ZIARAT-E-ARBA'EEN

 

It is reported that the Infallible Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), he said that there are five signs of a Believer (Momin):

1.       Performing 51 rakats of prayer, including Nawafil, in 24 hours.

2.       Reciting Ziarat-e-Arba’een.

3. Prostrating (sajda) on earth, preferably on Khak-e-Shifa (soil from the grave of Imam Husayn (a.s.)      

4.       Reciting “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” loudly in the prayers.      

5.       Wearing “Aqeeq” ring in the right hand. 

The English translation of the Ziarat is reproduced below:Peace be upon the favorite of Allah; Peace be upon the beloved friend of Allah. Peace be upon the choicest confidant of Allah, and the son of the son of the choicest confidant of Allah! Peace be upon Husayn (a.s.), who gave his life in the way of Allah, a martyr, underwent untold hardships. Peace be on the hostage surrounded by the tightening circle of sorrow and grief, killed by a hoard of savages.

O My Allah! I give witness that beyond a shadow of doubt, he is Your favorite and choicest confidant, who enjoys Your confidence and favor, precisely like his father!  You looked at him and elected him in Your cause, picked and chose him for the good fortune, selected for him the best purified parents, appointed him guardian, leader, and defender of rights, a true representative of guardians, leaders and defenders of rights, gave him much more from the inheritance of the Prophets, put him forward as a decisive Argument, along with other successors (of the Noble Messenger) to the mankind. He met with deadly dangers , acted justly and fairly, made use of everything belonging to him to pay full attention to give sincere advice, took pains, made every effort and put his heart , mind, soul, and life at the disposal of Your mission to liberate the people from the yoke of ignorance and evil of bewilderment, but an evil doer, deceived with empty hopes of mean and worthless worldly gains, had pressed heavily on him, and sold out his share (of eternal bliss) for the meanest and lowest bargain, betrayed his day of Judgment for a vulgar return , took pride in insolence, fell into the fathom-well of silly stupid follies, provoked You and Your Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) to anger, did as the harsh discordant , the hypocrite, the heavily burdened bearers of sin, condemned to Hell Fire, advised to him, however, he (the Infallible Imam), steadily, rightly and justly coped with them , till, in Your obedience, gave his life after which his family was set adrift.

O My Allah! Therefore, condemn them to Hell as a denunciation and conviction; and crack down on them with a painful Punishment. Peace be upon you O the son of the Messenger of Allah! Peace be upon you the son of the first of the successors (of the Noble Messenger of Allah)! I bear witness that Allah put faith in you like He had full confidence in your father, and that you always looked for and collected good and virtues, lived a highly praise-worthy life and departed from this world a martyr, forsaken and abused; I bear witness that Allah will promptly fulfill the promise, He made to you, and destroy those who left you helpless and punish those who killed you; I bear witness that you kept your promise made with Allah, and strived in His way till what was certain came upon you, so curse of Allah be on those who oppressed you , curse of Allah be on the people who came to know  and approved it.

O My Allah! Be my witness that I make friends with those who love him and oppose who deny him. I, my father, and mother, be sacrificed for you, O son of the Messenger of Allah. I know and bear witness that you were “light” in the sublime loins and the pure wombs, never touched you  the dirt of ignorance , nor ever obscurity concealed you in its folds; I bear witness that you are the pillar of “Deen” , support of the Muslims, refuge of the faithful; I bear witness that you are a truthful, well-aware, content, intelligent, rightly guided Guide (Imam); I bear witness that Imams among your descendants are the symbols of “conscious piety” and signs of “true guidance”, the “safe handle”-Islam, and the decisive arguments over mankind; I declare positively that I have full faith in you  and I know for certain that you shall return. I am fully committed to the laws of my religion, certain of my deeds, my mind and heart are ready for your return, and my affairs carried out in the light of your instructions, till Allah gives you permission, together with you, along with you, not at the same time with your enemies. Blessings of Allah be on you, on your souls, on your bodies when you are visible, when you are invisible, on your perceivable aspects, on your innermost genius be it so, O Lord of the worlds.

Source: Arbaeen of Imam Husayn (a.s.) by Saleem Bhimji, Duas.org 

 

REVERENCE AND RESPECT OF SAYYIDA FATIMA ZAHRA (S.A.) BY ALLAMA IQBAL (R.A.)

 

Allama Iqbal (r.a.) was a highly educated person. He was called the “Thinker of Pakistan”. He was one of the Muslim leaders of the undivided India who were responsible for the “Muslim Renaissance”, who jointly worked for the independence of India. He travelled to Europe, obtained his Doctorate from Germany. He had a real insight of the western culture. He had written many books in Urdu and Persian. In one of his Persian Books, Ramuz-e-Bekhudi, he had greatly praised. It is note-worthy that he was a Sunni Hanafi Muslim. A transliteration and its explanation are given below:

Maryam az ek Nisbet-e-Isa Aziz: Hazrat Maryam is exalted by only one criterion of being the mother of Prophet Isa,

Az se Nesbit Hazrat-e Zahra Aziz: Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is exalted by three criteria.

Noor-e-chashm-e-Rahmatul lil Aalameen: She was the beloved daughter of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s),

Aan imam-e-awwaleen-o-aakhireen: The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was the leader all prophets and the generations to come.

Aan ke jan dar paikar-e-geeti damaid: He (s.a.w.a.s.) brought peace and tranquility on earth through Islam,

Rozegar-e-tazah aaen afraid: He (s.a.w.a.s.) opened new avenues -manifestation of Tawhid,

Banu-e-aan tajdar-e-Hal Ata: Her husband (Imam Ali) was the Crown of Surah Hal-Ata (76)

Murtaza mushkilkusha sher-e-khuda: Imam Ali (a.s.)’ other name was Murtaza, he was known as “The Lion of Allah” and he (a.s.) helped people in distress.

Badshah waan kalba-e-aiwan-e-oo: Kings used to visit his mausoleum like dogs,

Yak hussam-o-yek zirah samaan-e-oo: His material assets were only one sword (Zulfiqar) and one shield (used to wear at back) only,

Maadar-e-aan markaz-e-parkar-e-ishq: Her mother (Khadija) was the pivot of love of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.),

Madar-e-aan karwaan salaar-e-Ishq: Her mother was the torchbearer and commander of the lovers of Allah. She was the richest woman in Arabia, gave everything to her husband (s.a.w.a.s.) for spreading and sustaining Islam.

Aan yek-e-shama-e-Shabistaan-e-haram: Her son, Imam Hasan was one of the “lights of Panjetan”

Haafiz-e-Jamiyyat-e-khair-ul-umam: Imam Hasan was the protector of the Muslim Ummah,

Taa nashinad aatish-e-paikar-o-keen: Imam Hasan saved the Ummah from the fire of war,

Pusht-e-pa zad bar sar-e-Taj-o-nageen: He (a.s.) kicked-off the crown of khilafat,

Waan digar moula-e-abrar-e-jahaan: Her son; Husayn (a.s.) was the leader of the pious ones,

Quwwat-e-bazoo-e-ahraar-e-jahaan: Imam Husayn was the source of strength for the freedom fighters of the world,

Dar nawa-e-zindagi suz az Husayn: His sacrifice in Karbala brought meaning and purpose in life,

Ahl-e-haq Hurriyat amoz az Husayn: Truthful freedom lovers draw inspiration from his (a.s.) patience and fortitude,

Seerat-e-farzand ha-az-ummahaat: Character of children reflect their mothers. Imam Hasan and Husayn reflected Fatima Zahra (s.a.),

Jauhar-e-sidq -o-safa az ummahaat: Their Purity and Truthfulness reflect their mother Fatima Zahra (s.a.)

Mazra-e-tasleem ra hasil Batool: She was the most dedicated Muslim titled “Chief of the women of the world”

Madaraan ra uswa-e-kamil Batool: She (s.a.) is the perfect role model for Muslim women for all time to come.

Bahre muhtaj-e-daish aangona sukht: She gave away food to the needy for three days, kept fast without eating anything,

Ba Yehudi chador-e-khud ra froqt: She sold her own chador to help the needy Jew.

Nuri wa ham atashi farmabarinsh: All angels and Jinn were her servants,

Gom raza’ish dar raza-e-shouharish: She was whole heartedly lost in obedience to her husband; Imam Ali (a.s.),

Aan adab parverda-e-sabr-o-raza: She was the symbol of patience and contentment,

Aasia gardan wa lab Qur’an sara: She would recite Qur’an while grinding the stone-mill (to make flower)

Girya ha-e-oo zabaleen Beniyaz: She would shed tears to attain nearness to Allah (Samad),

Gauhar afshande ba damaan-e-namaz: Her tears roll into pearls falling on her prayer-mat,

Ask-e-oo barcheed Jibreel azz ameen: Gabriel would carry her tears from the earth,

Hamcho Shabnam raikht bar Arsh-e-Bareen: Gabriel would spread her tears in Heaven which later falls on earth as dew,

Rishta-e-A’een-e-Haqq Zanjeer-e-pa-ast: I have been restrained by the commandments of Islam

Paas-e-Farman-e-janaab-e-Mustafa ast: I am following the directions of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.),

Verna gird-e-turbatish gar deedami: Otherwise, I would circumambulate around Fatima Zahra (s.a.)’s grave

Saj’da ha bar khak-e-pasheedami: I would have prostrated on the soil of the grave of Fatima Zahra (s.a.)

 

SYNOPSIS OF THE GREAT TRAGEDY OF KARBALA

 

Karbala is the conflict of truth and falsehood, faith, and faithlessness. It was the battle between Abu Sufyan and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Abu Sufyan was the arch enemy of Islam and the Messenger of Allah, he fought many battles like Badr, Uhad and Khandaq and was defeated due to the bravery of the Lion of Allah, Imam Ali (a.s.). He realized that he cannot harm Islam as long as Imam Ali (a.s.) is alive. Ultimately, when Makkah was captured by the Islamic forces, he changed the strategy from confrontation to hypocrisy. He told all Polytheists to become Muslim but keep the fire of hatred alive. He and his son Muawiya converted to Islam and the Prophet, who was the Mercy for Universe, pardoned everyone and they were called “freed slaves” They belonged to the Umayyad clan bearing all the anti-social traits of character. They were materialistic, running after the world, disregarding the prohibitions in Islam.In short, they were on opposite poles compared to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)

Muawiya revolted against Imam Ali (a.s.), the fourth caliph of Muslims. After the sad martyrdom of Imam Ali (a.s.), he continued to resist Imam Hasan (a.s.). He played the old tricks of buying out the stubborn or silence them by sword or poison. He succeeded in bribing Imam Hasan (a.s.)’s wife to poison her husband. In the meantime, Muawiya weakened the Imam Hasan (a.s.)’s army and forced him to abdicate the khilafah by sending a blank sheet of paper and signed it and let the Imam write any terms or condition of peace treaty he liked! Because he did not intend to abide by it. One of the conditions the Imam (a.s.) mentioned was that after Muawiya’s death, the khilafah will return to Imam Hasan (a.s.) or Imam Husayn (a.s.). But in total disregard of the peace treaty, Muawiya appointed his profligate (fasiq) son Yazid. On becoming the king, Yazid (l.a.) ordered the governor of Madinah to either obtain allegiance or kill Imam Husayn (a.s.). As Yazid openly acted against the tenets of Islam, it was obligatory on Imam Husain (a.s.) to refuse allegiance. Hence, he left Madinah along with his entire family and went to Makkah. He (a.s.) sent his cousin and confidant Muslim bin Aqeel (a.s.) to Kufa to verify the thousands of invitations soliciting his guidance. Kufans first paid allegiance to him but when new tyrant governor Obaidullah bin Ziyad arrived, they disowned the commitment. Obaidullah mercilessly martyred Muslim and ordered to hang his body for a year! Just before the Hajj, this caravan of Truth proceeded towards Karbala. Obaidullah sent 1,000 strong army under Commander Hurr, to intercept the Imam (a.s.). Hurr’s army was dying of thirst. The grandson of the “Mercy of Universe” used their valuable water resources to quench their thirst and that of their horses. On the Muharram 2^nd 61 A.H. They reached Karbala, where Yazid (l.a.)’s army began arriving which swelled to more than 30,000 men. The enemy stopped water on the Muharram 7^th. On the 10^th of Muharram, Ashura, Hurr deserted Yazid’s army and joined Imam Husayn and was the first to sacrifice his life. The enemy attacked Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s camps and later dual fights ensued when first the companions followed by Bani Hashim, sacrificed their lives. Imam Husayn (a.s.) sought water for his infant Ali Asghar, who was mercilessly killed by an arrow. Imam Husayn fought bravely and was martyred, his body was trampled by enemy horses. People changed dramatically within 50 years of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) demise. Later, the enemy forces desecrated the women and children, snatched their head-covers, looted their belongings, and set it on fire. Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s young son Ali, Zaynal-Abidin (a.s.) was the only male member of the Ahlul Bayt alive as he was sick and denied Jihad. Next day, everyone was made captive, made to sit on camels without seating, their hands were fastened behind the backs like slaves. They were first taken to Kufa and later to Damascus, the evil capital of the Umayyads. Yazid was sitting on a throne under which was placed the sacred head of Imam Husayn (a.s.). He was hitting the teeth of Imam Husayn. The lion-hearted daughter of Imam Ali (a.s.), Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.), still in chains with hands fastened behind the back, thundered, and gave a long sermon addressing Yazid, while more than 600 people were seated in his court. She introduced the Ahlul Bayt, her grandfather, the Prophet, her father Imam Ali (a.s.) and disclosed the evil chain of Yazid’s grandfather Abu Sufiyan, mother Hind, the liver-chewer, father Muawiya. Imam Ali, Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) also spoke making Yazid angry and threatened to kill him, but his aunt Zaynab (s.a.) sacrificed herself and saved him. There was lot of commotion and the crowd became hostile to Yazid (l.a.). Imam Husayn (a.s.)’ beloved daughter, 4 years old Sakina died in the roof-less prison. Like her father Imam Husayn(a.s.), she was also buried in the prison without proper shroud, in her blood-stained clothes. Facing the hostile revolt of the people, Yazid offered to release the Ahlul Bayt. Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) demanded a house where she could properly mourn her brother Husayn (a.s.). Later, the Ahlul Bayt consisting of the widows and orphans, were sent back in properly covered camels under the supervision of Bashir, who first went to Karbala to commemorate the Forty Days (Chehlum) of the martyrs and reconnect the heads to the head-less bodies left behind. Sayyida Rabab, one of the wives of Imam Husayn (a.s.), had lost the infant Ali Asghar, only daughter, Sakina buried in the prison of Damascus!

THE VICTORY OF THE TRUTH AT DAMSCUS BY SAYYADA ZAYNAB (S.A.)

 

The cursed Yazid (l.a.) representing the Umayyad thought that after slaughtering the grand son of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and looting his camps, desecrating the daughters of the Prophet and disgracefully captivating the remaining family of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), he had mentally and emotionally downgraded them. But the lion-hearted daughter of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) torn-off the artificial mask of Islam from his face and shown him his true status of “son of the liberated slave “by the Prophet. He underestimated even the females of the Prophet’s Household.While still in chains and hands fastened at her back facing some 400 people in the court of Yazid (l.a.), she thundered fearlessly and addressed him eloquently:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds and blessings on my grandfather, the Chief of Divine Prophets. O Yazid, Allah says, and His word is true, that ‘Then evil was the end of those who did evil because they rejected the communications of Allah and used to mock them.’ (30:10). O Yazid (l.a.), do you believe that you have succeeded in closing the sky and earth for us and that we have become your captives just because we have been brought before you in a row and that you have secured control over us? Do you believe that we have been afflicted with insult and dishonor by Allah and that you have been given honor and respect by Him? You have become boastful of this apparent victory and that your affairs have become stabilized. Wait for a while. Do not be so joyful. Have you forgotten Allah’s saying: ‘The unbelievers should not carry the impression that the time allowed to them by us is good for them? Surely, We give them time so that they may increase their evil deeds, and eventually they will be given insulting chastisement.’ (3:178)  

O son of freed slaves is this your justice that you keep your own daughters and slave maids veiled while the daughters of the Prophet of Allah are being paraded from place to place exposed. You have dishonored us by unveiling our faces. Your men take us from town to town when people are looking at us. O Yazid, whatever you have done proves your revolt against Allah, and your denial of His Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and of the Book and Sunnah that he brought from Allah. Your deeds should not cause amazement because whose ancestors chewed the livers of the martyrs, who fought against the Chief of divine prophets, who mobilized parties for fighting against him and drew swords against him, should conspicuously excel all Arabs in disbelief, sinfulness, excesses, and enmity against Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). Remember that the evil deeds and sinful actions that you have committed are the result of unbelief and old rancor you bear because of your ancestors who were killed in Badr. O Yazid (l.a.) you are striking the lips of Imam Husayn (a.s.) with your stick in front of this crowd while these very lips used to be kissed by the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) of Allah, and yet your face reflects pleasure and happiness. By my life, by killing the Chief of youths of Paradise, the son of the Chief of Arabs (Imam Ali a.s.), and the shining son of the progeny of Abdul Muttalib, you have deepened our wounds and uprooted us completely. O Yazid (l.a.) if you have heart enough to take account of your nefarious deeds, you yourself would surely wish your arms to be paralyzed and severed from elbow and you would wish that your parents had not given birth to you because you would know that Allah has become displeased with you. Allah, Grant us our rights. Avenge those who have oppressed us. O Yazid (l.a.)! It is not seeming for you to swell with joy after slaying the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s Progeny. ‘Reckon not those who are killed in Allah’s way as dead; nay, they are alive and are provided sustenance from their Lord; rejoicing in what Allah has given them out of His Grace.’ (3:169-170) Allah is sufficient to deal with you. The Messenger of Allah is your antagonist and Hazrat Gabriel is our help and support against you. Those who have made you the head of state and burdened the Muslims with your leadership will soon find out what awaits them. The end of all tyrants is agony. You may contrive and try however much you can. By Him Who honored us with revelation, the Book and Prophet hood, you cannot achieve our status, nor reach our position, nor can you effect our mention, nor remove from yourself that shame and dishonor that is now your lot because of perpetrating excess and oppression on us. Your word is now week and your days are numbered.

 

Source: The Victory of Truth: The Life of Zaynab bint Ali (a.s.) by Muna Haeri Bilgrami  

SAYYIDA SAKINA, THE BELOVED DAUGHTER OF THE KING OF MARTYRS, IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)

 

Sayyida Sakina was born on 20 Rajab 56 A.H. in Madinah. She was the most beloved daughter of The King of Martyrs, Imam Husayn (a.s.) and she in turn loved her father and used to sleep on his chest. Imam Husayn (a.s.) used to say: “A house without Sayyida Sakina would not be worth living in!” She loved all her brothers and sisters specially her younger brother Ali al-Asghar who was about six months old in Karbala. Moreover, she had a special relationship with her uncle, Abbas ibn Ali (a.s.) and he also loved his niece more than his own children.

She was deeply religious, enjoyed reading the Glorious Qur’an, would pray salat (namaaz) regularly and was always dressed-up in Islamic attire including head-cover. She was about 5 years old in Karbala.

In Karbala, after 7 Muharram, Yazid (l.a.)’s army did not allow the water inside Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s camp. Sayyida Sakina shared whatever water was left with other children. As the days passed, the desert heat made the children uncomfortable without water. On the Day of Ashura, when all the companions and the family members of Hashmi youths had attained martyrdom, Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (a.s.), the Commander of the Imam (a.s.)’s band of warriors, sought permission for Jihad. Imam Husayn (a.s.) refused to grant permission saying that he was the Commander of Imam (a.s.)’s army. In the meantime, Sayyida Sakina, along with some 42 children, brought a dry waterbag (mashk) and Imam Husayn (a.s.) reluctantly permitted Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) only to get some water. Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) courageously fought his way and landed his horse in the River Euphrates. Neither he nor his faithful horse drank a drop of water. He filled the water-bag with water and was galloping towards the camp when the treacherous enemy cut-off both of his hands from behind, but he still held tight the water-bag in his teeth, but the arrows of the enemy pierced the water-bag and the water flowed away. Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) attained martyrdom. After that time, she never asked for water anymore! 

The famous Marsiah writer, Mir Anees had described the last meeting between Imam Husayn (a.s.) and Sayyida Sakina. The expert Mir Anees had painted a grim picture of this painful departure in many Marsiyas. A couplet is mentioned here; “Neend Aeygi Jab Apki Bu Paungi Baba * Main Raat Ko Maqtal Mein Chali Aungi Baba.” “I can sleep only when I am near you * At night I will come to you in the battlefield.” After the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.), the accursed Shimer slapped Sayyida Sakina, forcibly snatched her earrings tearing her ear lobes. The barbaric Yazid (l.a.)’s army looted the sacred household of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and set the camps on fire. The sacred ladies were deprived of their head covers; the children ran out of the burning camps. Sayyida Sakina’s clothes also caught fire, and when one of the reporters tried to extinguish the flames, she warned the man not to touch her as she was the member of the sacred Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). She was running in the battlefield crying: “Father! O Father, where are you?” As the butchers of Karbala, had already severed the pious heads of the martyrs, the bodies in the battlefield were unrecognizable.

As night fell, the “Sham-e-Ghareeban” became sorrowful and painful. The Sani-e-Zahra, Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) took charge of the caravan and along with her sister, Umme Kulsoom (s.a.), they started counting the children and could not find Sayyida Sakina. They went in the battlefield and searched her and at last found her sleeping on the trampled chest of Imam Husayn (a.s.). She woke her up and Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) inquired as to how she recognized her father? Sayyida Sakina replied: “I was running around in the battle-field and calling my father, when a voice came from this trampled body calling me towards him” The widow of Hazrat Hurr, the deflected commander of Yazid (l.a.) army, brought some water and food into AhlulBayt’s burnt down camp site, Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) gave some water to Sayyida Sakina. She inquired why water was given to her first? Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) replied that she was the youngest. She took the water towards the battlefield for her martyred six months old baby brother, Hazrat Ali al-Asghar, who was the youngest in the family! 

The children at Karbala were in no way connected to the “allegiance” to Yazid (l.a.). In any humane and civilized Muslim society, the survivors of this catastrophic carnage are pacified and offered kind words of consolations. In the tragedy of Karbala, the so-called Muslims did not stay even at the level of humanity! It was the height of barbarism and butchery, un-parallel in human history. 

On the 11 Muharram, the daughters of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) , along with other females, were made captive, their hands were fastened behind their backs and made to sit on the camels without seats and routed through the battlefield, where the bodies of their loved ones were scattered all over the battle-field. Imagine the sorrow and grief of the women who saw their loved-ones un-buried (against the dictates of Islamic customs). The caravan proceeded towards Kufa. In Kufa, the markets were decorated in celebration of the massacre at Karbala and the procession of Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s)’s captive family! Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) was made to go through the bazars without head-cover while her mother, Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatimah Zahra (s.a.)’s funeral was taken out at night and not seen by anyone! On the way from Kufa to Damascus, at one point, Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s head will not move forward. On inquiry it was found that Sayyida Sakina had fallen from the camel and Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) walked back and saw that she was sitting in the lap of a sacred lady in black attire concealing her identity. When Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) tried to thank her, she disclosed her identity; she was the Lady of Paradise, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.) who was all along with the Holy Caravan from Madinah.

The oppressive armed men, to cause pain and misery, hurriedly completed the journey in two days, which normally takes sixteen days! In Damascus, the sacred members of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) were imprisoned in a prison without roof when the scorching sun light fell on them while they were exposed to the chill at night!

While in the court of Yazid (l.a.), he was desecrating Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s head by hitting his lips and teeth with a cane. At one time, he wanted to test Sayyida Sakina’s love for her father. He (l.a.) challenged Sayyida Sakina to call her father’s head to come to her lap. She responded and raised her little hands and called her father to come to her. Imam Husayn (a.s.)’s head rose from the big plate and flew into the waiting arms of Sayyida Sakina.

Sayyida Sakina used to sit at the gate of the prison and witness that birds were returning to their nests in the evening. She would ask her aunt Sayyida Zaynab (s.a.) as to where those birds were going, she would reply that they were going to their homes. Sayyida Sakina would ask her aunt as to when they were going back to Madinah. Unfortunately, it was not destined that she will ever return to Madinah! 

In the prison, one night, she woke up from her sleep and cried continuously. The family members tried their best to pacify and console her. She said: “O dear aunt, where is my father? A few minutes ago, I was with my father and he kissed me and said that “my dear Sakina you will soon be with me” But where is my father now?” When Sayyida Sakina described her dream, all the sacred ladies started to cry and when this noise reached Yazid (l.a.)’s quarters, he sent the severed head of Imam Husayn (a.s.) to the prison. As soon as she received her father’s head, she held it tight to herself and cried even more and said to her father: “Who cutoff my father’s head? Who martyred my father? Why we are kept as captives?” With these words of sorrow, she suddenly became quiet. Everyone thought that she might have slept again, but alas! Sayyida Sakina had gone into the eternal sleep. Imam Sajjad (a.s.) dug a grave in the prison and buried her little sister in her torn clothes as it was completely attached to her flesh after the burning of the camps on Ashura!

May Allah curse the oppressors of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) till the Day of Resurrection. Ameen 

            Sources: Islamicoccasions.com, WIKIPEDIA, WIKIVISUALLY, Infogalactic.com

 

 

SURAT AL-IKHLAS - PART ONE

 

There are many narrations about its revelation but it is sufficed to state that Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “A Jew asked the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to describe the identity of Allah, and he recited the “Surat al-Ikhlas” which is:

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Say: He, Allah, is One, Allah, the Eternal, He begets not, nor is He begotten, and there is 

                                                            none like unto Him.

The extra-ordinary greatness of the recitation of this Surat may be imagined by the fact there are ninety traditions and narrations, with their approved references, on the virtue and commentary on this Surat in Tafsir-i-Nur -uth-Thaqalayn volume 5 pages 699-715.For example, It is narrated that the recitation of this Surat, when, arriving at a home,  causes the increase of sustenance and removing of poverty from the people therein. It is argued that the Glorious Qur’an contains ordinances, creeds (Monotheism) and history, and that this Surat states the creed part in an intensive form. Hence, there is a tradition that the thawab of reciting this Surat is equivalent to reciting One-third of the Holy Qur’an. 

Allah is a proper noun applied to the being ‘the Being Who exists necessarily, by Himself; comprising all the Attributes of perfection, a proper name denoting the true God, containing all the Excellent Divine Names; a unity having all the Essence of existing things’. This sacred Name is mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an almost one thousand times, which is more than any other of His Holy Names. This name brings light in in our heart, makes us firm and calm, and takes us into a world full of purity and serenity. 

The term ‘wahid’ conveys the idea of number which follows by two and three. While the term ‘Ahad’ is the one in the sense of Absolute Oneness of His Essential Existence, not in the numerical sense of the word, which has its second and third, but, the One which has no second.

As for the term ‘Eternal’ or ‘Samad’, there are many explanations given by people, but we restrict ourselves to the explanation given by the King of Martyrs, Imam Husayn ibn Ali (a.s.): “Samad is a Lord Whose Lordship has attained its utmost point or degree’ Samad is an Essence and Being that continues for ever; Samad is an Existence that has not a hollow inside; Samad is the One Who takes no nourishment, food or drink; Samad is the One Who does not sleep.” He (a.s.) further said, ”Allah, Himself, has rendered ‘Samad’ to mean: ’ He begets not , nor is He begotten, And there is none like unto Him’ Yes, Allah is Samad who is not from anything and is not in anything or on anything; He is the Creator of everything and all are from Him by His Power; what He has created to perish will perish at His Will, and what He has created to remain will remain in His Knowledge. This is Allah; al-Samad.” 

The Christians believe in Trinity; the Father, the son (Jesus) and the Holy Ghost. The Jews believe ‘Ezra’ (Uzair) was the son of God. The Arab pagans believed that the angels were the daughters of Allah (6:100). The King of Martyrs Imam Husayn (a.s.) commented about the material relations of ‘son and father’ about the Creator saying:” There emitted nothing from Him – neither material things nor a child, nor other things that emits from creatures, nor a delicate thing like a soul. Nothing appears in Him like a sleep, imagination, grief, sadness, happiness, laughter, tears, fears and hope, courage and discouragement, hunger, and satiety. Allah is more Exalted than that something should emit from Him, or that He begets something material or delicate, nor is He begotten from something material or delicate. Similar to a living creature coming out from another one, or a plant from the earth, water from a spring, fruits from the trees, nor the like, emitting delicate things from their sources, such as vision from the eye, hearing from the ears, smelling from the nose, tasting from the mouth, speech from the tongue, knowledge and understanding from the heart (insight and soul), and particles of fire from stone. (Bihar-ul-Anwar v.3 p. 224 and Majma’-al-Bayan v.10 p.566)

Sources: Tafsir-e-Namouna by Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi, An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of Holy Qur’an, Ayatullah Agha H.M.M Pooya (r.a.) & S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali, A Commentary on the Prayer by Muhsin Qara’ti

SURAT AL-KAFIRUN

Surat al-Kafirun is a Makkan Surat Number 109. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Its recitation is equivalent to reciting one-fourth of Glorious Qur’an.” He advised Ja’bir ibn Mat’am to recite the Four Qul and the Surat Nasr beginning each Surat with ‘Bismillah-ir-Rahman ir-Rahim’, when he travels as the most amount of needed provisions. He further advised to recite this Surat before going to bed as it wards off polytheism.

Salvation on the Day of Judgment will only be attained through Monotheism and the negation of Polytheism. The Infallible Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, ‘My father, when he recited this Surat, used to say, ‘I worship only Allah, I worship only Allah.’  

The meaning of the root word ‘Kafar’ is to cover or hide like a peasant covers the seed with soil as stated in Surat al-Hadid Ayah 20, “…Kamasale Ghaisin A’jabal Kuffara Naba’tahu…” “..(It is like the vegetation after rain…” A person who deny the truth and is ungrateful to his Creator is ‘Ka’fir’. The literal meaning of the Surat is:

                                                 In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Say: O you disbelievers, I worship not what you worship, nor do you worship Whom I worship,

            Neither shall I worship what you worship, nor you will worship Whom I worship

    To you be your religion, and to me my religion

Islamic narrations denote that this Surah was revealed about some of the pagan chiefs of the Quraysh tribe such as Walid ibn Mughaira, As ibn-i-Wa’il, Harith ibn-i-Qays, Umaiyya ibn-i-Khalaf etc. Their contention was that the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) worship their gods for one year and they will worship Allah. He (s.a.w.a.s.) declined the offer.

The Infallible Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “ The reason for the repetition in the Sura is just in reply to repetition in the proposal by the disbelievers who told the Holy Prophet that he should worship for one year what they worship and the other year they will worship what he worshiped. Moreover, “Nor do you worship Whom I worship” for the first time it speaks about present tense and the second time completely denies addressing the chiefs you ‘shall never worship Whom I worship’. After the Great Victory of the Conquest of Makkah large number of Quraysh entered the folds of Islam as stated in Surah al-Nasr Ayah 2, “and you see the people entering Allah’s religion in throngs…”

The reason for commencing the Surat with the word “Qul” was that the Quraysh invited Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) to collude with them regarding idols, so it means he should repel this from himself and say that he would never agree with them in idolatry. Additionally, it manifests the integrity of the Messenger that he exactly and completely communicated the message as received from Allah through Gabriel.

The statements in this Surat are purely logical, that the Holy Prophet having himself preached the truth, can never

naturally or reasonably yield to falsehood and the disbelievers being attached to their own fancies and vested interest could not act according to the truth they were ever opposed to.  

The meaning of the Ayah, “To you be your religion, and to me my religion” conveys a warning that let your religion be yours and you will see the fatal consequences. This idea is like Surat al-Qasas Ayah 55, “and when they hear vain talk, they avoid it and say, ‘Our deeds belong to us, and your deeds belong to you.’

Sources: Glorious Qur’an-English translation – Tafsir-e-Namouna compiled by Ayatullah Naser                             Makarem Shirazi

                The Holy Qur’an – English translation by Ayatullah Agha H.M.M. Pooya & S.V. Mir                             Ahmed Ali

                 An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an volume 20

                (57/20                                                                                   TAHAWWUR ALI MIRZA