. When he reached the age of adolescence, he became fully acquainted with the causes of goodness and virtues.  At the age of 16, he left for Iraq for further spiritual studies.  Upon completing his scholarly life, he was distinguished by notable accomplishments and achievements. His teachers included many a genius among the pillars of knowledge in Najaf al-Ashraf and Samarra such as Tabataba’I, Khurasani, Fatahallah al-Asphahani, Shaykh Hasan al-Karbala’i.

After completing his religious education at the age of 32, he returned to Amila, South Lebanon. He travelled extensively around the Muslim world encouraging Muslim unity and opposition to colonial powers. A new life started in Amila aiming at strict implementation of religion, improvement of manners, the strengthening of right with might, kindness to the weak, the enjoining of the right and the forbidding of wrong, comfort with the masters of religion and humbleness towards the men of knowledge. He possessed such eloquence of speech which made him the envy of Arabia’s orators. Religion, scholarship, and ethics are all proud of him!

About 4 years after his return to Lebanon, the World War I broke out and at the end of the war, French took control of Lebanon. They tried to secularize the Lebanese society. He called a conference of major scholars, and they declared war against the occupation forces. A death warrant was issued for him immediately, and he had to leave his house for Egypt. The vengeful French torn down his house, burned down his library which contained thousands of valuable books and manuscripts .Eventually, Sayyid Muhammad as-Sadr, a first cousin of Sayyid Sharfuddin, managed to get the death warrant annulled and Sayyid Sharfuddin returned home.

He had authored many books out of which 18 books were burned by the French authorities. There are 8 other books still available which include the famous book Al-Muraja’at. These books were: Al Fusul-ul-Muhimma (Important chapters in Unifying the Nation), Al Jawabat al Masa’il fi Musa Jarallah (Answers to the question of Musa Jarallah), Al Kalima al-Gharra fi Tafdil al-Zahra (The Convincing statement in preferring al-Zahra), Al Majalis Al Fakhira fi Ma’atim Al Tahira (The Magnificent Commemorative Speeches in Honor of the Purified Progeny), Abu Huraira, Bughyat al Raghibin (Quest of the Willing), Thabt al Athbat fi Silsilat Al Ruwat (The Ultimate Proof in the Chain of Narrators)

It was his life-time desire to bring together Sunni and Shia Muslims. He travelled to Cairo, Egypt and met with the Rector of Al-Azhar University, Shaykh Salim Al Bishri al-Maliki. After a long discussion it was decided to talk on all the points of disagreement between the Shias and Sunnis in a free and polite manner without getting excited. These discussions were in the form of letters. In all 112 letters representing questions and answers were exchanged. At the end, it was agreed to publish these discussions for the benefit of general public. Al-Muraja’at is considered perhaps the greatest defense of Shia beliefs in the 20^th century. The book has since been translated into many languages including English. Based on the discussions contained in the book, Al-Azhar University eventually issued an edict declaring Shias to be within the folds of Islam and the Jafari legal thoughts to be a valid branch of Islamic Jurisprudence.  

He was very patient, dignified, gentle, brave, and highly respected. He did not compromise on justice. He was a model of piety, clarity of conscience, speaker of truth, wise and far-sighted.

In the year 1377 A.H. he fell ill and shortly after passed away. His body was flown to Baghdad, Kazimayn, Karbala, and later was buried within the precincts of the Mausoleum of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.)

Sources used:

                Al-Muraja’at, a Shia Sunni Dialogue by Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Sharfuddin

                Islamic Sights Sayyid Sharfuddin Al-Musawi

SURAH AL-NAS (MANKIND) OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Although, there is a difference of opinion as to this Suarah is “Makki” or “Madani” but the contents of this Surah points towards the probability that it is “Makki”. It has 6 Ayahs as follows:

1.       “Say: I take refuge with the Lord of the Mankind,”

2.       “The king of Mankind,”

3.       “The God of Mankind,”

4.       “From the evil of the slinking whisperer,”

5.       “Who whispers evil into the hearts of the Mankind,”

6.       “From among Jinn and Mankind.”

In one of the traditions it is mentioned that once the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) became gravely ill. The two great angels, Jibra’il and Mika’il came to him. Jibra’il sat besides the head of the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Mika’il sat near his (s.a.w.a.s.) feet. Jibra’il recited Surah al-Falaq and by it placed the Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) in the refuge of Allah (s.w.t.); and Mika’il recited Surah Nas.

In this Surah, three attributes of Allah are emphasized; Lordship, Ownership and Divinity. All three attributes are concerned with the training of Man, and his rescue from the grips of the tempters. The objective of taking refuge with Allah should not be restricted to oral repetition but should be accomplished by his thoughts, faith and actions. One should avoid satanic thoughts, assemblies and follow Divine path. By saying, “the Lord of Mankind” he places himself under His guidance, by saying “King of Mankind” he acknowledges that he is His obedient servant, and by saying, “the God of Mankind” he goes on the path of worshipping Him and avoids worshipping others than Him.

The three attributes are three important lessons of instructions and three means of rescue from the evils of:

                “From the evils of slinking whisperers”

                “Who whispers evil in the hearts of the Mankind?”

                “From among Jinn and Mankind”

“Was- was” means to tempt or tempter. The term “Khannas” is derived from “Khunus” meaning to get back or withdraw. Here it refers to Shaitan who withdraws himself the moment he hears the name of Allah. The devilish ones act hidden and murmur temptations into our ears which make us believe as if it is our own idea. Shaitan shows injustice in the form of justice, lies inside a shell of truth, sins in the semblance of worship. Satanic affairs and Shaitan himself is hidden and they will not be open and clear.  The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said in Nahjul Balagha, “The fact is, had falsehood been allowed to appear separately from Truth, seekers of Truth would have easily discerned it and would have kept away from Falsehood” They always take parts of Truth and falsehood and mix them together to get control over people.

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) continued, “...and Shaitan took advantage of this situation and gained complete control over the minds of its followers.”

At any time, it is possible that we could get astray, and when Allah bids His Apostle to take refuge with the Lord from the evil of the slinking whisperer then the common man stand nowhere. When we seek refuge with Allah, then Allah sends heavenly angels to help the seekers of refuge as stated in Surah Fussilat Ayah 30 which says: “In the case of those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah’, and further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them (from time to time)…”

We must supplicate as; “O Lord! Protect us from all the evil of every tempter and dark inspiration. O Lord! The trap is deep, the enemy is wakeful, his plots are hidden, and rescue is impossible but with Your Grace.”

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an (English Translation) by Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

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