A PRESTIGIOUS MAN IN THE EYES OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL IMAM ALI (A.S.)

The Gateway of Knowledge, the “Nafse Rasool”, the Most Truthful and Pure, the Infallible Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) had said in Nahjul Balagha, a book which is below the Divine Glorious Qur’an and above every book in the Universe. Imam Ali (a.s.), being the “Qur’an-e-Natiq” or “Speaking Qur’an”, his Golden Words are invaluable and its follower will achieve salvation in the Hereafter.

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) has referred to one of his companions, who possessed the following qualities, hence prestigious in the Imam (a.s.)’s eyes:

“The world was humble in his eyes.

The needs of the stomach did not sway over him.

He did not long for what he did not get.

If he got a thing, he would not ask for more.

Most of his time he was silent.

If he spoke he silenced other speakers.

He quenched the thirst of questioners.

He was weak and feeble.

But at the time of fighting (for truth), he was like the lion of forest or the serpent of the valley.

He would not put forth an argument unless it was decisive.

He would not reproach anyone in an excusable matter unless he had heard the excuse.

He would not speak of any ailment except after its disappearance.

He would say what he would do, and would not say what he would not do.

Even if he could be exceeded in speaking, he could not be excelled in silence.

He was more eager to listen than to speak.

If two things confronted him, he would see which was more akin to the longing of the heart and he would oppose it. “

The Commander of the Faithful (a.s.) advised his followers saying, “These qualities are incumbent upon you. So, you should acquire them and excel each other in them. Even if you cannot acquire them (completely), you should know that acquiring a part is better than giving up the whole."

               Source: Nahjul Balagha

INSPIRATIONS FROM SURAH AL-QALAM OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

Surah al-Qalam is the 68^th Surah revealed in Makkah containing 52 Ayahs. The Glorious Qur’an is the last Message of Allah (s.w.t.) for the humanity at large.

About the benefits of reciting this Surah, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Whoever recites this Surah will get the thawab of those who have moral nobility.”

Similarly, the Infallible Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a’s.) said, “Whoever recites this Surah in obligatory or supererogatory prayers, shall be saved from poverty and shall be secured from the pressures of the grave.”

It may be mentioned here that to attain maximum benefits of recitation of this Surah, its contents are practiced in our daily life.

Qalam or pen is the basic equipment for acquiring knowledge. Moreover, the Qalam or pen was also mentioned in Surah al-Alaq, Ayah 2 to 4, “He created man from a clot of blood. Recite! Your Lord is the most Honorable One, who, by the pen, taught the human being.”

The salient features of this Surah are as follows:

It emphasizes the excellence and nobility of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.).

It narrates the vices of the foes of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)

It describes the People of Paradise to warn the evil polytheists.

It describes some of the events of the Day of Judgment and the torments of the disbelievers.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) is advised to exercise patience against the enemy.

Warnings against the polytheists.

It glorifies the Glorious Qur’an and warns about the conspiracies of the enemies of His Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.).

In Ayah 17 through Ayah 33, the story of the sons of a pious man is narrated relating to the harvesting of their garden. The garden was located near Sana’, the modern Yemen. The garden belonged to an old believing man, who made use of its revenues to meet his needs and gave away the rest in charity. After the demise of their father, the sons decided to deprive the needy and keep everything for themselves and their children.

When they went to sleep that night, they were afflicted by a Divine torment, such that a deadly lightening and a burning fire consumed the orchard. Next morning the sons, imagining that the fruits of their orchard were ripe and to be picked up. They whispered to each other lest the needy may hear them and ask them for some amount of fruits to quench their hunger. The needy seemingly expected some fruits every year owing to the charity of their father.

When they reached the orchard and saw the destruction, they thought they had lost their way and entered a wrong orchard. They realized that now they were the needy. Their attempt to deprive the needy led to their own deprivation from the material gains and the spiritual blessings that could have accrued from spending in the path of Allah (s.w.t.).

A general conclusion may be drawn from this story that there is an intimate relationship between committing sins and being deprived of the Divine Sustenance. The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said, “Sometimes, when a man commits a sin, his sustenance is curtailed.” In the Ayah 34 and 35, the Glorious Qur’an compares the virtuous and disbelievers and reminds that they are not equal in rewards. This is an impressive way of education.

Similarly, in Ayah 44 and 45, the Omnipotent Allah (s.w.t.) is warning the disbelievers, saying, “Leave those who reject the Qur’an to Me and I shall lead them step by step to destruction, without their being aware of it. I shall give them respite; however, My plan is so strong that they will never be able to escape from it.” The Infallible Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Sometimes when rebellious people commits sins, Allah increases their gifts and they forget their sins and also forget the repentance.” Ayah 51 refers to evil eyes, “When the unbelievers listen to you reciting the Qur’an they almost try to destroy you with their piercing eyes.” It has been witnessed by many that some people have a magnetic influence in their eyes and utilize it to enforce hypnotic sleep in some patients. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had recited this du’a for Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn, when they were young, “I give you in the protection of the Beautiful Names of Allah safety from death, harmful animals, evil eyes, jealousy.” The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Evil eye is truth and protection with supplication is also truth.”

               Source: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu translation) by Ayatollah Nasir Makrem Shirazi (Tafsir-e-Namoona)

THE INFALLIBLE IMAM JA'FAR AS-SADIQ (A.S.) AND SCIENCE

The Infallible Successors and Progeny of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), who were the Imams of the Muslims, were given knowledge by Allah (s.w.t.). They were born with knowledge, they did not go to any school or had any teacher. The divine knowledge which was given to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was transferred by him to the Gateway of Knowledge, the Infallible Imam Ali (a.s.), who in turn transferred it to his elder son, the Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.). Imam Hasan (a.s.) transferred it to his brother, the Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.). From thenceforth, the knowledge continued to move from father to son till the last twelfth Imam Mahdi (a.s.) who is in occultation and will reappear when Allah (s.w.t.) wishes.

According to the time, environment and need, one of the Imams displayed the divine knowledge to the world. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) had the opportunity to disclose the knowledge to the world. An enemy of the Imam, Abu Shakir challenged the Imam about the existence of God. The Imam replied to him, “You do not believe in anything which cannot be perceived by five senses. Can you see the tiny living beings Allah has created in your body? They are like sand in the desert. You cannot see them with your eyes but you cannot live without them. Do see the air on which the life of plants, animals and human beings depend? Without which they will die. All scientists and scholars believe in a Creator, they may call Him by different names. When a wise man thinks about himself, he finds that his own body needs a controller so that all its organs and systems may function properly. He then realizes that this vast universe needs a controller so that it may run smoothly.    

Everything in the universe is in motion. Nothing is destroyed. Everything is subject to change. Mountains were in a liquid form and gradually it cooled down and Allah solidified it. Air is a creation of Allah, you cannot see it. He is everywhere you cannot see Him. The plants, animals and birds follow the laws made by the Creator that means they worship Him. The light which comes from the sun also worship Allah by obeying His laws. It comes into being by the combination of two opposite forces. If there was no Allah there would have been no universe.

At the age 11, the Imam refuted the theory that the sun, moon and the planets rotated around the earth. The earth, moon and the planets rotate around the sun. He also announced that earth rotated around its axis. When the astronauts landed on the surface of the moon, and directed their telescope towards the earth, they observed that it was rotating slowly on its axis.

At the age 12, he rejected the theory of four elements by Aristotle and proved that it was wrong. He said that earth is not element. It contains many elements. Each metal which is in the earth is an element. Also, there are many elements in the air which are essential for breathing.

About the origin of universe, the Imam said, “The universe was born out of a tiny particle, which had two opposite poles. In this way matter came into being.” About the human body, he said, “Whatever is in the earth is in the human body. It has four elements in large quantity and eight elements in small quantity and eight elements in minute quantity.” The Imam also discovered the oxygen in the air and his father Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) also discovered hydrogen in water. The Imam’s great contribution to the theory of light was that he said, “Light reflected by different objects comes to us, but only a part of the rays enters our eyes. That is the reason why we do not see distant objects clearly.” About the transfer of disease by rays, the Imam said, “Patients suffering from certain diseases emits special types of rays. If these fall upon healthy person, they are apt to make him sick.” The Imam said about a unique theory of “Anti-Matter”, “Everything, except Allah, has its opposites.” In the Anti-Matter, the electrons are positively charged and protons are negatively charged. Scientists have now concluded that if one kilo gram of matter collides with one kilo gram of anti-matter, so much energy will be released that the entire world would be destroyed. About pollution of environment, the Imam said, “We should not pollute our environment otherwise it would become impossible to live on earth.”

Lastly, the Imam advised mothers that they should put their new born babies to sleep on their left side.” Doctors at the Research Institute of Cornell University observed that the babies who are put to sleep on the left side of their mother’s sleep more soundly and peacefully but those who are put on the right side, wake up every now and then and cry.

               Source: The Superman in Islam – A thesis published by the Research Committee of Strasbourg, France

SURAH AL-HUJURAAT OF THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

In Arabic, Hujra means chamber and its plural is hujuraat which is used in the Ayah four of this Surah, hence the name of the Surah is given “Hujuraat”. This is a Madani Surah having 18 Ayahs. This is a very important Surah covering social aspects of humanity.

The Surah covers the following aspects of the Muslim society:

How to behave in the presence of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.).

Great rewards for the Muslims who were well-behaved in his (s.a.w.a.s.)’s presence.

Foolishness of some of people who would shout from outside his (s.a.w.a.s.)’s house.

Not to address him (s.a.w.a.s.) like ordinary people would talk to each other, but be respectful.

Adverse consequences would follow if he (s.a.w.a.s.) had followed the wishes of the people.

If any evil-doer brings a news, verify before taking any action lest you may harm a people in ignorance and regret

later.

Strengthen the ties of unity by making peace between Muslim brothers. If need be, support the oppressed group. While reconciling between conflicting Muslims, one should be just and equitable.

Muslims are brothers of each other, wherever they may be.

Avoid deriding other Muslims, men or women, do not insult a Muslim nor give them bad nick names.

Do not be suspicious of other Muslims as some of the suspicions are sins.

Avoid back-biting, which is like eating the flesh of your dead brother.

People were divided into nations and tribes just for identification only but the most honorable are the pious ones.

There are stages of faith; first stage is the submission to Allah (Islam) by word of mouth, the next stage is the

Acceptance of faith from heart (Ie’man).

Sources used:     Moral values of Qur’an, A Commentary of Surah al-Hujurat by Ayatollah                                              Dasteghaib Shirazi

                           The Islamic Moral System: Commentary of Surah al-Hujurat by Ayatollah Jafar                                    Subhani

                              An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an

THE IMPORTANCE AND USES OF TONGUE

Tongue is the most important part of human being. It may be used in a constructive way or destructive way. It needs to be controlled so that it may not attack someone. The tongue is used in a constructive way; it is used to recite Kalema of Shahadah, recite the Glorious Qur’an, praise Allah (s.w.t.), contact with others to inquire their welfare, recite prayers, say Amr-e-bil Maruf (ask people to do good deeds) and Nahi anil Munkar(stop people not to do bad deeds) etc. Its destructive uses may include talking kufr, hurt others in a wrong way, back-biting, utter obscene language etc.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: Blessed is the man who speaks good and is triumphant; or keeps silent in the face of evil. Affliction caused by the tongue is worse than (that caused by) the strike of the blade of the sword. The destruction of man lies in three (things): his stomach, his lusts, and his tongue. Everything that a person says is against him, except for three types of speech: the remembrance of Allah; Amr bil Maruf and Nahi anil Munkar; and making amends between two believers. An active tongue of a person will lead him in the Hell Fire. Whoever seeks safety (from the fire), then let him protect that which comes out from his tongue. May Allah’s mercy be upon that servant whom people can benefit from his speech and who observes silence to stay safe and protected.

The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: Do contemplate before speaking so that you may guard yourself from (committing) errors. The tongue of a wise man lies behind his heart. The tongues pierce deeper than the spear. A man is hiding under his tongue. The best speech is one that is short and reasonable. The right of freedom of speech consists in speaking the truth. As a man’s wisdom increases, so his desire to speech decreases. That knowledge is superficial which is merely on the tongue; that knowledge is real which demonstrates itself in your practice. Do not speak in a state of ignorance. Refrain from unnecessary talks.

The Infallible Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: Behave to be as ornaments for us and not to be against us as shame. Tell people of goodness, and protect your tongues and hold it from excessive talks and offensive speech.

Back-biting: The foremost great sin for which the Glorious Qur’an and the Traditions have promised chastisement is back-biting. Surah al-Nur Ayah 19 says, “Surely (as for) those who love that scandal should circulate respecting those who believe, they will have a grievous chastisement in this world and in hereafter.” Similarly, Sarah al-Hujurat Ayah 12 says, “…nor let some of you back-bite others. Does one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? But you abhor it….” A tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) say, “On the night of Mira’j (Ascension), I saw some people in Hell who were eating dead meat. I asked Jibril (a.s.) who those people were. He replied, “They used to eat human flesh in their worldly life (that is, they used to back-bite about other people).”

The Infallible Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (a.s.) said, “If one speaks of a person in his absence about something which is present in a person but people are unaware of it, it would be “Ghiba”. Moreover, if what he says is not present in the person, it is allegation (Buh’tan)”

It is said that on the Day of Judgment, the other parts of body will curse the tongue that because of its utterances, the other parts of the body will suffer chastisement.

Sources used: The Glorious Qur’an, The characteristics of a Muslim, Tabrasi, Mashkat al-Anwar page 175, Ethical Discourses by Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi, A Battle of Flowers by Sayyid Faqih Imani, Bihar ul Anwar v. 71 page 277, 286. V. 78 page 178, Ghurar -ul-Hikam, Waqaayi-ul-Ayyam page 297

COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL IMAM ALI (A.S.)'S KINDNESS TOWARDS ENEMY

The Protector and the Defender of the rights of downtrodden, Imam Ali (a.s.) had left an unusual and exemplary mark on human history by his humane behavior toward his enemies. John J. Pool, historian says in his book, “Studies in Muhamadanism”; “Truly a noble man, a man of righteousness, and a brave man, forgiving spirit.” Oelsner, a French orientalist, says about Imam Ali (a.s.), “Pure, gentle and learned, without fear and without reproach, setting the noble example of character to the world.”

Out of hundreds of examples of kindness and mercy exhibited by Imam Ali (a.s.) toward his enemy, some of them are:

Talha bin Abi Talha was an arch-enemy of Islam. He was the flag bearer of the infidels in the Battle of Uhad. Imam Ali (a.s.) gave him a blow of his sword and he fell but not dead yet. Imam Ali (a.s.) walked away without killing him. Many Muslim warriors ran up to Imam Ali (a.s.) and advised him to kill Talha. Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “He cannot defend himself now, and I cannot strike a man who cannot defend himself. If he survives he is welcome to live as long as his life lasts.”

During the Battle of Jamal, his slave Qambar brought some soft drink and said, “Master, sun is very hot and you are constantly fighting, have this drink to refresh yourself.” Imam Ali (a.s.) looked around and said, “Shall I refresh myself when hundreds of people are lying wounded and dying of thirst and wounds? Give this drink to some of the wounded persons” Qambar replied, “But they are our enemies.” Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “But they are human beings!”

In the Battle of Siffin, Muawiya’s forces captured the banks of river Euphrates and refused to allow Imam Ali (a.s.)’s forces to take water. Imam Ali (a.s.) sent a messenger saying that it was against the canons of humanity and Islam. Muawiya’s reply was, “A war is a war; hence one cannot accept principles of humanity and the doctrines of Islam. My sole aim is to kill Ali and to demoralize his army and this stoppage of water will bring about these results quickly and easily.” Imam Ali (a.s.) sent Imam Husayn (a.s.) to retake the river and it was captured. It was Muawiya turn to beseech to get permission to get water. Imam Ali (a.s.) told them take as much water as they want. When Imam Ali (a.s.)’ officers objected. Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “They are human beings, though they acted inhumanly, yet I cannot follow their example and refuse water because they are my sworn enemy!”

In the Battle of Nahrawan, Imam Ali (a.s.) was fighting like any other soldier when a man faced him and in the encounter lost his sword. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Runaway friend you are not in apposition to defend yourself. The man said, “Why don’t you kill me?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “I cannot strike a man who cannot defend himself. You were begging for your life and it was spared” The man said, “I was told that you have never refused a beggar, now I beg of your sword.” The Imam gave him the sword. Taking the sword in hand he said, “Now Ali, who is going to defend you from me?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “Of course, Allah will defend me if He so wills! He has appointed my death to be my guardian angel, no one can harm me before it is due and no one can save me when it arrives!” Nobility of thought and action affected his foe and he kissed the bridle of Imam’s horse and said, “O Master! You are a great man indeed. You can not only forsake the life of your enemy in the battlefield but also grant your sword. May I have the honor to act as your body guard and fight for you?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “Friend, fight for truth and justice and don’t fight for individuals.”

On the night of 19 Ramzan, when his assassin was brought before him, the Imam saw that the rope which was bounding him was so tightly tied that it was piercing his flesh. Imam Ali (a.s.) told the Muslims, “You should not be so cruel with your fellow-beings, slacken his ropes and decrease his agony.” Further, when some sherbet was brought for Imam Ali (a.s.), he ordered that it may be given to his assassin!

Source: Seraj.net/Fourteen Infallible

COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL, IMAM ALI (A.S.)'S WILL TO HIS SONS

The Commander of the Faithful, the Gateway of Knowledge and Wisdom, Imam Ali (a.s.) wrote his will to his son, on his return from the Battle of Siffin in the form of a letter. There are conflicting reports as to whom it was addressed; the Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.) or Muhammad al-Hanafiyya. However, in Najul Balagha, it is addressed to Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.)

It may be noted that the members of the Household of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) were infallible (free of sins or errors). Whether it is this will or the supplications of Sahifa al-Sajjadia of the Infallible Imam Ali ibnal Husayn (a.s.), it was meant for the guidance of the Muslims. It covers every aspect of human life to make it successful-brave, humane, generous, virtuous and pious.

He (a.s.) says, “My first and foremost advice to you is to fear Allah. Be His honest servant. Keep His thought always in your mind. Be attached and carefully guard the principles (Islam). Adopt piety and kill your inordinate desires with its help. Build your character with the help of true faith in the religion - Islam. Subjugate your nature with the vision of death, study the life of past people. Rise and fall of civilizations, its people and what was their contributions to the human welfare. You will conclude that they have parted with their loved ones and everyone is now in a solitary abode, alone and unattended (grave); and you will also be like him. Take care to provide well for your future abode. Do not barter away eternal blessings for pleasures of this mortal and fleeting world. Reconciliation of your differences is worthier than all prayers and all fasting. Fear Allah in matters concerning the orphans. Fear Allah in relations to your neighbors. Remain attached to the Glorious Qur’an. Fear Allah in relation to your (obligatory) prayers. It is the pillar of your religion.

Do not talk about things which you do not know. Advise people to do good and virtuously. Let your words and deeds teach the world lessons of how to abstain from wickedness and vicious deeds. Try to keep away from those who indulge in vices and sins. Fight to defend the cause of Allah. Fearlessly and boldly help truth and justice. Develop the habit of patience against sufferings, calamities and adversities. Trust in Allah to face them. Do not seek protection and from anybody but Allah. Reserve your prayers and supplications for Him only because He is All Powerful. The knowledge which does not benefit anybody is useless.

The Lord who is the Master of death is also Master of life. This world is working under the laws ordained by Him, and it consists of assemblage and aggregation of actions and reactions, causes and effects, calamities and reverses, pains and pleasures and rewards and punishments. If you do not understand a thing do no reject it. Best thing is to seek guidance from the One, Who has created you, Who maintains and nourishes you.

Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you. Do not oppress and tyrannize anybody because surely you do not like to be oppressed and tyrannized. Be kind and sympathetic to others as you certainly desire others to treat kindly and sympathetically. Remember, that vanity and conceit are forms of folly. Lead a well-balanced life (neither be conceited nor suffer from inferiority complex) and exert yourself to earn an honest living. By the guidance of the Lord if you achieve a thing you desire, then do not be proud but be humble and submissive to Him.

The Merciful Lord has ordered that every evil deed of yours will be counted as one and virtuous deeds and pious actions will be rewarded tenfold. He has left the door of repentance open. By granting you the privilege of praying for His favors and Mercies, He has handed over the keys of His treasures to you. You are created for the next world and not for this. Death is following you, you cannot run away from it. Be warned that you do not make yourself a slave of anybody. The little given by Allah is more useful. Nobody can guard your secrets better than you. Treat the members of your family with love and respect.

               Source: Condensed from “al-islam.org/The Last Will of Ali ibn Abi Talib” & Nahjul Balagha