| Be Ware Of What You are Eating In Islamic Republic Of Pakistan.????? | for everyone |
SOME OF THE SCENES IN THE CLIPPING ARE NOT PLEASANT TO WATCH
| BE AWARE -WARNING | for everyone |
This is something you should very much be aware of –
I especially suggest you google 192.com- and read what comes up. Currently this is established mostly in England.
But it is coming to Australia - and it won't be long before it is here.
You will be surprised. We will soon all be a number on 'big daddy's' list - he will know everything about each of us.
And so will others - who can use the information to suit their own (not so nice ) purposes. Pass this on!
But it is coming to Australia - and it won't be long before it is here.
You will be surprised. We will soon all be a number on 'big daddy's' list - he will know everything about each of us.
And so will others - who can use the information to suit their own (not so nice ) purposes. Pass this on!
Please take a few minutes to read this...It’s an eye opener!
"The information people give out on Facebook, when linked up with other information freely available on the internet, is an absolute goldmine for criminals," the Daily Mail quoted Michael Fraser, a reformed burglar who presents the BBC's 'Beat The Burglar' programme, as saying.
"One year, you might have a party and give out your address. A while later, you might tell everyone that it is your30th birthday.
"So, if you've accepted me as a friend of a friend, I know your name, your address and your birth date.
"From that, I can go to 192.com and on there I can find out what you do for a living, how much your home is worth - and whether you're likely to be worth burgling.
"I might have already made up my mind because you've posted party pictures on Facebook and I can see what kind of valuables you have in the house - and which rooms they're in. Then you go and tell your Facebook friends how much you're looking forward to going on holiday next Tuesday.
"I can go on to Google Street View and see actual photographs of your home. I can see if you have a burglar alarm, or whether there are any bushes in the garden to hide in. And I can see all the alleyways I can escape down. And, of course, I know you won't be at home.
"Once you accept a stranger into your Facebook account, they can begin what we call social engineering - delicately asking questions to build up information about you,' said Jason Hart, senior vice president of CRYPTOCard Network Security.
"And that can cause havoc. Let's say they got your email address, then they could go to your email account pretending to be you and saying you have forgotten your password.
"Once they have that secret information, the email account will let them in. And once they are in there, they can find lots of sensitive information, such as your Amazon and eBay account history.
"They can then go to those sites pretending to be you and saying you have lost your passwords, and guess what happens then?
"Those sites send the passwords to your email account - the one that they have already conned their way into.
"Crooks who do this usually use the credit card details you have stored there to buy online gift vouchers that can be traded on the internet. It is a form of instant currency.
"Even worse, if you have a PayPal account and have credit in it, your so-called friend could clean it out.
"Effectively, they have become an electronic version of you, they can change all your passwords and begin stealing from you.
"The world suffers a lot. Not because of the violence of bad people,
But because of the silence of good people!"
But because of the silence of good people!"
(sent by bro Najmuddin)
| Hal min nasirin yansurna ("Is there anyone to help us?") | for everyone |
Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) did not give allegiance to Yazid.
This is the generic message that most of us have been taught as kids, whether at Sunday school, at our own homes, or even at those Muharram classes for kids during the first 10 nights. Then we go on to learn, "Every day is Ashura, and every land is Karbala."
Really? How can that be? But Imam Hussain is not being martyred every day. Lady Zainab and Lady Sakina (peace be upon them) are not being beaten and deprived of their Hijabs everyday. Yazid is not usurping the rights of Islam every day. Or is he?
When it comes to Islam, be it historical events or the thought-provoking laws of jurisprudence, there is more to understand and learn than what the eye sees or what the ear hears.
When Imam Hussain called out Hal min nasirin yansurna ("Is there anyone to help us?") he was quite aware that his family members were no more. As we all should know by now, this call was being made to us.
And we all should also know by now, Islam is a religion for all times and all ages, until the end of time. So what is the wisdom behind our dear Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) saying, "Every day is Ashura, and every land is Karbala"?
If every day is Ashura, this means there are "Hussains" being killed for the sake of Islam every day. Be it because of their beards or Hijabs, it is happening. There are "Zainabs" and "Sakinas" being deprived of their basic human rights every day – take a look at what is happening in Iraq, Palestine, Somalia, and all over the world.
Some may think this is all international political affairs, and that this has nothing to do with Ashura and the triumph of Karbala. To those people I ask, was the Imam asking for help in vain?
Today there are "Yazids". Believe it or not, they are ruining the image of Islam by taking advantage of Islam and brainwashing the Muslims. These "Yazids" are telling our Muslim youth that their free time should be spent at forbidden venues. They are telling our elders, especially those who have immigrated here, that they need to forget their roots and "assimilate" to be like them; otherwise, they will never be accepted or get anywhere in life. Today these "Yazids" are targeting our dear Muslim women, the teachers of our future generations, that their bodies, their brains, and everything else about them, is being "oppressed" by their religion – and they are falling for it. Today these "Yazids" are using our tax dollars to create propaganda so intricately designed to try and ruin our religion. Don't believe it? That means they're winning.
So what are we, so-called "Hussainis", doing about it? What have we sacrificed so far? Have we sacrificed a few digits in our paychecks to make a stand against corporations that fund the brutal killings and occupation of our dear brothers and sisters in Palestine and Iraq? Have we sacrificed some of our traditions for the sake of inviting more people to Islam, so they too can love the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) and be drawn to Islam? Have we sacrificed a few hours from our jobs to attend Friday prayers in our centers, in order to show that Muslims are dedicated to their religion?
Insha'Allah we have. And we will sacrifice more. Because nothing will add up to a father sacrificing his six-month-old baby for the love of a God we do not thank enough.
When will we sacrifice our money, social status, fear of being deported, fear of being jobless, fear of being looked at, fear of being a Muslim, for ourselves, and for our God who is the Supplier of all of those things in this world and the next?
It is our duty to answer the call of Imam Hussain, to stand up against those Yazids of our time who do exist. If there were no Yazids in our time, then Islam would be perfect, and all followers of Ahlul Bayt would be ready and prepared to accept our Imam of Our Time (may Allah hasten his reappearance). But unfortunately, our hearts and eyes are closed to see it. We are living with no confidence of our religion, and not trust in our Creator. When we take a stand like Imam Hussain did, with only such a small army, we can live small lives and make a big impact too.
We don't need to shake hands with Yazids when we have a God who is holding the universe in His.
MADIHA ZAIDI
| UPLIFT YOUR SPIRIT ABOVE EVERY MEAN ACT | for everyone |
Allah has created man to be noble and lofty in spirit. The seeking of worldly aims while demeaning oneself is mean and abominable. A person who values his self-respect and is glorified in his spirit will not commit mean acts which can lead to humiliation and disrespect. Such a person will not set low and mean things as his aim or purpose in life. He will aspire for the best and would keep away from the meanness. He will set high, lofty goals and would refrain from mean and low ones: "O my soul! You are pure and therefore do not accompany the impure, and you are bright and luminous, so do not mix with darkness. You are alive and speaking, so do not accompany the dead. You are knowing and just, so do not become intimate with the corrupt, unjust and ignorant. You are also distinguished by discernment and intellectual will, so do not associate with those who wander around in uncertainty and confusion." (Breaking the Idols of Ignorance)
Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) has said to one of his companions, "Make the world the object of your fasting, and let death be breaking of your fast." One of his disciples told him one day, "O spirit of God! We pray as you pray and fast as you fast and remember God as you remember Him, nevertheless we cannot walk over water as you walk." The Prophet responded, "Tell me of your love for this world." They said, "We love it." Then he said to them, "Indeed its love spoils religion; for me it's similar to stones and clods of mud."
The love of material objects causes and generates meanness and inclines the soul – which otherwise has been created for lofty goals – to do low deeds. Ayatollah Mutahhari, in his lecture on nobility of the soul, says: "Ali, peace be upon him, says to his son, Imam Hussain, peace be upon him, 'Uplift your spirit above every mean act, and think that your spirit is worthier than to be polluted by meanness.' He advises his son to think himself nobler than to demean himself by lies or by abasing himself before others. Ali, peace be upon him, says that an honorable person never commits adultery and this is irrespective of the fact that it is forbidden by the divine law and punishable in both worlds."
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) has said: "I emphasize the importance of good morals for you because God Almighty has sent me especially for this purpose." Imam Ali (peace be upon him), in a letter to his sons, emphasizes on nobility of character which he planned for them in their upbringing. "I took care to help you to develop a noble character and to fit you for the life which you will have to lead, to let you grow up to be a young man with a noble character, an open and honest mind and clear and precise knowledge of things around you."
Imam Ali said about the soul: "The soul is like a precious jewel: whoever strives for its protection, it will help him in attaining exalted positions, and whoever acted negligently in its protection, it shall pull him towards humiliation...Whoever knows the worth of his self will never allow himself to indulge in passing worldly amusements and shameful deeds...Whoever discovers the nobility of the soul shall guard it against lowness of passions and false desires...Whoever possesses the nobility of the soul will become free from wants."
Greediness, backbiting, lying, fraud, corruption, and other vices are all different forms of meanness and evil which originate from meanness of the soul and baseness of character. A noble and dignified soul will be free from such evils as these are too low for a noble soul. Imam Ali said about some evil deeds and their bad affects on man: "He who adopts greed as a habit devalues himself; he who discloses his hardship agrees to humiliation; and he who allows his tongue to over power his soul debases the soul."
He also said that a self-respecting soul does not beg as begging is mean: "Remember that the little which is given to you by Allah is going to be more useful and serviceable to you and is more honorable and respectable than what is granted by man in abundance...The bitterness of disappointment and poverty is, in reality, sweeter than the disgrace of begging."
All of these acts which lead to meanness and humiliation are results of basic choice, and the choice is of preferring baseness over nobility and wretchedness over glory. A person who has reached the goal of life and has kept his base nature in control leads a free life – a life free from slavery by base desires and a life free from slavery by despots and arrogant rulers. His nobility of spirit does not allow him to bow before anyone except the Almighty Glorious Lord. He denies all false powers and submits before only the Most Powerful. He is a slave of His Creator so he denies the slavery of other false gods.
This is the noble advice of a noble Imam, Imam Ali: "Take care, my son! Be warned that you do not make yourself a slave of anybody. Allah has created you a freeman. Do not sell away your freedom in return of anything. There is no actual gain and real value in benefits that you derive by selling your honor and self-respect or by subjugating yourself to disgrace and insults as there is no real good in wealth and power that you acquire by foul means." (Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 31)
Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) reflects the same divine light of high and noble character and of lofty soul when he refuses to pledge allegiance to Yazid ibn Mu'awiya (may Allah remove His mercy from him): "Imam addresses his companions in Karbala and in that sermon: 'he declares that life under tyranny is not worthy of man, unless the people rise in an attempt to restore the higher values .Don't you see that what is true and right is not acted upon and what is false and wrong is not forbidden? In such a situation, the man of faith yearns for the meeting with his Lord. Indeed, (in such conditions) to me death is happiness, and life under the yoke of tyrants is disgrace.'"
His immortal words of "Hay-haat minna dhilla" (which some translate to mean "disgrace is far away from us") which he stated while he refused Yazid and instead chose martyrdom, have energized and enchanted the hearts and souls of all revolutionaries to date. The words are still echoing in the revolutionary atmosphere of today's Islamic world.
This is heartening to see that the Muslims living under puppet and tyrannical regimes have risen against the disgrace of leading a life under tyranny. These brave men and women have enlivened Karbala in their lives by refusing to bow before unjust tyrannical power. "Hay-haat minna zilla" is their slogan, because a life of disgrace is far from them.
ASAD RAZA
| STORY OF APPRECIATION | for everyone |
PLEASE READ PATIENTLY......
One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.
He passed the first interview; the director did the last interview, made
the last decision.
The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic
achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score.
The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the
youth answered "none".
The director asked, " Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.
The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.
The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes
before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.
The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and
clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.*
The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His
mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.
The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did
that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.
This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.
After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.
That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.
Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.
The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: " Can you tell me
what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"
The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished
cleaning all the remaining clothes'
The Director asked, " please tell me your feelings."
The youth said, Number 1, I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, there would not the successful me today. Number 2, by working together and helping, my mother, only I now realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.
The director said, " This is what I am looking for to be my manager.
I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.
Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.
A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?*
You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it. After a meal, let them wash their plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.
You would have forwarded many mails to many and many of them would have black mailed you too...but try and forward this story to as many as possible...this may change somebody's fate... Don’t you think so………………
He passed the first interview; the director did the last interview, made
the last decision.
The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic
achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score.
The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the
youth answered "none".
The director asked, " Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.
The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.
The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes
before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.
The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and
clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.*
The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His
mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.
The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did
that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.
This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.
After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.
That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.
Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.
The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: " Can you tell me
what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"
The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished
cleaning all the remaining clothes'
The Director asked, " please tell me your feelings."
The youth said, Number 1, I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, there would not the successful me today. Number 2, by working together and helping, my mother, only I now realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.
The director said, " This is what I am looking for to be my manager.
I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.
Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.
A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?*
You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it. After a meal, let them wash their plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.
You would have forwarded many mails to many and many of them would have black mailed you too...but try and forward this story to as many as possible...this may change somebody's fate... Don’t you think so………………
(sent by bro Najmuddin)
| SALAT SERIES NOW ON U TUBE-IMAM MAHDI ASSOCIATION OF MARJAYEA | for everyone |
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|
I.M.A.M. | Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya | 13357 Michigan Ave | Dearborn | MI | 48126
|
| WAQT NAHI | for everyone |
' WAQT NAHI '
Har khushi Hai Logon Ke Daman Mein,
Par Ek Hansi Ke Liye Waqt Nahi.
Din Raat Daudti Duniya Mein ,
Zindagi Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi .
Maa Ki Loree Ka Ehsaas To Hai,
Par Maa Ko Maa Kehne Ka Waqt Nahi .
Saare Rishton Ko To Hum Maar Chuke,
Ab Unhe Dafnane Ka Bhi Waqt Nahi .
Saare Naam Mobile Mein Hain ,
Par Dosti Ke Lye Waqt Nahi .
Gairon Ki Kya Baat Karen ,
Jab Apno Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi .
Aankhon Me Hai Neend Badee,
Par Sone Ka Waqt Nahi.
Dil Hai Ghamon Se Bhara Hua ,
Par Rone Ka Bhi Waqt Nahi .
Paison ki Daud Me Aise Daude,
Ki Thakne ka Bhi Waqt Nahi .
Paraye Ehsason Ki Kya Kadr Karein ,
Jab Apane Sapno Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi .
Tu Hi Bata E Zindagi,
Iss Zindagi Ka Kya Hoga,
Ki Har Pal Marne Walon Ko,
Jeene Ke Liye Bhi Waqt Nahi........ .
Har khushi Hai Logon Ke Daman Mein,
Par Ek Hansi Ke Liye Waqt Nahi.
Din Raat Daudti Duniya Mein ,
Zindagi Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi .
Maa Ki Loree Ka Ehsaas To Hai,
Par Maa Ko Maa Kehne Ka Waqt Nahi .
Saare Rishton Ko To Hum Maar Chuke,
Ab Unhe Dafnane Ka Bhi Waqt Nahi .
Saare Naam Mobile Mein Hain ,
Par Dosti Ke Lye Waqt Nahi .
Gairon Ki Kya Baat Karen ,
Jab Apno Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi .
Aankhon Me Hai Neend Badee,
Par Sone Ka Waqt Nahi.
Dil Hai Ghamon Se Bhara Hua ,
Par Rone Ka Bhi Waqt Nahi .
Paison ki Daud Me Aise Daude,
Ki Thakne ka Bhi Waqt Nahi .
Paraye Ehsason Ki Kya Kadr Karein ,
Jab Apane Sapno Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi .
Tu Hi Bata E Zindagi,
Iss Zindagi Ka Kya Hoga,
Ki Har Pal Marne Walon Ko,
Jeene Ke Liye Bhi Waqt Nahi........ .
| Bahraini Forces Stormed House of Top Bahraini Shia Cleric ' | for everyone |
Urgent: Bahraini Forces Stormed House of Top Bahraini Shia Cleric 'Sheikh Abdel Jaleel Al Moqdad' and Arrested Him / Photos
http://www.abna.ir/data.asp?s=y&lang=3&id=233472
In the dawn of 27.3.2011 at 2:30 am, Bahraini security forces stormed the house of Sheikh Abdel Jaleel Al Moqdad and destroyed whatever they face in his house. The Sheikh also was arrested.
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| HIJAB - MAKE YOURSELF LOVER OF AHLUL BAYT (A.S.) | for everyone |
After the tragedy of Karbala, Imam Zainul Abideen (peace be upon him) was often asked what the most difficult and painful experience of Karbala was. One would assume that after witnessing more than 70 friends and family members being martyred, his uncle Abbas's both arms being severed, his father's head being decapitated, and his six-month-old baby brother's neck being pierced by a three-prong arrow, that Imam Hussain's son would surely find these unspeakable and barbaric acts of the enemies of Islam as the most painful. However, we see that our Imam always replied to those who asked with the same statement, "Ash-Sham, Ash-Sham, Ash-Sham..."
Every Muharram, we cry and lament the tragedies of Karbala in order to keep the story of Imam Hussain alive, to learn the principles of justice and sacrifice, to become better believers, and to not be among the oppressors. Yet we see Muharram after Muharram that our Hijab as Muslim women is no different to what it was before Muharram.
At times, one may think that the so-called followers and supporters of Lady Fatima and Lady Zainab (peace be upon them) are committing oppression towards them. Oppression is to do injustice. These women gave their entire families for the sake of this religion. And for most of us, we don't even have the courtesy of valuing that. Lady Fatima's family was killed so that we today have true Islam in our grasp. Do we not care at all about Lady Fatima's family being destroyed?
According to some narrations, Lady Fatima is present wherever the tragedy of her son is mentioned. In order to do justice to Lady Fatima and the holy women of Karbala, and if we wish to make them proud this Muharram season, let us consider the following points.
To the Non-Hijabi
These otherwise magnificent sisters for one reason or another have not been observing Hijab even though it becomes obligatory upon girls at eight and a half years of age. Some have courageously tried to observe Hijab yet did not succeed, while others plan on insha'Allah concealing their beauty one day, just not today. Amazingly though, all that is needed is a small initiative to move towards the right direction, and subhan'Allah, Hijab will be easy! Allah says in aHadith Qudsi, "When a believer takes one step towards me, I take ten towards him. When a believer walks towards me, I come running."
In the cities of Kufa and Damascus, the holy women of the Prophet's household (peace be upon them) were paraded around without their veils, with their sacred beauty visible to unrelated strange men to gawk at. Their hair was visible, they had been looted of their jewels from their ears and hands, their necks were shown, they were chained up as though they were prisoners of a heinous crime, and they were pushed around and dealt with by the men of Yazid ibn Muawiya. These are the women who were the pearls of Prophet Muhammad...who had been kept safe and always protected.
If today we claim to lament and grieve the suffering of these women, surely it behooves us to not insult their memory and observe the Hijab that they were so mercilessly deprived of. Indeed, that is the least we can do to express our sympathy and prove how real our tears are.
To the Part-Time Hijabi
This group of sisters is great at doing what they do best, and that is Hijab. In fact, some of these sisters have such great Hijab talent that when they practice Hijab, they make the full-time Hijabis look like amateurs. However, there's only area in which these sisters seem to falter. At times we see them covered at a dinner party at the Shaikh's house, and other times, we can't recognize them if we ever happen to run into them at the shopping center. Some days these sisters understand the beauty of covering up, how doing so demands self-respect, and that we as Hijabi women do not let strange unrelated men take a bite out of our beauty, in addition to the fact that we do not wish to break Allah's laws. But on the other hand, these sisters are capable of waking up one morning completely hating the Hijab. It's as though somebody killed the "Hijab is my right to protection" angel within her.
These sisters should be saluted for at the very least observing Hijab on the days they do. But we sincerely do encourage such sisters to consider becoming full-time Hijabis. Why? Because it has been narrated that Allah loves his creatures 70 times more than a mother is ever capable to love her child. If doing it for the rewards or saving one's self from facing punishment in this life and the next doesn't entice the part-time Hijabis, then perhaps realizing that in addition to saluting the women who sacrificed their Hijab in Karbala to keep true Islam alive, we will be pleasing the One who loves and cares for us more than anyone else, Allah!
To the Hijabi
This group of believing women, who are almost on track when it comes to Hijab modesty, have the hardest part mastered, and that's the head scarf. However, observing Hijab does not end there. We too must learn how to improve our Hijab in every way, every Muharram. Here are the most common "problem areas" which Hijabis usually don't know about, forget, or need reminding in order to help perfect our Hijab.
Fully Covered clothes
Sometimes a perfect Hijabi may unintentionally falter in her Hijab by wearing clothing items that are "in fashion". Short sleeved tops, large necklines, three-quarter harem pants, long shorts which visibly reveal those parts of our skin which need to be covered, etc. are a no-go zone. Besides the fact that wearing such clothes isn't exactly too Halal, if prayer time sets in, then the only way these sisters' prayers will be accepted is if their clothes magically grow in length.
Wrists
Many of us don't understand what the big deal is with covering our wrists, as "it is pretty much a part of the hand." Interestingly enough, in Japanese culture, female entertainers known as Geishas intentionally uncover their wrists in front of men as a method of enticing them. Most Islamic stores actually sell "sleeves", which are great to wear under tops as they are an easy-to-use item which instantly improves our Hijab. Keeping in mind how the holy women of Karbala had their wrists chained and handcuffed will surely help us cover our wrists, insha'Allah.
Feet
According to the majority of scholars, the feet are also a part of our Hijab and need to be covered in front of non-Mahrams. The most convenient thing to do is to wear natural skin-colored socks (which are not transparent) while wearing flats and sandals. For those sisters who like to wear toe-divider sandals, most Hijab stores usually sell toe-divider socks which are almost always available in natural colors. Remembering how Imam Hussain's women were forced to walk on the hot sands of the deserts of Iraq will give us strength to cover our feet, insha'Allah.
Loose-Fitting Clothes
Tights, skinny-leg jeans, chest-shape revealing tops, and hip-sucking skirts are the clothing items that make up most of our wardrobes. The best way to dress in public is by wearing those clothes in which prayer would be acceptable. And if one ever has doubt as to what is classified as too tight or just right, just ask either your father, brother, husband, or son what looks tighter, and they will surely provide you with a reliable opinion.
Shocking Colors and Makeup
Unfortunately, the idea that Hijab intends to not attract attention to ourselves is misinterpreted by some of us. While covering up our body is one part of Hijab, another part is to not make ourselves so completely attractive and head-turning. Ideally, most of us can do this by not wearing shocking colors and Hijabs in addition to not painting our faces in all seven colors of the rainbow. Remembering how Imam Hussain began to miraculously recite verses of the Qur'an on top of the spear in the marketplace of Kufa in order to distract the people from looking at the ladies will surely help underscore this point.
Transparent Clothing and Hijab
At times in the warmer weather, we find it more convenient to wear cardigans made of light material and summer-friendly colors. It is one thing to wear fully-covering, loose, and neutral-colored clothes but what isn't too smart is wearing such Hijabi outfits if it's all see-through. If one can understand the reason why people don't hide their treasures in clear transparent containers, then surely wearing non-see-through Hijab outfits will make sense, insha'Allah.
And if all else fails, let us think of how Imam Hussain's five year old daughter Bibi Sakina was frantically crying her heart out, kicking, and screaming to escape from those cruel men who violently stripped her of her Hijab and even her earrings from her tiny ears. No doubt her story has proved to be so powerful that it even has the potential to make non-Muslim women want to cover. Insha'Allah it won't be too long before all believing women will be honored to make Bibi Fatima and Bibi Zainab proud and truly value, respect, and properly practice the Hijab in order to raise our status in the eyes of Allah and the Ahlul Bayt not only in these holy days but every day of our lives.
MAKE BIBI FATEMA, BIBI ZAINAB AND BIBI SAKINA
PROUD BY YOUR PROPER HIJAB
ZARA SYED
| ARE WE SPIRITUALLY AND MENTALLY READY TO JOIN THE JIHAD ?...... | for everyone |
Some may balk at the idea of comparing ourselves to the fickle and treacherous people of Kufa. Yet are we really that different? Like the people of Kufa, we call upon our Imam to return and to start his Jihad. Like the people of Kufa, we think that we are ready to bear the pain and sacrifices. Like the people of Kufa, we think we are willing to move beyond the simple rituals and mundane routines of prayer and fasting and effect social and political justice in the world.
And yet we fail to ask ourselves: might we repeat the mistake the Kufans made? The people of Kufa were not inherently evil or bad. Rather, their chief fault was that they called upon their Imam to rise up without being mentally and spiritually prepared for it. Therefore, when they were faced with a governor like Ibn Ziyad, half of them submitted to his sword, while the other half to his bags of gold and silver. Suddenly, establishing social justice and fighting oppression was not so important. Suddenly, restoring the rights of the children of Fatima (peace be upon her) did not seem so vital. Suddenly, the rituals of prayer and fasting seemed plenty sufficient to earn salvation. Suddenly, the sword of Ibn Ziyad seemed too sharp, and the bags of silver too tempting.
Let us ask ourselves: are we spiritually and mentally ready to join the Jihad of our Imam? Are we equipped with the correct knowledge of beliefs, jurisprudence, history, and ethics? Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves, our families, our wealth, and our comfortable and peaceful lives for his sake? Are we willing to peaceably submit to each and every one of his commands? In the meantime, are we pledging our allegiance and providing support to his collective representative, the Marjaiyyah? Are we willing to face the sword wounds as well as the temptations of gold and silver? Are we able to distinguish between our real Imam and the masked pretenders whom we mistake as our saviors? Are we truly willing and able to move beyond the superficial rituals?
The people of Kufa believed they were, but history proved otherwise. As a reign of terror unfolded across Kufa, suddenly the passion and drive for social justice were replaced by an apathy that was easily satiated by empty rituals. On the 9th of Dhil Hajj, 60 AH, Muslim ibn Aqeel, the representative of the Imam in Kufa, was arrested, dragged through the streets, tortured, and beheaded. His body was hung in the marketplace of Kufa for all to see. The next day, the Kufans joyously ran to offer their Eid prayers, conceding the body no more than a few pity glances. A month later, as the plains of Karbala rang with Imam Hussain's last cry for help, half the Kufans peaceably went about their prayers and fasts. The other half responded to his call with arrows, stones, and spears.
Every day is Ashura. Every land is Karbala. Fourteen hundred years later, an Imam still calls out for his loyal followers.
ARSALAN RIZVI
| LIFE CAN BE COMPARED TO FRESH FALLEN SNOW | for everyone |
Death is that one appointment we can't delay, but it also has no set time.
Scary thought, I know. In a world filled with Blackberries, text messages, and Facebook, how many of us realize that in a moment, all of this can be gone? When we die, our friends won't come with us; neither will our money or fancy car. All that we retain are those few deeds we have done. We are told in the Holy Qur'an: "Every soul must taste of death; then to Us you shall be brought back." (29:57) Death is promised to all of us, and what is our response? We continue to lead futile lives. Sure, we fast those thirty days in Ramadan and rush to pray between classes. But how many of us can proudly say we are leading purposeful lives? Purpose is what gives a life meaning.
Every so often, we are shocked by the death of a young member of our community. We experience a short-lived rush to perform extra prayers, but the effect goes away quickly. Instead, we must learn to effectively reflect on our lives. Every day, we witness the deaths of people around us, but we pay minimal thought to the day when others will witness our death.
Attempts to speak about death are usually suspended by those who feel uneasy hearing about it. We are almost always subconsciously assuming that death will come only when we grow older, and so we do not want to concern ourselves with such an unpleasant subject. Yet it is imperative to keep in mind that living for even an additional hour cannot be guaranteed.
Life can be compared to fresh fallen snow. Our footprints show clearly, even if not to us. Let us dedicate ourselves to our Lord, the Holy Prophet, and the Pure Household (peace be upon them). Let us not be led astray by meaningless materialistic enticements. Every action is recorded, and when the Day of Reckoning comes, all that will vouch for us will be our deeds. Let us devote our lives to Islam, devote ourselves to loving others, devote ourselves to the community around us, and devote ourselves to creating something that gives us purpose and meaning.
Imam al-Hadi (peace be upon him) said: "People are respected in this world for possessing wealth and in the Hereafter for possessing righteous deeds." An eye-opening tradition by Imam Ali (peace be upon him) states: "If man perceived his death and its speed towards him, he would certainly detest the world and its hopes." We must live graciously among people. Kindness is praised in Islam, and it is a blessed virtue we can all improve on. It is truly when we give of ourselves that we have truly given; likewise, it is when we finally begin to give that we also receive.
Countless thoughts cross our minds in a day. What to wear? Should I attend class today? What to have for lunch? Breakfast? Dinner? We kill time on worthless avenues such as Facebook, texting, and arguing with others. All of this is time lost doing nothing of benefit. Time waits for no one, and it will pass whether we act or not. We must restore our lives into our hands, and we should become the agents of change for ourselves on others. A positive influence can easily be spread, and others can take heed.
The biggest fear that we must have is not of death. Death is promised to each and every one of us. Instead, our biggest fear should be an inadequate life. We have been blessed with a religion that is so encompassing, yet surely we are at a loss! We continually disregard the blessing of Islam in search of a worldly alternative.
The solution? There is no simple answer. We must be willing to change and become better people. So, before you head out for work or school tomorrow, kiss your parents on the forehead and speak to them in kind words. Set your alarm clock so that you wake up for morning prayers. Remember all those people you wronged? How about catching up with them and asking their forgiveness? That reading of the Qur'an? Stop putting it off, please! Remember: a chapter a day keeps the devil away! The most important message: we only pass this way once, so let our lives be an enhancement of every good to us and our death a comfort from every evil.
Huda Jawad
| INVOKING ALLAH -THE BEST ACT AND MOST BENEFICIAL FOR HIS SERVANTS | for everyone |
The answer is there…on our shelves. You know, that big Mafatih al-Jinanor Sahifa Sajjadiyah with pages and pages of Arabic, or transliterated into English. With supplications for every day, every month, every date on the Islamic calendar, how can we go wrong?
With so many struggles in our lives, be it in our homes, our communities, or just even within ourselves, one starts to get restless, and some, unfortunately, get hopeless.
We all are familiar with the verse from the Holy Qu'ran, "Call on Me, I will answer." These are the words of Allah Almighty. Why do we let them pass us by? Maybe it's the simplicity of the statement. In today's world, we are so used to hidden messages, and the "what's the catch?" temperament, that when we hear, or read such a simple statement, it blows our mind.
We are buried in problems, some financial and some mental, etc. It is in our nature to try and create plans and solutions that we can act upon to solve our problems. In no way should we stop our problem solving, but we should not forget the blessing that Allah has given us that is Du'a(supplication). We have focused too much on tangible changes, or solutions, that we pay no heed to how much help we can get just from asking the One who knows us inside and out.
Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is narrated to have said in Lantern of the Path: "Observe the courtesy of supplication. Consider the One on whom you call, how you call on Him and why you call; affirm the immensity and magnificence of Allah. Look with your heart at how He knows what is in your conscience, how He sees your secret being and whatever has occurred and will occur in it, both true and false."
Do we ever sit back and think about the magnificence of Allah? If you think about it, when we don't ask from Him, we are underestimating His Power! Islam tells us to always have the remembrance of Allah, as He is constantly remembering us.
When I was younger, I would always remember thinking how Allah could remember and take care of ALL of his creatures simultaneously? It's unfathomable for a child. But as we get older, we are introduced more on how we can get closer to Allah. A few things that come to mind are Du'a Tawassul, Du'a Kumayl, and the countless blessings in Imam Sajjad's Psalms of Islam. Just looking through the table of contents of Imam Sajjad's prayer manual, one is put to awe, a prayer for seeking good outcomes, when sick, when doing worrisome tasks, rain for a drought, etc. We have no excuse!
In Du'a Kumayl, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) recites: "For You have demanded Your servants to worship You, ordered them to call upon You, and assured them of Your fulfillment of their requests."
It's a win-win situation! All we have to do is ask! Reciting Du'a involves invoking Allah with His names, calling upon Him with sincerity, and taking full benefit of this wonderful opportunity he has given us!
Sometimes when we begin to get hopeless, we need to look at all of our options.
In a financial rut? Sure you can borrow money, get another job, or things of that like, but don't forget to take some extra time out to ask Allah to provide his Rizq, sustenance, when you need it.
Prayer is essentially all we have. If we look at those who do not have material things, what else do they have? They have Du'a. Invoking Allah is the best act and most beneficial for His servants. Let us never underestimate the power of Du'a!
Madiha Zaidi
| REGARD DEATH AS VERY NEAR...... | for everyone |
Again and again we are advised in the Qur'an and sayings of the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) to regard death as very near. None of us knows if we or our loved ones will die young or live for many, many more years. When we go about our daily affairs as if death is far removed or nonexistent, we fail ourselves and those around us by how we behave. If you can keep your mortality real before your eyes, God willing, you may experience several good changes:
- If you consider death to be near, you will be more compassionate, kind, thankful and generous towards other people. You will be careful to show your love and respect, realizing that you may never meet or talk to someone again. You will be more likely to let petty arguments fade, because you do not want to die with such arguments left open.
- Your priorities about what you strive for will change. Acquiring wealth and material things will seem unimportant if you realize that you may have only a few hours or days of life left. Instead, relationships and worship will be much more precious to you.
- You may start to think of what legacy you will leave behind. How will people remember you, if at all, after you die? What can you leave for them to help them when you are no longer living? You will come to value knowledge, example, and teaching that you might be able to share with others. You may try to transform your character to be how you would hope to be remembered, and try not to harm others through your faults.
- You may be more concerned to correct your faults immediately, avoid delay of any good deed, and find more strength to avoid a sin if you remember that your death is near. When we think we have much life left, we may put off reform or good works, but a person with a short time thinks that he may face God at any moment and will be held to account for how he spent his time and for all his thoughts and works.
In Imam Sajjad's (peace be upon him) supplication for when someone's death is announced or when death is remembered, he prayed:
"Keep us safe from the delusions of expectations,
make us secure from their evils,
set up death before us in display,
and let not our remembering of it come and go!"
make us secure from their evils,
set up death before us in display,
and let not our remembering of it come and go!"
Therefore, remember your loved ones and others who have died, and never regard your own death as far away. When you remember your own death, you can live a better life instead of wasting your time in this world chasing after its illusions. Remembering death helps you remember what is important in life.
| ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTER - CRISIS BAHRAIN | for everyone |
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Check out our Wiki| Zionist Rulers of Saudi Arabia | for everyone |
Jewish Roots of the Saudi Ruling Family
Translated from Arabic
RESEARCH AND PRESENTATION OF MOHAMMAD SAKHER who was ordered killed by the Saudi Regime for the following findings:1. Are the Saudi Family members belonging to the Tribe of ANZA BEN WA’EL as they allege to be?
2. Is Islam their actual religion?
3. Are they of an ARAB ORIGIN at all?THE SAUDI DYNASTY: IT’S ORIGIN AND WHO IS THE REAL ANCESTOR OF THIS ‘ROYAL’ FAMILY?
| Let's shine like the treasures of Allah | for everyone |
In the sermon at Ghadeer, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said of the Qur'an and his Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them): "O people! ...each one of them informs you of and agrees with the other. They shall never part 'til they meet me at the Pool (of Kawthar)." Allah has kept the Thaqalayn together all this time, so it stands to reason that the lessons provided from each are still relevant in all the times that have passed since then, and the times that will pass in the future.
Sure, times have changed, but we have to keep in mind that the teachings of Islam transcend limits. It is a religion for all places, for all people, and for all of time. So to say that their ancient examples are irrelevant to our modern age is an illogical claim. Of what use would their teachings have been if they were restricted? No matter what changes take place, the principles they have taught us must prevail in every situation.
Throughout their lives, the Ahlul Bayt experienced moments of intense hardship and grief, yet they came out of these situations having pleased Allah. Their rights were taken away, their family members and supporters were killed, they were martyred one by one, and their women were mistreated. Perhaps our difficulties and choices today are different from those of the Ahlul Bayt's, but it is their way of reacting and aiming to please Allah that we must emulate. Whether it's a question of posting a flashy Facebook picture or a question of listening to a music-filled nasheed, sometimes simple issues become muddied in a complicated mix of technicalities and personal opinions. Yet we need to pause, disentangle ourselves from the situation, and step back – the right choice becomes much clearer in light of remembering the principles of our Ahlul Bayt.
For those of us who prefer not to measure our choices against the character of the Infallibles', realize that they are the best of role models for us. True, they are perfect and we are sinful – but that is no reason to give up trying to tread the same path as them. Author and speech coach, Les Brown, once said: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars." Indeed, even though we cannot attain the Ahlul Bayt's state of infallibility, at least in sincerely trying to do so we will improve ourselves greatly, insha'Allah.
Still, some are hesitant to act upon the Ahlul Bayt's teachings down to the last tiny detail. When it seems too difficult to near their standards of Akhlaq and Hijab, remember that we have been created by the Just One. He would not tell us to follow the Infallibles if they were not to be followed to the fullest extent possible.
Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him) asked the Almighty where His treasure was, as all Kings have treasures of their own.
Allah said: "I possess a treasure that is greater than the sky, smells better than the perfumes of Paradise, more beautiful than the celestial kingdom, its earth is enlightenment, its sky is belief, its sun is enthusiasm, its moon is love, its stars are inspiration and attention towards me, its clouds are reason, its rain is blessing, its fruits are obedience, and its yield is wisdom. My treasure has four doors: the first one is the door of knowledge, the second one is the door of reason, the third one is the door of patience and the fourth one is the door of contentment. Know that My treasure is the heart of the believer." (Bihar al-Anwar)
Allah has given His unworthy slaves such an esteemed title: His treasure. We can differentiate between what is honorable and dishonorable, and that intelligence sets us apart from His other creations. So how can we turn around and say that we cannot use this intelligence to remember the Ahlul Bayt and adapt their principles into our lives?
When we can easily ponder over how they would have reacted in our specific situations, then why find excuses to not apply their teachings to our own important decisions? They were the best role models for our ancestors, they are the best role models for us, and will be the best role models for the generations to come. Let us not try to fool others, ourselves, and our Lord by claiming modernity and irrelevance in order to get out of doing the right thing.
Let's shine like the treasures of Allah that sparkle from the pure light of the Holy Ahlul Bayt's examples.
NABILA RIZVI
| NAMAZ-E-JAMA'AT - CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS | for everyone |
What we must remember is that there are certain rules and protocols we must follow and be aware of during congregational prayers. The first aspect is the Imam, the one leading the prayers. According to almost all Religious Authorities, the Imam leading the congregational prayers should be an adult (having reached puberty or 15 years of age for males or 9 years of age for females), sane, Twelver Shia Muslim, just, of legitimate birth, and able to perform the prayers correctly. If the followers of the Imam are male, then the Imam must also be male. (The concept of who qualifies as "just" is also discussed in detail in the manuals of jurisprudence. Suffice to say, it is one who avoids all big and small sins and is generally considered a good person in his community.)
The next step to congregational prayers is to understand what our duty is as the follower of the Imam. If the Imam leading is a female, and you too are female, then it is an obligatory precaution for you to stand in line with the Imam. However, if the Imam is a male, and you are a male, then you will stand a little behind the Imam. If there are women in that congregation, they will stand a little further behind the men. Our questions of what we should recite and shouldn’t recite in congregational prayers, our intention, and what mistakes are possible to occur are all answered in our Religious Authority's code of practice.
It is highly recommended for the Imam to stand in the middle, while the first row behind him is occupied by those who are learned and pious. How does one know whether to stand in the first row or further behind? You ask yourself: where do you consider yourself to be on the scale before Allah? Are you up to par with your deeds and confident to stand firmly as one who strives in His way alone? If the Imam were to unintentionally invalidate his prayer, the person standing right behind him might have to step up and become the new Imam. For every step of congregational prayer, there is a process of understanding, a process requiring us to use our reasoning and logic, as ordained by Allah.
It is also recommended for the rows of congregational prayer to be arranged in such a manner that there is no gap between the people standing in one row, with everyone standing shoulder to shoulder. Such is the consideration of giving everyone a chance in congregational prayers that it is said in the book of Islamic laws that if an Imam is in Ruku (bowing) and realizes that somebody has entered the mosque and would like to join the prayer, the Imam should prolong his Ruku, giving the person a chance to join.
It is also important to keep in mind the things which are Makrooh, or discouraged, in congregational prayers. For example, if there is a vacant space in the rows of congregation, it is recommended for a person not to stand alone.
Reading these laws of congregational prayers, we come to understand that Allah's Mercy and Wisdom is beyond our comprehension, and the opportunities He has given us to excel in our performance and deeds in front of Him are also beyond our imagination. We can only thank Allah, by maximizing the use of these opportunities He has given us, while asking for nothing in return.
RUMINA HASSAN
| MEANS TO GAIN NEARNESS TO ALLAH (S.T.) - TAWASSUL | for everyone |
In simple terms, mediation or Tawassul is anything which becomes a means to gain nearness to Allah. In its general Islamic meaning, everything which takes us near Our Lord is mediation. Therefore all good deeds such as faith in Allah and the Prophet (peace be upon them), prayers, fasting, Hajj, and other deeds serve as mediators that draw us nearer to Allah.
Dr. 'Abd al-Karim bi-Azar Shirazi defines Tawassul in following words: "The lexical meaning of Tawassul is 'nearness' or a 'means' through which to reach a certain goal. For instance, when it is said 'wa wassala ila Allah', it means to perform a certain act for gaining proximity to God. Accordingly Wasil here means being 'desirous of God'.
"According to the prominent Sunni scholar, Sayyid Muhammad Alusi al-Baghdadi, Wasila is a means of imploring in order to gain nearness to God through good deeds and abstaining from sins. For example when it is said "wasala ila kadha", it means a thing through which nearness is gained." (Message of Thaqalayn, v. 5 no. 4)
In his most beautiful and eloquent expression, the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (peace be upon him) admonishes us to gain "mediation or Tawassul" through the following means:
"The best means by which seekers of nearness to Allah, the Glorified, the Exalted, seek nearness, is the belief in Him and His Prophet, fighting in His cause – for it is the high pinnacle of Islam – and (to believe) in the Kalimaatul-Ikhlas (the expression of Divine purification) for it is just nature, and the establishment of prayer for it is (the basis of) community, payment of Zakaat(Islamic tax) for it is a compulsory obligation, fasting for the month of Ramadan for it is the shield against chastisement, the performance of Hajj of the House of Allah and its Umrah (other than annual visit) for these two acts banish poverty and wash away sins, regard for kinship for it increases wealth and length of life, to give alms secretly for it covers shortcomings, giving alms openly for it protects against a bad death, and extending benefits (to people) for it saves from positions of disgrace.
Go ahead with the remembrance of Allah for it is the best remembrance, and long for that which He has promised to the pious, for His promise is the most true promise. Tread the course of the Prophet for it is the most distinguished course. Follow the sunnah of the Prophet for it is the most right of all behaviours. Learn the Qur'an for it is the fairest of discourses and understand it thoroughly for it is the best blossoming of hearts. Seek cure with its light for it is the cure for hearts..." (Sermon 109, Nahj al-Balagha)
He also states in saying 135: "Daily prayers are the best medium through which one can Seek the nearness to Allah."
In the Holy Qur'an (5:35), it says: "O you who believe! be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful." The scholars in exegesis to the above verse of holy Qur'an say that the mediation from Prophets, Imams or the righteous servants of Allah is included in the meaning of mediation. Allama Tabatabai discusses the verse in Al-Mizan in the following words:
"Al-Qummi has written about the words of Allah: 'O you who believe! Fear Allah and seek means of nearness to Him...' that (the Imam) said, 'Come near Allah through the Imam'... That is, through obedience to the Imam. Thus it is based on the flow of the Qur'an, and applies the verse to its best import... The Leader of the Faithful said about the Divine Word 'and seek means of nearness to Him': 'I am the means of nearness to Him'."
In a lengthy narration known as the Hadith of Wasila, the Prophet is reported to have said, "When you ask from Allah, ask for me the Wasila... It is my rank in the Garden..."
Upon reflection, we can realize how ther verse from the Qur'an fits with the narrations. As Allama Tabatabai further states: "[we] will find that Wasila is the position of the Prophet in the presence of his Lord, with which he gets nearer to Allah; and joins him there his pure progeny, then the good servants from among his Ummah. It has also been narrated in some traditions from them that verily the Messenger of Allah adheres to his Lord, and we adhere to him and you (the Shi'as) adhere to us."
Let us conclude our discussion on mediation by praying to Almighty Allah saying the prayer taught by Imam as-Sajjad (peace be upon him) on mediation:
My God, I have no mediation with Thee but the tender acts of Thy clemency, nor any way to come to Thee but the gentle favors of Thy mercy and the intercession of Thy Prophet, the prophet of mercy, who rescued the community from confusion. Make these two my tie to attaining Thy forgiveness and let them take me to triumph through Thy good pleasure! My hope has dismounted in the sacred precinct of Thy generosity, my craving has alighted in the courtyard of Thy munificence. So actualize my expectation from Thee, seal my works with good, and place me among Thy selected friends, those whom Thou hast set down in the midst of Thy Garden, and settled in the abode of Thy honor, whose eyes Thou hast gladdened by gazing upon Thee on the day of meeting Thee, and whom Thou hast made heirs to the sure stations in Thy neighborhood!
O He none more generous than whom is reached by the reachers and none more merciful than whom is found by the aimers! O Best of those with whom the lonely are alone, O Tenderest of those with whom outcasts seek haven! Toward the expanse of Thy pardon have I extended my hand, upon the skirt of Thy generosity have I fastened my grasp! Show me no deprivation and afflict me not with disappointment and loss! O Hearer of supplications! O Most Merciful of the merciful!"
| MEANING AND PHILOSOPHY OF SHAFAAT ( INTERCESSION) | for everyone |
Shafa'at (intercession) is an important concept in the Islamic faith. Though being an important issue, it's surrounded by controversy. In general, Shias and Sunnis believe in intercession while some others, such as Wahabbis, do not believe in it and reject the concept.
The word "Shafa'at" has been derived from "ash-shaf ", which means "even". In common parlance, intercession refers to the interceder taking advantage of his power, influence or nearness with the authorities to change their view on the guilty or criminal. In this type of intercession, there is no change in the condition or state of the guilty person; rather, the change is in the person holding authority. Sometimes the interceder may add facts about the person to be punished which may alter the intellectual foundations for the punishment. But this kind of intercession is not possible in Islam as Allah does not lack in knowledge about the criminal, and His knowledge cannot be added to.
The religious meaning of intercession refers to the interceder making a distinctive and qualitative transformation in the state and condition of the guilty person. This change, because of connection and nearness with interceder, transforms the guilty person into a cleaned state in which he/she becomes eligible for intercession.
Intercession cannot benefit the person for whom the intercession is asked, yet does not deserve it. Allama Tabatabai stated in Al-Mizan: "The effect of an intercessor's words depends on one or the other factor which may have some influence upon the concerned authority; in other words, intercession must have a solid ground to stand upon. The intercessor endeavors to find a way to the heart of the authority concerned, in order that the said authority may give the reward to, or waive the punishment of, the person who is the subject of intercession. An intercessor does not ask the master to nullify his mastership or to release the servant from his servitude; nor does lie plead with him to refrain from laying down rules and regulations for his servants or to abrogate his commandments (either generally or especially in that one case), in order to save the wrong-doer from the due consequences; nor does he ask him to discard the canon of reward and punishment, (either generally or in that particular case). In short, intercession can interfere with neither the institution of mastership and servitude nor the master's authority to lay down the rules; nor can it affect the system of reward and punishment. These three factors are beyond the jurisdiction of intercession.
"...But intercession is effective only if the person for whom one intercedes is otherwise qualified to get the reward and has already established a relationship with the authority. If an ignorant person desires appointment to a prestigious academic post, no intercession can do him any good; nor can it avail in case of a rebellious traitor who shows no remorse for his misdeeds and does not submit to the lawful authorities. It clearly shows that intercession works as a supplement to the cause; it is not an independent cause."
There are two types of intercession: intercession in creation and intercession in legislation.
Intercession in Creation
Allah is the first and final cause. All causes originate from and end at Him. The intermediate causes of creation – such as life and sustenance, which work as the conduits bringing Divine Mercy – fall into this category. The following are Qur'anic verses based on this concept: "Whatever is in the heavens and what is in the earth is His; who is he that can intercede with Him but by His permission?" (2:255). "Surely your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six periods, and He is firmly established on the throne (of authority), regulating and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His permission." (10:3)
Intercession in Legislation
The grand divine system running this universe also encompasses the concept of intercession. The system of noble prophets, their teachings, reward and punishment also make provision for intercession of eligible people by divinely authorized men and angels. The following are some of the verses of the Holy Qur'an which talk about this kind of authorization:
The above verses clearly elucidate the fact that some of the men and angels are authorized to further the case of guilty ones with Allah's permission and pleasure. Allama Tabatabai says about the reality of intercession: "...intercession, in its true sense, belongs to Allah only; all His attributes are intermediaries between Him and His creatures, and are the channels through which His grace, mercy and decrees pass to the creatures; He is the real and all-encompassing intercessor: 'Say: A1lah's is the intercession altogether' (39:44); '...you have not besides Him any guardian or any intercessor…' (32:4); '…there is no guardian for them nor any intercessor besides Him...' (6:51). The intercessors, other than Allah, get that right by His permission, by His authority.
In short, intercession with Him is a confirmed reality – in cases where it does not go against the divine glory and honor." (Al-Mizan)
In short, intercession with Him is a confirmed reality – in cases where it does not go against the divine glory and honor." (Al-Mizan)
The Beneficiaries of Intercession
On the Day of Judgment there will be two groups of people: one will be of those receiving their accounts in their right hand, and the second will be of those receiving it in their left hand. The second group will be deprived of any intercession and hell will be their permanent abode. The Holy Qur'an has counted four sins which will make them fall into the pit of hell, and from which the people of right hands will be free: "Every soul is held in pledge for what it has earned, except the people of the right hand, in gardens, they shall ask each other about the guilty: 'What has brought you into hell?' They shall say: 'We were not of those who prayed, and we used not to feed the poor; and we used to enter into vain discourse with those who entered into vain discourse. And we use to call the Day of Judgment a lie, till death overtook us.' So the intercession of intercessors shall not avail them." (74:38-48)
There are also traditions from the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) which declare that those who underestimate the prayers or do not perform prayers will not receive intercession.
The people of right hand will be the ones receiving intercession of the intercessors. Allama Tabatabai explains: "The people of the right hand are the ones who shall benefit from the intercession; and they are the ones whose religion and faith Allah is pleased with. They may come on the Day of Judgment with perfect deeds – and in that case there will be no need for any intercession; or they may come burdened with some sins and it is they who shall benefit from the intercession. Therefore, the intercession shall be for those people of the right hand who may have committed some sins..." (Al-Mizan)
The people of right hands are the ones who have followed the righteous Imam and whose religion, beliefs, and deeds have been approved by Allah. These are the people who have been steadfast in their covenant to Allah and have been free from the uncleanness of polytheism and exploitation.
ASAD RAZA
| ALLAH'S DIVINE INDIVISIBLE PACKAGE | for everyone |
When we speak about the religion which we as Muslims strive to follow and achieve salvation with, we find that there are three main components which are of great importance: The Sender who is the Almighty God, the Messenger who is the Seal of all Prophets, and the Message which are the Islamic teachings. Unfortunately today we find that there are those amongst the Muslim population who emphasize and focus their efforts in only one or two of these areas, but not all three. Some will spend all their lives worshiping and meditating Allah and doing nothing but engaging in ritualistic acts while neglecting the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) and the teachings of Islam, such as the Sufis. There are also those who focus only on praising and respecting the rank of the Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them all) and exercising their love to them, while ceasing to pay much attention to Allah and abide by the teachings and practices of His divine religion. And finally, there are those who focus only on the teachings of Islam and strive to follow it by the Book in such a fanatical way without having any ma'refat(recognition) or insight behind the Islamic laws, totally ignoring the Sender of the religion and His messenger. Today we come to know this group of extremists as the Wahabis, or Salafis.
Each of these three groups who only focus on one of the three core aspects mentioned above have gone astray, and have failed to realize the main purpose of religion. When we speak about theResalah (Message), there are four major aims and key components which Allah has revealed in this religion.
The first is the Holy Prophet and his successors and the importance of expressing Muwaddah(reciprocal love) and obedience to them, as they are the divine representatives in the universe and the model for human perfection. It is wrong to think that the Prophet is separate from the message and has only come to deliver the message and walk away. Rather, the Prophet and his Purified Family are an essential part of the message and this is confirmed in the Prophet's statement in the well-known authenticated Hadith al-Thaqalayn: "I am leaving for you two precious and weighty things that if you adhere to both of them, you shall never go astray after me. They are the Book of Allah, and my progeny, that is, my Ahlul Bayt. The Merciful has informed me that these two shall not separate from each other until they come to me by the Pool (of Paradise)."
Muslims are obliged to pay Khums and to understand and spread the word of the injustices committed against the Holy Progeny, and to keep their remembrance alive and learn more about their lives. This also includes visiting and paying respects to them and seeking their intercession.
Secondly, Islam was revealed to give a warning for all of mankind regarding the Day of Judgment, punishment and reward, accounting, and the consequences of our deeds. The third is to instill and build the foundation of faith which is the Oneness of God, His absolute Justice, Resurrection, Prophethood, and guardianship (Imamate). It is to comprehend and practice the essence ofTasleem (submission), to gain ma'refat of Allah, to practice the teachings of Islam and respect its signs, and to develop ourselves to reaching the level of certitude (yaqeen).
As for the fourth, which is very critical and the main goal of the divine religion sent to mankind, it is to promote the idea of Islah, that is, reform, repair or reshape. This concept can be accomplished in different ways such as to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, to stand up against oppression and injustice, and to support the oppressed and uphold the truth. It also means to account and question the leader, to consult with others, to be righteous and be good to your fellow brethren, and to forgive your brothers and sisters in humanity. To do Islah is also to establish justice on earth to the best of your ability, to exercise good manners and morals, and to contribute to society in such as way that you protect its interests and develop it in all ways you can. To accomplish Islah also means to maintain relation with your kin and relatives and to give a helping hand to those who need it. The list goes on and on regarding how to accomplish reform on this earth to better mankind and elevate it to the stage of perfection, which is what pleases Allah and what He desires.
If we analyze the four key goals mentioned above, we will realize that Islah is the real fruit of Islam, without which the religion becomes hollow and there is no point to worship or practice. Hence, we find the idea of Islah is emphasized in both the Qur'an and hadiths. Allah warns us of those who spread corruption on earth and do not reform. In fact, all of the prophets and messengers were sent for the purpose of bringing about reform on earth: "And when We did appoint for Moses thirty nights (of solitude), and added to them ten, and he completed the whole time appointed by his Lord of forty nights; and Moses said unto his brother, Aaron: Take my place among the people. Do right, and follow not the way of mischief-makers." (7:142) And when Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) addressed his people, he summarized his goal in these words, "I only desire (your) betterment to the best of my power; and my success (in my task) can only come from Allah." (11:88)
Allah knows who exactly the reformer is and who brings about corruption on earth. So great in Allah's eyes is the person who does reform (mosleh) that He has promised not to waste the reward of the reformer. Even if there is a city filled with corruptive people, He will not punish its people if there are those who promote good in it (11:117).
Allah also emphasizes the importance of Islah happening after repentance, after achieving the level of piety, and after forgiveness. One of the most important examples of Islah that is relevant to us nowadays is to bring together two conflicting parties: "And if two parties of believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them. And if one party of them doeth wrong to the other, fight ye that which doeth wrong till it return unto the ordinance of Allah; then, if it return, make peace between them justly, and act equitably. Lo! Allah loves the equitable."
It is our responsibility to bring about reform in the community surrounding us and not just be engaged with our own matters. We must follow the news and pay attention to the Muslims in the other parts of the globe and support the oppressed among them when the need arises. As the prophetic hadith says, "He who is not concerned with the affairs of the Muslims is not a Muslim."
So important is this role of Islah that one of the common names by which our Living Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is referred to as "Abu Saleh", meaning the one who will bring about reform on earth such that it will be filled with equity and justice, after it was filled with tyranny and oppression. Our 12th Imam will certainly be following the footsteps of his great-grandfather Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) who struggled on the plains of Karbala and sacrificed everything he had for the sake of bringing reform and repair in the religion of Prophet Muhammad! Sure enough by his method of reform, the tree of Islam was watered with his pure blood and we are thus able to benefit today from the pure Muhammadan Islam, after he saved it from corruption and deviation, which was – and is – sadly an existing danger today from the enemies of Islam, and within the Muslims themselves!
JERRMEIN ABU SHAHBA
posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 06:47
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