| MAYTHAM AL TAMMAR: The Orator of Ahlul Bayt | for everyone |
As usual, the lover of the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) made his way to the palm tree near Amr ibn Hurayth's house. With tender care, he watered the tree and made sure it was still healthy and strong. After praying under the sparse shade of the towering trunk and long leaves, these words escaped his lips: "May God bless you, for I have been created for you, and you have been created for me." (Sharh of Ibn Abi Hadid)
This was the routine of Maytham al-Tammar, the freed slave of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). The humble fruit seller was one from among the circle of the Imam's close companions, and he constantly uttered the praise of the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon him). Eventually, he gained the status of being a carrier of knowledge taught to him by the Imam, and he propagated those teachings to others.
Imam Ali once predicted to his dear companion: "O Maytham, know that after my death, you will be arrested and hung from the gallows. On the second day, your beard will be reddened with the blood of your nose and your mouth, and on the third day, you will be pierced with a spear, and you will go to the presence of your Lord. The place where this will occur is near the house of Amr ibn Hurayth, and you will be the tenth person to die in that way, the only difference being that the scaffold from which you will hang will be shorter than the others. I will show you the tree from which it will be fashioned." (Ibid.)
From the moment the Imam showed Maytham the specific tree, Maytham grew attached to it and looked forward to his martyrdom. For him, the tree symbolized the day that he would get closer to his Lord, so he yearned for that day and didn't care for the sparkle of this materialistic world. Often, we get caught up in our everyday lives that we barely give a thought to the reality of our impermanence. If we were told the exact situation of our death, we could react in two ways: either try to live for this world in the time we have left, without a care for the teachings of Islam, or – like Maytham – we could try to live for the next world by being the best Shia of Ali that we can be.
In another account, after having been told that he will die from hanging one day, the first words that came from Maytham's were, "O my Master! Will I die the death of a Muslim?" (Kitab al-Fazael) Maytham's first concern was not how long he had left, where he would die, who would hang him, if it would be painful, or if there was any way out of it. All that mattered to him was whether or not his loyalty to the Almighty will still be firm when he will return to his Lord.
Like us, Maytham was a fallible human being – yet his mindset was so focused on getting closer to Allah. We need to re-adjust our focus to getting closer to Allah, so that we too can be like the strongest lovers of our Ahlul Bayt who guide us towards Him. When having to decide at a crossroads between the Right and the Wrong, we shouldn't be intimidated by the whispers of Shaytan and his soldiers – we have to keep our focus. Death could come at any moment, and we definitely want to go as the followers of Allah's beloved ones.
Whatever difficulties we may face, remembering Maytham's dire situation helps to put things in perspective. When Ibn Ziyad came into power, he arrested the staunch supporter of the Ahlul Bayt, and after an exchange of words, Ibn Ziyad wanted to know about Imam Ali's prediction about Maytham's death. By the end of the description, an infuriated Ibn Ziyad vowed to disprove the Imam's prediction. Yet Maytham's supply of courage was not depleted – he said: "How can you do the opposite when, by Allah, Imam Ali had heard it from the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny), while he had heard it from Jibra'il, who in turn heard it from the Almighty. How can you oppose them? And I even know the place in Kufa where I shall be hanged, and I shall be the first in Islam to be bridled." (Nafasul Mahmum) Ibn Ziyad imprisoned Maytham, keeping him there until approximately two weeks before Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) reached Iraq.
Truly, whatever troubles we face, they are not likely to be as dangerous as that of Maytham's. In the court of a drunken tyrant, he stood up for what he believed in and didn't shy away from showing the strength of his love for the Prophet's Family – so why should we compromise our beliefs just because of what others might think of us? Why feel embarrassed at claiming to be the followers of Imam Ali? If we are his followers, then we have the responsibility to uphold his name and the reputation that goes with it.
The brilliance of Maytham's faith doesn't fade after having replied to Ibn Ziyad's foolish talk; rather, Maytham went on to give us more inspiration in his love for the Ahlul Bayt. While he was hanging from the very tree that he had tended during his life, he attracted crowds of people with his words of praise for the Pure Infallibles! The soldiers of Ibn Ziyad informed him that Maytham was about to start a revolution in Kufa with his brilliant oratory in praise of the Ahlul Bayt! An alarmed Ibn Ziyad ordered Maytham's mouth to be muzzled, and two days later, a spear was thrust into his body by the soldiers of Ibn Ziyad. On the 23rd of Dhil Hajj, in the year 60 AH, Maytham's soul was reunited with his beloved master Ali. Thereafter, other fruit sellers took down Maytham's body and performed the proper burial rites.
When it comes to being a true lover of the Ahlul Bayt, Maytham is a timeless example for us. Without hesitation, without apology, without embarrassment, Maytham uttered the virtues of the Pure Household wherever he was. They are the ones who take us closer to Allah, and He is the ultimate goal – so how can we shy away from loving them?
In reference to another kind of tree – a beautiful, ever-lasting tree – Prophet Muhammad once said: "The parable of Ali is like a tree, in which I am the root, Ali is the branch, Hasan and Hussain are the fruits, and the Shia are the leaves." (Lisan al-Mizan) This tree – the tree of the guardianship of Ahlul Bayt – is what takes us closer to Allah, so we have to strive to keep it full of lush leaves. In order to be among the leaves blossoming from this flourishing tree, we need to live and die like Maytham: with the love of the Ahlul Bayt in our hearts and on our lips.
--
O my Allah, the honour of being Your servant is sufficient.
I am proud of the fact that You are my Lord.
You are just as I want, so make me just as You like me to be. الهي كفى بي عزّا أن أكون لك عبدا ، وكفى بي فخرا أن تكون لي ربّا
I am proud of the fact that You are my Lord.
You are just as I want, so make me just as You like me to be. الهي كفى بي عزّا أن أكون لك عبدا ، وكفى بي فخرا أن تكون لي ربّا
... أنت كما أُحبُّ ، فاجعلني كما تحبُّ
اللهم عجل لوليك الفرج يا الله
اللهم عجل لوليك الفرج يا الله
“Whenever you recite “Dua”, have this
impression that what you want is at the door.”
(sent by sis Mariam R. Jiwa_
| You Are Special | for everyone |
In the room of 2000 he asked. "Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you - but first, let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the 20 dollar note up. He then asked. "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" He dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.
Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless; but no matter what happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to
those who love you. The worth of our lives comes, not in what we do or who we know, but by ...WHO WE ARE.
You are SPECIAL - don't ever forget it."
(sent by bro Najmuddin)
| Ducks Quack , Eagles Fly - A paradigm shift in thinking | for everyone |
No one can make you serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice. Years ago, my friend, Adam, told me a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.
He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Adam noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a khakhi shirt and freshly pressed khakhi slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Adam .
He handed my friend a laminated card and said:
"I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement."
Taken aback, Adam read the card. It said:
Wally's Mission Statement:
To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.
This blew Adam away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!
As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf."
My friend said jokingly, "No, I'd prefer a soft drink."
Wally smiled and said, "No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice."
Almost stuttering, Adam said, "I'll take a Diet Coke."
Handing him his drink, Wally said, "If you'd like something to read, I have The Times, Sports Illustrated and India Today."
As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card. "These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio."
And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Adam the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights, or if Adam preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.
"Tell me, Wally," my amazed friend asked the driver, "have you always served customers like this?"
Wally smiled into the rear-view mirror. "No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.
He had just written a book called You'll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.'"
"That hit me right between the eyes," said Wally. "Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more."
"I take it that has paid off for you," Adam said.
"It sure has," Wally replied. "My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action."
Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.
Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.
How about you?
| Ducks Quack , Eagles Fly - A paradigm shift in thinking | for everyone |
No one can make you serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice. Years ago, my friend, Adam, told me a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.
He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Adam noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a khakhi shirt and freshly pressed khakhi slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Adam .
He handed my friend a laminated card and said:
"I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement."
Taken aback, Adam read the card. It said:
Wally's Mission Statement:
To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.
This blew Adam away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!
As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, "Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf."
My friend said jokingly, "No, I'd prefer a soft drink."
Wally smiled and said, "No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice."
Almost stuttering, Adam said, "I'll take a Diet Coke."
Handing him his drink, Wally said, "If you'd like something to read, I have The Times, Sports Illustrated and India Today."
As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card. "These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio."
And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Adam the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights, or if Adam preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.
"Tell me, Wally," my amazed friend asked the driver, "have you always served customers like this?"
Wally smiled into the rear-view mirror. "No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.
He had just written a book called You'll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.'"
"That hit me right between the eyes," said Wally. "Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more."
"I take it that has paid off for you," Adam said.
"It sure has," Wally replied. "My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action."
Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab.. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.
Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.
How about you?
| Angiography or Bypass. | for everyone |
|
| Search for Thanks giving | for everyone |
If a sighted person goes blind, and then recovers, he/she would eagerly become thankful and would regard it as a blessing. However, if one never goes blind and remains sighted, it rarely happens that he/she thanks God. This stems from the humans’ negligence. For that in this situation, gratefulness only depends upon loosing and regaining a blessing. However, being thankful for a blessing which is always at hand is more necessary.
The importance of being grateful is to an extent that the Holy Quran and the narrations regard it not only the factor in the durability of the blessings, but also the factor of their increase. For example Imam Jawad (PBUH) has said, “The increasing of the blessing does not stop, unless that thankfulness comes to a halt by the people.” (1)
Now that based on the advice of Imam Jawad (PBUH) gratefulness is important to such an extent, the question comes to mind that “how should we be attentive to this important matter?”
We can instill the positive trait of gratefulness with practicing some tips.
First, knowing Allah (SWT) and awareness and pondering in His evident, inner, general, and exclusive blessings.
Second, reminding to ourselves that the greatest longing of the dead is to be returned to the world for doing good deeds (2) in order to be exempted from the hardships of the afterworld, or their status gets elevated. Therefore by visiting the graveyards and thinking in this longing of the dead, we can become notified.
By being thankful for being alive, we can imagine ourselves as one of them whose wish has come true, and we are allowed to return to the world for doing good deeds, and that we have the opportunity to spend our time on matters that those who have passed away wish to return to the world for them.
Third, remembering some tough times that we had faced distresses and fatal diseases, and remember our deliverances. To be grateful for our life and other blessings, and thank God for them, and do not become saddened when things happen that are not in accordance with our wishes.
Fourth, in every distress and suffering thanking God that a bigger disaster specially the calamity in faith (which might cause our Faith to be stricken) has not stricken us.(3) That is why Prophet Jesus (PBUH) said, “O My Lord, do not put my calamity in my religion.”
Fifth, because some distresses are the results of some of our sins, when these distresses afflict us in the world we get exempted from the hardships of the after world, which is much harder according to the Holy Quran.(4) The Great Prophet (PBUH&HP) has said, “Truly, when a person sins and gets afflicted in the world, God is kind enough to punish him/her only once.” Therefore, we should thank God for the decrease in punishment.
If we are thankful for the blessings, and based on the sayings of Imam Jawad (PBUH) have faith in gratefulness, by being grateful of the blessings of God, even in hard situation we would try to not only maintain the blessings, but also provide for their increase by being thankful.
Footnotes:
1. Tuhaf al-Uqul, p. 457
2. The Holy Quran, (23:99, 100)
3. One might put his footsteps in a hard path, but eventually the path leads to a correct destination. However if a path whether easy or difficult is false and does not lead to the destination, the hardship is much higher. If one day we find that the path we have selected in the life and the beliefs we have held, has not guided us to the correct destination, and even has made us far from it, is the bitterness of the feeling of this state comparable to any other thing?
4. The Holy Quran, (13:34)
(The above is selected from “Jami’ Al-Sa’adat” by Allamah Mulla Mahdi Naraqi translated to Farsi by Karim Feizi (with some changes))
Saying of Imam Ali (a.s.) "Best deed of a man is to forgive and forget."
O my Allah, the honour of being Your servant is sufficient.
I am proud of the fact that You are my Lord.
You are just as I want, so make me just as You like me to be.
الهي كفى بي عزّا أن أكون لك عبدا ، وكفى بي فخرا أن تكون لي ربّا... أنت كما أُحبُّ ، فاجعلني كما تحبُّ
** GRATITUDE IS AN ATTITUDE
THAT GIVES ONE ALTITUDE. **
O my Allah, the honour of being Your servant is sufficient.
I am proud of the fact that You are my Lord.
You are just as I want, so make me just as You like me to be.
الهي كفى بي عزّا أن أكون لك عبدا ، وكفى بي فخرا أن تكون لي ربّا... أنت كما أُحبُّ ، فاجعلني كما تحبُّ
** GRATITUDE IS AN ATTITUDE
THAT GIVES ONE ALTITUDE. **
(sent by sis Mariam R. Jiwa)
| Scars of Love | for everyone |
In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.
His mother, in the house, was looking out the window and saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother.
It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two.
The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go.
A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived.
His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.
The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs; and then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom wouldn't let go."
You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too.
No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic. But, the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because Allah has refused to let go.
In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.
The Scripture teaches that Allah loves you. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations. Theswimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-o-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not - and will not - let you go.
(sent by bro Najmuddin)
| BENEFITS OF READING THE HOLY QURAN- A SHORT STORY | for everyone |
An old Man lived on a farm in the mountains with his young grandson.
Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his quran. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the Quran just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the quran do?"
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."
The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.
This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.
The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Quran. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives."
Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his quran. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the Quran just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the quran do?"
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."
The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.
This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.
The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Quran. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives."
| Manqabat Nadeem Sarwar and Irfan Haider (Nabi (saw) ki baat baatmey Ali(as) ki baat hey & DUA E FATIMA ZEHRA A.S) | for everyone |
| AHLULBAYT TV LIVE - ENGLISH | for everyone |
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY IN ACCESSING AHLULBAYT TV-PLS REFRESH BROWSER OR VISIT SITE DIRECTLY ON www.ahlulbayt.tv/index.php/live
| HADEES ON PRAYERS | for everyone |
The Special Rank of Prayers
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ )ص):أَوَّلُ مَا افْتَرَضَ اللٌّهُ عَلى أُمَّتِي الصَّلَوَاتُ الْخَمْسُ وَ أَوَّلُ مَا يُرفَعُ مِنْ أَعْمَالِهِمْ الصَّلَوَاتُ الْخَمْسُ وَ أَوَّلُ مَا يُسْأَلُونَ عَـنْهُ الصَّلَوَاتُ الْخَمْسُ.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: “The first thing that Allah made obligatory upon my Ummah was the five prayers; and the first thing from their acts of worship that shall be taken up will be the five prayers; and the first thing that they will be questioned about will be the five prayers.”
Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 7, Tradition 18859
2 - The Pillar of Religion
عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ )ع) قَالَ:بُنِيَ الإِِسْلاَمُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ عَلى الصَّلاةِ وَ الزَّكَاةِ وَ الصَّوْمِ وَ الْحَجِّ وَ الْوِلاَيَةِ.
Imam Al-Baqir (peace be upon him) has said: “Islam has been founded and established on five things: Prayers, Zakat, Hajj, Sawm (Fasting) and Wilayah.”
Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 234
3 - The Parable of Prayers
عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ )ع) قَالَ: أَلصَّلاَةُ عَمُودُ الدِّينِ مَثَلُهَا كَمَثَلِ عَمُودِ الْفُسْطَاطِ إِذَا ثَبَتَ الْعَمُودُ ثَبَتَ الأَوْتَادُ وَ الأَطْنَابُ وَ إِذَا مَالَ الْعَمُودُ وَ انْكَسَرَ لَمْ يَثْبُتْ وَتِدٌ وَ لاَ طُنُبٌ.
Imam Al-Baqir (peace be upon him) has said: “The prayer is the pillar of religion and its parable is that of the prop of a tent – when the prop remains upright, the pegs and ropes remain straight and upright, but when the prop bends or breaks neither the pegs nor ropes remain straight.”
Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 218
4 - A Means of Salvation
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ )ص):خَمْسُ صَلَوَاتٍ مَنْ حَافَظَ عَلَيْهِنَّ كَانَتْ لَهُ نُوراً وَ بُرْهَاناً وَ نَجَاةً يَومَ الْقِيَامَةِ.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: “One who adheres to the five (daily) prayers diligently, they shall be a means of illumination and salvation for him on the Day of Judgment.”
Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 7, Tradition 18862
5 - Illumination of the Heart
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ )ص):صَلاَةُ الرَّجُلِ نُورٌ فِي قَلْبِهِ فَمَنْ شَاءَ مِنْكُمْ فَلْـيُنَوِّرْ قَلْـبَهُ.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) has said: “The prayer of a person is (in reality) a light in his heart, so whoever desires, can illuminate his heart (by means of prayers).”
Kanzul `Ummal, Volume7, Tradition 18973
6 - A Measure of Acceptance of Deeds
قَالَ الصَّادِقُ )ع): أَوَّلُ مَا يُحَاسَبُ بِهِ الْعَبْدُ الصَّلاةُ فَإِنْ قُبِلَتْ قُبِلَ سَائِرُ عَمَلِهِ وَ إِذَا رُدَّتْ رُدَّ عَلَيْهِ سَائِرُ عَمَلِهِ.
Imam As-Sadiq (peace be upon him) has said: “The first thing for which a person shall be subjected to reckoning is prayers. If they are accepted, all his other deeds shall (also) be accepted. But if rejected, all his other deeds shall (also) be rejected.”
Wasa’ilush Shi`a, Volume 3, Page 22
7 - The Conduct of the Prophets
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ )ص):أَلصَّلاَةُ مِنْ شَرَائِعِ الدِّينِ وَ فِيهَا مَرْضَاةُ الرَّبِّ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ هِيَ مِنْهَاجُ الأَنْـبِيَاءِ.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: “The prayer is one of the (primary) dictates of religion, in it lies the pleasure of the Lord, the Mighty and the Glorious, and it is the conduct of the Prophets.”
Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 231
8 - The Standard of Islam
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ )ص):عَلَمُ الإِسْلاَمِ الصَّلاةُ فَمَنْ فَرَّغَ لَـهَا قَلْبَهُ وَ حَافَظَ عَلَيْهَا بِحَدِّهَا وَ وَقْـتِهَا وَ سُـنَـنِهَا فَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: “The prayer is the standard of Islam. Whosoever loves prayers, and observes their limits, timings and methods, is a true believer.”
Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 7, Tradition 18870
9 - The Benefits of Prayers
قَالَ الصَّادِقُ)ع): إِنَّ مَلَكَ الْمَوْتِ يَدْفَعُ الشَّيْطَانَ عَنِ الْمُحَافِظِ عَلى الصَّلاةِ وَ يُلَقِّـنُهُ شَهَادَةَ أَنْ لاَ إِلٌهَ إِلاَّ اللٌّهُ وَ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ فِي تِلْكَ الْحَالَةِ الْعَظِيمَةِ.
Imam As-Sadiq (peace be upon him) has said: “Surely the Angel of Death repels Satan from the proximity of one who had adhered to and guarded his prayers, and makes him speak out the testimony of ‘There is no God except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’ during that terrifying and frightening state (of death).”
Wasa’ilush Shi`a, Volume 3, Page 19
10 - Prayers and Children
عَنِ الْبَاقِرِ )ع) قَالَ: إِنَّا نَأْمُرُ صِبْيَانَنَا بِالصَّلاَةِ إِذَا كَانُوا بَنِي خَمْسِ سِنِينَ فَمُرُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالصَّلاَةِ إِذَا كَانُوا بَنِي سَبْعِ سِنِينَ.
Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (peace be upon him) advised: “We command our children to offer prayers when they are five years old, so you too order your children to offer prayers (but only) when they are seven years of age.”
Wasa’ilush Shi`a, Volume 3, Page 12
| HADEES | for everyone |
The Mercy of Allah
قَالَ عَلِيٌ )ع): إِذَا قَامَ الرَّجُلُ إِلـى الصَّلاَةِ أَقْبَلَ إِبْلِيسُ يَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِ حَسَداً لِمَا يَرَى مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللٌّهِ الَّتِي تَغْشَاهُ.
Imam `Ali (peace be upon him) said: “When a person stands up for prayers, Iblis approaches him and looks at him with envy and jealousy, as he sees the Mercy of Allah encompassing the person.”
Refraining from Sins
رُوِيَ أَنَّ فَتَى مِنَ الأَنْصَارِ كَانَ يُصَلِّي الصَّلاَةَ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللٌّهِ)ص) وَ يَرْتَكِبُ الْفَوَاحِشَ فَوُصِفَ ذٌلِكَ لِرَسُولِ اللٌّهِ )ص) فَقَالَ إِنَّ صَلاَتَهُ تَنْهَاهُ يَوْماً مَا فَلَمْ يَلْبِثْ أَنْ تَابَ.
It has been reported that a youth from the Ansar, who used to offer his prayers with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny), used to indulge in sinful and corrupt deeds. When this was brought to the notice of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny), he said: “A day shall come when his prayers shall refrain him from committing sins. Before long, the youth repented.”
Biharul Anwar, Volume 82, Page 198
| The Work Al-Amali The Dictations of Sheikh al-Mufid. | for everyone |
1. Registering Good Deeds
Abu Ja'far Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, reported from his father that: "Surely, the Angel appointed to the servant (of Allah) records (everything) in his books of deeds. So, register a good deed at its beginning and at its end, (so that) Allah may forgive you that which transpires in between."
2. Helping a needy Momin
Imam Zainul Abideen Ali b. al-Husain, peace be upon him, said:"He who feeds a hungry Mo'min, Allah will feed him from the fruits of Paradise; and he who quenches the thirst of a Mo'min, Allah will slacken his thirst from the pure, sealed nectar (on the day of reward). And he who clothes a Mo'min, Allah will clothe him with green brocade (of heaven), and he will remain under the protection of Allah, Most High, as long as a thread of that cloth remains upon him (i.e. the Mo'min whom he clothed)."
3. The Place of Ali (AS)
Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Ali al-Baqir (peace be upon him) said:"O Abu Hamza, do not place Ali (A.S.) below the level to which Allah has raised him, and do not elevate him above the level where Allah has kept him. It is enough (excellence) for Ali that he is the one who fought the apostates and he is the one who will pair off the inmates of Paradise."
4. Four Habits from the treasures of Virtue
Abu Abdillah al-Sadiq, Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, who reported from his father and grandfather, peace be upon them, that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Four (habits) are from the (hidden) treasures of virtue: to keep silent about one's needs, one's charity, one's indisposition and one's adversity."
5. Dying with the love of Ali (AS)
Amirul Mo'mineen Ali b. Abi Talib (A.S.) said:The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, held my hand and said: "Whoever dutifully performed the five (daily) prayers, and then died with your love in his heart, he will have redeemed his pledge. And whoever died with hatred for you, died a death of ignorance (i.e. the era before Islam), though he will account for his deeds as ordained by Islam. And he who lives after you, with your love in his heart, Allah will end his life with security and faith, till he arrives near me at the Pool."
6. The most beloved steps by a Mo'min
Ali b. al-Husain Zainul Abideen (A.S.) that the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said:"The most beloved steps in Allah's estimation are two: one taken by a Mo'min to fill the rank in the way of Allah, another taken by a Mo'min to mend the relations with a blood relative who had cut off. And the most worthy swallows in His estimation are two: the swallow of anger by a Mo'min while reacting to provocation with gentleness, and swallow of sadness and anxiety, giving a patient response to the trying times. And the most beloved droplets in His estimation are two: a drop of blood spilled in the way of Allah, and a drop of tears shed in the darkness of night, fearing Allah."
7.Reconciliation among people’
Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:"The charity best loved by Allah is to bring about reconciliation among people when they are divided by friction and to bring them closer to each other when they have moved apart."
8. Love of Ahlul Bait leads to Paradise
Al-Husain b. Ali, peace be upon him, that the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said:
"Remain steadfast on our love, the Ahlul bayt. For he who meets Allah with our love, will enter the Paradise with our intercession. By He Who controls my soul, a servant (of Allah) does not benefit from his deeds except by knowing us (and our stature)."
9. Adam, Noah, Ibrahim & Ali (AS)
He said: Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Umar b. Salim has reported to me from Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Isa al-Ajaly, who reported from Masood b. Yahya al-Nahdi, who reported from Sharik, from Abu Ishaq, from his father that:
Once when the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, was sitting with a group of his companions, Ali b. Abi Talib approached near him. Then the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Whoever wishes to look at Adam in his image and nobility, at Noah in his wisdom, at Ibrahim in his forbearance, he should look at Ali b. Abi Talib."
10. On Ahlul Bait
And with the same chain of narration, it is reported from Abul Qasim, Muhammad b.Ali, Ibn al-Hanafiyya, that the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said:
"He who does not have mercy on our young ones, and shows no reverence to our old ones and does not recognize our rights, is not from us."
11. Supplicate constantly
Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad (A.S.) said:
"Be supplicating constantly, for there is nothing like it to take you nearer (to Allah). And do not avoid asking for small matters because of its smallness, for the provider of the small is also the provider of the big."
12. Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said:
"Surely, Allah does not withdraw knowledge from the people by erasing it from their minds; rather, He does so by taking away the learned people (from among them). And when there is no learned man around, people adopt the ignorant men as their leaders, and refer their questions to these (ignorant leaders), who answer without any knowledge, thus going astray, and causing others to go astray."
13. When the Angel came to greet Ali (AS)
He said: Abu Hafs Umar b. Muhammad al-Sayrafi reported to me from Muhammad b. ldress who reported from al-Hasan b. Atiyyah who reported from a man called Israeel, from Maysarah b. Habib, from al-Minhal , from Dharr b. Jaysh, from Huzaifah who said:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, (once) said to me: "Did you see the person who presented himself to me?" I said: "Yes, O messenger of Allah." He said: "He was an angel who had never descended before this. He sought permission from Allah, Most High, to greet Ali; he was granted permission and then greeted him. And he gave me glad news that al-Hasan and al-Husain are the masters of the youths of Paradise, and Fatimah is the leading lady of all the women in Paradise."
14. Refraining from fault finding
Abu Ja'far or Abu Abdillah (AS) said:"When a servant of Allah befriends someone, under the pretense of religion, with a motive to find out his drawbacks and errors, so that he would then taunt that man, he draws himself closest to becoming an infidel."'
15. When sins multiply
Abu Abdillah, peace be upon him, said:
"When the sins of a servant of Allah multiply and grow in number, and he has nothing to expiate his sins with, Allah tests him with sorrow and grief, and thus expiate his sins."
16. The Inner self
He said: Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Umar al-Je'abi has reported to me from Abul Abbas Ahmad b. Muhammad, from Muhammad b. Salim al-Azadi, from Musa b. al-Qasim, from Muhammad b. Imran al-Bijilli who said:
I heard Abu Abdillah (AS) say: "Whoever has not been blessed by Allah with an admonishing innerself, he can derive no benefit from the admonitions of the people."
17. The status of the seeker
Muhammad b. Ja'far b. Muhammad, from his father, who reported from his grandfather that:
The Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny), said: "A learned man among the ignorant people is like a living person among the dead. And everything, including the fish, the poisonous vermins, the wild beasts and the cattle pray for the forgiveness of the one who seeks knowledge. So, seek knowledge, for surely, it is a conducive mean between you and Allah, Most High. And surely, seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim."
18. A deed performed with taqwa
Abu Abdillah (AS) that:Amirul Mo'mineen, peace be upon him, said: "A deed when performed with Taqwa (i.e. being mindful of one's duties towards Allah, and guarding oneself from sins for the fear of Allah) is not (of) less (importance). And how can that be less which has been accepted (by Allah)?"
19.Helping Ahlul Bait with one's tongue
a) al-Husain b. Zayd from Ja'far b. Muhammad (AS) from his father (AS) who said:
"Whoever helped us with his tongue, against our enemy, Allah will let him speak out his argument when he will stand before Him (i.e. on the Day of Judgement)."
b 0 al-Hasan b. Ali (AS) said:
"He who loves us with his heart, and helps us with his hands and tongue, will be with us (in Paradise) at the same lodging. And he who loves us with his heart and helps us with his tongue will be at a lower level. And he who loves us with his heart, but does not put his hand and tongue to use for us, he will be in Paradise." (i.e. in an ordinary station).
20. Illness purifies a person of his sins
Abdullah b. Muhammad b. Aqil. b. Abi Talib who said:I heard Ali b. al-Husain, Zainul Abedeen (AS) say: "A nerve (of a Mo'min) does not twitch, nor does he have a headache except because of his sins. And that which Allah forgives is much more." And whenever he saw a sick person having recovered, he would say: "May the purification from the sins do you good! Now start (good) deeds all over again
21. Two types of manly virtues
He said: Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Ali b. al-Husain reported to me from Muhammad b. al-Hasan b. al-Waleed, who reported from Muhammad b. al-Hasan al-Saffar, from Ya'qoob b. Yazeed, from Ibn Abi Umayr, from more than one source, that:
Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad (AS) said: "Manly virtues are of two types; one in the hometown and another when you are travelling. As for the virtue in the hometown, it is to recite from the Qur'an, to attend the mosques, to keep in company of good people, and to ponder over religious injunctions. And when travelling, the virtue consists of offering ones provision generously to the fellow travellers, to be cheerful without indulging in jokes which Allah dislikes, to avoid, as much as you can, going against the wishes of your companions, and not to report on them after having parted their company
22. Alms given early morning...
He said: Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Umar al-Je'abi reported to me from Abul Abbas b.Muhammad b. Saeed, who reported from Ja'far b. Abdillah, who reported from his brother Muhammad b. Abdillah, who reported from Ishaq b. Ja'far b. Muhammad, from Muhammad b. Hilal al-Mazhaji, who said:
Your father Ja'far b. Muhammad al-Sadiq (AS) told me: "When you are in (financial) need, rise early in the day, for the subsistence (Rizq) is distributed before sunrise. And Allah, Most High, has blessed this Ummah in its early hours; and give away alms in the early hour; because adversities do not follow the alms (Sadaqah)."
23. "My brothers are those who believe in me without ever having seen me" said the Prophet (SAW)
He said: Abu Hafs Umar b. Muhammad reported to me from Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad b. Ja'far al-Hasani who reported from Abu Musa Isa b. Mahran, who reported from Abu Yashkur al-Balkhi, who reported from Musa b. Ubaidah, from Muhammad b. Ka'b al-Qurzi, from Awf b. Malik, that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, once said: "How eager am I to meet my brothers." So Abu Bakr and Umar said: "Are we not your brothers? We have believed in you, and migrated with you." The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "No doubt, you have believed and migrated, yet I am eager to meet my brothers." Then he repeated the statement. Then he said: "You are my companions. But my brothers are those who will come after you have gone. They will believe in me, love me, help me, and confirm me - without ever having seen me. How I wish to meet my brothers!"
24. Benevolence & Tyranny
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Benevolence is a good turn, earning the quickest reward, and tyranny is an evil, earning quickest requital. Enough for ones blemish that one should see faults in others while condoning the same faults in oneself; or scoff at the others for an act from which he himself cannot abstain, and hurt ones companion in matters with which one has no concern."
25.Weeping for ones sins
He said: 'Abul Hasan Ahmad b. Muhammd b. al-Hasan reported to me from Abdullah b. Ja'far al-Himyari, who reported from Ahmad b. Muhammad, from Ali b. al-Hakam, from Hisham b. Salim from Abu Abdillah, peace be upon him, that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny said: "Blessed is he whom Allah finds weeping because of his sins, trembling in awe of Allah; weeping over the sins about which no one knows except himself."
26. The first to enter Paradise
Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Ali al-Baqir through his forefathers that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny said: "Paradise remains forbidden for the Prophets till I have entered in it, and remains forbidden for all the peoples till the Shias of us, Ahlul Bait have entered
27. Surprise at the heedless
He said: Abul Hasan Muhammad B. Ja'far b. Muhammad al-Kufi al-Nahwi al-Tamimi reported to me from Hisham b. Yunus al-Nahshali, who reported to me from Yahya b. Ya'la, from Hameed al-A'raj, from Abdullah b. al-Harith, from Abdullah b. Masood that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "I am surprised at the heedless person who is not without survelance; I am surprised at the one chasing the world, while death chases him; I am surprised at a person having a loud, hearty laugh, while he does not know whether Allah is pleased with him or is displeased."
28. The Love of Ali (a.s.)
He said: Abul Hasan Muhammad b. Ja'far reported to me from Hisham b. Yunus al-Nahshali, who reported from Abu Muhammad al-Ansari, who reported from Abu Bakr b. Ayyash, from Muhammad b. Shihab al-Zuhari, from Anas b. Malik, that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, looked at Ali b. Abi Talib (AS) and said: "O Ali, whoever hates you, Allah shall cause him to die the death of infidels, and on the day of Judgement, will ask him to account for his deeds also
29. Befriending for the sake of Allah
The Prophet peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Those who befriend each other for the sake of Allah, Most High, shall be resting on the pillars of ruby in the Paradise, supervising the inmates of Paradise. Whenever one of them comes forth, his splendour shall fill the houses of the people of Paradise. Then the people of the Paradise shall say: 'Let us out so that we can have a glimpse of those who befriended each other for the pleasure of Allah.' He said: "Then they will be brought out to see them. One of them will have a face like the full moon, and on their foreheads will be written: These are the people befriending each other for the sake of Allah!"
30.The four virtues of the people of Paradise
Musa b. Ja'far reported from his father through his forefathers, peace be upon them all, that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Whoever has four virtues, Allah shall write his name among the people of Paradise: One who saves oneself by testifying that there is no god but Allah and that I, Muhammad am His Messenger; and one who says: Praise be to Allah, when blessed with any bounty from Him; and one who says: I seek forgiveness from Allah, for the sin committed; and one when afflicted by any calamity, says: To Him we belong, and unto Him shall we return."
31. Who are those devotees?
He said: Abu Ubaidullah Muhammad b. Imran al-Marzbani reported to me from Muhammad b. Ahmad al-Katib, who reported from Ahmad b. Abu Khaithamah, who reported from Abdullah b. Dahir, from al-A'amash, from Abayah al-Asadi from Ibn Abbas - may Allah bless him with mercy, who said:
Amirul Mo'mineen Ali b. Ali Talib, peace be upon him, was asked about the verse in the Qu'ran: 'Surely, Allah's devotees shall have no fear, neither shall they grieve.' (Yunus V:62). He was asked: "Who are those devotees?" So, Amirul Mo'mineen, peace be upon him, said: "They are the ones who have purified themselves in His worship and have an eye on the inner core of this world while people regard its exterior; and so they have recognized its future while others have been deceived by its transitory benefits. They have forsaken all that which they know will someday forsake them and have caused to die all that they know will one day kill them."
Then he said: "O he who has distracted himself with this world and jumped at its traps, working busily to build up that which will soon be destroyed by it. Did you not see your forefathers, who are down decomposing and your descendants, thrown under the stone and earth? How you tried to treat them and cure them with your hands? The doctors prescribed for them and the relatives prayed for them. But reliance upon you, did not help them and your medicines did not have any effect upon them."
32. "Today, it is deed and no account; tomorrow, it will be account and no deeds."
He said: Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Umar al-Je'abi reported to me from al-Fadhl b. al-Habbab al-Jamhiy, who reported from Muslim b. Abdillah al-Basriy, who reported from his father, who reported from Muhammad b. Abdul Rahman al-Nahdiy, who reported from Sha'bah, from Salemah b. Kuhayl, from Habbah al-Araniy who said:
I heard Amirul Mo'mineen Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him, say: "I fear for you about two things: long ambitions and the submission to base desire. As for the long ambitions, they cause you to forget the next world; and as for obedience to your desires, they prevent you from (following) the Truth. Surely, this world passes with its back turned to you, and the next world arrives facing you. And they both have their sons. So, be the sons of the next world and do not be the sons of this world. For today, it is (your) deed and no account; and tomorrow, it will be account (for your acts) and no deeds."
33. Evil consequences of three traits one will see before death
Abu Ja'far al-Baqir Muhammad b. Ali, peace be upon him, said: "It is recorded in the book of Amirul Mo'mineen, peace be upon him: three traits are such that whoever possess them, would not die before seeing their evil consequences: injustice, breaking off with blood (womb) relations and false oath." And the quickest way to earning a reward (from Allah) is to mend the relations with your kith and kin; for these are people who transgress, but when they mend their relations with each other, their wealth grows and they become rich. And false oaths and breaking off from one's relatives turn the villages into the wastelands.
And may Allah bless our master Muhammad and his progeny, with peace and salutaions
34.O Ali . . . your enemies are the army of Satan
He said: Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Umar al-Je'abi reported to me on Monday, when five days of Shaban remained, in the year 353, from Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Abdillah b. Ali b. al-Husain b. Zayd b. Ali b. Al-Husain b. Ali Abi Talib (peace be upon him) who said: It was related to me by al-Ridha Ali b. Musa from his father Musa b. Ja'far, from his father Ja'far b. Muhammad, from his father Muhammad b. Ali, from his father Ali b. al-Husain, from his father al-Husain b. Ali from his father Amirul Mo'mineen Ali b. Abu Talib, Peace be upon them all, that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny said: "O Ali! With you (all) has Allah begun this matter (i.e. Imamat) and with you (all) shall He end it. So remain patient, for the good end is for those who guard against evil, fearing Allha. You are the army of Allah, and your enemies are the army of Satan. Blessed is he who obeys you and woe unto those who oppose you. You are the divine authority over His creation and the strong rope (of Allah). Whoever adheres to it finds true guidance, and whoever discards it, goes astray. I beseech Allah to grant you Paradise; no one precedes you in your absolute obedience to Allah, and therefore, you are worthier for it."
45.Earning an answered supplication
Once, Amirul Mo'mineen Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him heard someone abusing Qambar, and Qambar was about to answer back. So, Amirul Mo'mineen Ali, peace be upon him, called out to Qambar: "Take it easy O, Qambar! Leave the one who abuses you to be ashamed of himself, so that Allah is pleased and Satan is resentful and your adversary is punished. For, By He Who, split the grain and created the breathing man, nothing from a believer pleases His Sustainer better than forbearance; and nothing makes Satan more indignant than the silence; and the fool is best punished when totally ignored."
46. Be like a honeybee among the birds
Amirul Mo'mineen, Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him, told his followers: Be among people like a honeybee among the birds. For every quality that a bird has (like flight and speed), it considers the bee as weak; but if the birds know what blessings the bees carry in their stomach, they would not have treated them such. Mix up with the people with your tongues and your bodies (i.e. in appearance), but disassociate from them with your hearts and your deeds. Every soul shall have what it earns, and on the Day of Judgement, he will be with the one he loved."
47.Establish prayers on time
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Whoever is carefully concerned about (praying at) the exact hours of the daily prayers and about the rising and the setting (hours) of the sun, I guarantee for him peace at the time of death, relieved of all the griefs and anxieties, and salvation from the hell fire. Sometimes back, we were minding the camels, now we mind the sun."
48.Fear of Allah . . . a great security
Once, a man from Ansar fell ill, and the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, visited him when he was about to die. He (the Prophet) said: "How do you find yourself?" He said: "I see myself hopeful of my Master's mercy, fearfully concerned about my sins." So the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "On occasion like this, these two do not combine in a believer's heart, except that Allah grants him his hope and secures him from what he fears."
49.The poor shall enter the Paradise first
Abu Ja'far, peace be upon him, said: "The poor faithfuls shall be moving about in the gardens of Paradise for forty years before the rich faithfuls reach there." Then he said: "I will give you an example. It is just like two ships passing by a tax collector. He sees one and finds nothing in it, so he allows it to pass by swiftly. Then he looks into the other, and finds it loaded fully. So he stops it."
50. Do not pry on the faults of the believers and do not revile the Muslims
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "O those who have submitted with their tongues, but their faith has not reached their hearts, do not pry on the faults of the believers and do not revile the Muslims. Surely, he who goes in search for the faults of the believers, Allah will pry on his faults; and when Allah does that, He exposes him in the inner most part of his house."
51.Believer's tears in the fear of Allah
Abu Ja'far al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said: "There is no eye that gets filled with tears due to the fear of Allah, except that Allah saves its whole body from hell fire; and the cheeks upon which the tears stream down, shall have neither gloom nor disgrace overspreading the face; and every good deed has a fixed weight and reward, except the tears which flow due to the fear of Allah, for with every drop, Allah shall put out oceans of fire of the Day of Judgement. Surely, when one person among a group of Muslim people (i.e. Ummah) weeps with the fear of Allah, He blesses that whole Ummah with mercy because of that believer's tears."
52. The two most firm bonds of faith
Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad al-Sadiq, peace be upon him said: "Among the most firm bonds of faith is that you love for the sake of Allah, and hate for the sake of Allah. And you give away for the sake of Allah, and refuse to give for the sake of Allah."
53.Ask me before you miss me. . ." Ali (AS)
He said: Abul Hasan Ali b. Bilal al-Mahlabi reported to me from Ali b. Abdillah b. Asad al-Isfehani, who reported from Ibrahim b. Muhammad al-Thaqafi, who reported from al-Qannad, who reported from Ali b. Hashim, from his father, from Saeed b. al-Musayyib who said:
I heard Amirul Mo'mineen Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him, say: "There is no verse between the two covers of the Qur'an, except that I know for whom it was revealed and when it was revealed, and whether on a plain, levelled land or upon a mountain. Surely, here in my breast is abundant knowledge! So, put your questions to me before you do not find me among yourselves, for when you have lost me, you will not find anyone uttering the words I utter."
54. No good is too much, no evil too little
I heard Abul Hasan Musa b. Ja'far, peace be upon him, say: "Do not regard your good deeds as too many, and do not consider your sins as too few. Surely, sometimes those little lapses gather together to become many. And be mindful (fearful) of Allah, Most High, in your privacy, so that you are granted to treat yourselves justly. And hasten towards obedience to Allah, and be truthful in your speech, and return the deposits held by you to the rightful owner. These traits are good for you; and do not get involved in things which are not legitimate for they will do you harm!"
55. Quickest evil consequences
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "The quickest evil consequence is for a man to whom you do a good turn and he pays you back by evil deeds; and a man with whom you have entered into a covenant wishing to fulfil it, while he intends to deceive you; and a person to who you are not insolent, but he persists in his insolence against you; and a person with whom you mend your blood relationship but he cuts you off."
56. Avoid being vulgar
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Whenever there is any vulgarity in any affair, it does not leave it without being tarnished; and whenever there is bashfulness in any matter, it does not leave it without being adorned."
57. Seek provision from halaal
Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad (peace be upon him) told me: "Do not abandon seeking your subsistence from its legitimate sources, for that helps you remain on your faith. And fasten your camel (first), and then entrust (it to) Allah."'
58. When prayers are not blessed
Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "Allah does not bless the prayers with acceptance from three persons: From a slave who has escaped from his masters, till he returns and places his hand in their hands; from an Imam who leads people (in prayers) while they hate him; from a wife who passes a night while her husband is displeased with her."
59. Weeping for the sufferings of Ahlul Bait
I heard Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, say: "Whoever sheds a tear over our spilled blood, or over our usurped rights, or over the dishonour we have suffered, or any of our followers has suffered, such a person shall be blessed by Allah, Most High, in paradise for a long period of time."
60.Never humiliate . . .
Abu Abdillah, peace be upon him, asked me: "O Ishaq, how do you dispose of the zakat or your wealth, when ready?" I said: "People come to my house and I give them." He said: "I find that you are humiliating the believers. Be cautious! For Allah says: Whoever humiliates my righteous servants, he has indeed prepared himself to confront me."
61.Al-Sadiq (AS) explains momin's experience after death
I was with Abu Abdillah, peace be upon him, when discussion about a Mo'min and his rights took place. Abu Abdillah, peace be upon him, turned to me and said: "O Abu al-Fadhl, may I not tell you about the status of a Mo'min in the estimation of Allah?" I said: "Yes, do enlighten me, may I be your ransom!"
He said: "When a Mo'min dies, his soul is taken up to the heaven by its angels, who say: O Sustainer, here is Your servant and what a good servant!" Allah Almighty says: "Descend to the earth near his grave and continue to laud and magnify My name, confirming My Oneness and My Greatness and write the reward for My servant till I resurrect him from his grave."
Then he said: "May I tell you more?" I said: "Yes." He said: "When Allah will resurrect a believer from his grave, together with him will be an image who will lead him. Whenever the believer will see anything frightful from the frightful aspects of the Day of Judgement, the image will solace him by saying: 'Do not be anxious, nor distressed. Have good tidings and honour from Allah, Most High.' And it continues to give tidings of delight and honour, till he stands before Allah to account for his deeds; and he shall have a lenient reckoning. Then He orders him to enter the Paradise, with the image in front of him. Then the believer shall say to the image: 'May Allah bless you with mercy, you have been a good company emanating from my grave, giving me good tidings of delight and honour from Allah, Most High; till it transpired to be that way. So, who are you?' The image will say: 'I am the delight and joy, which you caused to your believing brother on earth. Allah has created me thus from that gesture, so that I may give you good tidings.'"
62. The best virtues
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, in his address to the people, said: "May I not inform you about the best virtues in this world and the next? (They are): to forgive one who wronged you, to make amends with the kins who severed relations with you, to oblige one who harmed you, to give to one who refused you. And (remember), hatred and mutual enmity is a remover, and I do not mean a remover (shaver) of hair; but a remover of faith."
63.Enjoin good and forbid evil
And wilt the preceding chains of narration from Ali b. Mahzyar, from Ali b. Hadeed, from Ali b. al-No'man, from Ibn Maskan, from Dawood b. Farqad, from Abu Saeed al-Zohari, from one the two (Imams), peace be upon them, who said:
"Woe to the people who do not make it their habit to enjoin good and forbid evil." And then he said: "Whoever professes 'there is no God but Allah, his utterance does not enter the kingdom of Heaven, till it is supplemented by one good deed. And he who seeks to be godly while lending strength to the untruth, such a man has no religion. Similarly, he who is subservient to a tyrant, has no religion." Then he said: "Every community has been distracted by rivalry for worldly gain and abundance, till they visited the graves."
64. Beware of Allah's dominance
I heard Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, say: "Beware of the dominant power of Allah, during the night and during the day." I asked: "What is that dominant power?" He said: "When He seizes you for the sins."
65. Living with the believers and non-believers
And with the preceding chains of narration from Ali b. Mahzyar, from al-Hasan b. Mahboob, from Muhammad b. Sinan, from al-Husain b. Mas'ab, from Sa'd b. Turaif, from:
Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Ali, peace be upon both, who said: "(Even) if you meet a hypocrite, talk to him agreeably, and if you meet a believer, then your love for him should be sincere. And (even) if a Jew sits next to you, treat him well."
66. Convey the knowledge of fiqh
And with the preceding chains of narration, from Ali b. Mahzyar, from Muhammad b. Ismail, from Mansur b. Yunus, from Abu Khalid al-Qammat, from Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon both, that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, addressed the people at Mina, saying: "May Allah bless the servant who heard my utterances and heeded them; and conveyed to those who had not heard them. How often a person carries knowledge without he himself being learned about it, and how often does a man carry knowledge to the one who knows better than him!
There are three things over which a Mo'min's heart will never commit a breach of the trust: Purifying the deeds solely for the sake of Allah; following the Imams of the Muslims faithfully and remaining steadfast in their groups. Their call itself protects them from all sides. The believers are brothers to each other, defending their blood; and they act as one, single hand against the enemies. And even the smallest of them tries best to fulfil his responsibility."
66.Avoid fame
And with the foregoing chains of narration from Ali b. Mahzyar, from Ibn Abi Najran, from al-Hasan b. Bahr, from Furat b. Ahnaf, from one of the companions of Amirul Mo'mineen, Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him, who said:
"Be among the commoner, inconspicuous people and do not make yourself noticeable; conceal yourself so that you are neither mentioned nor known. Guard your secret, maintain silence and you will remain in peace." Then he pointed towards his chest and said: "Thus, you will please the virtuous and raise the anger of the impious."
67. Be ready to forgive
And with the first chain of narration from Ali b. Mahzyar, from al-Hasan b. Ali b. Faddhal, who said:
I heard Abul Hassan (i.e. Ali b. Musa al-Ridha) peace be upon him say:
"Never did the two warring factions meet to fight except that Allah helped the one which is more forgiving."
68. Man knows best of himself
He said: Abul Hasan Ahmad b. Muhammad b. al-Hasan reported to me from his father, from Muhammad b. al-Hasan al-Saffar, from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Isa, from Yunus b. Abdul Rahman, from Muhammad b. Yaseen, who said:
I heard Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon both, say: "No benefit is derived by a slave of Allah who makes a show of being good, while inwardly he is vicious and evil. Does his inner self not tell him that he is not what he pretends to be? And (also), Allah, Most High, says (in the Qu'ran): 'Rather, man has a keen insight of himself' (Ch.75:V.14). Surely, when the inner self of a person is reformed, his external self gains strength."
May Allah bless our master Muhammad, the Prophet of Makkan origin and upon his pure progeny, and salutations.
89. Do not waste your time idly
He said: Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Ali b. al-Husain reported to me from Muhammad b. Ali Majeelawayah, who reported from Ali b. Ibrahim, from his father, from Muhammad b. Abu Umair, from Muawiyah b. Ammar, that:
Abu Abdillah, peace be upon him, said: There was an idle man in Madinah whose jokes caused laughter among the people. Once, pointing at Ali b. al-Husain, peace be upon him, he said: "This man has indeed fatigued me, for nothing from my talks makes him laugh. I must do some contrivance to make him laugh."
Then one day, as Ali b. al-Husain, peace be upon him, was passing by, accompanied by his two attendants, that jester came and pulled his (Ali b. al-Husain's) cloak from behind his back. The attendants followed and retrieved the cloak from him and laid it back on Ali b. al-Husain's shoulders, while he was quite composed, his glance cast on the ground.
Then he asked his attendants: "Who is he?" They said: "He is an idle jester, causes people of Madinah to laugh by his pranks and jokes, and thus earn his livelihood."
He said: "Tell him: 'Woe unto you! For Allah, there is a fixed Day on which the idle, vain doers will be in loss."
And may Allah bless our master Muhammad and his progeny, and send unto him salutations.
90. Three great sins
He said: Abu Fahs Umar b. Muhammad b. Ali al-Zayyat reported to me from Ubaidullah b. Ja'far b. Muhammad b. A'ayan, who reported from Mas'ar b. Yahya al-Nahdiy, who reported from Sharik b. Abdillah al-Qadhi, who reported from Abu Ishaq al-Hamdaniy, from his father, from Amirul Mo'mineen, Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him, that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Three sins lead to immediate punishment and are not deferred till hereafter:- incurring displeasure of the parents, tyranny over the people, and denying the divine bounties (by abusing them)."
91. Hatred of Ahlul Bait leads to hell
He said: Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Umar al-Je'abi reported to me from Abdul Karim ibn Muhammad, who reported from Sahl b. Zanjalah al-Razi, who reported from ibn Abi Uways, who reported from his father, who reported from Hamid b. Qais, from Ata from Ibn Abbas, who reported that:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "O Children of Abdul Muttalib! I have beseeched Allah to convert the ignorant among you into learned men, and to make you steadfast in your stand, and to guide those of you who are gone astray; and to make you brave, generous and kind. By Allah, if a person were to offer prayers between al-Rukn and al-Maqam (around holy Ka'bah), but at the same time die with hatred towards you, O Ahlul Bait, such a person will enter hellfire."
92.A Hyprocrite
He said: Abul Hasan Ali b. Khalid al-Maraghi reported to me from Abul Qasim al-Hasan b. Ali, from Ja'far b. Muhammad b. Marwan, from his father who reported from Ahmad b. Isa, who reported from Muhammad b. Ja'far, from his father Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, from his forefathers, peace be upon them all, who said:
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "Two traits never go together in a hypocrite: the (true) learning about Islam, and the distinct feature (of nobility) in the face."
May Allah bless our master Muhammad and his progeny.
93.Your brother is your responsibility
He said: Abul Hasan Ali b. Muhammad al-Katib reported to me from Abul Qasim Yahya b. Zakariyya al-Katanji, who reported from Abu Hashim Dawood b. al-Qasim al-Ja'fari, may Allah bless him with mercy, who said:
I heard al-Ridha Ali b. Musa saying: Once Amirul Mo'mineen, peace be upon him, told Kumail b. Ziyad during his discourse: "Your brother is your religion (his welfare is your religious responsibility) so be cautious of your religion in what you desire (for him)."
And all praise for Allah, the Lord of the Universe. And may Allah bless our master Muhammad and his progeny.
94 .Ali's love . . . an obligation
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "O people, love Ali because his flesh is my flesh, his blood is my blood. May Allah curse those people who have reneged from the covenant with me about him, and forgotten my parting counsel about him; and they have no share (of blessings) from Allah."
95.People will be called by their mother's names
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said to Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him: "May I not give you glad news? May I not award you?" He said: "Yes, O messenger of Allah." He (i.e. the Prophet) said: "Surely, I and you are created from one clay, and from what remained, our Shias were created. When the Day of Reckoning will dawn, all people will be called by their mother's names, except your Shias, who will be called by the names of their fathers, confirming their legitimacy."
96. The most helpless man
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said: "The most helpless person is the one who renders himself unable to supplicate (to Allah), and the most niggardly is the one who is miserly with greeting in salaam."
97.Hope from none but Allah
Ali b. Muhammad al-Qasani, from al-Isfehani, from al-Minqari, from Hafs b. Ghiyath al-Qadhi, who said:
I heard Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, say: "When anyone of you wishes that Allah grants him whatever he asks for, then he should despair of receiving anything from men; and he should pin hope on none but Allah, Most High. When Allah knows that from his heart, He grants him all his wishes." He said: "Take account of yourselves (by introspection) before you are called upon to do so, for the place on the Day of Resurrection has fifty stations, each one has a stay of one thousand years." Then he recited the verse: '... one day the duration of which is fifty thousand years.' (70:4).
98.Refrain from Jealousy
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, one day said to his companions: "Be it known that an evil from the bygone people has crept into you, and that is envy and jealousy. It does not shave off the hair, it shaves off the faith. A man can save himself from that if one controls his hands, spares his speech and does not slander his Mo'min brother."
And may Allah bless our master, Muhammad, the Prophet and his pure progeny.
99.Allah hates a person who is unsteady and fickle
He said: Abul Hasan Ali b. Ahmad b. Ibrahim al-Katib reported to me from Abu Ali Muhammad b. Hammam al-Iskafi, who reported from Abdullah b. Ja'far al-Himyari, who reported from Ahmad b. Abu Abdillah al-Barqi, who reported from al-Qasim b. Yahya, from his grandfather al-Hasan b. Rashid, from Muhammad b. Muslim who reported that:
Abu Abdillah peace be upon him, said: "Be it known to you that Allah hates a person who is unsteady and fickle. Never slip away from the truth and its partisans. Whoever, rules and oppresses with the aid of untruth, and his people shall perish, and shall lose (all that he may have gained from) this world, and leave the world low and humbled."
100.Illness purifies a person of his sins
He said: Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Umar b. Salim al-Je'abi reported to me from Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad al-Hasani, who reported from al-Fadl b. al-Qasim, who reported from his father, from his grandfather, who reported from his father, that Abdullah b. Muhammad b. Aqil. b. Abi Talib who said:
I heard Ali b. al-Husain, Zainul Abedeen (AS) say: "A nerve (of a Mo'min) does not twitch, nor does he have a headache except because of his sins. And that which Allah forgives is much more." And whenever he saw a sick person having recovered, he would say: "May the purification from the sins do you good! Now start (good) deeds all over again."
Adopting ignorant leaders
He said: Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Umar al-Je'abi reported from Abdullah b. Ishaq, who reported from Ishaq b. Ibrahim al-Baghvi, who reported from Abu Qatan, who reported from Hisham al-Dastwai, from Yahya b. Abu Katheer, from Urwah, from Abdullah b. Umar that the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said:
"Surely, Allah does not withdraw knowledge from the people by erasing it from their minds; rather, He does so by taking away the learned people (from among them). And when there is no learned man around, people adopt the ignorant men as their leaders, and refer their questions to these (ignorant leaders), who answer without any knowledge, thus going astray, and causing others to go astray."
| Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and Justice | for everyone |
Irrespective of their sects, Muslims through out the world believe that, “When Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will establish his government, peace, brotherhood, equality, justice and eq uity will spread to every nook and corner of the world. He will rescue the oppressed ones from the hands of the tyrants. And everybody will enjoy the bounties of the nature equally. He will establish such a government which will be free from all tyranny and evil. It will be free from war and bloodshed.”
For, the aim of rising of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will be to establish peace and equity.
Holy Quran in different ways and at different places has prophesied that the pious and the weak will be the inheritors of this world. In other articles we have discussed the verses in detail.
Traditions about Justice:
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in a very comprehensive and eloquent way has prophesied about the Justice of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). He says
“Allah will raise a man from my progeny. He will fill the earth with justice and equity as it would be filled with tyranny and oppression.”
Holy Quran in different ways and at different places has prophesied that the pious and the weak will be the inheritors of this world. In other articles we have discussed the verses in detail.
Traditions about Justice:
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in a very comprehensive and eloquent way has prophesied about the Justice of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). He says
“Allah will raise a man from my progeny. He will fill the earth with justice and equity as it would be filled with tyranny and oppression.”
In the initial part of this tradition he (s.a.w.a.) has assured us that before the world comes to end, it will be filled with equity and justice.
Cause of Expedience A few questions may arise in our minds “Why is Allah delaying the establishment of a government of peace and justice? Why did He not set up a universal, just government right from day one? Why was the earth not filled with peace and justice in the times of the previous 13 infallibles? Why is this char acteristic ascribed only to Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)? Why did Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) have to
prophesize this (just government) for the last period of the world
before answering the question, it is necessary to state that peace and justice is such a thing, that every human being loves it and strives to establish it. And the one who achieves peace and justice is the most liked person. If this characteristic is found in a governor or a leader or in his government, then such a person is considered as reliable and liked by all. This is because the love for peace and jus tice lies in the innate nature of man.
If we analyze human history, we will come to this conclusion, that despite liking peace and justice, till today, there is not a single instance of a leader, during whose rule this world was filled with peace and justice. Yes for a short span of time within some limits, Prophet Sulaiman (a.s.)’s kingdom was an example of peace and equality. It has been mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Saba, Surah Nisa, Surah Ambiya, Surah Naml, etc. that all the crea tures including animals and birds, were sub missive to him. Whatever he wished, like constructing a palace, masjid or cooking food, was done by the jinns before the batting of an eyelid. But even in his period, one cannot say that there was total justice and peace in the world.
Now let us try to understand why the Almighty has kept the just and equitable government for the last period of time.
Cause of Expedience A few questions may arise in our minds “Why is Allah delaying the establishment of a government of peace and justice? Why did He not set up a universal, just government right from day one? Why was the earth not filled with peace and justice in the times of the previous 13 infallibles? Why is this char acteristic ascribed only to Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)? Why did Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) have to
prophesize this (just government) for the last period of the world
before answering the question, it is necessary to state that peace and justice is such a thing, that every human being loves it and strives to establish it. And the one who achieves peace and justice is the most liked person. If this characteristic is found in a governor or a leader or in his government, then such a person is considered as reliable and liked by all. This is because the love for peace and jus tice lies in the innate nature of man.
If we analyze human history, we will come to this conclusion, that despite liking peace and justice, till today, there is not a single instance of a leader, during whose rule this world was filled with peace and justice. Yes for a short span of time within some limits, Prophet Sulaiman (a.s.)’s kingdom was an example of peace and equality. It has been mentioned in the Holy Quran in Surah Saba, Surah Nisa, Surah Ambiya, Surah Naml, etc. that all the crea tures including animals and birds, were sub missive to him. Whatever he wished, like constructing a palace, masjid or cooking food, was done by the jinns before the batting of an eyelid. But even in his period, one cannot say that there was total justice and peace in the world.
Now let us try to understand why the Almighty has kept the just and equitable government for the last period of time.
Imam Baqir (a.s.) remarked, “Our govern ment is the final government. No family will remain who has not ruled the world. But their rule shall be prior to ours. This is because they should not have a chance to say after seeing our government and principles, that if we had the opportunity, we too would have ruled the world in the same way. And this is the meaning of Allah’s words, ‘The end is for those who fear (Allah)’.”
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 332)
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 332)
Justice for Name’s Sake Our discussion revolves around the fact that justice is in the nature of man. Yet, we find that human beings are generally inclined towards injustice. In the present world, justice and equity is for name’s sake. Very few people act with justice. Every group is busy in securing its own ends and even goes to the extent of trampling upon the rights of others. Even religious groups are not free from such defects. The unjust people propagate the name of justice and equity for their personal motives and the ordinary people are hoodwinked by their deceit.
We shall explain in brief the meaning of justice and then examine the Justice of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) in the light of the traditions.
The Meaning of Justice The opposite of justice is oppression. Hence we can understand the complete justice of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) only when we have fully realized the extreme limits of oppression. The traditions quoted by us in the beginning also state that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will fill the earth with justice and equity just like it would be overflowing with injustice and oppression (before him). Thus the vision of justice is based upon the eradication of oppression.
List of Oppressions It is a very long list. It is not possible to mention each and every type of oppression in this article. However, we shall brief some of the types of injustices that will be eradi cated after the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).
Polytheism – a great injustice “Certainly, polytheism is a great injustice.”
(Surah Luqman, Verse 13)
The Meaning of Justice The opposite of justice is oppression. Hence we can understand the complete justice of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) only when we have fully realized the extreme limits of oppression. The traditions quoted by us in the beginning also state that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will fill the earth with justice and equity just like it would be overflowing with injustice and oppression (before him). Thus the vision of justice is based upon the eradication of oppression.
List of Oppressions It is a very long list. It is not possible to mention each and every type of oppression in this article. However, we shall brief some of the types of injustices that will be eradi cated after the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).
Polytheism – a great injustice “Certainly, polytheism is a great injustice.”
(Surah Luqman, Verse 13)
It is said that injustice implies keeping a thing in the wrong place. To consider Allah in any position other than His actual position is injustice.
Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) will destroy the foundations of polytheism and satan worship. The entire world will become a cradle of La Ilaha Illallah (There is no God except Allah).
The Almighty Allah has thus stated, “All the creatures of the heavens and the earth obey Allah willingly or unwillingly and to Him they shall
return.” (Surah Ale Imran, Verse 83)
The actualization of this verse will be achieved during the time of imam Mahdi (a.s.). He (a.s.) will destroy the greatest injustice i.e. polytheism and there will be no religion except the true religion of Allah. Allah will fulfill His promise through the reappear ance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
what Is Justice? Since the topic of discussion is the justice of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), we must comprehend the actual concept of ‘justice’ and its distinguish ing features. Only then can we see if those characteristics are to be found in the govern ment of Imam Mahdi
(a.s.).
The author of Misbahul Lughat (Arabic Urdu dictionary) has mentioned that the meaning of justice is “moderation in affairs”, “equity”, “to be
straight”.
Similarly the author of Al Munjid has defined justice to be the opposite of oppression. In the same way, the Arabic English Dictionary of J.M. Cowans mentions the equivalents of justice as straightness, straightforwardness, impartiality equitableness, fairness, honesty, uprightness, probity, etc.
Thus we can say that all the litterateurs have equated justice with the above qualities.
The traditions also compare the mission of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) to the perfect conditions of justice, equity and peace.
Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) will destroy the foundations of polytheism and satan worship. The entire world will become a cradle of La Ilaha Illallah (There is no God except Allah).
The Almighty Allah has thus stated, “All the creatures of the heavens and the earth obey Allah willingly or unwillingly and to Him they shall
return.” (Surah Ale Imran, Verse 83)
The actualization of this verse will be achieved during the time of imam Mahdi (a.s.). He (a.s.) will destroy the greatest injustice i.e. polytheism and there will be no religion except the true religion of Allah. Allah will fulfill His promise through the reappear ance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
what Is Justice? Since the topic of discussion is the justice of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), we must comprehend the actual concept of ‘justice’ and its distinguish ing features. Only then can we see if those characteristics are to be found in the govern ment of Imam Mahdi
(a.s.).
The author of Misbahul Lughat (Arabic Urdu dictionary) has mentioned that the meaning of justice is “moderation in affairs”, “equity”, “to be
straight”.
Similarly the author of Al Munjid has defined justice to be the opposite of oppression. In the same way, the Arabic English Dictionary of J.M. Cowans mentions the equivalents of justice as straightness, straightforwardness, impartiality equitableness, fairness, honesty, uprightness, probity, etc.
Thus we can say that all the litterateurs have equated justice with the above qualities.
The traditions also compare the mission of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) to the perfect conditions of justice, equity and peace.
Let us now examine some of the traditions:
Allamah Mohsin Amin (r.a.) has quoted from the Sahih of Muslim that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: “Listen to the good news of your Mahdi (a.s.) }’s advent… He will fill the earth with justice and equity like it would be full of injustice and oppression. The creatures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with him. He will distribute wealth equitably.”
(Ayaanush Shiah)
Allamah Mohsin Amin (r.a.) has quoted from the Sahih of Muslim that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: “Listen to the good news of your Mahdi (a.s.) }’s advent… He will fill the earth with justice and equity like it would be full of injustice and oppression. The creatures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with him. He will distribute wealth equitably.”
(Ayaanush Shiah)
A person inquired from the Prophet (saw) as to what is meant by equi table dis tributionof wealth. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) replied, “To deal with the people justly.”
Explanation: “The crea tures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with him.” Those people or that government which is impartial and absolutely just will deserve the love and admiration of all the creatures. On the other hand, people are dissatisfied even if there is little inequality and partiality. It is natural to oppose injustice. Since the government and its behavior is to be perfectly just, all the people will be pleased with him.”
(Ibid., Part 4, p. 119)
In another tradition, Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says “When the Qaem rises, he will establish his government on the foundations of justice. Injustice and oppression will be eradicated during his tenure. The roads will be completely safe; the earth will throw out its bounties. The rights shall be restored to their owners. At this time, the earth will throw out its treasures and manifest its bounties. It will not be possible for you to find a needy person whom you can pay charity.”
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 338;
Aayanush Shia, Part 4, pg. 348; Kashful Ghumma, vol. 3, pg. 255)
(Note: Poverty, deprivation and lack of wealth are not due to any deficiency. They are due to the injustice and oppression, trampling of the rights and the destruction of wealth. Poverty results from the injustice of the oppressors when they subdue their weak fellowmen.)
Thus the tradition emphasizes that the earth will give out its underground treasures and bounties. It indicates that during the time of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) there will not be any shortages. Thus the question of theft and burglary does not arise. The unjust and the oppressive people will be eliminated by Imam (a.s.). And as we have seen in the previous tradition, “All the crea tures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with Hazrat (a.s.).” This proves beyond doubt
that the principles of justice will be in com plete force. Otherwise it is not possible to please every creature at one and the same time.
A Glimpse Of Hazrat (a.s.)’s Time Allamah Majlisi (r.a.) has quoted from “Khisaal” of Sheikh Saduq (r.a.) that Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said, “The Almighty Allah initiated, the religion through us and, He will conclude it through us. He will provide every thing through us and give life to whomsoever he likes (through us). He will remove the difficulties of the times through us and cause rainfall. Then do not be arrogant and do not move away from Allah. Our Qaim will rise and the rains will descend from the sky. And the earth will throw out the minerals. How submissive they would be to the hearts of Allah’s creatures. The wild animals will inhabit together without violence. Even if a woman travels alone from Iraq to Syria , she will be safe enough to halt at any place. She may carry her jewelry over her head but none will dare to loot her. (There will be no robberies). No wild animal will attack her. She will have no fear of them.”
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 316)
Based on these principles of justice and equity the following developments shall take place:
Complete eradication of difficulties Increase in bounties and general pros perity Hearts free from malice and enmity Women can travel alone in perfect safety. There will be no robberies and thefts.
Explanation: “The crea tures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with him.” Those people or that government which is impartial and absolutely just will deserve the love and admiration of all the creatures. On the other hand, people are dissatisfied even if there is little inequality and partiality. It is natural to oppose injustice. Since the government and its behavior is to be perfectly just, all the people will be pleased with him.”
(Ibid., Part 4, p. 119)
In another tradition, Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says “When the Qaem rises, he will establish his government on the foundations of justice. Injustice and oppression will be eradicated during his tenure. The roads will be completely safe; the earth will throw out its bounties. The rights shall be restored to their owners. At this time, the earth will throw out its treasures and manifest its bounties. It will not be possible for you to find a needy person whom you can pay charity.”
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 338;
Aayanush Shia, Part 4, pg. 348; Kashful Ghumma, vol. 3, pg. 255)
(Note: Poverty, deprivation and lack of wealth are not due to any deficiency. They are due to the injustice and oppression, trampling of the rights and the destruction of wealth. Poverty results from the injustice of the oppressors when they subdue their weak fellowmen.)
Thus the tradition emphasizes that the earth will give out its underground treasures and bounties. It indicates that during the time of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) there will not be any shortages. Thus the question of theft and burglary does not arise. The unjust and the oppressive people will be eliminated by Imam (a.s.). And as we have seen in the previous tradition, “All the crea tures of the earth and the sky will be pleased with Hazrat (a.s.).” This proves beyond doubt
that the principles of justice will be in com plete force. Otherwise it is not possible to please every creature at one and the same time.
A Glimpse Of Hazrat (a.s.)’s Time Allamah Majlisi (r.a.) has quoted from “Khisaal” of Sheikh Saduq (r.a.) that Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) said, “The Almighty Allah initiated, the religion through us and, He will conclude it through us. He will provide every thing through us and give life to whomsoever he likes (through us). He will remove the difficulties of the times through us and cause rainfall. Then do not be arrogant and do not move away from Allah. Our Qaim will rise and the rains will descend from the sky. And the earth will throw out the minerals. How submissive they would be to the hearts of Allah’s creatures. The wild animals will inhabit together without violence. Even if a woman travels alone from Iraq to Syria , she will be safe enough to halt at any place. She may carry her jewelry over her head but none will dare to loot her. (There will be no robberies). No wild animal will attack her. She will have no fear of them.”
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 316)
Based on these principles of justice and equity the following developments shall take place:
Complete eradication of difficulties Increase in bounties and general pros perity Hearts free from malice and enmity Women can travel alone in perfect safety. There will be no robberies and thefts.
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has repeated this Divine Promise on numerous occasions. Con sequently,most of the scholars have recorded the following tradition among the reports concerning the advent of Mahdi (a.s.).
“He will fill the earth with justice and equity like it would be replete with injustice and oppression.”
The majority of the scholars have narrated this tradition on Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Every Muslim visualizes him as a universal reformer who will bestow abso lute peace to the world of turmoil.
“He will fill the earth with justice and equity like it would be replete with injustice and oppression.”
The majority of the scholars have narrated this tradition on Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Every Muslim visualizes him as a universal reformer who will bestow abso lute peace to the world of turmoil.
The Holy Imams (a.s.) have stressed on more invocations for his re appearance and also mentioned the following characteristics in other supplications, O Allah! manifest Justice by him and assure a prolonged existence for the earth.”
“And manifest the justice through him and fill the earth with justice. O Allah! fill the earth with justice and equity like it is brimming with injustice and oppression.”
(Majmua Adeeya wa Ziaraat, p. 126)
May Allah bestow on us the divine oppor tunity to pray for the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).
(Majmua Adeeya wa Ziaraat, p. 126)
May Allah bestow on us the divine oppor tunity to pray for the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).
| The Lights of Lights- IMAM AL-MAHDI (A.T.F.S.) | for everyone |
In one of thetradition it is narrated:
‘And Hujjat was sparkling brilliantly among them like a radiant star.’
(Al-Jawaherul Saniyya, pg. 216-217, 220)
Over here, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is compared to the splendor of a brilliant star.
The halo of light
In yet another tradition, the same point is conveyed with a slightly different perspective. The initial portions of the tradition are more or less similar. After the mention of the 11 Imams (a.s.), the 12th Imam (a.t.f.s.) is described in the following manner:
‘And the Mahdi was surrounded by an aura of brilliance. All the Imams were praying namaz, while Mahdi was in the position of Qiyaam (upright position). Among the Imams he was shining brightly. Then He (Allah) said O Muhammad! These are My Proofs and he (Qaim) is the one who will avenge your progeny. I swear by My Power and Might, for My Friends he is the absolute evidence and for My enemies he is the nemesis.’
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 36, pg. 216-217, tradition 18)
There are several traditions of this nature highlighting the same concept. In this regard, following points are worth enumeration.
1) Before arriving on the earth, the Imams (a.s.) were in the celestial heavens in the form of light.
2) They were busy in worshipping Allah.
3) In the night of Meraj, Allah showed the Imams (a.s.) to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).
4) From the entire creation, Allah chose the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Hazrat Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) for prophethood and Imamat respectively.
5) Allah loved Prophet Muhammad so much that His Name will never be mentioned in isolation, whenever and wherever His Name will be mentioned; the name of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) will also be mentioned.
6) Allah loved Imam Ali (a.s.) so much that He gave him His own name.
7) The reward for worship will be on the basis of belief in the Imamat and Wilayat of these divine personalities..
Whoever will deny their mastership, none of his action will not be accepted by Allah
9) Imam Mahdi’s (a.t.f.s.) upright position (Qiyaam) in the state of worship (at the time of Meraj) is symbolic of his universal uprising and revolution.
10) Among the brilliance of all Imams (a.s.), his was the most striking, which means that he had a special status. Perhaps for this reason, whenever Imam Reza (a.s.) heard the title of Al Qaim, while referring to the 12th Imam, he used to rise and place his hand on the head. He did this while he was not even born. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is the dearest creation of Allah, he is also named Habeeb (the beloved). Allah commands his most beloved servant – O Muhammad! Befriend him and be affectionate towards him because I Myself am fond of him and will love him who will hold him dear.
11) While Quran says:
‘If you love Allah then emulate me, Allah will love you and hold you dear.’
(Surah Aale Imran, Verse 31)
If the people will follow the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) then Allah will love them and forgive their sins. If the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) loves Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) then Allah will love him (s.a.w.a.) even more.
12) Allah will avenge the progeny of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) through Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) and retaliate against His own enemies through him.
The avenger of the blood of Imam Husain (a.s.)
The martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.) is such a distressing event that it has left the whole universe in a state of gloom and misery. Some of the venerable scholars have termed Ziarat-e-Ashoora to be Hadith Qudsi. This sacred Ziarat has the following statements in it: ‘O Abu Abdillah! Certainly the calamity that struck us is too colossal and unbearable. Your afflictions are too excruciating for us and for the entire Islamic nation. This distressing pain is devastating for the skies and all its inhabitants.’ (Ziarat-e-Ashoora)
In another Ziarat it is said: ‘I bear witness that your sacred blood was placed in heaven which shook the shadow of Arsh. The entire creation grieved and wept on it-all the seven heavens wept as also the seven layers of earth. And all those who are in between the heavens and the earth wept .’
(Mafatihul Jenaan, pg. 423)
The tragic martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.) has engulfed the whole universe in grief and every particle of the universe is pained by it. The angels were deeply affected by Imam Husain’s (a.s.) killing and to date they have not recovered from the shock. Abu Hamza Saabit b. Deenar Somali has related the following tradition from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.).
Imam (a.s.) narrates, ‘The angels screamed at the killing of Imam Husain (a.s.)and mourned him aloud and beseeched Allah, ‘O our Lord and our Master, will you spare those who killed the chosen one of your chosen ones.’Then Allah revealed to the angels, ‘O My Angels be patient, I swear by My Might and Power, I shall definitely take revenge from them even if it is after a delay.’ Then Allah unveiled the holy lights of the Imams (a.s.) who
were about to descend from the offspring of Imam Husain (a.s.). The angels were pleased at the sight of the Imams (a.s.). One of the Imams (a.s.) was in
standing position. Allah informed, ‘Through this upright one (Qaim) I will take revenge from them (killers of Imam Husain (a.s.)).’
were about to descend from the offspring of Imam Husain (a.s.). The angels were pleased at the sight of the Imams (a.s.). One of the Imams (a.s.) was in
standing position. Allah informed, ‘Through this upright one (Qaim) I will take revenge from them (killers of Imam Husain (a.s.)).’
(Al-Jawaherul Saniyya, pg. 19)
These are the phrases from Hadise Qudsi that Allah will exact the revenge of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) blood through Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). This has been explained clearly in Ziarate Ashoora. It is not out of place to reiterate that Ziarate Ashoora is regarded as Hadise Qudsi, which means that it is a divine concept expressed in the Prophet’s language. ‘So I supplicate Allah, the One who gave you exalted position and due to you raise my status. Then grant me so that I can avenge your blood along with the Imam, who is divinely helped and is from the Ahlul Bait of your prophet, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.)…and assist me to seek revenge for your blood along with the rightly guided Imam when he appears, proclaiming the truth from your family…’
(Ziarate Ashoora)
The significance of revenge for the blood for Imam Husain (a.s.) is of paramount importance so much so that it has been mentioned twice in Ziarate Ashoora and that too by none other than Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). The angels were placated only after they learnt that an Imam from the offspring of Imam Husain (a.s.) would retaliate for the injustices meted out to him. May Allah grant us the opportunity to avenge the blood of Imam Husain (a.s.) under the guidance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).
Final stage of purpose of creation
Allah created man, with the sole purpose of His Worship and Recognition. But never except for a brief period when Hazrat Adam (when he and Hazrat Hawwa were the only humans on earth) Allah was worshipped as He ought to be worshipped. Apart from that short period, people have always associated partners with Allah (i.e. they committed Shirk). So the main purpose of creation – divine worship and recognition is yet to be achieved. This all-important objective will be realised only after the reappearance of
Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). Let us see what Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) have to say about the purpose of creation. An interesting dialogue between Allah and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) transpired during Meraj at the highest point – Sidratul Muntaha, after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had transcended the seventh heaven. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had surpassed even the ‘Veil of Light’. The very occasion, backdrop and venue of the dialogue will
give us an insight into the importance of the subject. It is such a position where neither a prophet or nor the most venerable of angels could access. The conversation is between Allah, the Creator of the whole universe and Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.), the person for whom the universe came into existence. The topic of conversation is prophethood, Hazrat Ali (a.s.), his descendants and the mastership of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). It indicates that for Allah, Wilayat is the most important subject, particularly the Imamat of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).
Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). Let us see what Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) have to say about the purpose of creation. An interesting dialogue between Allah and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) transpired during Meraj at the highest point – Sidratul Muntaha, after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had transcended the seventh heaven. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had surpassed even the ‘Veil of Light’. The very occasion, backdrop and venue of the dialogue will
give us an insight into the importance of the subject. It is such a position where neither a prophet or nor the most venerable of angels could access. The conversation is between Allah, the Creator of the whole universe and Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.), the person for whom the universe came into existence. The topic of conversation is prophethood, Hazrat Ali (a.s.), his descendants and the mastership of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). It indicates that for Allah, Wilayat is the most important subject, particularly the Imamat of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).
Asbagh b. Nubata related from Ibn Abbas who quoted from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.): “When I went to Meraj, I crossed the seventh sky and reached Sidratul Muntaha. Then I stepped into the Veil of Light where my Lord told me:
‘O Muhammad! You are My servant and I am your Lord. So be sincere and humble to Me and worship Me alone. Also trust Me alone. I am pleased with the fact that you are My slave, My beloved and My apostle. I am also pleased that your brother Ali is your caliph and confidante. He is My proof on the servants and Imam of My creation. Through him My friends and foes
will be distinguished. And through him will My followers gain dominance over the party of Satan. Through him My religion will be established, precepts of faith disseminated and My laws will be protected. It is because of you, him and Imams in his progeny that I am Merciful to My creatures. Through your Qaim will I spread My glorification, slogan of unity, word of purification, word of greatness and hymns of veneration on the earth.’ ‘And through him will I cleanse the earth from My enemies and make My friends inherit it. And through him will I disgrace the apostates and ensure that My word dominates. And through him will I revive My servants and cities. And through him will I uncover My treasures and invaluable. And through him will I reveal the secrets and manifest the thoughts of people.’ ‘To establish My command and proclaim My religion, I will assist him through my angels. He is My real friend and the genuine Mahdi for My Servants.’
will be distinguished. And through him will My followers gain dominance over the party of Satan. Through him My religion will be established, precepts of faith disseminated and My laws will be protected. It is because of you, him and Imams in his progeny that I am Merciful to My creatures. Through your Qaim will I spread My glorification, slogan of unity, word of purification, word of greatness and hymns of veneration on the earth.’ ‘And through him will I cleanse the earth from My enemies and make My friends inherit it. And through him will I disgrace the apostates and ensure that My word dominates. And through him will I revive My servants and cities. And through him will I uncover My treasures and invaluable. And through him will I reveal the secrets and manifest the thoughts of people.’ ‘To establish My command and proclaim My religion, I will assist him through my angels. He is My real friend and the genuine Mahdi for My Servants.’
(Al-Jawaherul Saniyya, pg. 184, Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 51, pg 66, tradition 3)
The tradition clearly specifies that the divine purpose of sending numerable prophets, their successors, divine scriptures and Shariat (religious code) will be fulfilled only with the reappearance of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.). In light of this reality, isn’t it time that we pray sincerely for the earliest reappearance of our beloved Imam and Master of the Era – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.)
| WITH ALL GOOD WISHES ON THIS HAPPY OCCASION | for everyone |
IDD-E-ZAHRA AND IMAMAT OF OUR 12TH IMAM -IMAM AL MAHDI (A.T.F.S.)
FROM THE TEAM OF
ABBASALAM.MULTIPLY.COM
| EID-E-ZEHRA MUBARAK AND IMAMAT OF OUR 12TH IMAM (A.T.F.S.) | for everyone |
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| EID-E-ZEHRA MUBARAK TO ALL MOMINEENS AND MOMINATS | for everyone |
The Smile Of Imam zainul Abedin (A.S)
In the month of Rabeeul Awaal, the command of Allah "And warn your
tribe of near relatives" was revealed. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w)
called his kinsmen to the which is the Best-Islm, and there after he
invited the people of Mecca , and the whole mankind to say.. LA ILAHA
ILLALLAAH.
Among women ummul momineen Bibi Khadijatul kubra and among men Our
First Imam Hazrath Ali (a.s) was the first muslims.
Today Ninth Rabiul awwal if the first day of Imamat of our twelfth
living Imam, Imam Muhammad bin hasan Al mahdi sahibuz Zaman (a.s)---A
day of rejoicing and celebration.
Also umer bin saad (laeen) the commander in chief of the army which
surrounded Imam husain (a.s) and killed him together with his friends
and relatives in karbala, Died today and went directly to eternal
hellfire.
The Friends and followers of Aaale Muhammad Celebrate Eid e Zehra (A
happy day for the daughter of Hazrath Muhammad (s.a.w)), today and
give _expression to their joy and happiness strictly adhering to the
lawful jurisdiction of activities laid down by religion of Allah—
Islam.
It is highly desirable to have bath, put on new clothes ,give Alms
in the name of Allah, hold JASHEN of the faithful, sing praise of
Allah and Muhammad (s.a.w) and aal e Muhammad.
In the same way celebrate 14th Rabual awwal the day when yazeed bin
muawwiya, may Allah curse him more and more forever, died and went
directly to eternal hellfire.
EID –E – ZEHRA MUBARAK TO ALL LOVERS OF AHLULBAITH.
| Shahadat Of Imam Hasan Askari (A.S) | for everyone |
| IMPROVING ONE’S SALAT AND DUA | for everyone |
IMPROVING ONE’S SALAT AND DUA
Most of us do realize that our performances of ‘salaat’ (prayers) and dua (supplications) are not of quality they should be. However, we do not make attempts to correct the situation. Though Shaitan does play an important role in diverting us from making serious attempts in this regard, we can hardly escape the responsibility of taking concrete steps to correct ourselves.
One of the strangest issues that confounds us and is somewhat unique to our community is the fact the most us ‘recite’ our prayers and supplications rather than ‘pray’ or ‘supplicate’. There is probably no other community in the world, most of whose adherents do not understand what they say in their prayers, supplications or even while reading their holy book. But many in our community reach their ripe old ages diligently reciting their salaat, dua and the Holy Qu’ran without ever understanding a word of it! While there is no denying that there are sawaab (rewards) for mere recitation of these, it is astonishing that it never occurs to us that we should make some attempt to understand what we recite.
If we do make an attempt to understand what we recite surely the spiritual experience of prayer and supplication will be far more refreshing and uplifting.
Here are some tips to improve the quality of one’s salaat (prayers) and dua (supplications) to bring about greater spiritual upliftment and increased rewards in this world and the Hereafter.
1. First and foremost know and realize that you are able to recite salaat and dua due to the supreme sacrifices of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) who, to bring to us these Divine Blessings, have faced enormous trials and tribulations and with the exception of the Imam of Our Time (a.t.f.s.) were eventually martyred. Most notably, do remember the supreme sacrifice of the Greatest Martyr of Mankind, Imam Husain (a.s.) and his companions who faced the toughest trials, captivity and martyrdom, without which let alone this blessing of salaat, Islam itself would not have reached us.
2. Keep yourself free of mental and physical fatigue whilst praying. Keep your mind free of worldly worries, evil thoughts, and ideas.
3. Plan what verses/duas you are going to recite.
4. If you do not understand Arabic, learn the meaning of what you recite in your Prayer. Better still, start learning Arabic- it is the language the Almighty Allah (swt) has addressed us in through the Holy Qu’ran. The least we can do is try to understand what the Almighty Allah (swt) is telling us.
5. Remind yourself that engaging in prayers offers you an opportunity to release from the tension of the world. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said that ‘in prayer was placed the comfort of his eyes’. Therefore cherish the opportunity to remove the burdens of the world from your shoulders.
6. Use your prayer to remain focused on your mission in life, which is to bring your entire being to serve only Allah (swt)
7. Use your prayer as a source of strength, inspiration and enthusiasm of your life and activities.
8. Fulfill all your personal needs before you commence your prayer, for e.g., thirst, hunger and calls of nature.
9. Do not procrastinate and do not let the time of salaat lapse without your having performed the obligatory salaat. Know that we pray because Allah (swt) is worthy of and deserves your worship and this is besides the fact that we can earn sawaab (reward) by praying and save ourselves from the azaab (punishment) of avoiding prayers.
10. Pray in pure physical state. Perform wudhu with attention, care and perfection. Although the whole earth is a Masjid or a place of worship, choose a place that is clean.
11. Pray in an environment free of noise and one where there is no distraction. If that is not possible try not allow your attention to be diverted from your prayers.
12. Adorn yourself with clean and respectable clothes.
13. Assess your mental readiness for prayers before its commencement, during the various postures, after each rakaat and ultimately at the end.
14. Pray with humility both in your mental state and in your physical manner. Realize that you are before the All-Powerful and humble your entire being before Him.
15. Pray with hope and awe.
16. Remind yourself continually that you are talking to the most important ‘One’ in your life- your Creator and Sustainer. He is Omnipresent. You are before Him, facing Him and you are involved in a dialogue with Him.
17. Commence your prayer by seeking Allah’s help and protection from the influence of the cursed Shaitan.
18. Lower your gaze while praying and do not allow the physical environment to distract you.
19. On each occasion that you recite the sifat (attributes) of Allah (swt) in ruku and sajdah (prostration), consider how indebted you are and how grateful you should be to Allah (swt) and express your true emotions.
20. Utilize the occasion of sajdah to make additional dua to Allah (swt). The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: “A servant is nearest to his Lord when he is in sajdah, so increase your supplication when in sajdah”. There are many duas recommended by the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) for this purpose.
21. Pray as it is your last prayer. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said: “When you stand up to pray, perform your prayer as if it were your last prayer”.
22. After each salaat do ask Allah (swt) for fulfillment of your legitimate desires and wishes. Such a salaat earns the pleasure of Allah (swt). And of course, do not harbor desires and wishes that are not legitimate.
23. It is only an expression of gratitude that you send salutations to Imam Husain (a.s.), the other Martyrs of Karbala and those who suffered the following trials of captivity. Therefore, include and appropriate Ziayarat with your salaat and duas.
posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 08:58
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