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| Loans Tips - Managing Your Personal Loans | for everyone |
Loans Tips - Managing Your Personal Loans
There are many things to think about when you need a loan. Personal loans can be a really good thing when you need some money for something that you just don’t have the cash on hand readily available. It’s very helpful that there are lenders out there that will be willing to loan money to you, but at the same time you need to be very careful about taking out loans. If you start to owe too much money in loans, it’s going to be very difficult for you to pull yourself out of debt.
Going in to debt is one of those things that is really easy, and if you haven’t already figured it out, getting yourself out of debt is much harder than getting in to debt. Interest rates are really high and much of the time you’re going to find that you’re paying as much money towards interest as you are towards your principal each month.
Because of this I highly recommend that you think seriously about what you need and what you want and make distinctions between these two things. If it’s only something that you want, try to hold off on the loan and wait until you can simply buy it outright. This way you end up spending a lot less money and you don’t leave yourself open to a lot of financial disasters.
It’s easy to convince yourself that you can afford something because the monthly payments might be low enough that you can afford to pay the bill each month. What would happen if you lost your job though? Would you still be able to pay the $400 a month car loan? Would the $1500 apartment still be easy to pay for? There are many things that you need to think about and you need to be prepared for as many situations as possible.
If you do decide that you’re going to take out a loan, you need to make sure that you understand a few things. First off, you need to make sure that the lender that you’re borrowing from is a trustworthy lender. You should check their reputation with the BBB and see if there are any complaints against them.
The BBB is one of the most trusted sources to see how good or bad businesses are. You can also check with friends who have used the particular bank or lender that you are thinking about using. Your friends and family might be able to give you a good idea if they are trustworthy or not.
You also need to know if you will be able to pay back your loan faster than your original payback period. If you pay back the money quickly, you will be able to pay less interest if you are paying directly to the principal. This is great of course, but if you aren’t able to do this and all the money just goes to the interest anyways, it’s not such a great loan. Make sure that the interest rate won’t go up at any point either. A fixed interest rate is guaranteed to be constant throughout your loan, which is a good thing. This means you’ll never need to worry about your lender raising your interest all of a sudden.
So in conclusion, it’s a good idea to get a personal loan only if you absolutely need the item or service that the loan allows you to get. Loans can easily get you into more debt than you expected and you’ll find it very difficult to get out. You also need to make sure that you find a good lender if you choose to take out a loan. Finally making sure that you have all the right terms on your loan is just as important as everything else.
There are many things to think about when you need a loan. Personal loans can be a really good thing when you need some money for something that you just don’t have the cash on hand readily available. It’s very helpful that there are lenders out there that will be willing to loan money to you, but at the same time you need to be very careful about taking out loans. If you start to owe too much money in loans, it’s going to be very difficult for you to pull yourself out of debt.
Going in to debt is one of those things that is really easy, and if you haven’t already figured it out, getting yourself out of debt is much harder than getting in to debt. Interest rates are really high and much of the time you’re going to find that you’re paying as much money towards interest as you are towards your principal each month.
Because of this I highly recommend that you think seriously about what you need and what you want and make distinctions between these two things. If it’s only something that you want, try to hold off on the loan and wait until you can simply buy it outright. This way you end up spending a lot less money and you don’t leave yourself open to a lot of financial disasters.
It’s easy to convince yourself that you can afford something because the monthly payments might be low enough that you can afford to pay the bill each month. What would happen if you lost your job though? Would you still be able to pay the $400 a month car loan? Would the $1500 apartment still be easy to pay for? There are many things that you need to think about and you need to be prepared for as many situations as possible.
If you do decide that you’re going to take out a loan, you need to make sure that you understand a few things. First off, you need to make sure that the lender that you’re borrowing from is a trustworthy lender. You should check their reputation with the BBB and see if there are any complaints against them.
The BBB is one of the most trusted sources to see how good or bad businesses are. You can also check with friends who have used the particular bank or lender that you are thinking about using. Your friends and family might be able to give you a good idea if they are trustworthy or not.
You also need to know if you will be able to pay back your loan faster than your original payback period. If you pay back the money quickly, you will be able to pay less interest if you are paying directly to the principal. This is great of course, but if you aren’t able to do this and all the money just goes to the interest anyways, it’s not such a great loan. Make sure that the interest rate won’t go up at any point either. A fixed interest rate is guaranteed to be constant throughout your loan, which is a good thing. This means you’ll never need to worry about your lender raising your interest all of a sudden.
So in conclusion, it’s a good idea to get a personal loan only if you absolutely need the item or service that the loan allows you to get. Loans can easily get you into more debt than you expected and you’ll find it very difficult to get out. You also need to make sure that you find a good lender if you choose to take out a loan. Finally making sure that you have all the right terms on your loan is just as important as everything else.
| Home Based Business - Tips That Will Save You Money | for everyone |
Home Based Business - Tips That Will Save You Money
If you have a home based business, there are ways that you can cut back on expenses
to save money. Creating a budget is helpful so that you know where your money is going.
Track the money you send to bills and other expenses, and cut back on buying things you do not need, and you will see an improvement. Here are some tips for YOU.
If you have a home based business, there are ways that you can cut back on expenses
to save money. Creating a budget is helpful so that you know where your money is going.
Track the money you send to bills and other expenses, and cut back on buying things you do not need, and you will see an improvement. Here are some tips for YOU.
Consolidate Your Debt
If you have a lot of credit card debt, transfer it to a credit card that has a 0 percent introductory rate. You can look forward to one bill each month, and you will avoid paying interest for 6 months or so. If you have a personal loan and you own a home, consider applying for a home equity loan. You will pay less in interest, but you need to have equity in order to qualify.
Cut Your Grocery Bills in Half
Clip coupons and use them for products that you need. Shop with your discount card, and buy what's on sale each time you shop. In addition, you will pay less money on things that you need if you buy the store brand. The savings add up, so it is worth it.
Find a Part-Time Job
There are many jobs that you can do from the comfort of your own home. You can make a few hundred dollars per month or more if you work an extra job, and it will provide you with the cash that you need for running your business.
Save On Auto Insurance
Shop around for a cheaper insurance provider. You can save on your insurance premiums by increasing the deductibles. Also, you can take a discount drivers course and it will lower your premium for three years. Another way to save on car insurance, is by installing a car alarm or auto-theft device in your vehicle. If you keep your car in your garage, ask your insurance provider if they can give you a discount on your premium.
Switch To VoIP
Traditional phone service costs a lot more than VoIP service. Most VoIP plans cost about $25.00 or so. All you need is internet service, and you will save hundreds of dollars per year. Usually, long distance and local calls are already included in the price. If you follow these tips, you will save money and have more for things that you really need
If you have a lot of credit card debt, transfer it to a credit card that has a 0 percent introductory rate. You can look forward to one bill each month, and you will avoid paying interest for 6 months or so. If you have a personal loan and you own a home, consider applying for a home equity loan. You will pay less in interest, but you need to have equity in order to qualify.
Cut Your Grocery Bills in Half
Clip coupons and use them for products that you need. Shop with your discount card, and buy what's on sale each time you shop. In addition, you will pay less money on things that you need if you buy the store brand. The savings add up, so it is worth it.
Find a Part-Time Job
There are many jobs that you can do from the comfort of your own home. You can make a few hundred dollars per month or more if you work an extra job, and it will provide you with the cash that you need for running your business.
Save On Auto Insurance
Shop around for a cheaper insurance provider. You can save on your insurance premiums by increasing the deductibles. Also, you can take a discount drivers course and it will lower your premium for three years. Another way to save on car insurance, is by installing a car alarm or auto-theft device in your vehicle. If you keep your car in your garage, ask your insurance provider if they can give you a discount on your premium.
Switch To VoIP
Traditional phone service costs a lot more than VoIP service. Most VoIP plans cost about $25.00 or so. All you need is internet service, and you will save hundreds of dollars per year. Usually, long distance and local calls are already included in the price. If you follow these tips, you will save money and have more for things that you really need
| Cholesterol Diet Plan – Sample of One Day Menu | for everyone |
Cholesterol Diet Plan – Sample of One Day Menu
Here is a sample one-day menu for the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet.
The menu contains approximately 2,200 calories, with 25% of calories from total fat (5% from saturated fat, 13% from monounsaturated fat, and 7% from polyunsaturated fat).
Breakfast
* ½ cup oatmeal with 1 cup nonfat milk, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1 sliced banana
* Caffè lattè made with 1 cup nonfat milk
Lunch
* Sandwich made from 2 slices whole-wheat bread, 2 ounces lean turkey, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato
* Carrot sticks and fruit
Snack
* 1 cup low-fat or nonfat vanilla yogurt
* ½ cup mixed raisins and peanuts
Dinner
* 3 ounces baked or broiled salmon
* 1 cup cooked brown rice
* 1 cup cooked broccoli
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (used in cooking)
* Salad made with 1½ cups romaine lettuce, ½ cup tomatoes, ¼ cucumber, 1 tablespoon vinegar and oil dressing
* 1 slice Italian bread with 1 teaspoon soft margarine
Snack
* 1 sliced peach with 1 cup nonfat milk
Many people think they cannot have meat, especially red meat, in their diets if they are trying to lower their cholesterol. However, as long as the amount of saturated fat in your diet is kept below 7%, you can include up to 5 ounces per day of any meat, poultry, or fish in a cholesterol-lowering diet.
Here is a sample one-day menu for the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet.
The menu contains approximately 2,200 calories, with 25% of calories from total fat (5% from saturated fat, 13% from monounsaturated fat, and 7% from polyunsaturated fat).
Breakfast
* ½ cup oatmeal with 1 cup nonfat milk, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1 sliced banana
* Caffè lattè made with 1 cup nonfat milk
Lunch
* Sandwich made from 2 slices whole-wheat bread, 2 ounces lean turkey, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato
* Carrot sticks and fruit
Snack
* 1 cup low-fat or nonfat vanilla yogurt
* ½ cup mixed raisins and peanuts
Dinner
* 3 ounces baked or broiled salmon
* 1 cup cooked brown rice
* 1 cup cooked broccoli
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (used in cooking)
* Salad made with 1½ cups romaine lettuce, ½ cup tomatoes, ¼ cucumber, 1 tablespoon vinegar and oil dressing
* 1 slice Italian bread with 1 teaspoon soft margarine
Snack
* 1 sliced peach with 1 cup nonfat milk
Many people think they cannot have meat, especially red meat, in their diets if they are trying to lower their cholesterol. However, as long as the amount of saturated fat in your diet is kept below 7%, you can include up to 5 ounces per day of any meat, poultry, or fish in a cholesterol-lowering diet.
| Special occasions for praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s): | for everyone |
- Special occasions for praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s):
In the same book, particular instances and times have been mentioned for praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s)
- Day of Arafah (9th Zilhajj)
- Eid-ul -Fitr
- Eid-ul -Zoha
- Dahyul Arz (25th Zilqad)
- Day of Aashoora
- Night of 15th Shabaan
- Day of 15th Shabaan
- Month of Ramazan
- 6th night of the month of Ramazaan
- 12th night of the month of Ramazaan
- 18th & 19th night of the month of Ramazaan
- 21st of month of Ramazaan
- After mourning for Imam Husain (a.s)
- After reciting the ziarat of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s)
- While crying due to the fear of Allah
- On acquiring a new bounty or when some difficulty gets solved
- At the time of grief and sorrow
- At the time of calamities
- After reciting Tasbeeh
- Before praying for our family members
- Day of Ghadeer
- Throughout the day and night
- In gatherings (majaalis) where affairs of Ahlul Bait (a.s) are discussed and their enemies are cursed.
- Praying continuously for forty days.
- In the month of Moharram
- Places that have been greatly emphasized for praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s):
Just as special occasions have been mentioned for praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s), likewise,particular places have been enumerated for remembering Imam (a.t.f.s.). Some of them are mentioned below:
- In Masjid-ul -Haraam.
- In the planes of Arafah.
- In Sardaab (in the house of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) in Saamarraa - Iraq).
- In those places that are associated with Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s). Like Masjid-e- Sehlah, Masjid-e-Sa'sah, Masjid-e-Jamkaran, Masjid-e-Kufa, etc.
- Near the holy grave of Imam Husain (a.s)
- Near the holy grave of Imam Reza (a.s)
- In Saamarra, near the holy graves of Imam Ali Naqi (a.s) and Imam Hasan Askari (a.s)
Conclusion:
Finally, we pray to Allah that He should accept our humble efforts. We are well aware that our insignificant efforts are of no value. Yet we are hopeful of His Mercy and Forgiveness and pray to Him '…O King! We and our entire family have been afflicted by distress. And we have brought with us insufficient measure. So give us full measure and be charitable to us. Surely Allah rewards those who are charitable. (Surah Yusuf (12): Verse 88)
Finally, we pray to Allah that He should accept our humble efforts. We are well aware that our insignificant efforts are of no value. Yet we are hopeful of His Mercy and Forgiveness and pray to Him '…O King! We and our entire family have been afflicted by distress. And we have brought with us insufficient measure. So give us full measure and be charitable to us. Surely Allah rewards those who are charitable. (Surah Yusuf (12): Verse 88)
Pens have dried up but tears continue to flow the moment the agony of separation from the beloved is felt in the heart. So much so, that a voice echoes in the ears which says 'Be patient, he will surely come'. Yet a thought keeps crossing our minds, 'But when?' As days keep passing by while praying for Imam (a.s), the vision gets more blurred, the back feels more burdened and the hair gets whiter. Death is hastening towards us at relentless pace and soon will grip us in its clutches. In this silent and dark night, a voice emanates from the heart 'When will you see us and we see you while you are seen hoisting the flag of victory.'(Dua-e-Nudbah)
| Reason for Praying for Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) | for everyone |
- Reason for Praying for Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s):
As we are aware, Allah has promised to avenge the oppression perpetrated on His Prophets and their Successors (a.s.). Particularly, the transgressions and cruelty inflicted on Imam Husain (a.s), the doyen of martyrs. He has also pledged that finally Islam will be the universal religion and polytheism will be wiped out from the face of the earth. Justice demands that once a promise is made it must be fulfilled and this covenant assumes even more serious proportions considering that it is made by none other than Allah, the Almighty. So for an early and swift fulfillment of this divine promise, it is necessary that we pray for Imam-e-Zamana's (a.t.f.s) well-being and earliest reappearance. Imam (a.t.f.s.) has himself urged the Shias 'Pray for the early reappearance because in it lies your deliverance.' (Beharul Anwaar vol. 52, p. 29)Praying for the earliest reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) is a very important responsibility of the Shias. Besides, there are numerous benefits that emanate when one supplicates for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s).- The benefits of praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s):
There are numerous benefits of praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) in this world as also in the hereafter. Here we enumerate a few of these benefits:Rewards in this world:
To pray for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) is in fact a way of being attached with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a). Imam Baqir (a.s) narrates 'Joining relations (Sil-e-Rahm) purifies the actions, increases wealth, wards off calamities, makes accounting easy and postpones death.' (Beharul Anwaar vol. 47, p. 111)
- Calamities are turned away and there is an increase in sustenance.
- Our other supplications are answered because of it (praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s)).
- It prepares a person for meeting Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) - whether he is awake or asleep.
- It increases bounties.
- Allah's Help is always at hand for him and he is able to overpower his enemies. As Allah says in the Holy Quran 'If you help (the cause of) Allah, He will help you'(Surah Muhammad (42): Verse 7)
- The Shias will be revived at the time of Imam's (a.t.f.s.) reappearance - as is mentioned in Dua-e-Ahad.
- The Shias remain steadfast on religion and are secure from the corruptions of the last era.
- The Shias are protected from divine chastisement.
- The one who prays regularly for the early reappreance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) is considered like the one who has prepared the grounds for his reappearance.
Allamah Syed Mohammed Taqi Isfahani (r.a.), in his book 'Mikyalul Makarim' has written numerous advantages of praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s). We mention a few of them hereunder:
- The one who prays for the early reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) becomes entitled to receive the intercession of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) and his progeny (a.s).
- He will receive the intercession of Imam Mahdi (a.s) on the Day of Judgment.
- His sins will be forgiven
- He will receive the reward of avenging the blood of Imam Husain (a.s).
- The light of the Holy Quran will guide him.
- He will get the honour of being among the nearest servants of Allah.
- Seventy thousand of his sins will be forgiven
- His heart will be contented on the Day of Judgment
- He will get the reward of twenty Hajj and Umra.
- One thousand of his wishes will be fulfilled on the Day of Resurrection.
- Angels seek forgiveness for the one who prays for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s).
- Satan becomes fearful and crestfallen
- The person gets 1/3 reward of the entire mankind
- He will get glad tidings at the time of his death, in Barzakh and in Qiyamat.
- He will get the reward of being martyred while being in the army of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s).
- The proximate angels attend gatherings in which there are supplications for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s).
- In the light of authentic traditions, praying for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) during occultation is better than praying for him after his (a.s) reappearance.
| ON WILADAT OF OUR BELOVED 12TH IMAM (ATFS) | for everyone |
Sha’ban 15, 1423 was the birth anniversary of the promised one and the only real savior of all mankind, the 12th infallible Imam of the Shi’a, Imam Mahdi (A.S.), whose followers look forward to his reappearance day and night. Best wishes and felicitations to all Shi’a Muslims, especially you readers, on this happy occasion.
Let’s not talk about the present global mish-mash and the confused, unhappy, alienated man, but let’s talk about the bright future of peace and happiness at the-time of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (A.S.).
The Holy prophet (S) said: “Glad tidings be to you about Mahdi (A.S.).” Thereafter he said: “The inhabitants of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth are happy with him. He shall distribute the wealth equally, free Mohammad’s (S) nation from need or want and comfort them with his righteousness.”
Islamic scholars, based on the infallible sayings, are of the opinion that the sign of Mahdi (A.S.) is that he shall be harsh with rulers, generous with people in distributing wealth, and gentle with the helpless in easing their pain.
Hope keeps man alive.
The master of the faithful Ali (A.S.) says about Mahdi’s (A.S.) characteristics: “At the time when they (people) shall suit the guidance to follow the desires. Mahdi (A.S.) shall after the desires to follow the guidance. At the time when they shall interpret the Qur’an to follow their (own) prudence Mahdi (A.S.) shall realize (their) prudence to follow the Qur’an. Mahdi (A.S.) shall demonstrate to you justice. Mahdi (A.S.) shall enliven the commandments of the Qur’an and Sunnah which were until then dead and lifeless. Imam Mahdi (A.S.) shall fill the earth with equity and justice after it has been filled with cruelty and oppression.”
The Holy prophet (S) said: “There shall emerge a person from my progeny who will speak only my Sunnah. Allah will send rain for him from heavens and the earth shall throw out its bounties for him. He shall fill the earth with equity and justice just as it had been filled with cruelty and oppression.”
Furthermore, the Holy prophet (S) while mentioning the injustice and seditiousness of despotic rulers, said: “If there remains not more than one day for the earth, Allah will prolong the day until a person from my progeny comes and rules. Then great events shall take place through his hands and Islam shall manifest itself....”
Hence, not only Shi’a people but all people throughout the world expect him day and night. Due to lack of spirituality in today’s advanced industrialized society, man has to prepare himself psychologically and mentally for that.
Islamic supplications (duas) and salutations (Ziaraat), besides being sacred, holy, and divine blessings, are also great and comprehensive treasures full of humanitarian concepts. Reciting them, like attending a training course, leaves a very deep and good impression on our personalities, the reason being that their interesting and meaningful texts are narrated directly from our prophet (S) and his infallible Household (A.S.) in which they have taught various lessons about the sublime teaching of monotheism, prophethood, and mastership (Vilay’at), moral sense, laws, and ethics. Indeed the school of supplication is one of the higher schools which has a great effect in the development of human thinking and spiritual and social growth, if it is correctly used.
Until the Muslims all graduate from this school, their Islamic per- sonalities will not become perfect. The school is open for everybody day and night, and the repetition of its lessons will always make people ascend from one stage to another.
One of these treasures which believers and those anxious for the reappearance of the righteous and universal government of Imam Mahdi (A.S.) have set their hearts upon is the glorious “Nudba” supplication. They renew their allegiance with their Master during fixed occasions and hold emotional gatherings where it is recited.
Lamentation (Nudba) and waiting for the meeting with His Holiness and the end of his occultation, praying to hasten his reappearance, and expressing regret about the turbulent and oppressive conditions of the modern world (the period of the major occultation) are lessons which the Shi’a have learned form their infallible Imams (A.S.) and their behavior is a pattern for their partisans:
Sadir-e-Seirafi, a distinguished companion of Imam Ja’far Sadeq (A.S.), said that along with three other companions he visited Imam Ja’far Sadeq (A.S.) in a very sad and sorrowful condition, sitting on the ground. Like a mother who had lost her dear son and with painful heart, Imam Ja’far Sadeq (A.S.) was crying, wailing, moaning and saying: “My master, your occultation has snatched a way sleep from my eyes, has taken my concentration and has deprived my heart of tranquility. My master, your occultation has surrounded me with a tragic suffering due to which I can never find sympathy and consolation. Due to the loss of friends one after the other. Our gathering is breaking.
Calamities. Hardships, difficulties, and disasters have so much pained my heart that I do not feel the tears of my eyes and the yelling and crying of my heart. Yet, other severe and unbearable sufferings are imagined, that one more difficult and fragile than the previous ones.”
Sadir said: “Calamity struck us and our hearts became full of sadness and sorrow for Imam Ja’far Sadeq (A.S.). We presumed that an unpleasant event had put Imam Ja’far Sadeq (A.S.) – this mountain of patience and forbearance- in such a lamenting and mournful condition.
“We said: O, Son of the best of mankind. May Allah not make you cry. For what circumstances are you weeping in such a manner? His holiness heaved a sad sigh from his afflicted heart and said: This morning I was looking at “The Book of Ja’far”, the book of knowledge of various predictions until Qiyamat, which has been assigned and made exclusive to Hazrat Mohammad (S) and his successor (A.S.). It contains descriptions of the birth, occultation, delay in the reappearance, and longevity of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.), the suffering of believers during the occultation, and the doubts and uncertainties which arise in their hearts. Due to the prolongation of the occultation and these things, grief and sadness has overpowered me...” (Kamaluddin, pp. 352-357;Ghaibat-e-Tusi, pp. 104-108).
Therefore, considering the behavior of Imam Ja’far Sadeq (A.S.) regarding the occultation of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.), we should also become sad and depressed and express our wish and desire for his reappearance by seeking shelter in Allah and reciting Dua, bearing in mind that if He (Allah) wishes, He can end the occultation of Imam Mahdi (A.S.) in one night itself.
Dua-ye Nudba is one of the most important and famous authentic duas of the Shi’a. The strength of the text and vocabulary and its meaningful themes increase the reliability of this document. This dua has been narrated by the great Seyed, the late Raziuddin Ali ibn Taoos who was one of the great Shi’a scholars of the seventh century A.H. He recorded this dua in the seventh chapter of his great book “Iqbal” on pages 295 to 299.
According to Shi’a scholars, recitation of this supplication is recommended as Mustahab (highly advised) on four eics (holy days): Friday, Fitr (holiday marking the end of Ramazan), Qorban (Adha, 10th Zil-al-Hajjeh, the day of sacrifice) and Ghadir (the day on which Imam Ali (A.S.) was appointed to be the real successor of the Holy prophet (S), i.e. 18th Zil-al-Haj).
Therefore, it is advisable to recite this great dua in congregation on Friday mornings and on the other mentioned days, concentrating our minds in asking forgiveness and reciting salawat in order to wash a way our sins and remove the obstacles which have prevented our duas from being answered.
Then with full attention, weeping and moaning, we call on Imam Mahdi (A.S.) in the same way as Sadir has narrated from our sixth Imam, Hazrat Sadiq (A.S.). We cry and recite Nudba because of the occultation and being far a way from Imam Mahdi (A.S.). We ask Allah to Hasten his reappearance and thus end the corruption, persecution and injustice which are reigning in this world due to the absence of Imam Mahdi (A.S.). May Almighty Allah have mercy upon out Nudbas and lamentations. He may have mercy upon a weeping one from amongst the weepers and remove the chastisement of the occultation from amongst us. Thus, He may give us the grace and favor of the presence of Imam Mahdi (A.S.) once more.
Following are some quotations from this glorious supplication, which only contains words of love about the holy existence of Imam Mahdi (A.S.): “where is the chief of all creatures and the God fearing? Where is the Accumulator of the words of piety? Where is the Master of the Day of Victory and the one who will spread the flag of guidance? Where is the Uniter of the companions of virtue and divine pleasure? Where is the Avenger of the blood of prophets and children of prophets? Where is the one ready to annihilate the oppressors? Where is the Awaited one for straightening the crookedness and dishonesty? Where is the one who is expected (Imam Mahdi (A.S.)) to abolish oppression and transgression? Where is the Enlivener of the tents of religion and its adherents? Where is the Breaker of the might of the transgressors? Where is the Demolisher of the edifices of polytheism and hypocrisy where is the Destroyer of the followers of disobedience and rebellion?”
The words of love for him continue: “Would that I knew the far-off place where you are settled. It is intolerable for me that I see the people but don’t see you, and neither do I hear a sigh of breath nor (any) whispering from you.
“May (I) myself be sacrificed for you who seems to be concealed (physically), but not away from us.
“May (I) myself be sacrificed for you who is the goal and aspiration of every faithful man and woman who desires you, remembers you, and laments for you.
“How long must I wait for you, O my Master! And how long and with which word should I praise you, and what secret talk should I use with you? Is there any helper with whom I may prolong my lamentation and weeping? Is there a way, O Son of Ahmad (S), through which you may be met? Will you see us gathered around you and you are leading all the people? So, convey to him our greeting and salutations. and increase his honor because of this (greeting), O Lord.”
Hafez said:
The breath of Dawn’s musk-strewing wind shall blow, The ancient world shall return to youth again,
And other wine from our spring chalice flow.
The pure White Jasmine a brimming cup,
And wind flowers life their scarlet chalice up,
For the star pale narcissus to adore.
May Allah hasten His reappearance.
Wishing all readers a blessed and joyous time on the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (A.T.F.S)
| WILADAT MUBARAK OF OUR IMAM-E- ZAMAN AL HUJJAT (ATFS) | for everyone |
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| Me'raj - The Night Ascension- ME'RAJ OF OUR HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.S.) MUBARAK TO ALL | for everyone |
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| Muhammad Faidh al‑Kashani |
has been recorded by two major Muslim historians, 
went on the Me'raj more than once. However, it should be mentioned that that Me'raj in which the daily Salat was made incumbent, without doubt, occurred before the death of Abu Talib, who passed away in the 10th year of Bi'thah. Unmistakably, from the ahadith and books of history, it is mentioned that on the night of Me'raj, Allah 
gave the order of the five daily Salat as being mandatory upon the Islamic Nation.
was the Me'raj. This incident is considered as one of the indisputable events of history and is a part of our religious belief. Every Muslim, in accordance with the clear verses of the Qur'an, in addition, to the reliable chains of history, believe in the Me'raj.
. Did it start from the house of Umm Hani (the sister of Amir al‑Mo'minin 'Ali ibn Abi Talib) or from Masjid al‑Haram ‑ since the complete city of 
was from Masjid al -Haram to Masjid al‑Aqsa ‑ the Bait al‑Muqaddas.
took place at night and the meaning of Masjid al‑Aqsa (the Furthest Masjid) is the same as the Bait al‑Muqaddas.
and said, `O' Ahmad! I am an Entity that is not like anything else. I can not be compared to anything else and I know all the secrets of your heart. With the exception of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib
, you have no other close friend. Thus, I speak to you with the voice of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib 
so that your heart will be at ease.""| At Sidratul Muntaha | for everyone |
We reached to an area known as Sidratul Muntaha. We saw a place where there was a tree whose one leaf would be able to cover an entire nation. Then we went to that place known (in the Qur'an) as: `...So he was the measure of two bows or closer still." [12]
Allah 
called out:
called out:
On behalf of myself and my Ummah, I replied:
"And the believers too, they all believe in Allah and His Angels and His Books and His Messengers. We do not differentiate between any of His Messengers. "
"...And they say: We hear and we obey, Our Lord! Thy forgiveness (do we crave), and to Thee is the eventual course. "
Allah 
then said:
then said:
"Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability; for it is (the benefit of) what it has earned and upon it (the evil of) what it has wrought"
Then I said:
"Our Lord! do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake! "
Allah 
replied
replied
"I will not punish you. "
Then I continued:
"Our Lord! do not lay on us a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us! "
Allah 
replied
replied
"I will not lay upon you a burden. "
I once again said:
"Our Lord do not impose upon us that which we have not the strength to bear; and pardon us and grant us protection and have mercy on us, Thou art our Patron, so help us against the unbelieving people. " [14]
Allah the Glorious and High said:
"Verily I have bestowed this upon you and your nation. "
From Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 18, p. 328-329, Bab 3 - Ithbaat al-Mi`raaj wa ma`anaahu wa kayfiyyatuhu wa sifatuhu wa ma jaraa feehi wa wasf al-buraaq, Hadith 34.
Notes:
[12] Surah al‑Najm (53), Verse 9
[13] Surah al‑Baqarah (2), Verse 285
[14] This supplication that the Prophet 
prayed in the Me'raj for his Ummah is also the last verse of Surah al‑Baqarah. The nations before used to get severe punishments and were not given a chance to repent as mercifully as the followers of the Prophet Muhammad are and this is due to the supplication of the Prophet for his Ummah during this holy journey. (Tr.)
prayed in the Me'raj for his Ummah is also the last verse of Surah al‑Baqarah. The nations before used to get severe punishments and were not given a chance to repent as mercifully as the followers of the Prophet Muhammad are and this is due to the supplication of the Prophet for his Ummah during this holy journey. (Tr.)| Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) A Loyal Guardian -A Tribute | for everyone |
That tall tree, which shadowed Islam and protected the Prophet of Islam from the midday heat, began to wither little by little; its branches began to dangle faintly and its leaves began to yellow until the yellowness of death crept into all of its parts.
It was time for that tired old man, who had offered his power, had presented his abilities and had done his duties, to rest his exhausted body, his tired soul, his troubled nerves and his sad-happy spirit; sad because of what troubles would face this religion and its followers by those beasts, and happy because he remained alive until he could offer his virtuous services and could do his duties and believed in the religion that his father Abdul Muttalib had told him about and recommended him to believe in, to follow and to support.
It was time for him to taste the sweetness of the fruits of his efforts and to gain the reward of his great deeds ... but Abu Talib, even he was dying, didn't forget to recommend of his nephew. He ordered his sons and family around him to undertake this important task, which he had undertaken alone.
His eyes would be delighted for his brave family would never fail the task whatever heavy it was. Among them was his son Ali; the first believer and the only supporter! He would complete the task his father carried upon his shoulders. He would sacrifice everything just to support the Apostle of the Heaven.
Abu Talib turned his eyes here and there at the last moment before he would leave for the better world. Then he uttered with a faint voice overcome with the awe of death and the weakness of old age to say his last will, which he wanted the notable men of Quraysh, whom he had called for to hear, that Allah may guide them to His
religion. He said: "O people of Quraysh! You are the choice of Allah among His people and you are the heart of the Arabs. Among you there are the obeyed masters, the intrepid, the courageous and the generous men. Know that you haven't left any virtue among the Arabs unless you have the greatest share of it and no honor unless you gain it. By this you are preferable to the Arabs and they are in need of you. People are against you and they gather to fight you. I recommend you to glorify the Kaaba because it is the cause of Allah's contentment, the source of your good living and the means of your authority. Keep contact with your relatives because it prolongs one's life and increases the family. Avoid injustice and impiety because due to these things the nations before you had been perished. Help whoever asks you for help and give the needy as you can because this brings honor during life and after death. You are to be truthful in your sayings and to pay the deposit to its possessor because this leads to codiality and dignity. I do recommend you of Muhammad! He is the most trusty among Quraysh, the most truthful among the Arabs and he has all the qualities I have recommended you of. He has brought us a thing that the heart accepted and the tongue denied for fear of blame. By Allah, as if I see that the paupers, the wretched and the people of the countryside will believe in him, support him and firm his mission. He (Muhammad) will plunge into the fields of death with these followers and then the chiefs of Quraysh will be mean, their houses will be ruined and the weak people of Quraysh will be masters. Then he, who was an opponent of him, will be the most in need of him and that, who was the farthest from him will be the closest to him. The Arabs will submit to him, be sincere to him and let him be their leader. O people of Quraysh! Be good followers of him and good defenders of his party! By Allah, no one follows his way unless he succeeds and no one follows his guidance unless he will be pleased. If I live longer, I will protect him from every distress and defend him against every disaster ...Even if Abu Talib had nothing save this will, it would be sufficient evidence showing his deep faith. It showed his religion and belief very clearly. Every word in his will cleared his firm faith.
It was a piece of faith that wouldn't accept any doubt or suspect. It refuted every lie fabricated by the liars against his man. It exposed the evil wills of the opponents, who tried their best to distort the bright past of this man.
Abu Talib recommended them with recommendation, that wouldn't come out except of a sincere believer, who knew much about the secrets of the divine legislation and who had an eye that could see through the covers of the unseen to tell about the some events of the future.
He recommended them to glorify the Kaaba, the sanctum of Allah, because glorifying it was one of the rites of Allah and that would definitely please Allah. This showed that Abu Talib's heart was full of faith when recommending of the obligations of Allah.
He told them that religion would give further power to better their living and to be firmer before distresses and disasters.
He ordered them to care much for their kinship and to keep contact with their relatives because that would delay their death and would increase their families.
Later on we found that the Islamic Sharia confirmed what Abu Talib had recommended in his will.
Islam ordered the Muslims to be more careful about kinship and justified it as Abu Talib had justified it before. Islam forbade injustice and impiety and ordered the Muslims to help whoever was in need of help. It ordered them to be truthful and loyal in repaying the deposits. All these were human laws and Islamic obligations legislated by Islam. It showed that Abu Talib had believed in these principles considering them as a part of the religion of Allah so he wanted to recommend the notable men of Quraysh of these principles at the last moments of his life to be the first step for them to believe in Muhammad (s) because they were the same principles that Muhammad (s) invited them for.
Finally he limited his will to his nephew Muhammad, who had all the high qualities he had recommended them of as he thought and who was the bearer of the greatest divine mission.
And here was the essence of his will. He said that Muhammad (s) was the most truthful and the most loyal of Quraysh and the Arabs. Abu Talib's confession of the truthfulness and loyalty of Muhammad (s) was a confession of the prophecy and the mission. (1)
He was not satisfied in his acknowledgement of his nephew's prophecy to this point but he declared his acknowledgement more clearly when he said: "He has brought us a thing that the heart accepted and the tongue denied for fear of blame."
He said that Muhammad (s) came to them with a thing (the mission) that the heart accepted and believed
1 This was a definite conclusion because when Abu Talib witnessed that his nephew was the most truthful and the most loyal one among the Arabs, surely he would believe him when he said that he was the messenger of Allah, whereas the polytheists of Quraysh, who were certain that Muhammad was the most truthful -and they always called him the truthful, the loyal- before the mission, after the mission they began to describe him oppositely. They described him as magician and liar. It was because they hadn't believed in him as prophetbut the tongue refused to announce for fear of something imposed upon him by that critical situation and it was for the sake of the benefit of the mission itself and of the safety of the messenger. Abu Talib concealed his faith in that critical situation to be free when trying to carry out his duties in supporting the mission and the Prophet (s).
Then Abu Talib had a look from behind the cover of the unseen to see a shiny line talking about the success of his nephew's mission. He foresaw how his nephew's mission would rest in the hearts and how the oppressive tyrants would submit to him like the slaves whereas the paupers and the wretched would be great and high with the virtue of Islam ... and how ... and how ...
Then he urged them to follow the Prophet's method, to support him and to be sincere guards to him and to his followers. If they followed his way and guidance they would be successful and happy.
Then he felt sorry that he had no chance to remain alive in order to support his nephew as much as he could and to protect him against the disasters and against the oppressive polytheists.
The will of Abu Talib was a great example of the deep faith and devotedness in the way of the belief. He didn't stop or hesitate in defending the mission of his nephew even in the most critical moments of his life.
He wanted to declare his thought and to record his confession on the pages of history to be as sharp weapon against every lie that would be fabricated by the opponents of the Hashemites.
Abu Talib declared his will before the public of Quraysh to make those, who thought that he was on their side, know that he had believed in Islam and had responded to the mission of the messenger of Allah.
He directed a piece of his will to the Hashemites advising them to obey Muhammad in order to gain success and goodness. He said to them: "You will be successful as long as you listen to Muhammad and obey his orders. So you are to follow him and to support him in order to be guided ... O people of Hashem! Obey Muhammad and believe him so that you will success and be rightly guided!" (1)
Then he addressed four men of the Hashemites to support and to sacrifice themselves for the Prophet (s). He recited:
It was far away from reason that such a man, who spent years of his life inviting people to believe in Muhammad, to follow his mission and to support him devotedly because, as he thought, that his mission was a source of success, guidance and goodness, wouldn't be a believer!
It was far away from reason that such a man, who acknowledged the success and goodness of the mission, would unbeliever in it and would be indifferent to it or he would keep on his deviation, Allah forbid!
With these shining lines, which were full of flaming faith and brightening belief, Abu Talib folded the page of his shiny life. With these lines he ended his life, which was full of jihad and sacrifice in the way of the true religion. With words full of faith calling for supporting the great Prophet he left for the better world.
What a faithful man he was!
And what a loyal guardian he was!
It was time for that tired old man, who had offered his power, had presented his abilities and had done his duties, to rest his exhausted body, his tired soul, his troubled nerves and his sad-happy spirit; sad because of what troubles would face this religion and its followers by those beasts, and happy because he remained alive until he could offer his virtuous services and could do his duties and believed in the religion that his father Abdul Muttalib had told him about and recommended him to believe in, to follow and to support.It was time for him to taste the sweetness of the fruits of his efforts and to gain the reward of his great deeds ... but Abu Talib, even he was dying, didn't forget to recommend of his nephew. He ordered his sons and family around him to undertake this important task, which he had undertaken alone.His eyes would be delighted for his brave family would never fail the task whatever heavy it was. Among them was his son Ali; the first believer and the only supporter! He would complete the task his father carried upon his shoulders. He would sacrifice everything just to support the Apostle of the Heaven.Abu Talib turned his eyes here and there at the last moment before he would leave for the better world. Then he uttered with a faint voice overcome with the awe of death and the weakness of old age to say his last will, which he wanted the notable men of Quraysh, whom he had called for to hear, that Allah may guide them to Hisreligion. He said: "O people of Quraysh! You are the choice of Allah among His people and you are the heart of the Arabs. Among you there are the obeyed masters, the intrepid, the courageous and the generous men. Know that you haven't left any virtue among the Arabs unless you have the greatest share of it and no honor unless you gain it. By this you are preferable to the Arabs and they are in need of you. People are against you and they gather to fight you. I recommend you to glorify the Kaaba because it is the cause of Allah's contentment, the source of your good living and the means of your authority. Keep contact with your relatives because it prolongs one's life and increases the family. Avoid injustice and impiety because due to these things the nations before you had been perished. Help whoever asks you for help and give the needy as you can because this brings honor during life and after death. You are to be truthful in your sayings and to pay the deposit to its possessor because this leads to codiality and dignity. I do recommend you of Muhammad! He is the most trusty among Quraysh, the most truthful among the Arabs and he has all the qualities I have recommended you of. He has brought us a thing that the heart accepted and the tongue denied for fear of blame. By Allah, as if I see that the paupers, the wretched and the people of the countryside will believe in him, support him and firm his mission. He (Muhammad) will plunge into the fields of death with these followers and then the chiefs of Quraysh will be mean, their houses will be ruined and the weak people of Quraysh will be masters. Then he, who was an opponent of him, will be the most in need of him and that, who was the farthest from him will be the closest to him. The Arabs will submit to him, be sincere to him and let him be their leader. O people of Quraysh! Be good followers of him and good defenders of his party! By Allah, no one follows his way unless he succeeds and no one follows his guidance unless he will be pleased. If I live longer, I will protect him from every distress and defend him against every disaster ...
Even if Abu Talib had nothing save this will, it would be sufficient evidence showing his deep faith. It showed his religion and belief very clearly. Every word in his will cleared his firm faith.It was a piece of faith that wouldn't accept any doubt or suspect. It refuted every lie fabricated by the liars against his man. It exposed the evil wills of the opponents, who tried their best to distort the bright past of this man.Abu Talib recommended them with recommendation, that wouldn't come out except of a sincere believer, who knew much about the secrets of the divine legislation and who had an eye that could see through the covers of the unseen to tell about the some events of the future.He recommended them to glorify the Kaaba, the sanctum of Allah, because glorifying it was one of the rites of Allah and that would definitely please Allah. This showed that Abu Talib's heart was full of faith when recommending of the obligations of Allah.He told them that religion would give further power to better their living and to be firmer before distresses and disasters.He ordered them to care much for their kinship and to keep contact with their relatives because that would delay their death and would increase their families.Later on we found that the Islamic Sharia confirmed what Abu Talib had recommended in his will.Islam ordered the Muslims to be more careful about kinship and justified it as Abu Talib had justified it before. Islam forbade injustice and impiety and ordered the Muslims to help whoever was in need of help. It ordered them to be truthful and loyal in repaying the deposits. All these were human laws and Islamic obligations legislated by Islam. It showed that Abu Talib had believed in these principles considering them as a part of the religion of Allah so he wanted to recommend the notable men of Quraysh of these principles at the last moments of his life to be the first step for them to believe in Muhammad (s) because they were the same principles that Muhammad (s) invited them for.Finally he limited his will to his nephew Muhammad, who had all the high qualities he had recommended them of as he thought and who was the bearer of the greatest divine mission.And here was the essence of his will. He said that Muhammad (s) was the most truthful and the most loyal of Quraysh and the Arabs. Abu Talib's confession of the truthfulness and loyalty of Muhammad (s) was a confession of the prophecy and the mission. (1)He was not satisfied in his acknowledgement of his nephew's prophecy to this point but he declared his acknowledgement more clearly when he said: "He has brought us a thing that the heart accepted and the tongue denied for fear of blame."He said that Muhammad (s) came to them with a thing (the mission) that the heart accepted and believed1 This was a definite conclusion because when Abu Talib witnessed that his nephew was the most truthful and the most loyal one among the Arabs, surely he would believe him when he said that he was the messenger of Allah, whereas the polytheists of Quraysh, who were certain that Muhammad was the most truthful -and they always called him the truthful, the loyal- before the mission, after the mission they began to describe him oppositely. They described him as magician and liar. It was because they hadn't believed in him as prophetbut the tongue refused to announce for fear of something imposed upon him by that critical situation and it was for the sake of the benefit of the mission itself and of the safety of the messenger. Abu Talib concealed his faith in that critical situation to be free when trying to carry out his duties in supporting the mission and the Prophet (s).
Then Abu Talib had a look from behind the cover of the unseen to see a shiny line talking about the success of his nephew's mission. He foresaw how his nephew's mission would rest in the hearts and how the oppressive tyrants would submit to him like the slaves whereas the paupers and the wretched would be great and high with the virtue of Islam ... and how ... and how ...Then he urged them to follow the Prophet's method, to support him and to be sincere guards to him and to his followers. If they followed his way and guidance they would be successful and happy.Then he felt sorry that he had no chance to remain alive in order to support his nephew as much as he could and to protect him against the disasters and against the oppressive polytheists.The will of Abu Talib was a great example of the deep faith and devotedness in the way of the belief. He didn't stop or hesitate in defending the mission of his nephew even in the most critical moments of his life.He wanted to declare his thought and to record his confession on the pages of history to be as sharp weapon against every lie that would be fabricated by the opponents of the Hashemites.Abu Talib declared his will before the public of Quraysh to make those, who thought that he was on their side, know that he had believed in Islam and had responded to the mission of the messenger of Allah.He directed a piece of his will to the Hashemites advising them to obey Muhammad in order to gain success and goodness. He said to them: "You will be successful as long as you listen to Muhammad and obey his orders. So you are to follow him and to support him in order to be guided ... O people of Hashem! Obey Muhammad and believe him so that you will success and be rightly guided!" (1)Then he addressed four men of the Hashemites to support and to sacrifice themselves for the Prophet (s). He recited:| I recommend four to support the Prophet of goodness; my son Ali, the good uncle Abbas, Hamza the lion, whose attack has no like, and Ja'far. You have to protect him against people, be for Ahmad as armors before people! Defend him with every shining sharp sword, that it may be thought as lightening in the darkness of night! (2) |
It was far away from reason that such a man, who spent years of his life inviting people to believe in Muhammad, to follow his mission and to support him devotedly because, as he thought, that his mission was a source of success, guidance and goodness, wouldn't be a believer!It was far away from reason that such a man, who acknowledged the success and goodness of the mission, would unbeliever in it and would be indifferent to it or he would keep on his deviation, Allah forbid!With these shining lines, which were full of flaming faith and brightening belief, Abu Talib folded the page of his shiny life. With these lines he ended his life, which was full of jihad and sacrifice in the way of the true religion. With words full of faith calling for supporting the great Prophet he left for the better world. What a faithful man he was!And what a loyal guardian he was! | Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) – Mohsin-e-Islam | for everyone |
Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) – Mohsin-e-Islam
Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was the uncle of our beloved Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) who took the responsibility of bringing up and nurturing the holy Prophet(sawaw). Right from the beginning, he protected the Prophet with all his energy. He was also the father of Imam Ali(a.s.).
In Sura waz-Zuha, Allah(swt) says: "Alam yajidka yateeman fa aawa" – "Did he not find you orphan and give you shelter?" (93,6). In major tafaseer of both Shia and Sunni ulemas, it is stated that this ayat refers to the protection and shelter provided by Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) when the Prophet became an orphan. Thus, this act of Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was called by Allah(swt) His(swt) own act.
After the famous incident when Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) refused the offers of money, marriage and status from the Mushrikeen-e-Makkah, Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) gave his full support to the Prophet(sawaw) and provided him protection in that delicate era of Islam.During the most troublesome days of Shaib Abi Talib, Hazart Abu Talib(a.s.) led the Quraish into isolation upon social boycott by the Mushrakeen-e-Makkah. During those three years, he used to place his sons in sleeping place of Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) during the night so that if there was an attack then his sons would be killed but the Prophet of Islam would be saved.
Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) – Momin-e-Quraish
Some people object that Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) never accepted Islam and never recited Kalma. Their comments are amazing ,since they themselves never recited Kalma to become Muslims. Those born in Muslim families do not need to recite Kalma to become Muslims. There are no traditions in my knowledge that Imam Ali(a.s.) ever recited Kalma to become a Muslim. The one who has been a non-Muslim before really needs to recite Kalma to become a Muslim.Now consider the following:-
- Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was the one who hosted the first dawah of Islam in his house – Dawat Zul Asheera. All the Dawahs hosted by any muslim now a days are in fact Sunnat of Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.).
- He was the one who arranged the marriage of Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) with Hazrat Khadija(a.s.).- He was the one who recited the Nikah of the Holy Prophet(sawaw) and that Nikah started with Hamd of Allah(swt) and praise for His Prophet(sawaw). It also referred to the Prophet-hood of Hazrat Ibrahim(a.s.), the Holy books sent by Allah(swt) and all praise to Allah(swt) to have ordained Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) in the progeny of Hazrat Ibrahim(a.s.).
Just a word of thought for the objectionist – if Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was not a muslim then how did Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) accept a Mushrik (Naozo billah) to recite his Nikah and even if it were so, why don’t the objectionists follow this Sunnat of the Holy Prophet(saw) now.
- He was the one who paid the Mehr of Hazrat Khadija on behalf of Prophet Mohammad(sawaw).- According to Quranic instruction, a Muslim women cannot remain in the Nikah of a non-Muslim after accepting Islam neither can live with a non-Muslim. Hazrat Bibi Fatima bint-e-Asad remained in the Nikah of Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) until his death.
Another word of thought for the objectionist: It is accepted by all sects that Hazrat Bibi Fatima bint-e-Asad had accepted Islam so how did the Prophet(bpuh&hf) allow her to stay with Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.)?
- As stated above, Allah(swt) calls the protection of Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) as His(swt) own protection. In the entire Quran there is not one mention of any act of a Mushrik that Allah(swt) has called His own act.
- Finally, Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) has stated in a hadith that on the day of judgment the one who raises an orphan will be together with me in the heaven as these two fingers are (pointing to his two fingers). Now where would be the one who raised the orphan who became the Prophet of Islam?
Aam-ul-Huzn Hazrat Khadija(a.s.) and Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) died in the same year and the Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) was so saddened by their demise that he declared the year as Aam-ul-Huzn - the year of mourning.
| JANABE HADHRAT ABU TALIB - A TRIBUTE | for everyone |
Hadhrat Abu Talib b. Abdul Muttalib
The Year of the Elephant
In 570 AD, the Abyssinian armies under the leadership of Abraha attacked Makkah to demolish the Ka'aba. Abdul Muttalib, our Master Muhammad's [s] grandfather, the Master of Makkah, went round the Ka'aba praying to Allah, the Almighty, to prevent the invaders from demolishing the House which Ibrahim, al-Khalil, and his son Ismael built for people to worship Allah only. Allah, the Almighty, accepted Abdul Muttalib's prayer. So, when the elephants and the soldiers advanced to demolish the Ka'aba, Ababil birds carrying stones in their beaks appeared in the horizon. They began dropping the stones. So, the invaders around the Ka'aba were defeated.
Consequently, Allah's power and Abdul Muttalib's importance appeared! That year was named the Year of the Elephant. Our Master Muhammad [s] was born in that year. Abu-Talib was thirty years of age. Allah, the Almighty, has mentioned this event in the Holy Qur'an: In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful. Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the possessors of the elephant? Did He not cause their war to end in confusion. And send down (to prey) upon them birds in flocks, casting them against stones of baked clay. So, he rendered them like straw eaten up?
Abdul Muttalib
Abdul Muttalib, who dug Zam Zam well, had ten sons. Abdullah, the Prophet's father, was one of them. Abu Talib, Prophet's uncle, was one of them, too. Our Master Muhammad [s], was an orphan. His father, Abdullah, died a short while before he was born. When his mother died, he was six years of age. So, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib took care of him. He liked him very much. He thought that Muhammad [s] would be a Prophet. Abdul Muttalib was righteous. He followed Ibrahim's and Ismael's religion. He advised his sons to follow good manners. On his death bed, Abdul Muttalib said to his sons: "A grandson of mine will be a Prophet. So, he who will be present at his time must believe in him." Then he turned to his son, Abu Talib, and whispered in his ear: "Abu Talib, Muhammad will be of great importance. So support him with your hand and tongue.
The Guardian
Our Master Muhammad [s] was 8 years of age when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died. So, his uncle, Abu Talib took care of him. Abu Talib's name was Abdul Munaf. His mother's name was Fatima bint Amru. She belonged to the Bani Makhzum tribe. Abu Talib was named Shaikh al-Bat-ha. Our Master Muhammad [s] lived with his uncle. His uncle treated him kindly. Fatima bint Asad, his uncle's wife, treated him kindly, too. She preferred him to all of her sons. So, our Master Muhammad [s] grew with a good family. Abu Talib's love for his nephew increased day by day because of his good manners and great politeness.
For example, when the food was ready, the orphan boy reached it politely. He said:
In the Name of Allah!
When he finished, he said: Thank Allah!
One day, Abu Talib missed his nephew Muhammad. So, he raised his hand from the food and said:
"Till my son comes!"
When Muhammad came, Abu Talib gave him a cup of yogurt. Muhammad drank out of the cup. Abu Talib's sons drank out of it one by one, too. They were all full. The uncle admired that. So, he said to his nephew: "Muhammad you're blessed!"
The Good News
Abu Talib had heard good news from the people of the Book (the Jews and the Christians). The good news was that a Prophet would appear very soon. So, he took care of his nephew very much. He thought that he would be a Prophet. So, he didn't leave him alone. When Abu Talib wanted to go on a trade journey to Sham (Syria), he took our Master Muhammad [s] with him. Muhammad was nine years of age then. In Busra, a city situated on the road of the trade caravans, there was an abbey. A monk lived in the abbey. The monk's name was Buhaira. He was always looking forward to the appearance of a new Prophet whose time approached. When the monk looked at Muhammad, he realized that he would be the promised Prophet because he had the personality and expression of a Prophet. The monk began looking at the Makkan boy's face very carefully. Meanwhile, the good news from Jesus Christ sounded in his mind. The monk asked Abu Talib about the boy's name. So, Abu-Talib said:
"His name's Muhammad."
The monk became very humble at his holy name. So, he said to Abu Talib: "Go back to Makkah. Protect your nephew from the Jews because he'll be of great importance!"
Abu Talib came back to Makkah. He adored Muhammad. He was very careful of his safety.
The Blessed Boy
The years passed. Makkah and its villages dried up because there was no rain. The people came to Shaikh al-Bat-ha. They asked him to pray to Allah for rain. They said: "Abu-Talib, the valley's become rainless. Our families are without food. So come on and pray to Allah for rain."
Abu Talib went out. He had great confidence in Allah. He took his nephew, Muhammad with him. Abu Talib and Muhammad stood beside the Ka'aba. The boy's heart took a pity on the people. Abu Talib asked Ibrahim's and Ismael's Lord to send down heavy rain. Muhammad looked at the sky. Only a little time passed. The sky was full of clouds. Lightening flashed. Thunder sounded. The rain came down heavily. The rain water flowed in the villages. The people came back pleased thanking Allah for the blessing of the rain. Abu Talib also came back. His love for his nephew increased very much. The years passed. Muhammad became a young man. He was extremely polite. So, people called him the Truthful, the Trustworthy One.
The Supporter of the Persecuted
Abu Talib disliked persecution very much. In the meantime, he liked the persecuted a lot. So, our Master Muhammad [s] liked Abu Talib very much. One day, a battle took place between the tribe of Kinana and the tribe of Qais. The tribe of Qais was the aggressor. A man from the tribe of Kinana came to Abu Talib and said: "Son of the bird feeder and pilgrim water-giver; don't be absent from us. We get victory in your presence." Abu Talib answered: "I will not be absent from you when you avoid persecution, enmity, rudeness and falsehood." So, they promised him to do that. Our Master Muhammad [s] stood by his uncle, against Kinana.
The Alliance of Fodhool
Some people from Makkah attacked the pilgrims of Allah's House.
A man and his daughter, belonged to the tribe of Khathaam, came to visit Allah's House. A young man from Makkah took the young girl by force.
The Khathaamian man shouted: "Help! Help! Help!"
A passer-by said to him: "Go to The Alliance of Fodhool."
The man went to Abu Talib.
Abu Talib founded the Alliance of Fodhool. It was an agreement signed by the Makkan leaders. According to the agreement they decided to help the persecuted and to punish the unjust.
When the Khathaamian man got there and asked them for help, some men took their swords and went to the young man's house. They threatened him and brought back the girl to her father.
Our Master Muhammad [s] was a member of the Alliance of Fodhool.
The Happy Marriage
Abu Talib had a big family. He spent a lot of his money on the poor. In time, he too became poor. Our Master Muhammad [s] felt that he had to help his uncle. So, he decided to take Khadijah's goods to Sham. The task was successful. Our Master Muhammad [s] gave the trusts to their owners. This made Khadijah think of him. So, she asked him to marry her. Abu Talib was very pleased with that suggestion. So, he, a group of Bani Hashim, and Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, our Master Muhammad's uncle, went to ask for Khadijah's hand from her family. Abu-Talib said: "Praise be to Allah who has made us of Ibrahim's and Ismael's sons, made a protected house and a safe sanctuary for us, and made our country blessed." Then he added: "My nephew Muhammad bin Abdullah is the best and greatest man of all the Quraish. Besides, he's better than money because money's perishable. He likes Khadijah and she likes him. By Allah, he'll be of great importance. Khadijah's dowry is of my money." Muhammad [s] and Khadijah got married. The years passed. Allah gave Abu Talib a new baby. The baby's name was Ali. Our Master Muhammad [s] wanted to relieve his uncle's worries. So, he went to his uncle's house to take Ali to his house.
Jibreel
The years passed. Abu Talib became seventy years of age. Our Master Muhammad [s] was forty years of age. Muhammad went to Hira Cave every day. In that year, Jibreel came down from the sky. Our Master Muhammad [s] heard him saying: Read! Read! In the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is most Honorable, who taught (to write) with the pen, taught man what he knew not. Then Jibreel said: Muhammad, you're Allah's Messenger and I'm Jibreel. Muhammad came back from Hira Cave holding the Mission of the Heavens. His wife, Khadijah, believed in him. His cousin Ali bin Abu Talib believed in him, too. One day, while our Master Muhammad [s] was praying and Ali was behind him, Abu Talib came and said kindly:
My nephew, what are you doing?
The Prophet [s] said: We're praying to Allah according to the religion of Islam.
Abu Talib said happily: There's no harm in what you're doing.
Then he said to his son Ali: Ali, support your cousin. He does nothing but good.
In the Prophet's House
After a while, Jibreel came down holding Allah's Order: And warn your nearest relations, and be kind to him who follows you of the believers. Allah's Messenger ordered Ali aged ten to invite his tribe, namely Bani Hashim. Abu Talib, Abu Lahab and others came to the Prophet's house. When they all had the food, our Master Muhammad [s] said: No Arab young man had brought his people like what I've brought you. I've brought you the good of here and of the hereafter. Then, he asked them to believe in Islam. Abu Lahab stood up and said with spite: Muhammad's put a spell on you. Abu Talib said angrily: Shut up! It's none of your business! Abu Talib turned to our Master Muhammad [s] and said: Get up and say whatever you like. Spread Your Lord's Mission, for you're the Truthful, the Trusted one. So, our Master Muhammad [s] got up and said: My Lord has ordered me to ask you to believe in Him. So, who will support me in this matter? Who wants to be my brother; my regent, and my successor after me? They kept silent. So, Ali said eagerly: Allah's Apostle, I. The Prophet rejoiced and embraced his young cousin while he was weeping. Bani Hashim stood up. Abu Lahab was laughing and saying sarcastically to Abu Talib: Muhammad's ordered you to hear and obey your son. But Abu Talib did not pay attention to him. Rather, he looked angrily at him. Abu Talib kindly said to his nephew: Go on what Allah's ordered you. By Allah, I'll support and protect you. Our Master Muhammad [s] looked at his uncle respectfully. He felt strong as long as the Master of Makkah was with him.
The Supporter
Although Abu Talib was an old man, he strongly stood by Muhammad's Mission. He was always protecting him from the Quraishi polytheists. A big number of the Makkans believed in Allah's religion paying no attention to the worship of the idols and to the threats of the Quraishi tyrants. One day, the Quraishi leaders came to Abu Talib though he was confined to bed. They said angrily: Abu Talib! Keep your nephew from us because he's weakened our thoughts and insulted our gods. Abu Talib became sad because his people did not want to listen to the sound of truth. So, he said to them: Give me time to speak to him. Abu Talib told our Master Muhammad [s] the words of the Quraishi leaders. The Prophet [s] said respectfully: Uncle! I can't disobey my Lord's Order. Abu Jahal, the most spiteful man, said: We'll give him whatever he wants of our money. Rather, we'll make him king over us if he wants.
The Prophet [s] said: I want nothing but one word.
Abu Jahal said: What's the word? We'll give you as ten times as it!
Our Master Muhammad [s] said: Say there's no god but Allah.
So, Abu Jahal was filled with anger: Ask another word instead!
Allah's Apostle [s] said: If you brought me the sun and put it in my hand, I'd not ask a word instead.
There was tension. The polytheists stood up. They were threatening our Master Muhammad [s].
Abu Talib said to our Master Muhammad: Save your soul and don't overburden me. The Prophets' eyes shed tears when he answered: Uncle, by Allah, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand to leave this matter, I'd not leave it till Allah supports it or I perish for it.
The Prophet [s] stood up rubbing his tears. So, Abu Talib called him kindly and said: Nephew draw near.
Our Master Muhammad [s] drew near. His uncle kissed him and said: Nephew, go and say whatever you like. By Allah, I'll never leave you alone.
Then, he began chanting to confront the Quraishi might: By Allah, they all won't reach you.
Till a pillow of dust will be put under my head.
And till I'll be buried.
The Light of Islam
Our Master Muhammad [s] went on preaching the new religion to bring out people from darkness into light. Again the Quraishi tyrants came to Abu Talib. They used another style: Abu Talib, this is Amarah bin al-Waleed (Khalid bin al-Waleed's brother). He's the strongest and the most handsome young man of all the Quraish. So, take him and give us Muhammad to kill. Abu Talib was sorry to hear that idea. He answered them angrily: Do you give me your son to feed him for you, while I give you my son to kill him? Have you ever seen a she-camel take pity on other than its young? The polytheists harm became intense. They began torturing them. Abu Talib thought that their harm would include our Master Muhammad [s]. So, he sent for Bani Hashim. He asked them to protect and save the Prophet [s]. They accepted but Abu Lahab. Abu Talib heard that Abu Jahal and other polytheists tried to kill our Master Muhammad [s]. So, he and his son Ja'far went to the hills of Makkah to look for him. They looked for him here and there. Finally, they found him praying to Allah. In the meantime, Ali was praying on his right-hand side. They were sad to see that there was no one with our Master Muhammad [s] but Ali. Thus Abu Talib wanted to encourage his nephew. He turned to his son Ja'far and said:
Complete your cousin's wing.
Namely, pray on his left hand to feel determination, strength, and confidence. Ja'far stood with our Master Muhammad [s] and his brother Ali to pray to Allah, the Creator of the skies and the earth, the Lord of the Worlds. Again, Abu Talib missed our Master Muhammad [s]. He waited for his return. But he did not come back. So, he went to look for him. He went to the place where our Master Muhammad [s] went frequently. But he did not find him. So, Abu Talib came back, gathered Bani Hashim together and said to them: Each one of you must take a strong iron bar. Now follow me. When I enter the mosque, each one of you must sit beside a Quraishi leader. He must kill him if we knew that Muhammad had been killed. The young men of Bani Hashim obeyed Abu Talib. Each one of them sat beside a polytheist. Abu Talib sat waiting for our Master Muhammad [s]. Meanwhile Zaid bin Harith came and told him that the Prophet [s] was safe. Then, Abu Talib announced his plan to punish those who tried to hurt the Prophet [s].
The polytheists were abase. Abu Jahal kept silent. His face became yellow with fear.
Some of the polytheists urged their boys and slaves to hurt our Master Muhammad [s].
One day, the Prophet [s] was praying. A young man came and threw the wastes at him. The polytheists began laughing loudly. Our Master Muhammad [s] was very unhappy. So, he went to his uncle and told him about the young man's bad behaviour.
Abu Talib became very angry. He took out his sword and came to the polytheists. He ordered his boy to throw the wastes at their faces.
They said: Abu Talib, that's enough!
The Ban
When the polytheists knew that Abu Talib would not leave our Master Muhammad [s] alone and that he was ready to die for him, they decided to announce an economic and social ban on Bani Hashim. At the same time, they cut off all relations with them. In the month of Muharram, the seventh year after the Prophetic Mission, forty Quraishi leaders signed the ban and fixed it to the wall in the Ka'aba. The Quraish expected Abu Talib to surrender. But Shaikh al-Bat-ha had another plan. Abu Talib took his tribe to a valley between two mountains to protect our Master Muhammad [s] from assassination. He was always visiting the valley to close the openings where the enemies might pass through to kill our Master Muhammad [s] at night. Abu Talib, though old man, his brother Hamza, and some men of Bani Hashim were always guarding the Prophet [s] one by one at night. Abu Talib was always moving the Prophet's bed from one place to another to keep it a secret. Days and months passed. The besieged were in perfect isolation. They suffered from the pains of hunger and deprivation. When the time of pilgrimage came, they got out to buy some food and clothes. The richest Quraishi tyrants in Makkah were always buying all kinds of food to prevent the besieged from buying it. During that bitter period of time, Abu Talib was as solid as the mountain. He was always standing by our Master Muhammad [s]. He was a fearless, resolute believer. Abu Talib loved our Master Muhammad [s] more than his sons. He was sometimes looking at him, weeping and saying: When I look at him, I remember my brother Abdullah. One night, Abu Talib came and woke our Master Muhammad [s]. He said to his son Ali aged eighteen: My son, sleep in his bed.
To know his father's loyalty to Muhammad, Ali said: But, I'll be killed.
His father said: Be patient!
Eagerly Ali said: I'm not afraid of death. But I want you to know my support. Abu Talib patted Ali's back. He took our Master Muhammad [s] to a safe place to sleep in.
When our Master Muhammad [s] went to bed, Abu Talib went to bed, too.
Months after months passed. The patience and hunger of the besieged increased. They ate the leaves of the trees. The Prophet [s] took pity on the hungry children.
The Good News
One day, our Master Muhammad [s] came to his uncle. He was filled with happiness. He said to him: Uncle, my Lord ordered the white ant to eat the Ban Page. So, it's eaten it all but Allah's Name.
Abu Talib said happily: Has your Lord told you about that?
Muhammad [s] answered: Yes, Uncle.
Abu Talib's heart was filled with belief. So, Abu Talib stood up and went to Darul-Nadwa, at the Kaaba, where the Quraishi leaders sat.
Abu-Talib addressed the sitting persons: Quraish!
They got up for the respectful, old man. They listened to his words. They expected his surrender and defeat because of the ban.
But Shaikh al-Bat-ha said: Quraish, my nephew Muhammad has told me that Allah ordered the white ant to eat your Ban Page. So it has eaten it all but His Name. if he is right, the end the ban.
Abu-Jahal said: And, if he was a liar?
Abu Talib answered with confidence and belief: I'll hand you my nephew.
The Quraishi leaders said: Okay.
They opened the door of the Ka'aba. They found that the white ant had eaten every thing but Allah's Name.
The besieged got out of Abu Talib valley. Our Master Muhammad [s] and his companions began preaching Islam to the pilgrims of Allah's Holy House.
The Demise
Abu Talib was over eighty years of age. He became very invalid. So, he was confined to the bed. He thought about nothing but our Master Muhammad [s]. He knew that if he died, the Quraish would fear no one and they would kill his nephew. The Quraishi leaders came to visit Shaikh al-Bat-ha. They said: Abu Talib, you're our Shaikh and Master. You're about to die. So, put an end to the enmity between your nephew and us. Tell him to stop hurting us. We'll stop hurting him. Tell him to leave us with our religion. We'll leave him with his religion. Abu Talib looked at Abu Jahal, Abu Sufyan, and other Quraishi leaders. He said to them faintly: If you hear Muhammad's words and obey his orders, you'll be happy. So, obey him and get happiness here and in the hereafter. The atheists stood up. Abu Jahal said with spite: Do you want us to make the gods one god? Abu Talib was sad at the Quraishi stand. He was very anxious about our Master Muhammad's safety. So, he invited Bani Hashim and asked them to support our Master Muhammad [s] at any cost They all obeyed him. Then Abu Talib closed his eyes to die soundly. Shaikh al-Bat-ha kept silent. He became a motionless body. His son Ali wept bitter tears. Sad cries spread all over Makkah. The atheists rejoiced at his death. Abu Jahal angrily said: It's time to get my revenge on Muhammad. Our Master Muhammad [s] came to say farewell. He kissed Abu Talib's bright forehead and murmured sadly: Uncle, may Allah have mercy on you. You educated me when I was small, looked after me when I became an orphan, and supported me when I became a grown-up. So, may Allah reward you a lot. Then he burst into tears. He began recalling the days of his childhood with his kind uncle. He embraced his cousin Ali. They began weeping together.
The Year of Sadness
Only a few weeks passed. Khadijah, Muhammad's wife died, too. So, our Master Muhammad [s] named that year the Year of Sadness. The Quraish increased their harm against Muhammad and those who believed in him. One day, a foolish person threw some dust at him. His head was covered with dust. So, he went home. While Fatima, Muhammad's daughter, was washing his head, she began weeping. So, he patted her head and said: Daughter, don't weep. Allah will save your father. He'll protect your father from the enemies of His religion and Mission. Jibreel came down from the sky holding Allah's Order. He said: Muhammad, go out of Makkah. Your supporter has died. When the Quraish plotted to kill our Master Muhammad [s], Ali, Abu Talib's young son, came to sleep in his bed. He was ready to die for him. Our Master Muhammad [s] went towards Yathrib (al-Madina al-Munawarah). From there the light of Islam started to illuminate the world. When the Muslims go to visit Allah's Holy House every year, they remember the life of Shaikh al-Bat-ha when he was always defending Allah's religion. Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate, among each other.
In 570 AD, the Abyssinian armies under the leadership of Abraha attacked Makkah to demolish the Ka'aba. Abdul Muttalib, our Master Muhammad's [s] grandfather, the Master of Makkah, went round the Ka'aba praying to Allah, the Almighty, to prevent the invaders from demolishing the House which Ibrahim, al-Khalil, and his son Ismael built for people to worship Allah only. Allah, the Almighty, accepted Abdul Muttalib's prayer. So, when the elephants and the soldiers advanced to demolish the Ka'aba, Ababil birds carrying stones in their beaks appeared in the horizon. They began dropping the stones. So, the invaders around the Ka'aba were defeated.
Consequently, Allah's power and Abdul Muttalib's importance appeared! That year was named the Year of the Elephant. Our Master Muhammad [s] was born in that year. Abu-Talib was thirty years of age. Allah, the Almighty, has mentioned this event in the Holy Qur'an: In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful. Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the possessors of the elephant? Did He not cause their war to end in confusion. And send down (to prey) upon them birds in flocks, casting them against stones of baked clay. So, he rendered them like straw eaten up?
Abdul Muttalib
Abdul Muttalib, who dug Zam Zam well, had ten sons. Abdullah, the Prophet's father, was one of them. Abu Talib, Prophet's uncle, was one of them, too. Our Master Muhammad [s], was an orphan. His father, Abdullah, died a short while before he was born. When his mother died, he was six years of age. So, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib took care of him. He liked him very much. He thought that Muhammad [s] would be a Prophet. Abdul Muttalib was righteous. He followed Ibrahim's and Ismael's religion. He advised his sons to follow good manners. On his death bed, Abdul Muttalib said to his sons: "A grandson of mine will be a Prophet. So, he who will be present at his time must believe in him." Then he turned to his son, Abu Talib, and whispered in his ear: "Abu Talib, Muhammad will be of great importance. So support him with your hand and tongue.
The Guardian
Our Master Muhammad [s] was 8 years of age when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died. So, his uncle, Abu Talib took care of him. Abu Talib's name was Abdul Munaf. His mother's name was Fatima bint Amru. She belonged to the Bani Makhzum tribe. Abu Talib was named Shaikh al-Bat-ha. Our Master Muhammad [s] lived with his uncle. His uncle treated him kindly. Fatima bint Asad, his uncle's wife, treated him kindly, too. She preferred him to all of her sons. So, our Master Muhammad [s] grew with a good family. Abu Talib's love for his nephew increased day by day because of his good manners and great politeness.
For example, when the food was ready, the orphan boy reached it politely. He said:
In the Name of Allah!
When he finished, he said: Thank Allah!
One day, Abu Talib missed his nephew Muhammad. So, he raised his hand from the food and said:
"Till my son comes!"
When Muhammad came, Abu Talib gave him a cup of yogurt. Muhammad drank out of the cup. Abu Talib's sons drank out of it one by one, too. They were all full. The uncle admired that. So, he said to his nephew: "Muhammad you're blessed!"
The Good News
Abu Talib had heard good news from the people of the Book (the Jews and the Christians). The good news was that a Prophet would appear very soon. So, he took care of his nephew very much. He thought that he would be a Prophet. So, he didn't leave him alone. When Abu Talib wanted to go on a trade journey to Sham (Syria), he took our Master Muhammad [s] with him. Muhammad was nine years of age then. In Busra, a city situated on the road of the trade caravans, there was an abbey. A monk lived in the abbey. The monk's name was Buhaira. He was always looking forward to the appearance of a new Prophet whose time approached. When the monk looked at Muhammad, he realized that he would be the promised Prophet because he had the personality and expression of a Prophet. The monk began looking at the Makkan boy's face very carefully. Meanwhile, the good news from Jesus Christ sounded in his mind. The monk asked Abu Talib about the boy's name. So, Abu-Talib said:
"His name's Muhammad."
The monk became very humble at his holy name. So, he said to Abu Talib: "Go back to Makkah. Protect your nephew from the Jews because he'll be of great importance!"
Abu Talib came back to Makkah. He adored Muhammad. He was very careful of his safety.
The Blessed Boy
The years passed. Makkah and its villages dried up because there was no rain. The people came to Shaikh al-Bat-ha. They asked him to pray to Allah for rain. They said: "Abu-Talib, the valley's become rainless. Our families are without food. So come on and pray to Allah for rain."
Abu Talib went out. He had great confidence in Allah. He took his nephew, Muhammad with him. Abu Talib and Muhammad stood beside the Ka'aba. The boy's heart took a pity on the people. Abu Talib asked Ibrahim's and Ismael's Lord to send down heavy rain. Muhammad looked at the sky. Only a little time passed. The sky was full of clouds. Lightening flashed. Thunder sounded. The rain came down heavily. The rain water flowed in the villages. The people came back pleased thanking Allah for the blessing of the rain. Abu Talib also came back. His love for his nephew increased very much. The years passed. Muhammad became a young man. He was extremely polite. So, people called him the Truthful, the Trustworthy One.
The Supporter of the Persecuted
Abu Talib disliked persecution very much. In the meantime, he liked the persecuted a lot. So, our Master Muhammad [s] liked Abu Talib very much. One day, a battle took place between the tribe of Kinana and the tribe of Qais. The tribe of Qais was the aggressor. A man from the tribe of Kinana came to Abu Talib and said: "Son of the bird feeder and pilgrim water-giver; don't be absent from us. We get victory in your presence." Abu Talib answered: "I will not be absent from you when you avoid persecution, enmity, rudeness and falsehood." So, they promised him to do that. Our Master Muhammad [s] stood by his uncle, against Kinana.
The Alliance of Fodhool
Some people from Makkah attacked the pilgrims of Allah's House.
A man and his daughter, belonged to the tribe of Khathaam, came to visit Allah's House. A young man from Makkah took the young girl by force.
The Khathaamian man shouted: "Help! Help! Help!"
A passer-by said to him: "Go to The Alliance of Fodhool."
The man went to Abu Talib.
Abu Talib founded the Alliance of Fodhool. It was an agreement signed by the Makkan leaders. According to the agreement they decided to help the persecuted and to punish the unjust.
When the Khathaamian man got there and asked them for help, some men took their swords and went to the young man's house. They threatened him and brought back the girl to her father.
Our Master Muhammad [s] was a member of the Alliance of Fodhool.
The Happy Marriage
Abu Talib had a big family. He spent a lot of his money on the poor. In time, he too became poor. Our Master Muhammad [s] felt that he had to help his uncle. So, he decided to take Khadijah's goods to Sham. The task was successful. Our Master Muhammad [s] gave the trusts to their owners. This made Khadijah think of him. So, she asked him to marry her. Abu Talib was very pleased with that suggestion. So, he, a group of Bani Hashim, and Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, our Master Muhammad's uncle, went to ask for Khadijah's hand from her family. Abu-Talib said: "Praise be to Allah who has made us of Ibrahim's and Ismael's sons, made a protected house and a safe sanctuary for us, and made our country blessed." Then he added: "My nephew Muhammad bin Abdullah is the best and greatest man of all the Quraish. Besides, he's better than money because money's perishable. He likes Khadijah and she likes him. By Allah, he'll be of great importance. Khadijah's dowry is of my money." Muhammad [s] and Khadijah got married. The years passed. Allah gave Abu Talib a new baby. The baby's name was Ali. Our Master Muhammad [s] wanted to relieve his uncle's worries. So, he went to his uncle's house to take Ali to his house.
Jibreel
The years passed. Abu Talib became seventy years of age. Our Master Muhammad [s] was forty years of age. Muhammad went to Hira Cave every day. In that year, Jibreel came down from the sky. Our Master Muhammad [s] heard him saying: Read! Read! In the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is most Honorable, who taught (to write) with the pen, taught man what he knew not. Then Jibreel said: Muhammad, you're Allah's Messenger and I'm Jibreel. Muhammad came back from Hira Cave holding the Mission of the Heavens. His wife, Khadijah, believed in him. His cousin Ali bin Abu Talib believed in him, too. One day, while our Master Muhammad [s] was praying and Ali was behind him, Abu Talib came and said kindly:
My nephew, what are you doing?
The Prophet [s] said: We're praying to Allah according to the religion of Islam.
Abu Talib said happily: There's no harm in what you're doing.
Then he said to his son Ali: Ali, support your cousin. He does nothing but good.
In the Prophet's House
After a while, Jibreel came down holding Allah's Order: And warn your nearest relations, and be kind to him who follows you of the believers. Allah's Messenger ordered Ali aged ten to invite his tribe, namely Bani Hashim. Abu Talib, Abu Lahab and others came to the Prophet's house. When they all had the food, our Master Muhammad [s] said: No Arab young man had brought his people like what I've brought you. I've brought you the good of here and of the hereafter. Then, he asked them to believe in Islam. Abu Lahab stood up and said with spite: Muhammad's put a spell on you. Abu Talib said angrily: Shut up! It's none of your business! Abu Talib turned to our Master Muhammad [s] and said: Get up and say whatever you like. Spread Your Lord's Mission, for you're the Truthful, the Trusted one. So, our Master Muhammad [s] got up and said: My Lord has ordered me to ask you to believe in Him. So, who will support me in this matter? Who wants to be my brother; my regent, and my successor after me? They kept silent. So, Ali said eagerly: Allah's Apostle, I. The Prophet rejoiced and embraced his young cousin while he was weeping. Bani Hashim stood up. Abu Lahab was laughing and saying sarcastically to Abu Talib: Muhammad's ordered you to hear and obey your son. But Abu Talib did not pay attention to him. Rather, he looked angrily at him. Abu Talib kindly said to his nephew: Go on what Allah's ordered you. By Allah, I'll support and protect you. Our Master Muhammad [s] looked at his uncle respectfully. He felt strong as long as the Master of Makkah was with him.
The Supporter
Although Abu Talib was an old man, he strongly stood by Muhammad's Mission. He was always protecting him from the Quraishi polytheists. A big number of the Makkans believed in Allah's religion paying no attention to the worship of the idols and to the threats of the Quraishi tyrants. One day, the Quraishi leaders came to Abu Talib though he was confined to bed. They said angrily: Abu Talib! Keep your nephew from us because he's weakened our thoughts and insulted our gods. Abu Talib became sad because his people did not want to listen to the sound of truth. So, he said to them: Give me time to speak to him. Abu Talib told our Master Muhammad [s] the words of the Quraishi leaders. The Prophet [s] said respectfully: Uncle! I can't disobey my Lord's Order. Abu Jahal, the most spiteful man, said: We'll give him whatever he wants of our money. Rather, we'll make him king over us if he wants.
The Prophet [s] said: I want nothing but one word.
Abu Jahal said: What's the word? We'll give you as ten times as it!
Our Master Muhammad [s] said: Say there's no god but Allah.
So, Abu Jahal was filled with anger: Ask another word instead!
Allah's Apostle [s] said: If you brought me the sun and put it in my hand, I'd not ask a word instead.
There was tension. The polytheists stood up. They were threatening our Master Muhammad [s].
Abu Talib said to our Master Muhammad: Save your soul and don't overburden me. The Prophets' eyes shed tears when he answered: Uncle, by Allah, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand to leave this matter, I'd not leave it till Allah supports it or I perish for it.
The Prophet [s] stood up rubbing his tears. So, Abu Talib called him kindly and said: Nephew draw near.
Our Master Muhammad [s] drew near. His uncle kissed him and said: Nephew, go and say whatever you like. By Allah, I'll never leave you alone.
Then, he began chanting to confront the Quraishi might: By Allah, they all won't reach you.
Till a pillow of dust will be put under my head.
And till I'll be buried.
The Light of Islam
Our Master Muhammad [s] went on preaching the new religion to bring out people from darkness into light. Again the Quraishi tyrants came to Abu Talib. They used another style: Abu Talib, this is Amarah bin al-Waleed (Khalid bin al-Waleed's brother). He's the strongest and the most handsome young man of all the Quraish. So, take him and give us Muhammad to kill. Abu Talib was sorry to hear that idea. He answered them angrily: Do you give me your son to feed him for you, while I give you my son to kill him? Have you ever seen a she-camel take pity on other than its young? The polytheists harm became intense. They began torturing them. Abu Talib thought that their harm would include our Master Muhammad [s]. So, he sent for Bani Hashim. He asked them to protect and save the Prophet [s]. They accepted but Abu Lahab. Abu Talib heard that Abu Jahal and other polytheists tried to kill our Master Muhammad [s]. So, he and his son Ja'far went to the hills of Makkah to look for him. They looked for him here and there. Finally, they found him praying to Allah. In the meantime, Ali was praying on his right-hand side. They were sad to see that there was no one with our Master Muhammad [s] but Ali. Thus Abu Talib wanted to encourage his nephew. He turned to his son Ja'far and said:
Complete your cousin's wing.
Namely, pray on his left hand to feel determination, strength, and confidence. Ja'far stood with our Master Muhammad [s] and his brother Ali to pray to Allah, the Creator of the skies and the earth, the Lord of the Worlds. Again, Abu Talib missed our Master Muhammad [s]. He waited for his return. But he did not come back. So, he went to look for him. He went to the place where our Master Muhammad [s] went frequently. But he did not find him. So, Abu Talib came back, gathered Bani Hashim together and said to them: Each one of you must take a strong iron bar. Now follow me. When I enter the mosque, each one of you must sit beside a Quraishi leader. He must kill him if we knew that Muhammad had been killed. The young men of Bani Hashim obeyed Abu Talib. Each one of them sat beside a polytheist. Abu Talib sat waiting for our Master Muhammad [s]. Meanwhile Zaid bin Harith came and told him that the Prophet [s] was safe. Then, Abu Talib announced his plan to punish those who tried to hurt the Prophet [s].
The polytheists were abase. Abu Jahal kept silent. His face became yellow with fear.
Some of the polytheists urged their boys and slaves to hurt our Master Muhammad [s].
One day, the Prophet [s] was praying. A young man came and threw the wastes at him. The polytheists began laughing loudly. Our Master Muhammad [s] was very unhappy. So, he went to his uncle and told him about the young man's bad behaviour.
Abu Talib became very angry. He took out his sword and came to the polytheists. He ordered his boy to throw the wastes at their faces.
They said: Abu Talib, that's enough!
The Ban
When the polytheists knew that Abu Talib would not leave our Master Muhammad [s] alone and that he was ready to die for him, they decided to announce an economic and social ban on Bani Hashim. At the same time, they cut off all relations with them. In the month of Muharram, the seventh year after the Prophetic Mission, forty Quraishi leaders signed the ban and fixed it to the wall in the Ka'aba. The Quraish expected Abu Talib to surrender. But Shaikh al-Bat-ha had another plan. Abu Talib took his tribe to a valley between two mountains to protect our Master Muhammad [s] from assassination. He was always visiting the valley to close the openings where the enemies might pass through to kill our Master Muhammad [s] at night. Abu Talib, though old man, his brother Hamza, and some men of Bani Hashim were always guarding the Prophet [s] one by one at night. Abu Talib was always moving the Prophet's bed from one place to another to keep it a secret. Days and months passed. The besieged were in perfect isolation. They suffered from the pains of hunger and deprivation. When the time of pilgrimage came, they got out to buy some food and clothes. The richest Quraishi tyrants in Makkah were always buying all kinds of food to prevent the besieged from buying it. During that bitter period of time, Abu Talib was as solid as the mountain. He was always standing by our Master Muhammad [s]. He was a fearless, resolute believer. Abu Talib loved our Master Muhammad [s] more than his sons. He was sometimes looking at him, weeping and saying: When I look at him, I remember my brother Abdullah. One night, Abu Talib came and woke our Master Muhammad [s]. He said to his son Ali aged eighteen: My son, sleep in his bed.
To know his father's loyalty to Muhammad, Ali said: But, I'll be killed.
His father said: Be patient!
Eagerly Ali said: I'm not afraid of death. But I want you to know my support. Abu Talib patted Ali's back. He took our Master Muhammad [s] to a safe place to sleep in.
When our Master Muhammad [s] went to bed, Abu Talib went to bed, too.
Months after months passed. The patience and hunger of the besieged increased. They ate the leaves of the trees. The Prophet [s] took pity on the hungry children.
The Good News
One day, our Master Muhammad [s] came to his uncle. He was filled with happiness. He said to him: Uncle, my Lord ordered the white ant to eat the Ban Page. So, it's eaten it all but Allah's Name.
Abu Talib said happily: Has your Lord told you about that?
Muhammad [s] answered: Yes, Uncle.
Abu Talib's heart was filled with belief. So, Abu Talib stood up and went to Darul-Nadwa, at the Kaaba, where the Quraishi leaders sat.
Abu-Talib addressed the sitting persons: Quraish!
They got up for the respectful, old man. They listened to his words. They expected his surrender and defeat because of the ban.
But Shaikh al-Bat-ha said: Quraish, my nephew Muhammad has told me that Allah ordered the white ant to eat your Ban Page. So it has eaten it all but His Name. if he is right, the end the ban.
Abu-Jahal said: And, if he was a liar?
Abu Talib answered with confidence and belief: I'll hand you my nephew.
The Quraishi leaders said: Okay.
They opened the door of the Ka'aba. They found that the white ant had eaten every thing but Allah's Name.
The besieged got out of Abu Talib valley. Our Master Muhammad [s] and his companions began preaching Islam to the pilgrims of Allah's Holy House.
The Demise
Abu Talib was over eighty years of age. He became very invalid. So, he was confined to the bed. He thought about nothing but our Master Muhammad [s]. He knew that if he died, the Quraish would fear no one and they would kill his nephew. The Quraishi leaders came to visit Shaikh al-Bat-ha. They said: Abu Talib, you're our Shaikh and Master. You're about to die. So, put an end to the enmity between your nephew and us. Tell him to stop hurting us. We'll stop hurting him. Tell him to leave us with our religion. We'll leave him with his religion. Abu Talib looked at Abu Jahal, Abu Sufyan, and other Quraishi leaders. He said to them faintly: If you hear Muhammad's words and obey his orders, you'll be happy. So, obey him and get happiness here and in the hereafter. The atheists stood up. Abu Jahal said with spite: Do you want us to make the gods one god? Abu Talib was sad at the Quraishi stand. He was very anxious about our Master Muhammad's safety. So, he invited Bani Hashim and asked them to support our Master Muhammad [s] at any cost They all obeyed him. Then Abu Talib closed his eyes to die soundly. Shaikh al-Bat-ha kept silent. He became a motionless body. His son Ali wept bitter tears. Sad cries spread all over Makkah. The atheists rejoiced at his death. Abu Jahal angrily said: It's time to get my revenge on Muhammad. Our Master Muhammad [s] came to say farewell. He kissed Abu Talib's bright forehead and murmured sadly: Uncle, may Allah have mercy on you. You educated me when I was small, looked after me when I became an orphan, and supported me when I became a grown-up. So, may Allah reward you a lot. Then he burst into tears. He began recalling the days of his childhood with his kind uncle. He embraced his cousin Ali. They began weeping together.
The Year of Sadness
Only a few weeks passed. Khadijah, Muhammad's wife died, too. So, our Master Muhammad [s] named that year the Year of Sadness. The Quraish increased their harm against Muhammad and those who believed in him. One day, a foolish person threw some dust at him. His head was covered with dust. So, he went home. While Fatima, Muhammad's daughter, was washing his head, she began weeping. So, he patted her head and said: Daughter, don't weep. Allah will save your father. He'll protect your father from the enemies of His religion and Mission. Jibreel came down from the sky holding Allah's Order. He said: Muhammad, go out of Makkah. Your supporter has died. When the Quraish plotted to kill our Master Muhammad [s], Ali, Abu Talib's young son, came to sleep in his bed. He was ready to die for him. Our Master Muhammad [s] went towards Yathrib (al-Madina al-Munawarah). From there the light of Islam started to illuminate the world. When the Muslims go to visit Allah's Holy House every year, they remember the life of Shaikh al-Bat-ha when he was always defending Allah's religion. Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate, among each other.
by Kamal al-Syyed
| Prophet Muhammad’s Hadith | for everyone |
Prophet Muhammad’s (s.w.a.s.)Hadith
1 - To God, the best acts are to feed the poor, to repay their debts or, to rid them of a trouble.
2- To God, the best act is to mind one’s tongue.
3 - To God, the best Jihad (holy struggle) is a rightful statement addressed to tyrannical rulers.
5 - To God, the best sports are horsemanship and archery.
6 - God likes those servants of His, who are lenient when buying, selling, paying and receiving.
7- One who is more beneficial to others is loved by God.
8 - Throw dust to the face of flatterers.
9 - The most prudent is the one more capable of restraining his rage.
10 - Evaluate people on the basis of your evaluation of their companions, for ‘‘Birds of a feather flock together”.
11- The anxiety that my Ummat would be affected by great ambitions disturbs me more than anything else.
12 - Call up God and be sure that your solemn request shall be fulfilled, and be aware that God will not grant a prayer coming from a negligent heart.
13 - From among people of the Hell the one will the easiest punishment has two fire shoes causing his brain to boil.
15 - If you happen to pass judgment on Muslims, you should refrain from judging when affected by a fit of anger, and from adopting a discriminatory attitude against or in favour of one of the parties to the dispute in your looking at them, the seats you allow them to sit, and your gestures and hints.
16 - When a man of good character and with satisfactory religious beliefs asks for your daughter’s hand, let him marry her; otherwise, trouble and corruption will spread on the earth.
17 - If God loves one of His servants, He prohibits him from loving this world, as you prohibit your patients from drinking water.
18 - When God wants a man to succeed, He makes him knowledgeable in religion and indifferent to worldly affairs; and reveals to him his defects.
| Prophet Muhammad’s Hadith | for everyone |
Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.s.)Hadith
2. The Expected one is from my family and a son of Fatimah (peace be upon her).
3. Prior to Doomsday the world will be full of tyranny and oppression. Then, a man from my family will stand up and will fill the world with justice.
4. Keep yourselef away from indebtedness, for it will abase you on days and will cause sorrow at nights.
5. Keep away from praising, for it is like slaughtering.
6. Keep yourselves away from passions, for passions make you deaf and blind.
7. Keep you away from the grass in a garbage-can; that is, a beautiful woman brought up in a bad household.
8. Avoid foolish persons, for they intend to benefit you, but they inflict loss on you.
9. No illness is more painful than parsimony.
11. If anyone undertakes to accomplish something for a Muslim and then does not perform it with the same zeal and dedication as he would do for himself, he would be deprived even of a whiff of Paradise.
12. Whoever unjustly takes possession of even one span of land, God will make him dig that land down to the seventh layer and hang it from his neck till the accounts of all the people are settled.
13. Any young man who marries in the early years of his youth makes Satan raise hue and cry because the youth safeguards his religion from his incursions by performing it.
14. God will reward any child groomed to search for knowledge and prayers as much as the good deeds of 72 pious believers.
15. People worthy of heed are of two kinds: The learned and the scholars thirsty for knowledge. Beside them there is nothing else.
16. Lo people! Whatever is given to you on my behalf if it conforms to the Quran is mine, otherwise it is not so.
17. Slumber of a learned person is better than the prayers of a worshiper.
18. Begin your day by giving alms because misfortunes cannot penetrate generosity.
| IMAM MUSA AL-KAZIM (A.S.) - A TRIBUTE | for everyone |
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| WITHOUT GOD........ | for everyone |
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| Martyrdom of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (a.s.)OUR BELOVED IMAM (A.S) | for everyone |
| Martyrdom of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (a.s.) | ||
25 TH MAHE RAJAB
On account of that, Isa bin Ja'far wrote to al-Rasheed, after he had kept the Imam in his jail, saying, "Take him, and put him in the care of anyone you like. Otherwise I will set him free. I tried hard to find a way to incriminate him, but found none. I went to the point of eaves-dropping, that he might invoke evil upon me or you, but I heard him only asking Allah's mercy and forgiveness for himself." Ahmad bin Abdullah is reported to have said, quoting his father, "I called on al-Fadhl bin al-Rabi. He was sitting on the roof of his house. 'Look at this house,' said he, 'What do you see?' 'A discarded garment,' replied I. 'Look well,' he urged. I examined the thing narrowly and said, 'A prostrate man.' 'Do you know him?' he said. 'He is Musa bin Ja'far. I keep close watch on him, during the day and in the night. Never did I see him anytime in another position. He says his dawn prayer and recites the post-prayer supplications, until sunrise. Then he kneels down in prostration, and remains so until midday. He asked someone to tell him prayer times. When the man tells him about the time of a certain prayer, he jumps performing the prayer without renewing his ablution. That is his habit, saying his sunset prayer, he breaks his fasting. He keeps performing prayer in the dead night until day breaks." Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (a.s.) influences his jailers. He passed his time in prison reciting supplication, asking Allah's forgiveness. He devoted him time to worship, regarding the trial of imprisonment as a favor and mercy conferred on him by Allah (swt). What kind of man is this? What force could overcome him? The light of his heart swept away the darkness of the prison. The firmness of his patience shattered the shackles of the jailer and the will of the tyrant. The pleasantness of his prayers filled up the gloomy prison with happiness and brightness. What could the jailer ever do? What could the tyrant do? Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (a.s.) was winning over those who were around him with his good manners, deep spirituality and unique wisdom. Al-Amiri, in his book "Al-Anwar", reports that "Haroon al-Rasheed sent a maid to Imam Musa bin Ja'far (a.s.) to serve him in prison. She was beautiful, with a bright face and black eyes. Imam Musa bin Ja'far (a.s.) commented on this saying, 'Nay, you are excellent because of your gift'. 'I have no need of this or to the likes of her.' Hearing that, Haroon got furious. 'Go back to him,' he ordered his servant, 'and tell him that it was not with your consent that we have jailed you. Nor was it with your consent that we have captured you. Leave the maid there and come back.' The servant did what he had been ordered to do. Haroon then left the room where he used to receive guests and visitors and sent the servant back to see the maid and what had become of her. He saw her prostrate saying, "O Holy One. Glory to You. Glory to You." 'By Allah', Haroon commented, 'Musa bin Ja'far has bewitched her with witchcraft..." Maybe Haroon desired to lure Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s.) away from his sacred objectives with the beauty of women, and the pleasures of life, acting out his own flawed convictions. He didn't know that Imam al-Kadhim (a.s.) was totally absorbed in the beauty of right, and dissolved in the love of Allah. He had turned his face away from life and its cheap ornaments. Neither maids could occupy his attention, nor life's pleasures would fascinate him. He was a man with a mission, who dedicated his whole life to his principles, and submitted his whole soul to Allah, the Glorified. As a result, he became a man guiding with his words and actions, and a preacher who showed the right path with both his silence and speech. His action spoke instead of his tongue, and his words declared the path of right. That is why he overcame the maiden's mind and soul. She cried, "O Holy One. O Glorified One," captured in her prostration. After basking in the pleasures of entertainment, drinking from the cups of love, passing her time playing musical instruments, singing love poems, and enjoying wearing fine clothes and necklaces, she turned to worship. She went on with her prayers and praises of Allah until she passed away. It is said that her death occurred a few days before the martyrdom of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (a.s.). Imam al-Kadhim (a.s.) braved all difficulties and hardships on the thorny path of faith. He taught the men who came after him, who treaded the same path, how to be firm in their attitudes, and steadfast inside prisons, not frightened by their jailers, or the oppression they practiced against them so as to silence them. Imam al-Kadhim (a.s.), on the orders of al-Rasheed, was transferred from one prison to another. He was first sent to Isa bin Ja'far, then to al-Fadhl bin al-Rabi, then to al-Fadhl bin Yahya, and finally to al-Sindi bin Shahik. Al-Rasheed meant to hide Imam Musa (a.s.), drive him out from the attention of the ummah and kill it's spirit of resistance. The result was quite the opposite. The ummah was eager to follow the latest news about Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.), especially when he was moved from one prison to another, with the authorities unable to take a decisive action against him. Being in prison was of great value for Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.). He nurtured the revolution, rejection and resistance, conferring legitimacy on them. That is why he turned down all offers to intervene on his behalf with the rulers. He frankly told those who asked him to allow them to send a delegation of prominent people to al-Rasheed to persuade him to set him free, "My father told me on the authority of his father and grandfather that Allah, the Mighty and Glorified, gave Dawood (David) this piece of advice: 'Dawood, whoever from My servants clings to one of My creatures, turning his face from Me, insisting on that, shall certainly be deprived from heaven's support by Me. I shall make the earth sink under his feet." When al-Rasheed felt that the silent resistance of Imam Musa (a.s.) in prison began to sneak into people's souls, and that his uncompromising attitude moved the ummah's awareness and feelings, fear took hold of him, for that awareness might grow into a violent revolution. He consulted his vizier, Yahya bin Khalid, who advised him to release Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.). Allamah al-Majlisi, in his book "Bihar al-Anwar", says that, When al-Rasheed threw Abu-Ibrahim Musa in prison, and saw some miracles made by him, he was greatly perplexed. He sent for Yahya bin Khalid al-Barmaki. 'Abu-Ali' he said, 'Do you not see what wonders we are witnessing? Can you manage this man and spare us his troubles?' 'What I see as the best solution, Commander of the Faithful,' said Yahya bin bin Khalid, 'is that you do him a favor by being kind to him as he is your relative. He has, by Allah, spoiled the hearts of your followers.' Yahya was a follower of Imam Musa (a.s.) without the knowledge of Haroon. 'Go instantly to him,' ordered Haroon, 'relieve him of his shackles, remember me to him, and say to him, 'Your cousin says to you that Yahya has interceded with me on your behalf, and that I will not release you until you have admitted your wrong doings and asked forgiveness for what you have done against me. No shame will be attached to your admittance; nor will it be a flaw on your part to ask my pardon..." When Yahya conveyed the message of al-Rasheed to Imam Musa bin Ja'far (a.s.), he rejected the offer which would have put him in a humiliating position, as if he were a wrongdoer. He said to Yahya, Tomorrow, when we have knelt down before Allah, Who would judge between us, you would know who was the oppressor who had wronged the other. Wassalam." In this way, Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.) defeated all means of injustice and terror, like prison, pressure, chains, distortion of the truth, and deceiving public opinion. Al-Rasheed was left with only one choice, to assassinate Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.), and put an end to his blessed life. He thought he could, by committing such a horrible crime, bring down the curtain on one of the greatest scenes of jihad and resistance against tyranny, extinguish the light of Imamate of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), and get rid of the greatest intellectual and religious figures of his time. For such considerations, he made up his mind to assassinate him. The Martyred Imam: By all means, Al-Rasheed tried to get rid of Imam Musa bin Jafar (a.s.). The Imam, being a man of great social, religious and intellectual position, was a nightmare for al-Rasheed. Hearts of people hovered over Imam al-Kadhim (a.s.). They loved Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). No Muslim could ever say that he knew nothing about them. People respected them. Nobody dared ignore their glorious position and their status in the eyes of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), except those who greedily sought spoils of life and trampled all ideals and values under their feet. Even these worthless people could not make public their enmity toward Ahlul Bayt (a.s.); nor could they fight them without twisting the facts to suit their purposes. That is why Isa bin Ja'far, the governor of Basrah, refused to kill him, asking al-Rasheed to relieve him of this task and transfer Imam Musa (a.s.) to another prison. Being in prison of al-Fadhl bin al-Rabi, Imam Musa (a.s.) impressed him. Al-Fadhl bin Yahya who treated him kindly and made his prison a bit comfortable. When al-Rasheed asked him to slay Imam Musa (a.s.) he declined. When word came that al-Fadhl bin Yahya treated his prisoner well, al-Rasheed was enraged. He ordered him to be punished. Al-Fadhl was stripped naked and given 100 lashes in the assembly hall of al-Abbas bin Muhammad. Casting around him, al-Rasheed found no one better than the chief of his police in Baghdad, al-Sindi bin Shahik, a man known to be rough, stone-hearted and merciless, like other criminals, to murder the Imam. As we have seen, al-Sindi bin Shahik received Imam Musa (a.s.) from al-Fadhl bin Yahya, and put him in his prison. He burdened him with heavy chains and fetters, treating him most brutally and inhumanly. Yahya bin Khalid, one the other hand, was agonized by the punishment of his son, al-Fadhl, had receive from al-Rasheed. He decided to propitiate al-Rasheed and restore his family's position before the Abbasid ruler. The price would be the blood of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.) even if that would torture the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.). Base people do such things. Controlled by meanness, opportunism and sycophancy, they seek the closeness of the rulers and blood-thirsty tyrants by shedding blood and persecuting innocent people who preached righteousness. They are dazzled by the fake social reputation and passing pleasures. They act out of the inferiority complex which overpowers them and prods them to win other's favor. Yahya ibn Khalid talked the matter over with al-Rasheed. He assured him that al-Fadhl was an inexperienced young man. He offered to go to Baghdad. Al-Rasheed was not delighted at having an offer from an obedient, faithful man. He gave him the green light to perpetrate the crime. Arriving in Baghdad, Yahya instantly held a meeting with al-Sindi bin Shahik, during which he explained to him the plan he had set to get rid of the Imam (a.s.). the latter accepted it gratefully. According to the plan, poison was given to Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.) in a plate of dates, or in some other food, according to another version. Imam Musa (a.s.) partook from that food and felt the poison sneaking through his pure body. For three days, he struggled with death, before breathing his last. One the third day, he died at the prison of al-Sindi bin Shahik, or at the mosque of Haroon, which was called Al-Musayyab Mosque. He won martyrdom on the 25th of Rajab, in the year 183 A.H. Imam Musa al-Kadhim's (a.s.) start set, and his light faded away from the sky of a bereaved Baghdad. Dark descended on the city, whose sky was cloudy with sorrow and anguish. Her blank eyes were swelled with the tears of separation and bereavement. She flung aside the false flag of peace her founder had concurred on her, and put on the clothes of mourning and protest. She cried out, "I am no longer the city of peace, nor a resting place for the free, righteous men." The hangman sat perplexed. Before him the crime was flashing. The horror of such a heinous act filled him with remorse. This terrorist, al-Sindi bin Shahik, felt the graveness of the tragedy. He saw Baghdad seething with anger and tumult. All the criminals who were involved in the conspiracy saw it. The voice of right was loud on every tongue filling all parts of Baghdad, "The Imam died without doing any wrong. He was martyred in the tyrant's prison." Reference Al-Balagh Foundation. Imam al-Kadhim. Ahlul-Bait, book 9. Pages 90-99. Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. |
| THE MEANING OF PREJUDICE | for everyone |
THE MEANING OF PREJUDICE
Prejudice Tassub in the Arabic language is from the root A Sa Ba which means vein nerve. In the past the Arabs used to call every kind of favouritism based on blood-relation Tassub. Their tribes based on such family-relations were also called Usbah. But now, these two wards have lost their limited meaning. That is why they call all false and illogical tendencies Tassub prejudice. Accordingly whenever it is seen that a group be it blood-related or not favours unreasonable or illogical thing it is called prejudiced Usbah.
Verses
When those who disbelieved harboured in their hearts feelings of disdain, the disdain of the days of ignorance, but Allah sent down His tranquillity on His Apostle and on the believers, and made them keep the word of guarding against evil, and they were entitled to it and worthy of it; and Allah is Cognisant of all things. It is not fit for the Prophet and those who believe that they should ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even though they should be near relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are inmates of the flaming fire. And Ibrahim asking forgiveness for his sire was only owing to a promise which he had made to him; but when it became clear to him that he was an enemy of Allah, he declared himself to be clear of him; most surely Ibrahim was very tender-hearted forbearing.
Regarding the circumstances preceding the revelation of these verses great scholars say:
A group of Muslims inquired from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Do you not pray pardon for our forefathers who passed away from this world in the time of ignorance? Then the above verses were revealed and all were cautioned that no one has a right to ask pardon for polytheists and the istigfaar seeking of pardon of Ibrahim (a.s.) for Aazar was during his life time and the intention of Ibrahim (a.s.) was that he might not die as a polytheist. But when he knew that Aazar was an enemy of God and that his Aazars animosity was based on hatred he separated from him and announced his estrangement and aversion.
And when Our communications are recited to them, they say: We have heard indeed; if we pleased we could say the like of it; this is nothing but the stories of the ancients. And when they said: O Allah! if this is the truth from Thee, then rain upon us stones from heaven or inflict on us a painful punishment.
Under the influence of their extreme prejudice and stubbornness they imagined that the Shariat of Islam was hundred percent baseless. Otherwise, anyone in whose mind there is even a little possibility of its being the truth never curses himself like this!
In Majmaul Bayan, below this verse, it is recorded thus from Imam Sadiq (a.s.): after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), in Ghadeer-e-Khum, appointed Ali (a.s.) as his caliph and said Man Kuntu Maulaahu fa Aliyyun Maulahu this problem arose there and Noman bin Haaris Fahri who was a hypocrite approached the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and said: You asked us to give witness to the oneness of the God and to negate the idols and to testify your Prophethood we agreed and complied with. Then you gave us the command regarding jihad and Hajj and fasting and namaz and Sakata and we accepted. But you did not suffice with this and made this boy that is, Ali son of Abu Talib the caliph and said Man Kuntu Maulaahu fa Aliyyun Maulahu. Well, is this the word of your own or is it the Order of Allah?
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: By Allah, except Whom there is no God, this is the order of Allah. Noman who was enraged due to his extreme dislike said: O God! If this is true than send a stone one me from heaven and…. Within no time a stone fell on him and he got killed. This hadith-e-Ghadeer does not negate that the said verse was revealed in the matter of the unbelievers of Holy Quran because the revelation of this verse was not due to the event O Noman. Rather it was Noman who cursed himself by extracting words from a verse which was revealed earlier. It is just as we extract our prayers from the Holy Quran and, for example, say: When he said to his father and his people: What are these images to whose worship you cleave? They said: We found our fathers worshipping them. He said: Certainly you have been, both you and your fathers, in manifest error.
Traditions
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: The one who resorts to prejudice or who is the subject of prejudice that is, if he is pleased with that prejudicial attitude of others have thrown off the relation of Faith from their hearts. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is quoted: Anyone who has prejudice in his heart even to the extent of a little mustard seed will be raised by God, with the Bedouins of the days of ignorance.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) has said: The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to seek Gods protection daily from six things: Doubt, polytheism, prejudice, Anger, Rebellion and oppression and Jealousy. Amirul Mo-mineen (a.s.) is reported to have said: Verily God punished six groups due to six qualities: Arab for his prejudice, the rich for their pride, Ameers for their oppression, the Faqueehs for their jealousy and the traders for their dishonesty, and the villagers for their ignorance.
Sinister results of prejudice
If a man shows prejudice or undue love or hatred toward anyone, he does not know the reality, rather, sometimes, he imagines good to be bad and bad to be good. Explaining this attitude in a very fine style, the Holy Quran says: What! Is he whose evil deed is made fair seeming to him so much so that he considers it good? is like the one who is seeking truth?
Wrong prejudices and illogical traditions drag down men to such depths making them blind and deaf that they become lower than animals. An animal has much affection for its offspring in the beginning of life but man’s prejudice crushes his internal instincts to such an extent that child killing appears to him a good deed. Sometimes he enjoys it and shows pride about it. In this respect the Holy Quran says:
And thus their associates have made fair seeming to most of the polytheists the killing of their children… And also Say: Shall We inform you of the greatest losers in their deeds? These are they whose labour is lost in this worlds life and they think that they are well versed in skill of the work of hands.
Finally man, under the effect of prejudices and multiple ignorance, falls in wrong alleys in such a way that he thinks he is doing good but, really does not know that he has ignited a fire and is burning both himself and the society in its flames. Currently the problem of prejudice is clearly observed between groups and parties and institutions: it is probable that we also do what the polytheists and the idol-worshippers do. May Allah save from it.
Here a question arises: is there, in Islam, any prejudice that can be considered as permissible and desirable? In reply we say: no According to Islam one indulges in prejudice when he follows a group unreasonably and when he knows that groups is working on wrong lines. Otherwise, if man follows pious and suitable persons, it is not only no prejudice but rather Islam has encouraged such deed, When somebody asked Ali bin Husain (a.s.) about prejudice he said: Sinful prejudice is when man considers that the evil fellows belonging to his folk are better than the gentlemen of the other folk. But loving ones community is no prejudice. Helping ones community in oppression is part of prejudice.
| YAKEEN- SIGNS OF CERTAINTY | for everyone |
YAKEEN- SIGNS OF CERTAINTY
Washaa says, he heard from Hazrat Moosa bin Ja’far (a.s.): Eemaan is one stage higher than Islam and Taw is one stage higher than it and Yaqueen is one stage higher than Taw and among people nothing is less distributed than Yaqueen. It is scarce.
Abdullah bin Sanaan says Imam Sadiq (a.s.) has said: One of the signs of the correctness of the certainty of a Muslim is that he does not make people happy and glad through Gods anger that is, he does not overlook Gods commandments for pleasing people and he does not rebuke people for what God did not give to him, because, sustenance is not obtained either by the jealousy of a jealous or on his man’s asking. And if anyone of your runs away from his sustenance it follows him just as his death follow him. Then said: and catches hold of him. Then said: God has, due to His justice, kept ease and happiness in Yaqueen certainty of faith and sorrow and grief in doubt and discontent.
Hishaam bin Saalim quotes Imam Sadiq (a.s.): A small but continues virtuous act with Yaqueen is dearer to God than a big deed which is without certainty. Imam (a.s.) heard the voice of a khaariji who was busy in midnight worship and recitation of the Holy Quran. He told him a sleep with faith is better than a prayer with doubt.
Signs of certainty
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) has said: one day the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) offered the morning prayers with people. Then his eye fell on a youth who was dozing. His complexion was yellowish and body very thin. His eyes had gone deep in sockets. Addressing him the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: O youth! How you passed your night? He replied: I passed my night in a way which provided me certainty the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) became pleased with his reply and said: Verily every certainty has a reality.
What is the reality of your certainty? He answered: O Prophet of Allah! It is the certainty that has made me gloomy. It has made me bear wake fullness during night and the hot sun during days. It has made me disinterested in whatever is there in this world. It has almost enabled me to observe the Throne of Allah as if I am standing in His Presence to account for my deeds that people have gathered all around; as if I am seeing the people of the paradise who are living happily and are reclining on their chairs talking pleasantly with one another and similarly, as if I can also see the people of the hell who are being chastised therein, crying and wailing and as if the nose of the leaping flames of the hell-fire is rigging in my ears. the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: This youth is a slave of Allah whose heart is lit up with the light of Faith.
Thereafter, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) himself said to that youth: continue in the state and condition wherein you are now. The youth appealed: O Prophet of Allah! Pray to Allah so that He may grant me martyrdom with your attendants. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) prayed for him and it so happened that after some time that youth, who was fighting a battle along with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) turned out to be the tenth martyr of that Holy war.
The late Naraqi has also described signs of certainty in this background:
A: Man does not pay attention to anything except Allah Who alone is his reliance in every matter for him. He believes that whatever God has destined for him will surely reach him. In this condition he reaches a state when everything becomes equal and same for him whether it is existence or non-existence, less or more, praise or condemnation, poverty or richness, health or illness, honour or disrespect… One day one of his companions told Imam Sadiq (a.s.): I give preference to illness over health and poverty over wealth. The Imam (a.s.) replied: We are not like that. Rather we like all that God likes for us.
B: Man, in all situations, remains happy and pleased and submissive and meek and content before his Lord and continues to perform all of his duties with a pleasant mood because he possesses certainty, he knows his Lord well and is aware of His Greatness, Majesty and Power and also knows that He, the Omniscient knows all, sees all of his movements and actions and inactions including whatever passes in is his heart.
C: One who has certainty is such that his prayers are answered. Rather sometimes his actions are miraculous. The more man’s certainty the more his power grows so much so that at last he is able to rule over matter too in the material world. Once there was a discussion about the walk of Hazrat Isa (a.s.) on water when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: Had his certainty grown further he would have flied in the air also.
Stages or certainty
The wise scholars of Islam have described stages of certainty Yaqueen that are serially as under: Ilmul Yaqueen is the same solid and sound belief that confirms truth and which can be obtained through arguments. Ainul Yaqueen means looking at observing the celestial world through the inner eye of the heart. Amirul Mo-mineen (a.s.) refers to it when he says: I do not adore a god whom I have not seen.
Haqqul Yaqueen which means whenever man sees anything in the world be observes the rays permeating therefrom in such a manner that the relation between the aaquil (wise) and the Maaqool (rational) continues perpetually without break.
Nihayat Darja Haqqul Yaqueen extreme stage of certainty. This is a degree imagined by ahle sulook soofis where in the aarif gnostic considers himself lost in the radiance of God in such a manner that he no more believes in the stability of things. Imagination of such stages are, maybe, easy but it is obvious that it cannot be reached through arguments and evidences. But it needs many kinds of tiring exercises and endeavours for gaining which first of all man has to remove all lowly instincts from his heart and to fill the heart with the angel-like virtues until the heart becomes as bright as a mirror. Then the more clean and bright it becomes the more it is able to attract Divine radiance.
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: Had not the satans put doubts in man’s heart he man would have been able to observe the reality of the heaven and the earth.
For reaching the above-mentioned realities and in order to understand it, it is necessary to cross some stages:
The soul of man must have ability.
The heart must become clean. All impurities must be removed. Man’s mind must not be involved in worldly affairs. When these stages are reached then he will be able to show tajalliyaat (manifestations) and (Makaashifaat) illuminations.
posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 05:37
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Nice blog.
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