Wednesday, 28 November 2012


Jan 8, '11 10:58 AM
for everyone

Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.)
It is narrated that once Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) was riding through the plains of Karbala when his horse tripped and fell along with its rider.
 The friend (Khalil) of Allah [Ibrahim] remembered his Lord and extended his hands in prayer, “Did I commit some mistake that I am punished thus?” Immediately, the trustworthy Jibraeel (a.s.) descended and informed him, “O Prophet of Allah, you have not committed any sin. But this is the area where the descendant of Ismail (a.s.), the grandson of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) and the beloved son of AH (a.s.) will be martyred. His name is Husain (a.s.).” On hearing the name of Husain (a.s.), Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) began to weep incessantly. Wailingly, he enquired about the assassinator. Jibraeel (a.s.) responded, “The most evil man, Yazid. When the Qalam (pen) was ordered to inscribe upon the Lauh (tablet) the name of Yazid (l.a.), it also inscribed a curse after Yazid’s name without being ordered to do so.” The Almighty Allah was pleased by this act of Qalam and said, “You have done very well.” Hence Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) began to curse Yazid relentlessly. Resultantly, his horse was endowed with the power of speech and it said, “Aameen” after every curse. Then the horse said, “O Friend of Allah when you fell off my back, I was very ashamed. But now I have realized that my fall was due to the omen of this evil (Yazid (l.a.)).” (Ibid)

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Jan 8, '11 10:57 AM
for everyone

Hazrat Nuh (a.s.)
Divine retribution befell the people of Nuh (a.s.). The Great Deluge drowned the whole world. Barring a few, who were eighty-two in number and had boarded the Ark. When it reached Karbala after deflecting the force of the stormy waves, gigantic waves tossed it vehe­mently and it seemed to be meeting its end. Hazrat Nuh (a.s.) prayed to the Almighty, “O my Allah, I have cruised the whole world in my ark but the fear, sorrow and grief felt at this spot is unparalleled.”  
On which Hazrat Jibraeel (a.s.) descended and said, “O Nuh ! This is the place where the grandson of My beloved Mohammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.) and the son of the best of My vicegerents [Ali (a.s.)] will be martyred.”  
“Who will be his killer?” enquired Nuh (a.s.). Hazrat Jibraeel (a.s.) rejoined, “His killer will be Yazid who is cursed upon by the residents of the earth as well as the sky.”  
Hence, Nuh (a.s.) began to repeatedly invoke curse upon Yazid and the ark was saved from the deadly storm.  
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Jan 8, '11 10:54 AM
for everyone

Prophecies of Imam Husain (a.s.)’s martyrdom

The tragedy of Karbala is related to the inheritance of the Prophets and their vice­gerents. Therefore, the predictions regarding this tragedy have been made since the inception of Prophethood.  


Hazrat Adam (a.s.)
When Hazrat Adam (a.s.), the first Caliph of Allah was made to descend to the earth, he was aggrieved for having to forego Paradise. He was repentant for having committed Tark-e-Awla (forsaking a preferable act). Alone in such a wide world, his loneliness augmented his grief. The saddest part of it all was his separation from Janabe Hawwa. Adam (a.s.) repented and wept day and night, and prayed for his reunion with Hawwa. He searched for her wherever possible. During his search, he happened to pass through the land of Nainawah. When he reached there, he sobbed uncontrollably. He was restless. His grief was shattering him. He pleaded with the Almighty Allah, “Have I committed another Tark-e-Awla? Upon reaching this land there is an increase in my grief, sorrow, restlessness and discomfort.” The Almighty Allah informed him throughr evelation, “O Adam! You have neither committed a sin nor Tark-e-Awla. Rather this is the land where my righteous servant and your descendant (Husain) will be martyred. He will call out for help but none will come forward to help and assist him. His sight will be blurred due to thirst and hunger. His enemies will surround him and he will be martyred by being beheaded.”  
Hazrat Adam (a.s.) pleaded to Allah, “O Allah what should I do to reduce my grief?” Allah, the Almighty, answered him, “Invoke curse upon Yazid and the other killers of Husain (a.s.).”

Hazrat Adam (a.s.) invoked curse upon Yazid due to which his sorrow  iminished. He had hardly walked a few steps from Karbala towards the mountains of Arafat that he met Janabe Hawwa.
 (Behaarul Anwaar, (Urdu Tr.) on Imam Husain (a.s.), Vol. I)
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Jan 8, '11 10:45 AM
for everyone

 Marwan’s epithet was Abdul Malik, he was the first man from Bani Hakam bin Abil-Aas. Hence his descendants are referred to as Bani Marwan. He was born in Mecca in the second year of hijrat. He chose Medina as his base during the reign of the third caliph. After the killing of Usman, he along with Talha, Zubair, and Ayesha went to Basra. He supported Muawiya in the battle of Siffin. In 42 A.H., Muawiya appointed him the governor of Medina. When Abdullah bin Zubair externed him from Medina, he went to Syria and remained instrumental in many a mischievous turmoil in Medina and Syria. He was still in Tadmir when Yazid’s son Muawiya attained the throne of caliph­ate. Marwan who by now had become too old went to a place called Habiah near Houren and staked his claim for caliphate. In 64 A.H., the people of Jordan did pay allegiance to him. Then he went to Syria and from there he went to Egypt again. He appointed his son Abdul Malik as the governor of Egypt and left for Damascus. .
Since Marwan was unusually tall and had an uneven body, he was nicknamed Khabte-Batil (the thread of evil). About Marwan’s death it is said that while he was sleeping, his wife smothered his face with a pillow and held onto it until he breathed his last.
(Lughatnama of Dehkuda pg. 228, 220/431)
 The author of Muntahal Adab has written in Section Meem p. 1185 that though Marwan was born during the time of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a), he could not have the honor of meeting him.
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Jan 8, '11 10:40 AM
for everyone

Marwan bin Hakam : The Accursed Tree

The Almighty Allah has identified enemies of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his Ahle Bait (a.s.) in His Book. He distinguished right from wrong and oppressors from the oppressed. Yet, the supporters of tyranny did not pay heed. Which is why perhaps, the Holy Quran has reiterated: “Do you enjoin others to do good and neglect your own self while you read the Book (Quran), then don’t you have any wisdom?” 

(Surah Baqarah: 44) ‘
Why don’t you utilize your intellect”? has been asked thirteen times in the Holy Quran. Similarly “so that you may perceive”, and “they don’t perceive” have been repeatedly mentioned in the Majestic Quran.   The Almighty Allah has declared in the same book that. “And the dream which has been shown to you is in fact a source of trial for the people And similarly the accursed tree (mentioned) in the Holy Quran.”  
Who is accursed? Ibne Jurair Tabari, Ibne Abi Hatim, Ibne Marduwiyeh, Salabi, Ibne Asaakir and Baihaqi have related from Hazrat Husain bin Ali (a.s.), Suhail bin Sa’ad Ibne Umar and Saeed bin Musaiyyab that ‘One day the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) dreamt that Hakam bin al-Aas’s, (from Ummayyid lineage) sons are jumping like monkeys on his (Prophet’s) pulpit. This dream aggrieved him so much that he did not laugh for the rest of his life. 
(Tafseer-e-Tabari, 15/ 77, Al-Durrul-Mansur, vol.4 pg. 191)
From other prominent exegesis of Sunnis, it be­comes obvious that the accursed tree denotes the descendants of Bani Umayyah. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) saw Hakam bin Al-Aas the father of Marwan caricaturing him. Hakam was the uncle of Caliph Usman. Hakam was externed from Medina at the behest of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).  
Hakam bin Al-Aas bin Unrmaiyyah bin Abdus-Shams Al-Quraishi was the uncle of Usman and father of Marwan. According to a statement of Ibn Sa’ad, he embraced Islam at the fall of Mecca and chose to reside in Medina . But due to his misdemeanors, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) externed him from Medina and ordered him to stay in Taef. But Usman recalled him in his tenure of caliphate. 
(Al-Isaaba fi tameez al-Sahaba by Ibn Hajar Asqalani, vol.1 pg. 325)
 Ibn Abdil Birr has stated the reason for his externment from Medina . The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) used to have his confidential meetings with his close companions. Hakam somehow managed to learn the essence of the secret discussions and made it public. Besides, he also used to mimic the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Once he was also caught by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in the act.
(Al-Istiaab by Ibn Abdil Birr, this book was published as a marginal note with Al-Isaaba hence vide Al-Isaaba vol.1 p. 317/ 318)
  When Hakam was externed from Medina , Marwan was hardly 7 or 8 years old. He left for Taef along with his father. Even during the reign of Abu Bakr and Umar, he was not allowed to enter Medina. But defying the norms of both his predecessors, Usman recalled him. Moreover, he appointed Hakam’s son Marwan as his advisor.  
The renowned scholar of the Indian subcontinent, Abul Ala Maududi has written that ” …It was highly difficult for the people to accept that the son of this chastised man deserved to be an advisor of the caliph and was preferred over venerable com­panions of the time. Especially when Marwan’s father was alive and was capable of influencing the government affairs.” 
(Khilafat wa Mulukiyat, p. 110-111)
The Curse of Ayesha, the daughter of Abu Bakr was also sick and disgusted with the mischief of Marwan. For instance, once she remarked, “O Marwan! I testify that you the one whose father Hakam was cursed by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) while you  were still in his loins” 
(Al-Istiaab, vol.2, pg 318)  
About the verse of ‘the accursed tree’ Suyuti has quoted Ayesha that she addressed Marwan thus, “I have heard the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) saying about your father and grandfather that “You are the ac­cursed tree”
(Tafsire-Durrul-Mansur, vol. 4, pg. 1919)
 According to another narrative, Ayesha told Marwan, “God cursed your father while you were still in his loins, hence you too are included among the accursed
men”. 
(Tafseere-Qurtubbi, p. 390, Tafseere-Kabir, vol.2, p. 238)
 Ibn Abi Hatim has related from Ba’adli bin Murrah that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)
said: “The accursed tree denotes Hakam and his offspring”. 
(Durrul-Mansur, vol.4 pg. 191).  
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Jan 8, '11 10:07 AM
for everyone

A reliable tradition from Hazrat Ali (a.s) states that when a person enters his house he should offer salutation and if his house is not present he should say:
Transliteration: ASSALAMO ' ALAINA MINA RABBENA
May there be peace on us from our God.
""When he is inside the house he should recite sure Qul Huvallaho Ahad as it keeps away poverty and anxiety"".
When one has to go out for some special work then one should go on Thursday morning and recite those verses from Aale Imran which are given below, also recite Ayatal Kursi, Inna Anzalna and surae Alhmad. Those verses are:
Transliteration: INNA FEE KALQIS-SAMAVATE VAL-ARZE VAKH-TELAFIL-LAILE VANNAHARE LA-AYATIL-LE-OOLIL - ALABABA
AL - LAZINA YAZKOROONAL-LAHA QEYAMAVN WA QO'OODAVAN WA'ALA JONOOBEHIM WA YATAFAKKA-RONA FEE KHALQIS-SAMAVATE VAL-ARZE RABBANA - MA KHAALAQTA-HAZA BETALA SOBHANAKA FEQENA AZABAN-NAR
RABBANNA INNAKA MAN TODKHELIN-NARA FAQAD AKHZAITHAHOO WA MA LIZ-ZALEMEENA MIN ANSAR
RABBANA IN-NANA SAME'ANA MONADIYAN YONADI LIL-IMANE AN AMENOO BE-RABBEKOOM FA-AMANNA RABBANA FAGHFIR LANA ZONOOBANA WA KAFFIR ANNA SAYYEATENA WA TAVAF-FANA MA'AL ABRAR RABBANA ATENA MA VA'ADTNA ALA ROSOLEKA VALA TOKHZENA YAVMAL-QEYAMAH INNAKA LA TOKHLEFOOL-MIYAD
Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alteration of the night and the day, there are signs for men who possess wisdom.
Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and reclining on their sides and think (Seriously) in the creation of the heaven and the earth saying ‘O’ Our Lord! Thou hast not created (all) this in vain! Glory be to Thee! Save us then from the torment of the (Hell) fire’.
O’ our lord! whomsoever Thou causeth to enter the (hell) fire, surely Thou hast put him to disgrace; there is not, for the unjust, any of the helpers.
O’ Our Lord! We have indeed heard the voice of a Crier (Messenger), calling (us) unto faith, saying, “Believe ye in your Lord!” therefore “Forgive us then our sins and remove away from us our evil deeds and cause us to die with the virtuous ones”.
O’ Our Lord! and give us what Thou didst promise us through Thy Prophets, and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection; Verily, Thou breakest not Thy Promise”. (Quran 3: 190-194).
Source: www.Duas.org
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Jan 8, '11 9:54 AM
for everyone
In his will to Imam Hasan (peace be upon him), Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said, "My son, know that you have been created for the next world and not for this world, and for annihilation and not for stay, for death and not for life; you are in a transient place, a place which is a path to the Hereafter... You are driving away a death from which no one can run away and which none of its seekers can miss. It has to be experienced, so beware lest it catches up with you while you are in a bad state." (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 31)

As the Holy Infallibles constantly reminded us, our departure from this world is imminent. It is but a transitory place, a mere passage to our permanent abode, while the Hereafter is for eternity – beginning with life in the grave, followed by the stage of Barzakh, continuing on until the Day of Judgment (Qiyamat), until we can finally enter Paradise and/or Hellfire.

 Imams have directed us to be aware and reminisce over that which we will experience when we enter the next world, so that we may properly prepare and strengthen ourselves for it: "O son, increase your remembrance of death, of that which overcomes it, and of that which you will return to after death such that when it comes to you, you will have taken heed of it and strengthened yourself for it, and you will not let it overcome you by surprise so that it bewilders you." (Ibid.)
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Jan 7, '11 12:00 PM
for everyone

To:abbasalamdar@yahoo.com
As Salaam Alaikum (May Peace Be Upon You),

Islam in 60 Seconds was started five years ago, and has quickly grown to one of the most read Islamic newsletters in the United States. Further, IIC has a strong readership throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the South Asian subcontinent. However, none of this would have been possible with you, and for that I would like to personally thank you.
The Islamic Information Center (IIC) is a non-profit organization that was established in the year 2002 by a group of concerned professionals from all walks of American life under the leadership of eminent Scholar and Imam of Jaferia Center, Imam Syed Naqvi. The organization functions under the Chairmanship of Imam Naqvi with four permanent Directors and seven elected Directors; the President, Secretary and Accountant are elected from among the Directors. The accounts are audited and presented to the members at yearly meetings.
After the events of 9/11, Islam has been the focus of intense scrutiny throughout the world and especially in America. There is great interest in understanding and acquiring knowledge about Islam. To this effect, seminars discussions and workshops are being and a number of books have been published on Islam, but most of them are based on some pre-conceived agendas. Therefore, there  was a very vital need to establish an Islamic Information Center to provide and disseminate information about Islam as defined by the Prophet of Islam (Peace Be Upon Him), the teachings of Holy Quran as interpreted by the Holy Progeny (Peace Be Upon Them) of the Holy Prophet.
At IIC we believe because of the focus on religious freedoms in the United States, Muslims are provided with a unique opportunity to worship and pray as they please. With this, however, it becomes important for Muslims to engage the government.  Integration into the pluralist American society requires Muslims to gain a place in American culture to and politics so the wisdom of Islam can affect important moral aspects. To accomplish this IIC has focused on three main areas of American society:
Political:
This country has a wide variety of public officials, and at every level of the government, these officials are expected to interact with and serve the public. The first task IIC should accomplish is to determine which, if any of these officials, may be friendly or positive towards Islam and try to work with them on projects of mutual interest.
Media:
To attempt to improve the image of Islam in the media, the goals are simple. Identify local, national and international newspapers, and invite them to attend IIC events and programs. Also we strive to pursue relationships with television news stations. IIC’s goal is to become a major source of information for media agencies, so that they can have accurate information regarding Islamic views on a variety of current topics..
Interfaith:
There are many churches, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship that are very positive towards the idea of working with Muslims to foster peace and harmony. Contacting major religious groups and specific “Interfaith” organizations throughout the nation and maintaining positive relationships is an important part of IIC’s work. After establishing warm ties between different religious groups, it is the goal of IIC to create an Interfaith Network so that members of different faiths can work together towards common goals. An interfaith network might best be able to effect social changes in our society, by appealing to a wide base.

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comment on Islam in 60 Seconds: 5 Years of the News You Need to Read

Masalama,
Rahat Husain
Executive Director
Islamic Information Center
The West

Muslim Women Gain Higher Profile in U.S.

New York Times
In their quest to break stereotypes, America’s Muslim women have advantages. They are better educated than counterparts in Western Europe, and also than the average American, according to a Gallup survey in March 2009. In contrast to their sisters in countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, they are just as likely as their menfolk to attend religious services, which equates to greater influence. And Gallup found that Muslim American women, often entrepreneurial, come closer than women of any other faith to earning what their menfolk do. As Najah Bazzy, a American-born nurse and founder of several charities in Michigan, put it: “Yeah I’m Arab, yeah I’m very American, and yeah I’m very Islamic, but you put those things in the blender and I’m no longer just a thing. I’m a new thing.”
CBS anchor suggests America needs a Muslim version of 'The Cosby Show'

NY Daily News
Katie Couric thinks she has part of the solution to bigotry in America: a Muslim version of "The Cosby Show." The CBS News anchor made the suggestion on her web show while discussing the biggest news stories of 2010, including the mosque near Ground Zero and the "seething hatred" that has grown against Muslims in America. "Maybe we need a Muslim version of 'The Cosby Show'... I know that sounds crazy, I know that sounds crazy," said Couric. "But 'The Cosby Show' did so much to change attitudes about African-Americans in this country, and I think sometimes people are afraid of things they don't understand."
Middle East

Turkey's universities drop Islamic headscarf ban

Care2
Almost all Turkish universities have abandoned the official prohibition on Islamic headscarves on their campuses; the ban itself ended in September when the government said that it would support any student expelled or disciplined for wearing a headscarf.  The ban did not target the traditional scarves worn by women in Anatolia, but rather the hijab, also called a "turban" in Turkey, which has become a symbol of pious or political Islam and was adopted by many urban, educated women in the 1980's and 1990's. Although approximately 60 percent of Turkish women wear a headscarf, the ban was implemented as part of an effort to secularize university spaces.  Students were forced to wear wigs or large hats to avoid going bare-headed.  Other women simply went abroad to study.  In 2008, the prime minister tried to get rid of the ban through a constitutional amendment that passed through the legislature but was eventually thrown out by the Constitutional Court.
 
Malaysia to Probe Crackdown on Shia Muslims

VOA News
Malaysia's Human Rights Commission says it will look into reports that 200 Shi'ite Muslims were detained earlier this month. Shia Islam is banned in the country. The commission declined VOA's request for an interview about the recent detention of 200 Shi'ites. But its chairman says it is looking into the matter. The investigation comes in response to a petition from the Shi'ite community says political analyst Johan Saravanamuttu, with the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. "The Shias themselves, who are by the way, are mostly Malaysians, have protested to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, which is an authority that is set up by the government. It only has an advisory role. They have taken the case. Some 30 of them went to see one of the commissioners, and the commission has agreed to take up the case with the government," Saravanamuttu says.
Asia 
(excluding the Middle East)

Islamic calligraphy drawn by Japanese sells for $50,000 via auction

JapanToday
A work of Islamic calligraphy by a Japanese artist sold Thursday for $50,000 via a Sotheby’s auction in Doha, the auction house said. The work was created by Koichi Honda, 64, a professor at Tokyo-based Daito Bunka University who is known as an Islamic calligrapher. The calligraphy depicts a phrase from the Quran in a round shape against a green background, according to Sotheby’s and Honda. Islamic calligraphy, dating back to the 10th century, depicts passages from the Quran instead of images prohibited as iconolatry under Islam. Honda said he felt glad that an auction to chiefly sell Islamic calligraphy works had been held, as it demonstrated the spread of the art around the world.

Thailand to Host International Conference on Islamic Studies

ABNA

Thailand will host an International Conference on “The Role of Islamic Studies in Post-Globalised Societies" during Dec 21-23 at Prince of Songkhla University, Pattani campus. The international conference on Islamic studies will be the first of its kind. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will preside over the opening of the conference as about 400 participants will attend the meeting at the College of Islamic Studies, Prince of Songkhla University in the southern province of Pattani. Prof Dr Kanok Wongtrangan, Advisor to the Prime Minister said that after visiting Muslim majority countries in Africa in June, Thailand had an idea to seek international cooperation to build Islamic studies as a guideline in developing the world in all its facets including economy and world peace. Strength in Islamic studies will pave the way for creating understanding and boosting economy, trade and joint investment in the future.
Africa

Senior Sunni Cleric Severely Condemns Wahhabi's Holding Feasts on Ashura

ABNA
Al-azhar university cleric severely blasts Wahhabis for holding feasts on Ashura, mourning day for the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Husain (AS).
Senior Sunni cleric Sheykh Khalid Muhammad Kamal al-Shazli in a speech in the Egyptian capital of Cairo pointed to the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), the third Shia Imam and grandson to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said that holding mourning ceremonies on the day of Ashura is one of the best ways of worshipping God. A professor to Al-azhar university, Sheykh Khalid Muhammad Kamal al-Shazli said," In the holy books of the Sunni, there are references to the catastrophes of Imam Husain (AS) and holding feasts and parties on this day is absoulutely out of one's ignorance and if Muslims do so, they have to change their way.

Gadaheldam shines light on African Islam

The Corsair Online

The Black Collegians Program at SMC hosted the lecture "Afro-Islamic Societies and Women," last Thursday. Guest speaker Najwa Gadaheldam highlighted some prominent issues concerning the lifestyles and hardships that mostly women face in Afro-Islamic culture. Gadaheldam works as an industrial development officer at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Vienna, Austria. She has taught at many universities in Africa and she was apart of the Faculty of Salzburg Seminar's third International Study Program in 2004. "I am very excited about this, " Black Collegians program counselor Sherri Bratford said about the opportunity in having Gadaheldam come to speak up on these issues to raise more awareness and knowledge to the public about African Islam.

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Jan 7, '11 11:57 AM
for everyone
It has been reported on the authority of the Holy Prophet (SAWS)
*      *“Whoever recites verse 110 of the Quranic Chapter, Kahf, before going to bed a light will shine
from him to the sacred Mosque in Mecca on the border of which, angels will ask forgiveness for him till dawn.” 
سُوۡرَةُ الکهف
قُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۟ بَشَرٌ۬ مِّثۡلُكُمۡ يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَـٰهُكُمۡ إِلَـٰهٌ۬ وَٲحِدٌ۬‌ۖ فَمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ لِقَآءَ رَبِّهِۦ
 فَلۡيَعۡمَلۡ عَمَلاً۬ صَـٰلِحً۬ا وَلَا يُشۡرِكۡ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِۦۤ أَحَدَۢا (١١٠)

Al-Kahf
Say: I am only a mortal like you. My Lord inspireth in me that your God is only One God.
And whoever hopeth for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work,
and make none sharer of the worship due unto his Lord. (110)

Recitation of this verse also works as an alarm clock.  Keep the time you want to wake up in mind when reciting the ayaah.


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
"I expect to pass through this world but once.
Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show...
let me do it now...for I shall not pass this way again." (Stephen Grellet)
The nicest place 2 be is in someone's THOUGHTS!
The safest place 2 be is in someone's PRAYERS!
And the best place 2 be is in.......... GOD'S HANDS! 

(sent by sis Mariam R. Jiwa)

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Jan 7, '11 9:45 AM
for everyone
A famous saying of Imam Muhammad bin Ali Al-Baqir (peace be upon him) is “I admonish you regarding five things: if you are wronged, do not commit wrong doing to others; if you are betrayed, do not betray anyone; if you are called a liar, do not be furious; if you are praised, do not be jubilant; if you are criticized, do not fret and think of what is said in criticism.”
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Jan 7, '11 9:37 AM
for everyone


1- Imam al-Hadi(A.S.) said to one of his adherents: In a friendly manner say to him: When Allah intends goodness for somebody, He makes him accept the blame of the friends.
2- Al-Mutawakkil (the Abbasid caliph) vowed he would give much money as alms if he would recover his health. When he was healthy, he wanted to fulfill his vow: therefore, he asked the scholars how much he should give as alms so as to be regarded as much money. The caliph then submitted the question before Imam Ali-un-Naqi al-Hadi (A.S.), who answered:
You should give eighty dirhams as alms. When he was asked about this definiton, the Holy Imam (A.S.) answered: Allah says to His Messenger (p): Allah has helped you on many occasions. (Holy Qur'an 9:25) As we counted these many occasions, they were eighty. However, Allah regarded them as many.
Al-Mutawakkil was pleased by this explanation and gave eighty dirhams as alms.
3- There are definite places in which Allah likes the servants to supplicate to Him. One of these places is the tomb of Al-Hussein: Master of the Martyrs (A.S.).
4 - Others will fear him who fears Allah. He who obeys Allah will be obeyed. He who obeys Allah will not care for the dissatisfaction of the creatures. He who enrages the Creator should be sure of encountering the dissatisfaction of the creatures.
5- No one can describe Allah with attributes other than these with which He describes Himself. How can anyone describe Him when senses are too short to perceive Him, illusions are too short to comprehend Him, ideas are too short to mark Him, and sights are too short to appreciate Him? He is remote in His nearness and near in His remoteness. He created the how without being asked "How?" and founded the where without being asked "where?" He is out of how and where. He is the One and Only. Exalted be His Majesty and sacred be His Names.
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Jan 7, '11 9:32 AM
for everyone

Some Beneficial Acts

Shaikh Sadooq stated whoever fasts for nine days in the month of Sha'ban, Munkar, and Nakeer will deal with him gently and courteously during questioning.
One of the benefits narrated by Imam Muhammad Baqir for a person who remains awake on the night of 23rd of the month of Ramadan and offers one hundred units of prayer is that Allah removes fear from his heart during the questioning, and a light shines forth from his grave which illuminates the whole world.
The Holy Prophet said applying dye has four benefits, one of which is that Munkar and Nakeer shy away from him in the grave.
A person who recites Surah Yaseen before going to bed and Salaatul Laylatul Raghaib (the first Thursday night of the month of Rajab), will be saved from the terror of the grave.
If a person fasts for twelve days in the month of Sha'ban, Allah will send 70,000 Angels daily to his grave.
If a person visits an ailing man, Allah appoints an Angel for him who accompanies him in his grave until Qiyamat.
Ayatollah Dastghaib Shirazi has listed some of the many Amaals that protect one from the squeeze in the grave:
  1. Imam Ali says a person who recites Surah Nisa every Friday will remain safe from the squeeze in the grave.
  2. It is narrated that if a person recites Surah Zukhruf, Allah will save him from the reptiles of the earth and the squeeze in the grave.
  3. A person who recites Surah Qalam in obligatory or supererogatory prayers will remain safe from this punishment.
  4. Imam Sadiq says if a person dies between the sunset of Thursday and the sunset of Friday, Allah will exempt him from this punishment.
  5. Imam Ali al-Ridha (peace be upon him) says if a person gets up in the last part of the night and recites Salatul Layl, Allah will save him from the squeeze in the grave and grant him immunity from the fire of hell, and will increase his age and sustenance.
  6. The Holy Prophet says if a person recites Surah Takathur before going to bed, Allah will grant him freedom from this punishment.
  7. To put Jareedatayn (two wet sticks or panches) along with the dead body in the grave. It is narrated that so long as the sticks remain wet, the dead person is saved from chastisement.
  8. A person who recites ten rak'at of Salat on the 1st of Rajab, such that in every rak'at after Surah al-Hamd he recites three times Surah Tawheed, he will be saved from the squeezing in the grave.
  9. Reciting Surah Mulk on the grave is an act which saves the dead man from punishment in the grave. Allama Qutubuddin Rawandi relates from Ibn Abbas, who says that once a person pitched a tent on a ground not knowing that there was a grave beneath it. Thereafter he started reciting Surah Mulk. Suddenly he heard a voice saying that the Surah gives salvation. He related this incident to the Holy Prophet, who replied, "Verily, this Surah frees a person from the punishment in the grave". Shaikh Kulayni also narrates from Imam Baqir who said that the recitation of Surah Mulk saves one from the punishment in the grave.
  10. To keep Khake Shifa (the mud of the grave of Imam Hussain) in the shroud (kafan), or to rub it on the parts of prostration (Sajda).
It is highly recommended to visit the shrines of the Ahlul Bayt and to recite their Ziyarats, especially the Ziyarat of Imam Ridha, after each prayer. Shaikh Abbas al-Qummi mentions in Manazelul Akhira that Haji Ali Baghdadi had the honor of meeting with Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance). Among other questions, he said to the Imam, "In the year 1269 AH, when we went for the pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Ali al-Ridha, we met a nomadic Arab who was a native of Najaf. We invited him for a meal and asked him his views regarding the reward of the love of Imam Ridha. He replied, 'Paradise', and said, 'For the past 15 days, I have been from the wealth of Imam Ridha, do Munkir and Nakeer have the nerve to come near me? The food which I consumed from the table of Imam Ridha has turned into my flesh and blood." He asked Imam Mahdi whether his claim was true. Imam replied, "Yes, it is true. Imam Ridha himself will come and save him from the questioning in the grave. For verily, by Allah! My Grandfather is a Zamin (surety) Imam."
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Jan 7, '11 9:29 AM
for everyone

The Only Companion

‎"Until when death comes to one of them, he says: My Lord, send me back so that I may do some good I did not do (in the world). But Nay! These are mere words which he utters and behind them is a Barzakhuntil the Day of their Resurrection." (Qur'an 23:100)
We hear it time and again – after a person dies, his/her only companion will be his/her deeds. Shaikh Saduq has narrated from Qais bin Aasim that once he went to the Holy Prophet along with a group of people from the tribe of Tameem. He submitted, "O Messenger of God! Give us some admonition by which we may be benefitted, because most of the time we remain roaming in forests and deserts (and have few chances of visiting your honor)." The Holy Prophet gave them a number of admonitions, one of them being: "O Qais! It is necessary for you to have a companion to be buried in the grave. That companion will be alive whereas you will be dead. So if that companion is a nice and kind person, he will keep you in a respectable condition. If he is a bad person he will leave you there in your grave in total solitude, without any help or assistance. Also remember this companion will be necessarily with you in the grand gathering (Hashir) on the Day of Resurrection. You will be asked only about him, so it is very essential for you to select a good companion. If he is a good person he will make you happy, but if he is a corrupt fellow he will terribly frighten you. This companion is your aamal (deeds)."
Allama Majlisi in his Mahasin quotes Imam Baqir and Imam Sadiq that when a believer dies, six figures enter his grave along with him. Out of these, one is more illuminated, pure, and fragrant than the others. One stands on the right side, the second on the left, the third in front, the fourth near the head, the fifth near the legs, and the one more illuminated shelters on the head. From whichever side the wrath of Allah comes, the figure on that side defends the body. The one who is more illuminated asks these other figures: "May Allah bless you all, who are you?" The one on the right side says, "I am the prayers (Salat) which he recited in his lifetime." The one on the left side says, "I am the charity which he gave while alive." The one standing in the front says, "I am his fasts he undertook." The one near the head says, "I am the Hajj and Umrah which he performed in his life." The one standing near the legs says, "I am the kindness which he performed with his brother believer." Then all these faces turn towards the more illuminated one and ask it as to who it is. He replies, "I am the love for the Ahlul Bayt which he carried in his heart." (Manazelul Akhera)

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Jan 7, '11 9:26 AM
for everyone

Squeeze in the Grave (Fishare Qabr)

Shaikh Kulayni has narrated from Abu Baseer that he asked Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him), "Is anybody spared from the squeezing in the grave?" The Imam replied: "May God save. Very few people escape from the pressure in the grave."
Allama Majlisi has mentioned in Bihar al-Anwar and Haqqul Yaqeen that all Muslims have the unanimously agreed belief that the squeezing in the grave and both rewards and punishments therein are true facts. He has shown through reliable traditions that it will be experienced by the same worldly body in which the deceased had lived, as will the questioning in the grave. Of course, this punishment is inflicted only on those who have earned it through their sins, and the degree of pressure will also depend on the severity if these sins.
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his holy family) is reported to have said that the squeezing of the grave is the expiation of the sin of wasting and not appreciating the bounties granted by God. Some of the other reasons for this punishment include laziness in purifying oneself after urinating, creating mischief amongst the people, backbiting, bad behavior towards one's family members, and making false allegations.
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Jan 7, '11 9:25 AM
for everyone

Terror of the Grave

Imam Ali says, "O servants of Allah! The state in the grave of a person whose sins are not forgiven is more horrifying than death itself. Fear its (the grave's) narrowness, its squeezing, its imprisonment and its loneliness. Verily the grave calls out daily: 'I am the house of loneliness, the house of terror and worms.' The grave is like a garden of Paradise for a good-doer, while it is like a dungeon of hell for the evil-doer. Allah tells His enemies He will send ninety nine serpents in their graves that will tear their flesh and smash their bones, and this punishment will continue till the Day of Judgment. If one such serpent exhales towards this earth, all the plants and trees will be destroyed. O servants of Allah! Your souls are tender, and your bodies delicate; you cannot confront any ordinary serpent of this world, how then will you face them?"
The above tradition is enough to cause one to shudder, but let us not forget that for a good-doer, "the grave is like a garden of Paradise." In fact, the very first good news given to a true believer in the grave is: "The Most Merciful God has forgiven you and all those who participated in your burial."
Sayyed ibne Taoos relates from the Holy Prophet that he said the first night in the grave is the most fearful and difficult night for the dead person, and thus Sadqa should be given for his or her safety. If this is not possible, then two units of prayer should be recited: in the first unit, after Surah al-Fatiha, recite Surah Tawheed twice, and in the second unit after Surah al-Fatiha, recite Surah Takathur ten times. After finishing the prayer, the following du'a should be recited: Allaahumma sallay a'la Muhammadinw wa aale Muhammadin wab atha thawaabaha ilaa qabre dhaalikal mayyite [name of the deceased person]. Allah will immediately send one thousand angels to the grave of the dead person with attires of Paradise, and expand his grave until Qiyamat, while for the one who performs this Salat, Allah will offer him great rewards and exalt his position forty times.
The other Salat to be recited on the first night of burial is as follows: Two rak'at Salat such that in the first rak'at after Surah al-Hamd, recite once Ayatal Kursi, and in the second rak'at after Surah al-Hamd, recite ten times Surah al-Qadr. After finishing the Salat, say: Alla humma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa Ali Muhammad wab'ath thawabaha ila qabri [name of the deceased person].
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Jan 7, '11 9:18 AM
for everyone
Christianity and Vatican's Positive View on Ahl ul Bayt (PBUT)

While the west is concerned over radical Wahhabism and extremist Muslims, Christianity and Vatican in particular has a positive view on the moderate and logical Shia Islam.

Christianity and Vatican
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - While the west is concerned over radical Wahabism and extremist Muslims, Christianity and Vatican in particular has a positive view on the moderate and logical Shia Islam.

Hujjatul Islam Ali Akbar Nasseri, Iran's ambassador in Vatican said," Unfortunatley Vatican is not well informed about Ahlul Bayt (prophet Muhammad's household) but proposing the different views of Ahlul Bayt and the lifestyle of Imams (AS) in conferences is very informative and helpful and warmly welcomed by Vatican thinkers.
He referred to the role of seminaries in introducing Ahlul Bayt to the world and reiterated that secular religious schools and fake religions do not have the efficiency in solving the growing crisis of the society and the secular system of the west has come to a halt.
Iranian ambassador in Vatican noted that," While west is frightened by the radical and violent religious tending of Taliban and Wahhabism, the logical and moderate school of Shia appeals to them and that is telling of the huge responsibility of the seminary.
Pointing to the necessity of dialogue among religions especially Islam and Christianity said," In Islam and in the lifestyle of the Imams (AS) dialogue and mutual understanding are of great importance.
Hujjatul Islam Ali Akbar Nasseri also pointed the seventh round of dialogue between Islam and Christianity, held in Tehran in November 2010, and said," these conferences and dialogues lead to more understanding and interaction between divine religions."
He also defined mutual gatherings and joint conferences to be fruitful and that seminary and Islamic scholars can play an important role in the common grounds and the necessities of the human being in regional and international arena.
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Jan 7, '11 8:41 AM
for everyone

O Husain! O king of humanity! O thirsty Husain! O patient Husain! O beloved of the Lady of Paradise (s.a.)! O darling of the Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.), the ark of your Shiites is facing turbulent weather. For the sake of the severed hands of your brother Abbas (r.a.)! Please bring out our ark from the storm to the safe shores of peace and comfort. This tempest will come to a standstill only when the people comprehend the mission of Husainiyyat and act upon it. One can breathe with comfort under the cool shadows of Imamate. It is indeed a fortune if one can seize upon a few moments of comfort in today’s chaotic world. Come, let us remember that day when religion had attained perfection, the seal of completion was affixed on it with the prostration of the contented soul and the Lord announcing His satisfaction. A martyr’s blood will never go waste. The All-Powerful Allah has maintained the imposing heavens and the vast earth only for the descendant of Imam Husain (a.s.), Hazrat Hujjat Ibn al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). The sun of guidance is in occultation; as per the divine word, he (a.t.f.s.) will reappear at the appointed hour. Allah the High never violates His promise; His promise shall surely occur. When he (a.t.f.s.) reappears, the objectives of the mission of Husainiyyat will materialize and the world will be filled with justice and equity beneath the waving flag of truth.
 O Allah! Hasten the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.)! Aaameen.
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Jan 7, '11 8:37 AM
for everyone
Holy Prophet (saws), Happiness is for the one who will attend the Qaim of my Ahlul Bayt and will follow him before his rise. This person will love his (Qaim's) lovers and hate his enemies, and will accept the leadership of the Imams from before his advent. These ones are my friends, and are the most sincere members of my Ummah whom I honour very much
Behaarul Anwar, vol. 52, p. 129
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Jan 7, '11 8:25 AM
for everyone
Imam Hussain(a.s):”The one who seeks the pleasure of people against the displeasure of Allah(s.w.t) can never succeed.”
Imam Hussain(a.s):"Verily people are the slaves of the world & their religion is superficial, only on their tongues.They are attentive to it as long as their material benifits are provided,but when they are tested ,the number of true devotees dwindles"
Ref Bihar-Ul-Anwar .


Imam Hussain(a.s):”I have not risen to spread evil or to show off, nor for spreading immorality or oppression. But I have left for the Reformation of the Ummah of my Grandfather and I desire to do Amr Bil Maroof(invite towards good values) and Nahi Anal Munkar(forbidding from evil).”

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Jan 7, '11 1:26 AM
for everyone


AN APPEAL- PLEASE VOTE
Dear all,
In Germany the government started a survey to learn that Islam also should be an official religion like Judaism and Christianity.  It is a pity that "No" votes are much more than "Yes" ones.

To make it possible for Islam to be a official religion please cast your vote by clicking  "Ja"  button and after that send it by clicking the "Zur Auswertung" button in the below given link.
 Please also forward to others on your list to cast their votes. 
http://www.tagesschau.de/inland/wulffrede112.html 
 best regards,
(sent by sis Mariam R. Jiwa)
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posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 08:43   0 Comments

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